by Sarah Heinonen | May 8, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Photo Slider, Wilbraham
WILBRAHAM — It was 1908, a big year for the automobile. Henry Ford produced the Model T; six vehicles attempted a trip from New York City to Paris over the Bering Strait and the first Wilbraham Hill Climb saw 72 cars climb the incredibly steep Monson Road. In the case of the Hill Climb, cars are still testing their mettle. This year, on Saturday, May 11, vehicles will again gun their engines to see who will claim victory over gravity and top the hill.
by Amy Porter | May 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, More Articles, Westfield
WESTFIELD — At the ribbon cutting for the new home at 64 Mill St. built by students of Westfield Technical Academy, Matthew Gomes, head of the construction technology department, took a few minutes to acknowledge the hard work of students in the construction technology, electrical wiring and horticulture technology departments.
by Staasi Heropoulos | May 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Photo Slider, Westfield
WESTFIELD — When Emily Frangie, 18, began using acrylics years ago to paint landscapes, her skies were dark and the trees forlorn. Sheltering at home and tormented by bullies, painting helped her cope with the loneliness and express what she was feeling.
Frangie is more likely to paint sunshine and blue skies these days. The Westfield teenager has turned her life around and been named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
by Cliff Clark | May 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, More Local Headlines, Southwick
SOUTHWICK — The mother of a Black student who says she has endured racial epithets and abuse from fellow students at Southwick Regional School has filed a federal civil rights complaint against the school district. Allyson Lopez believes district administrators have...
by Cliff Clark | May 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Southwick
SOUTHWICK — After several months of work, the town’s High Speed Internet Committee has finalized the first “make ready work” contract needed to move the town’s broadband fiber network project forward. Select Board Chair Douglas Moglin, who also chairs the network...
by Amy Porter | May 7, 2024 | Hampden County, Hilltowns, Local News, Photo Slider
CHESTER — The 33rd anniversary Chester on Track on Saturday, May 18, marks the 183rd year since the Western Railroad was opened as the world’s first mountain and wilderness railroad, and the first cluster of stone arch railroad bridges built in America, two miles outside of Chester.