South Hadley News

With a statue of liberty crown on her head, Jen M. Leclair, of Westfield, watches the fireworks in Stanley Park on Friday night.

Summer vacations in the 1890s, for the well heeled at least, were different from our often-frenetic warm weather getaways.

As the 4th of July nears, local communities are putting the finishing touches on their annual holiday celebrations.

Built all the way back in 1827, The Federated Church of Shutesbury has long been in need of a major overhaul.

To increase the likelihood of surviving a gun battle or other life-threatening scenario, elite Massachusetts law enforcement officers descended on Pittsfield Wednesday for advanced training exercises aimed at minimizing casualties during hostile situations.

Erin N. Lannon, 9, lines up her shot while her mom, Pamela J. Lannon, looks on at the miniature golf course at McCray's Farm in South Hadley.

By Donnie Moorhouse Last week's edition of LiveWire, outlining the annual CityBlock concert calendar, prompted an email from Dan Daniels reminding us that the South Hadley Concert Series is also geared up for another season of live, outdoor shows.

Police say they plan to charge with assault a 59-year-old South Hadley man who allegedly threatened a passerby with a BB gun Tuesday evening.

Kim Tougas, a resident of the Soldier On shelter for women. 2 CAROL LOLLIS Pamela Provo, a resident of Cottage 23, in her room.

Governor Patrick is preparing to run for a second term. The Governor is making plans to sit down with his top political supporters to weigh some of his biggest political decisions and readies for a re-election campaign next year.

Sheila N. Moos, of Northampton, walks with her grandson, Mac Prunier, 2½, of Wethersfield, Conn., in the animal section of McCrays Farm in South Hadley Tuesday.

Now that cash is no longer king, bartering is back. Craigslist.org alone has seen a 100 percent increase in activity on its bartering boards in the past year, and dozens of new websites are cropping up to help eager swappers find one another.

The Hopkins Academy Band led the start of the parade. 2 The Hadley Public School float.

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 DIANE LEDERMAN dlederman@repub.com HADLEY - Officials are warning motorists headed to Sunday's 350th anniversary parade to leave early and those traveling to Amherst via Route 9 to be patient.

After 16 years as the top law enforcement official in Hampshire and Franklin counties, Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth D. Scheibel announced Tuesday she won't seek re-election next year.

A 10-year-old boy was seriously injured Monday on School Street when he rode his bicycle in front of a car that was unable to stop in time, police said.

By SANDRA E. CONSTANTINE sconstantine@repub.com NORTHAMPTON - The 79 graduating seniors at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School in South Hadley were told to celebrate their diversity during Thursday's commencement at the Calvin Theatre.

"Friendship ... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." - Muhammad Ali The more education my children get, the more I learn.

A South Hadley stop on the water is celebrating 50 years in business. Brunell Marina on the Connecticut River held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday morning to mark the opening of another season.