Hilltowns
Huntington Fire Department adds canine members to roster
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.
Departure of elementary principal raises concerns for families
HUNTINGTON — At the start of the Gateway Regional School Committee meeting on Feb. 12, which was moved to the Performing Arts Center due to the 100 residents that attended, Chair Jason Forgue asked for a motion to extend public participation to 30 minutes, instead of the 15 minutes normally allotted.
Meeting in Huntington raises old, newer concerns
HUNTINGTON — State Sen. Paul Mark (D-Becket) and state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick) hosted a filled town hall meeting at Stanton Hall on Feb. 11 to hear from residents of the hilltowns about issues of concern to them.
Tolland Fire Capt. Littlefield welcomed home after cancer treatment
TOLLAND — After spending three weeks in a Boston hospital to treat a rare cancer, Fire Department Capt. Kevin Littlefield was welcomed home last week with a display of fire trucks with emergency lights flashing and friends and family.
Gateway Regional awarded early literacy grant
HUNTINGTON — Gateway Regional, in partnership with Farmington River Region, was one of 15 school districts and partnerships across the state to receive grants through the Partnership for Reading Success in Massachusetts (PRISM). A total of $326,477 was awarded, with $15,000 going to the Gateway partnership, according to the Jan. 27 announcement.
Sen. Velis maps out goals and priorities for 2025
With the new year here, Reminder Publishing talked with state Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) to discuss his outlook and goals for 2025.
Russell Public Library joins CWMARS, upcoming February events
RUSSELL — Library Director Dawne Piers-Gamble has announced that the Russell Public Library has officially joined the Central and Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing system.
Public hearing for Goss Hill gravel pit scheduled for Jan. 21
HUNTINGTON — The Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a continued public hearing on a special permit for a proposed 4.9-acre gravel pit at 61 Goss Hill Rd. on land owned by William B. Hull Forestlands on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. in Stanton Hall.
Tolland PD awarded state grant for body-worn cameras
TOLLAND — The Tolland Police Department was recently awarded a grant to purchase body-worn cameras for its three-member force.
Porter Memorial Library seeks input for building expansion
BLANDFORD — The Porter Memorial Library is seeking public input for its building expansion plan at two upcoming focus groups, designed to provide an opportunity for residents to dream and brainstorm about what they would like to see in the future library.
