by Amy Porter | Mar 10, 2025 | Hilltowns, Local News, More Articles
HUNTINGTON — During a lightly attended public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget of $18.25 million for Gateway Regional Schools, Superintendent Kristen Smidy said the figure represents a 1.57% increase over last year’s budget.
by Amy Porter | Mar 10, 2025 | Hampden County, Local News, Photo Slider, Westfield
WESTFIELD — The colleen who will represent Westfield in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23 and in activities throughout the year is Jillian Battles, 17, a senior at Westfield High School. Members of her court are Jaiden Caban, McKenna Clark, Madison LeClair and Isabella Proietti. The colleen and her court were selected in a two-day interview process, culminating at the Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Feb. 7.
by Amy Porter | Feb 25, 2025 | Hilltowns, Local News, More Articles
HUNTINGTON — The Huntington Fire Department has two new canine members. “Duke,” a 3-year-old golden retriever owned by Assistant Fire Chief John McVeigh is training as a therapy dog for first responders. “Luna,” a 7-month-old Belgian Malinois owned by Firefighter Nicholas Perry is training for search and rescue. Both firefighters intend to make the dogs available to the wider community once fully trained and certified.
by Amy Porter | Feb 25, 2025 | Hampden County, Local News, More Articles, Westfield
WESTFIELD — Although all 13 of the Allied Health students recognized in Westfield Technical Academy’s 18th annual CNA pinning ceremony on Feb. 14 have received their certificates as certified nursing assistants, their future goals in the health profession are diverse.
by Amy Porter | Feb 25, 2025 | Hampden County, Local News, Photo Slider, Westfield
WESTFIELD — Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and members of his administrative team surprised five teachers with decades of experience and one teacher new to the profession with this year’s Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award at their schools on Friday, Feb. 14.