■Groundbreaking for a $200,000 automated mini-theater in the city featuring family entertainment will take place in about a week. The theater, which will be located on Route 5, in the Hamp Plaza Shopping Center, is part of a national chain of theaters backed by TV-motion picture star Jerry Lewis.
■Chairman of the Hampshire County Commission John H. Breguet warned proponents of courthouse renovation that costs of safeguarding records and providing for county office space while renovations are under way might be prohibitive. Breguet’s remarks were part of a two-hour discussion on court facilities among County Commissioner David B. Musante, former president of the Northampton Greater Chamber of Commerce Harvey J. Finison, and Breguet.
■A discussion and open forum on whether the Northampton school system should accept students from other districts, under the state’s school choice option, will be held on April 2. Superintendent Bruce Willard will lead the discussion.
■The state’s policy of channeling aid from regular public schools to charter schools constitutes a “confiscation” of local tax dollars, Mayor Mary L. Ford is charging. Ford and other city school officials expect that a performing arts charter high school in Hadley could attract as many as 15 city students. That could eventually cost the city $75,000 a year in lost state aid.
■A local driver pleaded innocent Tuesday to what court staff say is the area’s first texting-while-driving charge. District Court staff say it is the first time they’ve seen the electronic message charge filed. The new law, which was intended to curb accidents that result from distracted driving, took effect Sept. 30.
■The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Leeds and Soldier On are teaming up to develop up to 80 units of permanent housing for veterans on the Leeds campus in what officials are calling a “first-in-the-nation” partnership. The plan is to build between 60 and 80 units on 9 acres overlooking Route 9.