50 Years Ago
- A side show at the Three County Fair, allegedly depicting “the horrors of drug abuse” has been closed down by the Hampshire Franklin District Attorney’s office as a fraud. Det. Lt. George Powers of the district attorney’s office said that a “student” in the show, alias Bill Reed, billed as a “living example of what drugs can do to you,” was just pretending to be a drug victim, and was receiving $100 a week for the impersonation.
- Residents of the western Ryan Road areas, at last night’s neighborhood meeting, named four committees to work to prevent such things as uncontrolled growth and the potential loss of a beaver pond. The organization marks the first step in developing a formal community association, as well as in working on items like preservation of open space, a neighborhood musical variety show, youth work parties, and erection of go-slow signs.
25 Years Ago
- Police have determined that a shot fired by an officer during a search for an armed suspect in the basement of the Java Net Cafe Friday was accidental and done while using appropriate police procedure, Police Chief Russell P. Sienkiewicz said today. Police responded to the Internet cafe after a woman reported that a man with a machete was harassing an employee there.
- The mayor has appointed an interim Registrar of Voters, Arleen E. Murnane of Florence, who has been a frequent presence at the Registrar’s office over the last 20 months. Starting today, Murnane replaces for now Patricia Shaughnessy, the registrar for 17 years, who resigned in July to take the post of director of the Council on Aging.
10 Years Ago
- Despite dozens of residents expressing concerns about a condominium development proposed in the city’s Bay State neighborhood, the Planning Board approved a special permit for the project following a heated public hearing on Thursday. Jonathan Wright, senior advisor of Wright Builders in Northampton and owner of New Harmony Properties, is behind “Hinckley Trace,” a zero-energy condo development that would bring eight units to 121 Hinckley Street.
- Brunch-goers at Sylvester’s Restaurant have long requested Bloody Marys with their meal — and their wish may soon be granted. The Northampton License Commission on Wednesday approved a full alcohol license for the business, which currently serves just beer and wine.