Ryan Trowbridge
Verified- Web Content Manager, WGGB-TV (Springfield, MA)
- Digital Content Manager, WGGB-TV (Springfield, MA)
Chicopee
Web Content Mgr at @WMassNews in Springfield, MA. Husband, Father, & enjoying life in WMass. (again)
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Articles by Ryan Trowbridge
Fall allergy season is worse than last year, Springfield doctor says
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A Springfield doctor says this fall allergy season is worse than last year, with more patients seeking sick visits and urgent treatment. “Every season in the last ten or so years has been progressively worse,” said Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of New England.
West-East Rail project receives $130 million federal grant
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced $130 million in new federal funding for the West-East Rail project, supporting upgrades to tracks, signals, and other infrastructure in and around Springfield’s Union Station. The grant comes from the federal CRISI grant program and will fund part of the state’s Compass Rail vision, which is centered at Union Station.
Shoppers evacuated from two Holyoke Mall stores after gas line struck
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Shoppers were evacuated from Target and Mystery Bins at Holyoke Mall after a worker accidentally struck a gas line in a store’s loading dock area. The first call came in shortly before 1 p.m. Friday. Crews soon arrived and fixed the problem before the rest of the mall had to be evacuated. Both stores have returned to normal operations.
Pittsfield man pleads guilty after shooting tied to phone charger argument
PITTSFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A 20-year-old Pittsfield man will spend at least seven years in prison after attempting to shoot someone during an argument over a phone charger, according to the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office. On October 18, 2025, officers responded to the area of Cherry Street in Pittsfield after someone reported hearing a gunshot. Police found a bullet hole in the windshield of a car and in the side of a building.
State seeks to revoke RegalCare licenses at facilities including in Greenfield and Holyoke
BOSTON (WGGB/WSHM) -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued a notice of intended agency action to Eliyahu “Eli” Mirlis, saying it intends to revoke the long-term care facility licenses for several RegalCare facilities, including locations in Holyoke and Greenfield. The notice, sent Tuesday, indicated that Mirlis was allegedly not suitable or responsible to have or maintain long-term care facilities in Massachusetts, according to the department.
Former Easthampton paraeducator pleads guilty to sexually assaulting two students
NORTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A former Easthampton paraeducator is going to prison for sexually assaulting two young students. Melissa Sippel, spokesperson for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, said 60-year-old Troy Gray was sentenced Thursday to five to seven years in state prison, followed by 10 years of supervised probation.
‘Suspicious mail’ received at Massachusetts elections office
BOSTON (WGGB/WSHM) – Authorities are investigating after “suspicious mail” was received at the office of Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin. Debra O’Malley, spokesperson for Galvin, said the mail, which was received late Friday morning, matched the description of other suspicious mail that had been received by other election offices across the country. The envelope was addressed to the Elections Divisions and was not opened.
Question 4 would allow same-day voter registration
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Massachusetts voters will decide whether to allow same-day voter registration under Question 4, one of nine binding statewide ballot questions on the November ballot. Massachusetts currently requires voters to register, update their registration, or change their party affiliation at least 10 days before an election or town meeting.
One man injured in Springfield shooting
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – One man was hospitalized after a shooting in Springfield. Springfield Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh said officers were called to the 0-100 block of McKnight Street around 9 p.m. Thursday for a ShotSpotter activation. When police arrived, they found evidence that there was a shooting. A short time late, a vehicle was seen speeding near the St. James Avenue rotary. The driver stopped and alerted police that there was an adult male shooting victim inside the car.
Bright Nights at Forest Park season pass sales underway
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Sales are underway for the season pass for Bright Nights at Forest Park. The pass is good for one car and everyone inside to drive through more than 750,000 lights as many times as they would like from opening night, Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, January 3. It also includes admission to every special event in Santa’s Magical Forest plus a free general admission car ticket you can give as a gift.
Springfield Police seize 18 illegal bikes and off-highway vehicles
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Springfield Police said Thursday they’ve seized more illegal dirt bikes and off-highway vehicles in their latest crackdown as complaints about reckless riding continue citywide. Last Friday, Saturday, and Monday, officers working a special detail took 11 illegal bikes and “tank” motorcycles off city streets, while Mass. State Police, working alongside them, towed at least seven more.
Security footage offers look at inspection of DementedFX attraction
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- New evidence reportedly shows what happened during an October 5 inspection after Holyoke officials shut down ‘The Cube,’ a separate part of the DementedFX haunted house attraction. ‘The Cube’ features electric shocks, strobe lights and simulated bee stings. Officials cited the absence of fire alarms, emergency lighting and sprinklers, along with permit issues dating back to July.
Judge revokes bail for former governor’s aide Lamar Cook
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Bail on state charges for former governor’s aide Lamar Cook was revoked during a hearing before he was released afterward. Cook was placed in handcuffs and led out of the courtroom in custody following the hearing. He was fired from his state position last year over drug charges and is now accused of federal SNAP fraud. Court documents show prosecutors have online screen grabs and surveillance photos related to the allegations.
Fire damages Waniewski Farms meat shop in Feeding Hills
FEEDING HILLS, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A fire damaged part of Waniewski Farms, a 75-year-old meat shop in Feeding Hills, early Thursday morning, prompting customers and former employees to rally around the business and its owner. Agawam firefighters responded just after 3:30 a.m. to the shop, located before the on-ramp to Route 57. When they arrived, flames were seen coming from the kitchen and chimney. Firefighters broke the glass front door to fight the fire from inside.
West Springfield man released on bail while facing new rape, kidnapping charges
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A West Springfield man accused of rape and kidnapping is out on bail, despite having a criminal history of similar crimes stretching back more than a decade. Mihail Lujan, 40, is facing one count of rape and one count of kidnapping in connection with an incident reported July 16 in West Springfield. He was released after posting $5,000 bail. Court documents detailing the latest case have been impounded, limiting the information available about the allegations.
Surgeon discusses Pope Leo’s recovery after lung cancer surgery
WORCESTER, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The Vatican said Wednesday that Pope Leo was walking and eating in his hospital room after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his lung. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis as pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Pope Leo publicly announced that doctors had found a nodule in his lung. The Vatican later confirmed that the pontiff had lung cancer and underwent surgery the same day.
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.
Rap promoter sentenced in Springfield for wire fraud conspiracy
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A Chicago-area rap promoter has been sentenced in federal court to years of probation for his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy. Steven Hayes Jr., 34, has also been ordered to pay more than $2,700 in restitution and forfeiture after pleading guilty in May.
Former Healey aide Lamar Cook facing federal SNAP fraud charges
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A former aide to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is now facing federal charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said 46-year-old Lamar Cook was arrested Wednesday on one count of SNAP fraud and wire fraud.
Power outage delays online classes and campus activities at STCC
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A power outage is impacting Springfield Technical Community College. Officials said that online classes, remote work, and on-campus activities are delayed until 1 p.m. because of the outage. Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have more information as it becomes available.
Conviction upheld for former physical therapist accused of indecent assault
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Convictions against a former physical therapist at Cooley Dickinson Hospital have been upheld after he was accused of inappropriately touching a patient back in 2019. Edward Kostek, 46, of South Hadley, was convicted of three counts of indecent assault and battery in September 2022 and sentenced to two years of probation.
Suspect faces murder charge in shooting outside Holyoke Boys and Girls Club
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The man accused in a deadly weekend shooting near a local Boys and Girls Club appeared in court Tuesday. Craig Jones is charged with first-degree murder, carrying a gun without a license, carrying a loaded gun without a license, and discharging a gun within 500 feet of a building. Jones pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held without bail. Witnesses said the shooting happened in front of children during a Western Mass.
Turners Falls house fire injures homeowner, firefighter
TURNERS FALLS, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A house fire injured a homeowner and a firefighter in Turners Falls on Tuesday and ammunition inside the home went off because of the intense heat, sending bullets yards from the house. Firefighters were called to 10 Sunset Drive just before 8 a.m. Crews from at least six departments battled the two-alarm fire for approximately two hours before getting it under control. The homeowner suffered a minor burn and was treated at the scene.
Wyckoff Country Club slated to close as owner plans residential development
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A Holyoke country club is slated to close as its owner prepares to transition the property. In a statement released Tuesday, Wyckoff Country Club owner Cesar Ruiz announced that he plans to convert the 110-acre golf course and surrounding property into “an upscale residential community.” The property would not require a zoning change as it’s zoned residential and the minimum building lot will be 20,000 square feet.
Paradise City Arts Festival brings artists and crafts to Northampton
NORTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A festival in Northampton was the hub of creativity over the weekend. The Paradise City Arts Festival covered everything from high-end work to handmade crafts. The three day event featured more than 200 artists from around the country. The festival all topped off with live music, craft drinks, and food from vendors like Local Burger, India House, and La Veracruzana.
Barks and Brews fundraiser benefits Dakin Humane Society
EASTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Dog owners headed to Fort Hill Brewery over the weekend for a special fundraiser benefiting Dakin Humane Society. ‘Barks and Brews’ was the perfect event for people looking to spend quality time with their pet and enjoy some craft beer. Money raised goes to the costs of sheltering, treating, and fostering the thousands of animals that go through Dakin every year.
Man killed in shooting outside Holyoke Boys & Girls Club
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – One person is under arrest after a deadly weekend shooting in Holyoke. Payton North, spokesperson for the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, said Holyoke Police were called to Nick Cosmos Way around 1 p.m. Sunday for a report of a man down. Officers arrived and found that the incident involved a shooting. The adult male shooting victim was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
Holyoke shooting leaves one dead; suspect arrested
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – One person is under arrest after a deadly weekend shooting in Holyoke. Payton North, spokesperson for the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, said Holyoke Police were called to Nick Cosmos Way around 1 p.m. Sunday for a report of a man down. Officers arrived and found that the incident involved a shooting. The adult male shooting victim was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
Holyoke cannabis dispensaries can extend hours under new pilot program
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Cannabis dispensaries in Holyoke can now extend their operating hours under a city pilot program approved by the Holyoke City Council. The voluntary program allows dispensaries to open as early as 6 a.m. and stay open as late as 2 a.m. The change is intended to provide options for healthcare workers, night-shift workers, and others whose schedules fall outside traditional business hours.
Former Smith Academy employee accused of indecent assault and battery on child
NORTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A former employee of a Hatfield school is facing charges. Melissa Sippel, spokesperson for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, said 32-year-old Allison Slysz of Hatfield was arraigned Thursday on two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years of age by a mandated reporter. The charges followed an investigation involving a female student while Slysz was employed at Smith Academy. Sippel noted Slysz no longer works at the school.
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.
Officer injured during arrest involving dirt bike rider, police say
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A Springfield police officer suffered minor injuries while trying to arrest a dirt bike rider Thursday afternoon. Springfield Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh said an officer was working an extra detail on the 1300 block of Carew Street around 6 p.m. Thursday while a restaurant and radio station were holding an event. The officers reportedly saw scooters, motorcycles, and several dirt bikes committing various traffic violations in the area.
UMass Game Day: Oct. 10
AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Western Mass News is a proud sponsor of UMass Athletics and we’re giving you the keys to the game with exclusive team access, interviews with coaches, and inside information.
Officer injured during arrest involving dirt bike rider, police say
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A Springfield police officer suffered minor injuries while trying to arrest a dirt bike rider Thursday afternoon. Springfield Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh said an officer was working an extra detail on the 1300 block of Carew Street around 6 p.m. Thursday while a restaurant and radio station were holding an event. The officers reportedly saw scooters, motorcycles, and several dirt bikes committing various traffic violations in the area.
Game of the Week: Westfield vs. West Springfield
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - This week, Western Mass News takes you to the home of the Terriers as West Springfield High School faces the Bombers of Westfield High. Stream all the action on Western Mass News+ starting at 7 p.m.
Southampton police search for missing boy
SOUTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Police in Southampton are currently looking for a missing four-year-old boy. They said the search is ongoing in the area of Russellville Road and Gilbert Road. The boy, whose name has not been released, was last seen wearing a white sweatshirt, red pants, and blue rain boots. Residents in the area are being asked to check their property and any nearby outbuildings. Anyone with information is asked to call Southampton Police.
Man accused of trespassing at Union Station faces gun-related charges
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A foot chase through downtown Springfield ended with a loaded gun, loose ammunition, and an arrest. Springfield Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh said security at Union Station trespassed 24-year-old Victor Manuel-Ortiz Jr. of Ludlow after he allegedly hid and then retrieved a gun from inside the facility’s garage.
One person seriously injured in Mass. Pike crash
LUDLOW, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- One person sustained serious injuries in a multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer Thursday morning on the Mass. Pike in Ludlow, according to Massachusetts State Police. Troopers were called to the crash near mile-marker 58.2 in around 8 a.m. Both eastbound lanes and one westbound lane were closed for a time. The westbound lane has reopened. The State Police commercial vehicle enforcement section and MassDOT also responded. The crash remains under investigation.
Holyoke DPW prepares for winter and possible plow driver shortages
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- As temperatures dropped and the first frost arrived for some Wednesday morning, Holyoke’s Department of Public Works had already begun preparing for the winter season. Holyoke DPW Director Michael Gallagher said the city began preparing earlier this year by procuring road salt. The maintenance garage has also been preparing snowplows and other equipment for winter. “You never know when the snow is going to come in,” Gallagher added.
Officials shortage forces local football teams to adjust game schedule
WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A shortage of football officials across Massachusetts led Westfield High School’s rivalry game against West Springfield to be moved up one day, giving the teams less time to prepare for Thursday night’s game. Westfield High senior Caven Connolly said the schedule change has been difficult, but the team is focused on moving forward. “It can be difficult, but I think we all got the right mindset. We just got to work through it.
Water main break expected to impact Belchertown neighborhoods
BELCHERTOWN, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A water main break is expected to impact water service in parts of Belchertown. Crews are working to repair the break, which is located near the area of Bay Road and Poole Road.
Easthampton school network down after cybersecurity incident
EASTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Easthampton Public Schools’ computer network is down after a cybersecurity incident was discovered Tuesday night, but classes remain in session, according to the district. The network will remain down until further notice while the district works with forensic experts to learn more about the extent and implications of the incident. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Balch detailed the network shutdown in emails sent Tuesday evening.
Ware Police: sleeping driver arrested on cocaine trafficking charge
WARE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Ware Police said a call about a sleeping driver turned into a drug trafficking arrest. Ware Police said they were called to Laurel Drive on Saturday for a man who was reportedly sleeping in a car along the road. Officers arrived and approached the driver, who appeared to be sleeping, and reportedly saw a large bag, which they believed to contain crack-cocaine, between his legs.
Two men arrested in Massachusetts for attempted murder of NYPD officer
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Two men, accused in the attempted murder of a New York City police officer, have been arrested in Massachusetts. The U.S. Marshal’s said D’Angelo Caraballo and Sneider Mejia were arrested overnight in Lynn. NYPD said they were allegedly involved in stabbing an off-duty detective several times and removed a chain in the Bronx on Friday. NYPD added that the suspects were found hiding in the basement of a home when they were arrested.
Big E attendance down amid rainy weather, traffic changes
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Attendance at this year’s Big E was down 17 percent from last year, according to Eastern States Exposition CEO and President Gene Cassidy. Cassidy cited several factors for the drop, including rainy weather. A nor’easter during the middle weekend impacted outdoor activities and Cassidy added a new traffic pattern on Memorial Avenue, where the road was reduced from four lanes to two, had an impact.
Feeding Hills parish picnic includes first apple pie baking contest
FEEDING HILLS, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills held its second annual picnic over the weekend, including a new apple pie baking contest judged by Bishop William Byrne and our own Chris Pisano. Byrne said judging the contest was a sweet treat. “It felt delicious. That’s what it was. It was a delicious experience to be able to judge and so much creativity and hard work went into these pies,” he explained. The event was open to the parish and the community.
New partnership aims to stop street takeovers in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey are launching a new partnership between Springfield Police and Mass. State Police to shut down street takeovers in Springfield. City officials hope the new partnership will give more resources to track these groups down and stop them before they even start.
UMass Game Day: Oct. 4
AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Western Mass News is a proud sponsor of UMass Athletics and we’re giving you the keys to the game with exclusive team access, interviews with coaches, and inside information. In this week’s edition of UMass Game Day, we catch up with football coach Joe Harasymiak about the team’s wins against Stonehill and Sacramento State, linebacker Timmy Hinspeter talks about his time on the field, and we check in with fans about their excitement of the team being 4-0.
Police response takes shape after Springfield shootings raise concerns
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Two separate shootings rocked Springfield’s Forest Park neighborhood on Thursday and have pushed both residents and officials to a breaking point. It began shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday when a ShotSpotter alert drew police to Hall Street, which was shut down for hours. A man suffering from gunshot wounds was transported to Baystate Medical Center where he later died. Hours later, another ShotSpotter alert led police to the area of Dickinson Street and Sumner Avenue.
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.
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