50 Years Ago
- A state elevator inspector has ordered the Northampton School Department to make 17 repairs on a deficient elevator at the high school, terming four of the orders “emergency repairs” and indicating that certain conditions in the elevator are “dangerous.” The elevator is used for transporting heavy loads between floors and is also used by handicapped people.
- A robber in a purple velvet suit and sneakers robbed the Student Union cashier at the University of Massachusetts of about $1,500 in cash yesterday, and UMass public safety officers are still looking for him following reports that he “melted into the crowds” north of the Campus Center.
25 Years Ago
- State regulators ordered work stopped on a portion of the Northampton High School renovation project Wednesday after some plaster tested positive for asbestos, taking the project leaders by surprise. The order requires the sealing off of the second and third floors of the old building, the science wing and three staircases.
- The River Valley Market, a cooperative grocery store in the planning stages, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from a Northampton-based organization whose mission is to support environmentally friendly endeavors. Solidago Foundation, 25 Main St., made the one-time grant to pay for the completion of a business plan for the market that will outline its financial goals and set a schedule for opening up shop.
10 Years Ago
- Signs guiding travelers to the Northampton Amtrak Station were recently installed on city streets and on Interstate 91 — a move that increases the station’s visibility during what officials have said is an already booming period since the Vermonter service returned to Northampton and Greenfield in January.
- The Northampton Police Department launched a new website Tuesday, which Police Chief Jody Kasper said is more modern and user-friendly. The site features new graphics, drop-down menus and pictures, and reflects the new community programs and positions the Police Department is introducing.