Southwick
Milleron and Whalen debate head of primary, midterm elections
SPRINGFIELD — Two people looking to unseat U.S. Rep. Richard Neal in the Massachusetts 1st Congressional House District met at a debate on Aug. 11 to discuss their politics, priorities and approach. Of those, the most daylight between Nadia Milleron and Jeromie Whalen was in their approach.
Prescription drugs may have contributed to plane crash that killed three, including a Southwick woman
In a final report on the January 2024 crash of a twin-engine plane near Leyden that killed all three on board, the National Transportation Safety Board indicated that several prescription medications that were in the flight instructor’s system may have contributed to the crash.
Despite recent rain, mandatory water ban continues in Southwick
SOUTHWICK — In the years before the state tied municipal water use to the state’s drought status, the town’s mandatory water ban would have already been lifted.
Conservation Commission issues enforcement order for homeowner
SOUTHWICK — The owner of a home on South Road was issued an enforcement order by the Conservation Commission after sediment from his property inundated a protected wetland area following a heavy rainstorm on Aug. 3.
For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger
A nonverbal teen with Down syndrome named Matteo left his house in Monson on June 29 without an adult’s knowledge. He was found two days later about a mile from his home. While the incident ended safely, it brought the issue of wandering among children with developmental disabilities to the forefront. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo joined the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services in efforts to raise awareness about wandering among children with autism spectrum disorder.
Contract renewals for town employees top Select Board agenda again
SOUTHWICK — The Select Board was supposed to discuss the possibility of renewing the personal contract with Town Accountant Laura Fletcher at its meeting on Aug. 3.
Town seeks contract with new resident notification service
SOUTHWICK — Because the town’s current resident notification service CodeRED remains “problematic” after a cyberattack late last year, Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz is recommending the town switch to a different service.
Board approves contract to valuate business personal property
SOUTHWICK — The town is looking to generate additional tax revenue to offset the town’s ever-increasing operating costs and the annual regional district school allocation.
Haven co-owner says cannabis dispensary should open in two months
SOUTHWICK — Cannabis retailer Haven is only weeks away from opening, nearly two years after it was chosen by the Select Board as one of two dispensaries allowed to operate in town.
Southwick fiber-optic network project to start soon
SOUTHWICK — The construction of a town-owned fiber-optic network should start soon after the Select Board approved a municipal agreement with Whip City Fiber during its meeting on July 20.