Not Guilty Plea In Crash That Killed Salem Officer: Patch PM

Salem MA

03 March, 2021

4:03 PM

Description

SALEM, MA — It's Wednesday, March 3. Here's what you should know this afternoon: Florene Mazola, the widow of late Salem police officer Dana Mazola, called the crash that killed him a "tragedy (that) continues to devastate everyone who loved Dana" after the driver charged in the collision pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide charges.It's all about the schools today. Massachusetts accelerated its plan to vaccinate teachers one day after President Joe Biden challenged states to prioritize them. Meanwhile, the state education commissioner is seeking emergency authorization that would help force more districts in-person. In Worcester schools, when students do come back, police officers might not be there. One construction worker is dead and another critically injured after a stairwell collapse in an East Cambridge parking lot. Scroll down for those and other stories Patch has been covering in Massachusetts today. Wednesday's Top Story The man charged with motor vehicle homicide in the head-on collision death of Salem police officer Dana Mazola last June pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned in Salem District Court on Wednesday. Juan Marinez, 26, of Salem, is charged with motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, speeding and marked lanes violations. "While we are thankful for the continuous support we've received from the community, the senselessness of this tragedy continues to devastate everyone who loved Dana," Florene Mazola, Officer Mazola's widow, said in a statement provided to Patch. "Not a moment passes when he is not profoundly missed." Read the full story here. Today's Other Top Stories In Massachusetts Educators get their shot at the shot: A full-time return to in-person learning looks to have gotten a whole lot closer Wednesday. Educators across Massachusetts will be able to book COVID-19 state vaccine appointments starting next week, with CVS appointments through the federal pharmacy program already open. Shortly after Gov. Charlie Baker's announcement, the State House News Service reported the state Board of Education will vote this week on whether to grant the state education commissioner emergency authority to determine when hybrid and remote models will no longer count towards required student learning time hours. Read that full story here. Expelling the police?: The Worcester City Council took a first swing at a package of police reforms proposed by the city manager including an initial vote on a recommendation to remove school police officers. In a 6-5 vote, the Council sent that item to committee for further debate.Construction worker dies in stairwell collapse: One construction worker is dead and another critically injured after the stairwell they working on collapsed in an East Cambridge parking garage. The workers were restoring the stairwell when it collapsed, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's office said. Looser restrictions pumping up gym owner: Nearly a year into the coronavirus health crisis — and seven months after his two Mass. Blink Fitness locations reopened in Beverly and Medford — Steve Stabile is starting to see some older, familiar faces once again. "Now that they've gotten vaccinated, they feel more comfortable and are excited to get back to the gym," he said. "They missed it." They Said It "The reporting party informed the officers this frightened her and pointed out the alleged Satan."— Transit police talking about an Orange Line rider who claimed his "I am Satan" message to a fellow rider was actually a pickup attempt. By The Numbers 32 — That's how many years Darrell Jones spent in prison for a 1985 murder he didn't commit. Now Jones is suing the City of Brockton, its police department and nearly 20 former police officers. Other local stories Wilmington School Committee Could Vote On Return Plans March 17Lemonheads' Dando Plays Surprise Performance At Falmouth Store Middlesex League Says State Education Plan Lacks Guidance As Town Moves To Buy, Milford Water Co. Valued At $66.3 Million