Springfield
Springfield City Councilors seek more answers — and a raccoon’s body
SPRINGFIELD — A pair of City Council subcommittees met to review the city’s policy on addressing potentially rabid wildlife and reached a general consensus that while the existing procedures are sound, it appears they were not followed in a recent alleged incident involving Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, his SUV and a now deceased raccoon.
Springfield Public Schools provide update on FY25 budget
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Public Schools Chief Financial and Operations Officer Patrick Roach presented a brief update on the fiscal year 2025 budget to the School Committee’s Budget and Finance Subcommittee during its March 6 meeting.
Major changes announced for Sarno administration
SPRINGFIELD — The police superintendent is retiring and a successor has been announced. The school superintendent is retiring and a national search for his replacement is underway and now Patrick Sullivan, executive director of Parks, Buildings and Recreational Management, is retiring as well.
Library advocacy groups join state officials for Legislative Breakfast
SPRINGFIELD — The Brightwood Library Branch was host to one of four Legislative Breakfast events focused on library advocacy and supportive legislation across the commonwealth.
Springfield gun violence summit focuses on experiences, ideas of teens
SPRINGFIELD — In an instant, a life can be changed. Ashyah Johnson-Simpkins was 19 and enjoying herself at an after-prom party with friends when someone in a passing car fired a gunshot, which struck her in the head.
Springfield City Council removes barriers for Akers to be police superintendent
SPRINGFIELD — Deputy Police Chief Lawrence Akers remains on track to become the city’s next police superintendent following the City Council meeting on Feb. 26 and 27, which entailed comprehensive discussions about what Akers’ position and authority over officer hiring, firing and discipline will be and if his title will remain as superintendent or change to that of chief.
Teachers nominated for LifeChanger of the Year Award
The nominees for the 2023-24 LifeChanger of the Year Award were recently announced by host organization National Life Group.
Forest Park Civic Association seeks city funds to revitalize org
SPRINGFIELD — In a city the size of Springfield, people might feel like they do not have a voice in decisions that affect their own neighborhood.
Local hero receives city’s support as he reopens business
SPRINGFIELD — A local hero, who risked his life to support Springfield police officers in 2022, received support from Mayor Domenic Sarno and the Police Department as he reopened his business after being closed for a year and a half.
Springfield Fire Department receives $50k in safety grant funds
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Fire Department will benefit from nearly $50,000 in funding through the state’s Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program.
