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Some neighbors in Chicopee are raising concerns about sidewalks that still haven’t been shoveled after recent storms, making it harder for kids to walk safely. Some are even threatening to keep their kids home until the sidewalks are clear. The Mayor's office said that while they're working to clear sidewalks, homeowners and businesses need to do their part as well

Complaints in Springfield are still rolling in as it pertains to the snow removal efforts. While the DPW said they hear those concerns loud and clear, officials are asking everyone to remain patient while work is still underway. One of the challenges they noted was just having anywhere to put the snow, and having it just fall back down from the snowbanks back onto the street

Local law enforcement is warning the public of an uptick in email and phone scams. Many of these scam attempts, including texts and emails are coming from scammers claiming to be from the Post Office regarding “urgent delivery issues.” Police are urging residents to protect themselves by never clicking on unknown links in suspicious emails or texts, and not picking up calls from numbers they don’t recognize

Springfield’s zoning board is set to once again review permits tied to a proposed biomass power plant. The discussion is focused on whether the project meets zoning requirements, with officials revisiting earlier decisions and next steps. Members of Springfield Climate Justice Coalition have mobilized for over 15 years to stop the plant from being built.

Chicopee is getting about $3 million to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant, with the goal of improving water quality in the Connecticut River. The funding will help modernize equipment and reduce pollution flowing into the river.

The New England Patriots are hosting a Super Bowl LX rally with music, performances, and chances to win prizes for fans. It’s basically a send off party on Sunday for Patriots fans looking for a reason to gather and celebrate the Patriots. They'll even be chances to win tickets to the big game

A parking ban remains in effect in Springfield, as crews continue to clear snow and sidewalks as Springfield schools reopen today. The Mayors office is also sending out reminders for proper snow removal practices, as 25 tickets have been given out for people shoveling their snow into the street. District officials are asking for help clearing sidewalks so kids walking to school this week can stay safe

Some in Springfield have had to call out of work this week due to their street not being plowed, and they say it feels like de-ja-vu. Montclair Street is a dead-end side street off St. James Avenue in Springfield. Due to the snow, only one car can get through at a time. Apparently it's similar story each year, and those on the street have reached out to the city

Many in Springfield got fifty-dollar parking tickets during the snowstorm, but the city never towed their cars, leaving them buried by plows. However, some are saying that the city could've done a better job announcing the confusing even/odd parking bans. Tickets can be appealed at City Hall

In Chicopee, neighbors didn’t wait for plows. Community members grabbed shovels and snowblowers to help clear roads and driveways after the big storm. Their teamwork made side streets more passable, and a few local teens even became impromptu “plow crews” by helping friends and neighbors dig out.

Local authorities are warning families about the dangers of building snow tunnels, as they can collapse and pose a suffocation risk to children playing inside. The Springfield Fire Captain added that snow structures can be unpredictable, and kids should wear bright colored clothing when playing in the snow

As you may have noticed, cities and towns are struggling with where to put all the snow. This means you should plan for less available on-street parking spaces in Downtown areas. It's also difficult to peer around some corners with 10-foot high snowbanks, to get an eye on traffic when making a turn, so use caution

It may be tempting with big storms to skip some corners when shoveling the driveway, but after an ambulance got stuck in a Monson driveway trying to reach a call, local officials are reminding you and I how important it is to fully clear driveways and access points after a storm. The extra digging that was done to free the ambulance cost an extra 40 minutes of valuable time

In the aftermath of the storm, plow truck drivers, including more than 100 vehicles in Springfield and West Springfield, are addressing road conditions and high snow banks. The higher banks have required certain trucks to push them back and help driver visibility. Both departments are asking you to call 311, to report a road concern

Springfield’s Fire Department is reminding homeowners with direct‑vent heating systems to check vents and clear snow or ice from them after a wave of carbon monoxide detector calls. The carbon monoxide can build up inside a home when those vents are blocked from the outside by snow

Some good news out of Westfield...Westfield gas and electric, and whip city fiber have announced that extreme cold and subsequent rise in wholesale energy costs, those living in the city will not see an increase in their utility rates for the third consecutive year. Their rates are about 23% lower than those of Eversource

The plowing and clearing of over a foot of snow has created large piles, many of which may be covering fire hydrants. Fire crews are urging you if you have a hydrant on your property, to make sure it's cleared. That one step saves valuable time in the case of an emergency.

Over in Springfield’s Liberty Heights neighborhood, neighbors rallied together yesterday getting driveways and sidewalks cleaned while they waited for city plows to reach all the side streets. The effort has become a kind of neighborhood tradition. The intersection of Francis Street and Connecticut Avenue was just one of the areas where they got to work

Driving on the roads is still not advised for anyone other than emergency personnel...yesterday Mass State Police alone responded to almost 150 accidents resulting from the storm. The main cause was just a lack of overall visibility. Thankfully none of the accidents were fatal

Before the craziness of the storm over the weekend, a car crashed into a hotel in Chicopee and the driver was arrested. It happened at the Hampton Inn at 600 Memorial Drive. The building was evacuated and one person was taken to the hospital for minor injuries

Area snowfall amounts were reported last night...now these totals may not reflect the current accurate accumulation but as of the last report, Ludlow came in the highest in the area, with 19 inches. Agawam reported 18.5, Springfield was at 16.5. Right around there as well was Westfield and Holyoke. It appears the highest totals in Western Mass were more Southern Valley as opposed to the hills.

During the storm many people sat back at home and watched as the Patriots punched their ticket back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the Tom Brady era. The game will be happening in a couple weeks on February 8th, out in California, against the Seattle Seahawks

As you can imagine travel is very restricted today, with hundreds of flights being cancelled in Boston and Bradley...the PVTA has suspended bus service temporarily as local DPW's work to clear the roads. Officials are also urging the parking bans be followed, in order to help street cleanup efforts

Despite brick cold temperatures on Saturday, thousands of people went out to The Big E fairgrounds for the annual railroad hobby show. It's one of the largest of its kind in the entire country. The event featured a vast array of displays in 4 of the buildings on the fairgrounds

You'll want to extend some grace to DPW crews over the next few days...Officials say the duration of the storm, not just the snowfall , could lead to extra costs and fatigue for crews out plowing and clearing roads. That also likely means it'll take a little bit longer to clear the roads, as they're likely going to have to make rounds at least twice. The storm could also stretch the budget of area cities who are using up most of the yearly salt supply

An ATV rider in Springfield is safe today because of some quick‑thinking. The rider broke through ice on Five Mile pond this week, but was able to be rescued and treated for cold exposure. Emergency responders stressed the dangers of thin ice and reminded everyone to stay cautious near frozen water.

West Springfield is planning to build a new peanut roundabout aimed at making a busy intersection safer and keeping traffic moving more smoothly. The idea is fewer backups and fewer accidents once it’s finished. It'll be at the intersection of Amostown and Piper Roads and will start in the spring or summer

With frigid temperatures on the way this weekend, several communities including Holyoke, and Springfield are opening warming centers to help people stay safe and comfortable. There people can find hot meals, showers, and a warm place to rest if wind chills dip into the dangerous zone.

A new Puerto Rican food truck in Springfield rolled out its grand opening in the Pine Point neighborhood yesterday. The launch was celebrated with community leaders and reflects a growing small‑business vibrancy in the area. To get to this point, the owners have made more than a $90,000 investment

40 years is a long time, and after 40 years, all 13 locations of Smithland Pet & Garden Center will close. The company originally known as myAgway and Dave’s Soda and Pet City said this decision was difficult but necessary. They have locations in both western Massachusetts and across Connecticut, but there's no public timetable for the closure