West Springfield

By Michael Ballway | Jun 5, 2024

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

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Councilors cut more than $1 million from the mayor’s proposed town budget on June 3, most of it from the School Department. After rejecting a $1.6 million cut proposed by Town Councilor Daniel O’Brien, the council agreed to a series of line-item...

By Michael Ballway | Jun 5, 2024

Sen. recalls fallen comrades at West Springfield Memorial Day

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Memorial Day started as a way to remember those who died in the Civil War. But for state Sen. John Velis, the commemoration brings to mind much more recent, and much more personal, losses.

Michael Ballway

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By Laura Mason | Jun 4, 2024

Roundtable celebrates early lit success, highlights new initiative

SPRINGFIELD — During a May 22 literacy roundtable event at Edward P. Boland Elementary School in Springfield, local education leaders discussed projects across multiple school systems to improve early literacy in Western Massachusetts, including the state’s Literacy Launch initiative.

Laura Mason

lmason@thereminder.com | + posts

By Michael Ballway | May 29, 2024

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

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Councilors are looking at Mayor William Reichelt’s proposal of a $128.8 million budget for fiscal year 2025. The proposal, a 7.24% increase from the current budget, would result in an increase of 6.18% in taxes on existing properties. Town...

By Tina Lesniak | May 29, 2024

Historical events keep West Springfield group busy this summer

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Although everyone sees it, the Josiah Day House remains a mystery to most West Springfield residents despite the immense history it tells of the town.

Tina Lesniak

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By Dennis Hohenberger | May 22, 2024

Memorial Day events planned in Agawam, West Springfield

West Springfield and Agawam will host Memorial Day events on several days over the next week to honor fallen service members. Both communities invite the public to participate in activities such as grave flagging, a parade, ceremonies and flag retrieval. On the...

By Michael Ballway | May 22, 2024

Cellphone pouch system at West Springfield HS will begin after summer

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Cellphone pouches will click shut at the high school starting this fall. West Springfield High School is now ready to implement the Yondr pouch system that the School Committee voted to fund in January, Principal Patrick Danby told the board on...

By Amy Porter | May 22, 2024

Ad campaign questioning where Whip City Fiber profits go

WESTFIELD — A statewide group is calling foul on Westfield’s plans to build $11 million of high school sports fields using revenues from Whip City Fiber, some of which are generated outside Westfield. A new stadium and two renovated fields on the Westfield High...

By Michael Ballway | May 16, 2024

Volunteer hopes to see youth cheering Ironman in West Springfield

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Triathletes will ride again in West Side this year, and after pedaling from Springfield to Granville and back, they could do with a boost from youthful fans. Town resident Kristen Debian asked the School Committee on April 23 to have the schools...

By Tyler Lederer | May 7, 2024

Construction everywhere ‘like Big Dig’ for West Springfield

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Construction season has begun in the Pioneer Valley, and Traffic and Safety Committee Chair Brian Griffin’s phone has been busy. Construction, he said, is happening not just in West Springfield, but Chicopee, Springfield and Westfield, as well.