While nothing is ever certain about the weather in New England, cold winters are a given, and temperatures can sometimes dip below zero degrees. The cost of home heating, be it oil, electricity or natural gas, can be expensive. Local aid organizations have seen an increase in the number of people unable to make ends meet when the mercury drops.
CHESTER — Students at Chester Elementary School were excited to eat their vegetables at school lunch before Thanksgiving, said Vanna Maffuccio, their school principal.
HUNTINGTON — Some hunters checking their deer at the weigh station in the parking lot of 22 E. Main St. outside of B&D’s the first week of shotgun season were surprised to meet MassWildlife technician Kalina Flood of Worthington at the scale in place of stewardship biologist Jacob Morris-Siegel, who manned the station for the past 16 years.
SOUTHWICK — While the reports of raccoons acting strange, often walking in circles, and appearing lethargic began to drop in mid-September, there has been an uptick in reports over the last three weeks, but it’s not rabies, it’s canine distemper.
SOUTHWICK — The Select Board approved hosting a Special Town Meeting in January and converting the town planner position from part-time to full-time during its meeting Monday night.
WESTFIELD — During public participation at the City Council meeting Dec. 9, Councilor Dan Allie spoke about the Department of Public Utilities hearing at Westfield State University on Dec. 5 to consider exempting Jupiter Power, LLC. from the city’s zoning regulations for a lithium battery energy storage system on Medeiros Way. He also announced his intention to make a motion to have the council consider a resolution opposing the project.