Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of May.
Good morning, Springfield.
A GoFundMe is raising more than $15,000 to help cover funeral expenses for Madisen Taylor—a 26-year-old who died after her motorcycle crashed at the intersection of Suffield Street and Adams Street shortly before 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th.
A male cyclist riding an electric bike died Tuesday night at 11:30 p.m. after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Mill and Locust Streets in Springfield — police said the driver stayed at the scene and an investigation is underway.
Carlos Reyes, 46, appeared yesterday in Springfield Superior Court for a bail reduction hearing after he was accused of killing bicyclist Aronde Odom on March 27 in Indian Orchard—his bail was lowered from $250,000 to $75,000 as he faces charges for leaving the scene and driving with a suspended license.
Fleetwood Macked, a tribute band started by Michael and Hillary Epstein after a post-9/11 shift in their music plans, will perform Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits at 52Sumner in Springfield on Saturday—doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. with tickets ranging from $25 to $45.
On Wednesday, elementary students at Elias Brookings Elementary School in Springfield met local law enforcement, firefighters and military during Brookings Peace Day—an event celebrating 10 years of community service.
The gathering was meant to help kids see and build connections with their neighborhood helpers.
Jillian Battles — a Westfield High senior — won the annual Ray Hershel Scholarship essay competition by showing how her care package work helps local veterans and troops.
She asked 40 businesses for support and, despite many no’s, her persistence made a difference.
The Community Preservation Committee submitted its final Community Preservation Act funding recommendations on May 20, suggesting seven projects worth about $957,000 to support community housing, historic resources, or open space and recreation projects in Springfield (including a $300,000 project for the Kavanaugh Building that will add 37 housing units and retail space) while City Council reviews them for a future vote.
Springfield City Council approved a $985.7 million budget Tuesday that maintained funding for parks, libraries and schools despite federal grant cuts and rising expenses—officials reduced nearly 14 positions and withdrew $2 million from the pension fund to meet required payments.
Some councilors warned that these measures may lead to future property tax increases for residents.
The Springfield City Council voted 7-0 on Tuesday night to appeal a court ruling that revived a controversial wood-burning power plant project—continuing its 14-year battle over air quality concerns.
Mayor Domenic Sarno signed the appeal Wednesday morning as the city seeks to block permits granted to Palmer Renewable Energy LLC.
City and state officials held a groundbreaking ceremony at Forest Park on May 21 to start the $27.5 million 'X' reconstruction project, one of the largest roadway upgrades in Springfield's history.
The multi-phase project—set to update nearly 90-year-old utility systems and improve roads, sidewalks, and drainage—will begin drainage work this summer and is scheduled to finish in 2030 while keeping most streets open.
30th Anniversary Self Advocacy Conference
9 AM – 4 PM — Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel — Registration required — Celebrate three decades of self advocacy and connect with like-minded individuals.
Open Home Tour
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — 47 Garfield St, Springfield, MA — Free entry — Explore a charming property listed by J Barrett & Company.
On-Site Tour of Best Senior Living Amenities
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — 370 Pine St, Springfield — Free entry — Explore exceptional senior living dining and activities at this informative tour.
IRONMAN 70.3 Western Massachusetts
8 AM — Downtown Springfield, MA — Various costs for bike rentals — Compete in a scenic triathlon with a swim in the Connecticut River and bike through charming New England landscapes.
Walking Tour: Springfield’s Lost Riverfront
10:30 a.m. — Riverfront Park — Free entry — Explore the historical significance of Springfield’s Lost Riverfront with local historians and experts.
David O’Connell: Live Music
6-9 p.m. — Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub at the Irish Cultural Center — Dinner reservations available — Enjoy an evening of live music while dining on Irish delights.
The Willie J. Laws Band
9-11:59 p.m. — Theodore's Blues, Booze, and BBQ — Cover charge at the door — Enjoy a unique blend of Texas roots music infused with funk and jazz from a celebrated local band.
ROAR! Comedy: Janelle Draper
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughs with Janelle Draper at The Armory.
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