A Look Back, Feb. 4

Downed powerline sparks severe brush fire in Worthington

WORTHINGTON — A downed powerline sparked a severe brush fire in wooded land on Worthington Road at about noon on Friday, and officials said firefighters are expected to work through the night to put out the blaze. Worthington Police Chief John Scobie told the Gazette that crews were still attempting to maintain the fire in the […]

Big E’s in Easthampton to be sold to another family, will stay open

EASTHAMPTON — The owner of Big E’s Foodland, the family-owned supermarket at 11 Union St. that opened in July 1977, is working toward selling the store to another family that plans to keep it running as Big E’s. “Big E’s will not close for a single day and it will remain Big E’s with the […]

Atkinson Family Practice founder abruptly departs after 21 years; Northampton office closes

AMHERST/NORTHAMPTON — Dr. Katherine Atkinson has left the Amherst and Northampton family practice she ran for more than two decades, a year and a half after selling it to keep it out of bankruptcy.  “I would never leave my patients on short notice if I had any option,” Atkinson said in a phone interview with […]

After positive PFAS tests, Sunderland residents demand action

Residents of Reservation Road in Sunderland expressed frustration during a Selectboard meeting regarding the delayed notification of PFAS contamination in their private wells and requested improved protection measures.

State Rep. Kelly Pease faces challenge in 4th Hampden from Democrat Colby Hoffman

Voters in Westfield and Southampton will decide on Election Day whether to reelect Republican state Rep. Kelly Pease, who has served the 4th Hampden District for six years, or supporting newcomer Colby Hoffman, a Democrat who did not want to leave the incumbent unchallenged. Ahead of Tuesday’s election, the Gazette interviewed the two candidates, both […]