West Springfield

WEST SPRINGFIELD — After four and a half years as police chief and 28 years on the force, Paul Connor has retired. In his place, Mayor William Reichelt last month appointed former detective Capt. Jay Gearing.

Tyler Lederer

tlederer@thereminder.com |  + postsBio

• Tyler Lederer

  Senator sees affordability as key to state’s economic future
• Tyler Lederer

  It’s all in details, emotions for local artists in ACAA exhibit
• Tyler Lederer

  Marijuana shop plans denied for being too close to another
• Tyler Lederer

  Harvard student bringing naloxone training to high schools
• Tyler Lederer

  Way Finders cuts ribbon on Feeding Hills apartment complex
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam to re-establish sister relationship with Italian city
• Tyler Lederer

  Health care question on ballots in Agawam, Westfield, many Hilltowns
• Tyler Lederer

  Shah’s Halal Food brings the heat to West Springfield
• Tyler Lederer

  Variety of attractions at PumpkinFest, including scout camp
• Tyler Lederer

  Council, election officials rebut Agawam petitioners charging fraud
• Tyler Lederer

  Lawmakers share housing, immigration, tax thoughts with Chamber
• Tyler Lederer

  Westfield native turned Vermont candlemaker returns for Big E
• Tyler Lederer

  Vets help vets be their best selves at West Springfield center
• Tyler Lederer

  Ballot measure approval would allow psychedelic plants
• Tyler Lederer

  Question asks voters to decide on tipped minimum wage increase
• Tyler Lederer

  Horse owners unsatisfied with response to Big E’s barn fire
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam resident walking marathon route for Jimmy Fund
• Tyler Lederer

  Westfield art walk features flame-painted copper, pub-loving fiddler
• Tyler Lederer

  Police site committee focusing on downtown West Springfield
• Tyler Lederer

  Land takings OK’d for North Agawam pedestrian safety work
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam council agrees to video recording of subcommittees
• Tyler Lederer

  Vaccination still urged with Westfield flu, COVID clinic soon
• Tyler Lederer

  Unions call for safety gate at West Springfield railroad crossing
• Tyler Lederer

  Ceremony in West Springfield honors victims of 9/11 attacks
• Tyler Lederer

  Nation’s unity recalled at Agawam 9/11 remembrance ceremony
• Tyler Lederer

  Overdose vigil speakers call for more awareness, urgency
• Tyler Lederer

  Artist explores lost town under Quabbin in Westfield exhibit
• Tyler Lederer

  Councilors support tighter rules, shorter hours for soliciting in Agawam
• Tyler Lederer

  Town funds helping Agawam Fire House Museum renovations
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam delays vote on televising council subcommittees
• Tyler Lederer

  State grant of nearly $1M to fund work on Agawam’s Moore St.
• Tyler Lederer

  Owner of West Springfield diner damaged by fire eyes return
• Tyler Lederer

  Repaving, pedestrian safety work set for West Springfield Main St.
• Tyler Lederer

  Local restaurateurs bring new eateries to Big E
• Tyler Lederer

  YMCA thanks volunteers who helped open Camp Weber
• Tyler Lederer

  Tighter rules proposed for door-to-door solicitors in Agawam
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam Council to vote on recording subcommittee meetings
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam art festival features local history, African crafts, more
• Tyler Lederer

  Six Flags to build steampunk-themed coaster opening in 2025
• Tyler Lederer

  West Side Water Department testing PFAS effectiveness of filtration system
• Tyler Lederer

  Cities talk positive impacts of sister city relationships
• Tyler Lederer

  West Springfield Boys and Girls Club hosts Eversource Day
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam to consider stormwater fee, study Pine-Barry intersection
• Tyler Lederer

  Mayor Johnson gives updates to projects delay, progress
• Tyler Lederer

  Officials announce flyover to bypass train road blockage
• Tyler Lederer

  Low river flow prompts return of outdoor water restrictions
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam mayor’s new aide sees similarities to other job, council clerk
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam council looking at affordable housing, accessory units
• Tyler Lederer

  4-H eyes better participation at Big E events in 2024
• Tyler Lederer

  Westfield sees slight increase in COVID-19 cases as summer rolls in
• Tyler Lederer

  West Springfield chief ready for challenges of modern policing
• Tyler Lederer

  Visitor Bureau says Western Mass. needs to promote itself
• Tyler Lederer

  Newly elected Westfield Light Board member eager to start
• Tyler Lederer

  West Springfield downtown vibe attracts fried chicken restaurant
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam council OKs $132M budget, donations to police, fire
• Tyler Lederer

  Town Meeting delays decision to purchase former Chester church
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam’s $230M high school passes with 71% approval
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam street to get more enforcement, not lower speed limit
• Tyler Lederer

  Taste of Lebanon offers friendly, authentic dining experience
• Tyler Lederer

  Ward 5 going to polls to pick Westfield Light Board member
• Tyler Lederer

  Developer says Main St. hotel would fill need in Agawam
• Tyler Lederer

  Budget rising 3.7%, church property acquisition on warrant
• Tyler Lederer

  Gould retains Otis selectman seat; voters reject annex debt again
• Tyler Lederer

  Mayor gives last pitch for new AHS ahead of June 11 ballot
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam ceremony remembers sacrifice of service members
• Tyler Lederer

  Westfield Planning Board to decide on City Hall LED sign
• Tyler Lederer

  Ballot question campaign pushes ‘Yes’ for Agawam HS
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam road, water infrastructure projects ramping up
• Tyler Lederer

  Tolland voters approve all articles, including culvert repairs
• Tyler Lederer

  Budgets, water-sewer management project on Huntington warrant
• Tyler Lederer

  Proposed $132M Agawam budget is 3.6% increase from FY24
• Tyler Lederer

  Selectman race highlights this year’s election ballot for Otis
• Tyler Lederer

  Majority goes for Gauthier in rematch of Chester selectman race
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam mayor calls HS costs unavoidable, sewer plans unrealistic
• Tyler Lederer

  Painting parties introduce new artists, support food pantries
• Tyler Lederer

  Construction everywhere ‘like Big Dig’ for West Springfield
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam’s North St. reopens, N. Westfield St. ready to close
• Tyler Lederer

  Selectboard candidates share ideas for Huntington’s future
• Tyler Lederer

  School cost down, salaries up as Tolland budget vote is set
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam mayor’s capital plan features school roof, safe road projects
• Tyler Lederer

  Rematch selectman race highlights Chester’s May 4 town ballot
• Tyler Lederer

  Otis caucus nominates incumbent, challenger for selectman
• Tyler Lederer

  West Side Creamy Cones opens for business in West Springfield
• Tyler Lederer

  WRWA postpones Agawam spring cleanup due to high water level
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam armory would need $5M to fix physical problems
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam Rosewood Way apartment applications due May 1
• Tyler Lederer

  West Springfield 250th committee calls for cleanup volunteers
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam town solicitor leaving for similar job in Springfield
• Tyler Lederer

  High river levels may postpone shoreline cleanup in Agawam
• Tyler Lederer

  Feeding Hills park expected to open on Tuckahoe lot in July
• Tyler Lederer

  Westfield Medal of Honor signs part of national effort along Route 20
• Tyler Lederer

  Sen. Velis hosts roundtable on overdoses in rural towns
• Tyler Lederer

  Supporters see convenience, economic benefit in hotel plan
• Tyler Lederer

  Signs on West Springfield streets part of nationwide Medal of Honor recognition
• Tyler Lederer

  Kids’ museum hosting space-themed event for eclipse day
• Tyler Lederer

  Opponents worried Agawam hotel would become a shelter
• Tyler Lederer

  Director glad for help as she grows Agawam Senior Center offerings
• Tyler Lederer

  Former Westfield Senior Center director enjoys new role
• Tyler Lederer

  Hotel proposed for Agawam’s Main St. would have 40 rooms
• Tyler Lederer

  Elected officials lend support to libraries, readers’ freedom
• Tyler Lederer

  Westfield singer ‘shocked’ with turnaround on ‘The Voice’
• Tyler Lederer

  West Springfield police station replacement starts from scratch
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam schedules townwide vote on $230M high school project
• Tyler Lederer

  Budget outlook ‘grim,’ but mayors have big plans
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam HS building project makes fiscal sense, mayor says
• Tyler Lederer

  Archives talk to look at Mayor Burke, city’s political culture
• Tyler Lederer

  Longtime conservation board chair will resign next month
• Tyler Lederer

  Utility pole holdups delaying Agawam fiber-optic network
• Tyler Lederer

  The Federal temporarily closes for renovations, tweaks
• Tyler Lederer

  Lacking votes, councilor withdraws health care resolution
• Tyler Lederer

  Westfield warehouse OK’d despite organized neighbor opposition
• Tyler Lederer

  West Side breaks ground on hub for 1st fiber-optic network
• Tyler Lederer

  Councilors divide on Mittineague decision, but sign petition
• Tyler Lederer

  Westfield officials join skeptics of proposed warehouse
• Tyler Lederer

  Rep. Walter DeFilippi recalled as respected fiscal watchdog
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam needs mixed-use, affordable housing, plan proposes
• Tyler Lederer

  Backyard hen ordinance passes despite neighbor concerns
• Tyler Lederer

  Sapelli looks back on ‘rollercoaster’ 6 years as town mayor
• Tyler Lederer

  Bethany’s ‘He’s Here’ looks to inspire without singing tree
• Tyler Lederer

  Councilors ask to fix oversights in Agawam’s business licensing process
• Tyler Lederer

  Pickleball demand adds new courts at Borgatti Field
• Tyler Lederer

  Tax rates down, tax bills up as property valuations increase
• Tyler Lederer

  Speakers, councilors favor residential hen-keeping proposal
• Tyler Lederer

  Agawam High School plan is $231M addition-renovation
• Tyler Lederer

  Aviation community mourns Barnes instructor, entrepreneur
• Tyler Lederer

  Budget cuts hit roadwork, Senior Center, Boys & Girls Club
• Tyler Lederer

  Johnson jumps right back in as Agawam mayor after 24 years off
• Tyler Lederer

  Sandlin wins split vote as City Council’s new president
• Tyler Lederer

  ‘Luxury’ view platform removed from Tuckahoe park plan

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Emma Chapman was in the car with her mother on the way to being dropped off at West Springfield Middle School in June when mom told Emma the principal wanted to see the eighth grader that morning.

Staasi Heropoulos

+ postsBio

Staasi Heropoulos has been a broadcast and print journalist as well as a corporate communications practitioner, in Western Mass. and internationally for more than 40 years. He loves writing feature articles on local people and places but also welcomes story ideas about corporate and government malfeasance. Staasi can be reached at Staasi.Heropoulos@gmail.com.

• Staasi Heropoulos

  My first year with Nick, our rescue dog
• Staasi Heropoulos

  It was a dog gone good day in the park
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Tedious chores, car trouble and the art of staying sane
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Using this word too often makes it lose its meaning
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Bethany Assembly of God’s Singing Christmas Tree returns
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Costa has brought winning formula to Springfield
• Staasi Heropoulos

  The first 48 hours of grief after losing our dog, Scotty
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Church’s renovation recalls work of pioneering female founder
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Kick off the season with Springfield Boys and Girls Club’s Festival of Trees
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Award reflects Landon’s commitment to hockey, area
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Local Shriners patient tees off with the pros in Las Vegas
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Artist proud of effort, results in West Springfield 250th mural
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Athletes, coaches humbled by WSHS Hall of Fame honors
• Staasi Heropoulos

  ‘Humble’ Athas appreciative of honorary street sign
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Dinner, show to help Southwick Knights’ charitable mission
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Local author to give presentation on King Philip’s War
• Staasi Heropoulos

  West Springfield arts booster exhibits own works at library show
• Staasi Heropoulos

  For local baker, smiles make the hard work worth it
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Debbie Gardner honored with Age of Excellence Award
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Diocese of Springfield launches new Office of Missionary Discipleship
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Huang aims to bring new life to Springfield Commonwealth Academy
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Back to school anxiety a challenge for some students
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Creative Kids approaches 40th anniversary
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Memory of late son fuels father’s passion for fundraiser
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Hockey Day honors history starting with Coliseum, Shore
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Longmeadow teen’s poetry book lands on best-seller list
• Staasi Heropoulos

  West Springfield water utility on lookout for lead in pipes
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Longmeadow resident proud of daughter’s heroism on Cape Cod
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Local man to stage his own one-man play
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Pickleball proponents celebrate new courts at Agawam park
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Regional awardee at middle school credits positive attitude
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Police pedal 300 miles in Unity Tour for fallen officer fund
• Staasi Heropoulos

  West Springfield cancer survivor’s fundraiser to help others
• Staasi Heropoulos

  West Springfield volunteers lend a hand for homeowners
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Marine vet with local ties publishes book on forgotten war
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Federici named Fourth of July parade marshal
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Walks to highlight Robinson State Park’s biodiversity
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Garden celebrating 90th year as downtown Westfield oasis
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Reminder Publishing executive editor honored with accolades
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Westfield honoree finds comfort zone at Boys & Girls Club
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Parent Villages honors Springfield difference-makers
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Springfield church’s pinwheels offer hope, awareness
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Hall of Fame president named pancake breakfast honorary chair
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Girl Scout project highlights history of St. Gregory Armenian Church
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Armbrook Village, Springfield College partner for Lifelong Learner classes
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Golf creates opportunities for scholarship recipients
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Alumna’s memorial fund supports West Springfield softball team
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Easthampton resident receives life-saving kidney transplant
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Handprint tradition inspires pride, nostalgia at Mittineague
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Local star shines at college football all star game
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee readies to crown colleen
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Otis family turns tragic loss into smiles for charitable causes
• Staasi Heropoulos

  Music school owner shares keys to success in 40-year career

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Despite the billboard, the mailers and the warnings of “false promises” and “blank checks,” town councilors on June 17 voted unanimously to borrow $11 million to continue building a municipal fiber-optic network.

Michael Ballway

+ postsBio

• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield seeks grants for downtown information signs
• Michael Ballway

  Early voting underway as Nov. 5 state election approaches
• Michael Ballway

  Early voting underway as Nov. 5 state election approaches
• Michael Ballway

  When to vote, where to vote in Westfield for Nov. 5 ballot
• Michael Ballway

  Early voting underway in Southwick as Nov. 5 election nears
• Michael Ballway

  Hilltowns residents can cast their votes early or on Nov. 5
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield to add speed humps on another ‘cut-through’ street
• Michael Ballway

  Fundraiser to help West Springfield teens attend DC conference
• Michael Ballway

  Early voting for presidential election starting in West Springfield
• Michael Ballway

  Early voting begins this week for presidential election in Agawam
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield weighs parent thoughts on phones at Middle School
• Michael Ballway

  More than speed humps sought on West Springfield’s Circle Drive
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield will try again for Tatham School connector
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield GOP supports Deaton as U.S. Senate nominee
• Michael Ballway

  Agawam GOP overwhelmingly backs Deaton as Senate nominee
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield clerk reassures voters about fraud
• Michael Ballway

  Speed humps OK’d in West Springfield, more coming
• Michael Ballway

  Few decisions on Sept. 3 ballot in West Springfield
• Michael Ballway

  Few choices in Sept. 3 primary election in Agawam
• Michael Ballway

  Larger library trustee board in West Side expected to improve efficiency
• Michael Ballway

  Cabinet of equals to replace West Springfield’s assistant superintendent
• Michael Ballway

  Tickets available as big motocross race rides into Southwick
• Michael Ballway

  Council votes unanimously for $11M boost to West Springfield fiber
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield councilors can’t override veto of school cuts
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield council cuts $1M from schools to reduce taxes
• Michael Ballway

  Sen. recalls fallen comrades at West Springfield Memorial Day
• Michael Ballway

  Voters in Otis back short-term rental fees, inspections, reject CPA
• Michael Ballway

  Cannabis, hotel taxes help balance West Springfield $129M budget
• Michael Ballway

  After debate, Granville voters support meals, lodging taxes
• Michael Ballway

  Cellphone pouch system at West Springfield HS will begin after summer
• Michael Ballway

  Questions raised about annex article on May 21 warrant in Otis
• Michael Ballway

  Volunteer hopes to see youth cheering Ironman in West Springfield
• Michael Ballway

  New chimney, new gutters approved on Josiah Day House
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield committee, consultant to craft schools plan
• Michael Ballway

  Irish Center in West Springfield seeks $2M to finish top floor
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield council votes 6-3 to take 1st step to new Fausey
• Michael Ballway

  Otis town election nomination papers available
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield playgrounds, school renovations to get final ESSER dollars
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield council seeks more details before new school vote
• Michael Ballway

  E-sports teams being considered for Westfield Virtual School
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield councilors grill mayor on new school plans
• Michael Ballway

  Committee chooses ‘Westfield River’ as name of new school
• Michael Ballway

  Westfield votes like state to back Biden, Trump in primary
• Michael Ballway

  Southwick votes like state for Biden, Trump in primary
• Michael Ballway

  Southern Hilltowns vote like state to support Biden, Trump in primary
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield votes like state to support Biden, Trump
• Michael Ballway

  Agawam votes like state to back Biden, Trump in primary
• Michael Ballway

  Unanimous vote saves West Springfield’s Mittineague School for next year
• Michael Ballway

  Mittineague won’t close this year following unanimous vote
• Michael Ballway

  Super Tuesday is last chance to vote in presidential primary
• Michael Ballway

  Super Tuesday is last chance to vote in presidential primary
• Michael Ballway

  Super Tuesday is last chance to vote in presidential primary
• Michael Ballway

  Super Tuesday is last chance to vote in presidential primary
• Michael Ballway

  Agawam early voting for presidential primary begins Feb. 24
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield presidential primary early voting starts Feb. 24
• Michael Ballway

  Fiber-optic utility expects 55% to sign up, profits in 2 years
• Michael Ballway

  West Springfield school days to start earlier, last longer
• Michael Ballway

  Westfield schedules early voting for state presidential primary
• Michael Ballway

  Southwick schedules early voting for state presidential primary
• Michael Ballway

  Free fireworks to celebrate town’s 250th birthday this month
• Michael Ballway

  Petition to stop Mittineague closure faces Feb. 8 deadline
• Michael Ballway

  WSHS will adopt locked-pouch system to stop cellphone use
• Michael Ballway

  Mittineague Elementary will close this year after 4-2 vote