With 2025 nearly behind us, Reminder Publishing looks back at some of the biggest stories in Westfield, Southwick and the Hilltowns over the past 12 months. From new schools, to elections, a spying allegation and beyond, 2025 was a consequential year for Westfield and Southwick.
SOUTHWICK — In an attempt to understand why a lot of students in the district’s schools have been diagnosed with asthma, the town’s interim health director asked the Select Board to approve a grant to purchase and install three sensors in town to monitor air quality.
SOUTHWICK — Recognizing that local media outlets don’t cover the town like years past, Select Board member Russ Anderson wants to overhaul how the town utilizes its public access channel.
SOUTHWICK — The limited liability company that owns and operates Southwick Village filed a civil lawsuit against the town seeking to be reimbursed $333,393, alleging it was overbilled by 40 million gallons of water at its assisted living facility.
SOUTHWICK — The Water Commission believes that educating residents could change the negative perception of the town’s water quality and water department policies, a feeling that was discussed during a recent presentation by the chair of the Master Plan Implementation Committee to the commissioners.
SOUTHWICK — While it’s been nearly three months since the Select Board said it might call a Special Town Meeting to have residents decide if the town can pay more than 50% for town employees health insurance, or even publicly discuss the issue at all, Chief Administrative Officer Nicole Parker confirmed to Finance Committee on Nov. 20 that the meeting would be held.