WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District sent fiscal year 2026 assessment letters to both towns ahead of their spring town meetings, when the budget will be up for a vote. In a budget season full of tough decisions, however, the School Committee still questioned whether to adjust the assessments in hopes of earning good will and avoiding an us-versus-them funding situation.

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow is on track to present a balanced fiscal year 2026 budget for review by the April 1 home rule charter deadline. At the March 25 Town Council meeting, Town Manager Tom Christensen said each of the town’s departments have been directed to adhere to a level service budget to keep the town from having to use a portion of its excess levy capacity, which functions as a financial cushion.

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Select Board got its first look at the fiscal year 2026 town budget, which closed a projected shortfall of more than $700,000 through level service funding and a cut in recommended capital projects.

WESTFIELD — On March 28, Race Director Harry Rock met up with John and Laurie Raymaakers at Half-Mile Park in Westfield to accept a check for $5,000 from ROAR Landscaping Supply, a subsidiary of J. L. Raymaakers & Sons, the top sponsor for the 70th running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races on April 19.

WESTFIELD — The City Council voted 7-6 to wait a year before authorizing the superintendent to submit a statement of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for funding to construct a new technical academy, following a 2-1 recommendation by the Legislative & Ordinance subcommittee.

SPRINGFIELD — A major redevelopment project is likely coming to three buildings on Maple Street after developers met with the City Council during its March 24 hearings meeting.

SPRINGFIELD — As spring begins to blossom in Western Massachusetts, Springfield is once again cracking down on illegal dirt bikes throughout the city.

CHICOPEE — At-Large City Councilor Robert “Bob” Zygarowski is what people knew him as recently, but since his passing was announced on March 24, Chicopee and surrounding communities have expressed their condolences for the legacy he left in many different roles.