Hilltowns
Chester weighing sale of town’s electric utility to Eversource
CHESTER — Back in November 2023, Eversource Energy offered to buy the electric utility assets of the Chester Municipal Electric Light Department, and as the town recently made the details of the deal public, the buzz around the potential deal has only increased....
Tolland teen wins patriotic essay contest 3rd year in a row
TOLLAND — For the third year in a row Leo Dennis, a ninth grader attending Southwick Regional School, has been awarded first place in Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 873’s annual essay contest. “My mom told me about [the essay contest] and said, ‘You’re a good...
Theater hosts 2 world premieres in 35th anniversary season
CHESTER — Co-producing artistic directors James Barry and Tara Franklin have announced the plays included in the 35th anniversary season of the Chester Theatre Company.
Huntington librarian looking for more spring activity ideas
HUNTINGTON — Library Director Amanda Loiselle is ramping up special activities and club events at the Huntington Public Library at 7 E. Main St., and is looking for feedback for more ideas.
Early voting scheduled for state presidential primary ballots
In-person early voting will be available starting Feb. 24 for the presidential primary election in Massachusetts. In every town, early voting is open to any registered voter. Those who are registered only need to show up at the polling place.
Boat ramp proposal raises worries over safety, local control
RUSSELL — Local boating and fishing enthusiasts say the town now has the opportunity to have a Westfield River boating and fishing access area constructed on town property and paid for by the state.
Book program, Stanton Hall return on tap for senior office
HUNTINGTON — Council on Aging Director Kathleen Peterson said they are looking forward to fresh green landscapes and fresh ideas and activities over the next few months.
Small-town leaders want state attention to funding disparity
CHESTER — “Small towns in Massachusetts share many of the same problems as their larger neighbors,” said Town Administrator Donald Humason, “but they also have a set of unique issues that we need our leaders in Boston to be aware of and act upon.”
Winter hiking joins festivities at Snow Day on Chester Hill
CHESTER — Elizabeth Massa and the Western Mass. Hilltown Hikers don’t wait for a sunny warm day to go hiking.
Senior transit program looking to expand to serve all adults
HUNTINGTON — On Jan. 23, the Council on Aging met with Becky Basch of Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to discuss expanding the existing demand response transportation program with the Franklin Regional Transit Authority to allow access to more riders on the buses.