Holyoke Catholic girls basketball shoots past Gateway Regional

CHICOPEE - In the second quarter of Tuesday night's game against Gateway Regional, Holyoke Catholic guard Kieran Ramsey stepped back behind the 3-point line, received a perfect chest pass from guard Kyra Robins, ignored a hand in her face and made her second consecutive 3-pointer and third straight basket. Such was the case for the entire game, as the Gaels seemed to score on nearly every open chance they had, despite the best efforts of the Gator defenders to stop their offensive flow. That particular shot marked the point where Catholic really began to pull away from the Gators en route to a 48-24 win at Chicopee Academy.

Berkshire Trail student nature program keeps track of animals in winter

One great advantage of attending school in the Hilltowns is that students can enter nature’s classroom simply by walking out the door. There, coyote, bobcats, squirrels and other animals leave behind a narrative of sorts, especially in winter, when their tracks leave clear evidence of their presence in the snow-covered woods and meadows.

Last week, at the Berkshire Trail Elementary School in Cummington, some 80 students from first through fifth grade had a chance to study animal tracks and "predator-prey relationships" during an all-day Animals in Winter workshop presented by 11 AmeriCorps workers.

Keith Cotnoir dominates for Hampshire boys basketball in win at Palmer

Keith Cotnoir dominated in the paint as the Hampshire Regional boys basketball team snapped a two-game losing streak with a 53-35 win at Palmer on Wednesday.

Cotnoir finished with 27 points and 19 rebounds for Hampshire, which jumped out to a 20-7 lead and never looked back.

Granby boys basketball falls at Hoophall Classic

The Granby boys basketball team couldn't keep up with St. Joseph's up-tempo offense and fell 66-52 at the Hoophall Classic at Springfield College Monday night.

Corey Baker had 12 points to lead the Rams (6-3). Aaron Gaj added 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Jesse Molin added 10 points.

Granby coach Tim Sheehan was pleased despite the result.

Seeking relief on cell phone tax pinch

People in Massachusetts, unhappy with unexpected amounts of sales tax when purchasing cell phones with a service contract, may have friends in an unexpected place: the state Legislature.

Hilltown photo exhibit on the move

A girl skating on a pond and boy waving a rhubarb leaf like a magic wand as if to summon spring are two images that are part of a photo exhibit now on display at the Worthington Library.

Hilltown fire departments win grants for equipment

WORTHINGTON - Seven area fire departments Monday received grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 that will go to buy boots, tools, pumps and protective clothing.