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Springfield City Council approves funding for new police technology

SPRINGFIELD — In an attempt to bring the Police Department’s technology into the 21st century, the City Council approved a funding package of $7.2 million to upgrade the department’s technology.

Springfield City Council passes resolution in support of all Liberians living in U.S.

SPRINGFIELD — The City Council unanimously passed a resolution during its Feb. 10 meeting that supports the inclusion of all Liberians living in the United States facing mass deportation and an emergency injunctive relief lawsuit.

Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee names Dziedzic colleen

SPRINGFIELD — On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee announced that Ayslin Dziedzic of Longmeadow, would be this year’s colleen.

95-year-old retires from LPS after 50 years in the district

LONGMEADOW — It is not every day that state legislators praise and celebrate someone for doing their job. Then again, most people do not spend 50 years working for the same school department.

HWRSD, towns plead case for more ed funding

WILBRAHAM — Each year, when putting together a budget, the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee invites leadership from both towns and the state legislators who represent them to a budget roundtable.

Chicopee’s Battle of the Badges returns for ninth year

CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Police and Fire departments will lace up their skates to compete in the ninth annual Battle of the Badges charity hockey game.

Holyoke, Chicopee get ready to name their respective colleen

With about a month to go until St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Holyoke, Chicopee and Holyoke will both be hosting events where they will name a colleen and court to represent their city.

Agawam colleen all smiles as childhood dream comes true

AGAWAM — When Julia Nicosia realized she had been selected as Agawam’s 2025 colleen, she broke into a huge smile. It was a dream come true.

New Agawam police station takes shape with upgrades

AGAWAM — Although it may not look like much now, the building at 1070 Suffield St. in Agawam is well on its way to becoming a modern police station, capable of providing for the town’s public safety needs now, and in the years to come.

Town halts Berkshire Avenue land donation process

SOUTHWICK — When the town was conducting a survey on a small parcel of land on Middle Pond that its owner wanted to donate to the town, it found the property’s deed was “convoluted” and has now stopped the process of trying to accept it.

Gonzalez announces bid for Ward 1 council seat

SPRINGFIELD — Election season is officially underway in Springfield as current School Committee member Joesiah Gonzalez announced that he is running for the Ward 1 City Council seat, which will be up for grabs later this November.

Local memorializes travel in exhibit at West Springfield Library

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Whether it is far flung locales or the hidden gems of the Northeast, travel encourages people to preserve memories by photographing their experiences. The West Springfield Library has put the travel photographs and memories of resident Branden Bruso on display throughout the month of February.

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Dining & Entertainment

Local theater celebrates 40 years of curtain calls

LUDLOW — On March 22, Exit 7 Theater will have its 40th celebration Gala at the Ludlow Country Club from 6-10 p.m. The gala will include a red-carpet event. Guests must be 18 and up to attend. Tickets are $60 per person. There will be a dinner buffet, dancing, photo booth and multiple raffles.

What I’m Watching: A romantic comedy extravaganza

My girlfriend and I recently embarked on an epic quest — a binge-watching voyage through the schmaltzy romantic comedy world. Many may jeer at the thought of rom-coms; they are labeled as disposable, artificial and contrived by countless detractors.

Opinion