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Hatfield, MA

Western Mass Man Killed In Crash, Dragged By Bear Remembered By Friends As 'Unique Soul' Western Mass Man Killed In Crash, Dragged By Bear Remembered By Friends As 'Unique Soul'
Western Mass Man Killed In Crash, Dragged By Bear Remembered By Friends As 'Unique Soul' You may have heard about Daniel Ducharme's death.  The 31-year-old was killed in Western Massachusetts on Sunday, May 5, after he lost control of his car and crashed in Hampshire County in the town of Hatfield. A bear is believed to have dragged him from the wreckage after that.  But his friends say those headlines left out who the South Hadley resident was.  Dozens of social media posts paint a far more complex picture of someone who cared for his friends, loved cracking jokes and making music, and had big plans for his future.  Evan Flynn posted on Facebook that Dani…
(Update) Man Dragged From Car By Bear After Fatal Western Mass Crash ID'd By Police (Update) Man Dragged From Car By Bear After Fatal Western Mass Crash ID'd By Police
(Update) Man Dragged From Car By Bear After Fatal Western Mass Crash ID'd By Police A driver whose body was dragged away from a Hampshire County crash by a bear on Sunday, May 5, has been identified by police as a 31-year-old Western Massachusetts man, police said. Update: Friends Remember Man Dragged From Wrecked Car By Bear As "Unique Soul" Daniel Ducharme, of South Hadley, was ejected partially or fully from his Honda Civic just after 11 a.m. when he lost control of the vehicle, hit the guardrail multiple times, and crashed down an embankment on I-91 South, state police said.  Police found Ducharme's body next to the tree line near mile marker 30.8 in Hatfield. In…
Massive Fireworks Haul Found During Routine Traffic Stop In Western Mass Massive Fireworks Haul Found During Routine Traffic Stop In Western Mass
Massive Fireworks Haul Found During Routine Traffic Stop In Western Mass State police stopped one of the most patriotic men in Massachusetts over the weekend.  Police pulled over the 22-year-old Springfield man in Hatfield on Sunday, July 2, on Route 91 after a trooper noticed his insurance had been canceled. As the officer approached the 2019 Infiniti, they saw 64 boxes of fireworks in plain view, officials said. Authorities charged the man with various motor vehicle infractions, unlawful possession of fireworks, and driving with a suspended license, state police said.  Officials did not release the man's name.  They turned the fireworks o…
Booze Out At These Top Wineries In Western Massachusetts Booze Out At These Top Wineries In Western Massachusetts
Booze Out At These Top Wineries In Western Massachusetts Whether you're looking to plan your next girls' day, special gathering, or chill weekend, spending time at a winery could be the perfect fit. Thankfully, Western Massachusetts is inundated with gorgeous vineyards and quintessential New England views along with some of the best locally-crafted wine in the region.  To help plan your next tasting, here are some of the highest-rated wineries in Western Mass based on traveler reviews.  Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards (Richmond)  Furnace Brook Winery in the Berkshires has a 4.5 average rating on Trip Advisor and Yelp.  Known for its r…
Hit-Run Crash: Teen Killed After Being Runover In Remote Western Mass Cornfield, DA Says Hit-Run Crash: Teen Killed After Being Runover In Remote Western Mass Cornfield, DA Says
Hit-Run Crash: Teen Killed After Being Runover In Remote Western Mass Cornfield, DA Says Police in Hampshire County are looking for the pickup truck driver who ran over a Florence teenager in a cornfield in Hatfield Friday, March 24, and left the man to die of his injuries, authorities said.  Jesse Johansmeyer, 19, of Burts Pit Road, died the next morning at Baystate Medical Center after doctors couldn't save his life, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  Johansmeyer was run over around 11:30 p.m. on Friday while attending a bonfire in a remote area called the Hatfield Meadows off Great Neponset Road and South Street near the Connecticut River,…
Some Ogre Stole 200-Pound Shrek Statue From Hatfield: Police Some Ogre Stole 200-Pound Shrek Statue From Hatfield: Police
Some Ogre Stole 200-Pound Shrek Statue From Hatfield: Police Somebody stole a 200-pound Shrek statue from Hatfield this week, and police are asking for the public's help to peel this onion to find out who did it.  The concrete version of the swamp-dwelling ogre was taken from its Mountain Road home, where he lived with a dragon statue.  Investigators ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of the sculpture or who may have taken it to contact them at 413-247-0323. "Or return him in the condition you found him," they wrote in a Facebook post.  "The dragon sculpture he lives with is frustrated and lonely," they wrote.  …
Gun, Heroin Found During Hatfield Traffic Stop; Vermont Man Busted: Police Gun, Heroin Found During Hatfield Traffic Stop; Vermont Man Busted: Police
Gun, Heroin Found During Hatfield Traffic Stop; Vermont Man Busted: Police Police arrested a Vermont man last week after they found more than two dozen baggies of heroin and an unlicensed pistol in his car during a traffic stop, authorities said.  James Watkins, 31, of Lyndonville, was pulled over just after midnight on Jan. 11 along Route 91 in Hatfield because the license plate on his Audi had been expired for more than a year, Massachusetts State Police said. Watkins didn't have a driver's license either.  Troopers searched the car and found 25 wax baggies filled with what they believed was heroin and a .22 caliber revolver, authorities said. Wat…
Best Christmas Tree Farms In Massachusetts To Branch Out Your Holiday Buck Best Christmas Tree Farms In Massachusetts To Branch Out Your Holiday Buck
Best Christmas Tree Farms In Massachusetts To Branch Out Your Holiday Buck You’re already bundling up and leaving the house to pick up a holiday tree, so why not make it an experience?  Tree farms and sellers across Massachusetts offer a myriad of experiences beyond just buying decorations. Hop on a hayride, snap a photo with Santa, or grab a free snack while browsing balsam firs and white pines. Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm (Hatfield) Chestnut Mountain offers four varieties of trees, along with hayrides, cider, and cookies. You can cut your own or buy pre-cut. Families can also take advantage of the farm's horse-drawn wagon ride, hot beverages and seas…
12 Nabbed In Connection To Cocaine Trafficking Operation In Region 12 Nabbed In Connection To Cocaine Trafficking Operation In Region
12 Nabbed In Connection To Cocaine Trafficking Operation In Region A months-long investigation involving several law enforcement organizations led to the arrest of a dozen people in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation operating throughout Western Massachusetts. A dozen people from Greenfield, Deerfield, Montague, Ludlow, Charlemont, and West Springfield were arrested in connection with the enterprise, said Laurie Loisel, with the Northwestern District Attorney's Office.  The group was busted on Tuesday, Dec. 14, when members of the Northwestern District Anti-Crime Task Force coordinated the simultaneous executi…
Storm Ida: How Much Rain Did You Get? A Look At Totals From Massachusetts Storm Ida: How Much Rain Did You Get? A Look At Totals From Massachusetts
Storm Ida: How Much Rain Did You Get? A Look At Totals From Massachusetts There have now been 42 confirmed fatalities after Ida battered the Northeast with historic rainfall and flash flooding. In New York City, more than 3 inches of rainfall fell in one hour in Central Park on Wednesday, Sept. 1, smashing the previous record. Here is a look at some rainfall totals from throughout Massachusetts compiled on the day after, on Thursday, Sept. 2, by the National Weather Service. Boston, 4.20 inches Berkshire County Pittsfield, 2.16 inches Franklin County Northfield, 2.43 inches Sunderland, 3.02 inches Warwick, 2.35 inches Hampden County Agawam, 5.13 inc…
$4 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In Western Mass $4 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In Western Mass
$4 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In Western Mass A $4 million winning lottery ticket was sold in Western Massachusetts to a lucky group trust. The "$4,000,000 Winfall" instant $10 ticket was purchased by Poker Face Nominee Trust of Quincy on Thursday, July 29 in Hampshire County, according to the Massachusetts Lottery. The trust, represented by trustee David Spillane, selected the cash option for its prize and received payment of $2,600,000 (before taxes), the lottery said.  The winning ticket was purchased at Hatfield Market located at 72 School Street in Hatfield.  The store will receive a $40,000 bonus for the sale of the …
Western Mass Motorcyclist Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash, Police Say Western Mass Motorcyclist Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash, Police Say
Western Mass Motorcyclist Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash, Police Say A Western Mass man died after his motorcycle crashed, the second fatal motorcycle crash in two days in the area. The Franklin County man was found when a driver traveling south on Route 63 in Northfield came upon the crash and stopped to call 911 around 8:18 p.m., Sunday, June 6, said Laurie Loisel, of the Northwestern District Attorney's Office. The driver stayed on the scene until Northfield Police officers and Massachusetts State Police troopers arrived. The motorcyclist, a 35-year-old man who was a resident of Northfield, was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. Gregory J. P…
39-Year-Old Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash 39-Year-Old Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash
39-Year-Old Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash A 39-year-old Western Mass man was killed when his motorcycle went off the roadway. Hampshire County resident Gregory J. Papageorge was killed around 1:30 a.m., Saturday, June 5, at the intersection of Pantry and Mountain roads in Hatfield, said Laurie Loisel, with the Northwestern District Attorney's Office. Investigators said Papageorge, of Hatfield, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. A resident of a nearby home heard the crash and called 911 at 1:19 a.m., Loisel said.  Hatfield police officers and firefighters responded to the scene, as did Massachusett…
School Superintendent In Western Mass Abruptly Resigns School Superintendent In Western Mass Abruptly Resigns
School Superintendent In Western Mass Abruptly Resigns A popular school superintendent in Western Massachusetts will be unexpectedly leaving his position at the end of the academic year as he pursues other opportunities in education. Hatfield School Superintendent Martin McEvoy announced this week that he will be stepping away from the district as of Wednesday, June 30 after a year and a half of navigating the district through the COVID-19 crisis. McEvoy was appointed by the School Committee slightly more than a year ago, in March 2020, right as the pandemic was hitting the East Coast hardest. He took over for former Superintendent John Robert…
COVID-19: Virus Outbreaks Recorded In 11 School Districts Last Week COVID-19: Virus Outbreaks Recorded In 11 School Districts Last Week
Covid-19: Virus Outbreaks Recorded In 11 School Districts Last Week This past week, 11 Massachusetts public schools experienced COVID-19 outbreaks of 9 or more students and staff coming down with the virus. The largest outbreak was recorded in Leominster. From March 4-10, 21 of the school district’s students (15) and staff (6) reported positive cases. The Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education produces weekly reports on positive COVID-19 cases reported in each school district. The Thursday, March 11 report found about 140 school districts - out of more than 350 - had at least one student or staff member test positive for COVID-19. C…
Food, Organics Recycling Plant Opens In Western Mass Food, Organics Recycling Plant Opens In Western Mass
Food, Organics Recycling Plant Opens In Western Mass An organic recycling center is coming to Western Massachusetts at a time when Massachusetts is running out of places to put its garbage. On Thursday, Dec. 10, Vanguard Renewables announced the opening of its Organics Recycling Facility in Agawam off Main Street. An organic recycler deals mostly in food and beverage waste. “We are excited to welcome Vanguard Renewables to our business community, and particularly appreciate that it is a green business,” said Agawam Mayor William Sapelli in a statement. “Recapturing food waste that would have been sent to a landfill is such an amazing concept…
COVID-19: 9 New Central, Western Mass Communities Turn 'Red' - Local Data COVID-19: 9 New Central, Western Mass Communities Turn 'Red' - Local Data
Covid-19: 9 New Central, Western Mass Communities Turn 'Red' - Local Data Nine more Central and Western Massachusetts communities have been added to the state’s COVID-19 “red” list as infection rates climb across the state and nation. This week, Nov. 27, there are 31 Central and Western Massachusetts communities in the red - meaning that they are at the highest risk to spread the virus. Last week, Nov. 19, there were 21. The week before that, Nov. 12, there were 9. This week, the Massachusetts average daily COVID-19 rate per 100,000 people was 34.9. Newly added to the red list are Belchertown, East Longmeadow, Leicester, Millbury, Monson, Paxton, Rutland, Sutt…
Killer Who Tried To Hide 2018 Crime With Fire Pleads Guilty In Northampton Killer Who Tried To Hide 2018 Crime With Fire Pleads Guilty In Northampton
Killer Who Tried To Hide 2018 Crime With Fire Pleads Guilty In Northampton A Northampton man has admitted to killing an acquaintance and trying to hide the crime with fire. Nerkin Morales, 24, of Northampton, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Sept. 15, to voluntary manslaughter, improper disposition of a body, burning personal property, intimidation of a witness, withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding, two counts of conspiracy, and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Morales confessed to the March 2018 killing of Daniel Cruz. He was sentenced to 15-20 years in prison, the DA said. Morales is currently serv…
Worcester, Hampshire County Accountant Accused Of Stealing $700K From Towns Worcester, Hampshire County Accountant Accused Of Stealing $700K From Towns
Worcester, Hampshire County Accountant Accused Of Stealing $700K From Towns A former town accountant for Hadley, Hatfield, and Uxbridge has been charged with stealing more than $700,000 from Massachusetts municipalities. Justin Cole, 38, allegedly stole from Uxbridge, Millville, and Monterey (in Berkshire County), according to the Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. Cole was the Hadley and Hatfield town accountant as recently as 2019 when Cole announced he was closing his business, Bay State Municipal Accounting Group, to focus on his family and health. Cole has been indicted on the charges of five counts of larceny over $250, two counts of larceny over $…
Town-by-Town: 350 Employee COVID-19 Complaints Filed Against WMass, Worcester Co.s Town-by-Town: 350 Employee COVID-19 Complaints Filed Against WMass, Worcester Co.s
Town-by-Town: 350 Employee Covid-19 Complaints Filed Against WMass, Worcester Co.s Massachusetts has received hundreds of employee complaints alleging their workplaces are not meeting state safety and compensation standards during COVID-19. In March, the Massachusetts Attorney General started tracking worker complaints related to COVID-19. As of Friday, Aug. 7, Massachusetts workers had filed about 350 complaints against employers. The most heavily represented industry on the list is hospitals/nursing homes - over 50 complaints. The most common complaint was the nonpayment of wages. Of the complaints, 38 said they were retaliated against for coming forward with a grievan…
Mega Marijuana Greenhouse Proposed For Western Mass Mega Marijuana Greenhouse Proposed For Western Mass
Mega Marijuana Greenhouse Proposed For Western Mass A major Western Massachusetts potato farmer is seeking to grow buds as well as spuds. Bernie Smiarowski, of the 500-acre Smiarowksi Farm, has plans to build a 100,00-square-foot marijuana greenhouse on the Hatfield, Whatley town line. For reference, 100,000 square feet is about the same size as six hockey rinks put together.  The town of Hatfield is holding a public hearing on Smiarowski’s request for a special permit from the Planning Board to build the greenhouse, as well as a small “headhouse” at Plivins Road/Bashin Road. The meeting will be held Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m., remotely. The …
COVID-19, Where Are The Hot Spots? Town-by-town Infection Rates And Trends - Hampshire County COVID-19, Where Are The Hot Spots? Town-by-town Infection Rates And Trends - Hampshire County
Covid-19, Where Are The Hot Spots? Town-by-town Infection Rates And Trends - Hampshire County Positive tests for COVID-19 continue to stay under 2 percent in Massachusetts. Massachusetts' seven-day positive test rate for COVID-19 has been below 2 percent since the beginning of July. On Friday, July 17, Gov. Charlie Baker said the positive rate for the past seven days is 1.7 percent. Meanwhile, in Hampshire County, Chesterfield is the only community with a 14-day positive test rate of over 2 percent - the town's rate is 6.7 percent. The state economy is now in Phase 3 of a four-phase reopening plan. The fourth phase - which would see the reopening of business such as amusement parks…