West Springfield
Block party will continue West Springfield 250th celebration
WEST SPRINGFIELD — To mark the town’s year-long birthday celebration, West Springfield will host a 250th Anniversary Block Party on Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23, noon to 7 p.m. on the Town Common. In collaboration with city officials and the 250th Anniversary...
West Springfield valedictorian motivated by plans for medical career
WEST SPRINGFIELD — When Adam Mahdi entered West Springfield High School as a ninth grader, he wasn’t thinking about being valedictorian of his graduating class in 2024. He planned to play basketball, which he didn’t think would give him enough time to take AP classes.
ValleyBike’s new operator not ready to talk expansion yet
NORTHAMPTON — As the busy summer season kicks off, those eagerly waiting for the return and possible expansion of ValleyBike Share will have to wait a while longer. In a recent interview, Dipesh Dar, the co-founder and COO of Drop Mobility, the new vendor running...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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...