Hilltowns
Gateway Regional ambassadors attend Project 351 kickoff in Boston
HUNTINGTON — On Saturday, Jan. 17, five Gateway Regional students joined eighth graders from across the commonwealth to begin their year as 2026 Project 351 ambassadors.
Chester highway superintendent gives report after storm
CHESTER — Chester Highway Superintendent Charles Dazelle, speaking on Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. after being at it for 33 hours straight, said the Jan. 25 storm cleanup overall went well.
Superintendent details missing bus incident; outlines next steps
HUNTINGTON — Gateway Regional Superintendent Melissa Matarazzo provided an update and next steps regarding an incident on Jan. 20, in which a school bus delivering elementary school students in Chester went missing for approximately 90 minutes.
Open burning season started across Massachusetts on Jan. 15
For those in the area who take advantage of the state’s open burning season from Jan. 15 to May 1, each local fire department has its own policies to ensure the public’s safety.
Southern Hilltown agencies cut from CDBG grant funding
Notably absent in the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Dec. 19 announcement of nearly $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant awards to support housing, infrastructure, social services and economic development projects in 52 communities across Massachusetts was the funding for Southern Hilltowns’ social service agencies.
State to fund feasibility study for Westfield Reservoir dam removal
WESTFIELD — The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced $350,000 to support dam removal studies in seven municipalities.
Free class with CPA offered for small business owners
CHESTER — The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center will offer a free class for small business owners on how to prepare the Small Business Schedule C form with Certified Public Accountant Rosemarie Goyette.
Domestic Violence Task Force training set for Jan. 14 in Huntington
HUNTINGTON — The Hilltown Safety at Home program and the Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force are offering the “In Her Shoes” training on Jan. 14, from 2:45-4:15 p.m. at Gateway Regional High School, 12 Littleville Road.
Observances planned for Knox Trail’s 250th in Jan.
Westfield Historical Commissioner Jennifer Thielen read a proclamation to the City Council at its meeting on Dec. 18 in honor of Major General Henry Knox.
Celebrate the New Year 2026 with a First Day Hike
CHESTER — The Western Mass. Hilltown Hikers is partnering with the Department of Conservation and Recreation on Jan. 1 for a guided First Day Hike beginning at 10 a.m. to the Sanderson Brook Falls in the Chester Blandford State Forest.
