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East Longmeadow revokes liquor license from A’s Smoke Shop after hearing

EAST LONGMEADOW — After a disciplinary hearing during its Feb. 10 meeting, the East Longmeadow Town Council voted unanimously to revoke the off-premises retail beer and malt beverage license of A’s Smoke Shop after going through over 70 pages of evidence.

Holyoke Public Schools paraprofessionals seek new contract

HOLYOKE — Members of the Holyoke Paraprofessionals Association joined the School Committee meeting on Feb. 9 to express a desire for a new contract.

Holyoke School Committee selects Jackie Glasheen as next HPS superintendent

HOLYOKE — After interviewing three finalists last week, the Holyoke School Committee selected Assistant Superintendent Jackie Glasheen as the district’s next superintendent during a meeting on Feb. 12.

Easthampton We the People team wins ninth straight state title, nationals are next

EASTHAMPTON — The dynasty keeps rolling on as Easthampton High School’s We the People Team has won its ninth straight state title and are now once again are seeking donations from the community to help fund their trip to the national tournament in Washington D.C. this April.

Northampton City Council approves $290,000 in midyear appropriation to schools

NORTHAMPTON — The City Council voted to approve a $290,317 midyear appropriation to Northampton Public Schools during its Feb. 5 meeting.

STRM: Whitfield talks tenure as City Council president

SPRINGFIELD — On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sat down with Springfield City Council President Tracye Whitfield to talk about her tenure as City Council president.

South Hadley officially sets Special Town Meeting amid budget problems

SOUTH HADLEY — The South Hadley Selectboard officially set a Special Town Meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 25, at South Hadley High School after a Feb. 10 discussion with multiple town boards.

West Springfield principals present 2025 accountability and climate reports

WEST SPRINGFIELD — At the West Springfield School Committee meeting on Feb. 10, Mittineague Elementary School Principal Michael Pescitelli and West Springfield Middle School Principal Peter Gillen presented the 2025 accountability and climate reports for their respective schools.

YWCA receives $1.22 million federal earmark to maintain facilities

SPRINGFIELD — Federal funding for organizations in Massachusetts has been limited over the past year, with many grants and programs canceled.

Patience pays off for Agawam’s new colleen

AGAWAM — Waiting with the five other contenders vying to become Agawam’s 2026 colleen, Ava Levesque was nervous, but tried her best to stay calm. Her anxiety quickly turned to joy when her name was announced as the new colleen.

Student art made into mural at Memorial Elementary School

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A couple weeks ago, people who walked into Memorial Elementary School saw red brick walls with cream-colored cinderblock. Now, visitors, students and staff are greeted with the sight of a peace sign, hearts floating up the wall and a reminder to “Bee Kind.” Further down the hallway is a blue dog with spots, a rocket ship, a basketball wearing a graduation cap, more bees and a school bus. What makes this piece of art more than just a mural is that the images all came from the students’ imaginations.

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Heartbeat of New Orleans music comes to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — An all-star ensemble of musicians are coming to Springfield with the “Take Me to the River: New Orleans” concert at HOPE Center for the Arts on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. The concert is inspired by the 2022 documentary of the same name, which will be shown for free on Jan. 3 at 4 p.m.

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