“The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $24 million in Skills Capital Grants to 14 different high schools. Each school received awards between $1 million and $2.5 million, which will enable the schools to modernize labs and significantly expand student enrollment in programs that provide career education.

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Education Secretary James Peyser visited Westfield Technical Academy to make the announcement and visit with students exploring advanced manufacturing and culinary arts programs. The high school received more than $1 million to modernize its advanced manufacturing and electrical instructional labs. The school will also launch a Career Technical Initiative program, supported by this funding.

The high schools receiving grants will make strategic investments over the next two years to grow their career education programs to provide more learning opportunities for both traditional high school students and adult learners, with several schools expanding their Career Technical Initiative (CTI) programs to offer more learning opportunities in the late-afternoon and evening. Over the next 5 years, today’s grant awards will directly impact approximately 10,000 students across 38 different programs.

The funding for this round of grants was included in An Act Relative to Immediate Covid-19 Recovery Needs, passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, which included $100 million in state resources to provide capital improvement grants to vocational high schools and public schools operating career and technical education programs.

“Since taking office, our administration has made significant investments through the Skills Capital Grant program to help more young people and adults gain the education, training and skills necessary for successful careers in rapidly growing industry sectors,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud of the impact these grants have had on both students’ educations and their futures in the Massachusetts workforce.”

“As a result of the Skills Capital Grants, high schools, colleges and other educational institutions have modernized how students learn and provided crucial experiential learning that serves students and employers well,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We appreciate the continued support of our partners in the Legislature, and we look forward to the continued growth and expansion of hands-on, career technical education programs made possible by Skills Capital Grants.”

Since 2015, 491 Skills Capital Grants totaling more than $153 million have been awarded to different schools and educational institutions across the Commonwealth, with many organizations receiving multiple grants over the years.

“Education is our lodestar here in the Commonwealth, and I am proud that we continue to invest in educational innovation and upgrades at every level. At a time when our economy is changing at a rapid pace, ensuring that students have state-of-the-art and up-to-date equipment and technology is more crucial than ever,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’d like to thank all of my partners in the Legislature for advancing this important funding, as well as the Baker Administration for operationalizing our vision to provide increased support to vocational high schools and public schools operating career and technical education programs.”

“I’m proud of the House’s ongoing commitment prioritizing investments in job training and workforce development that meet the needs of the 21st Century economy, including dedicating funding for these grants,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate and the Administration for supporting this critical programming, as it will help to ensure that the next generation, including our adult learners, have the tools to succeed in high demand industries.”

The Skills Capital Grant program was originally launched in 2015 with the goal of replacing outdated equipment and technology, mainly at vocational technical high schools and community colleges. Since then, the program has evolved into a crucial component of local workforce training efforts by expanding the number of young people and adults trained and experienced with the newest technologies used by local employers.

The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses, as well as align curriculum and credentials with industry demand to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state.

“High schools across the Commonwealth are valued partners in our efforts to create opportunity and exciting career pathways for both young students and adults,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “This round of Skills Capital Grants is funding a wide expansion of Career Technical Initiative programming which will help the unemployed and underemployed find meaningful work that supports themselves and their families.”

“Upgrading equipment and providing hands-on learning experiences ensures that our students – both young people and adults – graduate with vital skills and knowledge,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “Through the Skills Capital Grants, thousands of young people and adults have been provided with educational opportunities to be successful in high-demand careers that are growing in the Commonwealth.”

“Our economy is strengthened when students and other prospective employees are equipped with skills that align with industry needs,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Skills Capital Grants continue to play an important role preparing individuals for meaningful careers and helping companies find qualified employees to grow their businesses.”

The Skills Capital Grants are awarded by Governor Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which was created in 2015 to bring together the Secretariats of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Housing and Economic Development to align education, economic development, and workforce policies to strategize around how to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in every region of the Commonwealth.

The following organizations received awards in this round:

Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, Marlborough- $1,268,229

HVAC: The school will modernize and expand HVAC instructional lab space to triple enrollment at the school over the next three years. The grant will enable the purchase of equipment such as work benches, project tools, oil burners, furnaces, and heat pump training equipment. The improvements will support traditional high school students and expand the Career Technical Initiative (CTI) adult training programming.

Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School, Taunton – $1,000,000

Culinary Arts: The school will use Skills Capital funds, along with funds from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to construct a new school that will expand culinary arts instruction. More than 100 high school students and adult program students will be taught professional cooking techniques, bakery and pastry art fundamentals, food sanitation and safety, and hospitality skills. The school will host a school restaurant and hospitality functions for the local community.

Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Danvers – $1,725,000

Culinary Arts and Animal Sciences: The school will modernize and expand Culinary Arts and Animal Sciences instructional labs impacting more than 500 high school students and CTI adult students, through afternoon training programs for students from Beverly, Swampscott, Gloucester, and Marblehead.

Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Fall River – $2,500,000

Advanced Manufacturing and Dental Assisting: The school will renovate its Advanced Manufacturing and Dental Assisting instructional lab space, impacting 175 school students, as well as launch adult CTI training programs. The lab space will also feature equipment such as dental chairs, sterilization equipment, and imaging X-ray equipment for students to get hands-on experience.

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford – $1,800,000

Culinary Arts and HVAC: The school will modernize and expand Culinary Arts and HVAC instructional labs, supporting 280 high students. The school will also expand CTI adult training programming.

Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, Boston – $1,000,000

Carpentry and Information Support Services and Networking: The school will modernize carpentry as well as the Information Support Services and Networking (ISSN) instructional labs to support 140 additional high school students, which will double enrollment in the Information Technology and Security Networking programs. The school will also launch a new CTI adult training program.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg – $1,887,127 Electrical and Carpentry: The school will repurpose and remodel space to create expanded Electrical and Carpentry instructional lab capacity, partnering with Fitchburg Public Schools, Gardner Public Schools, and Narragansett Regional School District to develop a new afternoon program projected to serve 800 high school students as well as expand the schools’ evening CTI adult training program.

Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Westford – $2,500,000

Electrical and Veterinary Science: The school will modernize and expand instructional lab space in the Electrical and Veterinary Science programs to increase enrollment by 50 percent, creating the capability to support 180 high school students and expand the school’s CTI adult training programs. Equipment will include new renewable energy training equipment, including solar panel installation, Li-Ion battery storage Unit, Hydrogen Fuel Cell battery storage unit and wind turbines.

Salem High School, Salem – $1,034,398

Culinary Arts and Medical Assistance: The school will modernize the Culinary Arts and Medical Assisting instructional labs to double student enrollment. The Culinary Arts equipment to be purchased includes advanced technology multi-use ovens with remote monitoring and cooking controls, high-efficiency ranges, ovens, fryers, steamers, dishwashers, and serving systems. Funding for Medical Assisting equipment includes innovative simulation and virtual learning technology.

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Northampton – $2,121,200 Horticulture and Animal Science: The school will modernize and expand space for Horticulture and Animal Science instructional labs to expand student enrollment by 25 percent. The funding will support 120 additional students during the day programs and provide new capabilities for future CTI adult training programming. Students will receive simulator training on construction machines such as excavators, graders, dump trucks, and cranes.

South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School, Hanover – $2,500,000 Carpentry and Culinary Arts: The school will modernize and expand square footage for Carpentry and Culinary Arts instructional lab space to increase enrollment by 45 percent. The funding will impact 197 students as well as the school’s CTI adult training programs.

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Bourne – $2,496,500

Environmental Science and Technology: The school will modernize and update the infrastructure of Environmental Science and Technology instructional labs supporting 100 high school and adult training program students, with new laboratory equipment such as microscopes, HAZMAT/oil spill simulators, and field equipment including sampling devices, field and marine access vehicles, cameras, and weather stations.

Westfield Technical Academy, Westfield – $1,014,665

Advanced Manufacturing and Electrical: The school will modernize and update infrastructure for Advanced Manufacturing and Electrical instructional labs supporting 110 high school students, with new equipment such as Proto TRAK Lathes and Mills, Haas Mini Mills, CAD Workstations, Fire Alarm, Burglar and Access Control Trainers. The school will also launch a CTI training program.

Worcester Technical High School, Worcester – $1,100,031

Automotive Technician: The school will renovate and modernize the Automotive Technician instructional lab supporting 145 high school students and provide new capabilities to expand the school’s CTI adult training programming. New equipment includes auto lifts, brake lathe machines, tire balancers, alignment machines, bench racks, paint booths, and hybrid auto system tools.”

“As part of its response to the opioid crisis, United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins sent a letter to all skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts warning that refusing to provide care for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively enforce these protections.

The ADA, which prohibits discrimination based on disability, protects individuals with OUD. Since 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has entered into 10 settlement agreements with entities owning a total of 51 skilled nursing facilities for refusing to admit individuals prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine (Suboxone), vivitrol and methadone. To ensure compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions of the ADA, skilled nursing facilities must evaluate each applicant individually to determine suitability for admission, rather than enacting a blanket policy denying admissions to all persons treated with MOUD.

“Medications can be a crucial tool in battling the opioid crisis. In many instances, these prescription treatments save lives,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “Yet each year, countless people are turned away from skilled nursing facilities solely because they are on prescribed MOUD. This puts vulnerable people in the awful position of either risking their life by not taking their MOUD or risking their life by continuing their opioid use. Denying access to necessary healthcare, based solely on someone’s substance use disorder exacerbates the tremendous damage opioids already cause residents of our Commonwealth and their loved ones.”

Courts may impose civil penalties for ADA violations, which could be as high as $92,383 for a first violation, and potentially double that amount for subsequent violations. These ADA enforcement actions are part of a larger effort by the United States Attorney’s Office to eliminate discriminatory barriers to treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the medical community, in the criminal justice system, and in housing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Dorchak of Rollins’ Civil Rights Unit handled this matter.

The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the fifth human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. The individual is a female in her 80s who was likely exposed to the virus in Middlesex County in an area already known to be at increased risk. The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate to high in the Greater Boston area. Risk from mosquito-borne disease will continue until the first hard frost.

In 2021, there were 11 human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. No human or animal cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year in Massachusetts.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

“The Buttonwood Park Zoo, true to its long history of providing a home to non-releasable, rehabilitated wildlife, welcomed 3 female white-tailed fawns to its existing herd this summer.

The three young females, or does, came to BPZOO thanks to a strong partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, or MassWildlife. This is the second time in two years that orphaned fawns have been placed at BPZOO.

BPZOO Director Gary Lunsford is extremely proud of this relationship with MassWildlife, as it appeals directly to his passion for local conservation – especially when it includes rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife.

Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.

“I see so much potential for BPZOO to contribute to our local conservation efforts, including providing a forever home when release isn’t an option. Having tangible impacts on the lives of animals is one of the most rewarding outcomes of zoo conservation efforts.”

The three fawns, now affectionately referred to as Annabelle, Acorn, and Thistle, were only weeks old when they arrived at BPZOO and required hand-rearing by animal care staff. After completing their required quarantine, the fawns recently began exploring their temporary habitat near their future home in the Zoo’s roughly ½ acre pasture. The three youngsters will eventually share that space with fellow white-tailed deer Autumn and Olive and approximately 16 species of waterfowl.

And while this story ends as a happy one, the circumstances under which two of the fawns came into human care could have easily been avoided. MassWildlife offers extensive information on their website about what to do if you encounter a fawn in the area that you believe might be in trouble.

“The number one thing to remember is to leave the fawn where it is,” says Lunsford. “It may look scared, weak, or vulnerable, but it is likely exhibiting typical fawn behaviors. If you have any questions at all, you can visit MassWidlife’s website, or give them a call and let them reassure you.”

Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.

According to a post on Mass.gov, if you have briefly interfered with a fawn, there are immediate steps that can be taken to rectify the situation.

“If you have taken a fawn into your care, you should immediately return it to where you found it, or to safer cover nearby (within 200 yards),” the post reads. “Then, quickly leave the area to ensure the fawn doesn’t follow you and so the mother feels safe enough to return. The mother will soon return to nurse the fawn, even after it has been handled by humans.”

About White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer can survive in a variety of terrestrial habitats, from the big woods of northern Maine to the deep saw grass and hammock swamps of Florida. Ideal white-tailed deer habitat would contain dense thickets (in which to hide and move about) and edges (which furnish food). White-tailed deer fawns nurse for 8 to 10 weeks before they are weaned. Young males leave their mother after one year, but young females often stay with their mother for two years. Nervous and shy animals, white-tailed deer wave their tails characteristically from side to side when they are startled and fleeing. They are extremely agile and may bound at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. White-tailed deer are also good swimmers and often enter large streams and lakes to escape predators, insects or to visit islands.”

“MassDEP Joins City In Enforcement in the Wake of Bob’s Tire Fire.

The City of New Bedford has intensified its efforts to hold tire recycling facilities across the city accountable for their impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

On July 8, one such tire recycling facility, Bob’s Tire, located on Brook Street in a dense residential area, was the scene of a major fire. The fire at the sprawling 3.5-acre facility produced thick black smoke which enveloped the surrounding residential neighborhood and threatened to spread to homes located just 70 feet away. In addition to the structural fire in its processing building, improperly stored piles of shredded rubber tires caught fire, significantly exacerbating the danger to the public.

In the wake of the fire, the Fire Department has begun requiring that tire recycling businesses obtain a permit to verify their operations are compliant with state fire rules. The Fire Department is now conducting monthly inspections, and if a violation is found, it may lead directly to revocation of the permit, fines, and court action.

Likewise, an inspection initiative by the Department of Facilities has resulted in the issuance of three nuisance violations against Bob’s Tire in the past four months, including several hundred dollars in fines.

The Department of Inspectional Services has issued correction orders for several areas surrounding another tire recycler, F&B Rubber located on Washington Street; Inspectional Services is also awaiting the results of an independent engineer’s report on the structural conditions of Bob’s Tire processing building. Depending on the report findings, demolition of the structure may be mandated by the City.

The City has also been vociferous in its requests to state environmental regulators that more scrutiny be given to local tire recycling locations. The City’s advocacy was rewarded last week with the decision of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to issue an enforcement action [attached] against the Bob’s Tire facility on Brook Street.

Under a September 20th Administrative Consent Order with Penalty, Bob’s Tire was fined by MassDEP more than $16,000 and is required to address a range of conditions at the site involving asbestos, hazardous waste, solid waste, and fire safety. Among the actions that MassDEP is compelling Bob’s Tire to perform:

• Immediately implement all appropriate best management practices;
• Perform an asbestos survey/report on the fire-damaged building, file necessary workplans, and abate all areas necessary in accordance with Air Pollution Control regulations;
• Register as a generator of hazardous waste/waste oil and obtain an EPA identification number;
• Compile a listing of all materials in and out of the facility and complete a detailed operations plan including contingencies for supply chain and other transportation-related issues; and
• Develop and submit to MassDEP a Fire Control and Safety Plan that identifies prevention, containment, and extinguishment.

Mayor Jon Mitchell reiterated his commitment to protecting residents that are affected by tire recycling facilities, saying “These facilities detract from the surrounding neighborhoods, and they have regularly shirked the obligations to comply with multiple city and state code protections, and have only done so when inspections have exposed their shortcomings. I have long directed city departments to prioritize these locations for code enforcement and have advocated for a more proactive state response.”

The Mayor added, “I want to also express my appreciation for Commissioner Suuberg and MassDEP for their willingness to use the robust enforcement tools at their disposal to protect New Bedford residents from the hazards that these facilities represent.” -City of New Bedford.

“On Thursday Sept. 22nd, WDNR Officers responded to a “Woodsy” area of West Wareham to look for a reported owl that could not fly. After a brief search during the rapidly deteriorating weather we captured a repeat customer of WDNR “Hoo” appeared to be injured again…

? A brief back story! In early May of 2021 this beautiful Great Horned Owl was originally found floating in a retention pond and rescued by a A.D. Makepeace Company employee.

After rescuing the owl the employee noticed that it had a serious eye injury and was unable to fly. WDNR was notified and captured the Owl “Hoo” was then transported to our amazing friends at Cape Wildlife Center and through their care made a full recovery. The owl was returned to his old stomping grounds and released by his rescuer!

Now, over a year later, the same Great Horned Owl was located by the same ADM employee in the same area! After being captured this time the GHO was checked for visible injuries by officers. In addition to not being able to fly again we observed a leg injury and he was DEFINITELY sprayed by a skunk.

The Great Horned Owl has again been transported to Cape Wildlife Center for medical attention where he hopefully makes another full recovery.” -Wareham Department of Natural Resources.

Wareham Department of Natural Resources photo.

Wareham Department of Natural Resources photo.

Wareham Department of Natural Resources photo.

Wareham Department of Natural Resources photo.

“Following an eight-year Fugitive Unit investigation, members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, at the request of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit, placed Diriye Bile, 26, of Ethiopia, was placed under arrest after landing at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL.

Bile was wanted on a Suffolk Superior Court warrant for Armed Assault with Intent to Murder, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon with Serious Bodily Injury, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Carrying a Loaded firearm. This warrant stems from a 2014 shooting where the victim was shot in the area of Ruggles Street in Roxbury.

Bile was extradited back to Massachusetts and arraigned on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, in Roxbury District Court.

Bile fled the country after the shooting and was tracked to Ethiopia until his recent flight back to the United States. This arrest was the culmination of an eight-year-long Fugitive Investigation and the collaborative effort of many Federal and State agencies.

The Boston Police Department would like to highlight the diligent work of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit and their numerous federal partners, who never gave up on the search for Bile. The Boston Police Department hopes that this arrest brings some sense of closure to the victim, their family, and the community affected by this senseless violence.” -Boston Police Department.

“It is with profound sadness we must announce the death of Firefighter Elvis Reyes from complications from surgery related to an on-duty injury.

A figurative and literal giant of a man in the firehouse and the community, Elvis was well known to all who crossed paths with him. In the firehouse, Elvis was the senior man teaching and guiding new firefighters with a strong fatherly presence. A worker on the fire ground, Elvis was always where the action was. Off the job, he attended every charitable and social event the Rochester Fire Department or Local 1071 put on. Elvis was the slugger on the softball field and the man with the candy for the St Patrick’s, Puerto Rican, and Labor Day parades.

During his career Elvis received numerous departmental and community awards for heroic rescues and firefighting work, as well as community involvement. Two of his sons, Reid and Remmington followed in his footsteps into the Rochester Fire Department and carry on his legacy.

Firefighter Elvis Reyes set the tone and example for what a firefighter should be. He left big boots that will be impossible to fill.” -Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

“At about 8:00 AM on Friday, September 23, 2022, members of the BPD Fugitive Unit, Sexual Assault Unit, and Milton Police arrested William Mancortes, 43, of Hyde Park, pursuant to five outstanding warrants.

The warrants were issued out of the Boston Municipal Court on two counts of Rape, one count of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person 14 years or over. Mancortes was also wanted out of Quincy District Court for one count of Aggravated Rape, and one count of Kidnapping. All the incidents date back to 2017.

A Sexual Assault investigation led to the utilization of a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK) which assisted detectives in identifying the suspect in connection to these separate incidents and could result in further charges as detectives continue their investigations.

The suspect will appear in West Roxbury District Court for arraignment on the above-mentioned warrants and this investigation remains active and ongoing.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously.

If you are a victim of a sexual assault that has or has not been reported to the police and would feel more comfortable seeking confidential advice from a non-law enforcement agency, the Boston Police Department encourages you to call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) at 1 (800) 841-8371. BARCC provides free and confidential counseling, case management, legal, and medical advocacy services to survivors in the greater Boston area.” -Boston Police Department.

“Can you believe that Ruth ? is turning 64!? Ruth is one of the oldest Asian elephants in North America and it is an honor to have her in our care.

Join us on Sunday, September 25th for educational activities from 11:00am – 2:00pm, with a Happy Birthday sing-a-long & special enrichment happening at 1:00pm.

If you would like to bring Emily and Ruth a special treat, donations of unopened packages of unsalted shelled peanuts, yogurt covered raisins, and dried fruit will be accepted on their behalf.” -Buttonwood Park Zoo.