Belchertown News

AT 654 PM EDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH AND SMALL HAIL ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 2 MILES EAST OF ASHFIELD TO HUNTINGTON...OR ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 8 MILES SOUTHWEST OF GREENFIELD TO 12 MILES SOUTHWEST OF NORTHAMPTON...MOVING NORTHEAST AT ...

The state Department of Public Utilities plans to hold a series of public hearings this week on proposed rate hikes by National Grid.

Many stayed put after last nighta s fireworks show was over, traffic was heavy on the way out.

By PATRICK JOHNSON pjohnson@repub.com PALMER - The state Firefighting Academy on Thursday awarded diplomas to 31 call and volunteer firefighters from 16 Western Massachusetts communities during a ceremony at Palmer High School.

Ware police said a man wanted for a March shooting of a house was picked up by state police Thursday on a warrant issued over the incident.

Ellen M. Majka was inside her home on Prescott Hill when she saw a bald eagle swoop down into her neighbor's yard.

Despite the Fast Lane transponder give-a-ways, many turnpike drivers still use cash at the tolls.

The memory of a young cancer victim from Belchertown inspired other children to raise money for cancer research.

The American Cancer societies rely for life walks here in Western Massachusetts completes its season this weekend for the 9th Annual Relay for Life of Quaboag valley relay in Belchertown.

A Belchertown woman says her civil rights were violated while riding a PVTA bus on Wednesday.

The suspect was scared off and was not located by police. * Shevren Henderson, 27, of Russell Street, Hadley, was arrested Monday at 11:03 a.m. outside a University Drive location on a charge of domestic assault and battery after he held a woman to the ground and attempted to strangle her, police said.

By FRED CONTRADA fcontrada@repub.com NORTHAMPTON - A man involved in a case that included kidnapping, murder-for-hire and $1 million in drug money pleaded guilty to reduced charges Tuesday, then balked over having to serve three years probation.

A six-month extension has been granted to the in-town shuttle bus operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

Writer, retired professor and photographer Julius Lester, at home in Belchertown, talks about retirement, reading and his upcoming photo exhibit.

For five years, members of the Lucey family have struggled to come to terms with a family member's suicide.

By HOLLY ANGELO hangelo@repub.com CHICOPEE - The City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a marijuana ordinance that will add a $300 local fine on top of the $100 state fine for anyone caught smoking pot in a public place.

By DAN RING dring@repub.com BOSTON - State budget cuts will force the Soldiers Home in Holyoke to lay off 11 employees and close a dental clinic for outpatients, the home's acting superintendent said on Friday.

By FRED CONTRADA fcontrada@repub.com NORTHAMPTON - Rail trail advocates will celebrate the completion of another link in the region's system at a ribbon-cutting event at noon on Saturday.

By PAMELA H. METAXAS pmetaxas@repub.com CHICOPEE - A proposed marijuana ordinance that expands a new state law permitting additional local fines for those smoking the narcotic in public has been endorsed in committee and is poised for a final vote on Tuesday.

Paying for college just got a little easier for one Belchertown student. Belchertown High School Senior Sarah Minney received a $5,000 college scholarship today during her graduation rehearsal.