NORTHFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Firefighters were sent to a 4th alarm fire in Northfield on Alexander Hill Road on Friday. City of Springfield to collect hazardous waste on Saturday The Northfield Fire Department was originally called to a small brush fire, but when they got there, the fire had rapidly begun to spread due to the dry conditions and steep terrain. It's believed the fire burned roughly 12-15 acres in total. Thirteen fire departments assisted in efforts to put the fire out, along with four EMS units from neighboring towns. There were no reported injuries and the cause is not yet known ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's National Prescription Take Back Day and communities across the Pioneer Valley are helping residents dispose of unused medications. ‘Little red house,’ historic Thomas Smith House in Agawam opens its doors for the season Prescription Take Back events give residents a chance to safely get rid of drugs that they are no longer using and don't need. This event encourages the community to clean out their medicine cabinets and drop off prescription or over-the-counter drugs for humans or pets. This is part of an effort to save lives by preventing misuse or accidental ..read more

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Pittsfield man has been identified as the victim of a Greenfield homicide Monday night. Neighbors of Greenfield homicide suspect shocked by investigation According to Northwestern District Attorney Spokesperson Laurie Loisel, the victim has been identified as 35-year-old Christopher Hairston, whose last known address was in Pittsfield. The cause of his death is still be reviewed by the Chief Medical Examiner. Greenfield police were called Monday night to an apartment on Chapman Street after a report of a foul odor. When officers entered the home, they found Hairsto ..read more

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - City officials tour the former Wilson's Department Store in Greenfield on Friday. Former Wilson’s Department Store in Greenfield to be redeveloped into mixed-income rentals and retail Congressman Jim McGovern will join Green Fields Market and city officials to discuss expanding this property and reviving downtown Greenfield. Franklin Community Co-op plans to relocate Green Fields Market by occupying the basement and first floor of the former Wilson's Department Store at 242-262 Main Street. Green Fields Market is currently located at 144 Main Street and is open ..read more

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The state’s sex offender registry allows you to check whether there are any registered sex offenders in your neighborhood. Convicted sex offenders are required to include their home and work addresses on the registry, otherwise they are listed as homeless. According to Mass.gov, there are three levels of sex offenders in Massachusetts and are classified based on their risk of re-offending and the degree of danger that they pose to the public. Level 1 (low-risk) sex offenders must register with the Sex Offender Registry Board. Level 2 (moderate risk) and Level ..read more

LEYDEN, Mass. (WWLP) - The Healey Administration has announced four new green communities in the state to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Massachusetts cannabis sales break records on 4/20 In western Massachusetts, the Town of Leyden was awarded over $126,000 for green projects. The cities of Gosnold, Peabody and Newbury were also awarded grants. The announcement brings the number of green communities across the Commonwealth to 295. “Climate change knows no boundaries. It is going to take all of us to collectively decrease our carbon footprint, reduce energy use, and advance cl ..read more

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - This Friday, a public hearing will be held to determine the ban of two invasive plant species from being sold in Massachusetts. These plants are banned from being sold in Massachusetts The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) will hold a public hearing through Zoom this Friday at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the proposed ban on Japanese Black Pine and Callery Pear/Bradford Pear. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the Zoom call or by mailing a letter to MDAR. Use this link to join the Zoom call on April 26 – Passcode: 349732 Dial by ..read more

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Massachusetts State Police, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, continue to investigate the homicide case following the arrest of 42-year-old Taaniel Herberger-Brown, in New York State. Free community college informational session at Greenfield Public Library The investigation commenced Monday night when Greenfield Police received reports of a foul odor emanating from an apartment on Chapman Street. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered the body of an unidentified man lying on the floor. The Albany County Sheriff's Office in New York was ..read more

ERVING, Mass. (WWLP) - The Town of Erving Police Department is investigating an allegation that a student threatened another student at the Erving Elementary School. Northwestern DA investigating suspicious death in Greenfield According to Erving Police Chief Robert Holst, the police were alerted to the threat and began an investigation with the Northwestern District Attorney's office and other state and local agencies. The type of threat was not identified. Below is the statement issued by the Erving School Union and Police Department on the town's website: On behalf of Union 28 and the Ervi ..read more

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - A South Hadley man was arraigned for charges in connection to thefts from two businesses in Northampton and Deerfield last year. Northwestern DA investigating suspicious death in Greenfield According to Northwestern District Attorney Spokesperson Laurie Loisel, 64-year-old Steven Skea of South Hadley pleaded not guilty to two counts of breaking and entering in the nighttime and two counts of larceny in a building and unlawful possession of a firearm without a permit. It is alleged that Skea broke into the two businesses on October 28, 2023 and August 20, 2023, stea ..read more