■The Northampton Post Office Building, converted to oil heat over the weekend, was the last soft coal burning facility in the downtown area. The change was made to reduce air pollution.
■Although the State Bureau of Building Construction (BBC) has recommended that the state not purchase the Northampton School for Girls facility as a comprehensive mental health and mental retardation center, “the issue is far from dead,” Rep. John W. Olver said today. Rep. Olver said a $600,000 price tag for renovation of the buildings was cited by the BBC.
■The design has been completed for a permanent skateboard park in Veterans Memorial Field, but the jumps and ramps will not be built unless the city can find a company to provide insurance. City officials say they have found insurers reluctant to cover the proposed park because skateboarding is perceived to be too dangerous.
■The School Committee had another big issue dished onto its full plate last night. Within weeks, the board will be asked to decide on renovating the 50-year-old Northampton High School, or building a new one. The decision is needed soon if either option is to get on a state reimbursement list next summer.
■Boys from Easthampton High School will don formal wear and superhero costumes and show off talents from lip synching to knitting at the fifth Mr. Easthampton contest Friday. Contest organizer Nancy Dunn said the audience will get to see the most competitive contest to date, with 11 Easthampton High juniors and seniors taking the stage.
■Lindsay Bennett-Jacobs is the new director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Hampshire and Franklin Counties. Bennett-Jacobs had previously served as director of the ACT Volunteer Center in Greenfield.