Westfield
Westfield trout release was joyful ‘organized chaos’
WESTFIELD — Even before three trucks carrying thousands of pounds of brown, rainbow, brook, and tiger trout pulled into the boat ramp at Hampton Ponds State Park, there were between 300 and 400 children and their parents ready to help stock the Hampton Pond.
70th Westfield River Wildwater Races ‘a complete success’
Harry Rock, race director for the 70th running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races on April 19 said he believed the final head count was 293 paddlers on the river.
Local fire departments benefit from state grant awards
Local fire departments received some much needed assistance from the state that will allow them to either purchase new gear or continue important safety programming.
School budget contains cuts to programs, personnel
WESTFIELD — Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Director of Finance Shannon Barry presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the School Committee at a special meeting on April 7, prior to the regular School Committee meeting.
ValleyBike Share returning, expanding services
NORTHAMPTON — ValleyBike Share is returning to the region with its network of e-bikes and stations thanks to a recent state grant bringing back the services for the next two years.
New Westfield skate park looking good for 2026
WESTFIELD — After a unanimous vote by the Community Preservation Commission for $500,000 on April 10, and the recent news that the project has been recommended by the state for an $800,000 Land & Water Conservation Fund grant, a newly modernized skate park is looking more and more like a reality for 2026.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield celebrates Youth of the Year
WESTFIELD — The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield announced its Youth of the Year, Gianna Beluzo, at a dinner at Tekoa Country Club on April 9.
Local legislators push back on mental health program cuts
BOSTON — Mental health care professionals throughout the state and Westfield’s state senator and representative are trying to push back against a proposal in Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2026 budget that would strip over $80 million from essential mental health programs and could mean the closing of the only facility in the state that provides specialized care to children.
Hearing on Jupiter Power zoning in Westfield slated for April 29
WESTFIELD — The BESS would charge with power from the electric grid during periods when there is excess energy and deliver power back onto the electric grid during times when there is a higher need for electricity. The BESS would charge with power from the electric grid during periods when there is excess energy and deliver power back onto the electric grid during times when there is a higher need for electricity.
Sisters bring awareness to colorectal cancer
March was another successful month for the advocacy efforts of twins Kimberly Schoolcraft of Springfield and Karen Fogarty of Westfield. Between state proclamations and a trip to Washington, D.C., the two continued their mission of raising awareness for colorectal cancer.