Briefs

ROAD WORK AHEAD: The Department of Public Works' primary focus this spring is on the area of Atkins Corner, where West Street (Route 116), Bay Road and West Bay Road intersect. DPW workers are assisting utility companies and Baltazar Construction of Ludlow, which is handling the $6 million project, to get the water pipes in place.

Easthampton City Council supports above-quota liquor license

EASTHAMPTON - The City Council's unanimous vote of support puts Apollo Grill owner Casey Douglass a step closer to securing a liquor license from the state above the city's quota.

Douglass said he plans to open an "affordable, upscale" restaurant at 60-62 Main St. sometime next year.

Workers on local bank job file suit

NORTHAMPTON - Eight construction workers on the new Easthampton Savings Bank building on Northampton Street in Easthampton filed a lawsuit this week alleging the contractor failed to pay required fringe benefits.

Easthampton council adopts ethics code

EASTHAMPTON - City Councilor Daniel D. Rist said he hopes the ethics rule the council unanimously adopted Wednesday will serve as a deterrent for bad behavior.

Thunderstorms knock out power in area communities

NORTHAMPTON - Wednesday night's thunderstorms ushered in Thursday's pleasant weather, but the storms also knocked power out for about 1,000 Western Massachusetts Electric Company customers along the way.

Photo: Ardent angler

Honoring emergency medical services workers for their heroism

NORTHAMPTON — Joshua Keeney could have died last June, yet there he was Thursday night shaking hands with the very people who saved his life. He would have died, in fact, had it not been for the dogged persistence of a few people who happened by his horrific motorcycle accident and the quick action of the first responders of the Cummington Fire Department. "They were fast, professional and good at what they do - or I wouldn't be alive right now," said Keeney.