West Springfield
Teen mentor named West Springfield Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year
WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield teen Thu Zar Win has shown that she knows what it takes to be a leader and a mentor and, as a result, has been named the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
Teaching awards recognize classroom impact
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Five West Springfield teachers are among more than 100 teachers in Western Massachusetts who will be recognized for their exceptional teaching skills.
Blessed Buys donates to high school Kinship Fund
WESTFIELD — The Blessed Buys Thrift Shoppe recently donated a portion of its quarterly profits, $1,000, to the Kinship Fund at Westfield High School. The thrift store is a project of the First Congregational Church on 18 Broad St.
Springfield, West Side react to federal K-12 funding cuts
SPRINGFIELD — The Trump administration terminated $106 million in K-12 education grant funding for Massachusetts schools, including over $47 million dedicated to Springfield alone.
West Springfield School Committee approves $58.1M budget
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Budget season is in full force in West Springfield. On April 2, the School Committee approved a $58.1 million school budget for fiscal year 2026, a $1.7 million increase from FY25.
West Springfield Town Council approves contract that includes body worn cameras
WEST SPRINGFIELD — During the March 17 meeting, the Town Council approved a transfer of $150,000 from the reserve for wage negotiations account to the patrol officer’s account and the educational benefits account.
Velis recognized for leadership in suicide prevention
In recognition of his work in suicide prevention, state Sen. John Velis received an award for his leadership during a March ceremony at the State House for the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention.
Fill the Food Bank returns for second year April 1
CHICOPEE — In collaboration with the Greater Westfield, Greater Holyoke, West of the River, ERC5/East of the River and Springfield Regional Chambers of Commerce, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the second annual Fill the Food Bank event on Tuesday, April 1 from 5-7 p.m.
Nonprofit testifies in favor of pilot lending program
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield-based nonprofit Common Capital has provided over 900 loans totaling over $35 million to small businesses in Western Massachusetts since its inception in 1990, leading to the creation or retainment of 2,200 jobs.
Johnson, Reichelt share budget and project updates
AGAWAM — With essentially no free money coming from the federal government anymore, West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt said a significant increase to the town’s fiscal year 2026 budget is unlikely to happen.