Southwick
Sewer users may face rate hikes this year of 45% or greater
SOUTHWICK — It’s a warning that Public Works Director Randy Brown provides the Select Board every summer: sewer user fees are not keeping up with the amount of money needed for the town to operate its sewer system which is forcing the town to rely on all its taxpayers to subsidize its operation.
Southwick brawl renews call to stop parties at North Pond
SOUTHWICK — With the increasing number of complaints about improper activities at the North Pond Conservation Area over the last few months, culminating in a street brawl on July 13, the Select Board has temporarily closed the parking area, and the Conservation Commission is considering options to reduce the number of people using it for active, not passive, recreation.
Southwick cannabis permit applicant drops out, leaves 4 finalists
SOUTHWICK — The Southwick resident who was the only marijuana retailer permit applicant not to be named a finalist decided on July 16 to withdraw his application. James Jaron, who also owns Holyoke Cannabis and had proposed a business to be called The Southwick...
Southwick’s new COA director has years of experience with seniors
SOUTHWICK — After interviewing three candidates to serve as the director of the town’s Council on Aging, the Select Board on July 15 selected longtime town employee Lisa Anderson. “We wholeheartedly endorse Lisa,” said Paula LeBlanc, the chair of the COA, when...
Farm Day returning with new sites in Southwick, Granville
SOUTHWICK — Folks who want to see farming up close will get their chance in August when the town’s Agricultural Commission hosts its second annual Farm Day.
Southwick rescinds restrictions on outdoor water use
SOUTHWICK — Restrictions on outdoor water use in town were lifted July 9, according to Public Works Director Randy Brown. “We had seven consecutive days with the flows above 174 cubic feet per second,” Brown said that day, referring to the Westfield River. On June...
Southwick boards seek input on chapter land sales
SOUTHWICK — The Select Board will conduct an informational session at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 11, to gather feedback on protocols to protect the town’s agricultural, recreational and historic properties. “We want to get the relevant stakeholders involved and hear the...
Insurance grant could fund removal of 3 trees on Southwick shore
SOUTHWICK — After the town’s Finance Committee shot down a request from the Select Board, the Police Department, and the Conservation Commission to transfer $6,000 from a reserve account to remove three trees at the North Pond Conservation area, the Select Board on...
Local riders ‘just here to have some fun’ at Southwick motocross race
SOUTHWICK — Motocross privateers show up every summer to race the Crestview Construction Southwick National at The Wick 338 with the hope of catching lighting in a bottle and qualifying for the finals against the best professional riders in the world. But it’s still about having fun.
Hilltown Hikers embrace adventure, conservation, history
The Western Mass. Hilltown Hikers’ next group hike will be at Granville Gorge in Southwick and Granville on July 20 at 10 a.m. The hike rating is moderate, an approximately 3.5 mile loop with 600 feet of elevation gain, a brook crossing, and one steep climb to the vista.
