■Local bankers say that there has been less than a rush by Hampshire County citizens to buy gold since the federal government allowed banks to sell the valuable metal six months ago. Gerald Cox of the Northampton National Bank said today that no local investors have shown an interest in buying gold. He called the sale of gold “a total flop.”
■The Northampton Recreation Department will provide free swim buses to Look Park beginning Tuesday through Aug. 15. The buses will run every day except Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and rainy days.
■A federal proposal to decrease area rent subsidies will make the difficult task of renting in Northampton and Amherst next to impossible for many low-income residents, according to local housing advocates. The proposal decreases the local rental aid from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Program known as Section 8, which helps hundreds of people in Hampshire County.
■A new venture-capital fund is being established to invest in early-stage Pioneer Valley technology companies having the potential for major growth. The new, as-yet-unnamed fund will look for businesses developing software and ideas or products related to the Internet.
■Police Chief Jody D. Kasper acknowledges that generally speaking, these aren’t good times for police squads across the country, something she finds both daunting and inspiring as she assumes leadership of the city’s 74-person department. Kasper, 40, of Easthampton, received two standing ovations as she was sworn in Tuesday to replace Russell P. Sienkiewicz, who retries Tuesday after a 37-year career with the city force.
■Before the ink is dry on the contract for new Police Chief Jody D. Kasper, the city once again will be thick in the chief recruitment business as Mayor David J. Narkewicz sets about finding someone to replace Fire Chief Brian Duggan. Duggan, 52, in April announced his plans to retire July 24 after 17 years leading the department.