by Sarah Heinonen | Feb 6, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, West Springfield
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A couple weeks ago, people who walked into Memorial Elementary School saw red brick walls with cream-colored cinderblock. Now, visitors, students and staff are greeted with the sight of a peace sign, hearts floating up the wall and a reminder to “Bee Kind.” Further down the hallway is a blue dog with spots, a rocket ship, a basketball wearing a graduation cap, more bees and a school bus. What makes this piece of art more than just a mural is that the images all came from the students’ imaginations.
by Sarah Heinonen | Feb 6, 2026 | Agawam, Hampden County, Local News
AGAWAM — The Agawam Veterans’ Service Office has completed its mission to fund a fifth monument for veterans who have served since the Vietnam War. Now underway is a campaign to identify the names of veterans, coined “No Name Left Behind.”
by Peter Tuohy | Feb 6, 2026 | Hampden, Hampden County, Local News, Wilbraham
WILBRAHAM — Putting the budget together is in full swing and the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee is beginning to see what their finalized budget might be looking like with reduced numbers from state aid and estimates that are too high for the towns.
by Trent Levakis | Feb 5, 2026 | Dining, Dining and Entertainment, Features, Hampshire County, Local News, Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — From the Valley Fest, a new youth film and photography festival started by two Hampshire County high schoolers, is coming to 33 Hawley in Northampton on Feb. 21. The inaugural event will showcase and celebrate the work of young artists in their respective mediums.
by Tyler Garnet | Feb 5, 2026 | Hampden County, Holyoke, Local News
HOLYOKE — Following months of discussions, the City Council approved provisions to the city’s Municipal Finance Modernization Act during its Feb. 3 meeting.
by Sarah Heinonen | Feb 5, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Public Schools is making incremental progress and surpassing its goals in the realm of career and college readiness. That was the report from Chief of Student Services Dr. Yolanda Johnson and her team at the Jan. 29 School Committee meeting.
