WESTFIELD — This year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run Western Massachusetts Polar Plunge takes place Sunday, March 10, at Hampton Ponds State Park, 1048 North Rd., Westfield.

Officer...
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Book bans and attempted bans at public libraries across the country are increasing, and not just in conservative-leaning states. Even in Massachusetts, some libraries have been challenged by groups...
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HOLYOKE — Those who take to the road in Western Massachusetts will be honored again on March 8 as the 2024 class of inductees are welcomed into the Western Mass. Runners’ Hall of Fame.<...
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The nominees for the 2023-24 LifeChanger of the Year Award were recently announced by host organization National Life Group.

LifeChanger of the Year is a program that highlights the impact ...
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With the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade just around the corner, Reminder Publishing caught up with this year’s colleens from around the area to discuss their journey to become th...
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Along with 319 other agencies in the state, the East Longmeadow and Longmeadow fire departments received state grant funding to apply toward reimbursement costs for service-related tools and equipm...
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On Feb, 13, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced that the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources awarded 42 businesses grants through the Urban Agriculture Program, the Local Fo...
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After announcing a store opening in early 2024 at 10 Chestnut St. at Sky View Tower in Springfield, Agric Organics will also be taking their products and more on the road with the introduction of t...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Fans of international music stars or professional sports teams have been getting e-tickets to concerts and sporting events for years. Many local high schools are now pluggi...
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AGAWAM — When Sean Collins is in the office, he might at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., or his manufacturing business in Agawam. The Southwick man is president and CEO of Governors America ...
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As part of a statewide program, a number of fire departments in the region were awarded monetary grants to apply to reimbursement costs for service-related tools and equipment.

The Healey-Dr...
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A new bill in the Massachusetts Legislature, proposed by state Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow), would prevent courts from requiring those who have experienced spousal abuse to pay alimony to their ab...
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LONGMEADOW — Three state representatives and a state senator all had the same message for the people attending the Government Breakfast Reception and Awards meeting of the East of the River C...
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The Cannabis Control Commission, or CCC, recently completed a public comment period on a model host community agreement, the contract that governs the relationship between a town and a cannabis fac...
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Gov. Maura Healey announced $375 million in mid-year budget cuts, but the Massachusetts Municipal Association said the “reductions do not directly impact core municipal and school aid account...
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Thanks to state funding, the Plaza Apartments in South Hadley and the Essex in Holyoke are both recipients of this award that will be used toward affordable housing development.

Announced on...
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On Jan. 8, Gov. Maura Healey announced that the state cut $375 million from the fiscal year 2024 budget in order to accommodate for the fact that revenues did not meet anticipated benchmarks.

The cuts to the state budget made by Gov. Maura Healey’s administration impacted industries and people across the commonwealth, including the state’s older population.

In East Lo...
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AGAWAM — Students in Tara Witte’s third grade classroom at Sapelli School were eager to grab a book from the box delivered for them. But these weren’t just any books, they were ne...
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Officials from the town of Agawam and the Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield were disappointed to see their earmarked state funds halved, but said they are grateful for what they will still ...
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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently announced the winners of the second annual “Name a Snowplow” contest for statewide elementary and middle school students in Massa...
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The Agawam and West Springfield Police Departments are using state grant money for traffic safety programs in their towns. Announced in October, the fiscal year 2024 Municipal Road Safety Grant Pro...
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Programs for the state’s littlest learners have been benefiting from a $15.5 million boost this year to Coordinated Family and Community Engagement organizations, including programs that serv...
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More than $600,000 has been awarded for sober housing across the state thanks to the Center for Community Recovery Innovations.

The total $679,837 in grant funding will help preserve or crea...
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Former Springfield City Council President Jesse Lederman has begun a new role, working for the Office of U.S. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Malden) as regional director for the First and Second Congression...
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Kyriakos Panteleakis and Charlotte Smith are part of the new class of “unsung heroes” as their schools’ 2024 “ambassador” to Project 351 — a youth-led community ...
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The Healey-Driscoll administration has distributed $100 million to cities and towns for roadwork, courtesy of the Fair Share Amendment. In November 2022, Massachusetts voters approved a 4% surtax o...
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Showing his generosity to the community comes naturally for Jack Sarat.
Getting him to take any credit for it — well, that’s another story for this modest, altruistic man.

...
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The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a new bill on Jan. 4 that helps facilitate better interactions between police officers and people with autism spectrum disorder.

Filed by state S...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Teachers at the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative no longer have to debate or banter with kids about using cellphones. Students now must store the devices duri...
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Organizations in Palmer and Hardwick recently received grants from the state in order to purchase additional conservation areas to protect natural environments and provide access to the public. ...
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All Massachusetts towns were recently awarded their allotment of the Fair Share Amendment funds, the state announced.

Approved by voters in November 2022, the Fair Share Amendment is an add...
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In the days leading up to Christmas, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office made sure that kids in the surrounding communities did not go without a gift this holiday season.

On Thursday, ...
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SPRINGFIELD — No matter where you are headed, public transportation in Western Massachusetts just got better now that passengers have the option to read while they ride.

On Dec. 21, s...
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With the end of 2023 rapidly approaching, Reminder Publishing took a look back at some of the major storylines that helped shape East Longmeadow edition of The Reminder’s co...
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With the end of 2023 rapidly approaching, Reminder Publishing took a look back at some of the major storylines that helped shape the Monson/Palmer editions of The Reminder’s&nbs...
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With the end of 2023 rapidly approaching, Reminder Publishing took a look back at some of the major storylines that helped shape Ludlow and Belchertown over the past year.

What do you...
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The Healey-Driscoll administration announced $20 million to farms impacted by several severe weather events this year.

The Natural Disaster Recovery Program for Agriculture provided immediat...
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When Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas J. Cocchi pledged his office and staff’s partnership in the Toy for Joy campaign, he knew it would be far from a silent partnership.

The department...
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Climate activists have reason to celebrate.

The state Deptartment of Public Utilities, or DPU, on Dec. 6 announced Order 20-80, which requires gas distribution companies, like Eversource an...
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In continuing a series of in-person public hearings on upcoming route enhancements on the P21E and G73E routes, the PVTA met with the public in Holyoke inside the Holyoke Media center on Dec. 11 to...
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BELCHERTOWN — The Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School Committee met on Dec. 13 to hear about the positive feedback from its Career Night.

Pathfinder hosted its Career Night...
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Year in and year out, children across Western Massachusetts have come to know they can count on the Springfield trucking firm All States Transport Inc. to remember them.

This year is no exce...
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Longmeadow and Wilbraham are among the state’s 130 police departments to be awarded police equipment grants totaling $5 million from the Healey-Driscoll administration.

The Edward J. B...
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In a recent development, the Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies of Franklin County and Hampden County have merged. The organizations are now known as the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachu...
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PALMER — It will soon be easier to catch the bus in Palmer and Ware. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, which runs bus routes throughout the valley, has announced a schedule expansion for ...
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Anne Cistoldi is grateful that the people at FLN-MAR Rubber & Plastics continue to make generosity possible.

“The program directors do such a good job. We need them to do a good jo...
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The friendly rivalry between Longmeadow and East Longmeadow was harnessed this fall to benefit at-risk children through a Clothing Donation Challenge by the Hartsprings Foundation.

Hartsprin...
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Firefighters routinely put themselves in danger to rescue others. However, four Western Massachusetts firefighters were recognized on Nov. 21 with the Governor’s Citation for Meritorious Cond...
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The impact of the sad and tragic loss still stings. The impact on the community and those who knew Michael Cooley is powerful and real.

The 68-year-old Cooley died on Nov. 14 of injuries sus...
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SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, a nonprofit organization that fuels progress toward gender equity, has completed and shared its 2023 research report, titled &ld...
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River East School-To-Career revealed its new brand identity and website during an event at the Palmer Public Library on Nov. 8.

River East works with nine school districts to assist high sch...
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With the holiday season upon us, both the Belchertown and Ludlow Police Departments are hosting their annual food and toy drive to help those families who need it.

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Toy for Joy is not just about the thrill of receiving toys, but the joy of learning.

Its literacy component has grown in popularity over time and remains one of the features that makes this ...
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Tireless helpers, understanding spouses and inspiring children are a few of the blessings that Agawam and West Springfield’s civic leaders will be counting this Thanksgiving Day.

T...
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With freezing weather here once again, it is common to see school children bundled up in coats, hats and gloves as they make their way to school, but many families in Western Massachusetts are stru...
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For the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, it begins to look a lot like Christmas when the Toy for Joy campaign gets into gear.

This year, the 101st for a campaign that brings happin...
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Republican candidate Peter Durant has been declared the winner of the Worcester and Hampshire Senate District special state election, according to unofficial results as of Nov. 15.

This spe...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD — When Chicopee didn’t hire Alvin W. Morton I as school superintendent, the district’s former assistant superintendent and interim superintendent decided it was t...
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) has put forth the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights to reform the working conditions of school support staff. ...
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The Chicopee Child Development Center and Springfield Boys & Girls Club Family Center were two out of 20 organizations across the state to be awarded grant funding for early education and child...
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Progress has continued on The Loomis Communities as an undertaking of $12.4 million in capital improvements to Loomis Village and Applewood has begun work throughout the summer and into the fall....
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Toy for Joy is ready for its second hundred years.

This week marks the launch of the 101st campaign that has delivered toys and gifts to generations of children across Hampden, Hampshire and...
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AGAWAM — Three local legislators discussed nationwide and statewide issues on Oct. 18 at the West of the River Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. The event was hosted by Crestview Cou...
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Longmeadow and Wilbraham are among 186 municipalities that have received Municipal Road Safety grants totaling $5.4 million. The funding is from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a...
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With Veterans Day approaching, both Belchertown and Ludlow get ready to honor and support those who have served.

Ludlow

Ludlow’s Ve...
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On Oct. 17, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced that 186 Massachusetts towns and cities will receive grant funds to support traffic safety enforcement and outreach programming.

A to...
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SPRINGFIELD — The 37th Annual Hope For The Holidays Toy Drive and Motorcycle Run to benefit Brightside for Families and Children will take place on Friday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 5, at ...
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The southern Pioneer Valley is home to more than a dozen small and medium towns but during the colonial era, several of those towns, including modern-day Wilbraham, Hampden, East Longmeadow, Longme...
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PALMER — The Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School Committee discussed and approved a new cellphone policy to be added to the school’s handbook at its Oct. 11 meeting.

Despite the cooling temperatures and changing colors of the leaves, mosquito season is still in full swing. In addition to the annoying itching that mosquito bites bring, they can also transmit blo...
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Last year Nora and Greg Schmidt experienced the tragic loss of their 8-year-old daughter Maddie, just 10 months after she was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. In her memory, the family is ret...
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WESTFIELD — The Pioneer Valley History Network will concentrate on Westfield, Southwick and Granville in its next installment of “History on the Go,” a series of five driving tour...
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While the risk map of the state Department of Public Health shows the dangers of West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are still low in Western Massachusetts, the yearly warning has more ...
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The Urban League of Greater Springfield, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke and the Western Massachusetts Alliance for Digital Equity are on the receiving end of a total of $110,000 in gran...
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Michael Baldino, director and general counsel for the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, began his introduction on the institute’s municipal digital equity planning program with an encouragin...
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Rachel’s Table has been addressing food insecurity in Western Massachusetts for 30 years, but this summer the program that rescues food and puts in the hands of those who need it underwent a ...
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On Aug. 30, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $31.5 million in grants for climate resilience implementation and planning throughout Massachusetts with Ludlow and Belchertown among the re...
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The Healey-Driscoll administration recently awarded a total of $31.5 million to cities and towns through the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Program.

“The MVP program is one of o...
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The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources announced that the Natural Disaster Recovery Program for Agriculture is now open for farmers to apply.

The program will provide relief...
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On Aug. 25, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Edward Augustus Jr. joined Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, members of the local legislative delegation, and munic...
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WILBRAHAM — The Wilbraham Select Board hosted a conference with leadership from Hampden, East Longmeadow, Monson, Longmeadow and Ludlow to discuss shared challenges and goals on Aug. 29.
...
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HOLYOKE — It is said that to be extremely grateful is to offer a thousand thanks. For Sister Mary Caritas, who is celebrating her 100th birthday, it seems as though she is writing a thousand ...
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On Aug. 9, Gov. Maura Healey signed the fiscal year 2024 state budget, totaling $55.98 billion. In a year that saw a delay in finalizing the budget, lawmakers say they are focusing on constituent n...
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As summer winds down, Reminder Publishing asked the Monson and Palmer Public School districts what their parents/guardians should know going into school and what they can do to ensure thei...
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As students and parents prepare for the school year, so are the Belchertown and Ludlow school districts.

Ludlow Superintendent Frank Tiano is excited for the school year which starts on Aug...
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The small rural town of Hardwick was the location where promoters wanted to build a horse facility with a racetrack that ultimately was rejected by voters in a special election in January.

...
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While it might be hard to believe, there was passenger rail service between Boston and Pittsfield for more years than not.

In fact, the first service began in 1841 and continued in various i...
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It’s been a rough year for superintendents and school districts in Western Massachusetts, with high turnover, difficulty filling positions, and more districts opting to hire interim superinte...
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Transportation is a necessity in modern life, but for people in the lower Pioneer Valley, where population centers are farther apart, public transportation can be a lifeline for those who work, att...
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The cannabis industry in Western Massachusetts has changed exponentially since New England Treatment Access in Northampton became one of the first dispensaries to make a recreational sale on the Ea...
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For those who enjoy the outdoors, shared-use paths are a beating heart of the Western Massachusetts landscape.

They function as a more accessible and environmentally friendly tool for transp...
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There are dozens of former legislators who stepped away from the spotlight and returned to private life. While some have retired, most have resumed the career they were pursuing before their public...
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Shutesbury Police Chief Kristin Burgess has a passion for community policing, a more personal style of law enforcement that suits residents in her small town of Shutesbury. Unfortunately, the Polic...
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Mills and industrial properties have been intertwined into the history of Massachusetts since the Industrial Revolution.

Although most of the buildings have not operated for their initial p...
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The Western Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame will induct five new members to its class of 2023 during an Aug. 30 ceremony at the Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Rd.

Hall of Fame events for the...
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Belchertown and Ludlow public schools were awarded grant funds through the Safer Schools and Communities Initiative.

The Office of Grants and Research, in partnership with the Executive Off...
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SPRINGFIELD — Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced the procurement and donation of a TruNarc device by the Massachusetts National Guard to aid the fight against illegal narc...
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State Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) has presented a bill to modernize municipal meetings, Town Meetings and local elections by allowing a permanent option for fully remote or hybrid meetings to tak...
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Western Massachusetts residents, especially those in Springfield and Longmeadow have been paying close attention as Eversource Energy navigates the regulatory process in their efforts to run a seco...
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The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts has received a three-year grant of $165,000 from the Women’s Foundation of Boston to fund the expansion of It’s a Girl’s World...
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The safety of pedestrians and bicyclists along Massachusetts roadways headed in the wrong direction in 2022 as the state reached an unfortunate milestone.

The Massachusetts Department of Tra...
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Robert Lavoie was named the new chief executive officer of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce earlier this month. Before becoming CEO, Lavoie spent the last few decades as a sales consultant for...
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Say cancer research and people around the world, but especially in Massachusetts, will think of the Dana-Farber Cancer Insitute in Boston.

Performing state-of-the-art research comes with a h...
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Fishing Friends Inc. is a nonprofit that started in Springfield with the mission of teaching youth about fishing so they can build character, connect with nature, develop relationships and learn ne...
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The chorus of local public officials and institutions of higher learning decrying the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on race-based admissions practices in higher education was nearly deafening i...
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Summer food service programs can be difficult to find, and some families may not know or have the resources to find which ones are available. Reminder Publishing asked local school distric...
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The people and politicians of Western Massachusetts have long complained state lawmakers in Boston ignore the region and give special attention to what’s east of Worcester. Former state Sen. ...
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Gov. Maura Healey signed Executive Order 611 on April 12, which gives greater priority to the state’s efforts to combat human trafficking. The order puts such crimes, which include forced lab...
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SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) said now that the state has its full funding in place, the start of the work to construct a new Veterans’ Home in Holyoke, formerly kno...
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State Rep. Jon Zlotnik (D-Worcester) has been working on an act relative to the sale of malt beverages produced by a pub brewery since 2015.

State Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) has also co-s...
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AGAWAM — As a teenager in the 1970s, Stan Svec went to the Westfield River to hang out with friends, to practice his boating skills and to fish for shad. He was drawn to the river like &ldquo...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Do Re Mi Singers are back on stage after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

“I want this to be the best that they can possibly do,” said director C...
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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) sees the proposed high-speed passenger rail line linking Pittsfield and Springfield with Boston as more of than just a service for Ma...
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Sen. Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) announced on May 22 that she would join the Healey-Driscoll administration as the new director of rural affairs in the Executive Office of Economic Development, leaving a...
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Sam Cocchi from Ludlow High School and James Delaney from Belchertown High School were both awarded the Hobey Baker High School Character Award.

In 2003, the Hobey Baker Committee establishe...
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On Monday, May 29, communities across the region will observe Memorial Day, the nationwide day of remembrance for members of the military who have died in service to the country.

Hampden wil...
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Memorial Day is on May 29 and both Ludlow and Belchertown are getting ready to honor those who died while serving in the military.

Ludlow’s Memorial Day events will take place over th...
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WESTFIELD — “A Journey of Hope and Recovery” is the theme of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts’ 23rd annual walkathon Sunday, May 21.

T...
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Texting and driving can have dangerous, even deadly, consequences. That’s the message an Agawam High School student and four Westfield High School students want to drive home to their peers.<...
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On May 13, letter carriers hope to do more than just deliver your mail, they hope you will help them in making sure the region’s emergency food pantries are well stocked.

Across the n...
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On April 26, the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources hosted a hearing on a bill filed by state Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) and state Rep. Aaron Saunders (D-Belchertown) that ...
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The month of April highlighted national recognition for Donate for Life America, an organization that spreads awareness about the need for organ, eye and tissue donations. Locally, Baystate Medical...
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Aaron Saunders (D-Belchertown) was elected as state representative in November 2022 and reflected on what has been accomplished so far and what the road ahead looks like.

“It’s b...
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It has been roughly 100 days since Jacob Oliveira (D-Ludlow) was sworn in as a state senator representing constituents as diverse as the 12 communities in his district: Belchertown, East Longmeadow...
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SOUTHWICK – Pointing to ongoing research that is finding certain psychedelic drugs can help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga has...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Local vocational students showed their business acumen in March as teams from the Lower Pioneer Valley Career Technical Education Center competed in the Business Profession...
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SPRINGFIELD – Members of the community are uniting in support of Ashley Dones-Schipper, a local 25-year-old who was recently diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Carla...
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Have you recently received a phone call from a grandchild seeking financial help? Or a utility company that claims you haven’t paid and is threatening to turn off your power?

Lisa Pan...
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It’s that time of year again. Home gardeners are pouring through seed catalogs and tending their germination trays. Farmers are planning their crops and starting to tend their fields. And sav...
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School districts across the state were hit with an unexpected increase in their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year when the state Operational Services Division raised the cost of out-of-district ...
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Cellphones are ubiquitous and with cameras all around, there are fewer places that people may have an expectation of privacy. However, secretly recording people is a crime in Massachusetts. Now, le...
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Food security advocates from around the region participated in an online program on March 17 that summarized the recent White House Conference on Hunger and listened to the reports of three local p...
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Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kimberly Driscoll recently visited Western Massachusetts to announce a new position on Beacon Hill, director of rural affairs. The new administrator will work to keep...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD — Several teachers from around the region were honored with Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching awards through the Harold Grinspoon and Irene E. & George A. Davis fo...
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Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kimberly Driscoll visited Franklin County on March 10 to announce a new position, director of rural affairs, to serve as an advocate in state government for small and...
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BOSTON — State Sen. John Velis will chair two committees in the 2023-2024 legislative session.

Velis, a Democrat from Westfield whose district i...
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WESTERN MASS. — Four nursing homes, two located in Chicopee, one in Springfield and another in Westfield, are facing impending closure after the enactment of a new state mandate. Owners of th...
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WESTERN MASS. – Coming off his recent appointment as chair of the Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Committee for the 2023-2024 legislative session, state Sen. John Velis sat down vir...
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WESTFIELD - Beat The Putz grand prize winner Nelson West, center, stands alongside his wife, Diane, and Manny’s Appliances Marketing Director George Rodriguez, left, after receiving the ...
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BELCHERTOWN/LUDLOW – The Belchertown Select Board and Ludlow Board of Selectmen both approved early voting by mail and in-person to continue for annual election.

On June 22, 2022, then...
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WESTERN MASS. – Heating and electricity costs have gone through the roof this winter.

“Everyone’s feeling the energy crunch – all fuels across the board,” said...
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CHARLESTON, SC — Speaking from the first conference of the National Mental Health Task Force in Charleston on Jan. 27, state Sen. John Velis said he is honored to have been chosen as one of 4...
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WESTERN MASS. – Bingo. Rummy. Dominoes. Senior centers often host various games, which provide a social outlet for seniors, a group often vulnerable to isolation. Players sometimes like to ma...
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LONGMEADOW – One young student’s hands flew over the piano gracefully. Another’s fingers fell heavy on the black and white notes. Someone else used precise movements with the inst...
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CHICOPEE/SPRINGFIELD – The Chicopee and Springfield Fire Departments are receiving Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) and Senior SAFE grants for fiscal year 2023 (FY23). The state...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Fire safety is a perennial issue about which fire departments spend time and money to educate people. Early this month, then-Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration is...
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WESTERN MASS. – To properly teach the most vulnerable individuals – children and seniors – about fire safety, local municipal departments were awarded grant funding to enhance edu...
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WESTERN MASS. – In the last days of the Baker-Polito administration, several communities and nonprofits in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties received word they would be the recipients ...
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WESTERN MASS. – Got a nip of Fireball in your pocket or purse? Local officials are urging you to dispose of that bottle responsibly.

The Connecticut River Stormwater Committee –...
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WESTERN MASS. – The incoming Healey administration has appointed a number of people to transition teams that will assist the new governor in understanding issues in the commonwealth and help ...
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SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Eric Lesser may be in office for a few more days but he formally said his farewell to his constituents and the office with an event on Dec. 15 and an interview produc...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – A total of 45 million in grant money was awarded to more than 300 fire departments throughout the state’s Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program. The program h...
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WESTERN MASS. – Municipalities throughout the region received funding from the commonwealth’s Underutilized Properties Program, administered by the Executive Office of Housing & Eco...
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SPRINGFIELD/HOLYOKE – Following a fire at the Jewish Community Center on 1160 Dickinson St., the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts (JFWM) continues its operations in its temporary ho...
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WESTERN MASS. – Legislators and community leaders assembled at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield for the first Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission meeting on Dec. 9. T...
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CHICOPEE/SPRINGFIELD – United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) distributed meals as a part of their annual Feed a Family food drive event. The organization hosted the food drive at their 236 Exch...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD – The fleet of yellow school buses in several Western Massachusetts towns will soon be turning a bit green.

The Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC),...
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It’s every would-be Santa’s dilemma – what do the kids want under the tree, and can we find it this holiday season? What’s the hot toy? What do my toddlers, or tweens or kid...
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WESTERN MASS. – If you find the holidays exhausting – all the shopping, wrapping, food prep and partying – you’re not alone. Burnout by New Years Day is a common complaint, ...
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SPRINGFIELD – The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) will offer free buses and paratransit services from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, thanks to a shared grant included in the state budget an...
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WESTFIELD – As Artemis I lifted off, a pair of Westfield television producers were there to see it, and film it, live.

Peter Cowles, the city’s media systems specialist and manag...
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WESTERN MASS. — In between bites of turkey and football referees’ whistles, civic leaders will say they have several reasons for gratitude this Thanksgiving Day.

Reminder Publish...
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SPRINGFIELD/CHICOPEE – As the holiday season approaches, city leaders and community organizations are gearing up for an array of events to celebrate the upcoming festivities.

Springfi...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – With the 2022 midterm elections in the rearview, Reminder Publishing reached out to area town clerks to discuss the main takeaways.

<...
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WESTERN MASS. – A week after the 2022 Massachusetts election, Reminder Publishing went back through local communities Holyoke, South Hadley and Granby to see how turnout was and if a...
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LUDLOW/BELCHERTOWN – With Election Day in the past and all the races being called Reminder Publishing reached out to local town clerks to see how many people voted and the method the...
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WESTERN MASS. – West Springfield businessman Dean Martilli received 38.6 percent of the vote in his effort to oust Congressman Richard Neal, not enough to gain the seat, but enough to indicat...
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MONSON/PALMER/WARE – While local communities share similar election results, the results do not necessarily match that on a statewide level.

Following the Nov. 8 election, local town ...
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WESTFIELD – Coming off of the most successful year since its start in 1997, Peter Langmore of Blandford, the longtime chair of the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival was at the Westfield Athenae...
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SOUTHWICK – Incumbent state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga won reelection on Nov. 8 with 60 percent of the vote against his opponent, Agawam City Councilor Anthony Russo.

With more than 95 perc...
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WILBRAHAM/MONSON – Wilbraham resident Kelly Pramberger and Monson resident Monique Vacon are featured in the new book “Imperfectly Perfect” which was released on Amazon on Oct. 27...
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WESTERN MASS. – An election night that took longer than expected for those involved resulted in Aaron Saunders beating out James “Chip” Harrington to secure the 7th Hampden Distri...
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WESTERN MASS. – U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern won Nov. 8’s midterm election for the seat of Massachusetts’ Second Congressional District.

The Democratic congressman defeated his ...
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WESTFIELD – State Sen. John Velis cruised to victory on Nov. 8, winning 68 percent of the vote in a district ranging from Russell to Chicopee, receiving a majority in every community, includi...
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WESTERN MASS. – Post-pandemic, families face more challenges when trying to locate services for their children with special needs.

A recent obstacle is the lack of teachers as many sc...
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WESTERN MASS – Democratic nominee Tara Jacobs has won the District 8 seat on the Governor’s Council, a position that represents Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties, agai...
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WESTERN MASS. – It was a study in contrasts.

Incumbent Congressman Richard Neal, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, didn’t have the typical election night watch event.<...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – After all the votes were cast and the majority of state election results had rolled in, state Rep. Jacob Oliveira declared victory in his bid to be the state senator for...
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WESTERN MASS. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal toured the West Parish Treatment Center and Cobble Mountain reservoir, dam and hydropower station with Springfield Water and Sewer Executive Director Jo...
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WESTERN MASS. – In observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, local communities plan to honor those who served our country by hosting a variety of events.

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LUDLOW/BELCHERTOWN – Veterans Day is on Nov. 11 and both Ludlow and Belchertown will be hosting events during the day to honor and support those who served.

Ludlow’s Veteran Ser...
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WESTERN MASS. – The friendly rivalry between Agawam and West Springfield has turned into a friendly contest that will help people clean out their closets and make a real difference for the en...
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WARE/WARREN – Ware and Warren are two Massachusetts towns recently awarded funds from the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program. The Baker-Polito administ...
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WESTERN MASS. – Tribe Power Bites LLC began as a healthy on-the-go snack alternative for owner/founder Kim Prada, a single mom who bought a mixer and started experimenting with recipes.

AGAWAM — Under attack, America found unity, and 21 years later we could use that unity again, speakers said at 9/11 remembrance ceremonies in Agawam and West Springfield this month.

Th...
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GRANVILLE – Voices for Climate, a grassroots community group based in Granville, is partnering with the Emily Williston Library in Easthampton for a three-part virtual climate series called &...
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WESTERN MASS. – With the district lines redrawn and the primaries over, incumbent John Velis and challenger Cecilia Calabrese are now running head-to-head for the state Senate seat serving We...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Do you want the chicken or the hot dog? Either way, you can eat well while doing good with hometown nonprofits at the Big E this month.

When the Eastern States Expos...
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WESTERN MASS. — Local ties meant more than statewide momentum for many Agawam and West Springfield voters on Sept. 6, as Democrats backed Eric Lesser of Longmeadow, and candidates from Spring...
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WESTERN MASS. – Despite the pouring rain on Sept. 6, voter turnout for the state primary averaged around 20 percent in Southwick and many of the Hilltowns, with more Democrats voting than Rep...
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WESTERN MASS. – Former state Rep. Geoff Diehl secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination against Chris Doughty during the Sept. 6 primary. Diehl will now face off against Attorney Genera...
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WESTFIELD – The state is raising the minimum MCAS score needed for students to pass beginning in 2024, and some school officials are concerned that the change will only make life harder for s...
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WESTERN MASS. — Last October the VOTES Act was passed by the Massachusetts state Legislature, making permanent the concessions allowed for mail-in voting during the COVID-19 state of emergenc...
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WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS – State Sen. Eric Lesser ended his effort to be the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor with a concession to Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and saying he will give his ...
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WESTERN MASS. – With the primary race ending with the election on Sept. 6, Democrats state Rep. Jake Oliveira and Sydney Levin-Epstein have announced some last-minute endorsements.
The ...
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SOUTHAMPTON – For more than three decades, the Voices of the Valley Community Chorus has entertained the region with songs.

Previously known as the Southampton Community Chorus, the g...
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WESTERN MASS. — Recent redistricting has removed Southwick, Granville and Tolland from the state Senate district they long shared with Agawam and Westfield, and thrust them into the middle of...
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SPRINGFIELD – Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s annual picnic drew huge crowds on Aug. 17 and a steady stream of elected officials and candidates for both local and statewide office....
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WESTERN MASS. – Ahead of the Republican gubernatorial primary on Sept. 6, candidate Geoff Diehl hosted a meet-and-greet with locals at City Jake’s Café in Springfield.

...
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WESTERN MASS. – Declining populations and enrollments, issues with broadband and transportation and rising costs are some of the challenges being faced by rural school districts.

The C...
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WESTFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law earlier this month a bill that extends free breakfast and free lunch options for all Massachusetts public school students for the 2022-23 school...
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AGAWAM – The South End Bridge connecting Springfield to Agawam has marks painted on its west pillar, up to 17 feet. This summer’s drought has reduced the flow of the river so much that ...
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AGAWAM – City Councilor and state Senate candidate Cecelia Calabrese is one of the sponsors of a statewide petition for a vote to overturn the recent law allowing undocumented immigrants to o...
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HOLYOKE – Indian Motorcycle of Springfield owner Dennis Bolduc has pitched a plan to the city to turn the historic First Congregational Church building into a museum, restaurant and motorcycl...
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WESTERN MASS. – West Springfield businessman Dean Martilli announced in a campaign kickoff event the last week of June that he is running for Congress against incumbent Richard Neal.

I...
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WESTERN MASS. – With the Sept. 6 state primary election almost upon us, local communities have begun releasing information on how, when and where residents can cast their ballots.

HOLYOKE/EASTHAMPTON – The Massachusetts State Legislature closed out the month of July passing a bill relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans that made key reforms to the g...
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WESTERN MASS. – People around the country have a new, easier way to reach out when experiencing a mental health crisis. On July 16, a new three-digit number for the National Suicide Preventio...
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WESTERN MASS. – Local municipal leaders and clerks will continue to have flexibility in the manner in which they conduct public meetings thanks the state’s recent decision to extend pro...
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WESTERN MASS. – While state Sen. Eric Lesser may still be seen as the third-place finisher in the lieutenant governor race according to polls, a revelation last week has the potential of shak...
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WESTERN MASS. – In the race for the Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester State Senate seat both candidates released news from their respective campaigns.

State Rep. Jake Oliveria announced...
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SPRINGFIELD – Former Assistant Secretary of Transportation Chris Dempsey gathered a number of endorsements for state auditor in the region at a campaign stop in Springfield on July 11.

AGAWAM — “I think my voice can add more to the district,” said Anthony Russo, who plans to launch his campaign for state representative on June 14.

Russo will challenge si...
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WESTERN MASS. – Through its Local Farmer Awards, area food producers have received $1 million in support from Big Y Supermarkets and the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation (HGCF). The $2,...
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WESTERN MASS. – Trash removal is an aspect of modern day life that is only noticed when something goes wrong. Recently, municipalities and individual residents who have contracted with the na...
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BOSTON – On June 24, in response to the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling overturning Roe v Wade, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order to protect access to reproductive h...
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WESTERN MASS. – The state senator who has led the effort to establish East-West passenger rail believes the now $300 million in a bond bill is “a down payment to keep the momentum on th...
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WESTERN MASS. – Following a movement in several states to rename U.S. Route 20 the “Medal of Honor Highway” the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a bill on June 6 to b...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – With school shootings once again in the forefront of people’s minds due to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Reminder Publishing reached out...
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HOLYOKE – The Jack Jonah Foundation saw a strong turnout for Jack’s Walk again this year, remembering a West Springfield teen lost to an accidental overdose in 2019, and raising awarene...
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WESTERN MASS. – In his first stint in Amherst, Marcus Camby was a key part of a team that refused to lose. Now, the former University of Massachusetts (UMass) and professional basketball star...
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Congressman James McGovern thought he was going to Poland to discuss the war in Ukraine with Polish officials on May 2. What he didn’t know is that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had planned an a...
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WILLIAMSBURG — For many people, history can be boring. One local author appears to have found an enticing way to blend history with the excitement and suspense of a good mystery in a series o...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Free Comic Book Day returns on May 7 to two area shops where free comic books, the chance to meet artists and writers and to support good causes will be featured....
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SPRINGFIELD – One more step has been made toward the establishment of a new east-west passenger rail line.

At a press conference conducted at Union Station, Gov. Charlie Baker announce...
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WESTERN MASS. – A new study from the UMass Donahue Institute shows the Pioneer Valley – Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin counties – has a significant deficit of housing units, whic...
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AGAWAM — The Agawam Community Artists and Artisans (ACAA) are inviting everyone to assist in the creation of the first New England Mosaic Project, a planned 8-foot wall canvas depicting New E...
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AGAWAM – Agawam Community Artists and Artisans is shining a light on member Patty Sakellis this month, for her specialty in creating Nantucket lightship baskets.

Sakellis, who was rai...
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WORCESTER/HARTFORD CT. – The sun on your face. The sound of the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd. The smell of popcorn and hot dogs.

For many, the sights, sounds and smells o...
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WESTERN MASS. – The isolation room at Mutt Rescue is filled with metal crates. With more than a dozen dogs in this one large room, some sound off with short bar...
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WESTERN MASS. – A federal proposal could mean the elimination of the area’s only full-service medical facility for veterans, but legislators and advocates don’t intend to take it ...
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WESTERN MASS. – Two years since COVID-19 thrust Massachusetts into a state of emergency, case counts are again declining but the numbers don’t tell the whole story, Agawam and West Spri...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD- With current state Rep. Jacob Oliveira set to seek election for the state senate seat currently held by Eric Lesser who is vacating the seat following his announcement of his c...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD- With current state Rep. Jacob Oliveira set to seek election in the state senate, Ludlow’s James “Chip” Harrington put his name in the ring to run for the upco...
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WESTERN MASS. – The decision made by a veteran elected official has opened up another political seat this year.

Governor’s Councilor Mary Hurley announced last week she would not...
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WESTFIELD — Last year’s atypical legislative redistricting process, where district lines were drawn before cities and towns had a chance to draw their precinct maps, could lead to confu...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Supporters of allowing people to register and vote on Election Day in Massachusetts are casting the measure as a “common sense” compromise lawmakers can include...
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HOLYOKE/SPRINGFIELD – The COVID-19 outbreak has hugely affected shopping malls across the country. Now, shopping malls are trying to find ways to stay relevant in the new normal.

The ...
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WESTERN MASS. – The brewery scene in the lower Pioneer Valley is tight-knit. When one of their own died in a car crash in January, the community came toget...
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WESTFIELD — The First Congregational Churches in Westfield and Southwick welcomed a new shared pastor last month to lead both congregations in Sunday services.

The Rev. Paul Nesbit joi...
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AGAWAM — Cecilia Calabrese, vice president of the Agawam City Council, announced her candidacy for state Senate last week.

Calabrese, who is in her ninth term as a city councilor, sai...
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WESTERN MASS – After a successful trial year in 2021, ValleyBike will continue to be available throughout the winter months in 2022, especially now with Springfield back open after being clos...
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WESTERN MASS. – Area fire departments received funding from the Baker-Polito Administration on Feb. 16 to support new fire safety education programs for both sc...
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WESTERN MASS. – For the past two years, the coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on the health and fitness industry, forcing many businesses to go outside of their comfort zones ...
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MASSACHUSETTS – With many businesses experiencing a staffing shortage across the board, two local economists and a business owner discussed the challenges of hiring and maintaining staff in a...
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WESTERN MASS. – Amtrak’s Valley Flyer train service between Greenfield and New Haven, CT, hit a major bump during the pandemic. While ridership is still reduced by 30 percent, the train...
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WESTERN MASS. – Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants have implemented outdoor dining as a way to attract more customers and keep their businesses afloat. With warmer day...
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WESTERN MASS. – The push toward greater access to municipal internet continued throughout 2021 and will move further in 2022 as more communities explore the idea of municipal internet as an a...
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WESTERN MASS. – Infrastructure improvements continue to be stressed across the state, with Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito approving a list of 146 bridge repairs as a part of a $...
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WESTERN MASS. – Is it easy for seniors to live in your town?

A new survey by the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) program is asking that question in dozens of area communities. The regi...
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WESTERN MASS. – Unpaved and dirt roads are the focus of a bill recently introduced on Beacon Hill by Rep. Natalie Blais, with the support of Sen. Adam Hines. Bill H3411, An Act Relative to Un...
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WESTERN MASS. – Navigating the challenges of the world today is a difficult task for anyone, but especially for middle school girls with social media accounts.

Thanks to Shurtleff Chil...
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BOSTON – State Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. announced on Jan. 24 that he will not run for the state Senate, but will instead, run for re-election to 12th Hampden District in the state’s ...
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WESTERN MASS. – For the second year, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded $5 million in grant funding to 306 fire departments across the commonwealth to purchase necessary personal pro...
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WESTERN MASS. – Three communities locally will be benefiting from a loan forgiveness program that is aimed at improving drinking water systems.

State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, chair ...
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CHESTER – State Sens. Adam G. Hinds and Jo Comerford and state Reps. Natalie Blais and Jacob R. Oliveira gathered at Chester Town Hall on Jan. 13 to announce ne...
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WESTFIELD — Local police have mixed feelings on the $4 million in state grants awarded last week for body-worn cameras.

Southwick got a grant, and Westfield didn’t — becaus...
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WESTERN MASS. – More than two dozen people told the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture stories of losing their life savings, safety and homes to the wide-spread...
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WESTERN MASS. — With the announcement on Jan.4, there are now two Democratic state senators from Western Massachusetts vying for the same state-wide office.

State Sen. Eric Lesser sett...
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WESTERN MASS. – The Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce officially launched its expansion into Western Massachusetts on Dec. 7. The newest headquarters is located at Mount Holyoke College ...
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WESTERN MASS. – Representatives from the Arts Extension Service at UMass Amherst and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, as well as others from the Western Massachusetts Creative Economy...
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WESTERN MASS. – In introducing a report by the Pioneer Valley Data Collaborative titled “Safety Net, Food & Hunger in the Pioneer Valley,” Molly Jackson-Watts, a principal pla...
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WESTERN MASS. – It’s safe to say that eggs are a popular part of many diets. If the Legislature does not finish work on a bill, though, amending a law concerning how farm animals are tr...
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WESTERN MASS. – As more and more evacuees from Afghanistan arrive in Western Massachusetts, the biggest present concern for the Welcome Home Refugee Resettlement Program is finding ample perm...
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AMHERST – With what will be a clear vacancy for governor in the 2022 election, Western Massachusetts researchers feel the odds strongly favor the next person to lead the state being a Democra...
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WESTERN MASS. – On Nov. 19, Western Massachusetts business owners and stakeholders met for a roundtable discussion with the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure a...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD –With the holiday season fast approaching, many local communities are prepping for annual tree lighting ceremonies to spread some Christmas ...
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WESTERN MASS. – There is a new, more flexible option for conserving land in the Connecticut River Valley. Landowners may now permanently protect forested acreage, not just farmland, and ...
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WESTERN MASS. – A proposed redistricting plan that looks to shuffle a few areas in the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts is currently up for a vote within the state Legislature.  

WESTERN MASS. – On Oct. 25, Massachusetts lawmakers conducted a virtual legislative briefing for the Medicare for All bill, “An act Establishing a Medicare for All in Massachusetts.&rdq...
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BOSTON — Greater Westfield legislators say they’re satisfied with the state’s proposed redistricting maps, though they are sad to lose some of the communities their districts are ...
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WESTERN MASS. – The American Red Cross recently made an appeal to the public, warning about the shortage of blood and platelet supplies in the commonwealth.

“We don’t use t...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – After hosting an entirely virtual event in 2020, the 2021 Greater Springfield Out of the Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide is set to take place both in-person and virtually...
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BOSTON – Proposed legislative district maps released last week would result in a new state senator for West Springfield and a split House delegation for Agawam.

After the 2020 federal ...
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BOSTON – State Auditor Suzanne Bump’s recently released report of infrastructure in Western Massachusetts highlights problems and deficiencies from crumbling roads, bridges and culverts...
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WESTERN MASS. –  Almost an entire semester after the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC) announced they would not require students to be vaccinated, they will now mand...
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WESTERN MASS. – October is just around the corner, and for many, this means raising money for cancer research through The Jimmy Fund Walk. After successfully re...
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WESTERN MASS. – On Aug. 25, Rachel’s Table announced it would be partnering with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to provide volunteer drivers for their agencies.

Rachel&rs...
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AGAWAM/WEST SPRINGFIELD- Corporation for Independent Living (CIL) Realty of Massachusetts is in the process of constructing and renovating 28 community residences across Massachusetts, including ho...
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WESTERN MASS. – New data shows that while growth was relatively modest, Agawam and West Springfield are seeing their populations become more diverse.

The initially delayed U.S. Census ...
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­­­WESTERN MASS. –  Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Jeffrey Riley mandated on Aug. 24 that all students and staff in public schools are n...
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WESTERN MASS. – Area legislators say the information provided by the 2020 Census largely met expectations.

While initially...
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WESTERN MASS. – Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Jeffrey Riley mandated on Aug. 24 that all students and staff in public sch...
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CHICOPEE/SPRINGFIELD/HOLYOKE – Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Holyoke Acting Mayor Terence Murphy gathered for a press conference to promote a united stance ag...
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AGAWAM/WEST SPRINGFIELD – As the deadline to withdraw papers has passed for both Agawam and West Springfield, the finalized list of candidates has been released for those running in the 2021 ...
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AGAWAM/WEST SPRINGFIELD – Following the unpredictable 2020-21 school year due to the pandemic, local schools plan to return to full, in-person learning in accordance with the state’s gu...
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WESTERN MASS. – While the number of children in foster care continues to increase, the number of families willing to foster them has decreased. In an effort to help these children, local and ...
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WESTERN MASS. – Are you looking for a place for boating or swimming this summer?  You may want to check the quality of the water before making any plans....
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Former state Sen. Ben Downing hopes to buck political conventional wisdom as a Western Massachusetts native trying to achieve not just a state-wide office, but the most prominent one of governor....
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – After a year of isolation, many people are now coming together again as COVID-19 rates decline and vaccination rates rise. With many gatherings such as birthday parties,...
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BOSTON – State Sen. John C. Velis said it’s about time military families get recognition and a new bill in the Senate would help military spouses get jobs and it would make Barnes Air N...
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WESTERN MASS.  –  Due to a grant from Baystate Noble Hospital, three area organizations are able to help continue and further their work to prevent and treat opioid-related substanc...
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SPRINGFIELD/CHICOPEE/HOLYOKE – The coronavirus pandemic forced the world to slow down and stop. Many events, such as engagements, parties and weddings, were put on hold. With COVID-19 positiv...
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WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS – The reaction from members of the Western Massachusetts delegation to the governor’s proposal to establish a sales tax holiday for the months of August and Septem...
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WESTERN MASS. – During her senior year at California State University – Northridge, Ashley Ripolone, a local potter, was working to complete her elective requirements. After taking an i...
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HAMPDEN COUNTY – While generally strong on Beacon Hill, support for the advancement of a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would increase taxes for the state’s richest r...
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WESTERN MASS. – Changes are coming to the way police departments across Massachusetts interact with their communities. On July 1, most provisions of the police ...
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HAMPDEN COUNTY – Local law enforcement are collaborating to host a virtual presentation to educate parents and guardians on how to keep their children protected online.

Hampden Distric...
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HAMPSHIRE COUNTY – On May 17, Gov. Charlie Baker made the announcement that any remaining COVID-19 restrictions will officially be lifted starting on May 29....
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AGAWAM/WEST SPRINGFIELD – Staff at West Springfield and Agawam high schools recently announced their 2021 commencement plans that will both take place in person under the Department of Elemen...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD/AGAWAM – The Morgan-Sullivan Bridge has completely opened all five lanes of traffic as of April 24, bringing Bridge Work Stage 2 to a close and well ahead of schedule.

BOSTON – State officials are planning for a complete reopening of the Massachusetts economy by the end of summer with guidelines and restrictions being loosened...
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WESTERN MASS. – As colleges wrap up their Spring 2021 semester and plan for the 2021-2022 school year, many campuses are faced with the decision on whether they will require students to be va...
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WESTERN MASS. – Local leaders from several Western Massachusetts communities gathered to discuss the creation and benefits of municipal broadband during a virtual forum.

Springfield Ci...
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WESTERN MASS. – On April 20, the Massachusetts Department of Health and the Executive Office of Health and Human services announced that 31 organizations across the state would be receiving M...
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WESTERN MASS. – The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Hampshire County commemorates April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, yet their objective ...
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WESTERN MASS – Ten to Ten, a free, confidential helpline for people who abuse or may abuse their intimate partner, launched on April 15. The Helpline is the first of its kind in the United St...
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WESTERN MASS. – The Hampshire Regional District Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) spearheaded a group of events for elementary school playgroups in celebration of the...
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WESTERN MASS. – Five communities have come together in a partnership called All Hamptons Read, an initiative led by public libraries in Northampton, Florence, Easthampton, Westhampton, Southa...
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WESTERN MASS – The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) recently received a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to begin a pilot Northampton-Holyoke-Springf...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD –  Big Brothers Big Sisters Hampden County is continuing their work to foster connections between local youth and community members despite the ongoing coronavirus pa...
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WESTERN MASS. – State Sen. John Velis is one of 20 lawmakers from across the country participating in the National Conference of State Legislatures’ 2021 Opioid Policy Fellows Program. ...
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WESTERN MASS. – The 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will occur on April 24 at various locations in Hampshire and Franklin Counties from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is use...
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WESTERN MASS. – Although COVID-19 has challenged teachers, staff, and school administration, 10 teachers in the Agawam and West Springfield school districts won the 2021 Excellence in Te...
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WESTERN MASS. – The school committees from the Hampshire Regional School District selected Diana Bonneville as their next superintendent during a March 29 meeting.

Bonneville, who was...
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WESTERN MASS – Signing up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts has been a challenge for many residents as demand has far outpaced supply. For homebound residents, even if they could...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The Center for Human Development’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Hampshire County will have their 11th annual Daffodil 10k and 5k Run virtually for the second...
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WESTERN MASS. – On March 9, MassSupport Network hosted a Twitter chat to discuss one year in COVID-19 and the mental health effects that it’s had on many.

Every member of the st...
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WESTERN MASS. – State Sen. John Velis is one of 20 lawmakers from across the country participating in the National Conference of State Legislatures’ 2021 Opioid Policy Fellows Program. ...
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WESTERN MASS. – The legislative delegation from Western Massachusetts is pushing back on criticism the commonwealth is moving too fast with legislation that would  secure funding for the...
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WESTERN MASS. – The Massachusetts Legislature recently announced committee assignments for the 2021-2022 session. State Rep. Nick Boldyga was appointed to four committees.

He will serv...
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WESTERN MASS. – In the wake of the state’s recent mandate, one Western Massachusetts legislator has joined colleagues in filing a bill to postpone the return for full in-person learning...
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WESTERN MASS. – On March 1, Massachusetts House lawmakers passed a bill extending the COVID-19 early mail-in voting law to June 30. The law will allow residents of Massachusetts to use this m...
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WESTERN MASS. – For the first time, Massachusetts educators and school employees will have the opportunity to receive the cornonavirus vaccine.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced at a press ...
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WESTERN MASS. – A regional group for a proposed vaccination site on The Big E fairgrounds has grown larger.

After the state of Massachusetts denied the initial proposal for a vaccinat...
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HAMPDEN COUNTY – The Hampden County Regional Retirement Board (HCRB), a public retirement entity, was recently the focus of an audit by a state governing agency, the Public Employee Retiremen...
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BOSTON – Officials are seeking to have all elementary-age students in the commonwealth return to in-person learning by April.

The announcement was made in a press conference on Feb. 23...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The Baker-Polito Administration has announced almost $2 million in grants for elementary school fire education programs and fire safety grants for older populations. The...
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WESTERN MASS. – On Feb. 12, the Massachusetts State Senate ratified its committee positions for the 2021-2022 legislative session and 2nd Hampden and Hampshire state Sen. John Velis was named...
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WESTERN MASS – Not many people can claim to have had a major impact on the places that helped shape them and that meant a lot to them during their lifetime, but S. Prestley Blake, the Friendl...
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WESTERN MASS. – With mental illness on the rise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic mental health resources across the state are spread thin and seeing higher demand including the National A...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – While the COVID-19 pandemic set the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity back in terms of funding and its projects, they are looking forward to the virus subsiding a...
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WESTERN MASS. – Having taken over natural gas services in Massachusetts in 2020, Eversource says it is now in the process of assessing the entire delivery system in order to determine the mos...
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WESTERN?MASS – In light of the riot on Jan. 6, in which supporters of former President Donald Trump and members from various far-right groups attacked the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop th...
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NORTHAMPTON – Pioneer Valley Travel (PVT) is a family-owned business located at 88 King St. in Northampton. For 56 years the travel agency has maintained a strong presence in Western Mass. Wh...
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WESTERN MASS. – On Aug. 30, 2019, Amtrak – in partnership with MassDOT – launched a new train service for Pioneer Valley residents called the Valley Flyer. It runs seven days a we...
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WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS – For Mary Kay Wydra, the president of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2020 was not a good year.

“It was challenging year to say the...
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WESTERN MASS. – During this time, people are staying home more than ever and taking care of their pets. Reminder Publishing reached out to numerous local doggy day  care facilities to se...
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WESTERN MASS. – Having taken over natural gas services in Massachusetts in 2020, Eversource says it is now in the process of assessing the entire delivery system in order to determine the mos...
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WESTERN MASS. – Follow the casino and gaming industry and you’ll quickly see the growth of sports betting across the nation.

Once the province of informal wages, football cards &...
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WESTERN MASS – In light of the riot on Jan. 6, in which supporters of former President Donald Trump and members from various far-right groups attacked the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop th...
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AGAWAM/WEST SPRINGFIELD – Local officials in Agawam and West Springfield say they are doing everything they can to assist the senior population during the first step of  Phase 2 of the C...
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Editor’s note: The Board of the Trustees for the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home was scheduled to meet on Feb. 9 after this newspaper’s deadline. At that meeting, a final vote to accep...
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WESTERN MASS. – Two of Gov. Charlie Baker’s more controversial measures to fight the spread of coronavirus recently came to an end, news that was met with mixed reactions from local bus...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – At 105 years old, Thelma Brewster is the oldest resident at Glenmeadow, a life plan community in Longmeadow. She was the first person at the facility to receive the coro...
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WESTERN MASS. – While grants for small businesses and nonprofits are being issued from the state to aid in recouping revenue lost due to the coronavirus pandemic, local franchise owners are f...
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WESTERN MASS. – Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Jan. 25  more details about the commonwealth’s vaccination plans, including a vaccination site at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield....
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WESTERN MASS. – More than 100 teachers unions in Massachusetts have declared no confidence in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and its Commissioner Jeff Riley, incl...
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WESTERN MASS. –  When Colleen Goodhue moved to the Pioneer Valley from New Hampshire in the middle of a pandemic she found herself unsure of where and how to get involved with the commun...
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WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Richard Neal, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said the statements and actions of President Donald Trump on Jan. 6 “demonstrated his lack of inte...
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At press time the fate of the bill initially introduced by Congressman Richard Neal that would have increased personal stimulus checks to $2,000 is in the hands of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCo...
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BOSTON – During his daily press conference on Dec. 21, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced that small businesses across the state would receive funding as part of a grant program from ...
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WESTERN MASS. – A nonprofit organization working with foster care families across the region and a local artist teamed up to come up with a coloring book, which will serve as a tool for famil...
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AGAWAM/WEST SPRINGFIELD – Massachusetts is now officially back in the first step of Phase 3 for their COVID-19 reopening plan.

During a coronavirus briefing on Dec. 9, Gov. Charlie Ba...
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WESTERN MASS. – A nonprofit organization is working to bring access to healthy food across Western Massachusetts while also helping the environment.

Felix Lufkin, director of Help Your...
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BOSTON – During an afternoon press conference on Dec. 9, Gov. Charlie Baker announced the state’s COVID-19 vaccine plan including how many vaccines would be distributed and who would be...
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WESTERN MASS. – The holiday season has traditionally been a time when local houses of worship see a significant uptick in attendance, especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas day celebratio...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, several local pantries in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Hampden and Wilbraham are having difficulty securing food for their communities...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez of Springfield, the chair of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, is proud of the work he and his colleagues did on a new police reform bi...
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WESTERN MASS. – As a part of the Massachusetts state Senate’s final budget for fiscal year 2021 (FY21), the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home will receive an amendment for an ombudsman&rsquo...
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WESTERN MASS. – With the holiday season swiftly approaching, local gift shops and retail organizations are hoping to propel their businesses forward.

Building 451, a family-owned gift...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Most towns have some kind of holiday celebration in which residents gather in the crisp winter air and watch as Christmas trees are lit, holiday exhibits are unveiled an...
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WESTERN MASS. – The Springfield Rescue Mission is on their final stretch of collecting items for those in need. With the help of Sisters of Spear, an abundance of donations have already been ...
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WESTERN MASS – There is an ongoing battle over who is eligible to receive emergency food aid amid the pandemic.

Congress passed a $200 billion coronavirus relief bill, Families First C...
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WESTERN MASS. – This holiday season, Ocean State Job Lot has started their annual “Buy, Give, Get” program. Any customer who buys a warm winter coat at the store for $40 (retail v...
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WESTERN MASS – On Nov. 6, Gov. Charlie Baker announced changes to the “stoplight” COVID-19 metrics that categorize the risk of coronavirus transmission into red, yellow, green or ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – After a two-week shutdown, youth hockey players will be able to resume playing in indoor rinks.

Vice President Sherri Conway of the Greater Springfield Jr. Yellow...
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WESTERN MASS.  –  A North Adams-based company is hoping to make medical care accessible to those in more rural areas of Western Massachusetts.

Zayed Yasin is an emergency ph...
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WESTERN MASS. – As the coronavirus pandemic continues to create hardships for local families and businesses, area food pantries and volunteers are gearing up to meet the needs of their commun...
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WESTERN MASS. – After securing the Second Hampden and Hampshire District state Senate seat during the Nov. 3 election, state Sen. John Velis discussed his goals and challenges ahead of his fi...
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WESTERN MASS. – The Massachusetts economy has been slow to recover due to the high unemployment rate precipitated by COVID-19.

Despite this ongoing problem, local food pantries in Aga...
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WESTERN MASS. – On Nov. 6, Gov. Charlie Baker announced changes to the “stoplight” COVID-19 metrics that categorize the risk of coronavirus transmission into red, yellow, green or...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – With coronavirus cases rising across the state of Massachusetts, American Family Care (AFC) will start offering COVID-19 tests in specially-designed mobile testing vans ...
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BOSTON – As a result of an increase in positive COVID-19 cases across Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker announced new restrictions designed to prevent the virus’ spread during a Nov. 2 ...
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WESTERN MASS. – The Massachusetts Right to Repair Initiative also known as Question 1, will be on the 2020 election ballot. This question asks whether or not people should be allowed to choos...
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WESTERN MASS. – On Nov. 3, Republican state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga will go head-to-head with Democratic candidate Kerri O’Connor for the Third Hampden District seat in the Massachusetts ...
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HAMPDEN COUNTY – With many of the local political contests settled last month with the primary election, of the most prominent because it is for the entire county to decide, is the register o...
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WESTERN MASS. – With two seats on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in need of filling, area legislators sent a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker asking him to keep Western Massachusetts ca...
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WESTERN MASS – This presidential election will be like none other, in large part due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many voters are choosing to request mail-in ballots to avoid...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD –  For quite some time, Tapestry health has provided training for agencies, organizations and community members about how to use the life-saving drug, Narcan. Now, th...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Another victim of the pandemic is trick or treating, at least in the city of Springfield.

Mayor Domenic Sarno has announced his administration will not allow tric...
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SPRINGFIELD – Each year hundreds of people gather with their pets at Fort Hill Brewery to support the Dakin Humane Society at their Barks and Brews event. This year, due to the ongoing corona...
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September is Hunger Action Month across the country and locally the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is undertaking activities to address the growing problem of food insecurity.

COVID-19 h...
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WESTERN MASS. – This year, households across the United States completed the 2020 Census – however some local towns are doing better with their responses than others. Longmeadow, East L...
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WESTERN MASS. – The coronavirus pandemic has changed the atmosphere surrounding voting but it did not get in the way of people casting their votes. Quite the contrary, in fact, according to l...
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WESTERN MASS. – The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (MIAA) Board of Directors approved a plan submitted by the organization’s COVID-19 Task Force that will al...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Three candidates for the 9th Hampden District seat took turns answering questions about disparities in the district on Aug. 20.

The forum, hosted by The Food Bank...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Incumbent candidate for the Hampden District Sen. James Welch and challenger Adam Gomez Sr. discussed food insecurity and other issues facing the district during a quest...
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WESTERN MASS. – In the ongoing fight to keep the rates of COVID-19 low in Massachusetts, the Baker-Polito Administration has created a color-coded system to quickly and easily assess the risk...
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WESTERN MASS. – Ahead of the Sept. 1 Primary Election, residents in Westfield and Southwick are taking advantage of early voting by mail.

In Westfield, City Clerk Karen Fanion said via...
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You may have a census taker at your door within the next 10 weeks in Springfield and Chicopee if you have not yet filled out the U.S. Census online or mailed back the information.

According ...
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AMHERST – Congressional candidate and Mayor of Holyoke Alex Morse was accused of abusing his power to engage in relationships with students while teaching a political science course at the Un...
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WESTERN MASS. –   Three candidates will vie for votes to be elected to move forward in the race for the 3rd Hampden District seat during Massachusetts’ primary election on Sep...
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Three Democratic candidates are running to replace Jose Tosado for the position of state representative for the 9th Hampden District, which includes wards in Springfield and Chicopee.   &...
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Last week, Former Holyoke Soldiers Home Superintendent Paul Barabani told the members of the Subcommittee on Health of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs the pro...
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Three Democratic candidates are running to replace Jose Tosado for the position of state representative for the 9th Hampden District, which includes wards in Springfield and Chicopee.  &n...
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LUDLOW – Another brewery is headed to Ludlow.

After initially planning to build a facility in Holyoke, Loophole Brewing Company recently announced it would become the newest tenant of ...
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FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT – It’s now coming down to the wire.

The primary to determine the final candidate for the November ballot will be Sept. 1 and the contest between incu...
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With the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims looming, native American activists and members of the Legislature met outside the state capitol on July 16 to announce that three bills hav...
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WESTERN MASS. – In a session that lasted into the early morning hours of July 14, the Massachusetts Senate passed a police reform bill, known as “Reform, Shift + Build,” that aims...
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PIONEER VALLEY –   With Gov. Charlie Baker’s Phase 3 guidelines, “small” movie theaters are allowed to open, but two local independent theaters have no immediate plans ...
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WESTERN MASS. – Throughout the month of July, Cumberland Farms customers can help a disabled veteran while they fill up their gas tanks and get a cup of coffee. That’s because the conve...
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BOSTON/WESTERN MASS. – While the actual manner in which classes will be conducted remains undecided in many ways, guidance from the state indicates that a return to the classroom in the fall ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Nearly one year after stopping 24-hour emergency services, the VCA Animal Hospital on Boston Road in Springfield will close its doors for good.

According to an a...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker recently announced two days of pop-up COVID-19 testing and 52 sites around the state for those people who have recently attended large gatherings, suc...
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BOSTON – Changes in methodology by MassDOT were presented to more accurately predict ridership of the proposed east-west passenger train service at the meeting on June 10 to update the progre...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – At a June 15 press conference, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a two-day coronavirus testing event to test those who have attended large gatherings in the past 2 weeks.

CHICOPEE/HOLYOKE – Marches supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and calling for the end of police brutality drew hundreds of people to the cities of Chicopee and Holyoke during the week...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Though most U. S. adults received a bank account boost under April’s federal government’s Economic Impact Payment Plan, that program didn’t include the...
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BOSTON – On May 26, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a host of food insecurity programs designed to help residents with access to nutritious food in spite of the financial struggle many are facin...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – For the past several weeks, state Sen. Eric Lesser has been hosting a series of “lunchtime livestreams” where he hosts local experts on a myriad of topics. O...
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WESTFIELD - After a convincing victory in the May 19 Special State Election, state Rep. and state Sen.-elect John Velis said he hopes to bring a common-sense, non-partisan approach to the Senate....
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BOSTON – Gov. Charlie Baker announced on May 18 a phased approach to reopening the economy and the state of Massachusetts.

Baker first paid homage to the front line and essential worke...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – After Gov. Charlie Baker announced that golf courses would be allowed to reopen on May 7, courses in Southwick and Westfield were ready to open the doors immediately....
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Andrew Morehouse, the executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, said the organization is currently seeing a 35 percent increase in demand for food. T...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – While the coronavirus pandemic and resultant restrictions have had a major impact on the Western Massachusetts craft beer industry, several local brewers have banded tog...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Bob Charland is well-known in the area for his charitable work. Better known as “Bob the Bike Guy,” because of his non-profit, Pedal Thru Youth, the Hampden ...
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WESTERN MASS. – While COVID-19 has obvious health-related impacts, state Sen. Eric Lesser, along with other local officials, explained that the pandemic has taken approximately $49 million of...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – As the effects of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders continue to permeate the Massachusetts economy, more small businesses are fighting to stay afloat, and more workers ar...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD - Sanitation has taken on a renewed importance in the era of COVID-19 and the coronavirus that causes it. First responders are especially aware of the need to clean and sanitize...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – COVID-19 shelter-in-place advisories seem to have been a boon to one part of the economy. As people are required to spend more time in homes and yards than they have in ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – On April 28, Governor Charlie Baker announced on a two-week extension to the stay at home order and an emergency order that shuttered non-essential businesses and requir...
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BOSTON – Emphasizing that residents of the commonwealth “need to dig deep and stay put” as Massachusetts continues to maneuver through its surge of coronavirus cases, Gov. Charlie...
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 GREATER SPRINGFIELD – As the effects of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders continue to permeate the Massachusetts economy, more small businesses are fighting to stay afloat, and more work...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD - Sanitation has taken on a renewed importance in the era of COVID-19 and the coronavirus that causes it. First responders are especially aware of the need to clean and sanitize...
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I’ve lost track of the weeks we’ve been stuck at home, and we, like everyone else, are trying to do our part to stay home as much as possible. When the stay at home order first began, w...
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BOSTON – Emphasizing that residents of the commonwealth “need to dig deep and stay put” as Massachusetts continues to maneuver through its surge of coronavirus cases, Gov. Charlie...
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SPRINGFIELD – The commonwealth’s colleges and universities are facing uncharted territory as the semester ends and they begin preparing for a new class of students.

Reminder ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – While many people are giving of themselves to help their communities during the COVID-19 outbreak, “it doesn’t bring out the best in everybody,” Taryn ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker announced at a briefing last week the Commonwealth would be allocating almost $800 million to hospitals, nursing facilities and other healthcare provi...
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WESTERN MASS. – Eight towns in Western Massachusetts have agreed to join forces and share personnel in the event that too many firefighters become infected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BOSTON – Springfield’s MassMutual Center has been identified as a potential site for field hospital operations as part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ response to the corona...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Families with children in area Catholic schools received an update on the academic schedule from the Diocese of Springfield.

Schools within the diocese have begun...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – While the initial two-week closure of schools across the commonwealth concerned parents and educators, with the now extended closure has some struggling to help kids sta...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – A local nonprofit has created a fund to support foster and adoptive families facing difficulties as a result of coronavirus.

All Our Kids (AOK) is a registered no...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Rocky’s Ace Hardware has been designated as an essential retailer during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We try to service the community,” said Rocco Falc...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – A group of Western Massachusetts residents are working to make homemade masks for medical professionals who are working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic....
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BOSTON/WESTERN MASS. – Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's announcement extending the closure of schools and childcare centers statewide until May 4 may have lasting impacts on local districts...
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BOSTON/WESTERN MASS. – Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has extended the closure of schools and childcare centers across the state until May 4. A previous order had required the closure of sc...
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WESTERN MASS. – With a seemingly never-ending onslaught of information about the coronavirus (COVID–19) and the illness it causes, figuring out what is going on can be overwhelming. For...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Families around Western Massachusetts are stuck at home during a difficult and unique time. Local business owners around the region are working hard to provide for their...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – As the coronavirus situation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has developed, local colleges and universities were faced with complicated decisions on how it would pr...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Canei Newton, director of the nonprofit New Creation Child Care Center in Springfield, said she and her eight employees have been focusing on keeping their center clean ...
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Editors note: Due to space limitations in last week’s editions, one question answered by state senatorial candidates John Cain and John Velis had to be delayed until this week’s edition...
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Editors Note: Due to space limitations in last week’s editions, one question answered by state senatorial candidates John Cain and John Velis had to be delayed until this week’s edi...
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WESTERN MASS. – On the evening of March 15 Governor Charlie Baker hosted a press conference where he announced a new set of sweeping measures the state would b...
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Updated at: March 17, 2020  – 4:45 p.m.

Since Gov. Charlie Baker announced a state of emergency on ...
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This reporter asked the same five questions to both state Rep. John Velis and business owner John Cain. Both men are hoping to fill in the Second Hampden-Hampshire senate seat left vacant when Dona...
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BOSTON – Is sports betting getting closer to being a reality in Massachusetts? Yes and no.

A bill was released last week by the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Tec...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD –  Nearly two years after the tragic gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (CMA) admitted fault for the tragedy, will pay millions of ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The difference between the four western counties and the rest of the state’s housing market can be seen in sales statistics.

The median price for a single-f...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – In light of the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Puerto Rico on Jan. 7, wreaking havoc and destruction on the island, the Springfield-based Gándara Center is ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Population in the Northeast region of the United States dropped in 2019 for the first decline this decade, while population growth nationally continued to slow. Massachu...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – A non–profit is giving people in the Springfield area a chance to give in a simple and straightforward way by helping people with basic needs this holiday season.<...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – There is no shortage of groups for people interested in connecting with their community but for organizations such as the Rotary International and the Lions Club, there ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The announcement on Nov. 14 that former Gov. Deval Patrick is running for president surprised many political observers, especially after announcements last year that Pat...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Just over a month after the death of the beloved elephant Beulah, who was present at the Big E for many years, a bill that would ban the use of certain animals for enter...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – New Jersey appears to be benefitting from its sports betting, which is perhaps a lesson for other states considering it, such as Massachusetts.

According to a rep...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Area legislators expressed a variety of reactions to a proposed law that would institute the death penalty in the Commonwealth for people who murder police officers.

BOSTON – A new survey on extending and improving passenger rail service in the Commonwealth indicates there is considerable support for east-west rail service that would link Springfield and ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – It’s decision time for many high school seniors. The college visits are mostly over, the all-important admissions essay is in the writing and revision stages and v...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – During what is being called an “epidemic of e-cigarette use among youth,” Governor Charlie Baker ordered a four-month ban on the sale of vaping devices and p...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Will the Commonwealth finally see substantial reform in the way the state funds education? Education professionals and members of the Western Massachusetts legislative d...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Will the Commonwealth finally see substantial reform in the way the state funds education? Education professionals and members of the Western Massachusetts legislative d...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Eric Lesser believes there is four ways the Legislature could address continued economic development in Western Massachusetts.

The senator recently spo...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – A significant part of Western Massachusetts is at an elevated risk for a rare, but serious, disease spread by mosquito bites.

On Aug. 29, the Agawam Health Depart...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Nine-thousand people, four routes, one cause.

On Sept. 22, participants from around the region will walk in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which raises the ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – A new train service from Greenfield to Springfield is expected to begin soon and will offer Pioneer Valley residents a new way to get around.

The Valley Flyer tra...
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BOSTON – The Baker Administration has released a report on traffic congestion that might seem to be a case of stating the obvious: traffic is bad in Massachusetts, especially in the greater B...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – It’s become a rite of summer in communities across the nation. On Aug. 6, America celebrates the 36th annual National Night Out.

What began back in 1984 wit...
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SPRINGFIELD – The natural topography of Western Massachusetts, the ownership and use of existing rail tracks, the number of stations served, the possible travel times presented by the routes ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – On July 1, all CW Mars libraries launched a new auto-renewal program to help library patrons avoid late fees on unreturned materials.

Prior to the implementation ...
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CHICOPEE/SPRINGFIELD – On July 13 and 14, the Pioneer Valley Water Garden and Koi Club will host their 26th Annual Pond Tour from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Local residents on the tour will open ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration is giving cities and towns across the state a hand in preparing for future climate–related disasters.

Through the ...
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WASHINGTON D.C. –  Congressman Richard Neal, chair of the House’s Ways and Means Committee Neal has requested six years of President Donald Trump’s tax returns, using a law t...
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HOLYOKE – Sunny skies and spring temperatures made for fun as the community joined together on March 17 for the 68th annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Smiles and shades of green ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Wise people often say that to understand where we are and where we are going, one should realize where one has been.

For the Pioneer Valley, much has been wr...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Western Massachusetts is a distinct region known for its alluring history, diverse population and abundancy of cultural attractions – however, even more so, it&rsq...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – A couple of decades ago, malls were known for being ideal hangout spots and the home of major department stores.

Consumers lined up to buy items such as jewelry, ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – When people think of arts and entertainment options in the Pioneer Valley in the past, the inevitable response was to see what was happening in Northampton.

Today...
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SPRINGFIELD – Feb. 14 marks the one year anniversary of the Parkland school shooting. Foster Memorial Church, UCC of Springfield in partnership with March for Our Lives: Springfield, will be ...
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SPRINGFIELD – The American Hockey League (AHL) All-Star Classic brought many visitors to Western Massachusetts.

For the first time in 60 years, Springfield’s MassMutual Center wa...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – With the Supreme Court ruling last year striking down laws against sports betting, several states swung into action to capitalize on an activity that has been going on u...
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HOLYOKE – A walk around the Taber Gallery at Holyoke Community College quickly reveals that artist Gary Hallgren loves twisting and turning pop culture inside out.

His new retrospectiv...
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WESTOVER ARB – Westover Air Reserve Base will receive a federal allocation of $42.6 million for the construction of a new hangar at the nation’s largest air reserve base.

The new...
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HOLYOKE – T. J. Jagodowski said that when he first learned he had been chosen as this year’s John F. Kennedy Award winner, he joked, “There must be some kind of mistake.”...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Hampden County and Western Massachusetts as a whole is seeing a measurable increase in its tourism industry.

The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bur...
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BOSTON – Western Massachusetts is benefiting from advances in the clean energy industry, according to a report issued last week.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) report ...
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Two men with local ties readily agreed on the same point: the late President George H.W. Bush was a gentleman who treated people with civility and kindness.

Bernie Sweeney of Longmeadow and ...
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WORCESTER – Heroic actions have earned a number of firefighters from Western Massachusetts awards for bravery.

Chicopee Firefighters David Beauregard, Peter Jerusik, Michael A. Crotea...
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Democrat Brian Ashe has been re-elected as state representative in the 2nd Hampden District, beating his opponent Allison Werder.  

On Nov. 6, Ashe was voted to serve Longmeadow, Hampde...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD — Focus Springfield and Reminder Publishing had hoped to collaborate on a debate between the two candiates for Hampden County Register of Deeds.

Republican...
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HOLYOKE – State Rep. Geoff Diehl has been making a point through his campaign for the Senate against incumbent Elizabeth Warren that Warren is actually running for president by making appeara...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – On Oct. 3, around 250 million Americans –  or roughly 75 percent of the U.S. population – will receive a text message with an unfamiliar tone reading, &...
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It was a night locally during which political conventional wisdom prevailed. In a country where stories of upstart candidates in the Democratic Party upset incumbents no such situations prevailed i...
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PALMER –A proposed  $650 million Water Park Resort-Spa and Sports Complex, featuring a massive year-round whitewater tubing river park, is being planned on 250 acres of land near the Pal...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Dr. Scott Lively, the fundamentalist minister who has achieved a spot on the Republican primary ballot against incumbent Gov. Charlie Baker, was on the road campaig...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – About 500 people gathered at the Hampden County House of Corrections on July 10 to celebrate the career of former Sheriff Michael Ashe. Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Kary...
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BOSTON – One of the arguments against casino gaming was its possible harm to the Commonwealth’s lottery. A report released last week indicates that after a two-year study of the Plainri...
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WESTOVER ARB – The Great New England Air and Space Show will return to Westover Air Reserve on July 14 and 15 with the Air Force’s precision flying team, the Thunderbirds returning as t...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – If you’re a History Channel viewer or a fan of rusty antiques, there’s a good chance you’ve watched hit-TV show “American Pickers.” Now is ...
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HOLYOKE — The Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade took its annual trip through the city, pulling thousands of visitors and locals to the scene on March 18.

LUDLOW –The Duro-Last roofing plant in Ludlow has been such a success since it opened last June, the management is considering adding a second shift, according to Business Development Manager...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD — After what many solar advocates are calling recent “assaults” on the industry, a coalition of solar organizations is joining forces to call on Gov. Charlie B...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – February is traditionally heart health awareness month, but in 2018, the local American Heart Association (AHA) campaign will take a slightly different approach.

...
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WASHINGTON D.C. – The House and Senate versions of the tax reform bill may be passed and now headed for reconciliation in the conference committee, but Congressman Richard Neal has not let up...
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SPRINGFIELD – In the Commonwealth today, the same medical procedure could cost different amounts depending upon the size and location of the hospital in which it was given.

Creating an...
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WEST SPRINGFIELD – Ray Hershel of Western Mass News may not be retiring as yet, but his nearly 50 years on air as a reporter was celebrated on Nov.  2 with The Lifetime Achievement Award...
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The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICC) was the recipient of a special framed presentation of the stamp to commemorate the 100th birthday of President John F. Kennedy on July 14. Wes...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – An $188,000 state grant will support and strengthen the fight against opioid addiction in Hampden County.

Sheriff Nick Cocchi announced this week his ...
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SPRINGFIELD -- Iron Duke Brewing Company scored its first legal victory in its dispute with WestMass Area Development Corporation on June 20 when a Superior Court judge granted the brewers' request...
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LUDLOW – Ask Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi what has been the greatest challenge in his first 100 days in office and the answer might surprise you.

“It’s ge...
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LUDLOW – What’s in a name?

That’s what appears to be at the crux of the disagreement between Iron Duke Brewing Company and WestMass Area Development Corporation, the owner ...
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LUDLOW – The ringing of a bell recovered and restored from the former York Street Jail provided the meaning for the end of Sheriff Michael Ashe’s Jr. 42 years as Hampden County Sheriff ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – An area Gold Star family is struggling this Christmas, and Western Massachusetts veterans groups are among those stepping up to help insure the family of three – a...
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LUDLOW – Hampden County Sheriff-Elect Nick Cocchi is lobbying for an increase in the excise tax for the sale of recreational marijuana to pay for what he believes will be an increase demand f...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – As the nation waited into the early morning hours for the final results in a brutal presidential campaign, State Sen. Donald Humason (R-Westfield) assured himself a rest...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Massachusetts commenced early voting on Monday, following in line with 33 other states in the nation that offer the option. Several Western Massachusetts communities str...
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GREAT SPRINGFIELD – The historical links provided by the Connecticut River still hold western New England together as displayed by the program at the Mayors’ Fall Economic Forum hosted ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Students who took the spring 2016 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) received higher than state averages in advanced and proficient across subjects acr...
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News Analysis

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The Democratic primary for the Hampden County Sheriff’s race had a narrative that was compelling to say the least: one veteran and current e...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – It’s been an auspicious start for the new Pope Francis High School, as Director of Admissions Ann Rivers recently announced the school exceeded the enrollment goal...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the applications for new or expanded charter schools, several of which would have...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Treatment of addiction continued this week to be one of the major issues in the campaign for Hampden County sheriff.

Springfield City Councilor Tom Ashe, Governor...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The Hampden County Sheriff’s race remained active as the calendar moved steadily toward the 30-day mark before the Sept. 8 primary.

Former Springfield Mayor...
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BONDSVILLE – John Comerford is defying political convention. He isn’t seeking endorsements or campaign donations as part of his run for Hampden County sheriff. His campaign, so far has ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Plans to address opioid addiction dominated recent campaign news among Hampden County sheriff candidates.

Both Governor’s Councilor Michael Albano and Sprin...
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CHICOPEE  – The relic of St. Maximilian Kolbe will be seen at a church with a strong personal history with the saint.

To note the 75th anniversary of his martyrdom, the Franciscan...
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CAN YOU HELP?

LUDLOW – Elizabeth Venancio is hoping a benefit on April 9 will give her son Jaimie something he really needs: a new wheelchair van that can take him to his vital media...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Link to Libraries is throwing a party to help celebrate nearing the milestone of half a million books donated to areas schools and libraries.

The biannual gala wi...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The race for Hampden County Sheriff is heating up with proposals from two candidates and two candidates taking out their nomination papers.

Nick Cocchi and Jack G...
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BOSTON – State Sen. Donald Humason Jr. successfully added an amendment that will aid hunters in how they transport their unloaded shotguns and rifles to a bill designed to stop poaching.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Educators received a favorable report card themselves from the state. The Department of Education recently released graduation rates for the schools districts around the...
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BOSTON – No matter how you get your news, it’s hard to miss that this is an election year. But to the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA), there’s a topic more importa...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The three state senators representing communities in Hampden County all see a busy legislative session ahead for both them and their colleagues.

Reminder Pub...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The word “Hollywood” generally means glamour and excitement. In Western Massachusetts, it can mean death.

A brand of heroin with the word “Holly...
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Editor’s note: With the New Year upon us, the staff of Reminder Publications took a look back and compiled a list of some of the top stories and trends that helped s...
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Editor's Note:

With the New Year upon us, the staff of Reminder Publications took a look back and compiled a list of some of the top stories and trends that helped shape the Pioneer Va...
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BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey’s office has teamed up with the New England Patriots to provide a program for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention training. Healey ann...
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SPRINGFIELD – Three more Western Massachusetts’ cities joined the list of municipalities to sign Community Compact agreements with the Commonwealth. The mayors of Springfield, Holyoke a...
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WESTFIELD – Westfield and West Springfield voted in two new mayors, Brian Sullivan and Will Reichelt, respectively, while Agawam brings Mayor Richard Cohen back for a sixth term. Elections in...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Spring 2015 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores were released on Sept. 24, and Westfield, West Springfield and Agawam public schools saw ups and ...
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ENFIELD – The Connecticut-based Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority recently released a request for proposal (RFP) to establish a joint-venture tribal gaming...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Scores from the spring 2015 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test were recently released throughout the Commonwealth and local districts ranked high ...
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HOLYOKE – Rebuilding the Commonwealth’s housing stock was the message brought to Holyoke on Sept. 15 by Gov. Charles Baker...
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WILBRAHAM – Longmeadow Select Board Vice Chair Mark Gold said he doesn’t believe anyone should assume his town would be a part of the next phase of a
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WEST SPRINGFIELD – The cities of West Springfield, Westfield and...
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Editor’s note: This is the third in a three-part series in which Reminder Publications explores issues related to medical marijuana in Massachusetts – the current status of register...
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Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series in which Reminder Publications will explore issues related to medical marijuana in Massachusetts – the current status of reg...
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Dispensaries’ struggle with licensing process leaves patients with few options

Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series in which Reminder Publications will e...
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BOSTON – Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield and Westfield have been named the recipients of grants from MassDevelopment as part of an...
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SPRINGFIELD – The physical merging of the area’s two most prominent Catholic high schools may come sooner than initially anticipated.

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SPRINGFIELD – Will a predicted 10 to 15 minute delay while traveling on the I-91 viaduct keep people away from businesses in the area?

Area elected leaders and business people are conc...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Springfield, Holyoke, and
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Life – and love – can be expressed in many ways – and Barbara Braem-Jensen and Bob Jensen on Bugbee Road in Southwick have found that perfect combinati...
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“Synchrodestiny.”

For three area women, they believe “synchrodestiny” brought them together to share spiritual encouragement and healing to those who seek messages fr...
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BOSTON – The state Senate recently unanimously approved additional funding for Massachusetts Precision Manufacturing Pilot Program proposed by ...
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GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker’s pledge of funding to build broadband out in Western Massachusetts will not ha...
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AGAWAM – The reconstruction of the Interstate 91 viaduct will start in a few months, and officials used the...
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BOSTON – The 2014 election saw an overall increase in political spending of 9 percent and the pattern generally showed in statewide offices that spending more money brought political success....
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SPRINGFIELD – Westfield State University and Springfield Publi...
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