Northampton housing needs are focus of meetings today, Monday

NORTHAMPTON - The Housing Partnership is asking for public comment on a study that outlines the city's housing needs, the first step toward development of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at boosting affordable housing throughout the city.

Awaiting approval, new property values listed

NORTHAMPTON - Property owners who want to see how much the city thinks their property is worth are invited to stop by the Assessor's Office to peruse a new set of assessments awaiting state approval.

Coliform bacteria detected in water samples

WILLIAMSBURG - A routine monthly test of the town's water between Oct. 13 and 15 detected total coliform bacteria in three of 13 samples. Brenda Lessard, of the town's Water and Sewer Commission, said that the abnormal samples do not mean an emergency situation.

New Hingham marks turkey day with spirit of giving

CHESTERFIELD - The gymnasium at New Hingham Regional Elementary School was filled with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and little brothers and sisters for the 9th annual Thanksgiving Share on Thursday.

Around Plainfield: Volunteer firefighters in high gear

At its annual meeting this month, the Plainfield Volunteer Firefighters Association elected officers and approved $2,700 worth of purchases, including a new chain saw and a device to help draw water into the department's pumper on the new fire engine.

A Look Back

200 YEARS AGO

 · Just received, a handsome assortment of superfine cloths and cashmeres, of various colors, and a general assortment of English goods, for sale by J.D. Whitney & Co., Northampton.

Area Police News

Technology helps nab suspect in laptop theft

AMHERST - Modern technology that included the use of surveillance cameras and an anti-theft device for a computer assisted University of Massachusetts police locate a man who stole a laptop and an iPod from a dorm room earlier this month.