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Greenfield, MA

Police & Fire
No Bail For Men Charged With Hate Crime Beating At Western Mass Liquor Store: DA No Bail For Men Charged With Hate Crime Beating At Western Mass Liquor Store: DA
No Bail For Men Charged With Hate Crime Beating At Western Mass Liquor Store: DA Two men were ordered held without bail after they were arrested for the vicious beating of a Franklin County liquor store employee earlier this month, authorities said.  Warren Martinez, 30, of Northampton, and Thomas Patnode, 24, of Greenfield, face several felonies including mayhem and a hate crime following the July 16 attack, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  A judge ruled the men were too dangerous to be released before their trial.  The men are accused of attacking a Sunderland liquor store employee after they refused to sell the duo any alcohol, the prose…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Suspect Accused Of Killing Western Mass Man, Leaving Body In Apartment Returns To Mass From NY Suspect Accused Of Killing Western Mass Man, Leaving Body In Apartment Returns To Mass From NY
Suspect Accused Of Killing Western Mass Man, Leaving Body In Apartment Returns To Mass From NY The suspect accused of killing a beloved Pittsfield and Greenfield man was returned to Massachusetts to face charges after being held in New York for more than two months.  Taaniel Herberger-Brown will be arraigned on Tuesday, July 9, in the slaying of Chris "Stix" Hairston, 35, in April, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  Related: Dead Body Found In Pittsfield Home After Neighbors Called About Smell Police found Hairston's body on April 22 inside a Greenfield apartment on Chapman Street after neighbors called officers to report a disgusting smell coming from inside, the Northwester…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Man Admits To Killing Athol Woman In Head-On Western Mass Crash, Will Lose License For 15 Years Man Admits To Killing Athol Woman In Head-On Western Mass Crash, Will Lose License For 15 Years
Man Admits To Killing Athol Woman In Head-On Western Mass Crash, Will Lose License For 15 Years A 64-year-old Needham man has admitted to causing the head-on collision in Franklin County last year that killed a 57-year-old woman, authorities announced on Monday, June 24.  Benoit Marande, 64, pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation in the June 30, 2023, crash and was sentenced to nine months in prison along with a 15-year revocation of his license, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. A judge suspended all but 30 days of Marande's prison term.  Marande was accused of killing Tracy Matthews when his Mazda MX-5 Miata crossed o…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
'An Incredible Artist': Family Remembers Western Mass Woman Killed By Train 'An Incredible Artist': Family Remembers Western Mass Woman Killed By Train
'An Incredible Artist': Family Remembers Western Mass Woman Killed By Train Jennifer Grace Jarvis's death made headlines, but her family said she will be remembered for her many talents as an artist and loving caregiver.  Jarvis, 45, of Greenfield, died around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, when she was struck by a train in Shelburne Falls in Franklin County.  Related: Greenfield Woman ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Train Strike Her family released her obituary on Friday, painting a picture of a gifted woman who provided a great deal to her loved ones and community.  Jenny brought a hands-on approach to her many interests and endeavors. She loved gardening, …

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
(UPDATE) Western Mass Woman ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Train Strike (UPDATE) Western Mass Woman ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Train Strike
(Update) Western Mass Woman ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Train Strike Update: Jennifer Jarvis' family wrote in her obituary that she was a talented artist who gave grace to those she loved. Click here to read what people have said about her.  Original: Authorities have identified the woman who was struck by a train in Franklin County early Monday morning, June 10.  Jennifer Jarvis, 45, of Greenfield, was killed when she was struck by the Berkshire & Eastern Railroad freight train around 5 a.m. in Shelburne Falls, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  Related: Woman Hit, Killed By Train In Shelburne Falls The crash happened about half …

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by Josh Lanier
News
35-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Greenfield Slaying 35-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Greenfield Slaying
35-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Greenfield Slaying A 35-year-old Berkshire County man has been identified as the body found dead inside a home in Greenfield on Monday, April 22, authorities announced.  Christopher Hairston, lastly of Pittsfield, was found inside the apartment on Chapman Street after neighbors called police to report a disgusting smell coming from inside, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. It's unclear how long he had been dead before he was located.  Original Report: Mass Man Accused Of Murder Arrested At New York Airport Taaniel Herberger-Brown, 42, who used to live at that apartment, was arrest…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Man Wanted In Western Mass Killing Arrested At Albany Airport Man Wanted In Western Mass Killing Arrested At Albany Airport
Man Wanted In Western Mass Killing Arrested At Albany Airport A 42-year-old man who is accused murdering someone and leaving their body inside a Western Massachusetts apartment was arrested in New York at Albany International Airport on Tuesday, April 23, authorities said.  Taaniel Herberger-Brown is being held on a fugitive from justice warrant in Albany County, following his arrest, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  Greenfield police were called to a Chapman Street apartment on Monday after neighbors called to complain about a horrific smell coming from the home. Officers found the body lying in one of the r…

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by Josh Lanier
News
$4M Lottery Winner: Western Mass Man Has Big Plans For Payday $4M Lottery Winner: Western Mass Man Has Big Plans For Payday
$4M Lottery Winner: Western Mass Man Has Big Plans For Payday A Franklin County man knows how he will spend some of his new-found fortune after winning a $4 million lottery jackpot.  Jeremy Bouchard, of Erving, won the massive payday playing the “$4,000,000 Jumbo Cash” $10 scratch-off game. He said he hadn't played that ticket in a long time and was shocked with the result.  Bouchard elected to take the lump sum payment of $2.6M (before taxes) rather than the annuity. His partner Victoria Gibson joined him when he collected the check.  Bouchard said he plans to buy a home and car with the money.  He bought the ticket at …

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by Josh Lanier
News
$4M Lottery Jackpot Sold In Western Mass $4M Lottery Jackpot Sold In Western Mass
$4M Lottery Jackpot Sold In Western Mass The top prize in a Massachusetts State Lottery game was scratched off on Tuesday, March 26, in Franklin County.  The winner collected a $4 million prize by playing the "$4,000,000 Jumbo Cash" $10 scratch-off game in Greenfield. Only one $4 million jackpot remains.  The name of the winner was not released.  The ticket was sold at Sandri Stop Smart at 416 Federal St. in Greenfield. The store will receive a $40,000 bonus for the sale.  The winner was one of 502 people who collected prizes worth $600 or more on Tuesday. 

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by Josh Lanier
News
2 $100,000 Lottery Tickets Sold In Mass 2 $100,000 Lottery Tickets Sold In Mass
2 $100,000 Lottery Tickets Sold In Mass Two people in Massachusetts had a very profitable holiday weekend after they won $100,000 in the state lottery.  The tickets were sold on Sunday, Feb. 18, at Five Corner Mini Mart in Dorchester and New Inkwell News in Greenfield. Both winners won playing the Mass Cash drawing and correctly guessing all five numbers correct in the daily drawing.  The winning numbers on Sunday were: 6, 15, 22, 28, 32. The stores will receive bonuses for the sales.  Click here to see a full list of the winners. 

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Police Break-Up Western Mass Drug Ring; Multiple People Arrested Police Break-Up Western Mass Drug Ring; Multiple People Arrested
Police Break-Up Western Mass Drug Ring; Multiple People Arrested Police in Franklin County say they've upended a massive drug operation following a four-month-long investigation in Greenfield.  The men arrested were ferrying large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine from Springfield to Greenfield and the North Quabbin region for street-level sales, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  Those arrested and their charges include:  Josiah Cheeseboro, age 24, is charged with trafficking in a Class B substance (cocaine), trafficking in a Class A substance (fentanyl), and two counts of conspiracy to violate the Controlled Su…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Springfield Police Commissioner Resigns After Officers Raid Her Home, Arrest Fugitive Son: Cops Springfield Police Commissioner Resigns After Officers Raid Her Home, Arrest Fugitive Son: Cops
Springfield Police Commissioner Resigns After Officers Raid Her Home, Arrest Fugitive Son: Cops The Springfield Police Commissioner Christy Torres stepped down on Tuesday, Jan. 16, soon after police raided her home and arrested a wanted fugitive — her son — on gun and drug charges, authorities said. Another son was arrested last year after firing an illegal pistol at an oncoming car in the parking lot of a dentist's office, police have said.  Josiah Cheeseboro, 24, was arrested on Tuesday on a drug felony warrant out of Franklin County, Springfield police said. Police found Cheeseboro hiding in the basement of their family home on Seymour Avenue, reports and police said. …

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
(UPDATES) No Survivors: Plane Crash In Western Mass (UPDATES) No Survivors: Plane Crash In Western Mass
(Updates) No Survivors: Plane Crash In Western Mass Latest Update: The plane took off from Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport with three adults on board, flight tracker records and reports said.  Related: Police ID Victims In Franklin County Plane Crash The plane, with the tail number N7345R, was licensed to Fly Lugu, LLC, out of Southwick. Fly tracker data show the plane made several revolutions with fluctuating altitudes before crashing in a heavily wooded area in Franklin County.  Update: The National Transportation Safety Board said a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 55 went down in a wooded area in Frank…

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by Josh Lanier
News
$1M Lottery Payday: Western Mass Woman Plans To 'Have Some Fun' With Her Winnings $1M Lottery Payday: Western Mass Woman Plans To 'Have Some Fun' With Her Winnings
$1M Lottery Payday: Western Mass Woman Plans To 'Have Some Fun' With Her Winnings What's the point of winning the lottery if you can't have some fun with your windfall? That's what one Franklin County woman said she wants to do after claiming her $1 million prize from the Massachusetts State Lottery.  Vicki Sumner, of Bernardston, won the seven-figure sum playing the “Billion Dollar Extravaganza” $50 scratch-off ticket game.  Sumner chose the lump sum payment of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  She said she plans to pay off her car loans and "have some fun" with her winnings.  Sumner bought the ticket at the Greenfield Lodge of…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Body Found In Western Mass Park ID'd By Police Nearly Month Later Body Found In Western Mass Park ID'd By Police Nearly Month Later
Body Found In Western Mass Park ID'd By Police Nearly Month Later Police in Berkshire County say they have identified the man found dead in a Pittsfield park early last month, but they still don't know what killed him.  Luis Lopez-Lopez, 43, of most recently Pittsfield and Greenfield, was found by a city employee cutting brush at Wahconah Park on Oct. 10 around 10:45 a.m. The location where the body was found is not part of the Wahconah Park baseball field, police said on Friday, Nov. 3. Related: Decomposing Body Found Near Pittsfield Baseball Field: Police The Office of Chief Medical Examiner’s Office took on the case and was able to…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Driver Who Dragged Trooper During Western Mass Traffic Stop ID'd: Cops Driver Who Dragged Trooper During Western Mass Traffic Stop ID'd: Cops
Driver Who Dragged Trooper During Western Mass Traffic Stop ID'd: Cops A 45-year-old Franklin County man was tracked down by police dogs Friday evening, Sept. 22, after authorities say he dragged a trooper with his car in what began as a routine traffic stop.  Michael J. Williams, of Greenfield, was arrested following an hours-long manhunt and faces several felony charges, State police said.  Related: Trooper Dragged During Traffic Stop; Manhunt Underway The unnamed trooper tried to pull over Williams' car at a Holyoke rest area on I-91 around 3 p.m., but he crashed into the officer and kept driving, Massachusetts State Police said. The trooper was dragged…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Woman With Trashbag Full Of Guns Found Wandering Holyoke Street: Police Woman With Trashbag Full Of Guns Found Wandering Holyoke Street: Police
Woman With Trashbag Full Of Guns Found Wandering Holyoke Street: Police Police in Hampden County said they arrested a woman they found shambling along a street in Holyoke with a trashbag full of guns and two military K-Bar knives.  Sheri Sulewski, 58, of Greenfield, was arrested on Sept. 15 after police received a tip about a woman wandering on Essex Street near High Street, Holyoke police said.  The guns and knives Holyoke police said they found inside Sheri Sulewski's trash bag.Holyoke Police Department She was wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and a hat and was carrying a heavy trash bag. Police said they found two shotguns and the knives inside. She did…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds
Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds Federal authorities have accused a former US Marine from Franklin County of stolen valor after they say he illegally accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in veteran benefits and lied about suffering a traumatic brain injury in a roadside bomb to earn a Purple Heart.  Paul John "PJ" Herbert, 52, of Shelburne Falls, is charged with one count of theft of government money and one count of making false statements, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He faces potentially decades in prison if convicted on all charges.  Herbert is accused of stealing more than $344,000 …

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by Josh Lanier
News
Body Found By Kids In Western Mass ID'd As Man Missing For 3 Years: DA Body Found By Kids In Western Mass ID'd As Man Missing For 3 Years: DA
Body Found By Kids In Western Mass ID'd As Man Missing For 3 Years: DA Police in Franklin County have identified the skeletal remains found on an island in the Connecticut River last month by a group of children on a nature hike.  The bones belonged to Brian Cornwell, age 57, who was reported missing in 2020, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. Investigators are trying to determine how he died.  About 24 students and chaperones with the Westhampton-based summer camp Biocitizen Inc. were exploring Rawson Island — in between Greenfield and Montague — on Aug. 23 when they stumbled on the body, authorities said.  They called…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Children Stumble Upon Human Remains On Western Mass Island: DA Children Stumble Upon Human Remains On Western Mass Island: DA
Children Stumble Upon Human Remains On Western Mass Island: DA A group of children found a body on a Franklin County island in the Connecticut River while on a nature hike last week, authorities said.  Reports said around 24 students and chaperones from the Westhampton-based summer camp Biocitizen Inc. stumbled across the human remains on Wednesday, Aug. 23, while on Rawson Island in Greenfield, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. The camp teaches students the importance of exploring nature.  The adults on the trip contacted the police. Officers remained at the scene until all the remains could be retrieved the following day.&n…

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by Josh Lanier
News
2 Charged With Animal Abuse After Dog Found Starved With Broken Bones In Western Mass 2 Charged With Animal Abuse After Dog Found Starved With Broken Bones In Western Mass
2 Charged With Animal Abuse After Dog Found Starved With Broken Bones In Western Mass A dog in Franklin County named Conrad was rescued from horrid conditions that left him emaciated, with several broken bones that had healed without being treated, and 20 small rocks in his stomach, the MSPCA said. But despite the abuse, Conrad's story may still have a happy ending.  Yarras P. Fletcher and Aliah K. Rivera, both of Greenfield, were charged with two counts each of felony animal cruelty on Friday, Aug. 18, according to the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement Division. The duo were the owners of Conrad, a 5-year-old pit bull mix.  Greenfield police reached out to MSPCA investigators in Jul…

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by Josh Lanier
Schools
Western Mass School Staffer On Leave Over Misconduct Allegations Western Mass School Staffer On Leave Over Misconduct Allegations
Western Mass School Staffer On Leave Over Misconduct Allegations A staff member at Four Rivers Charter Public School in Greenfield was placed on administrative leave last week after being accused of misconduct, a letter from administrators said.  Four Rivers Principal Jenni Manfredi sent a letter to parents on Friday, June 16, to alert them to the investigation. She noted that everyone affected had been notified, but Manfredi stopped short of detailing the allegations against the staffer.  We recently received a report regarding alleged misconduct involving a Four Rivers staff member. Upon receiving the report, impacted families were contacted,…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Western Mass Road Closed After Head-On Collision; 1 Person Seriously Injured Western Mass Road Closed After Head-On Collision; 1 Person Seriously Injured
Western Mass Road Closed After Head-On Collision; 1 Person Seriously Injured Officers in Greenfield have shut down Route 2 Bypass near Adams Road after a head-on collision Thursday afternoon, June 15.  Drivers should avoid the area as police investigate the crash and clean up the scene. Authorities say it will remain shut down for several hours, which will cause delays for evening commuters.  Police responded to the crash between two trucks around 2 p.m. The driver of one vehicle had to be cut from the cab and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.  Photos from the scene show two smashed trucks in the center of the road with debris littering the asphalt.…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Drug Ring Bust Leads To 20 Convictions In Western Mass Drug Ring Bust Leads To 20 Convictions In Western Mass
Drug Ring Bust Leads To 20 Convictions In Western Mass Authorities in Western Massachusetts are celebrating as two men, busted as part of a drug ring in 2021, pled guilty on Thursday, June 8. That makes 20 felony convictions since investigators began dismantling the operation in 2021, officials said.  Jason Nadeau, 42, of Ludlow, pleaded guilty to two felony charges of trafficking cocaine and one of conspiracy, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  David Gallegos, 30, of Deerfield, will serve a year of probation after a judge continued without a finding a charge of conspiracy, the prosecutor said. …

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by Josh Lanier
News
New Millionaire: Western Mass Man Wins Second-Chance Prize In Mass Lottery New Millionaire: Western Mass Man Wins Second-Chance Prize In Mass Lottery
New Millionaire: Western Mass Man Wins Second-Chance Prize In Mass Lottery The game is called "The Fastest Road to $1 Million," and for one Greenfield man, it was.  Ramiro Buenrostro was one of four second-chance drawing winners in the Massachusetts State Lottery for that game.  Buenrostro decided to take the one-time lump sum payout of $650,000 before taxes, so his road is a little shorter than promised. But still not a bad trip, considering it started with a losing ticket.  Buenrostro submitted his unlucky ticket — among 675,000 others — for the chance it could be chosen as one of four randomly selected for a cash prize. There were four $1 millio…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Have You Seen This Missing Teen? Springfield Police Ask Public For Tips Have You Seen This Missing Teen? Springfield Police Ask Public For Tips
Have You Seen This Missing Teen? Springfield Police Ask Public For Tips Springfield police are asking for the public's help to find a missing 15-year-old girl.  Malayiah Daniels ran away from her home on Plumtree Road on April 17 and hasn't been seen since, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  She is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 110 pounds. She may be in the area around Springfield Central High School, Boston Road, or Greenfield, police said.  Investigators ask anyone with information on her disappearance to contact Springfield police at 413-787-6360 or 413-787-6300. 

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Beloved Western Mass Educator Dies Days After Car Crash; Parents Seriously Wounded Beloved Western Mass Educator Dies Days After Car Crash; Parents Seriously Wounded
Beloved Western Mass Educator Dies Days After Car Crash; Parents Seriously Wounded Donna Woodcock, a former Greenfield teacher, principal, and coach, died this week after being critically wounded in a car crash on Friday, May 5. Her parents, who were in the car with her, are still recovering from their injuries at Baystate Medical Center.  Woodcock crashed on Mohawk Trail in Shelburne near Dragon Hill Road around 6 p.m. Paramedics rushed her and her parents (Courtney Woodcock, 92, and Barbara Woodcock, 87) to Baystate Medical Center, where she later died, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said on Thursday. She turned 65 on the day of the crash.  Woodco…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
24-Year-Old Western Mass Man Dies In Head-On Crash In New Hampshire: Police 24-Year-Old Western Mass Man Dies In Head-On Crash In New Hampshire: Police
24-Year-Old Western Mass Man Dies In Head-On Crash In New Hampshire: Police A 24-year-old man from Western Massachusetts has died in a head-on car crash that happened just over the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border this week, according to authorities.  Troopers responded to a serious car crash on Route 119 in Hinsdale, near the Vermont line, shortly before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, New Hampshire State Police report.  FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH - HINSDALE, New Hampshire – On March 28, 2023, at approximately 5:49p.m.., troopers were... Posted by New Hampshire State Police on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Initial investigation determined that a 2003 Volkswagen Jett…

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by David Cifarelli
Police & Fire
Child Porn: Amherst Doctor Had Thousands Of Videos, Secretly Filmed Medical Exams Child Porn: Amherst Doctor Had Thousands Of Videos, Secretly Filmed Medical Exams
Child Porn: Amherst Doctor Had Thousands Of Videos, Secretly Filmed Medical Exams A resident doctor with a Western Massachusetts family medical center was arrested this week after police found thousands of photos and videos featuring child pornography of kids on more than 70 devices, federal authorities said. He is also alleged to have secretly filmed medical exams of two minor patients, officials said.  Dr. Bradley Ferrick, age 32, of Winchester and Amherst, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography after he was arrested on Tuesday, March 14, the US Attorney for Massachusett said.  Ferrick is listed as a member of the inaugural residency cla…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Parking Bans In Effect For Central, Western Mass Cities, Towns Parking Bans In Effect For Central, Western Mass Cities, Towns
Parking Bans In Effect For Central, Western Mass Cities, Towns As much as 2 feet of snow fell overnight Monday, March 13, through Tuesday morning, leaving some roads impassable and knocking out power to thousands.  Because of the nor'easter's damage, several cities and towns in Central and Western Massachusetts have implemented parking bans.  Editor's Note: This list will be continually updated.  Franklin County Greenfield — A parking ban is in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday  Hampden County Chicopee — A parking ban is in effect from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. That includes main and secondary roads.  Holyoke — No parking is allowed…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Four Pounds Of Coke, $40K: Police Score Massive Haul Of Drugs, Cash In Raid Four Pounds Of Coke, $40K: Police Score Massive Haul Of Drugs, Cash In Raid
Four Pounds Of Coke, $40K: Police Score Massive Haul Of Drugs, Cash In Raid A major task force made up of more than a dozen police agencies scored a bust worthy of their size this week in Franklin County, authorities said.  It began in December when police and DEA agents raided a home in Greenfield and seized 114 grams of cocaine, 650 bags of heroin/fentanyl mixture, and $113,000, the Greenfield Police Department said.  But one of the men arrested in that raid — who was out on bail — allegedly decided he wasn't done with the drug game. That's why on Monday, March 6, several police officers and federal agents raided him again and found even more, Gree…

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by Josh Lanier