by Trent Levakis | Mar 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Holyoke, Local News
HOLYOKE — Throughout its history, the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade has become a staple of the city and for the region in its celebration of Irish heritage. Hosted on March 16, 1952, the first parade was a true community effort with assistance from the Holyoke Police...
by Tyler Garnet | Mar 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Holyoke, Local News
HOLYOKE — With March beginning, the countdown to St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Holyoke has intensified. March 16 is the St. Patrick’s Day Road Race and March 17 is the 71st Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day parade but the anticipation for the weekend has begun well before now....
by Miasha Lee | Mar 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, West Springfield, Westfield
WESTFIELD — This year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run Western Massachusetts Polar Plunge takes place Sunday, March 10, at Hampton Ponds State Park, 1048 North Rd., Westfield. Officer Erica Ireland of the West Springfield Police Department, who helps organize the Polar...
by Mike Lydick | Mar 7, 2024 | Agawam, Hampden County, Local News, West Springfield, Westfield
Book bans and attempted bans at public libraries across the country are increasing, and not just in conservative-leaning states. Even in Massachusetts, some libraries have been challenged by groups that want to restrict access to what books and other materials are...
by Cliff Clark | Mar 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Southwick
SOUTHWICK — Dollar General’s plans to open a retail outlet on College Highway faced opposition at a Feb. 27 meeting where residents said it isn’t needed. “I don’t think our town needs another dollar store,” said Pat Montagna, a resident of the Winnfield Circle...
by Cliff Clark | Mar 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Southwick
SOUTHWICK — An amateur historian who spent 30 years researching and walking the route of the New Haven-Northampton Canal recently gifted the Southwick Historical Society a computer that contains all his research in a user-friendly format. “This is just wonderful,” Pat...