Massachusetts at moderate-level risk for West Nile Virus
BY ABIGAIL BAKER ’19
The state-wide risk level for West Nile Virus (WNV) was raised from low to moderate by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Aug. 21 following the discovery of multiple WNV positive mosquito samples. WNV is a viral infection that is spread from mosquitoes to humans or animals. The virus cannot be transmitted between humans.
MGM casino to be built in Springfield causes controversy
Senate approves plan to make campus water bottle-free
BY MELISSA JOHNSON ’20
At last Tuesday’s weekly Senate meeting, SGA senators voted in favor of the student-led initiative to make Mount Holyoke College a water bottle-free campus. This is the first of many steps that the student organization Think Outside the Bottle is taking in order to accomplish their goal of making the College a water bottle-free institution.
South Hadley votes to ban sale of recreational marijuana
BY AVA BLUM-CARR ’21
South Hadley residents voted on Tuesday to ban the sale of recreational marijuana within the town, putting to rest the highly debated issue within the community. However, the controversial ballot question failed to increase voter turnout, which remained well under 20 percent, in keeping with the local elections of previous years.
South Hadley gears up for April municipal election
South Hadley Rep. Scibak will not run for re-election, launching race for seat in Massachusetts State House
BY ALLYSON HUNTOON ’19
“It’s the best job in the world,” said Representative John Scibak (D) of South Hadley, “but you need to understand what it entails.” Scibak currently represents Hampshire County’s Second District, which includes the towns of South Hadley, Granby, Hadley and Easthampton in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The House is composed of 160 members elected from districts within the state’s 12 counties. Representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. The next general election is Nov. 6, 2018.
Elizabeth Warren discusses college debt at town hall in Greenfield
BY AVA BLUM-CARR ’21
This past Sunday, Senator Elizabeth Warren held a town hall event in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where citizens were encouraged to pose questions and voice concerns. A range of topics were addressed, but the issues of student debt and income inequality were at the forefront of the discussion.
South Hadley golf course remains open despite the financial strain
BY KATE TURNER ’21
The South Hadley Selectboard voted unanimously on Tuesday, Oct. 24 to keep the Ledges Golf Course open for another fiscal year. This decision comes despite a recently released report by Town Administrator Mike Sullivan which concluded that Ledges has lost the town $8.5 million since opening.
South Hadley to apply for infrastructure grant
BY ABBY BAKER ’19
The South Hadley local government has introduced the “Complete Streets Prioritization Plan,” a compilation of project proposals for local infrastructure improvement. The development of the plan was prompted by the local government’s decision to apply for a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).