Latest news with #DomenicSarno
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sunday marks 14 years since tornado hit in W. Mass.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Sunday, June 1, marks the 14th anniversary of the June 1st Tornado. It's something many people still remember well after it caused extensive damage across the area. The EF-3 Tornado first touched down in Westfield, then it made its way to the most populated city in western Massachusetts. The tornado moved from West Springfield, then over the Memorial Bridge and into the South End of Springfield, causing major damage and destruction as it moved through the Island Pond section of the city. Mayor Domenic Sarno is asking the community to take a moment on Sunday to remember the exact time the tornado passed through the city. 'You don't celebrate this, you mark it,' Sarno says. 'I asked religious institutions, the houses of worship, if they have bells and chimes to ring them at 4:38 p.m. And then I asked everybody to take a moment of silence.' The June 1st tornado was on the ground for almost an hour and carved a 38-mile path of destruction. Three people were killed as a direct result of the tornado, and 200 people were injured. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Mayor Sarno seeks closure of Springfield market tied to drug trafficking
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has called for a local business to shut down after police said it was at the center of a drug ring in the city. DA Gulluni announces results of three major narcotics investigations in Springfield Earlier this week, authorities announced dozens of arrests and the takedown of three drug rings throughout Springfield. The DA's Hampden County Narcotics Task Force and Strategic Action & Focused Enforcement Task Force began investigating drug trafficking activity around Springfield's Garcia Market and Angel's Used Appliances in October 2022. Throughout the investigation period, over 80 firearm-related calls were reported to police. On May 15, 2025, investigators executed searches and arrests at these locations, which served as fronts for an extensive trafficking network. Law enforcement seized 12,138 grams of cocaine, 530 grams of fentanyl, and 15 firearms. As a result of this operation, 19 suspects were arrested and face charges including drug trafficking, firearm possession, child endangerment, and property theft. Now, Mayor Sarno wants to shut down Garcia's Market on Orange Street. Mayor Sarno states, 'I spoke with both District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Police Superintendent Larry Akers earlier today to commend them and our State Police law enforcement officials for their continued brave and dedicated efforts to shut down this major drug and gun operation. As you know, I have no patience nor tolerance with these poison dealing, gun-toting violent offenders and their business fronts are not welcomed here in Springfield. In turn, I have requested City Solicitor Stephen Buoniconti and Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris to pursue a seize and desist order to move to shut down this 'den of iniquity' in the name of public health and safety for the good of our neighborhood residents and businesses of the area and beyond.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Springfield remembers upcoming 14th anniversary of EF-3 tornado
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – June 1 marks the 14th Anniversary of the devastating tornado that damaged several communities across Western Massachusetts. It's something many still remember very vividly. The 22News Storm Team warned thousands of people about the devastating EF-3 tornado that cut a path of destruction from Westfield to Charlton on June 1, 2011. Temperature outlook for summer in Massachusetts 'One of our guys behind the scenes moved our Springfield Skycam towards the Connecticut River, looking over towards West Springfield,' said Nick Bannin, former 22News Meteorologist. 'And then we saw live on camera a tornado, developing and dropping down into West Springfield, then crossing the Connecticut River.' Trees, buildings and homes were torn down, power was out, and the streets were of Springfield was destroyed. 'I remember my mother and mother-in-law calling me, 'You should stay put,' and me sort of shooing them and saying, 'No, we'll be fine, there'll be no tornado,'' said Denise Hurst, Springfield School Committee Member. 'And then hours later, walking out of this doctor appointment, and just having this very eerie feeling, that I was like the only one that existed in the city.' The tornado damaged several communities in western Massachusetts and killed three people. In Springfield, Mayor Domenic Sarno told 22News that 38 people were severely injured. 'You've got to let people know three things: what happened, one, two, what you're going to do about it, and three, just as important, hope,' said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. In the hours following the tornado, Mayor Sarno was on the ground with local, state, and federal officials conducting searches and rescues for almost 18 hours a day. Now that the city has recovered, Mayor Sarno keeps the boots he wore on those days in his office as a remembrance. Mayor Sarno encourages everyone to take a moment of silence on Sunday, June 1, at 4:38 p.m. He is also asking local houses of worship to ring their bells at that time to signify the time the tornado touched down in Springfield. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Springfield public schools receive HVAC upgrades as summer approaches
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Many Springfield public schools are getting upgrades to their HVAC systems as the weather gets warmer. Temperature outlook for summer in Massachusetts On Tuesday, city officials met at the Warner School to highlight the recent upgrade to its HVAC system, helping to provide air conditioning to the school. The Warner School is one of over a dozen school buildings that have undergone or will undergo HVAC upgrades to provide a safe and comfortable learning experience for students, teachers, and staff as the weather continues getting warmer. 'This is not only good for the health aspect and air quality, it's also good for the bottom line in the budget,' said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. 'It saves us money.' The HVAC upgrade was funded through the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), which helps to address challenges in schools and support students. There are about 18 schools left in the district that are on the list to receive an upgrade. One school will receive its upgrade this summer, and another school will in the fall. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor Healey joins veterans and their families for Memorial Day observance in Agawam
AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) – Governor Maura Healey joined veterans and their families for a Memorial Day observance in Agawam. This ceremony united people to honor the brave service members who've given their lives for our country. The sun shined on the rows of white and grey headstones of fallen military heroes at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, adorned with American flags. Veterans and their loved ones gathered to honor their memory and bravery during a ceremony. 'I've been here before it a couple of times because my father, this is her first time, and it's very moving,' said Joseph Calvanese of Ludlow. 'You don't feel sad, you feel happy, and I guess that's the way we're supposed to feel. But, you know, it's not as easy, you know, as you think,' added Maria Calvanese of Ludlow. Governor Maura Healey recognized these families for their strength and relicense as they came out to visit their loved ones in their final resting place. 'I ask everybody across Massachusetts to step out of themselves for a moment and find a way to reflect on maybe to pray for, maybe to think about service in your own way, and to do it to honor the legacy of those who served,' said Governor Healey. She stood alongside other officials like State Senator John Velis and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno in giving their remarks. As we remember and honor these fallen soldiers, officials express that we must also recognize the importance of their sacrifice in defending our freedoms and keeping us safe. 'We live in a free country because of them. I get to walk my son to the park, and have some peace and tranquility because of the sacrifice that generations upon generations of American service members made. And whether it's the freedom of speech to believe in whatever I want to believe in,' said Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans' Services, Jon Santiago. Governor Healey also noted the work being done in Massachusetts to support veterans, like building the new Veterans home in Holyoke and activating the military asset security strategies task force to make sure the military in the commonwealth is advocated for in Washington, DC. And her next big goal will be making investments to reduce the homeless population among veterans. Governor Healey also addressed that Military recruitment numbers are low across the country, and she said she hopes more people will consider joining. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
