Springfield

Springfield takes legal action to address former Vibra site

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 22, 2024

Springfield takes legal action to address former Vibra site

SPRINGFIELD — Overgrown weeds and graffiti on the inside of windowpanes are obvious signs of dereliction at the former Vibra Hospital at 1400 State St. The building was abandoned by Vibra Healthcare in fall 2023. While the city entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the property at the time, Mayor Domenic Sarno said the company has not held up its end of the bargain.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 22, 2024

Springfield schools implement new attendance policy

SPRINGFIELD — Chronic absenteeism has been a struggle for school departments nationwide over the past few years. The Springfield School Committee met on June 20 to approve policy changes designed to remove barriers to attending school.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 22, 2024

State funding programs to renovate housing in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — The Healey-Driscoll administration has been tackling the state’s housing crisis with construction and renovation grants for apartment complexes, including at least two in the South End neighborhood of Springfield.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Markey seeks to expand YouthBuild, speaks with program grads

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 22, 2024

Markey seeks to expand YouthBuild, speaks with program grads

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey gives a thumbs up while posing with recent YouthBuild graduates Jozely Ramos, Leighana Laboy, Joshua Rosa, Hector Collazo, Chris Obara, Joshua Cardona, Reina De Jesus, Deishanet Crochiere, Joshua Cotto and Raheem Biggs.Reminder Publishing...

Springfield School Committee expresses support as Dinnall takes the helm

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 22, 2024

Springfield School Committee expresses support as Dinnall takes the helm

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield School Committee officially welcomed incoming Superintendent Sonia Dinnall at the July 11 committee meeting.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 17, 2024

Neal decries assassination attempt, conspiracy theories

SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt on former President and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield) called for Americans to “ratchet down the rhetoric” and a cease the spread of conspiracy theories.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Local man to stage his own one-man play

By Staasi Heropoulos | Jul 15, 2024

Local man to stage his own one-man play

SPRINGFIELD — When store detective Ken Harris was on the lookout for shoplifters at retailers in Springfield and Enfield, he was also taking mental notes and writing a one-man play about what he saw. The 47-year-old actor and playwright is now taking the stage, portraying all 10 characters in his comedic and dramatic production of “Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard.”

Staasi Heropoulos

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Staasi Heropoulos has been a broadcast and print journalist as well as a corporate communications practitioner, in Western Mass. and internationally for more than 40 years. He loves writing feature articles on local people and places but also welcomes story ideas about corporate and government malfeasance. Staasi can be reached at Staasi.Heropoulos@gmail.com.

The Farmer’s House: ‘high quality’ food for ‘hard working’ Forest Park

By Chris Maza | Jul 15, 2024

The Farmer’s House: ‘high quality’ food for ‘hard working’ Forest Park

SPRINGFIELD — A new restaurant has opened in the heart of Forest Park. The Farmer’s House at 600 Belmont St. promises “a delicious and inviting dining experience for families.”

Chris Maza

cmaza@thereminder.com | + posts

By G. Michael Dobbs | Jul 15, 2024

Springfield City Council approves first step to help injured officer

SPRINGFIELD — On July 9, the City Council took the first step to provide additional funding to a seriously injured, now retired, police officer.

G. Michael Dobbs

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Dakin reopens kitten ICU, expects to treat 250 felines per year

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 15, 2024

Dakin reopens kitten ICU, expects to treat 250 felines per year

SPRINGFIELD — Kennels line the walls of an L-shaped room at Dakin Humane Society. Peering into one of the kennels, two small, fuzzy, orange-and-white figures can be seen taking shaky steps toward the door. One kitten mewls while its roommate snacks on a bowl of wet food.