David Germain
Verified- Multimedia Journalist, WGGB-TV (Springfield, MA)
- Multimedia Journalist, WSHM-TV (Springfield, MA)
Springfield
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Articles by David Germain
Salem expects about 1 million visitors in October
SALEM, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - City leaders expect about 1 million visitors to Salem this month for Halloween season. That’s good news for Ascend Get Lifted in Salem, where Luis Pena reads auras from a photograph. Aura photo process “That camera takes that living energy, stops it for a moment in time, prints it, voila. There’s your aura,” Pena said. Pena guided Wick through posing for the aura camera. Reading results “We’re sharing the same thoughts, okay? It’s the same thing.
Springfield Technical Community College reopens after power outage
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Springfield Technical Community College has reopened after closing due to a power outage. School officials said power across campus went out during the early morning Wednesday. All classes and events will resume as scheduled today.
Heating costs driving increased interest in wood and pellet stoves
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - As heating costs rise, some homeowners are turning to wood and pellet stoves as alternatives to electric and oil heating. According to the state, the average heating oil price in Massachusetts is $6.18 per gallon. At McKenney Hearth and Home in Holyoke, lead installer Bill Cardinal said more people are using open fireplaces and considering wood and pellet stoves to cut heating costs. “This year, it has certainly spiked.
Donations aren’t keeping up with need at local food pantries
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - With Thanksgiving just over a month away, one local soup kitchen director says more people need help but donations aren’t keeping pace. Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry provides free groceries and hot meals to residents of Chicopee throughout the week. Executive Director Kim Caisse has been serving in her role for over four years and she says the kitchen is seeing more people.
State police launch Operation Wicked Safe to target dangerous driving
(WGGB/WSHM) - State police from Massachusetts and five neighboring states are increasing patrols on major roadways across the region through Thursday as part of Operation Wicked Safe. The initiative runs Oct. 13-15, with highly visible, targeted patrols by troopers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Isaias remnants trigger sewage overflows into Connecticut and Mill rivers
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Rain from the remnants of Isaias brought about 1.5 to 2 inches to the Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee areas from late Sunday into Monday, prompting combined sewer overflows into the Connecticut and Mill rivers, according to the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission. Water levels appeared normal at the Medina Street boat ramp in Chicopee, but the rain still caused overflow. Combined sewer systems carry sewage and stormwater in the same pipes.
Banned book display at South Hadley bookstore highlights challenged titles
SOUTH HADLEY, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A new report found that U.S. public schools banned nearly 12,000 books last year, the most since tracking began in 2021. During Banned Books Week, Odyssey Bookshop is highlighting some of those titles in a display at its South Hadley store. The American Library Association, which publishes the report, counts a ban as any action against a book over its content, whether it comes from parents, the community, or lawmakers.
Flu cases begin to ride at start of season, local doctor says
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - We’re heading into respiratory season, and doctors said it’s not just the flu people should watch for. COVID cases have also been rising, while other viruses are circulating. Western Mass News spoke with an infectious disease doctor at Baystate Medical Center about what they’re seeing — and how to lower your risk. It may feel like flu season is starting early — but it’s more accurate to call this respiratory season.
Hot Chocolate Run helps support Safe Passage’s work in community
NORTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — For 50 years, Safe Passage has provided services for survivors of domestic violence, including legal aid and emotional support. The organization also offers a 24-hour helpline, counseling, and specialized programs for LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities. Safe Passage raises unrestricted funds through community events such as its annual Hot Chocolate Run. The organization can use the money where it is needed most.
West Springfield to close Morgan Road for sewer main repair
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Crews are preparing to repair a portion of Morgan Road in West Springfield after a sewer main collapsed, work that will begin despite cold temperatures. The repair stems from a failed job done seven months ago. According to the West Springfield Water Department, a leak was caused by a sewer repair completed in the area in March. A contractor had to move water lines to fix a sewer pipe at that time, but the repair did not hold.
PETA sues UMass campuses over animal research records
BOSTON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed public records lawsuits against the University of Massachusetts Amherst and UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, accusing both institutions of withholding information about their animal research oversight committees. PETA filed the lawsuits in Suffolk Superior Court. The lawsuits center on the universities’ Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, or IACUCs, which review and approve experiments on animals.
Gov. Healey unveils plan to expand eligibility for heating assistance
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - As the cost of oil continues to increase, Governor Maura Healey unveiled a $150 million plan on Monday to lower heating costs for nearly everyone in Massachusetts. The state is offering a “middle class” heating benefit for those in need of heating assistance. Under the emergency relief plan, families making up to $170,000 would receive a one time check for oil help.
Springfield rally targets Flock camera surveillance
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Community members are planning to rally today over the use of Flock cameras and other automated license plate reader surveillance systems in the city. The rally is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Springfield City Hall, before the Springfield City Council meeting. What the cameras do Flock cameras are placed along roadways and capture license plates for use by law enforcement.
Holyoke orders mandatory water restriction during main repair
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The Holyoke Water Works has scheduled final repairs to a 30-inch water main on Route 202. The repairs will begin Oct. 5 and last through Oct. 9. During that time, the Holyoke Water Works is instituting a mandatory essential water use restriction throughout the entire city.
Heating assistance applications open as agencies report early demand
CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Applications are open for Massachusetts’ Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP, and local agencies are reporting an increase in inquiries from residents seeking help with winter heating bills. At the Valley Opportunity Council, the phones have been busy since applications opened. “It does feel like it’s a busier season already,” said Melissa White, director of programs for the Valley Opportunity Council.
Agawam church offering snacks to kids heading for the school bus
AGAWAM, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Waiting for the school bus can be a cold and lonely start to the day, but for some students in Agawam, Thursday mornings look a little different. Western Mass News has the story of how one local church is helping build a stronger community one snack at a time. It’s a typical Thursday morning in Agawam.
Christmas items starting to hit store shelves
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- It is not yet October, but some local stores are already displaying Christmas merchandise, giving shoppers an early start on holiday shopping. At Rocky’s Ace Hardware, shoppers can find pumpkins and rakes alongside Christmas trees and lights. Store manager Dave Whyte said some customers had already asked whether the store had Christmas lights. “Some customers were asking if we had Christmas lights, which we actually do now,” Whyte explained.
Holyoke police arrest suspect in High Street break-in
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan announced that officers arrested a suspect in a breaking and entering at a High Street business. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at approximately 2:40 a.m., Sgt. Matthew Goulding and Officers Sean Skelton, Samuel Rodriguez, Matthew Landry and Hayden Hamilton responded to an alarm call at 205 High Street. Officers encountered a subject, later identified as Heber Esquilin, who had an active warrant. Officers placed Esquilin under arrest.
Car plows into pizza restaurant, owner picks up pieces
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A restaurant owner in Springfield is devastated but picking up the pieces after a car plowed into his pizzeria early Friday morning. Muharrem Gunaydin’s routine was shattered by a phone call no business owner wants to get. “I was sleeping and actually I didn’t answer the phone because I don’t answer the phone, you know, middle of the night,” he said.
TJO to host adopt-a-thon as shelter hits animal capacity
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A local animal shelter is sounding the alarm, saying they have officially hit “max capacity.” The Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center said their cages are full, and they’ve had to make the difficult choice to stop taking in pets from owners. Western Mass News went inside the Springfield shelter to show us why they’re so crowded — and how you can help. Inside the TJO Animal Control and Adoption Center, the sound of barking is constant.
Foods to try during “Bargain Bites Day” at the Big E
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - If you’re headed to West Springfield on Monday, you can leave the budget stress at home as it’s officially Bargain Bites Day at the Big E. Vendors across the fairgrounds are serving up smaller portions at special prices so you can taste test your way through the entire fair. Classics like White Hut hotdogs and Anna’s fried dough bites are available to try. You can also honor the last day of summer with a slushy from Slush Factory.
‘Drive for the Cure’ tournament marks 18 years of supporting brain cancer research
LONGMEADOW, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A local businessman’s memory is driving a cancer research breakthrough, one golf swing at a time. More than 150 golfers teed off at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow Monday for the 18th Annual Tom Cosenzi “Drive for the Cure” Charity Tournament. In nearly 20 years, the tournament has raised more than $2 million for brain cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The tournament honors Cosenzi, who passed away from a glioblastoma brain tumor.
Backyard Cantina debuts at the Big E as fair opens in West Springfield Original
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The Big E opened Friday, starting a 17-day run with tens of thousands of people expected at the fairgrounds each day. The fair includes carnival rides, circus performances, state buildings and musical acts at the Court of Honor Stage and the Big E Stage. New food vendors join this year’s fair A handful of new food vendors are debuting this year, including the Backyard Cantina, located near the Big E Stage.
Mobile 9/11 museum comes to this year’s Big E
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A massive piece of history set to debut in West Springfield on Friday, and it’s much more than just a museum on wheels. The “9/11 Never Forget” mobile exhibit has arrived at The Big E fairgrounds. It’s an 83-foot trailer that transforms into a tribute to the heroes we lost and the families still being supported to this day. It’s a sight that stops you in your tracks – a 1,100-square-foot museum sitting in the heart of the Eastern States Exposition.
Massachusetts pushes bettors to show athletes respect
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The five largest American professional sports leagues and their players’ unions sent a letter Tuesday to 35 states and the District of Columbia, urging state gambling regulators to combat escalating harassment and violent threats from sports bettors. A study conducted by the NCAA last November found that 7% of Division I men’s sports athletes overall reported receiving negative or threatening messages from fans who bet on their game.
Hazmat crews respond to fume-emitting chemicals at Springfield meat plant
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Fire crews responded early Tuesday to a hazmat call at Smithfield Packaged Meats on Carando Drive after a 5-gallon pail of ether and acid began emitting fumes inside a room at the facility. The call came in around 6:39 a.m., according to the alert. Several fire trucks and a large number of fire department personnel were on scene. A Tier 2 hazmat response was requested. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Springfield celebrates 36th annual Puerto Rican Parade
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The city of Springfield celebrated its 36th annual Puerto Rican Parade on September 13, following their Pa’lante 5K on September 12. The parade embraced Puerto Rican culture, heritage and pride. More than 100 groups and organizations marched in this year’s parade. Leaders said their mission focuses on inclusiveness and cultural pride to inspire future generations.
UMass Football wins home opener
AMHERST, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The UMass Minutemen are 2-0 on the season after defeating the Sacred Heart Pioneers at McGuirk Alumni Stadium today 37-10. Minutemen Senior Wide Receiver T.Y. Harding scored a recorded a 49-yard receiving touchdown and returned a punt return 82 yards to the house in the first quarter to set the tone. Springfield native Pop Watson finished with one incompletion and a pair of touchdowns (passing & rushing).
West Springfield remembers local 9/11 victim 25 years later
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The West Springfield Town Common fell silent at 8:46 a.m. as the community marked the moment the first plane struck the North Tower 25 years ago. For Bob Harrington, the anniversary marks the day he lost his daughter, Melissa, who died in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. “Well, to me, it’s not different. It’s always the same because I can’t look her in the eye. I can’t touch her. I can’t talk to her.
One garden plant may offer help against spotted lanternflies
SUNDERLAND, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Massachusetts officials are asking residents to help manage spotted lanternflies during egg-laying season as the invasive pest has been reported in more than 145 cities and towns across the state. Spotted lanternflies feed on sap and leave behind a sticky liquid called honeydew. The substance can coat cars, decks, and native plants and the film can keep plants from absorbing sunlight.
MSP investigation leads to Fentanyl distribution bust
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Two Chicopee men were arrested after a monthslong investigation into suspected fentanyl distribution led to the seizure of drugs, firearms and cash, according to Massachusetts State Police.
Civil Air Patrol pilot helps locate downed plane in Ludlow
LUDLOW, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Investigators continued work in Ludlow following a fatal plane crash Saturday night. Officials say two people died when a Piper 28-A went down in a wooded, swampy area off Center Street. It was a dark, rainy Saturday night when the calls first started coming in. Residents in Ludlow reported a low-flying plane in distress, followed by the sound of a crash. In the dense, swampy woods off Center Street, rescuers were searching blind.
Two western Mass. colleges set to renew football rivalry for another season
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Western New England University and Springfield College are set to open their football seasons against each other Friday night in the 13th annual Pynchon Saw game. Western Mass News spoke with both sides before they battle it out for the trophy under the lights. College football is back and the City of Firsts is being treated with a local rivalry game to kick things off.
Stone Soul Festival returning to Springfield’s Blunt Park
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The 37th annual Stone Soul Festival returns to Blunt Park, continuing a Springfield tradition that began as a neighborhood picnic in 1989. The event has grown into one of the largest African American festivals in New England. “It was held at Forest Park and it was an overwhelmingly successful event. It got so large until they had to move it to Blunt Park, our current location,” Stone Soul Festival Entertainment Coordinator Andrew Cade said.
Liberty Street closed after van, bicycle collision
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Liberty Street is closed between the McDonald’s and the rotary following a crash that appears to involve a van and a bicycle. Details on the crash have not been confirmed. Police have been contacted for more information. Updates will be provided as details become available.
AI-powered tool aims to improve communication between parents and schools
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Springfield Public Schools are launching a new AI-powered tool designed to bridge the communication gap between schools and families. City leaders announced the launch of “Edia” on Tuesday, a system that sends instant alerts to parents’ phones if their child is missing from class. Parents can text the school in their native language and the tool will translate it for the staff allowing for real time, two-way conversations.
Kitchen fire injures one in Springfield apartment
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - One person was taken to a local hospital after an early morning apartment fire, according to the Springfield Fire Department. Crews responded to 76 Hall St. at around 12:04 a.m. Tuesday for a reported structure fire. First arriving crews found a fire in the kitchen. One occupant was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad determined the cause of the fire was an unattended cooking material.
UMass Minutemen football prep for their 2026 season
AMHERST, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Western Mass News is your sports authority, and with college football officially kicking off Friday, we’re taking a look at our UMass Minutemen as they prepare for their season opener next week. On Friday, UMass Minutemen football team hit the field focused on taking on Rutgers in New Jersey this coming Thursday night, and Western Mass News got to visit the team’s facilities to see how they’re preparing for pandemonium in Piscataway.
UMass Minutemen football prep for their 2026 season
AMHERST, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Western Mass News is your sports authority, and with college football officially kicking off Friday, we're taking a look at our UMass Minutemen as they prepare for their season opener next week. On Friday, UMass Minutemen football team hit the field focused on taking on Rutgers in New Jersey this coming Thursday night, and Western Mass News got to visit the team's facilities to see how they're preparing for pandemonium in Piscataway.
Chicopee schools train cafeteria staff to prepare restaurant-style meals
CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Chicopee Comprehensive High School’s cafeteria staff is preparing for the school year with training focused on scratch-cooking and restaurant-style meals. The district’s nutrition team spent the day Tuesday training with professional chefs. Nearly 90 cafeteria workers learned how to prepare dishes such as birria pork quesadillas while working within a school-lunch budget.
Student-athletes ramp up summer workouts ahead of fall season
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Hundreds of student-athletes have spent the summer preparing for the fall sports season as Springfield Public Schools works to get fields, facilities, and medical clearances ready for the school year. Dwayne Early, director of athletics for Springfield Public Schools, said preparation for the district’s six public high schools and multiple middle schools begins well before the start of the school year.
Springfield families win chance to buy homes below market price
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Four families were selected in a special housing lottery to buy brand-new homes for nearly half the market price. One of the winners, Sherrelle Manor, is a mother of four who moved to Springfield to rebuild her life. She said the opportunity is proof that hard work and faith pay off. “I knew that when I left Rhode Island and I moved here and I built my career and rebuilt my life, I knew that God had a purpose and a plan for me,” Manor explained.
Fire crews extinguish basement fire on High Street
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Springfield Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire at 92 High St. at approximately 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. First-arriving crews located a fire in the basement. The building appeared to be vacant. The fire has been extinguished. No injuries were reported. The Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad is investigating.
Big E job fair fills 200 positions one month before fair opens
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The Eastern States Exposition is holding a job fair today to fill about 200 positions one month before the Big E opens. The job fair is taking place at the Storrowton Village section of the fairgrounds. Hundreds of people are expected to submit applications and interview for openings in a variety of departments, including custodial, public safety and agriculture.
Local barbershop offers free haircuts ahead of back to school season
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - In the Six Corners neighborhood of Springfield, one barber is offering free haircuts in his community. Marquez McKreith-Collins has been going to Six Corners Barbershop since he was a kid and now, he’s the one behind the chair, going by the name “Kezzy the barber.” It all came about when he learned of an opportunity opening up while coming into the shop for a haircut. “I found out that the older gentleman, Skip, was retiring,” he said.
Chicopee truck driver takes 2.5 million accident-free miles to national competition
CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A Chicopee truck driver with 25 years and 2.5 million accident-free miles is heading to a national competition in Pittsburgh. Rich Sweeney has driven on Western Massachusetts roads for 33 years. He drives for XPO and will compete in the flatbed category after winning that division at the Massachusetts Truck Driving Championship in June. The competition begins August 11. It will be Sweeney’s 18th trip to the national event.
Elms College hosts public safety training exercise with local first responders
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Elms College is hosting a planned public safety training exercise Thursday with the Chicopee Police Department, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Response Team from Baystate Medical Center. The exercise began at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to continue throughout the day. Members of the public may see an increased police presence on and around the campus or hear loud noises associated with the exercise.
Kindergarten readiness: Local educator shares tips for families ahead of the new school year
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - With the new school year approaching, families preparing to send children to kindergarten for the first time are navigating a significant shift in academic standards and expectations. Local educators say that preparation should begin well before the first day of class. Mary Cieplik, a local parent and educator, said the most effective preparation happens at home.
Lucky Springfield resident wins dream home in lottery
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A Springfield woman is the newest owner of a renovated, energy-efficient home following a home ownership lottery in the city. Way Finders’ City of Homes program redevelops vacant and blighted homes. On Tuesday, Brittany Aponte’s name was picked out by Mayor Domenic Sarno among ten other applicants. “Emotional because it’s been a long road, but I’m also excited for a new chapter with my daughter, Amia,” she said.
New Springfield fire commissioner sworn into office
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The new Springfield fire commissioner isn’t just taking a new job on Monday, he’s also making history as the first Latino to ever lead the Springfield Fire Department. While he’s been on the clock as commissioner for over a week already, Monday is his official welcome to the public. Miguel Rivera’s is a ‘hometown hero’ story.
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