Latest news with #MichaelRivera
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Primary election 2025: Berks officials certify election results
Berks County election officials have finalized the tally of results from the primary election. During a special meeting Friday, the elections board voted unanimously to certify the vote totals and authorize the submission of the results to the secretary of the commonwealth. There is now a clear picture of which Democratic and Republican candidates will be on the November ballot for municipal, school, county and judicial races. In addition to those candidates who appeared on the primary ballot, nearly 100 candidates were added to the fall election through successful write-in campaigns. Independent and third-party candidates still have a chance to petition to be on the ballot before the lineup is finalized. Elections Director Anne Norton told the elections board that her term performed the required reviews and audits of the May 20 primary, finding no variations or discrepancies with the official tally. The official results of the election will be posted on the county elections website. Overall, just over 21% of registered Democrats and Republicans voted. Voter turnout was slightly lower than recent, similar elections. In the 2023 municipal primary, for example, turnout was about 24%. The elections board thanked the election services team as well as those who worked the polls and handled mail ballots for the hard work and long hours they put into making sure every vote was counted. 'A huge thank you to everyone involved,' Commissioner Michael Rivera said. Commissioner Dante Santoni Jr. also commended those who ran to represent their fellow residents in local positions. 'When you run for office it takes time away from other things,' he said. 'You stick your neck out for your community at all levels of government and I give kudos to everyone who participated in the democratic process.'
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Operation in Holyoke focused on ‘open-air drug dealing' nets 6 arrests
HOLYOKE — Police in Holyoke arrested six people Monday and seized a gun, over 75 grams of cocaine, more than 100 bags of heroin mixed with fentanyl and over $2600 in cash. The arrests happened in the areas of Appleton, Elm, Cabot and Sargent streets, according to the Holyoke Police Department's post on social media. The operation involved multiple agencies working together to address 'open-air drug dealing in the city of Holyoke,' the post says. Law enforcement officers involved in the effort came from the Holyoke Police narcotics task force, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit West, Massachusetts State Police S.A.F.E. task force, and Hampden County District Attorney's narcotics task force. During the operation, officers saw Michael Rivera and Jose Torres making alleged drug transactions in the area of Elm and Appleton Streets, according to Holyoke Police. Police watched as Torres got into a car. They conducted mobile surveillance and when the vehicle stopped on Suffolk Street, they arrested Torres. At the same time officers stopped Torres, Holyoke Police said officers arrested Rivera and recovered ten bags of heroin. Near Cabot Street, police said they saw Nestor Quinones and Vieshaun Davis conducting 'alleged drug transactions.' Police said they stopped Teofilo Rosado 'after a suspected drug deal.' After police found cocaine, they arrested him. After Rosado's arrest, police then detained Davis and Quinones. Davis, police said, wore a cross-body bag that contained 59 grams of cocaine, more than $2000 in cash and a loaded firearm. 'The firearm was reportedly stolen out of Maine,' the post says. Meanwhile, Quinones possessed $611 and 15 grams of cocaine, police said, and so they arrested him. Police said they believed Raul Hernandez was involved in suspected drug dealing. He was detained, and officers recovered approximately 28 capsules of cocaine, and 90 bags of heroin mixed with fentanyl, the post says. Among the charges: Michael Rivera, 33, was charged with conspiracy to violate drug law, distribution of a class A drug, possession of a class B drug. Jose Torres, 30, was charged with conspiracy to violate drug law, distribution of a class A drug. Vieshaun Davis, 44, was charged with carrying a gun without a license, possession of a gun during a felony, cocaine trafficking, possession of ammunition without an FID card, carrying a dangerous weapon, possession of a class A drug, receiving stolen property. Nestor Quinones, 43, was charged with distribution of a class B drug, arrest warrant. Teofilo Rosado, 56, was charged with possession of a class B drug. Raul Hernandez, 44, was charged with distribution of a class A drug, possession of class A and B drugs, intent to distribute class A and B drugs. Family mourns loss of 'vibrant' woman killed in Western Mass. motorcycle crash State AG's office revives probe into voter fraud allegations involving 2023 Springfield election Garden Notes: June 4, 2025 Springfield assists new retail development at former Eastfield Mall with $8 million in financing Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Berks officials celebrate National Library Week
Public libraries are the kind of facilities that rarely demand attention. In fact, often they are institutions that tend to go unnoticed by people. But the Berks County commissioners took some time Thursday at their weekly meeting to shine a light on the role that the Berks County Public Library System serves in communities by issuing a proclamation to mark National Library Week. 'Our community libraries are pretty important for many different reasons, but the support that they provide to our county system is very valuable,' said Commissioners Chairman Christian Leinbach. Commissioner Michael Rivera pointed out that the role of libraries has expanded and changed over time. He said they are places where people of all ages can gather for a variety of programs and services. Commissioner Dante Santoni Jr. said he considers libraries to be the heartbeat of the community. 'It's not just about books — it's about being part of the community,' he said. National Library Week aims to bring attention to the institutions that are dedicated to knowledge, entertainment and community programming. It will be observed starting April 6 with special events focusing on the 2025 theme 'Drawn to the Library.' Stephanie Williams, administrator of the Berks County Public Library System, accepted the proclamation and stressed the importance libraries hold in the communities they serve. 'Our 23 library locations are sanctuaries of learning, access points for creativity and beacons of opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds,' she said. 'Whether it's hosting community events, providing digital resources or inspiring young minds with stories, libraries enrich our lives in ways that are often invisible but always vital.' Williams said that in 2024 nearly 200,000 patrons attended programs hosted by Berks libraries. She said the library system experienced a 5% increase in the number of visits to its facilities — bringing the total to 950,000. 'If that trend continues we will surpass 1 million visits in 2025,' she said. 'I challenge residents to visit our libraries and become part of achieving that milestone.' Also at the meeting, the commissioners officially kicked off the planning for the next comprehensive plan that will provide a vision for the county through 2040. David Hunter, executive director of the planning commission, said his team is ready to embark on the two-year journey to develop a new policy guide of sorts for the development of municipalities in the county. The plan establishes a foundation for land use, development regulations and investment decisions regarding transportation, housing, municipal services, public utilities and resource conservation. Ashley Showers, assistant director of the planning commission, said the plan serves as a guide for municipal officials tasked with making land-use decisions that balance economic growth with environmental protection and community interests. She said that over the next two years the planning commission will strive to keep the community informed about the process through meetings.
