Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
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Southwick neighbors wary of proposed Dollar General3/6/2024 SOUTHWICK — Dollar General’s plans to open a retail outlet on College Highway faced opposition at a Feb. 27 meeting where residents said it isn’t needed. “I don&rsquo ...click for more |
Canal history researcher donates materials to Southwick3/6/2024 SOUTHWICK — An amateur historian who spent 30 years researching and walking the route of the New Haven-Northampton Canal recently gifted the Southwick Historical Society a computer that conta ...click for more |
Southwick parent, petition call for school to address racism2/28/2024 SOUTHWICK — Students called a Black classmate the N-word and conducted a mock “slave auction” on social media, and school administrators have been too slow to root out racism at S ...click for more |
Southwick to hear public’s thoughts on hunting permission2/28/2024 SOUTHWICK — With two Select Board members saying the feedback they’ve gotten from residents about a proposed hunting bylaw was generally 50-50 for and against, the board agreed to seek ...click for more |
Super Tuesday is last chance to vote in presidential primary2/28/2024 SOUTHWICK — Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Massachusetts for the “Super Tuesday” presidential primary election on Tuesday, March 5, including in the Senior Center at t ...click for more |
Southwick Citizen’s Police Academy offers look behind badge2/21/2024 SOUTHWICK — For those who want to learn about what police officers do while serving and protecting the community, the Police Department is bringing back its Citizen’s Police Academy as ...click for more |
Southwick library seeks $20K for story walk, outdoor features2/21/2024 SOUTHWICK — Librarians are requesting $20,659 in Community Preservation Act funds but not to spend in the library. Instead, they’re looking to add features outside. Currently the ...click for more |
Southwick schedules early voting for state presidential primary2/21/2024 SOUTHWICK — In-person early voting will be available starting Feb. 24 and continuing Feb. 25 to March 1 for the presidential primary election in Massachusetts. Early voting is open to ...click for more |
Southwick conservation teen intern is ready for change2/14/2024 SOUTHWICK — It’s not often a 17-year-old has a sense of the past, present and future, and how actions taken today can have consequences years from now. But then again, Lucas Caro ...click for more |
Southwick board criticizes design of proposed storage building2/14/2024 SOUTHWICK — During a Planning Board public hearing on a proposal to build a 58,800-square-foot self-storage facility on College Highway, board members made it clear they think the building is ...click for more |
Southwick looks to re-split parks, senior director positions2/9/2024 SOUTHWICK — The Select Board recently acknowledged that its experiment to have one director for the Council on Aging and the Parks and Recreation Commission really didn’t work. & ...click for more |
Southwick electric aggregation waiting for input, state approval2/1/2024 SOUTHWICK — The town has released its municipal aggregation plan prepared by the Colonial Power Group that can lower electricity costs for residents and businesses. “The purpose ...click for more |
Unicycles, 2-stroke bikes join Southwick track’s calendar2/1/2024 SOUTHWICK — There will be several new events at The Wick 338 this spring and summer, including a first-ever at the track: electric unicycle racing. “These guys are the craziest p ...click for more |
Southwick AgCom prepping for community garden season1/24/2024 SOUTHWICK — Although the bloom is off the Southwick community garden, its caretakers haven’t gone dormant. Members of the town’s Agricultural Commission met earlier this mo ...click for more |
Southwick board will conduct police chief search in-house1/17/2024 SOUTHWICK — After the Select Board adopted the job description it will use to vet candidates to replace retiring Police Chief Robert Landis, the board on Jan. 8 decided against seeking help c ...click for more |
Southwick workshop to help farmers find grant assistance1/17/2024 SOUTHWICK — On Jan. 30, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture will host a grant writing workshop for farmers at the Southwick Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Farmers will learn abou ...click for more |
Southwick board debates need for outside help choosing chief1/11/2024 SOUTHWICK — When Select Board member Jason Perron proposed using an “oral board” to help the board choose a candidate to replace retiring Police Chief Robert Landis, his fellow bo ...click for more |
Southwick welcomes hiking trail’s national park designation1/3/2024 SOUTHWICK — The New England National Scenic Trail, of which a portion runs through the eastern area of town, was recently designated as a national park unit by the National Park Service. ... click for more |
Southwick Senior Center departing director looks back with pride12/27/2023 SOUTHWICK — The next step in the “director shuffle” is going to be a sad one for Southwick seniors. Cindy Sullivan, who has led the Senior Center in town for the past 10 ye ...click for more |
Search scope debated as Southwick police chief plans June retirement12/19/2023 SOUTHWICK — Police Chief Robert Landis recently told the Southwick Select Board he plans to retire next summer. “We accept this with great regret,” Select Board Chair Doug ...click for more |
Southwick voters OK cannabis bylaws, deny Crepes rezoning12/14/2023 SOUTHWICK — Voters approved a zoning bylaw establishing the regulatory framework needed to open a cannabis retailer in town, narrowly shot down a request by the owner of Crepes Tea House to r ...click for more |
Southwick teens' wreaths to remember veterans' sacrifices12/14/2023 SOUTHWICK — A group of students from Southwick Regional School will again participate in an annual holiday season event to remember fallen veterans. On Dec. 16, Evan Anderson, Adelina ...click for more |
Food pantry in Southwick moving to new facility Dec. 1612/14/2023 SOUTHWICK — On Saturday, Dec. 16, Our Community Food Pantry will move into a new facility the Southwick Civic Fund has been building since it broke ground in August. “It&rs ...click for more |
Southwick Master Plan ‘vision’ ready for public discussions12/6/2023 SOUTHWICK — For the past two years, a dedicated group of residents, with significant public input, spent hundreds of hours serving together on the Master Plan Advisory Committee drafting &ldq ...click for more |
State concerned about Southwick land ATVs, shoreline overuse11/30/2023 SOUTHWICK — Despite the operation of ATVs being strictly forbidden in the North Pond Conservation Area, it continues to be a problem, the conservation coordinator for the Conservation Commiss ...click for more |
Elected commissioner petition added to December town warrant11/21/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Select Board has tentatively approved a seven-article warrant for the upcoming Special Town Meeting, and it will include an article that will ask voters to approve petitioning ...click for more |
Southwick Thanksgiving meal seeking helpers, recipients11/9/2023 SOUTHWICK — This will be the 12th year the Southwick Civic Fund has kicked off the holiday season by providing turkey with all the trimmings for the town’s seniors, disabled residents, ...click for more |
Fundraising to aid veteran wreaths in Southwick cemetery11/9/2023 SOUTHWICK — Lisa Anderson, sexton of the town cemeteries on College Highway, is accepting donations to bring Wreaths Across America to Southwick. Wreaths Across America is a Maine-base ...click for more |
Southwick schools get 63% increase in rural aid from state11/2/2023 SOUTHWICK — The superintendent of the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District recently announced the district had received $385,000 in Rural School Aid, a 63% increase from last ...click for more |
Treasurer-collector-clerk leaving after 17 years in Southwick10/25/2023 SOUTHWICK — After 17 years serving as the town treasurer, tax collector and town clerk, Michelle Hill will give up all three positions for a new opportunity in Southbridge on Dec. 8. & ...click for more |
Southwick marijuana zoning district hearing continued10/18/2023 SOUTHWICK — Planning Board members are slated to again debate what land-use zones would be appropriate for marijuana retailers at their Oct. 24 meeting. At their Oct. 10 meeting, membe ...click for more |
Southwick board debates meeting date, administrator hire10/11/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Select Board agreed in principle on Oct. 2 to call a Special Town Meeting in the next two months, and reached a tentative consensus on who should sit on a screening committee ...click for more |
Select Board split on hiring process for chief administrator10/4/2023 SOUTHWICK — While two Select Board members have disagreed on the composition of a search committee to help with recruiting a replacement for the town’s retiring chief administrative off ...click for more |
Southwick parent says 7th, 8th graders don’t get enough lunch time10/4/2023 SOUTHWICK — After one student’s parent said she was concerned about the length of time allotted for lunches for seventh and eighth graders, the chair of the Southwick-Tolland-Granville ...click for more |
Horror author from Southwick to share experiences at talk9/28/2023 SOUTHWICK — On Oct. 4, the Southwick Public Library will host Michael Aloisi, an accomplished writer known to some as Michael Gore for his darker tales. The discussion will examine the writer ...click for more |
Beach owner’s daughter shares memories of Congamond Lake9/14/2023 SOUTHWICK — Living on Congamond Lake during the 1950s and 1960s, when life was much simpler, Patricia Baiardi has fond memories of always being on, in or under the water. Her father Ch ...click for more |
Southwick starts hearings on zoning amendment for cannabis shops9/14/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Planning Board scheduled public hearings last week to start the process of changing the town’s zoning bylaws to allow the sale of recreational marijuana in town. ... click for more |
Southwick Senior Center leader sees need for new building9/6/2023 SOUTHWICK — Cindy Sullivan, the town’s director of senior and recreational operations, wants to start a discussion about the future of the Senior Center. She and the Council on A ...click for more |
Select Board begins talks to replace Southwick administrator8/23/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Select Board began discussions in earnest on Aug. 14 to develop the process it will use to replace retiring Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart. “It&rsquo ...click for more |
Southwick nonprofit breaks ground on larger home for food pantry8/16/2023 SOUTHWICK — With absolutely no fanfare, ground was broken Aug. 10 on the construction of a new facility for the Our Community Food Pantry. “We’re not about fanfare,” ...click for more |
Variety of agricultural experiences at Southwick Farm Day8/16/2023 SOUTHWICK — To recognize the important role agriculture has played in Southwick for over 250 years, the town’s Agriculture Commission is hosting its inaugural Farm Day on Sunday, Aug. 2 ...click for more |
Musical tribute to legendary singers on stage in Southwick8/16/2023 SOUTHWICK — If it were possible to revisit the 20th century to listen again to the legendary singers and musicians of the time, you’d be in a crowd watching Tony Bennett, the Andrews Si ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board wants roadside advertising signs rooted out8/2/2023 SOUTHWICK — Citing an unprecedented number of temporary private business signs along the town’s streets, Select Board Chair Doug Moglin said during the board’s meeting Monday he&r ...click for more |
Southwick seeks faster water tests to reduce Town Beach closures7/27/2023 SOUTHWICK — After Town Beach was closed for two weeks because of high levels of bacteria detected in the South Pond of Congamond Lake, the town decided to change the vendor testing the water ...click for more |
Southwick seeks faster water tests to reduce Town Beach closures7/27/2023 SOUTHWICK — After Town Beach was closed for two weeks because of high levels of bacteria detected in the South Pond of Congamond Lake, the town decided to change the vendor testing the water ...click for more |
Motocross privateers relish Southwick National's challenge7/20/2023 SOUTHWICK — Their hearts are racing, the adrenaline is pumping, but they’re completely focused, because for each of them, that millisecond before the gate drops, everything the privatee ...click for more |
Rain helps Southwick lift ‘non-essential’ outdoor water ban7/20/2023 SOUTHWICK — Heavy rainfall over the past month allowed the town to lift its mandatory water restrictions this month. The town Water Commission voted on July 5 to again allow “non ...click for more |
Southwick fund, in-kind donors to build new food pantry home7/5/2023 SOUTHWICK — It’s been clear for over a decade that the Our Community Food Pantry needed more space, and when the former Southwick Methodist Church closed its doors last year, the pantry ...click for more |
Southwick emergency management chief plans to sign off6/28/2023 SOUTHWICK — When Charles Dunlap earned his amateur radio license at the age of 13, he never imagined it would take him around the world before landing him back in town to eventually serve as ...click for more |
‘Longest Day’ in Southwick raises Alzheimer’s research funds6/28/2023 SOUTHWICK — Julianne Kordana remembers the heartbreak of watching her grandmother as the effects of Alzheimer’s got worse. She was just 7 years old when her grandmother was diagnosed. ...click for more |
Run it up the pole: Southwick Select Board debates flag policy6/21/2023 SOUTHWICK — When the Select Board meets again on June 26, its members will be discussing, and possibly adopting, a policy that will define what flags will be allowed to fly on the flagpole in ...click for more |
Southwick teen joins Girl Scout region’s board of directors6/21/2023 SOUTHWICK — Juliana Bregoli lives in her comfort zone, trying not to stand out in the crowd. This is becoming increasingly difficult for the 15-year-old freshman at Southwick Regional School, ...click for more |
Southwick seniors, Boys & Girls partner for gardening club6/14/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Southwick Senior Center and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield are teaming up for an intergenerational gardening club. Southwick Council on Aging Director Cindy ...click for more |
Solstice fun fair in Southwick benefits Alzheimer’s research6/14/2023 SOUTHWICK — A family-friendly, fun community event in Southwick will celebrate the summer solstice on June 21 while also raising money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. ...click for more |
Spring in full swing at Southwick’s community garden6/7/2023 SOUTHWICK — Turning over that first spade of dark, moist soil to start a garden, for many, marks the end of the long, cold winter and the return of longer days as Mother Nature rises from her ...click for more |
Southwick will wait for electric rate, cannabis dispensary5/31/2023 SOUTHWICK — Town Meeting voters on May 16 approved two major initiatives, one amending the town’s general bylaws to allow recreational marijuana dispensaries to open in town, and anothe ...click for more |
Southwick teens find activities fun, drunk driving deadly5/23/2023 SOUTHWICK — Kara Dougherty has been driving for two years, so maneuvering an electric go-kart around an obstacle course of orange cones seemed like it would be easy. It wasn’t. S ...click for more |
Southwick voters approve $3M to begin fiber optic network5/23/2023 SOUTHWICK — The town took two giant steps forward to create its own fiber optic network on May 16. At Town Meeting, voters approved establishing a municipal light plant and authorized ...click for more |
Gale edges Fox by 35 votes to win Southwick Select Board seat5/17/2023 SOUTHWICK — When Diane Gale ran for the open seat on the Select Board, culminating in her win last week over incumbent Russell Fox, on many pieces of her campaign’s mailings was the ima ...click for more |
Southwick's appeal of state dock permit goes to mediation5/10/2023 SOUTHWICK — Before the town filed an appeal of the dock installation permit issued by the state to Ken Eggleston, who is in the process of renovating Crabby Joe’s and building a 40-slip ...click for more |
Southwick trash permit fees rising as disposal costs increase5/4/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Select Board increased the yearly transfer station permit fee during its April 24 meeting to offset the town’s increasing waste-handling costs. “I don&rsquo ...click for more |
Cemetery to honor veterans as part of national wreath day4/25/2023 SOUTHWICK — Each December, thousands of fallen veterans are honored across the United States when families and loved ones come together for wreath-laying ceremonies on veterans’ graves. ...click for more |
Southwick steps up anti-littering efforts at North Pond4/18/2023 SOUTHWICK — The town-owned conservation land on the shore of North Pond “needs to be treated with respect,” Select Board Chair Russell Fox said recently. In the past few ye ...click for more |
Southwick eyes adding 2nd police officer at schools4/12/2023 SOUTHWICK — Select Board Chair Russell Fox on April 3 proposed adding a second school resource officer at Southwick-Tolland-Granville schools. There is already one full-time police off ...click for more |
Award honors Southwick senior volunteer who shuns limelight4/6/2023 SOUTHWICK — Joyce Bannish’s parents were always helping family and friends. That’s why helping those in need also has been a part of her life. Bannish’s selfless acts ...click for more |
Shriners’ new leader looks to Southwick’s community spirit4/6/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Melha Shriners are a fraternity based on fun and fellowship with chapters all over the globe. The local organization’s new leader, however, wants his term in office to f ...click for more |
Fox sees taxes as key in Southwick Select Board re-election run3/29/2023 SOUTHWICK — Incumbent Select Board Chair Russell S. Fox announced this month he is seeking to retain his seat on the board. “Taxes is the big thing,” Fox said when asked wh ...click for more |
Southwick teachers honored for making student connections3/22/2023 SOUTHWICK — There was nothing subtle about how Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District Superintendent Jennifer Willard announced the district’s 2023 Pioneer Valley Excellen ...click for more |
Vocational, special education tuitions drive STGRSD budget3/22/2023 SOUTHWICK — School Superintendent Jennifer Willard’s proposed fiscal year 2024 budget is built on hikes in the local education assessments of more than 6 percent each for Southwick, Gra ...click for more |
Minister spreads spiritual message of hope through pottery3/16/2023 SOUTHWICK — Michael Ferris creates pottery as a hobby. He also uses it in a vivid visual presentation about spiritual truths. The ordained minister, psychologist and marriage and famil ...click for more |
Officer hired, donation accepted for Southwick War Memorial work3/8/2023 SOUTHWICK — During the Select Board’s meeting on Feb. 27, the three board members approved a number of items, including offering a town native employment as a new officer for the Police ...click for more |
Southwick activist starts ‘independent’ Select Board campaign3/1/2023 SOUTHWICK — Civic activist Diane Gale announced her intention to run for a Select Board seat in the Southwick town elections in May, setting up a likely contest between herself and incumbent ...click for more |
‘Ramsie’ awards honor Southwick teen filmmakers2/23/2023 SOUTHWICK — There was no red carpet, no spotlights, no glamorous outfits, but a recent film festival at Southwick Regional School did have something in common with the Academy Awards: it hono ...click for more |
Southwick survey shows lean toward keeping dispensary ban2/23/2023 SOUTHWICK — With more than 1,000 respondents to the town’s recreational cannabis dispensary survey last month, the results were close, but most remained in favor of continuing to prohib ...click for more |
Southwick removes income limit on tax work-off program2/15/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Select Board voted unanimously on Feb. 6 to eliminate the income limit for the Senior Citizen Tax Work-Off Program in Southwick, at the request of the Seni ...click for more |
Staffing costs squeezing Southwick town budget projections2/8/2023 SOUTHWICK — As they craft their initial budgets for the fiscal year 2024 budget cycle, several department heads have already warned t ...click for more |
Southwick eyes school cuts as special education, vocational costs rise2/1/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee learned on Jan. 24 that it may have to make up a “half a million dollar gap” between expected revenues and ex ...click for more |
Senator’s stops in Southwick part of getting to know district1/25/2023 SOUTHWICK – Three weeks after taking office in the opposite chamber in the Massachusetts state Legislature, state Sen. Paul Mark is still getting to know the newly expanded district he now re ...click for more |
Southwick School Committee OKs $33K for athletic fields study1/19/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee voted unanimously to approve up to $33,000 in funding to hire master planning services for the district’s athletic ...click for more |
Survey in Southwick census revisits cannabis retail sales question1/11/2023 SOUTHWICK – Residents of Southwick have begun receiving forms to fill out for the annual town census, and with it they will also receive a survey about the potential for recreational cannabis ...click for more |
Southwick forum looking for feedback from town’s farmers1/4/2023 SOUTHWICK — On Jan. 11, the Southwick Agricultural Commission will host a Farmer’s Forum at 6:30 p.m. at the Southwick Public Library. The purpose of this forum is for the commis ...click for more |
Southwick schools consider consultant to study sports facilities1/4/2023 SOUTHWICK — The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee in recent meetings has been listening to proposals from school district officials about hiring master planning services t ...click for more |
Master Plan mascot celebrates geography, culture of Southwick12/27/2022 SOUTHWICK – The town of Southwick has been in the process of developing a new Master Plan for more than a year now in the hopes of creating a guiding document for development and municipal pr ...click for more |
Study will look at dredging Congamond Lake brooks in Southwick12/21/2022 SOUTHWICK – Federal authorities will fund a study on dredging two brooks that serve as outlets of Congamond Lake, the Lake Management Committee learned this month. At a Dec. 8 meeting, ...click for more |
Southwick students inspired by veterans cemetery wreath fundraiser12/14/2022 SOUTHWICK – When students at Southwick Regional School walk through the Veterans Memorial Foyer, they pass by military portraits of four former students killed while serving their country. Ma ...click for more |
Southwick tax rate down as home values outpace budget increase12/14/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has set Southwick’s fiscal 2023 tax rate at $16.11 per $1,000 of property value, a decrease of 87 cents. Though the rate is de ...click for more |
Drivers put personal touch on Southwick library deliveries12/7/2022 SOUTHWICK— In this day and age, nearly everything can be delivered to your home, from groceries to electronics, clothing and every necessity imaginable. Most are delivered to your doorstep by ...click for more |
Search is on again for public health director in Southwick12/1/2022 SOUTHWICK — Southwick is seeking a new health director after current Health Director Alex White informed the Select Board Nov. 21 that he would resign from the position effective after Dec. 3 ...click for more |
Southwick Civic Fund seeks donors for toy drive, decorated trees12/1/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Southwick Civic Fund is seeking donations of new, unopened toys for kids up to age 15 for their annual Secret Santa and the Angry Elf Toy Drive. Civic Fund President Jo ...click for more |
Southwick voters advance municipal fiber network proposal11/23/2022 SOUTHWICK – A municipal broadband network is one step closer after Town Meeting voters on Nov. 15 overwhelmingly supported the creation of a municipal light plant. Only a few sparse &l ...click for more |
Southwick voters favor all Republicans on ballot11/16/2022 SOUTHWICK — Even more thoroughly than Democrats dominated the state election results on Nov. 8, Republicans swept the ballot in Southwick. The town supported every GOP nominee by margi ...click for more |
Southwick veteran cherished freedom after Siberian captivity11/9/2022 SOUTHWICK — Each year around Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Martha Arnold would thank her father, Southwick’s Gilbert “Gib” Arnold, for “saving the world” while ...click for more |
Southwick pantry reaches out for help with need rising in winter11/9/2022 SOUTHWICK – Our Community Food Pantry is seeking donations of funds to help pay for the rising cost of food as the number of weekly clients they serve begins to increase sharply. The ...click for more |
Policies will change to meet limits on student suspensions11/9/2022 SOUTHWICK – Fewer students will be suspended in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District (STGRSD) under new statewide regulations, the superintendent said Nov. 1. Super ...click for more |
Southwick Rotary honors volunteers, teacher with annual awards11/3/2022 SOUTHWICK — A late educator, a longtime volunteer and two civic organizations were honored by the Southwick Rotary Club at a gala dinner on Oct. 19. Marie Cigal Daniels, the late Georg ...click for more |
Southwick sewer committee points to some support in survey11/3/2022 SOUTHWICK — The results of the Master Plan survey filled out by more than 900 Southwick residents showed mixed feelings about the possible expansion of the town’s sewer system, dependin ...click for more |
Southwick voters free to choose early voting before Nov. 8 election10/26/2022 SOUTHWICK – Election Day isn’t until Nov. 8, but voters are already making their voice heard. Early voting in the state election started Oct. 22 in cities and towns across Massac ...click for more |
Civic Fund closes on land to keep Southwick food pantry open10/26/2022 SOUTHWICK — The deal for the Southwick Civic Fund to purchase the home of Our Community Food Pantry is final after months of waiting following the closure of Southwick’s United Methodis ...click for more |
Vision sessions ask to preserve Southwick's small-town charm10/19/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Master Plan Advisory Committee hosted two Community Visioning Sessions recently to give residents a chance to give direct input into what the town’s strengths, weaknesse ...click for more |
University class looks beneath Southwick for ice age geology10/19/2022 SOUTHWICK — Professor William Ouimet spent a recent Friday afternoon nearly knee-deep water in the Sofinowski Preserve off Mort Vining Road, driving long metal tubes into the earth below the ...click for more |
Southwick panel advises adopting rules for Airbnb-style rentals10/19/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Planning Board’s Short-Term Rental Subcommittee voted 7-1 on Oct. 11 to recommend a draft bylaw that would permit and regulate Airbnb-style rentals in Southwick. click for more |
Southwick hopes to bring back special education parent group10/12/2022 SOUTHWICK — The special education director at the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District told the School Committee that she aims this year to revitalize the Special Education Pa ...click for more |
Southwick FD leadership team now complete with deputy hire10/12/2022 SOUTHWICK — Jessica Bishop was formally sworn in as the Southwick Fire Department’s next deputy fire chief last month to replace Richard Stefanowicz, who will take on the role of fire c ...click for more |
Visioning sessions to build on Southwick Master Plan survey10/5/2022 SOUTHWICK — Southwick residents are invited to participate in a visioning session for the creation of a new Master Plan for the town, after more than 900 residents weighed in through a survey ...click for more |
Thousands mud it out through obstacle race in Southwick9/28/2022 SOUTHWICK — Thousands of people turned out to The Wick 338 over the weekend to push themselves through the grueling 3-mile Rugged Maniac obstacle course. Runners in the race crawled th ...click for more |
Ballot question proposed on cannabis dispensaries in Southwick9/22/2022 SOUTHWICK – Select Board member Jason Perron asked his fellow board members to revisit the issue of recreational cannabis dispensaries in Southwick four years after the town voted not to allo ...click for more |
Complaints filed again on Southwick Select Board’s appointments9/22/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Select Board has received multiple Open Meeting Law complaints recently, largely centered around the board’s appointment and reappointment process for town boards and co ...click for more |
Whalley Computer negotiating tax deal for Southwick expansion9/15/2022 SOUTHWICK – Whalley Computer Associates is in negotiations with town officials for another tax increment financing (TIF) agreement that could end up on a Town Meeting warrant later this year. ...click for more |
Southwick law on short-term rentals ready to vote9/8/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Short Term Rental Subcommittee has developed a draft of a potential bylaw that would formally legalize Airbnb-style rentals in Southwick. The bylaw would lift the unenf ...click for more |
Southwick mulls subcommittee to run conservation lands9/8/2022 SOUTHWICK – Conservation officials recently expressed interest in bringing back the Open Space Planning Committee to supplement the work of the Conservation Commission and better manage South ...click for more |
Curriculum concerns spurred new Southwick School Committee member8/31/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board and the Southwick members of the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee voted unanimously on Aug. 22 to appoint Desiree Melloni to the School Commi ...click for more |
E. coli will keep Southwick beach closed through end of summer8/24/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Town Beach at South Pond will remain closed for the rest of the year due to a combination of the high E. coli levels in the water and the approaching school year. ...click for more |
Southwick conservation commissioner is removed, again8/18/2022 SOUTHWICK – Former Conservation Commission member Maryssa Cook-Obregon said she is “disgusted” at being removed from the commission by the Select Board for the second time in unde ...click for more |
Declining VFW membership spurs Southwick, Russell merger8/18/2022 SOUTHWICK – Two local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts that opened shortly after the end of World War II recently consolidated following a unanimous vote by members in Southwick and Russell. ...click for more |
More Southwick residents urged to take Master Plan survey8/11/2022 SOUTHWICK – Town officials are looking for greater involvement from Southwick residents as the town develops what many hope will be the first Master Plan to be approved in Southwick in more t ...click for more |
Local officials express interest in working with Connecticut counterparts8/5/2022 SOUTHWICK – Town officials have expressed interest in establishing liaisons between the Conservation Commissions of Southwick and Suffield, CT, due to concerns over some projects that have ta ...click for more |
George named new athletic director of STGRSD8/5/2022 SOUTHWICK – Southwick Regional School has hired Meirion George as its newest athletic director July 1. George said in his first public remarks since taking the position that he thinks ...click for more |
Southwick seeks end to persistent littering on North Pond land7/27/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Conservation Commission is exploring options for dealing with trash at the North Pond Conservation Area, as the Health Department has begun receiving complaints about the issu ...click for more |
Southwick-Hilltowns public nurse positions see four applicants7/27/2022 SOUTHWICK – After struggling to garner interest in the position, the Board of Health recently heard from four applicants interested in two regional health nurse positions. The positio ...click for more |
Civic Fund purchases Southwick church to save food pantry7/27/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Civic Fund this month reached a deal to purchase the property of the former Christ Church United Methodist in an effort to keep Our Community Food Pantry in operatio ...click for more |
Southwick commissioner wary as would-be successor sits for interview7/20/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Select Board interviewed a potential candidate for appointment to the Conservation Commission July 11, which prompted concern from one commission member less than a year after ...click for more |
Pros, locals put on a show at Southwick Motocross National7/13/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Wick 338 owner Rick Johnson hailed what he described as a “perfect day” for the Southwick Motocross National last weekend, as thousands of racing fans turned out t ...click for more |
Crabby Joe’s secures Southwick approval, but marina must wait7/13/2022 SOUTHWICK — The proposal to reopen Crabby Joe’s Restaurant was approved by the Conservation Commission on July 6, but applicant Ken Eggleston said that he does not expect the planned ma ...click for more |
Southwick boards concerned about trash, fires on North Pond shore7/7/2022 SOUTHWICK — Town officials said that the situation at the North Pond Conservation Area has become a “serious problem” as the town grapples with keeping the beach clean from trash ...click for more |
Rising energy costs may prompt Southwick budget freeze7/7/2022 SOUTHWICK — Southwick may need to use free cash or available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to account for a far greater rise in energy prices than was initially anticipated when the f ...click for more |
Southwick leaders say they’d ask voters before allowing dispensaries6/29/2022 SOUTHWICK — Four years after voters in Southwick voted against allowing recreational cannabis shops in town, members of the Select Board said it is an issue that voters could revisit in the f ...click for more |
Civic Fund hopes to buy Southwick church, keep food pantry running6/29/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Southwick Civic Fund is working to acquire the property of Christ Church United Methodist, which hosted its last worship services on June 19, in order to keep it as a home for ...click for more |
Southwick expects sewer rate increase as treatment cost rises6/23/2022 SOUTHWICK — Select Board members will vote at their next meeting this month on a plan to raise the sewer billing rates in Southwick after the city of Westfield, to which Southwick’s sew ...click for more |
Pastor, congregants tear up at Southwick church's final service6/23/2022 SOUTHWICK — After 206 years in the Southwick community, Christ Church United Methodist had its final service June 19 before closing down permanently at the end ...click for more |
Developer now plans business park for Southwick’s ‘Carvana’ property6/15/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Planning Board on June 7 unanimously approved a preliminary plan for a business park at 686 College Highway, the property at the center of the Carvana controversy a year ago.< ...click for more |
Final service this month for centuries-old Methodist church in Southwick6/8/2022 SOUTHWICK – The more than 200-year-old United Methodist Church in Southwick will have its final service this month before closing its doors due to falling attendance. Christ Church Un ...click for more |
Southwick hearing airs opposition to Crabby Joe’s marina, parking6/1/2022 SOUTHWICK – Residents continued to express concerns over the planned reopening of Crabby Joe’s Restaurant with a marina on South Pond, as the Planning Board hears a request to modify th ...click for more |
Southwick voters pass $12M budget, Town Hall roof, planning bylaw5/25/2022 SOUTHWICK — Voters in Southwick gathered indoors on May 17 for the annual Town Meeting for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, and decided on 21 warrant articles for the town ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board winner is eager to learn, open to dispensaries5/18/2022 SOUTHWICK – Political newcomer Jason Perron won a three-year term on the Select Board last week against incumbent Joseph Deedy, who had sat on the board since 2013. Perron won with 627 ...click for more |
Perron upsets incumbent, Pratt regains seat in Southwick election5/18/2022 SOUTHWICK – On May 10, 1,191 voters in Southwick made their choice in several town elections, including two that were contested. The Select Board got a new face this year as unenrolle ...click for more |
Southwick voters eye restrictions on developers, peddlers, cell towers5/11/2022 SOUTHWICK – The annual Town Meeting takes place May 17 in the high school auditorium at 93 Feeding Hills Road, Southwick, and will feature 21 articles on the warrant, including multiple major ...click for more |
Families recall Southwick officers’ lives during police memorial week5/11/2022 SOUTHWICK – As a child, Cherrie Seibert Benoit knew her father carried a gun and had a dangerous job. Her father, Leonard “Lenny” Seibert, was a law enforcement officer in ...click for more |
Police officer challenges Select Board chair on Southwick ballot5/5/2022 SOUTHWICK — Voters in Southwick will decide on May 10 whether to re-elect incumbent Joseph Deedy to the Select Board or to elect first-time candidate Jason Perron. Deedy has been on t ...click for more |
Race series up and running on weekends at Southwick school campus4/27/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Healthy Kids Running Series returned to Southwick on April 24, as dozens of kids took to the regional school campus to compete in races and promote fitness in youth. R ...click for more |
Southwick principals report progress against COVID learning loss4/20/2022 SOUTHWICK — Mid-year data from the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District showed some gains in the effort to get students back on track after the pandemic interrupted their educ ...click for more |
Lake committee challenges Southwick Planning Board on marina vote4/13/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Lake Management Committee has made a request to the Select Board to allow it to appeal the Planning Board decision approving the Crabby Joe’s marina site plan. Th ...click for more |
Gardeners urged to plant with pollinating insects in mind4/13/2022 SOUTHWICK – Providing a “continuous bee buffet from April to November” is how Peggy MacLeod described her efforts to help pollinators in a talk on March 29 at the Southwick Public ...click for more |
Southwick planners confident voters will OK large development bylaw4/7/2022 SOUTHWICK — Planning Board Chair Michael Doherty said he is confident that the proposed planning bylaw changes the board approved last week will be voted in at the annual Town Meeting on May ...click for more |
Southwick, Granville see hikes in school board budget plan4/7/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee approved a 3.32 percent increase to the district budget for fiscal 2023, as enrollment continues to slide. The co ...click for more |
Carvana foes willing to consider Blue Rhino plan for Southwick site3/30/2022 SOUTHWICK – As a new company makes an informal inquiry into the parcel at the center of last year’s biggest development controversy, prominent opponents o ...click for more |
Foundation will install AEDs at Whalley Park, Southwick town beach3/23/2022 SOUTHWICK – Whalley Park and the town beach will soon have new – and important – live-saving devices that can be critical to helping someone survive sudden cardiac arrest. ... click for more |
Panel seeks input regarding short-term house rental bylaw3/16/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Short Term Rental Subcommittee is seeking public input on the revisiting of Southwick’s bylaws surrounding Airbnb-style rentals as the committee seeks to place an item o ...click for more |
Map of streets with worst cell signals may help bylaw push3/9/2022 SOUTHWICK – A wireless com munications facilities consultant presented the Planning Board with data March 1 on cell phone service throughout Southwick to help with bylaw changes the board hop ...click for more |
Teens add youth perspective, trend research to Master Plan3/2/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Master Plan Advisory Committee will hear from its two Southwick Regional School student members about their findings after they researched societal trends in preparation for t ...click for more |
Crabby Joe’s plan questioned over traffic, on land and on lake2/23/2022 SOUTHWICK — The proposal to bring back Crabby Joe’s restaurant with a newly constructed marina faced continued scrutiny in a Planning Board hearing Feb. 15, with at least one board memb ...click for more |
Southwick rethinks development bylaws after Carvana2/18/2022 SOUTHWICK – It isn’t uncommon for residents of a community to air their grievances about a potential development being proposed for their town, especially if that development is near a ...click for more |
Committee isn’t waiting for subs to surface at Congamond2/16/2022 SOUTHWICK – Although there haven’t been any reports of so-called personal submarines at Congamond Lake, the Lake Management Committee is considering banning them as a proactive safety m ...click for more |
Track plans e-bike program to start kids on motocross path2/16/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Wick 338 is hoping to soon get a Learn to Ride Center off the ground to help younger children become more comfortable with riding motorized bikes and riding on a track. <... click for more |
Neighbors warn marina would overcrowd Congamond Lake2/9/2022 SOUTHWICK – Residents living near Congamond Lake expressed their concerns to the Planning Board about a plan to bring back Crabby Joe’s restaurant with th ...click for more |
Southwick, Hilltowns get state grant for shared town nurses2/9/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Board of Health will soon receive grant funds from the state Department of Public Health for the purpose of hiring two public health nurses to serve six communities. T ...click for more |
New program supports seniors’ drive to stay independent2/9/2022 SOUTHWICK – Former Westfield resident Dan Welch has been driving seniors to appointments for the Westfield Senior Center’s companion program for four years. Now living in Southwick, he& ...click for more |
Southwick to partner with planning agency on Master Plan work2/3/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Master Plan Committee voted unanimously last month to accept the scope of services contract with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) for the development of a new Mas ...click for more |
With at-home kits scarce, drive-through site in Southwick sought1/27/2022 SOUTHWICK — Health Director Tom Fitzgerald said last week that Southwick is closer to setting up a local COVID-19 testing site, after he found a testing company that can fit the needs of the ...click for more |
Southwick Schools respond to parent complaints about lessons, tests1/19/2022 SOUTHWICK – School administrators responded on Jan. 11 to parent complaints about biased and inappropriate content in lessons and tests in Southwick schools. ...click for more |
Southwick Town Hall will get new HVAC system using ARPA money1/19/2022 SOUTHWICK – Southwick’s municipal buildings may soon be retrofitted with new HVAC systems to help filter COVID-19 from the air, thanks to funds given to t ...click for more |
Dispatch may regionalize sooner as Southwick staffing dips1/19/2022 WESTFIELD — As the city renovates its dispatch center to accommodate the expansion to cover Southwick, staffing shortages may prompt the changeover to happen sooner than planned. Westf ...click for more |
Big boost helps donors meet cost of new Rec Center roof1/12/2022 SOUTHWICK — It was a game-changing announcement last week for the Southwick Recreation Center. Its campaign to fund a new roof for its 42-year-old indoor sports ...click for more |
Planners split on restrictions for large-scale developments1/12/2022 SOUTHWICK — The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District is partnering with an organization that will help individuals in the school community find mental healthcare providers or ...click for more |
Planners split on restrictions for large-scale developments1/12/2022 SOUTHWICK — After the proposal for a moratorium on new large developments fell through, an alternate proposal to update Southwick’s zoning bylaws faced a similar debate among members of ...click for more |
Neighbor will help restore Kings Beach, won’t face penalty1/5/2022 SOUTHWICK – The Conservation Commission voted unanimously Dec. 20 to support rescinding an enforcement order against a Babb Road property where work was previously done that spilled over into ...click for more |
Schools send letters home to parents of mask rule-breakers12/29/2021 SOUTHWICK – Letters have been sent home to the families of students in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District with a repeated record of not properly wearing a face covering ...click for more |
Planners consider impact statement instead of moratorium12/29/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Planning Board effectively abandoned the idea of a moratorium on new large developments last week, and instead will explore other options to help Southwick avoid controversies ...click for more |
Lake Committee asks to ban boating when water level rises12/23/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Lake Management Committee voted unanimously Dec. 9 to recommend closing Congamond Lake to all boating when unusually high rainfall leads to a rapid rise in the lake’s wa ...click for more |
Winter craft fair, tree festival at Town Hall ‘a huge success’12/15/2021 SOUTHWICK – Town Hall was packed on Dec. 11 for the return of the Southwick Civic Fund’s Winterfest and Craft Fair, after a year off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dozens of ...click for more |
After missing pandemic’s 1st wave, Fitzgerald takes his turn12/15/2021 SOUTHWICK — When Tom Fitzgerald announced that he would retire from his position as Southwick’s health director, the world did not yet know of the public health emergency that would soo ...click for more |
Select Board promises changes in appointment procedure12/8/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board said Nov. 29 that it will alter the process for making appointments to town boards and commissions, after the controversial removals of three commissioners in Sep ...click for more |
Rain, COVID dampen turnout for 1st Golden Turkey race12/1/2021 SOUTHWICK — Nick Pratt ate a big Thanksgiving meal to “fuel up” for a new race in Southwick last Friday. His strategy worked. The Westfield resident gobbled up the course to becom ...click for more |
Board: Raise health director pay to get more candidates11/26/2021 SOUTHWICK — The Board of Health may be altering its strategy for hiring a health director after receiving few applications for the position left vacant by Tammy ...click for more |
Drama students excited to be back in spotlight11/17/2021 SOUTHWICK — It’s been nearly two years since students in the drama club and stagecraft club at Southwick Regional School have put on a live performance. T ...click for more |
Select Board recall petitioners pleased with public support11/17/2021 SOUTHWICK — Some of the top petitioners of Reclaim Southwick said they are pleased with the pace at which they are gathering signatures to force a recall election for Select Board member Russ ...click for more |
Food pantry staff find needs rising among seniors, couples11/17/2021 SOUTHWICK — Residents in Southwick, Granville and Tolland are not immune to hunger issues. When they need food assistance, they rely on a nonprofit food pantry called Our Community Food Pantr ...click for more |
Group seeks 1,786 signatures to oust Fox from Select Board11/9/2021 SOUTHWICK — Prompted mostly by the sudden dismissals of three commissioners on the Conservation Commission, Agricultural Commission and Community Preservation Committee, a newly formed group ...click for more |
Fence proposed to protect wetlands at condo development11/9/2021 SOUTHWICK — The Conservation Commission visited 42 Depot St. last week, to acquaint new members with a proposal for a 100-unit residential development. Rose Hanna and Kevin Solek, appo ...click for more |
New commissioners ready to work, not cause controversy11/2/2021 SOUTHWICK – The two new Conservation Commission members who replaced dismissed members Maryssa Cook-Obregon and Chris Pratt each said that as far as they are concerned, their new role has not ...click for more |
Complaints say Southwick Select Board appointment votes violated state law 6 times10/27/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board received six Open Meeting Law complaints last week for actions that were taken in public meetings going back to June 7. ... click for more |
Delayed 250th celebration one for the ages10/21/2021 SOUTHWICK — It took getting through a global pandemic, a one-year delay, and a little bit of last-minute legwork, but the town of Southwick was finally able to celebrate its 250th anniversary ...click for more |
Retired health director open to filling in as successor leaves10/21/2021 SOUTHWICK — Former Health Director Tom Fitzgerald said last week that he would be open to filling in as a part-time director when his successor, Tammy Spencer, leaves the position Nov. 4. ...click for more |
Southwick 250 events promise to be worth the long wait10/13/2021 SOUTHWICK — Planning a major celebration is always a challenge. But the town’s 250th birthday, which was supposed to be a year-long spectacle in 2020, must take the cake. COVID-1 ...click for more |
Master Plan leader hopes to include ousted commissioner10/13/2021 SOUTHWICK — The Master Plan Advisory Committee may be expanded in size in order to accommodate both the Agricultural and Conservation commissions and to allow for Maryssa Cook-Obregón ...click for more |
250th brings back memories for 91-year-old10/6/2021 SOUTHWICK – Living in town since she was a teenager, 91-year-old Mabel Johnson has seen many parades in Southwick. One of her favorites is the 1970 parade celebrating the town’s 200th birthday. ...click for more |
Motorboat bans like last month’s could be more frequent10/6/2021 SOUTHWICK — The Lake Management Committee will consider a new protocol for boating bans after Tropical Storm Ida silenced motors on Congamond Lake for a whole week last month. When the water ...click for more |
Senior Center Friends excited to meet again after 2 years10/6/2021 SOUTHWICK — Joyce Bannish, president of the Friends of the Southwick Senior Center, is excited that after close to two years, members will once again meet and make plans. The Friends group wi ...click for more |
New book explores Southwick’s historical gunpowder connection9/29/2021 SOUTHWICK — Manufacturing gunpowder was once a booming business in Southwick. A new book details the history and the people behind the gunpowder industry in Southwick in the 1700s, and ...click for more |
Brass Rail plans harvest festival to fill Granville gap9/29/2021 SOUTHWICK — When organizers of the Granville Harvest Fair canceled plans for this fall’s annual event, Jennifer Nolasco, owner of the Brass Rail, sprang into action. “We we ...click for more |
New police chief reflects on smooth transition to top job9/22/2021 SOUTHWICK – Robert D. Landis took the helm of the Southwick Police Department more than two months ago, but most people probably have not even noticed. That was the plan, he said recen ...click for more |
No clear solution to problem of trash at North Pond beach9/22/2021 SOUTHWICK – Waste at Kings Beach isn’t just an eyesore, it’s a public health problem, members of the Board of Health said at a meeting this month. click for more |
Spirit of Southwick to come alive at cemetery event9/15/2021 SOUTHWICK – Costumed speakers will once again share stories of town residents who long ago called Southwick home during the ninth annual “A Walk with Southwick Spirits” on Oct. 23 ...click for more |
State grant will fund regional public health nurses9/15/2021 SOUTHWICK – State grants will fund public health nurses in several small towns of western Hampden County, Southwick’s health director said last week. Tammy Spencer told the South ...click for more |
School vax rates low, mask compliance 100 percent9/9/2021 SOUTHWICK – Despite the controversy surrounding mask mandates, every child wore the required face covering on the first days of school in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Distr ...click for more |
Student takes over for former teacher at dance studio9/1/2021 SOUTHWICK – Julianne Wendzel began taking dance classes at The Dance Slipper when she was 10 years old. Now, she is taking over for her former teacher, Brenda Barna, the owner of The D ...click for more |
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District receives CARES funding9/1/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District was given $89,720.52 in CARES Act funds Aug. 24 to help supplement their COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the coming school ...click for more |
Economic Development Commission to host Southwick job fair8/25/2021 SOUTHWICK – Members of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) are hoping that Southwick’s upcoming job fair on Sept. 21 will help Southwick businesses hire workers as pandemic ...click for more |
Jubb begins role as Southwick School Committee member8/25/2021 SOUTHWICK – New Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee member Patrick Jubb said he hopes to continue the growth and development of students in his new role on the School Commit ...click for more |
Carvana opponents seek role in shaping town policy8/25/2021 SOUTHWICK – Carvana may be gone, but Save Southwick, the grassroots group that galvanized opposition to the online used car retailer’s proposed facility, is sticking around. click for more |
Southwick neighbors concerned about Depot Street condo plan8/18/2021 SOUTHWICK – Residents at the Aug. 10 Planning Board meeting expressed some concerns about the proposed 100-unit residential development at 42 Depot St. ... click for more |
Southwick looks to recoup $6k in unpaid lake licenses8/18/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board met Aug. 9 at Town Hall to appoint a permanent town planner and to discuss the lake agreement with Suffield. The board voted without discussion to appoint ...click for more |
Proposed Master Plan would replace 1967 document8/12/2021 SOUTHWICK – If the Planning Board chooses to proceed with creating a new Master Plan, Southwick may finally replace its current central planning document, which dates from 1967. Town o ...click for more |
Southwick Insurance founder reflects on 35 years8/3/2021 SOUTHWICK – Southwick Insurance Agency Inc. celebrated 35 years in business on Aug. 1. The insurance agency first opened its doors in 1986, when Dan Hess found himself at a personal cr ...click for more |
Children’s, climate events lead library reopening8/3/2021 SOUTHWICK – Southwick Public Library Director Lynn Blair discussed upcoming programs, both new and returning, that the library will be putting on over the next two months. Blair said t ...click for more |
Route 202 bridge work taxes side roads8/3/2021 SOUTHWICK – Work to improve a bridge in Westfield is placing a strain on detour routes in Southwick, town officials shared. At a July 26 meeting, Selectmen Russell Fox and Chief Admini ...click for more |
Holistic Farmers Market offers weekly food, music and more at Brass Rail7/26/2021 SOUTHWICK – A Holistic Farmers Market hosted weekly at The Brass Rail Meeting House offers locally made bread, crystals, artwork, jewelry and more. The Market is hosted at The Brass Ra ...click for more |
Carvana timeline ends – potentially – with withdrawal7/26/2021 SOUTHWICK – Carvana’s withdrawal from Southwick was met with applause in the Southwick Regional School auditorium July 20 after nearly two months of protest from residents. click for more |
Unusual disc golf permit condition needs further research7/20/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Planning Board July 13 continued a public hearing on a New England Disc Golf permit amendment to the Aug. 10 meeting after a lengthy discussion between concerned neighbors, th ...click for more |
Open Farm Day planned for September in Southwick7/20/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Agricultural Commission met July 14 in Town Hall’s Land Use Room to discuss the town library’s new climate partnership, the planned Open Farm Day, and Right to Far ...click for more |
Southwick board hires two new firefighters7/20/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board met July 12 to interview and hire two new firefighters, discuss the future of hybrid meetings in Southwick, and to discuss The National at the Wick 338 that ...click for more |
Southwick Carvana project opposed by Sandlin7/12/2021 AGAWAM – Agawam City Councilor Rosemary Sandlin elaborated on why she opposes the proposed Carvana facility in Southwick ahead of the July 12 City Council meeting at which the body considered ...click for more |
Wick 338 hosting Motocross Nationals July 107/6/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Wick 338 is preparing to host its biggest event since the COVID-19 pandemic began with The 2021 AMA Pro MX National motocross race July 10. The Wick 338 owner Ric ...click for more |
Carvana project opposition continues its fight7/6/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Agricultural Commission met June 30 in the wake of the contentious June 29 Planning Board hearing on the Carvana project. The Agricultural Commission hosted the h ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board discusses Cowles Bridge7/6/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board met June 28 to discuss a joint meeting about Cowles Bridge with the Department of Transportation, vacancies on other boards and commissions, and to discuss FY22 r ...click for more |
Westfield, Southwick move forward on center7/6/2021 SOUTHWICK – Both the Southwick Select Board and the Westfield City Council unanimously passed an intermunicipal agreement (IMA) to develop a regional dispatch center to cover both commu ...click for more |
Commission has impromptu discussion of Carvana6/30/2021 SOUTHWICK – The outcry against the proposed Carvana project picked up steam last week as some boards discussed opposition to the project and opponents protested ...click for more |
Carvana gets thumbs-up from Select Board6/25/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board June 14 voted unanimously to support the proposed Carvana facility at the Griffin Land Trust on the corner of College Highway and Tannery Road. News o ...click for more |
Chief Bishop reflects on his career as he retires6/25/2021 SOUTHWICK – After nearly four decades on the job, Police Chief Kevin A. Bishop is retiring at the end of the month. A year of travel is his first retirement plan. His second is likely ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board discusses Carvana facility6/15/2021 SOUTHWICK – Select Board member Douglas Moglin responded to concerns over the proposed Carvana facility on College Highway after some residents spoke against th ...click for more |
Westfield City Council Legislation and Ordinance Committee moves regional dispatch one step further6/15/2021 WESTFIELD and SOUTHWICK – The Westfield City Council Legislation and Ordinance Committee (L&O) June 9 discussed the proposed plan to implement a regional di ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board considers police promotions6/15/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board met June 7 to discuss possible ordinances on canvassing, a promotion of two new police sergeants and vacancies on town boards and commissions. The Se ...click for more |
Mobile vaccine clinic in the works at Southwick regional school6/7/2021 SOUTHWICK – Health Director Tammy Spencer said during the June 3 Board of Health meeting that she is working to set up a mobile vaccine clinic to focus on the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regi ...click for more |
Tag Sale to benefit Start ‘Em Early Foundation projects6/7/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Start ‘Em Early Foundation is hosting a tag sale June 12 and 13 to raise money for youth EMT education and autism education projects. The sale is at 26 Poin ...click for more |
Regional School Committee member Seddon resigns6/7/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee met June 1 to discuss a member resignation and the Southwick Regional School (SRS) graduation ceremony. Supe ...click for more |
Volunteer groups help clean up North Pond shores6/1/2021 SOUTHWICK – More than a dozen residents and members of the local Boy Scouts participated in a cleanup of the shores of North Pond May 22. Conservation Commission Coordinator Denn ...click for more |
The Wick 338 to host motocross Nationals in July6/1/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board approved the schedule to allow The Wick 338 motocross track to host the Nationals event on July 10, rather than June 26 as it had originally been scheduled. ...click for more |
Southwick considers hybrid meetings6/1/2021 SOUTHWICK – Gov. Charlie Baker’s announcement that he is extending the Open Meeting Law that allows remote municipal meetings came just one day after the Southwick Select Board dis ...click for more |
Political newcomers earn contested seats in election5/18/2021 SOUTHWICK – Two political newcomers earned seats on two Southwick boards during the May 11 election. Robert Stevenson won the District School Committee three-year seat with 352 votes, ...click for more |
Our Lady of the Lake parish hosts basket raffle fundraiser5/11/2021 SOUTHWICK – Our Lady of the Lake Parish is seeking donations for its raffle basket fundraiser.Baskets, with a value of $50 and higher, should be donated to the church by noon May 23. The goal of the ... click for more |
Second Southwick water test finds small amounts of PFAS5/11/2021 SOUTHWICK – Department of Public Works Director Randy Brown announced during the May 6 Water Commissioners meeting that confirmatory tests concluded that there is a very small amount of polyfluoroalky...click for more |
Southwick 250 events continue, parade set for Oct. 165/11/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick 250th Anniversary Committee met virtually May 3 to discuss upcoming events for Southwick’s delayed 250th anniversary celebrations.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the S... click for more |
Southwick Regional schools receive E-Rate funding5/11/2021 By Peter Currierpeter@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School district (STGRSD) School Committee met May 4 to discuss federal internet funding and the ... click for more |
Southwick, Westfield reach understanding5/4/2021 SOUTHWICK – A verbal understanding was reached last month between Westfield and Southwick for a full venture into regional dispatch that would combine Southwick’s emergency dispatch ser ...click for more |
AEDs donated in memory of motocross enthusiast5/4/2021 SOUTHWICK – Joe “Bazooka Joe” Langlois died doing what he loved most – spending time with friends and racing motorcycles. Langlois, a lifelong Northampton resident, w ...click for more |
Students return to Southwick Regional School5/4/2021 SOUTHWICK – The slow but steady reopening of Massachusetts continued last week with students in grades six and seven returning to the classroom for in-person learning April 26. Southwi ...click for more |
Southwick, Westfield continue remote public meetings4/28/2021 SOUTHWICK – As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues and infection rates drop locally governments have begun to discuss options for in-person and hybrid public ...click for more |
Mercy Medical Center workers honored with flag line4/28/2021 SPRINGFIELD – American Legion Post 338 honored Mercy Medical Center healthcare workers for their work fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic with a flag line on ...click for more |
Police boathouse considered for Congamond4/28/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Lake Management Committee met April 22 to discuss the upcoming invasive aquatics treatment of Congamond Lake and the possibility of a police boa ...click for more |
Additional motocross events may not happen this year4/20/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Wick 338 owner Rick Johnson said during a Board of Health meeting April 15 that he does not expect any major annual events to take place at the motocross track for at le ...click for more |
Southwick School Committee reviews superintendent’s goals4/20/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville School Committee met on April 13 in part to discuss school choice seats and discuss the superintendent’s goals for 2020-2021. Su ...click for more |
Powder Mill School students, staff adapt to full time in-person learning4/14/2021
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Southwick receives SAFE grant to educate students, help seniors4/14/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Fire Department will be the recipient of a Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Grant for more than $4,000 to fund education and safety programs. Fire Chief Russ ...click for more |
Southwick 250 events on hold as pandemic remains uncertain4/6/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick 250th anniversary celebration is still on hold as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Southwick 250 Committee Chair Jim Putnam II said on April 1 that Sout ...click for more |
Regional School Committee approves budget, athletics4/6/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee unanimously passed the FY22 budget on March 30. The total budget of $25,822,130 was a decrease f ...click for more |
Southwick dispatchers prefer regional link with Westfield3/31/2021 SOUTHWICK – Southwick’s dispatchers responded favorably to talks between the town and Westfield for regional dispatch services. “I feel that Westfield, on paper, is a bette ...click for more |
Doctor’s office closes, Fox concerned for ‘graying community’3/31/2021 SOUTHWICK – Members of the Southwick Select Board are seeking a new doctor in town. After Baystate Health closed its College Highway office, concerned Select Board member Russell Fox s ...click for more |
Superintendent reveals more details about STGRSD return to in-person learning3/24/2021 SOUTHWICK – Superintendent Jennifer Willard presented the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District’s (STGRSD) plan to bring students back for in-person learning last w ...click for more |
March 5 gathering contributed to spike in Southwick COVID-19 cases3/24/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Board of Health revealed on March 18 that a large gathering at the Brass Rail Meeting House is at least partially responsible for the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Southwi ...click for more |
Southwick voters to decide bylaw changes at Town Meeting3/23/2021 SOUTHWICK – Three bylaw changes are expected to be put to Town Meeting voters May 18. click for more |
Southwick Select Board hosts MVP info session, discusses ESSER II funds3/17/2021 SOUTHWICK – During the Southwick Select Board’s March 8 meeting, the board hosted a public information session for a project on Klaus Anderson Road through the Municipal Vulnerability P ...click for more |
No appointment needed: Southwick Public Library now open3/10/2021 SOUTHWICK – After Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced new guidance that would increase capacity limits for businesses beginning on March 1, the Southwick Public Library removed its req ...click for more |
Southwick health director ‘hopeful’ for vaccination site west of the river3/10/2021 SOUTHWICK – During the Southwick Board of Health’s March 4 meeting, Health Director Tammy Spencer gave updates on COVID-19 vaccinations and the state’s Public Health Emergency Pre ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board, Finance Committee host first round of budget hearings3/10/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board and Finance Committee met for a joint meeting on March 6 to begin the town’s first round of fiscal year 2022 (FY22) budget hearings, which include ...click for more |
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District presents initial FY22 budget to committee3/10/2021 SOUTHWICK – During the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District School Committee meeting, the committee received a presentation for the district’s initial $25.9 million fisc ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board expresses interest in regional dispatch with Westfield3/10/2021 SOUTHWICK – After submitting a letter of interest to join WESTCOMM regional dispatch at a previous meeting, the Southwick Select Board approved a second letter of interest with Westfield to p ...click for more |
Southwick Planning Board discusses series of proposed bylaw changes3/2/2021 SOUTHWICK – During the Southwick Planning Board’s Feb. 23 meeting, the board discussed four bylaws for review ahead of the Town Meeting in May, including a new solar bylaw and revisions ...click for more |
Southwick officials seek solutions for COVID-19 vaccination problems3/2/2021 SOUTHWICK – Government and public health officials continue to grapple with getting the coronavirus vaccine to residents. At the Southwick Board of Health’s Feb. 25 meeting, Publ ...click for more |
Southwick Rotary Club, Cultural Council to host Artistic Expression Contest2/23/2021 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Rotary Club and Southwick Cultural Council are teaming up for their first-ever Artistic Expression Contest at the Southwick Regional School, giving students an oppor ...click for more |
New school calendar, agreement with teachers union approved in Southwick2/23/2021 SOUTHWICK – During the Southwick-Tolland-Granville- Regional School District (STGRSD) School Committee meeting on Feb. 16, the committee approved the 2021-2022 school year calendar and a new ...click for more |
Community Outlook 2021: Southwick’s 250th anniversary celebrations continue2/22/2021 SOUTHWICK – As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the events for Southwick’s 250th anniversary had to be put on hold, but they may be resurrected in 2021 once the pandemic subsi ...click for more |
Community Outlook 2021: Southwick Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart2/22/2021 Welcome to 2021! 2020 was quite the year, by any standard. On what was supposed to be a year-long celebration of Southwick’s 250th birthday, COVID-19 impacted Southwick and the rest of the wo ...click for more |
Southwick Planning Board finalizes decision on Verizion cell tower issue2/16/2021 SOUTHWICK – At the Southwick Planning Board’s Feb. 9 meeting, the board edited its written decision in regard to the denied Verizon cell tower and approved a site plan modification for ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board conducts public safety discussions2/16/2021 SOUTHWICK – At the Southwick Select Board’s Feb. 8 meeting, the board interviewed and approved two firefighter and emergency medical technicians to the Southwick Fire Department and agr ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board, Finance Committee agree to join regional dispatch2/11/2021 SOUTHWICK – After listening to a presentation from the fire and police chiefs at the Feb. 1 Select Board meeting, the Southwick Finance Committee voted in favor of supporting a letter of inte ...click for more |
Anderson receives Southwick Council on Aging’s good citizenship award2/11/2021 SOUTHWICK – In its February newsletter, the Southwick Council on Aging named Lisa Anderson this year’s Herbert C. Pace award winner for good citizenship. Cindy Sullivan, the Coun ...click for more |
Southwick superintendent discusses snow days vs. remote learning days2/11/2021 SOUTHWICK – At the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District (STGRSD) School Committee’s Feb. 4 meeting, Superintendent Jennifer Willard discussed the difference between snow ...click for more |
Westfield River Brewing will bring the beer to your backyard2/4/2021 SOUTHWICK – While many, if not all, events were cancelled in 2020, Westfield River Brewing Company decided to expand their business by taking their services to backyards with a mobile beer tr ...click for more |
‘Southwick Revisited’ chronicles town’s history1/26/2021 SOUTHWICK – In partnership with the Southwick 250th Anniversary committee, local historian Lee Hamburg is publishing a book all about Southwick’s 250-year history. Hamburg said t ...click for more |
Southwick Planning Board rejects cell tower application1/26/2021 SOUTHWICK – After initially opening a public hearing for a proposed Verizon cell tower off of Liberty Lane back in September followed by months of debate, the Southwick Planning Board denied ...click for more |
STGRSD School Committee hears Massachusetts Civics Project presentation1/20/2021 SOUTHWICK – During the Jan. 12 Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District (STGRSD) School Committee meeting, the committee heard a presentation about the Massachusetts Civics Projec ...click for more |
Southwick Public Library launches ‘1,000 Books Before Kindergarten’ program1/12/2021 SOUTHWICK – In order to help keep children engaged and lift their spirits, the Southwick Public Library started a “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program and is offering a stop ...click for more |
Senior Center, AARP offering altered tax preparation services1/12/2021 SOUTHWICK – With COVID-19 cases on the rise, the Southwick Senior Center will be running a contactless tax aide service in partnership with AARP beginning on Feb. 16. Council on Aging ...click for more |
Southwick Planning Board closes public hearing on Verizon cell tower1/12/2021 SOUTHWICK – After months of discussion and testimony over a proposed Verizon cell tower off Liberty Lane, the Southwick Planning Board closed the public hearing after further discussion about ...click for more |
Southwick Senior Center, library collaborate for monthly book club1/6/2021 SOUTHWICK – With its first session on Jan. 12, the Southwick Public Library will be kickstarting a monthly book club on Zoom for seniors in partnership with the Southwick Senior Center. <... click for more |
Southwick Select Board approves lead dispatcher12/30/2020 SOUTHWICK – At the Southwick Select Board’s Dec. 28 meeting, the board approved a lead dispatcher and agreed to sell a surplus fire truck and dive truck along with its routine business ...click for more |
Southwick’s 250th Anniversary Committee hosting pre–sale for book12/30/2020 SOUTHWICK – To fund some of its events in 2021, Southwick’s 250th Anniversary committee is collecting money for preorders for the “Southwick Revisited,” a book all about Sou ...click for more |
Southwick Care Package project seeks donations12/21/2020 SOUTHWICK – Our Lady of the Lake Church, The Hood Café, and a Southwick resident are teaming up to provide care packages to families in need during the holidays and throughout the COVI ...click for more |
Disagreements on Verizon balloon float raised at Planning Board hearing12/21/2020 SOUTHWICK – After two Verizon balloon floats on Dec. 12 and Dec. 14, the Southwick Planning Board once again continued the public hearing for a proposed Verizon Cell Tower off Liberty Lane at ...click for more |
STGRSD School Committee approves winter sports proposal12/21/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville School Committee approved a plan for interscholastic sports at Southwick Regional School for the winter season, which is set to begin on Jan. 11, 2 ...click for more |
STGRSD School Committee receives updates on Woodland, Powder Mill12/9/2020 SOUTHWICK – At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee received updates to strategic plans for Woodland School and Powder Mill School, before Athletic Di ...click for more |
Discussion regarding proposed Southwick cell tower continues12/9/2020 SOUTHWICK – At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Southwick Planning Board once again continued a public hearing over a proposed Verizon cell tower off of Liberty Lane. To start the meeting&rsquo ...click for more |
Southwick Civic Fund to host Selfie with Santa event12/1/2020 SOUTHWICK – To get children and families into the holiday spirit the Southwick Civic Fund will host a drive through Selfie with Santa event at Moolicious Farms on Dec. 12 for families from So ...click for more |
STGRSD School Committee, teachers union reach new agreement12/1/2020 SOUTHWICK – After switching to fully remote learning earlier in November when Hampden County reached a 3 percent positivity rate for COVID-19 – because of a clause in a memorandum of ag ...click for more |
Southwick Public Library’s Giving Tree supports foster families11/23/2020 SOUTHWICK – To help children and families in need this winter, the Southwick Public Library is currently collecting donations for its annual Giving Tree. Southwick Public Library Direc ...click for more |
STGRSD School Committee discusses policies, teachers union negotiations11/23/2020 SOUTHWICK – During the Nov. 17 Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District School Committee meeting, the committee approved the first readings for three policies and received an upda ...click for more |
Southwick, Tolland, Granville officials participate in school budget round table11/23/2020 SOUTHWICK – During a joint meeting on Nov. 19, Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District (STGRSD) School Committee hosted a budget roundtable for the district’s fiscal year 2 ...click for more |
Southwick Public Library seeks recipes for ‘Holidays from a Distance’ cookbook11/17/2020 SOUTHWICK – With its annual cookie swap canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Southwick Public library is collecting recipes to put together a holiday cookbook. Lynn Blair, th ...click for more |
Concerned residents make presentation on proposed Southwick cell tower11/17/2020 SOUTHWICK – During its Nov. 10 meeting, the Southwick Planning Board once again continued the public hearing over a proposed Verizon cell tower off Liberty Lane. As part of the Verizon ...click for more |
Southwick Public Library opens for limited browsing hours11/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Southwick Public Library is open by appointment and curbside pickup along with eliminating its overdue fees. Library Director Lynn ...click for more |
As COVID-19 cases rise, STGRSD shifts to remote learning11/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – After COVID-19 cases in Hampden County hit a three percent positivity rate, the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District went fully remote beginning on Nov. 9. ... click for more |
Southwick to host 250th anniversary procession, virtual picnic11/4/2020 SOUTHWICK – On Southwick’s 250th anniversary on Nov. 7, the town will celebrate the day with a procession around town and a virtual picnic to support local restaurants. Jim Putna ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board approves project funding, library fee waiver11/4/2020 SOUTHWICK – During its Oct. 27 meeting, the Southwick Select Board agreed to reallocate leftover funds from Department of Public Works (DPW) to other projects and approved the elimination of ...click for more |
Superintendent cites safety as primary concern in sports issue10/28/2020 SOUTHWICK – While students and members of the community are still upset over the lack of interscholastic sports this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Superintendent of Schools Jenni ...click for more |
Verizon cell tower hearing continues before Southwick Planning Board10/28/2020 SOUTHWICK – For the third straight meeting, the Southwick Planning Board once again continued the public hearing for a proposed Verizon cell tower off Liberty Lane. Verizon engine Jay ...click for more |
STGRSD School Committee talks COVID-19 approach10/28/2020 SOUTHWICK – During the Oct. 20 meeting, the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee met with Southwick’s Public Health Director and Public Nurse Kate Johnson to discuss th ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board OKs single tax rate, lower liquor license fees10/28/2020 SOUTHWICK – During its Oct. 20 meeting, the Southwick Select Board hosted its final public hearing to determine the tax classification for fiscal year 2021. After three delays, the Sel ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board interviews candidates for Board of Water Commissioners10/21/2020 SOUTHWICK – During its Oct. 13 meeting, the Southwick Select Board once again continued the tax classification hearing to its next meeting and interviewed three candidates for the Board of Wa ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board contemplates reducing liquor licensing fees10/13/2020 SOUTHWICK – During its brief meeting on Oct. 6, the Southwick Select Board discussed reducing licensing fees for local businesses and once again continued the 2021 fiscal year tax classificat ...click for more |
More concerns raised over proposed Southwick Verizon cell tower10/13/2020 SOUTHWICK – After residents raised concerns over a lack of certified mailing notice for a public hearing about a proposed Verizon cell tower at the last Southwick Planning Board meeting, the ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board delays tax classification hearing10/7/2020 SOUTHWICK – During its Sept. 29 meeting, the Southwick Select Board hosted a trio of public hearings about tax classification, a civil fingerprinting bylaw, and a manager change at Crabby Joe ...click for more |
Southwick cell tower hearing postponed due to notice oversight9/30/2020 SOUTHWICK – While the Southwick Planning Board was supposed to host a public hearing for a proposed Verizon cell tower, residents voiced their concerns over a lack of public notice and the he ...click for more |
Southwick schools reverse course, will allow modified fall sports9/24/2020 SOUTHWICK – After the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District School Committee voted to postpone fall sports at its previous meeting, the committee rescinded the vote and will no ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board chooses Landis as next police chief9/24/2020 SOUTHWICK – During its Sept. 15 meeting, the Southwick Select Board unanimously approved a motion to offer the police chief position to current Southwick Police Lt. Robert Landis. Afte ...click for more |
Students protest delay of fall sports season in Southwick9/15/2020 SOUTHWICK – “Let us play!’ and “We want fall sports!” chants rang out as Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District students paraded around the superintenden ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board discusses repurposing town-owned vehicles9/8/2020 SOUTHWICK – At the Aug. 31 Southwick Select Board meeting, the board discussed repurposing old police and fire vehicles for new use and gave an update on the continued discussions about the a ...click for more |
Southwick-Tolland-Granville School Committee postpones fall athletics season9/8/2020 SOUTHWICK – At its Sept. 2 meeting, the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee voted to postpone fall sports to the second fall season between the winter and spring seasons. ...click for more |
STGRSD School Committee hears school-specific reopening details9/2/2020 SOUTHWICK – As the first day of school is just weeks away, each principal from the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District discussed their specific return plans at the School Com ...click for more |
Southwick 250th Anniversary Committee seeks photo contest entrants8/25/2020 SOUTHWICK – With its events cancelled until further notice as a result of the pandemic, Southwick’s 250th Anniversary Committee is hosting a photo contest to show off the town’s h ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board mulls expansion of auxiliary police force8/25/2020 SOUTHWICK – During the Aug. 18 Select Board meeting, the board had a lengthy discussion about expanding the town’s current auxiliary police force to take part in emergency response duti ...click for more |
Southwick superintendent delivers State of the Schools update8/25/2020 SOUTHWICK – Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Willard discussed enrollment, new guidance and district policy during her State of the Scho ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board sends letter of support for Police Department8/18/2020 SOUTHWICK – After the Massachusetts Municipal Association decided to support legislation that tightened restrictions on police departments in the state, Southwick Select Board Chair Doug Mogl ...click for more |
STGRSD gives families options on returning to school8/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – Parents and students will have the opportunity to choose the manner in which they return to learning in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District (STGRSD). A ...click for more |
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Superintendent unveils plans for reopening schools8/10/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee met for a regularly scheduled meeting on July 30 to hear the first draft plan for school reopening in the fall. Their fin ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board discusses Airbnb regulations, fiber internet7/28/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met on July 21 to discuss an update to the town’s Airbnb regulations, fiber-optic internet, and promote firefighters to new ranks along with its r ...click for more |
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee hears presentations on reopening7/28/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee met for a regularly scheduled meeting on July 21 for three educational presentations for reopening in the fall, discussin ...click for more |
Inclusion is Gunn’s focus as new director of student services7/22/2020 SOUTHWICK – After nine years as a special education teacher at the Powder Mill School, Robin Gunn was named the district’s new director of student services on July 1. As the dire ...click for more |
Superintendent Willard outlines first details of school reopening guidelines7/15/2020 SOUTHWICK – In Superintendent Jennifer Willard’s first summer information session, she detailed the first steps in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District’s reope ...click for more |
Select Board selects new head custodian, accepts retirement notice from police chief7/15/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting on July 7 to interview candidates for the Head Custodial position, discuss paving projects for the year, and ackno ...click for more |
Southwick health director provides updates on town’s reopening plans7/8/2020 SOUTHWICK – While phase three of Gov. Charlie Baker’s plan to reopen the state as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic began on July 6, Southwick’s Board of Health Director Tammy Spe ...click for more |
Southwick police explain updates to department’s use of force policies7/8/2020 SOUTHWICK – After the Southwick Police Department updated its use of force policy earlier this year, the Southwick Select Board approved another amendment to the policy at its June 23 meeting ...click for more |
Southwick Civic Fund to host drive-in movies at the Wick 3386/30/2020 SOUTHWICK – In order to raise funds for its annual fireworks show, the Southwick Civic Fund will set up a mobile drive-in movie theater at the Wick 338 starting on July 24 for eight different ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board reorganizes, recognizes Moglin as new chair6/30/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting on June 23 to reorganize its positions, approve DPW projects, and discuss the town’s reopening process. ... click for more |
Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee approves sale, lease of vehicles to LPVEC6/24/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee approved the sale and lease of its vehicles to the Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative (LPVEC) during its June 1 ...click for more |
Southwick approves budgets, other articles at Town Meeting6/24/2020 SOUTHWICK – Southwick residents gathered in the parking lot at the Southwick Regional School on June 15 to vote on 22 different warrant articles as a part of two sessions of the annual Town M ...click for more |
Fox, St. Jacques win only contested seats in Town Election6/17/2020 SOUTHWICK – In Southwick’s annual Town Election on June 9, the current Select Board Chair Russ Fox and newcomer Celeste St. Jacques secured victories for the Select Board and town moder ...click for more |
Southwick Public Library now offers curbside pickup6/10/2020 SOUTHWICK – After offering a brief trial period in March, the Southwick Public Library started offering curbside pickup for books, movies, magazines and more on June 1. Lynn Blair, the ...click for more |
Southwick-Tolland-Granville superintendent receives passing grade6/10/2020 SOUTHWICK – Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District Superintendent Jennifer Willard received positive marks on her performance evaluation, which was discussed at the June 2 schoo ...click for more |
Outdoor Town Meetings scheduled to take place on June 166/10/2020 SOUTHWICK – Residents from the town of Southwick will meet on June 16 outside in the parking lot at the Southwick Regional School to vote on 20 different warrant articles at this year’s ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board discusses Green Community status, phase 2 plan6/10/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting on June 2 to discuss Green Communities, a food license incident from May 4, and outdoor dining for local businesse ...click for more |
Southwick Senior Drive Around6/3/2020 SOUTHWICK – Accompanied by the Southwick Police and Fire departments, Southwick Regional School seniors celebrated their acheivements with the rest of the town with a Senior Drive Around on M ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board approves license reissuance, discusses Town Meeting6/3/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting on May 26 for a public hearing, to discuss Town Meeting, and to approve several motions. The board began th ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board talks reopening plans at May 12 meeting5/20/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for a remote meeting on May 12 to discuss plans to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic and approve several action items. As part of the weekly ...click for more |
STGRSD School Committee explores ways to honor graduating class5/13/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District School Committee met for a remote meeting on May 5 to discuss plans for seniors and read three policies. Much of th ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board discusses facemasks, accepts CARES Act grant5/13/2020 WESTFIELD – The Southwick Select Board met for a regular remote meeting on May 5 to discuss the Town Meeting, talk social distancing changes and accept CARES Act funding. One of the f ...click for more |
Adopt–a–Senior program celebrates graduating class5/7/2020 SOUTHWICK – With school buildings closed for the rest of the year and the status of graduation up in the air, the Adopt-a-Senior Facebook group has set out to make the year special for Southw ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board decides on new building inspector5/7/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting on April 28 to select the town’s new building inspector, to discuss Emergency Rental Assistance and to vote ...click for more |
School Committee discusses policies, votes on action items4/29/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District School Committee discussed two policies and approved eight action items at its April 21 meeting. The first order of ...click for more |
Select Board interviews candidates for building inspector4/29/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting on April 21 to conduct the final round of interviews for the town’s new building inspector. For each ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board approves PVPC funding to fight COVID-194/22/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting on April 14 to approve funds from the state to help the Board of Health fight COVID-19, approve a contract amendme ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board meets remotely to discuss COVID-19 impacts4/14/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Select Board met for two brief meetings in three days via conference call to discuss COVID-19 and to postpone the annual Town Meeting to June 16 along with its regul ...click for more |
Southwick Select Board votes to reschedule Town Meeting, election4/7/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Select Board voted at its April 1 meeting to reschedule the town’s Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election. The Annual Town Meeting, originally scheduled for ...click for more |
Ram Strong campaign keeps school community together4/7/2020 SOUTHWICK – Despite the current uncertain times, the entire Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District community is coming together to share positivity as a part of its Ram Strong a ...click for more |
Southwick Board of Health confirms first cases of coronavirus3/31/2020 SOUTHWICK – The town of Southwick reported its first three cases of coronavirus on March 27. In addition, three additional people were self-quarantining. Health Director Tammy Spencer ...click for more |
Southwick residents participate in unusual Special Town Meeting3/31/2020 SOUTHWICK – After postponing the Special Town Meeting due to impending snow and rain, residents gathered in the Southwick Regional School’s East parking lot to vote on three different w ...click for more |
Southwick-Tolland-Granville schools cancel events in response to COVID-193/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District (STGRSD) has instituted a series of measures, including the cancellation of a wide range of school-sponsored events, in re ...click for more |
Superintendent’s letter addresses coronavirus3/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District Superintendent Jennifer Williard recently sent a letter to families to address concerns raised by the public regarding the rec ...click for more |
Powder Mill principal discusses iReady pilot, math testing3/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District School Committee met on March 5 for a presentation about Powder Mill School’s reading and math progress and to discu ...click for more |
Help sought to provide Sensory Sacks to first responders3/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – One local EMT is working to equip local first responders with the tools to help and comfort those on the autism spectrum and is now in need of the public’s help to keep up w ...click for more |
Transportation a significant topic at school budget hearing3/4/2020 SOUTHWICK – The topic of transportation dominated a presentation of the proposed Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District (STGRSD) fiscal year 2021 (FY21) budget on Feb. 25. <... click for more |
Southwick Planning Board continues discussion on ground-mounted solar3/3/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Planning Board met on Feb. 25 to continue its discussion about revising the town’s current solar bylaws to allow larger ground-mounted arrays in resident ...click for more |
Southwick Community Episcopal Church offers different approach2/26/2020 SOUTHWICK – While some churches offer a more rigid method of service, Southwick Community Episcopal Church offers a casual experience for churchgoers looking f ...click for more |
Warm winter challenging for local hardware supplier2/26/2020 SOUTHWICK – After an unseasonably warm winter, Interstate Building Supply is getting ready to take the winter supplies off of its walls in favor of its spring ...click for more |
Police Department applies for grant, looks to hire second school resource officer2/19/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Police Department recently applied for a federal grant to hire a second school resource officer for the school district. Southwick Police Chief Kevin Bishop s ...click for more |
Southwick Planning Board discusses revisions to Solar Bylaw2/19/2020 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Planning Board Feb. 11 discussed changing the solar bylaw to allow ground mounted solar panels larger than 1,000 square-feet in residential areas. Town Planne ...click for more |
Second Crepes Tea House location continues owner’s vision2/12/2020 SOUTHWICK – Crepes Tea House owner Arturas Ribinskas had a vision for his second location. He wanted a space that would be welcoming to families, couples on a date night and local teen ...click for more |
2020 to bring multiple road projects for Westfield, Southwick2/12/2020 SOUTHWICK/WESTFIELD – Over the course of 2020 and early 2021, both Southwick and Westfield residents should expect to see their roads and their commutes impacted by roadwork happening across ...click for more |
Pet store navigates brick-and-mortar in online shopping world2/12/2020 SOUTHWICK – The first 20 years of the 21st century have been the age of online shopping thus far, and there is no sign of that going away any time soon. Online shopping options for just about ...click for more |
Southwick Police Department hosting RAD defense training in April2/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – For the third year in a row, the Southwick Police Department will be hosting a Rape Aggression Defense training program at the Southwick Town Hall throughout the month of April. ...click for more |
Southwick Deputy Fire Chief passes Executive Fire Officer program2/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – After spending 14 weeks in the state Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, Deputy Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz graduated on Jan. 31. Stefanowicz said the p ...click for more |
Committee promises countless events to celebrate Southwick’s 250 years2/11/2020 SOUTHWICK – When Southwick incorporated as a town in November of 1770, it was because its residents wanted to break away from being part of Westfield and create their own thriving community.< ...click for more |
FD looks to repair roof and brick damage2/4/2020 SOUTHWICK – After a survey of municipal buildings in March 2019, Tighe and Bond recommended the Southwick Fire Department replace the shingles on the roof, replace the gutters and repoint the ...click for more |
Southwick set to host first–ever Winter Carnival Feb. 152/4/2020 SOUTHWICK – In the next event of Southwick’s 250 Anniversary celebration, the town will be hosting a Winter Carnival with activities for the whole family at the Southwick Regional Schoo ...click for more |
Residents create sensory bags for first responders1/29/2020 SOUTHWICK – Southwick resident Erik Davidson and his wife Jo-Ann are hoping to make emergency situations less stressful for people with autism by creating sensory bags for first responders to ...click for more |
Sponsors, donations sought for Celebrate Southwick 250 events1/21/2020 SOUTHWICK – To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Southwick’s incorporation in November 1770, an extensive lineup of community events has been planned by the volunteer Celebrate South ...click for more |
Greens of Southwick set to begin construction on east side1/21/2020 SOUTHWICK – After beginning the development process in November of 2018, the Greens of Southwick’s west side is well on its way to completion and construction is set to begin on the eas ...click for more |
American Inn files for bankruptcy1/14/2020 SOUTHWICK – With a significant debt to the town for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, along with millions of dollars owed to its former residents, the American Inn in Southwick filed for Chapte ...click for more |
Lake Management Committee cautions ice fishermen to be safe on local ponds1/14/2020 SOUTHWICK – While Southwick’s ponds are starting to freeze over and residents are getting ready to ice fish, the chairman of Southwick’s Lake Management Committee is stressing cau ...click for more |
Westfield and Southwick officials share their 2020 New Year’s Resolutions1/7/2020 WESTFIELD/SOUTHWICK – With 2019 in the rearview mirror, local officials in Southwick and Westfield are looking ahead and shared their personal and professional resolutions, along with what th ...click for more |
Open water, thin ice make Congamond Lake dangerous1/7/2020 SOUTHWICK – Winter has frozen much of Congamond Lake and cold weather enthusiasts may be tempted to brave the ice. However, Lake Management Committee member Richard Grannells warned that ther ...click for more |
ALS system improves care and response time1/7/2020 SOUTHWICK – Since becoming an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Department last July, the Southwick Fire Department has improved the quality of care for Southwick residents and slightly cut costs, ...click for more |
American Inn’s Resident Association gives back to employees1/2/2020 SOUTHWICK – After raising over $11,000 through fundraising, the Resident’s Association gave back to the American Inn’s employees with holiday bonuses and a party on Dec. 18. <... click for more |
CrossFit TLA introduces Girls Gone Strong workout program1/2/2020 SOUTHWICK – Since the first Friday of December, the Girls Gone Strong program between CrossFit TLA and the Southwick Sports and Family Network has met every week to help girls get strong and ...click for more |
Cain switches races to face Velis for senate seat12/27/2019 SOUTHWICK – Republican John F. Cain is running for the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire State Senate seat. Cain’s campaign camp announced Dec. 19 that Cain would seek the seat in a spec ...click for more |
Southwick set to celebrate New Year with First Night party12/23/2019 SOUTHWICK – As part of Southwick’s 250th anniversary festivities the town will be celebrating the New Year with its first ever First Night event at the town’s Woodland School and ...click for more |
Bingo night supports Dollars for Scholars12/23/2019 SOUTHWICK – Authentic “high-end” handbags will be the center of attention as volunteers with the Southwick Dollars for Scholars program hosts a Designer Pocketbook Bingo Night on ...click for more |
Southwick firefighter settling into full time role12/17/2019 SOUTHWICK – After two months in his new full-time position as a firefighter and paramedic, Clarke Robinson said he is settling into his new role quickly. Robinson said that even before ...click for more |
Grant fund to help Southwick firefighters prevent cancer12/17/2019 SOUTHWICK – Members of the Southwick Fire Department (SFD) will be better protected from cancer-causing chemicals thanks to two grants. The department received a $2,450 Firefighter Tur ...click for more |
Southwick police, select board working on expanded fingerprinting process12/12/2019 SOUTHWICK – Southwick Police Lt. Robert Landis is working with Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart and the board on the town’s civil fingerprinting process. Fingerprintin ...click for more |
Russell’s Tropical Fish and Pets looking to become Southwick’s one–stop spot for pet needs12/4/2019 SOUTHWICK – From pocket pets like fish, small lizards and birds, to horse and other farm feeds, Russell’s Tropical Fish and Pets has plenty to offer for owners of any kind of pet with p ...click for more |
Winter fun commemorates Southwick’s 250th birthday12/4/2019 SOUTHWICK – The Winter Forest and Craft Fair will bring the spirit of the holiday season to Town Hall Dec. 7. Organized by the Southwick Civic Fund to commemorate Southwick’s 250 ...click for more |
Southwick High Speed Internet Commission looking into fiber optic internet for town11/25/2019 SOUTHWICK – With access to high speed internet becoming a larger priority for homes and businesses, the Southwick High Speed Internet Commission is looking into potentially adding a fiber opt ...click for more |
Southwick High Speed Internet Commission looking into fiber optic internet for town11/25/2019 SOUTHWICK – With access to high speed internet becoming a larger priority for homes and businesses, the Southwick High Speed Internet Commission is looking into potentially adding a fiber opt ...click for more |
Turkey Trot11/25/2019 SOUTHWICK – Powder Mill School in Southwick hosted its annual Turkey Trot fundraising run last week, with students in grades three through six participating. Students earned pledges by runnin ...click for more |
Southwick Regional School kicks off year–round students clothing store program11/20/2019 SOUTHWICK – At Southwick Regional High School, two staff members are starting a new year-round clothing store to help students get the formal wear and clothing they need all year long. click for more |
New officer adjusting to life on the job post–police academy graduation11/20/2019 SOUTHWICK – After spending several years at the Southwick Police Department before heading to the Police Academy, Officer Kelly Parks is back on the job. Parks graduated from the acade ...click for more |
Southwick woman honored at Celebrating Cancer Heroes event11/13/2019 SOMERS – Six area cancer survivors will be honored at Celebrating Cancer Heroes, an event that benefits Survivor Journeys, an organization that provides support for cancer survivors and aware ...click for more |
Couple honored for contributions to animal control facility11/12/2019 SOUTHWICK – The Polverari/Southwick Animal Control Facility honored Bob and Barb Polverai for their part in the building’s construction with a bench and plaque. Rich Michnovetz ...click for more |
Author teams up with Southwick Historical Society to highlight forgotten canal history11/12/2019 SOUTHWICK – After publishing his book in 2016, local author Bob Madison has worked closely with Southwick’s Historical Society to put up signage and raise awareness about the area&rsquo ...click for more |
Southwick, Westfield set to honor veterans with parades11/5/2019 SOUTHWICK/WESTFIELD – With Veterans Day fast approaching, both Westfield and Southwick are preparing for the day with parades and events to honor local veterans. In Southwick, the town ...click for more |
Marijuana growing operations set to open off Hudson Drive and College Highway10/30/2019 SOUTHWICK – After years of public hearings and debate, two marijuana growing operations are set to open in Southwick within the next year once they are cleared by the state Cannabis Control C ...click for more |
Southwick Spirit Walk celebrates historical figures10/30/2019 SOUTHWICK – For the seventh straight year historical reenactors took over Southwick’s Old Cemetery to tell tales of the town’s rich history Oct. 26. The annual Spirit Walk ...click for more |
MyPT to celebrate grand opening with ribbon cutting10/23/2019 SOUTHWICK – After beginning as an on-site physical therapy practice, MyPT is switching gears to include a brand new physical therapy clinic at 108 Congamond Road, with its grand opening on Oc ...click for more |
Local soldiers discussed in upcoming World War I presentation10/15/2019 SOUTHWICK – Local soldiers who served in World War I will be honored during a presentation on Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. in Southwick’s Town Hall auditorium. Rob Wilson of Hatfield will b ...click for more |
Yellow Bear Market celebrating grand re-opening in Southwick10/9/2019 SOUTHWICK – After closing its old location in Westfield last May, the Yellow Bear Marketplace opened its doors back up on Sept. 18 at its new home on College Highway in Southwick. Yell ...click for more |
Muddy Fun10/2/2019 SOUTHWICK – Participants in the New England Rugged Maniac ran, walked and crawled their way through the 5k obstacle course Sept. 28-29 at Southwick’s Motocross track, The Wick 338. The ...click for more |
Farm Parade will bring cow, horses, goats and more through town Oct. 2010/2/2019 SOUTHWICK – It’s not uncommon to see animals on roads in an agricultural community, but a goat wearing pajamas or a rabbit with a flower lei is a bit unusual, even for Southwick. click for more |
Velis and Humason act to bridge politcal gap9/25/2019 SOUTHWICK – Bringing together people with opposite political views often creates a volatile situation. To keep the peace and bring back civility, open discussion, and understanding, Better An ...click for more |
Road construction set to continue for rest of year9/25/2019 SOUTHWICK – After securing $2 million in funding, the Southwick Department of Public Works (DPW) is working to improve roads across the town over the next few years, according to ...click for more |
Library plans for Halloween with new staff9/18/2019 SOUTHWICK – While its staff is in transition, the Southwick Library still offers plenty of events and rentals to the Southwick community. Since July the library hired three new staff m ...click for more |
Southwick firefighter honored with memorial9/18/2019 SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Fire Department hosted a ceremony concurrent with its annual 9/11 ceremony to honor the life of fallen firefighter Joe Cigal, who passed away 10 years ago. T ...click for more |
Family fun day, supports Southwick Sports Family Network9/11/2019 SOUTHWICK – The American Inn in Southwick was the site of a Family Fun Day on Sept. 7 to benefit the Southwick Sports Family Network. The day featured lunch, vendors, family activities and ha ...click for more |
Town Hall lobby readies Wonderland9/11/2019 SOUTHWICK — In less than three months, the front lobby and front lawn of the Southwick Town Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland. A Winter Forest & Craft Fair is slate ...click for more |
Firefly Fields to host goat yoga on Sept. 89/3/2019 SOUTHWICK – Firefly Fields is choosing to continue presenting sessions of goat yoga at their Southwick farm on Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. after having two sold out sessions. Lindsay Hale ...click for more |
Town prepares 250th anniversary celebration9/3/2019 SOUTHWICK – The town is making plans to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2020, with kick-off events scheduled for later this year. The town was incorporated in November of 1770 and the ...click for more |
