The "Cops and Bobbers, Hooks and Ladders" program connects inner-city youth with public safety professionals for a day of bonding in the outdoors.

SPRINGFIELD - The fish were biting on Saturday at Forest Park's Barney Pond, where dozens of families spent the day casting their lines and getting to know the police officers in their neighborhood.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's "Cops and Bobbers, Hooks and Ladders" program connects kids 12 and under with public safety professionals for a day of bonding in the outdoors.

"It's good for the kids," said Springfield Police Officer John Wadlegger before helping a young girl reel in her line. "We bring them out, show them how to fish, expose them to that environment, and try to build a bond."

The event was a partnership between the Springfield Police Department, Springfield Lodge of Elks and the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

Trophies were awarded for each catch, and the grand prize of a $50 shopping spree went to the child who caught the longest trout. Free hourly raffles gave kids another chance to take home a prize.

Experts from MassWildlife Angler Education taught kids the basics of casting, reeling and baiting a hook. Many of the children used equipment donated by Cabela's outdoor store.

The event was integrated with the 54th annual Elks Fishing Derby, sponsored by Elks Lodge #61 on Tiffany Street. Springfield Parks & Recreation, ReGreen Springfield and the Connecticut River Conservancy also participated.

Trout Unlimited and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stocked the pond. Food was donated by A.C. Produce in Springfield.

"We wanted to create an opportunity for kids to get outside. Children in urban communities don't always have a chance to connect with nature," said Jennifer Lapis of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Giving them that opportunity is really important."

City police are investigating a reported shooting on Wilbraham Road.

SPRINGFIELD -- City police are investigating a reported shooting on Wilbraham Road that has injured at least one person. 

Police responded to reports of shots fired into a car near the intersection of Wilbraham Road and Reed Street just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

One person who was reportedly injured by the gunfire sought medical attention at Mercy Medical Center, according to police. 

This is a breaking news story and will be updated when more information becomes available.

Brian Steele contributed to the reporting of this story.

Having responded to a series of overdoses in the last 24 hours, city police issued a public health alert Saturday for what they described as a "very dangerous batch of heroin."

NORTHAMPTON -- Having responded to a series of overdoses in the last 24 hours, city police issued a public health alert Saturday for what they described as a "very dangerous batch of heroin."

The Northampton Police Department, which announced the alert on its Facebook page, said officers and members of the city's fire rescue have been called to six drug overdoses -- five of which involved heroin -- since Friday. 

First responders have used narcan to revive individuals who had overdosed, the agency said.

Police urged individuals who have addictions or who may know others who are addicted to "please be aware that this very dangerous batch of heroin is in our community."

Northampton Police further encouraged those seeking information about addiction resources that are available locally to go to  HampshireHOPE.org.

A West Street home will be "uninhabitable for some time" following a morning fire, officials reported Saturday.

GRANBY -- A West Street home will be "uninhabitable for some time" following a morning fire, officials reported Saturday. 

Emergency crews responded to reports of a structure fire at a single family home located at 187 West St. just after 10:30 a.m.

Granby firefighters respond to reported West Street blaze

Firefighters extinguished the blaze with the help from South Hadley, Westover and other nearby communities, according to the Granby Fire Department.

No one was injured in the fire, which one Granby fire official said left the home uninhabitable.

A cat, however, was reportedly found unresponsive and later died shortly after the fire, according to Western Mass News.

Firefighters have yet to say what caused the blaze.

Large shade trees produce plenty of oxygen and support the ecosystem, volunteers said.

NORTHAMPTON -- It was 10:30 a.m. and Arbor Day Weekend volunteers set up in front of City Hall had already given out 60 free tree whips.

"We're trying to promote tree planting in the city," said a Department of Public Works employee, clad in a neon green vest. "I'm on the tree crew, and we care about this a lot."

Water-filled buckets were filled with saplings, including decorative species such as sweetgum, dogwood,  redbud, and lilac.

But Meredith Young, a longtime volunteer with Mass Audubon and the Botanic Garden at Smith College, said she was pushing the white oak option.

"The white oak is native to New England," she said. "It will grow into a large shade tree, and its leaves will put a lot of oxygen into the atmosphere."

The oak will endure many a harsh winter while serving the ecosystem for more than a hundred years, she said. Its acorns provide food for wildlife, and its tall branches offer nesting places for birds and animals.

"We need white oaks for the long-term survival of the planet," she said.

Sue Lofthouse, president of the non-profit Tree Northampton, said her group works closely with the city's Public Shade Tree Commission to help maintain and restore the city's street tree canopy.

Members of Tree Northampton plant trees around the city, using a careful method designed to ensure longevity and success, said volunteer Jon Gottsche. He said they also monitor and maintain the plantings.

Gottsche said his group gave out 140 trees on Friday and talked to dozens of people.

Richard Parasiliti, Jr. a certified arborist, is the city's tree warden. Parasiliti also sits on the tree commission, chaired by resident Lilly Lombard.

The commission last year won a $30,000 state grant to conduct an inventory of the city's public shade trees. A group of arborists were retained to conduct the inventory, described as "a critical baseline for developing a comprehensive urban forestry plan."

"This inventory should be extremely illuminating," said Parasiliti at the time. "There's a lot we don't know about the composition, distribution and health of our current tree canopy. This inventory will provide answers." 

Several years ago, it was revealed that because of budget issues, the Department of Public Works was removing old and diseased trees faster than they were being replaced. Lombard and others then moved to form the tree commission and advocate for maintaining the city's green canopy.

"Shade trees provide so many benefits," said Young. "We are happy to be spreading the word."

Watch scenes from the 2017 Extravaganja festival held in Northampton on Saturday. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON - Thousands of people came out to celebrate the 26th annual Extravaganja festival in Northampton on Saturday.

The event, which was held at the Three County Fairgrounds, featured live musical acts, art and food vendors, speeches by cannabis rights activists, and a keen enthusiasm for all things green. 

You can watch clips from Saturday's event in the video above.  

A large march for "climate justice" was held in Springfield on Saturday afternoon. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD - Several hundred people turned out for the march for "climate justice" in Springfield on Saturday afternoon. 

The march, which, is considered by its organizers to be a "sister march" to the much larger "People's Climate Movement" march that was held in Washington D.C., on Saturday.

Both were designed to call attention to a need for federal action to mitigate the effects of global climate change. 

The march was sponsored by the local Springfield Climate Justice Coalition and Climate Action Now, and was co-sponsored by more than 30 other western Massachusetts community, activist, and labor organizations. 

Marchers made their way from the Federal Courthouse to the steps of City Hall, where a rally was held and a number of speeches were made. 

One of the more notable speakers was Bishop Talbert Swan, who decried the political climate in Washington D.C., where he felt the scientific legitimacy of global climate change's existence was being questioned. 

"It's a shame when, in America, young, impressionable minds don't listen to real science but listen to talking heads who have a political agenda," Swan said, to thunderous applause. 

Another key speaker at Saturday's event was Jesse Lederman, activist with Arise for Social Justice and a current candidate for the seat of Springfield City Council At-Large. 

For Lederman, it wasn't just an opportunity to discuss the importance of political action, but to announce some concrete news concerning an initiative to drastically decrease Springfield's level of pollution in the coming years.  

"In 2013, at the end of a climate justice conference, we said we wanted a climate action plan from the city, to figure out how to reduce pollution, how to improve public health--especially among the most vulnerable," Lederman said.

"Today, I came to this rally from the final community engagement meeting for the Springfield climate action plan," Lederman announced. "That plan is being implemented in this city over the next six months, and when it's implemented it will reduce pollution in the city of Springfield by 80 percent over the next ten years," he declared.

A man has been apprehended after allegedly shooting someone on Wilbraham Road in Springfield on Saturday afternoon.

SPRINGFIELD - One person was shot on Wilbraham Road in Springfield on Saturday afternoon, after which the alleged shooter was arrested almost immediately at the scene of the crime, according to police.  

It was a violent episode that was resolved quickly by an off-duty police officer who just happened to be present when the shooting occurred, according to Sgt. John Delaney of the Springfield Police Department. 

The officer, identified by Delaney as Runuel Bibby, was headed to the Pearl Street police station to begin his shift, driving west on Wilbraham Road near its intersection with Reed Street when he observed the gunfire.

Bibby witnessed a car quickly back out of a nearby driveway; before the vehicle could go any further a man ran up to the car, stuck a gun inside its passenger side window, and fired multiple rounds at the vehicle's passenger, Delaney said. 

The car sped away, heading down Wilbraham Road. 

Delaney said that Bibby leaped out of his personal vehicle and quickly drew his firearm on the shooting suspect, forcing the man to drop his own weapon.  

The officer then called on his radio for backup, and several other officers responded to the scene to assist with placing the shooter under arrest.

Delaney claims that local residents who witnessed the officer's apprehension of the suspect "cheered and clapped" after they saw what had happened. 

The alleged shooter has been identified as 35-year-old David Ocasio-Pagan, of Springfield. 

Ocasio-Pagan now faces several charges, including assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm without a license, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. 

Delaney said that other charges for Ocasio-Pagan are possible. 

He is being held in until his arraignment--scheduled to occur in Springfield District Court on Monday morning.  

Police haven't released any details regarding a possible motive for the shooting, though Delaney further stated that the city's Major Crimes Unit is heading an investigation into the attack.

The victim was taken directly to Baystate Medical Center for treatment, but their status and the severity of the wounds involved are not currently known. 

Police Commissioner John Barbieri commented on the incident, saying "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. Outstanding job by Officer Bibby. This Officer displayed great courage and dedication while protecting and serving our citizens."

Blitzkrieg Pro Wrestling returned to the Old Country Banquet Hall in Enfield on Saturday night. The crowd, which was big and loud, were dialed into the action from start to finish.

ENFIELD - Blitzkrieg Pro Wrestling returned to the Old Country Banquet Hall in Enfield on Saturday night. The crowd, which was big and loud, were dialed into the action from start to finish.

A fatal four match pitted JustNeph (with DG Haven), Craig Mitchell, Scotty Wild (with Mecca), and Matt Knicks against each other. By winning the one fall, no elimination match, JustNeph was determined to be the number one contender for the Bedlam Championship later this year.

Tag team action included The East Coast Bastard Crew (Jeremy Leary & Logan Black), fresh off their PVP Tag Team Championship, against the Chicago team of Beauty and the Beat (Rob Matter & Stevie Fierce).

Sasha Jenkins successfully defended his Bedlam Championship for the first time in an "I Quit" match against former champ, Hammer Tunis.

In a match against women wrestlers Skylar and Solo Darling, the Genius Bar ( "Smart" Mark Sterling and "Top Shelf" Troy Nelson) may have taken the competition lightly. The bout was rough and impressive as the ladies dished out some serious pain. In the end the match was deemed a "no contest" as Sterling and Nelson fought over a disagreement in strategy. Nelson had to be carried from the ring.

Their "Red Hot Moon" event continues Blitzkrieg Pro's string of cards named after songs from the band Rancid. Their next card dubbed "Disorder & Disarray" is Friday June 2 also at the Old Country Banquet Hall.

There are about 35 Level 3 sex offenders living or working in Chicopee.

CHICOPEE - The Police Department is notifying residents that a Level 3 sex offender has moved back into the community.

Victor R. Davila, 47, is now living at 510 McKinstry Ave., Apt 5., Chicopee Police Lt. Mark Higgins said.

Davila is described as white, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 220 pounds. His hair is black and his eyes are brown.

He was convicted in January 2002 of five counts of rape and abuse of a child and two counts of indecent assault and battery of a child under 14. He was also convicted of open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior in 1999.

There are about 35 Level 3 sex offenders living and working in Chicopee. Level 3 offenders are those most likely to re-offend and are required to register with the local department every year.

None of the Level 3 offenders are wanted by police. It is also illegal to harass an offender, Higgins said.

 

The second- and third-generation that runs the dealership known for its community support, will be honored May 18 with the Sister Agnes Broderick Justice & Peace Award.

HOLYOKE - The family of Marcotte Ford, a second- and third-generation run dealership known for its community engagement, will be honored May 18 at the 2017 recognition dinner of Providence Service Ministries Network at the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road.

The network, founded by Sister of Providence Margaret McCleary in 1980, is honoring the family of the dealership that Al Marcotte opened after moving here in 1961, with its Sister of Providence Agnes Broderick Justice and Peace Award.

The award, also established by McCleary in honor of the late social worker and the ministries' first board chair, is given annually to someone "who stands in compassionate love with the poor," and will be presented by former Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan, a past recipient of the award.

"The Marcotte Ford family is a steadfast champion of Providence Ministries and has generously donated their time and resources to those most in  need in our community," said Jean Zaleski who chairs the ministries' board.

The ministries' Trustee Service Award is being presented to first responders of the Holyoke Police and Fire departments; the Grenier Leadership Award to board member Robert Woodill; and the Exemplary Service Award to Providence Ministries staff member Brenda Lamagdeleine.

"The Providence Ministries recognition dinner is an opportunity to commemorate the work of our employees, volunteers, donors and public servants within our community," said John Wesolowski, interim executive director.

"We work very closely with the fire and police departments in emergencies, like the Holyoke fires this past winter, to assist those in need. The recognition dinner allows us to show our appreciation to those who give so much of themselves to help others."

Tickets for the event, which begins with a 5:30 p.m. reception, with dinner stations open at 6, are $50 per person. They can be purchased by calling (413) 536-9109. RSVPs are requested by May 10.

Providence ministries programs include Kate's Kitchen, which serves about 150 noontime meals seven days a week to anyone in need; Margaret's Pantry, which is managed by Lamagdeleine; the Loreto House, a transitional housing facility for men in recovery; Broderick House; and a Single Room Occupancy residence for single men who are clean and sober.

The network also operates St. Jude's Clothing Center and administers a 12-week culinary program called "foodWorks," which is designed to help individuals with barriers to employment learn culinary arts and become employed within the food service industry.

Last year's recipient of the Broderick award was long-time Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe, who retired at the end of 2016.

One area of concern is the intersection of Montgomery Street and Memorial Drive, where motorists block the intersection while trying to beat the red light.

CHICOPEE - A fire truck was unable to quickly respond to a call off West Street because a motorist was illegally parked prompting a Chicopee Police crackdown on parking and driving violations.

Friday a driver was parked within 20 feet of an intersection, which is illegal. Consequently the Fire Department could not get an engine truck down the street to reach the call, Michael Wilk, Chicopee Police public information officer, said.

Officers will especially be checking around the Chicopee Center area for violations and will be fining motorists. Violations can include ignoring parking signs and pavement markings. They will also be monitoring red light and stop signs violations.

Another area of concern has been motorists blocking the intersection of Montgomery Street and Memorial Drive while trying to make it through the light. Motorists seen doing that will be ticketed, he said.

"More important than a fine, ignoring this law and parking where you feel you should could stop a neighbor from getting medical care," Wilk said. "Be mindful of the rules of the road and be courteous and considerate of others."

Andrew Fisk will dunk in Gill, Hadley, and Holyoke for every donation made on May 2.

GREENFIELD -- Andrew Fisk plans to jump into the Connecticut River multiple times on Valley Gives day.

The executive director of the Connecticut River Conservancy promises full immersion for every donation made to the environmental organization on May 2. He plans dunking events in Gill, Hadley, and Holyoke.

"Our rivers are a public resource - they literally belong to all of us, and we are all entrusted with their care," said Fisk.

Valley Gives is a 24-hour day of giving that helps organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley raise funds to support their missions. It's a project of the Community Foundation of Western Mass.

Fisk will jump into the river at Barton Cove in Gill from 10-11 a.m. From noon to 1 a.m., he'll be dunking at Sportsman's Marina in Hadley. Finally, he'll head to Holyoke Rows for a 6-7 p.m. swim. He plans to broadcast live on Facebook.

The Connecticut River Conservancy, founded in 1952, is headquartered in Greenfield. This year they celebrated 65 years of advocacy for the entire Connecticut River watershed in four states. 

Photos: Connecticut River Conservancy celebrates 65 years

The Conservancy recently relaunched the former Connecticut River Watershed Council with a new name, logo, and renewed commitment to support "clean water, healthy habitat, and thriving communities."

Fisk said healthy rivers depends upon everyone pitching in.

"They won't stay clean and full of life simply because we want them to," he said. "It will take all of us working together to preserve and protect them. Your rivers need you now more than ever."

Fisk, an environmental scientist, served as director of the Land and Water Quality Bureau at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for seven years before joining the Connecticut River organization in 2011.

Those who wish to learn more or support the protection of the region's rivers are invited to visit www.ctriver.org/valleygives or call 413-772-2020.

Two incumbents are running for reelection, and two challengers hope to unseat them.

SOUTHAMPTON -- Four candidates for selectman will face off during Monday's annual town election, and only two will win three-year terms on the five-member board.

Board of Selectmen members John Martin and Jacqueline Sears are running for reelection. The two challengers are Maureen Gordon and Gary Swanson. Martin has served since 2014, and Sears since 2011.

Martin is director of procurement and campus services at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and previously spent time on the town's Finance Committee, reports the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Sears, an author and watercolor artist, is former co-owner of a contracting business.

Groden is an interim part-time manager at Mercy Hospice and teaches community health nursing at UMass. She serves on the Board of Health and Hampshire Regional School Committee.

Swanson is a consulting engineer who designed most of the Southampton public water system, the Gazette reports. He has served on the Southampton School Committee, Board of Health, and as town moderator.

Around 25 local posts will be filled via the election, according to Town Moderator Robert Floyd.

Also on the ballot is a question about snow removal and private ways.

The question asks if the town shall adopt a state law which authorizes towns and cities to remove snow and ice from private ways "therein open to public use."

Southampton has historically plowed three private roads "with many residences located on them." Voting "yes" would not raise taxes, but would keep the roads plowed.

Town Clerk Janine Domina has issued guidelines for election day, saying the display of signs, buttons, pens, or "anything that could persuade a person to vote one way or another" is prohibited within 150 feet of the polls.

Standing at the driveway entrance to the town offices on Route 10 meets the legal requirement, Domina said. Polls open at noon and close at 8 p.m. Town Hall is located at 210 College Highway.

Connecticut State Police is asking for help to identify the drivers of the two cars caught on store video camera

SOMERS, Conn. -- Two people broke into a Main Street gas station convenience store and loaded a "significant amount" of cigarettes and other tobacco products into a cardboard box before fleeing early Sunday morning, police said.

The two people smashed the front glass door of the Somers Sunoco Station, 169 Main St., at about 5:40 a.m. Connecticut State Police officials did not reveal the amount of tobacco products stolen.

The store is located about five miles from the East Longmeadow border.

The thieves were seen using two vehicles, a gray Ford Ranger extra cab that has a dented front chrome bumper and a late 1990s tan Toyota Camry with a sunroof. The Toyota is also missing the hubcap on the front driver's side, police said.

Anyone who can identify the vehicles, which were caught on the store video camera, or has any information about the crime or knows the people who committed it is asked to contact State Police Troop C in Tolland at 860-896-3200 or text TIP711 + the information to 274637. All calls will remain confidential.

The Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee hosted its 29th annual Democrat of the Year brunch on Sunday morning. The popular annual gathering filled the banquet room at the Twin Hills Country Club with politicians and colleagues from around the region and Eastern Massachusetts.

LONGMEADOW -  The Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee hosted its 29th annual Democrat of the Year brunch on Sunday morning. The popular gathering filled the banquet room at the Twin Hills Country Club with politicians and colleagues from around the Commonwealth.

The event honored President of the Massachusetts Senate, Sen. Stan Rosenberg as "2017 Democrat of the Year." A UMass Amherst graduate and long-time local politician, Rosenberg, D-Amherst, represents the Hampshire-Franklin District.

Congressman Richard Neal , D-Springfield, was recognized as the LDTC "2017 Democrat of Distinction," the first time such an award has been given. Neal, an American International College alum, is the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Keynote speaker for the gathering was Secretary of the Commonwealth, William Galvin. Galvin, who has been Secretary since 1994, spoke to the audience about voter turnout and continuing to foster fairness and justice within the party.

Since the inaugural "Democrat of the Year" award was given in 1989, its recipients have ranged from former Gov. Michael Dukakis to Longmeadow State Sen. Eric Lesser.

Last year, the group honored Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healy, citing her commitment to issues that affect Western Massachusetts.

Police warned people of heavy traffic around the Northampton Three County Fairgrounds but said there were few other problems. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON - This year's Extravaganja was the first celebrated after recreational marijuana was legalized in the state by voters who cast ballots in favor of a referendum question in November.

The 26^th event was celebrated Saturday at the Three County Fairgrounds. It was moved from the Amherst Town Common in 2016 after it grew too large for the area.

Fairgoers and residents were warned there would be traffic backups in the days before the Extravaganja. On Saturday Northampton Police announced traffic was very heavy, especially on Route 9, and asked people to take alternative routes if possible. Officers otherwise reported there were few problems at the event.

Police said the crowd was well behaved. The only problem was a few medical transports, the Hampshire Gazette reported.

One of the major changes was the Northampton Health Department banned children from the event. The age restriction, which only allowed those 18 and older into the event, was imposed because officials were concerned about minors being exposed to second-hand smoke.

The Extravaganja was organized by the University of Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition. The festival included speakers from the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol in Massachusetts and the International Women's Cannabis Coalition. There was also music and other entertainment such as a juggling group and a performance from the UMass Belly Dance Club.

Here are some of the things people were Tweeting about Extravaganja.

When police arrived, Santiago was lying in bed with a loaded semi-automatic pistol and 80 packets of heroin and crack cocaine keeping him company, the arrest report said.

These were the top stories out of Springfield District Court last week. If you missed any, click on the links below to read them now.

Springfield mother with 6 denies beating, whipping and locking son, 5, in closet

'You don't do s---,' Springfield strip club patron tells police moments before her arrest

'You need to stop hustling people,' judge tells Springfield mother who allegedly had 8 grams of cocaine hidden in her bra

Springfield man who allegedly stuffed 750 heroin packets into teddy bear held on $75,000 bail

A gun, drugs and sex toys seized from vehicle of suspect shot by West Springfield police

Suspect shot 3 times by West Springfield police to be arraigned in hospital room

Police: Springfield man set fire to girlfriend's house following fight; bail set at $50,000

Springfield teen denies gunpoint robberies outside ATM in Sixteen Acres

The street is closed between the intersection of Northwest Street and Provin Mountain.

AGAWAM - A car struck a pole on North Westfield Street Sunday afternoon, forcing police to close the road for more than three hours.

The accident happened around 2 p.m. and the street, also known as Route 187, remains closed while the pole is being repaired, police said.

The street is closed between the intersection of Northwest Street and Provin Mountain. It is unknown when the road will be reopened, police said.

Police did not immediately say if anyone was injured in the accident and did not release details about the crash.

Masslive will update when more information is available.

The 7th annual Daffodil 5K/10K Run and Walk in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County was held Sunday, April 30, 2017.

AMHERST - The 7th annual Daffodil 5K/10K Run and Walk in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. The family-friendly event was held Sunday April 30, 2017 in Amherst. Race organizers stated 1,000 runners participated. 

Runners Sam Morris of Deerfield and Apryl Sabadosa of Westfield were the winners of the Daffodil 5K race. The event was held in Amherst's Kendrick Park.

Festivities included a pre-race warm-up, music, a bounce house and children's games and barbecue food.