■Gov. Francis Sargent, paying a brief visit to the University of Massachusetts yesterday, helped inaugurate a unique rehabilitation program for delinquent youths by terming it the “most exciting thing that could possibly happen to the state of Massachusetts.” The basic premise of the program, which is aimed at reorienting the teenagers to society, is to deinstitutionalize their training by assigning them student counselors who will work with them on a one-to-one basis.
■A Northampton High School senior has been selected for the All-New England High School soccer team. John Ebel, a Northampton native, was one of four goalies nominated from the 469 schools, and one of two chosen. In his high school career, Ebel was named All-Western Mass. goalie two years running, as well as all Pioneer Valley League goalie.
■Kellogg Brush Manufacturing Co. is moving its housewares factory to Ohio, workers and others said they learned today. State Rep. Nancy Flavin, D-Easthampton, said she got a call from Kellogg employees about 7 a.m., and later from officials at Ekco Group Inc.
■The 16 Northampton teachers and administrators who recently took a course in the psychology of racism say it was a workout academically and emotionally, but worth it all for the insights gained. The course, created by Beverly D. Tatum, a professor of psychology at Mount Holyoke College, is part of a larger project aimed at heightening awareness about the factors of race and culture in the Northampton schools.
■Hard Rock International is reconsidering its plans to build a casino in Holyoke and exploring alternatives elsewhere in western Massachusetts, a partner in the project said Wednesday. Anthony Cignoli said the group is not giving up on its Holyoke plans but is entertaining conversations with other western Massachusetts communities that have approached the group about building a casino in their town.
■John Chakalos, the developer who owns the Linda Manor nursing home in Leeds, is pitching plans to build a new 90-bed assisted living and Alzheimer’s community on adjacent property off Haydenville Road and also to expand the nursing home by a dozen beds.