Hilltowns

Superintendent details missing bus incident; outlines next steps

By Amy Porter | Feb 3, 2026

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.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Open burning season started across Massachusetts on Jan. 15

By Cliff Clark | Jan 21, 2026

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.

Cliff Clark

cclark@thereminder.com | + posts

Southern Hilltown agencies cut from CDBG grant funding

By Amy Porter | Jan 14, 2026

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.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

State to fund feasibility study for Westfield Reservoir dam removal

By Amy Porter | Jan 7, 2026

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.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Free class with CPA offered for small business owners

By Amy Porter | Jan 7, 2026

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.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Domestic Violence Task Force training set for Jan. 14 in Huntington

By Amy Porter | Dec 30, 2025

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.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Observances planned for Knox Trail’s 250th in Jan.

By Amy Porter | Dec 30, 2025

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.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Celebrate the New Year 2026 with a First Day Hike

By Amy Porter | Dec 22, 2025

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.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

25th Russell Parade of Lights was ‘bigger and better’

By Amy Porter | Dec 22, 2025

25th Russell Parade of Lights was ‘bigger and better’

RUSSELL — The 25th Russell Parade of Lights organizer Missy Castro, chair of the Recreation Committee, said the cold did not deter anyone from coming out to watch on Dec. 13.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Year in Review: Looking back on 2025 in Westfield, Southwick and the Hilltowns

By Chris Maza | Dec 22, 2025

Year in Review: Looking back on 2025 in Westfield, Southwick and the Hilltowns

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.