The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and FEMA announce today a partnership to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine by bringing 6,000 federal doses daily to the Hynes Convention Center vaccination site, for a total of 7,000 doses per day when combined with the state’s current allocation.

This Community Vaccination Center (CVC) program will be open to the public, with additional services available for the most disproportionately impacted communities in Suffolk County, starting March 31.

People interested in booking an appointment at the Hynes Convention Center vaccination site should continue to pre-register at vaccinesignup.mass.gov. There will be no disruption to the appointment process with this federal expansion. The state will also coordinate additional community outreach to assist vulnerable residents with signups. Additionally, a portion of the federal doses will be designated for mobile units for areas of Suffolk County (Chelsea, Revere & Boston). The Baker-Polito Administration will provide more details on these efforts soon.

The Hynes Community Vaccination site will have interpreters available daily for individuals speaking Spanish, Mandarin, and Haitian/Creole, as well as capability to utilize telephonic translation with access to 240 different languages. The Hynes is centrally located and accessible via public transportation on the MBTA Green Line (‘Hynes Convention Center Station,’) (‘Prudential Center Station’), the MBTA Orange Line (‘Back Bay Station’ via passageways), the Commuter Rail, and major bus routes to ensure individuals with transportation challenges can access the site. Free parking is available for those with private transportation.

Additionally, MassHealth is offering new flexibilities for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation for members with access/functional needs to ensure equitable transportation access to and from the sites.

The Commonwealth, federal, and state contracted staff will be used to support the operations at this facility for the duration of 8 weeks. Along with staffing, FEMA and its federal partners will provide support through operations, logistics and vaccine allocations. The addition of the FEMA site and the resources that come with it will enable Massachusetts to further operationalize its commitment to equity, a core pillar of the state’s vaccination plan, which includes $27.4 million in CDC funding focused on the 20 communities hardest hit by COVID-19, including Boston. The state Department of Public Health is working in these cities and towns on customized plans to reduce barriers to vaccination and increase awareness and confidence in vaccine safety, joining with neighborhood health centers, local health departments, and community and faith based groups to increase vaccination.

How the Site was Selected

The Hynes site, like other federally supported sites across the country, was selected based on data analysis including the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index, population needs and challenges, and available public transit options to the center. Input from state and local partners was crucial in determining the location. The Hynes site will have a vaccination output of several thousand doses per day at maximum operating capacity. One thousand doses from the Commonwealth will be increased by an additional 6,000 doses from a separate federal allocation.

“Massachusetts is a national leader for vaccines and this additional support from the federal government will help to increase access and availability to some of our most disproportionately impacted communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are grateful for the support from the Biden-Harris Administration for selecting Massachusetts to host one of these sites and for the support of our congressional delegation in applying for this program.”

The Hynes Convention Center is a well-known destination within the Greater Boston community, having been in operation since 1968. It possesses all the critical infrastructure requirements and facilities such as running water, restrooms and parking to host thousands of individuals at a time, safely and comfortably.

“The goal of establishing these joint federal pilot centers is to continue to expand the rate of vaccinations in an efficient, effective and equitable manner, with an explicit focus on making sure communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection are not left behind,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “FEMA remains committed to helping everyone in America during this time and we will continue to work with our partners to stop the spread of this disease.”

Fate played a role in one man hitting the lottery: after pulling into a gas station to fill up he noticed they were closed so he went down the road to the 7-Eleven on Huttleston Avenue. It’s a good thing because if that first location was open for business he wouldn’t be a millionaire ten times over.

Fairhaven’s Stephen Pereira won exactly $10.04 million dollars – their highest jackpot in almost 4 years – with a winning Megabucks Doubler Quick Pic ticket. The 7-Eleven will receive a $25,000 bonus for selling the ticket.

Pereira chose to forego the annual payments and take the one-time cash option which is $8,424,485. Even after taking out what Uncle Sam wants, he’ll still be sitting on approximately $6.5 million.

Originally from Fall River, Pereira said the first thing he will do with his winnings is take care of his adults and pay off his mortgage.

A Brockton man pleaded guilty Thursday to distributing fentanyl throughout southeastern Massachusetts.

Eric Marques, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for July 14, 2021.

In 2019 and 2020, law enforcement conducted an investigation into fentanyl traffickers operating in southeastern Massachusetts. A cooperating witness and undercover police officer purchased a total of 180 grams of fentanyl and 260 pressed fentanyl pills from Marques. Marques was arrested on March 16, 2020. A search of residences tied to Marques in Brockton and Bridgewater resulted in the seizure of $10,700 in cash, bags of fentanyl, a digital scale and other drug packaging materials.

The charging statute provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes; East Bridgewater Police Chief Paul O’Brien; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

“Trooper Randall “Randy” Enos, pictured here with K-9 Sky, retired this week after serving the Commonwealth for over 3 decades.

Randy was a member of the 69th recruit training troop, graduating from the Massachusetts State Police Academy in Framingham, June 13, 1988.

Trooper Enos and K-9 Sky were assigned to Troop F – Logan International Airport as an explosive detection K-9 Team. K-9 Sky will be joining Trooper Enos in retirement and will remain with him to enjoy his golden years.”-Massachusetts State Police.

“Our staff recently encountered a “tame” ruffed grouse at Leyden WMA.

On rare occasions, grouse have been documented closely following people and cars or acting aggressively. While biologists aren’t sure what causes this unusual behavior, it’s probably attributed to territorial behavior associated with the breeding season.

These changes are stimulated by increases in daylight and may be exacerbated by sounds that mimic their mating drumming noises, such as a tractor or truck engine.”-Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

“The Middleborough Police Department is attempting to locate a missing juvenile female, identified as Talia Villalobo.

Talia was last seen in the downtown area of Middleborough on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at approximately 8PM. Talia has brown hair and brown eyes. Approximately 5’01” – 5’02” in height and 110 to 120 lbs.

Talia was last seen wearing a white V-cut t-shirt, red checkered shorts and black mid-rise converse sneakers.

If anyone has any information or has seen her, please contact the Middleborough Police Department at 508-947-1212 ext#0.”

Middleborough Police Department photo,

“Yesterday, while searching for a wanted fugitive, Troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and Lynn Police Officers checked an apartment on Western Avenue in Lynn. Upon knocking, Troopers and Officers were greeted by BENJAMIN TRANFAGLIA, 35, who, while not the original target of the search, was known to also be wanted on a warrant for larceny.

The leaseholder of the apartment escorted Troopers and Officers into the residence to allow for a search of the initial target. Members of the arrest team observed, in plain view in a bedroom later determined to be used by TRANFAGLIA, numerous baggies containing white and brown powder and assorted pills.

At that point, the arrest team closed off the room and obtained a search warrant. The subsequent court-authorized search resulted in the seizure of more than 15 grams of suspected fentanyl, an equal amount of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine, a cigarette wrapper containing suspected methamphetamine, various non-prescribed medications, and assorted drug paraphernalia. Police also seized from TRANFAGLIA more than $770 in suspected proceeds from illegal drug sales.

Troopers charged TRANFAGLIA with trafficking in fentanyl, possession of a Class B narcotic with intent to distribute, and the outstanding larceny warrant. Please credit the photo to Massachusetts State Police.”

By Brendan Kurie
Contributor

There’s something brewing at GNB Voc-Tech, and it’s not in the culinary arts program.
It’s out on the turf at Jeffrey E. Riley Stadium, where third-year coach Justin Cruz has generated enough excitement to get more than 100 prospective players out for a wonky Fall 2 season.

With that excitement has also come Ws.

After losing his first four games as a head coach in 2018, Cruz has led the Bears to an 11-8 record over their last 19 games, including a playoff appearance. Voc-Tech won four of its final six games in 2019 for a 6-5 final mark.

“We’re just kind of building and I think the program is in the right direction,” Cruz said. “We have guys competing all over the field.”

Here’s everything you need to know as the Bears open their 2020-21 season.

When is the game?
4:15 p.m. on Friday

Where is it?
Jeffrey E. Riley Stadium

Can I go?
Not unless you’re invited by a home or visiting player. Spectators are strictly limited.

Who are they playing?
Apponequet, which went 7-4 last season and had a chance at winning a share of the South Coast Conference Blue (large schools) crown.

So who is back for the Bears?
The first name to note is senior running back and linebacker/safety Heiser Cacho. A dynamic 5-foot-8, 165-pound athlete who can turn short yardage into big gains in the blink of an eye, Cacho combined for 675 rushing and receiving yards last year, while making 68 tackles and six sacks on defense.

Who else?
Three of last year’s starting five offensive linemen return, led by senior captain Ed Fragata. He is joined by juniors Aiden Silva, Max Lague, Jack Lima and Nolan Michaud.

Alright, who are the new faces?
He’s not that new, but junior Cam Lynch will take over as the full-time quarterback. Spending the last two years behind Ethan Almeida, Lynch started four games as an injury replacement as a freshman in 2018, then played mostly wide receiver last season. In his first start as a freshman, he threw for 167 yards and four scores. In his final start, a Directors Cup win over Diman, he threw two more touchdowns.

With the graduation of top receivers Sheldon Clark and Colin Wildrick, he’ll often be eyeing slot receiver Kyle Langlois and senior Lucas DaCosta, as well as Cacho, who is expected to be heavily involved in the passing game in addition to running the ball.

What about the defense?
Cacho is a leader on both sides of the ball, and Fargata also anchors the defensive line, but a key will be senior Jonah Rivera’s return to the linebacking corp. Rivera missed the 2019 season after tearing his ACL, but has looked good in preseason.

What happened last year against Apponequet?
The Lakers won 21-13 thanks to 176 rushing yards from senior Kevin Hughes, with rushing touchdowns from Cole Dixon and Chace Gorman, all of whom are back. Lynch played some quarterback, finishing 5-of-13 for 41 yards.

How good are the Lakers?
As good their offensive line can get, but maybe even better with the amount of talent in their backfield. Apponequet may feature the best running back room in the conference, led by Hughes, who churned up almost 1,400 yards last year, scoring 15 touchdowns and averaging more than eight yards per carry. He’ll be joined by Dixon and Gorman, a former quarterback.
Quarterback Jack Mahan, a junior, returns, and so does his favorite target, tight end Mike Henricksen. That leaves the offensive line, which returns just one starter, Louis LeBate.
Defensively, the team features seven returning starters, including the linebacking corp of Hughes, Dixon and Henricksen.

What does the rest of GNB Voc-Tech’s schedule look like?
Hosting Old Rochester at 4 p.m. on April 2
Vs. Fairhaven at New Bedford High at 6:30 p.m. on April 9
At Somerset Berkley at 6:30 p.m. on April 16
Hosting Dighton-Rehoboth at 6:30 p.m. April 23

“The Massachusetts State Police joined Lawrence Police in Joint Operation Statement from Lawrence Mayor Kendrys Vasquez:

As widely reported in the media, with the onset of warmer weather police departments across the Commonwealth, including the Lawrence Police Department, are getting increasing complaints regarding reckless and dangerous operation of motorcycles and off-road vehicles on public ways. Operating off-road vehicles such as ATV’s, dirt bikes and unregistered motor-scooters is unlawful as they are not intended for use on city streets.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

The Lawrence Police Department is committed to everyone’s safety and respects everyone’s privilege to ride in a lawful and appropriate manner. However, there are groups and individuals who operate these vehicles in a manner that endangers the public and themselves. They frequently travel in large groups with little regard for public safety or motor vehicle laws. They create a public nuisance, obstruct traffic and are often not properly registered or stolen.

As part of an ongoing effort to put an end to the very dangerous and destructive behavior the Lawrence Police Department joined forces with Troopers from Massachusetts State Police Troop A, as well the Massachusetts State Police AirWing, and the Essex County Sheriff Department in an operation to address this issue. Today’s operation was led by Lawrence Police Lt. Jay Cerullo and Massachusetts State Police Lt. Pete Morawiak.

As a result of this collaboration 20 citations were issued for moving violations and equipment deficiencies, 13 vehicles were towed, 3 individuals were summonsed into court and 6 arrests were made 1 stolen motorcycle and 1 stolen plate were recovered.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Jobanne Mendez age 31 of North Andover was charged with reckless operation of motor vehicle, stop for police fail, and unregistered motor vehicle.

Sergio Bautista age 19 of Methuen was charged with reckless operation of motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, stop for police fail, uninsured MV/trailer, attaching wrong MV plates, and unlicensed operation of MV.

Rigoberto Cabrera age 33 of Lawrence was arrested on outstanding warrants.

Brandol Santos age 21 of Lawrence was charged with reckless operation of motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, stop for police fail, attaching wrong MV plates, uninsured MV/trailer, receive stolen property -$1200, and pedestrian violation.

Jeffery Benedicto age 30 of Lawrence was charged with stop for police fail and reckless operation of motor vehicle.

Luis Negron age 35 of Lawrence was charged with reckless operation of motor vehicle, stop for police fail, and resisting arrest.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Chief Vasque is grateful to Colonel Christopher Mason and Major Matthew Gravini from Troop A, and Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger for joining the Lawrence Police Department in addressing this serious issue which is a nuisance not only for Lawrence residents but for residents across the Commonwealth. This is the first many such operations with the Massachusetts State Police and other Police Departments across the Merrimack Valley.

Mayor Vasquez stated “I will continue to work together with Chief Vasque and the Lawrence Police Department to put an end to the dangerous operation of these unregistered vehicles on the streets of the city of Lawrence. We have a zero tolerance policy for illegal activity. If you are operating these off-road vehicles or driving a motorcycle recklessly you will be issued a citation, arrested, and charged.”

Residents with information relating to the illegal operation of these recreational vehicles in their neighborhood are urged to contact the Department by emailing disorder@lawpd.com as well as Text to Tip type LAWTIP and your message, then send it to 274637 (CRIMES on most cell phones). Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Message and data rates may apply.”

Massachusetts State Police photo.

“Yesterday we enjoyed another “Coffee with a Cop” event at Cafe Edesia in Gardner, organized by MSP Troop C Community Action Team Community Liaison Trooper Farrah Gray along with Gardner Police Chief Richard Braks and Lieutenant Nick Maroni.

We got to meet members of the community and hear about topics important to them and wanted to share some sights from the day. The Gardner Police provided drone demonstrations and displayed a department motorcycle.

Gardner School Resource Officer John Lawrence, Officer Kevin Goguen, and Officer Scott Marigliano attended, along with MSP Community Liaison Team Troopers Gray, Aaron Richardson and Jessie Barbosa. And since life is not the same without a dog, we made sure that Trooper Chad Tata of the MSP Employee Assistance Unit and his crisis response English Labrador, Luna, were on hand to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

What our social media channels for regular announcements about community events.”