Established 1887 · Vol. CXXXIX · No. 4,128
Your trusted source for local news & community stories
Breaking
In a landmark 7–2 vote Tuesday evening, the City Council greenlit the long-awaited downtown revitalization initiative, allocating $4.2 million toward streetscape improvements, façade grants for local businesses, and a new public plaza on Main Street.
Mayor David Chen called the decision "a turning point for our city's future," while council members outlined a phased timeline stretching through 2028.
Breaking
The Elm Street bridge over Miller Creek has been closed to all traffic after inspectors discovered structural cracking in two support beams. Detours are in effect via Route 9; repairs are expected to take 3–4 weeks.
Education
Three teams from Lincoln Middle School earned top honors at the Regional Science Fair, including a first-place win for a project on water filtration using recycled materials.
Weather
After a rainy midweek, expect clearing skies Friday afternoon. Saturday and Sunday look warm and pleasant — perfect for the Founders Day festivities.
Local
Volunteers gathered Saturday morning to break ground on a 12-plot expansion of the Maple Avenue Community Garden, bringing the total to 40 growing spaces available to residents.
Local
The city fire department has been awarded a $320,000 FEMA grant that will fund thermal imaging cameras, updated turnout gear, and upgraded radio systems for all three stations.
Education
Starting next Monday, the Westfield Public Library will offer free coding workshops for students in grades 5–8, covering Scratch, Python basics, and web design over a 10-week curriculum.
Community
This year's Founders Day celebration will feature over 60 local vendors, live music on two stages, a kids' zone, and the traditional pie-eating contest at Riverside Park.
Community
"The Copper Kettle," a farm-to-table restaurant sourcing ingredients from three local farms, held its grand opening Saturday in the renovated 1920s hardware store building.
Community
Registration is now open for the spring season of the Westfield Youth Soccer League. The league serves players ages 5–14 with games held Saturdays at Memorial Field. Scholarships are available.