WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS.

Southwick

Candidates for Southwick Select Board address issues

Candidates for Southwick Select Board address issues

SOUTHWICK — Current Select Board member Diane Gale is running for a second three-year term on the board and is squaring off against former Select Board member Joseph Deedy. The election will be held on Tuesday, May 12.


Residents’ input needed as Southwick reorganizes zoning bylaws

Residents’ input needed as Southwick reorganizes zoning bylaws

SOUTHWICK — For over six months, the Planning Board has been working with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to reorganize the town’s bylaws, which have been described as awkward due to a piecemeal approach the town has used for over 50 years.


Southwick Select Board approves MassDOT program that monitors car speeds

Southwick Select Board approves MassDOT program that monitors car speeds

SOUTHWICK — The Police Department was successful in getting a state grant from the state Department of Transportation to install several speed feedback signs at fixed locations and on two movable trailers to help manage roadway speeds and safety.


Southwick EDC members talk meals tax without taking formal stance

Southwick EDC members talk meals tax without taking formal stance

SOUTHWICK — When the Economic Development Commission met on April 15, commissioner Craig Samuelsen had questions about the meals tax from people he talks to at his business, and many were wondering why it was needed in town.


Southwick library brings history to life with three events in April

Southwick library brings history to life with three events in April

SOUTHWICK — The Southwick Public Library will host three events in April, one of which will teach about the “Dangerous Art of Chainsaw Sculpture,” and another that tells the history of Indigenous people in the region.


Berkshire Ave. property clearing in Southwick to be scrutinized

Berkshire Ave. property clearing in Southwick to be scrutinized

SOUTHWICK — When the Southwick Planning Board approved the minor modification of a stormwater permit for the property at 159 Berkshire Ave., the board chair hoped the years-long dispute between the town and property owner was over.


Sheriff’s Department to halt Congamond Lakes patrols

Sheriff’s Department to halt Congamond Lakes patrols

SOUTHWICK — Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi announced on March 25 the commonwealth was withholding $26 million in funding, which is forcing him to make significant cuts to the department’s budget, including eliminating water safety patrols on Congamond Lakes.


Southwick’s sewer rates see small increase, subsidy unchanged

Southwick’s sewer rates see small increase, subsidy unchanged

SOUTHWICK — Unchanged for nearly a year and a half, the sewer rates for residents and businesses will increase slightly starting April 1, while the town’s subsidy to offset the sewer department’s annual shortfall will remain unchanged.


Southwick’s Town Meeting meals tax vote could come down to principle

Southwick’s Town Meeting meals tax vote could come down to principle

SOUTHWICK — Ever since the Select Board, in a split vote, decided to include on the upcoming Town Meeting warrant an article asking for an up or down vote on levying a meals tax of 75 cents on $100 spent, a debate on the issue has raged on the social media sites devoted to Southwick, prompting one former Select Board member to weigh in on it.


Area chambers of commerce partner to Fill the Food Bank

Area chambers of commerce partner to Fill the Food Bank

For the past few years, six area chambers of commerce have banded together to address a need that affects the people they serve across Hampden County — food insecurity.