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City Council confirms mayor’s appointment of Plante as new CAFO

City Council confirms mayor’s appointment of Plante as new CAFO

HOLYOKE — The city of Holyoke officially has its first chief administrative financial officer after the City Council confirmed the appointment during its Aug. 4 meeting.


For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger

For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger

A nonverbal teen with Down syndrome named Matteo left his house in Monson on June 29 without an adult’s knowledge. He was found two days later about a mile from his home. While the incident ended safely, it brought the issue of wandering among children with developmental disabilities to the forefront. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo joined the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services in efforts to raise awareness about wandering among children with autism spectrum disorder.


Contract renewals for town employees top Select Board agenda again

Contract renewals for town employees top Select Board agenda again

SOUTHWICK — The Select Board was supposed to discuss the possibility of renewing the personal contract with Town Accountant Laura Fletcher at its meeting on Aug. 3.


City Council confirms mayor’s appointment of Plante as new CAFO

HOLYOKE — The city of Holyoke officially has its first chief administrative financial officer after the City Council confirmed the appointment during its Aug. 4 meeting.

For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger

A nonverbal teen with Down syndrome named Matteo left his house in Monson on June 29 without an adult’s knowledge. He was found two days later about a mile from his home. While the incident ended safely, it brought the issue of wandering among children with developmental disabilities to the forefront. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo joined the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services in efforts to raise awareness about wandering among children with autism spectrum disorder.

Contract renewals for town employees top Select Board agenda again

SOUTHWICK — The Select Board was supposed to discuss the possibility of renewing the personal contract with Town Accountant Laura Fletcher at its meeting on Aug. 3.

Springfield Preservation Trust invites public to ‘Party at the Pond’

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Preservation Trust is inviting the public to a “Party at the Pond.” For this summer’s annual fundraiser. The organization is hosting an afternoon event at a private lakefront home tied to Springfield’s midcentury past.

Two separate incidents involving pedestrian accidents occurred on Aug. 4

WESTFIELD — Police said that a woman and a teenager on a bicycle were seriously injured in two separate incidents on Aug. 4 after being struck by vehicles, including one at the crosswalk on Franklin Street, where a wheelchair-bound man was struck and killed in 2024.

Healey’s $100M supplemental education boost could offset Westfield preschool cuts

WESTFIELD — Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said the supplemental budget of $100 million for education filed by Gov. Maura Healey on July 15 would bring in more than $500,000 to Westfield Public Schools if it passes.

Senior residents celebrate free internet service at Dom Polski apartments

CHICOPEE — Dom Narodowy Polski apartment residents were joined on Aug. 5 by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, local officials and other representatives to celebrate free broadband upgrades at the senior housing property.

Vieau announces new chief HR officer; Chicopee City Council tables appointment until further scrutiny

CHICOPEE — Chicopee is on the verge of a new chief human resources officer after Mayor John Vieau announced the appointment of Bianca Janeczek at the Aug. 4 City Council meeting.

Northampton looking to advance geothermal project with Brightcore contract

NORTHAMPTON — An $11.2 million geothermal project at the Northampton High School is set to make additional headway by the end of August.

Caribbean Carnival & Parade to bring colors, music to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Get ready for vibrant colors, lively music and dancing in the street as the Springfield Caribbean Carnival & Parade returns on Saturday, Aug. 15.

New school food supplier introduces itself to community

SPRINGFIELD — While many children hula hooped and played with flying discs and drop four games near the splash pad at Forest Park, Daniel Beauchamp was hard at work. He hopped onto a specially equipped stationary bicycle and began pedaling. That movement powered the motor of a blender, turning fresh fruits and a little bit of lemon juice into a slushy puree.

Miguel Rivera sworn in as city’s 1st Latino fire commissioner

SPRINGFIELD — The steps of Symphony Hall were lined with American flags as firefighters, police and emergency responders milled around in their dress uniforms. Above them, an enormous Puerto Rican flag flew, held aloft by two Springfield Fire Department ladder trucks. Inside, small Puerto Rican flags were handed out to the rows of people who came to watch Miguel “Mike” Rivera be sworn in as Springfield’s first Latino fire commissioner.

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People get hands on to create mural of organization’s history

SPRINGFIELD — Drive through Springfield and they are everywhere. Larger-than-life explosions of color, words and portraiture on building walls. More than art for art’s sake, the murals tell the stories of the schools, organizations and people of Springfield. Soon, another of these murals will grace the exterior wall of Work Opportunity Center at 73 Market St.

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