WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS.

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.

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

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.

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

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.