| |
Local News Archive
(note: some of the older links below might not work)
Back to Main Page
February 6, 2013:
Holyoke City Council hears foes and supporters of nonbinding casino question headed for Nov. 5 ballot
January 24, 2013:
Holyoke City Council Finance Committee recommends rejecting settlement of $60,000 to end suit from fired employee
January 17, 2013:
Holyoke to consider nonbinding question on needle exchange on Nov. 5 election ballot
October 11, 2012:
Alex Morse - NO DICE - A casino would hurt, not help, Holyoke’s economic redevelopment efforts
November 24, 2012:
Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse to announce casino resort plan for Mountain Park with Eric Suher
December 13, 2012:
Holyoke Mayor Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse's flirtation with casino issue ends as he declares he is back to 'No' on gaming
January 16, 2013:
Holyoke City Council votes to put nonbinding casino gambling referendum before voters
January 9, 2013:
Holyoke Councilor Linda Vacon sets forum for residents to air views on proposed Big Y, traffic, other issues
January 8, 2013:
Holyoke School Committee shuns Cesar Lopez' attempt to change how school assemblies are held as Gay Straight Alliance event set
January 4, 2013:
Holyoke municipal workers would get criminal background checks under proposal from Councilor Linda Vacon
December 30, 2012:
Property tax abatement workship to be held at Holyoke Community College
December 12, 2012:
Holyoke councilors still deciding about discipline of assessors over Macy's tax dispute, one assessor's certification
December 5, 2012:
Holyoke's new tax rate is $18.35 for residential property, $39.97 for business property
December 5, 2012:
Holyoke councilors will consider whether to discipline assessors over tax dispute with Macy's that cost $956,420
November 29, 2012:
Holyoke needle exchange ruling has councilors saying their authority supported, mayor glad injunction denied
November 29, 2012:
Hampden Superior Court Justice Richard Carey denies preliminary injunction against Holyoke's needle exchange program
November 20, 2012:
Holyoke City Council to discuss budget transfers, possible cuts with setting of new tax rate soon to follow
November 17, 2012:
Holyoke councilors seek to define legal work of solicitor as President Kevin Jourdain, Mayor Alex Morse clash
November 7, 2012:
Holyoke officials debate using $500,000 from free cash to avoid $40 business tax rate
October 18, 2012:
Holyoke City Council committee to discuss banning elected officials from holding other elected offices
October 17, 2012:
Holyoke's needle exchange lives for at least another week as court hearing seeking halt postponed
October 15, 2012:
Holyoke City Council files lawsuit against Mayor Alex Morse over approval of needle exchange
October 27, 2012:
Holyokers consider state representative candidates Jerome Hobert, Linda Vacon and Aaron Vega
October 24, 2012:
5th Hampden District candidates Aaron Vega, Linda Vacon, Jerome Hobert debate ways to attract business to Holyoke, improve education
October 13, 2012:
Holyoke City Council will hold public hearing on sewer issues amid chance of rate increase
October 10, 2012:
Holyoke councilors debate solutions to rising costs including higher sewer fee, imposing stormwater tax
October 1, 2012:
Holyoke Finance Committee supports spending $323,532 for 8 new police cars, including 7 cruisers
September 30, 2012:
Viewpoint: Charter schools essential to Western Massachusetts’ future
September 27, 2012:
Holyoke hearing on state review of proposal for traffic improvements draws 50 people
September 14, 2012:
Holyoke councilors, mayor debate raise for Treasurer Jon Lumbra
September 9, 2012:
Holyoke pays Macy's $960,000 after assessors overvalued store, resulting in 3 years overtaxation
September 6, 2012:
Holyoke state rep race will include Councilor Linda Vacon as Republican nominee as she secures write-in win
September 5, 2012:
Holyoke City Council OKs up to $1,000 in tax help for veterans (Valor Act, sponsored by Linda Vacon) & establishes process to auction properties
September 4, 2012:
Holyoke Big Y project still set for construction to begin in spring and take 7 months
August 15, 2012:
CBS3 Video: Board of Health votes to permit Holyoke needle exchange program
August 13, 2012:
Holyoke Board of Health to reconsider needle exchange with potential legal clash looming
August 8, 2012:
Holyoke needle exchange program an attempt to bypass proper authority, city councilors say
Read Injunction Here
August 7, 2012:
State auditors begin reviewing whether Holyoke Geriatric Authority uses proper controls over revenue and spending
August 6, 2012:
Holyoke City Council back in business with triple-digit agenda including needle exchange, veterans issues
August 3, 2012:
Holyoke Board of Health must hold another needle exchange meeting because 1st was improper, solicitor says
August 3, 2012:
Holyoke Council President Kevin Jourdain alleges Open Meeting Law violation on needle exchange vote
July 31, 2012:
Holyoke's top officials disagree whether City Council approval required for needle exchange program
July 31, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority OKs payment plan as Mayor Alex Morse says plan 'unsatisfactory' and facility faces hard decisions
July 18, 2012:
New needle exchange program in Holyoke invalid, City Council President Kevin Jourdain says
June 27, 2012:
Holyoke Council approves $43,000 salary for new position of creative economy coordinator
June 20, 2012:
Holyoke City Councilor Linda Vacon to run write-in bid as Republican for state representative
June 20, 2012:
Holyoke City Council hands victory to Mayor Alex Morse by voting 11-4 for arts director
June 20, 2012:
Holyoke City Council preserves police, fire budgets in approving Mayor Alex Morse's $124 million spending plan
June 14, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority pays $89,000 in move called good first step but much more debt remains
June 5, 2012:
Holyoke City Council seeks help for veterans by proposing partnership between Geriatric Authority, Soldiers' Home
May 31, 2012:
Holyoke councilors fault proposed $250,000 Lynch School lease as bad deal
May 30, 2012:
Holyoke's next budget of $124.4 million could force nearly 70 school layoffs; police Quinn Bill pay could be on line
May 26, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority to pay city $89,000, enter plan to repay $465,000 in worker-retirement costs
May 22, 2012:
Holyoke proposal for coordinator of arts, culture wins councilors' support but also raises questions
May 15, 2012:
Holyoke City Council has 45 days to consider, possibly cut Mayor Alex Morse's proposed $124.4 million budget
May 15, 2012:
Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse to present budget of $124.4 million, up from current $120 million
May 5, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority board, City Councilors agree to seek state audit of agency
April 25, 2012:
Former Holyoke councilor Patricia Devine voted new chairwoman of Geriatric Authority board after resignations of Steve Kravetz, John Counter
April 24, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority board could experience more than 1 change at next meeting
April 16, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric board candidates pitch medical background, skills to help the nursing home
April 11, 2012:
Holyoke City Council to interview 5 candidates for Geriatric Authority board opening
April 5, 2012:
Girl Scouts break ground on service center
April 3, 2012:
Holyoke City Council delays early vote on proposal to increase mayor's term from 2 to 4 years
March 31, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority meeting abruptly canceled; city solicitor says Helen Arnold ineligible to participate in meetings
March 27, 2012:
Holyoke City Council punts on $344,000 transfer for schools, will try again next month
March 22, 2012:
Holyoke Planning Board approves $16 million retail project including a Big Y supermarket
March 20, 2012:
Holyoke Big Y site plan approved
March 18, 2012:
Holyoke officials disagree whether city should pay full Quinn Bill costs for police after court rules it unnecessary
March 12, 2012:
Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse close to appointing task force to address Geriatric Authority woes
March 7, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority lawyer to confer with state Ethics Commission on eligibility of former councilor Patricia Devine for board position
March 1, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority employees and care praised, its board and financial troubles criticized
March 1, 2012:
Holyoke Planning Board meeting on $16 million Big Y project postponed
March 1, 2012:
Holyoke senior citizens work for tax credit program expands
February 21, 2012:
Holyoke City Council approves Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross as city solicitor; sends second mayoral request back to committee
February 20, 2012:
Holyoke Planning Board closes public hearing after 10 hours on $16 million project that will include Big Y
February 14, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority board finally meets, argues, holds closed-door meeting for more than an hour
February 12, 2012:
Holyoke councilors pepper acting personnel director Adam Pudelko and acting solicitor Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross with questions
February 7, 2012:
Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse to appoint task force to deal with Geriatric Authority issues
February 7, 2012:
Massachusetts election office clears Holyoke Geriatric Authority officials in Elaine Pluta complaint
February 4, 2012:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority board, turns out, won't have Donald Welch as a member
February 2, 2012:
Holyoke wonders: When will the Geriatric Authority board next meet?
January 28, 2012:
Holyoke public hearing on $16 million Big Y mini-plaza will resume for a third night
January 24, 2012:
Traffic big concern at Holyoke hearing on proposed $16 million Big Y mini-plaza
January 21, 2012:
Holyoke awaits first meeting of Geriatric Authority board with new member Donald Welch
January 18, 2012:
Holyoke considers $16 million Big Y project: jobs and tax revenue vs. traffic and possible fast-food drive-up window
December 24, 2011:
Holyoke City Council fail to override mayor's veto on tax rate
December 21, 2011:
Holyoke Mayor Elaine Pluta vetoes City Council tax rate as unfair to homeowners; veto prompts tax-bill scheduling problems
December 21, 2011:
Holyoke solar power project, among largest in New England, starts up
December 20, 2011:
Holyoke homeowners' tax bills going up 11 percent on average; commercial rate lowered
December 12, 2011:
Holyoke officials urged to cut business taxes and pursue revenue from tax-exempt groups
December 7, 2011:
Holyoke City Council reluctantly OKs transfer to pay Geriatric Authority bills
December 6, 2011:
Holyoke city councilors' frustration growing over $465,000 in unpaid Geriatric Authority bills
November 22, 2011:
Holyoke city councilors want to consult attorney general, district attorney about Geriatric Authority
November 9, 2011:
Holyoke City Council to get six new members, but much turnover due to incumbents not seeking reelection
November 5, 2011:
Curbside debris collection starts Monday in Holyoke
November 5, 2011:
Holyoke voters face Election Day ballot question on whether to establish new city charter
November 5, 2011:
Holyoke voters have School Committee races, but most incumbents unopposed
October 12, 2011:
Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce endorses ballot question to establish new city charter
October 7, 2011:
Holyokers to get mailings about city charter ballot question, despite officials' squabbles
October 6, 2011:
Holyoke taxpayers face paying an additional $465,000 in costs because Geriatric Authority unable to make payments
October 5, 2011:
Holyoke City Council seeks property tax and other economic-impact details of proposed $500 million casino
September 6, 2011:
Holyoke City Council deals with casino-related items, including plans for a public hearing about Wyckoff Country Club
August 15, 2011:
Holyoke Treasurer Jon Lumbra commended by inspector general for improving management
August 9, 2011:
Holyoke Retirement Board could opt to put delinquent Geriatric Authority costs on taxpayers
July 26, 2011:
Holyoke filing deadline yields preliminary elections for mayor and Ward 7 Council
July 14, 2011:
Holyoke Mayor Elaine Pluta wants to sell Geriatriac Authority
July 14, 2011:
Holyoke adopts residency rule for Fire Department employees
June 21, 2011:
Holyoke School Committee approves spending plan of $88.2 million
June 16, 2011:
Holyoke redistricting plan would move 1,200 to different wards
June 7, 2011:
Holyoke City Council grants zone change for proposed $16 million Big Y project
May 28, 2011:
Holyoke sets public hearing on redistricting proposals
May 27, 2011:
Holyoke Ward 5 City Councilor Linda Vacon announces reelection campaign
May 26, 2011:
Holyoke gives a largely welcoming response to a plan for a Big Y store
May 21, 2011:
Holyoke City Council approves increase in senior citizens' tax break
May 19, 2011:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority at center of another dispute
May 17, 2011:
Debt in dispute
May 11, 2011:
Councilors to examine Pluta's city budget
May 8, 2011:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority battle has residents stuck in the middle
May 6, 2011:
Holyoke could be getting a Big Y supermarket near the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside
April 23, 2011:
Holyoke computing center partner Cisco Systems declares commitment regardless of problems
April 23, 2011:
Holyoke planners to begin reviewing 90,000-square-foot plan for the high performance computing center
April 20, 2011:
Charter commission fumes at being unable to do its desired ward plan
April 14, 2011:
Benefits touted of solar plan
March 30, 2011:
Holyoke commission urges passage of new charter to modernize government
March 15, 2011:
'Tax Squad' to find ways to lower taxes
March 15, 2011:
David Guzman named new Holyoke tax collector
March 14, 2011:
Holyoke city councilors left without answers regarding Geriatric Authority finances
March 13, 2011:
Holyoke Councilor Donald Welch moves to force Geriatric Authority to pay $2.84 million owed to city
March 15, 2011:
David Guzman named new Holyoke tax collector
March 14, 2011:
Holyoke city councilors left without answers regarding Geriatric Authority finances
March 13, 2011:
Holyoke Councilor Donald Welch moves to force Geriatric Authority to pay $2.84 million owed to city
March 12, 2011:
Holyoke could be seeing the first change in decades in the tax collector's office
March 8, 2011:
Holyoke city councilors zero in on a tax collector after interviewing 11 candidates
March 8, 2011:
Holyoke Mayor Elaine Pluta names task force to find ways to reduce property taxes
March 7, 2011:
A roast honoring retiring Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott will be held at the MassMutual Center
March 3, 2011:
City charter plans made for Holyoke
March 2, 2011:
Collector faces residency rule
March 2, 2011:
Geriatric Authority's outstanding bills trying the patience of Mayor Elaine Pluta and other officials
February 18, 2011:
April 1 deadline for outstanding tax liens no joke
February 12, 2011:
Duties that are the responsibility of the Holyoke treasurer are mistakenly listed under tax collector in ad error
February 2, 2011:
Holyoke Collector Robert Kane said city councilors have no reason to question his ability to do the job with integrity
February 1, 2011:
Holyoke City Council to advertise for tax collector; Robert Kane keeps position until new hire finalized
January 31, 2011:
Rules squabbles send Holyoke city councilors into circles on whether to reappoint Tax Collector
January 20, 2011:
Holyoke government could change in numerous ways under charter study proposals
January 13, 2011:
Hearing on plans to change Holyoke government draws 50 people
January 8, 2011:
Holyoke charter commission considers reducing size of City Council, increasing length of mayor’s term
January 1, 2011:
Holyoke to teach property owners how to file for tax abatements
December 12, 2010:
Holyoke DPW gets national "Distinguished Infrastructure Award"
December 10, 2010:
City of Holyoke, tax collector Robert Kane and former Mayor Michael Sullivan sued by fired employee Jacquelynne Williams
December 9, 2010:
Holyoke raises property taxes as councilors Joe McGiverin and Kevin Jourdain spar and then apologize to each other
December 8, 2010:
Holyoke saves on bond costs
December 8, 2010:
Holyoke home and business owners all will get higher bills under the new tax rate
December 5, 2010:
Holyoke to set city's tax rates
November 12, 2010:
Sewer fee increase 'unacceptable'
November 10, 2010:
Holyoke sewer rate would jump 18.5 percent under plan that gets ridiculed
November 9, 2010:
Holyoke Charter Commission eyes plan to reduce size of city council from 15 to 11 members
October 29, 2010:
Holyoke Councilor Kevin Jourdain says a discussion about the sewer rate doesn't necessarily mean the rate will increase
October 15, 2010:
Filtration looms for water system Holyoke water facing filtration
October 8, 2010:
Holyoke councilors say no to responsible employer ordinance
August 17, 2010:
Holyoke officials seek ruling on whether text messaging during meetings violates Massachusetts' Open Meeting Law
August 10, 2010:
Holyoke officials, merchants discuss anticipated benefits of state's planned high performance computing center
August 9, 2010:
Mastex selected for computing center (Ch. 22)
August 4, 2010:
Holyoke City Council approves agreement for $14.5 million library project
August 4, 2010:
Council to weigh limits on texting
July 30, 2010:
Holyoke's $10.1 million 'rainy day fund' good news for taxpayers, Mayor Elaine Pluta says
July 29, 2010:
No decision yet on research site
July 21, 2010:
Holyoke City Council delays agreement to take library ownership
July 20, 2010:
Council faces packed agenda
July 18, 2010:
Massachusetts casinos contenders list now includes Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke
July 10, 2010:
Charter study committee approved by state
July 8, 2010:
Council targets nursing home The bottom line is the taxpayers of Holyoke are subsidizing the Geriatric Authority
July 7, 2010:
Council president defends schedule
June 26, 2010:
Holyoke high performance computing center location decision might be delayed
June 23, 2010:
Holyoke slates library takeover
June 23, 2010:
Holyoke City Council approves Mayor Elaine Pluta's $117 million budget
June 22, 2010:
Holyoke OKs school budget
June 22, 2010:
Auditor wants accountability
June 20, 2010:
Holyoke chicken plan on back burner
June 15, 2010:
Schools struggle with cuts
June 15, 2010:
Holyoke City Council to vote on $117 million budget that's $1.7 million less than current budget
June 8, 2010:
Holyoke chicken issue lives on: City Council Ordinance Committee rejects proposal, but proponents vow new one
June 8, 2010:
HCC road plan moves ahead
June 7, 2010:
Controversial Holyoke chicken plan set for City Council debate
June 4, 2010 - Holyoke Sun:
City honors veterans with ceremony
June 2, 2010:
Problem-free budget hearing occurs between Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott and the City Council
June 2, 2010:
Council reviews police budget
June 1, 2010:
Holyoke feral cats ordinance proposal tabled at City Council meeting
June 1, 2010:
Computing center site in Holyoke will be decided in July, Boston University
June 1, 2010:
Holyoke feral cats plan up for vote by full City Council
May 26, 2010:
Holyoke celebrates Nightingale, nurses
See Springfield Republican photo
May 24, 2010:
Holyoke councilors begin hearings on Mayor Elaine Pluta's $117 million budget
May 24, 2010:
Holyoke councilors ready to regulate the feeding of feral cats
May 21, 2010
Holyoke Sun:
City councilors help with Scott Tower cleanup,
Library expansion plans
May 19, 2010:
Holyoke Geriatric Authority faces tough financial questions from City Council
May 18, 2010:
Holyoke debates morality, quality life issues in dealing with feral cats
May 12, 2010:
Holyoke Charter Commission hopes special legislation will allow it to hire consultant in study of city government
May 11, 2010:
Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott announces plan to retire
May 8, 2010:
Holyoke City Council completed marathon debate before approving borrowing for library renovation
Apr. 29, 2010:
Holyoke Mayor Elaine Pluta preparing $140 million budget
Apr. 27, 2010:
Deadlines loom for school plans
Apr. 27, 2010:
Chicken debate on back burner
Apr. 25, 2010:
Holyoke awaits audit decision
Apr. 25, 2010:
Council to vote on fate of library
Apr. 21, 2010:
Holyoke votes mean chickens and cats will remain debate topics
Apr. 20, 2010:
Controversy continues over proposed ordinance to allow keeping of backyard chickens in Holyoke
Apr. 19, 2010:
Deadline nears for vote on Holyoke charter review commission
Apr. 18, 2010:
Computer center tax payments unclear
Apr. 11, 2010:
Open Square and the former Mastex Industries Inc. facility named as 'finalist' sites for Holyoke's high performance computing center
Apr. 8, 2010:
Holyoke charter commission votes to seek legislation to give itself authority
Apr. 5, 2010:
Holyoke School Committee adopts additional sex ed program
Mar. 29, 2010:
High performance computing center to be located either at Open Square or former Mastex Corp.
Mar. 24, 2010:
Former worker must repay funds
Mar. 21, 2010:
Holyoke mayor encourages efforts of charter study panel
Mar. 20, 2010:
Holyoke defends its use of $3.87 million in community development money
Mar. 20, 2010:
Holyoke Chamber of Commerce to learn details of high-speed computing center on March 29
Mar. 18, 2010:
Holyoke community development officials say they abided by federal rules despite an audit's findings
Mar. 17, 2010:
Holyoke Councilor John J. O'Neill proposes a new City Council committee be established to handle charter review issues
Mar. 17, 2010:
Audit critical of use of Holyoke's use of $3.87 million in federal money to be reviewed by redevelopment committee
Mar. 16, 2010:
Charter panel awaits its fate
Mar. 11, 2010:
Holyoke charter board asks for legal advice
Mar. 10, 2010:
Much promise, but little news
Mar. 5, 2010:
Charter panel fears for its fate
Mar. 4, 2010:
Charter study commission considers options
Mar. 3, 2010:
Recycling bill splits council
Mar. 1, 2010:
Holyoke debt triggers caution
Feb. 28, 2010:
Holyoke administrator job studied
Feb. 25, 2010:
Holyoke targets deadbeat taxpayers
Feb. 18, 2010:
Site selected for high-performance computing center in Holyoke
Feb. 18, 2010:
Holyoke OKs funds for IRS
Feb. 17, 2010:
Holyoke OK's choice for solicitor
Feb. 14, 2010:
Holyoke council to vote on solicitor
Feb. 11, 2010:
Holyoke fined $48,000 by IRS for failing to file 2006 payroll records
Feb. 9, 2010:
Holyoke officials, Cisco Sytems plan teleconference on collaboration
Feb. 9, 2010:
Holyoke OKs education effort
Feb. 9, 2010:
Holyoke awaits news on center
Feb. 7, 2010:
Charter panel given pep talk
Feb. 4, 2010:
Holyoke library plan reviewed
Feb. 3, 2010:
Tax abatement requests received
Jan. 31, 2010:
Holyoke library plan seeks support
Jan. 26, 2010:
Council chief assigns duties
Jan. 25, 2010:
Parade committee to honor winners
Jan. 22, 2010:
Holyoke City Council considers use of city-sanctioned e-mail system
Jan. 15, 2010:
Treasurer correcting records
Jan. 13, 2010:
Council caught in maze of rules
Jan. 12, 2010:
Computer center force to meet
Jan. 1, 2010:
Mayor-elect makes picks
Dec. 16, 2009:
Holyoke raises rates for taxes
** How They Voted **
Dec. 8, 2009:
Assessors Set Valuations, Tax Burden
Dec. 5, 2009:
Lowes Project on Whiting Farms Road is Dropped
Jun. 11, 2009:
Holyoke to be site of high performance computer center
| |
