Obituaries from The Republican.

Steven Vigneault has sued the city, Police Commissioner John Barbieiri, the patrolman's union president, its lawyer and his former partner.

This is an update to a story filed at 3:25 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD -- A Hampden Superior Court judge has rejected a former narcotics detective's bid to win back his old job.

Steven Vigneault, who resigned from the police force in August amid an excessive force investigation, has sued the city, Police Commissioner John Barbieiri, the patrolman's union president, its lawyer and his former partner. His complaint has been characterized as a whistleblower lawsuit.

Vigneault alleges he was railroaded while the commissioner and the union went to great lengths to preserve Officer Gregg Bigda's job, even in the face of embarrassing video footage of Bigda threatening two juvenile suspects they believed stole Vigneault's car from outside a pizza shop in 2016.

The night of the car pursuit and the arrest of the boys, a chase ended in Palmer and drew a state police trooper, plus Wilbraham and Palmer officers. A Wilbraham patrolman later filed an "excessive force" report on an unnamed Springfield detective the patrolman alleges kicked one of the boys when he was handcuffed and on the ground.

Barbieri has filed an affidavit in connection with the civil case stating he was convinced it was Vigneault, though Vigneault has denied this. He also stated in the sworn statement that he was unaware of the Bigda videos until after a contractual 90-day window to bring charges against an officer had closed.

Bigda was suspended for 60 working days for the video incident, and drug prosecutions have crumbled in district and superior courts as a result of the blow to his credibility.

Vigneault's lawsuit alleges Bigda enjoys a level of inappropriate favor with department higher-ups. Barbieri denies this.

After a court hearing on Friday morning, Hampden Superior Court Judge Michael Callan denied Vigneault's motion, ruling his argument was not meritorious enough to warrant an emergency reinstatement.

Callan did, however, note during the hearing that he believes Bigda having remained on the force while Vigneault was advised to resign "felt imbalanced."

Police have responded to a report of shots fired at a Massachusetts mall.

BRAINTREE — Massachusetts State Police have responded to reports of a shooting incident at a shopping mall in Braintree.

Police say it appears that two people were involved in an altercation at the mall and that shots were fired by one or both of them.

Police believe at least one of the people involved in the fight has been injured.

Both suspects are still at large.

Braintree Police say that the mall is currently in lock down. They have asked that people stay away from it and the surrounding area.

Several teams of State Troopers as well as Braintree police officers are now in the process of searching the mall and the surrounding area.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.

Right when the shooting at Braintree mall happened pic.twitter.com/5TNq1KMEKV

— no (@LoveSeleah) February 4, 2017

Police have responded to a report of shots fired at a Massachusetts mall.

BRAINTREE — Massachusetts State Police have responded to reports of a shooting incident at a shopping mall in Braintree.

Police say it appears that two people were involved in an altercation at the mall and that shots were fired by one or both of them.

Police believe at least one of the people involved in the fight has been injured.

Both suspects are still at large.

Braintree Police say that the mall is currently in lock down. They have asked that people stay away from it and the surrounding area.

Several teams of State Troopers as well as Braintree police officers are now in the process of searching the mall and the surrounding area.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.

A federal judge in Washington State ruled to temporarily halt President Donald Trump's travel ban on a national basis.

SEATTLE — A federal judge ruled to temporarily block President Donald Trump's travel ban on nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries on Friday, according to The Washington Post.

U.S. District Judge James Robart, of Seattle, ordered a stay of President Trump's ban that applies nationally, according to the news outlet.

Trump's "Protection of the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States" order, signed January 27th, had banned nationals from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Sudan from entering the U.S. for a period of 90 days, and banned nationals from Syria "indefinitely."

Since its signing, President Trump's order has been met with considerable anger and confusion across the country--with civil liberty and immigrant rights groups launching protests and legal attacks.

One such attack was launched by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and various other federal officials on January 30th, arguing that the recent executive order given by the President justified discrimination.

Ferguson's lawsuit asked that a national restraining order be issued against Trump's executive order.

In court on Friday lawyers for the Trump administration attempted to argue that Washington State didn't have the legal standing to stay the President's order.

A response brief issued Thursday by Trump administration attorneys argued that every "President over the last thirty years has invoked this authority to suspend or impose restrictions on the entry of certain aliens or classes of aliens, in some instances including classifications based on nationality,"

However, Robart ultimately ruled in favor of Ferguson on Friday, ordering that the travel ban should be temporarily halted.

"The Constitution prevailed today," Ferguson said after the verdict was read. "No one is above the law -- not even the President."

A motorist was wounded when a car pulled up next to his and someone fired a shot, hitting him in the hip. The victim drove himself to the Baystate Medical Center for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Dave Canton | dcanton@repub.com 

Springfield Police Lt. Richard LaBelle said the 31-year-old victim was driving his car in downtown Springfield at about 2:30 a.m. when he stopped at the intersection of Dwight and State streets. A car pulled up next to him and as the two vehicles were side by side, someone in the second car opened fire and the victim was hit by two rounds in the hip.

The victim drove himself to the Baystate Medical Center emergency room for treatment of non-life-threatening wounds. He told police interviewers that he did not know his assailant, and could not describe the getaway vehicle.

The incident remains under investigation.

More than 275 guests gathered at the Chez Josef for the Westfield Sons of Erin 36th Colleen Ball, Friday, February 3. This year 17 young women were competing for the title of 2017 Westfield Sons of Erin Colleen.

AGAWAM - More than 275 guests gathered at the Chez Josef for the Westfield Sons of Erin 36th Colleen Ball on Friday. This year, 17 young women were competing for the title of 2017 Westfield Sons of Erin Colleen.

Opening the ceremony was Helen Tymeson, a member of the 2017 Sons of Erin Colleen Committee, followed by Master of Ceremonies Bo Sullivan, and Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan.

Claiming the top spot of 2017 Westfield Sons of Erin Colleen was Ashley R. Day, of Westfield. Serving as the Colleen Court are Fiona M. Cioch, Katie R. Knapik, Caitlyn N. Blanchard and Hannah L. Baker.

Other award winners included, the 2017 Thomas M. Kane Memorial Irishman of the Year going to Pat Sullivan, and the 2017 Dorothy Griffin Irishwoman of the Year going to Kerri Tymeson.

Retired Justice John Greaney will serve as the 2017 Westfield Sons of Erin Parade Marshal and lead the Westfield contingent in the 66th annual Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 19.

Musical entertainment was provided by pianist Kristen Flanagan and Leo Doherty & the Shamrocks.

Richard F. Casey, president of the Westfield Sons of Erin, added "Finally to the 2017 Colleen and her court, tonight you embark on a yearlong journey representing Westfield and the Sons of Erin. Savor the moments as they will be lifetime memories."

James Blain began the job this week and will earn $107,000 in his first year.

CHICOPEE - The School Committee this week approved a contract that will officially hire Chicopee High School's athletic director as its principal.

The committee Wednesday night approved the contract to name James Blain as principal of the nearly 1,000-student school. He will earn $107,000 in his first year on the job.

"It is an excellent selection for Chicopee High School," said School Committee member Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello.

She said Blain has proved his dedication to the students while serving as athletic director. He knows most of the students' names and has always focused on building sportsmanship and character, she said.

Blain was hired as athletic director in 2008. Prior to that he served as vice principal at Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical High School in Springfield and coached basketball at Chicopee High School.

The School Committee voted 11-0 to approve the contract.

"It is a good transition because he knows the faculty, he knows the staff and he knows the students," said School Committee member Michael J. Pise.

The school is currently entering a turnaround program in partnership with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Pise said he hopes there will be academic improvements with the new partnership and leadership.

Blain is taking the place of Roland R. Joyal Jr., who has been principal of Chicopee High School for 17 years. Joyal was promoted to assistant superintendent of human resources and officially started working in the new position on Monday.

Joyal was promoted to replace Stephen N. Nembirkow, who took a new job in Bristol, Connecticut.

Defendant Lee V. Murchison returned to the courtroom 45 minutes later with a more detailed disclosure of his income and expenses.

SPRINGFIELD -- Not every defendant who wants a taxpayer-financed lawyer gets one, as Lee V. Murchison's experience illustrated this week.

Murchison, 39, was arraigned Monday in Springfield District Court on a domestic battery charge. Claiming to be indigent, he requested a court-appointed lawyer and then filled out a statement detailing his income and expenses.

Not very well, in the opinion of Judge William Boyle, who reviewed the statement later.

"No. You can't just say, 'Obama pays for it all,''' the judge said, holding up the defendant's response.

Laughter rippled through the courtroom and Murchison turned toward the gallery, as if to acknowledge their response.

"It's not funny," Boyle said, and the laughter died down.

A court official gave the statement back to Murchison, who returned 45 minutes later with a more detailed disclosure of income and expenses. He listed his employment as a housing improvement contractor and "odd jobs" for his grandfather.

Neither disclosure was helpful.

"You have two jobs -- and one of them is under the table?" Boyle asked.

Not true, Murchison said. His work for his grandfather was above the table, he said.

It was early afternoon, on an unusually busy day in the state's busiest district court. More than 20 prisoners were still in the lockup, waiting to be arraigned. A dozen or more defendants sat in the gallery, waiting for their cases to be called.

The judge had heard enough.

"If you're working, you have to hire your own lawyer," he said.

Murchison did not seem surprised by the ruling. No stranger to the court system, he has a criminal history dating to 1997; last year, he had five cases in Springfield and Chicoppe district courts, with charges ranging from assault, larceny and intimidation to motor vehicle violations.

In his latest case, Murchison is due back for a pretrial hearing March 6.

The dog was unable to walk and was suffering from a fever and chronic infections of her skin, ears, urinary tract and mammary glands.

SPRINGFIELD -- A Chicopee man is facing an animal cruelty charge after allegedly bringing an emaciated dog with a fever and multiple untreated infections to an animal shelter for care.

Ronnie Crapps, 49, pleaded not guilty Monday in Springfield District Court to one count of cruelty to an animal stemming from his alleged treatment of his dog Bella, a female pit bull terrier.

His wife, Sarah Crapps, of Springfield, pleaded not guilty to the same charge.

By failing to provide adequate nutrition and medical care, the couple "knowingly and willingly subjected Bella to unnecessary suffering" for months, according to a complaint filed by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which investigates abuse and neglect complaints.

"Both knew they could have surrendered Bella at any time" to animal welfare officials, the complaint added.

Bella was carried, wrapped in a blanket, into the Dakin Humane Society's shelter in Springfield on Dec. 1, according to a case summary filed along with the charges. The dog was unable to walk and suffering from a fever and chronic infections of her skin, ears, urinary tract and mammary glands.

The dog's condition was so dire that shelter officials assumed that Ronnie Crapps wanted her euthanized. The owner insisted the dog had no health problems, but said he was no longer able care for her. A man accompanying Crapps added that "the dog was just very shy and never went outside the house," the report said.

Ronnie Crapps signed the surrender order and both men left, the report said.

When a veterinarian unwrapped the blanket, she was appalled by the dog's condition and immediately contacted MSPCA investigator Christine Allenberg.

When Allenberg contacted Ronnie Crapps, he denied ever neglecting or abusing the dog, according to the case summary.

He and his wife purchased Bella for their daughter more than a decade ago, Ronnie Crapps said. After the couple separated last year, the dog stayed with Sarah Crapps in Springfield but he visited several times a week. The couple eventually decided to surrender Bella because a back injury had made it increasingly difficult for Sarah Crapps to care for her, Ronnie Crapps said.

Bella was "very old ... and losing a bit of weight," but still healthy when he carried her into the shelter on Dec. 1, Ronnie Crapps said.

For her part, Sarah Crapps was "shocked" to learn of the dog's poor health and suggested the Humane Society was to blame, according to the summary.

While Ronnie Crapps described the dog as being elderly, Dakin staffers estimated her actual age at around 2 years, the report said.

The dog's health has rebounded since her arrival at the shelter, thanks to a proper diet and veterinary care. The multiple infections are gone, her hair is growing back and her weight is increasing at a rate of one pound a week, according to the report.

"She has been eating very well at the shelter, never turning down a meal or a treat," the report said.

The Crappses are due back in court for a pretrial hearing on March 31.

Responding to the debate that arose over the Electoral College following the 2016 presidential election, the League of Women Voters will hold a public discussion next week highlighting the pros and cons of the controversial election system.

SPRINGFIELD -- Responding to the debate that arose over the Electoral College following the 2016 presidential election, the League of Women Voters will hold a public discussion next week highlighting the pros and cons of the controversial election system.

The forum, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Springfield City Library's Brightwood Branch, will explore whether the United States should keep or dump the Electoral College as part of its presidential election process.

Linda Matys O'Connell, convener of the League of Women Voters/Springfield, said her organization believes that "people need real information to make good decisions about our government."

"We are eager for an in-depth airing of the issues surrounding the Electoral College with our thoughtful panelists," she said in a statement, noting that the LWV believes the direct-popular-vote method for electing presidents and vice presidents is "essential to representative government."

The event will feature a panel discussion with political scientists Amel Ahmed and Jesse Rhodes, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Adam Hilton, from Mount Holyoke College.

State Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, who has pushed for Congress to abolish the Electoral College, will also participate in the 6:30 p.m. event, which is free and open to the public.

"Given the importance of empowering voters to believe every vote counts in a presidential election, the repeal of the Electoral College merits a thorough discussion and examination," the Longmeadow Democrat said upon filing a resolution urging the state Senate to petition Congress against the process.

In wake of Hillary Clinton's defeat, state Sen. Eric Lesser calls for abolition of Electoral College

The Electoral College came under fire following the 2016 election when Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, but Republican Donald Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House.

Debates surrounding the process for electing presidents and vice presidents came to a head in late December, when electors in all 50 states met to cast their ballots and solidify Trump's presidential win.

In total, seven electors cast so-called "faithless" votes against the candidates to whom they were bound, breaking a record set in 1808 when six opposed James Madison.

Electoral College yielded record number of defections against Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump

Despite the relatively high number of "faithless" electors, such ballots have historically been rare.

Just over 150 electors had gone against their candidates since the founding of the Electoral College, including 71 of whom changed their vote due to their candidate's death, according to FairVote, a nonpartisan advocacy organization.

Prior to 2016, the last "faithless" Electoral College vote occurred in 2004 when a Minnesota elector cast a ballot for then-Democratic nominee John Kerry's running mate John Edwards.

The police department also donated to the library bookmobile.

CHICOPEE -- To thank the Elms College nursing department for the work faculty, students and staff do in the community, the Chicopee Police Department donated $1,010 to help continue the efforts of the Elms Care Van.

The van is a mobile unit that provides free health care to the homeless and underserved of Chicopee. The Health Department offers blood pressure checks and monitoring, blood sugar checks, foot care, episodic first aid, minor wound care, patient education and helps with other needs. It has been operational since 2013.

The van was started by Michael Duffy, a Franciscan friar and Elms College's coordinator of the accelerated second degree in nursing program and an assistant clinical professor. Police Chief William R. Jebb and others on Thursday handed Duffy, President Sister Mary Reap and Dean of Nursing Kathleen Scoble the donation.

The money was raised when usually clean-shaven police officers each paid $40 to grow a goatee in December. Even some of the officers who decided against growing facial hair -- including the female officers -- donated, said Michael Wilk, public information officer for Chicopee police.

The idea came from Sgt. Rick Henry. Officers agreed they wanted to donate to two local causes and split the money evenly between the two selected, Wilk said.

Half of the money was donated to the Chicopee Bookmobile at the end of December. That money will be used for summer programs the Bookmobile will offer as it visits parks, the farmer's market and other locations in June, July and August.

Elms College was on Christmas vacation at the time so the Police Department waited until now to present the second check.

"This van provides care and other essentials to the homeless community here in Chicopee. Thank you for all you do," Wilk said.

President Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out at a federal judge who temporarily blocked an executive order that bars refugees and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries, calling the move "ridiculous" and pledging to overturn it.

President Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out at a federal judge who temporarily blocked an executive order that bars refugees and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries, calling the move "ridiculous" and pledging to overturn it.

Trump, in a morning tweet, questioned Seattle-based U.S. District Judge James Robart's credentials, as well has his decision to temporarily halt the order, which bars Syrian refugees from entering the U.S., suspends all refugee admissions for 120 days and blocks citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days.

U.S. Judge temporarily blocks President Trump's travel ban nationwide

"The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!" Trump posted on Twitter.

The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017

Trump further urged support for his immigration executive order in a series of social media posts, contending that "Middle-Eastern countries agree with the ban" and suggesting that "big trouble" could come when a country is no longer able to decide who can come in and out of its borders.

When a country is no longer able to say who can, and who cannot , come in & out, especially for reasons of safety &.security - big trouble!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017

Interesting that certain Middle-Eastern countries agree with the ban. They know if certain people are allowed in it's death & destruction!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017

The president's tweets came just hours after the White House released a statement criticizing the legal action.

"The Department of Justice intends to file an emergency stay of this outrageous order and defend the executive order of the president, which we believe is lawful and appropriate," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said. "The president's order is intended to protect the homeland, and he has the constitutional authority and responsibility to protect the American people."

An updated version of the statement later released by the White House reportedly omitted the word "outrageous," according to Politico.

The White House last night originally slammed the Seattle judge's order as "outrageous." An updated statement left that word out. pic.twitter.com/dPoFhFaTLi

-- William Gallo (@GalloVOA) February 4, 2017

Trump's comments regarding Robart marks his latest public criticism of a federal judge.

The president previously suggested that federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who oversaw the Trump University case, may have been biased against him based on his Mexican-American heritage.

Police are investigating a single vehicle crash that reportedly killed a 20-year-old Stamford man and injured two passengers early Saturday morning.

STAMFORD, CONN. -- Police are investigating a single vehicle crash that reportedly killed a 20-year-old Stamford man and injured two passengers early Saturday morning.

The man was reportedly killed when the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 he was driving crashed into a tree near the intersection of Hope Street and Barnstable Lane around 1:13 a.m., Stamford Police Sgt. Andrew Gallagher told the Stamford Advocate.

Police said two passengers were injured in the crash: a 23-year-old man, who was in critical condition at Stamford Hospital, and a 20-year-old man, who was treated and released, the newspaper reported.

Police did not release the names of those involved in the crash.

According to police, the pickup truck appeared to be headed north on Hope Street at a high rate of speed when the driver began to lose control as he approached Hartford Avenue. The truck reportedly crossed into the southbound lane and skidded into a tree off the west side of the road.

A man suspected of stealing $3,500 worth of guitars from a Boston Road music store was arrested Friday after a K-9 officer reportedly tracked him down at a Waterford Circle home, city police announced Saturday.

SPRINGFIELD -- A man suspected of stealing $3,500 worth of guitars from a Boston Road music store was arrested Friday after a K-9 officer reportedly tracked him down at a Waterford Circle home, city police announced Saturday.

Jose Ayala, a 42-year-old Springfield resident, was taken into custody and charged with larceny over $250 and breaking an entering with intent to commit felony after he allegedly stole two guitars from the Falcetti Music Store and broke into a nearby home, according to Springfield Police.

Officers, who responded to an alarm at the 1755 Boston Rd. music store just before 9 p.m. Friday, were told that a heavy set male had stolen two "Paul Smith Reed" electric guitars worth $3,500 before fleeing on foot toward Biddle Street.

Springfield Police K-9 Officer Eric Blair and his partner Warner tracked the alleged thief to a house located on Waterford Circle, where a male who appeared to be sweating and out of breath answered the door, police reported.

According to Springfield Police, the man told officers nothing suspicious was going on. A neighbor, however, told police that the man who answered the door did not live at the residence.

Warner and Blair, meanwhile, reportedly found the guitars in the back of the home along with a gray colored coat similar to that worn by the alleged thief.

Springfield Police said the neighbor contacted the homeowner and put her on with police. She told investigating officers that the man in her house must have broken in.

Falcetti Music staff came to the home and positively identified the man and officers arrested him, Springfield Police reported.

Ayala will be held over the weekend until he is arraigned on Monday, police said.

The $2.9 million project will be substantially funded with federal dollars.

NORTHAMPTON -- The sharply-angled intersection of North King and Hatfield streets is in line for replacement with a roundabout.

The Route 5 juncture is one of the most dangerous in the city, according to Director of Planning and Sustainability Wayne Feiden, who started planning for the roundabout nearly three years ago. 

Plans include new sidewalks on the west side of Hatfield Street, on North King Street north to River Valley Market, and on part of the east side of North King.

The goal is to improve traffic flow and safety, and provide safe accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists. The $2,874,896 project has been approved for $2,299,917 in federal funding, public documents show. 

River Valley Market built its facility north of the intersection several years ago, which added to the traffic. At the time, the food co-op donated $150,000 for traffic calming as part of the zoning agreement. Northampton used that money to help fund engineering and design services for the roundabout.

The city in recent years built two other roundabouts: one at the intersection of Rt. 9, Bridge Road and Look Park in Florence, and another at Conz and Pleasant streets just south of the downtown area.

Smaller than the rotaries, roundabouts are circular structures aimed at channeling traffic from every direction in a smooth flow instead of stopping cars at traffic lights.

A 6:30 p.m. public hearing on the project is set for March 6 at Northampton City Hall, located at 210 Main St. Plans will be on display a half-hour before the hearing begins.

All views and comments made during the hearing will be taken into consideration, according to a notice posted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 

The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and State, in response to a Friday court ruling, have suspended implementation of major sections of an executive order that bars refugees and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.

The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and State, in response to a Friday court ruling, have suspended implementation of major sections of an executive order that bars refugees and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.

Homeland Security officials, who announced the move in a Saturday statement, said the suspension pertains to "any and all actions implementing the affected sections" of President Donald Trump's executive order.

"This includes actions to suspend passenger system rules that flag travelers for operational action subject to the executive order," the agency said. "DHS personnel will resume inspection of travelers in accordance with standard policy and procedure."

U.S. Judge temporarily blocks President Trump's travel ban nationwide

DHS further stated that the Department of Justice intends to file an emergency stay of the order and defend Trump's executive action, which it called "lawful and appropriate."

"The order is intended to protect the homeland and the American people, and the president has no higher duty and responsibility than to do so," the DHS statement concluded.

A State Department spokesman, meanwhile, said Saturday that the agency had "reversed the provisional revocation of visas" under Trump's executive order, allowing individuals with visas that are otherwise valid and were not physically canceled to travel, the Washington Post reported.

The changes come after Seattle-based U.S. District Judge James Robart moved to temporarily block the president's so-called travel ban -- a ruling that applies nationally.

Trump, in a morning tweet, questioned the judge's credentials, as well has his decision to temporarily halt the controversial order, which bars Syrian refugees from entering the U.S., suspends all refugee admissions for 120 days and blocks citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days.

"The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!" Trump posted on Twitter.

President Donald Trump condemns 'so-called judge' who temporarily blocked travel ban

AAA now offers Registry of Motor Vehicle Services at three of its four locations, West Springfield, Springfield and Hadley, with the lone exception being Greenfield.

SPRINGFIELD -- AAA Pioneer Valley has moved into larger offices at 1891 Wilbraham Road at the Fresh Acres Plaza in Springfield's Sixteen Acres neighborhood so it can now offer Registry of Motor Vehicles services to members in Springfield.

The former location, a few miles away in the Five Town Plaza, was not large enough to offer the services, said Sandra Marsian, a AAA Pioneer Valley spokeswoman.

The new office in Fresh Acres Plaza opened with the first of the year. A grand opening and ribbon cutting is planned in the future, she said.

The Fresh Acres Plaza location was once a Blockbuster movie rental store.

The office offers AAA Driving School, AAA Travel and AAA Insurance services along with Registry of Motor Vehicles services.

Through an arrangement with the state, AAA offers some but not all registry services to members. At AAA, members can renew their drivers licenses or get a duplicate; renew or transfer their passenger car, trailer, motorcycle, camper or commercial registration; and apply for a duplicate title.

Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

State-run RMV offices are not open on Saturdays, but they are open until 6 p.m. on Thursday.

MassDOT opened a new RMV in the Springfield Plaza in January. That location replaced one on Liberty Street downtown that had too little parking and too little space.

With this move, AAA Pioneer Valley now offers RMV services at three of its four locations, including West Springfield and Hadley. The one without RMV service is in Greenfield, but the RMV itself has a service center very nearby.

Marsian said the state's plan is to offer some RMV services at all AAA locations as a convenience to AAA members and to relive lines at the RMV.

The breakfast drew more than 300 men of all ages to break bread together, and to share messages of personal growth and the power of education.

SPRINGFIELD - The fifth annual Men's Prayer Breakfast on Saturday drew more than 300 men of all ages to break bread together, and to share messages of personal growth and the power of education.

The free event, open to the public, packed the Alden Baptist Church on State Street. It served as a celebration of Black History Month and featured reflections from civil rights leaders.

"We are men of community, men of faith, and that's what's going to show our young men what it means to be a good global citizen," said Rev. Calvin McFadden, pastor of St. John's Congregational Church, before leading a prayer. McFadden brought his son to the breakfast to introduce him to "distinguished men of color who are doing great and wonderful things."

"This is a learning experience (for young men). That's the foundation of this event," said Raymond Jordan, a former state legislator who served as chairman of this year's breakfast committee.

Speakers included former state Rep. Ben Swan, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and state Rep. Bud Williams, also a Springfield city councilor.

Swan told stories of violence at the hands of Springfield police officers during the Civil Rights movement, and said his forebears lived in times of intense racist animosity. During Ronald Reagan's presidency, he said African-Americans suffered under trickle-down economics, "and we survived that."

"Those of you who are somewhat dismayed by what is happening at the national level, don't be," said Swan. "What we need to do now is tighten up. And have hope, but we've got to be involved."

Owen C. Tynes, a 19-year-old Springfield native and freshman at New York University, gave the keynote remarks. Tynes was the 2015 winner of the Senator Edward W. Brooke III Oratorical Scholarship Competition. His impassioned address drew several standing ovations.

Tynes said that, while some students go to college "to find themselves," young black men in urban areas must go college to "fight" for the American Dream.

"We need to capitalize on those with high dreams and remind them that they can be whatever they want to be," said Tynes. "We need to not rationalize their failures, and instead, push them to do better."

Besides social issues, black men face other challenges. Health care disparities are a major concern for African-Americans, leading to a high mortality rate compared to men of other races. Williams, the lawmaker and city councilor, said he is working to address these problems at the Statehouse, but black men must take responsibility as well.

"We lead in many, many categories of men's health. High blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer. You name it, we have it," said Williams. "It's great to talk about Donald Trump, it's great to talk about our grandkids, but you know what? You may never seen them when they grow up."

Williams said black men should watch their diets, get regular exercise and stay up-to-date on doctor visits "because we are dying at a very rapid pace."

The breakfast featured musical selections by Alden Baptist Men's Choir, and Preacherman & The Singing Saints.

A suspect has been arrested in connection to a shooting incident in a Braintree mall on Friday night.

QUINCY, Ma -- A man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at a Braintree mall on Friday night.

Braintree Police Chief Paul Shastany released a statement regarding the incident on Saturday morning. 

Police believe 23-year-old Michael J. Spence opened fire inside of a Macy's department store in the South Shore Plaza mall on Granite Street, causing widespread panic and a lock-down of the mall by security forces, Shastany said. 

Police believe 23-year-old Michael J. Spence opened fire in a mall in Braintree on Friday night. Braintree Police Department 

The mall quickly became the subject of an intense investigation by local, state, and federal enforcement agencies, including the Braintree Police Department, Boston Police Investigators, and Massachusetts State Police.

Initial reports had suggested two people were involved in an altercation at the store and that gunfire had been exchanged, after which the two parties fled the scene.

After investigation, however, police came to believe that only Spence was responsible for the gunfire Friday night.  

After the initial situation at the mall was stabilized, law enforcement personnel were dispatched to ensure safe evacuations of the mall by patrons and employees, said Shastany. 

Shastany said hundreds of people were assisted by police with evacuations during a period of several hours after the initial call took place.  

Investigation of the mall also led police to discover a firearm and a number of shell casings at the scene of the incident. 

Shastany said that surveillance cameras, intelligence, and a collaboration with Boston Police Investigators led authorities to identify Spence as the suspect responsible for the shooting. 

He was taken into custody without incident in Quincy on Saturday morning and was subsequently transported to the Braintree Police Department for processing. 

Spence now faces a number of charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building in use.

Police had earlier intimated they believed that rival gang factions were responsible for the violent incident, though no information has been released on whether Spence is affiliated with any criminal organizations. 

"The most likely was not a random act, but a targeted act where the parties are familiar/known to one another," Shastany said. 

Investigation into the incident remains ongoing.