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By JEFF LAJOIE

LOWELL – Scott Thayer turned to the swarm of Pioneer fans in the stands and raised both fists in the air. Just a few feet away, his son, Brayden Thayer, dribbled out the final seconds of the Panthers’ dominant 49-28 state championship game victory over Hopedale at the Tsongas Center.

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

LOWELL — For the first time in 28 years, a boys basketball state championship trophy is heading back to Northfield. 

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

NORTHFIELD — Pioneer boys basketball coach Scott Thayer remembers looking up after defeating Hopkins Academy to win the 2018 Div. 4 West sectional title and seeing his son, Brayden Thayer, and his friends watching from above the indoor track at the Curry Hicks Cage in Amherst.

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

NORTHFIELD — The end goal is in sight for the Pioneer boys basketball team. 

By ROB OKUN

Lost amidst the fire hose of lies uttered by Donald Trump at his address before Congress March 4, was a New Mexico Democratic congresswoman’s succinct description of the crisis facing the United States: Rep. Melanie Stansbury held a small sign that said, “This Is Not Normal” as Mr. Trump greeted lawmakers upon entering the chamber. That Texas Republican Rep. Lance Gooden ripped the sign from Ms. Stansbury’s hands was not surprising. What is remarkable was that more Democrats didn’t highlight Rep. Stansbury’s message.

By CHRIS LARABEE

NORTHFIELD — More environmental education opportunities will be coming to Pioneer Valley Regional School in the fall, as the school received $75,000 to boost its environmental science Innovation Career Pathway program.

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

The Pioneer boys basketball team has taken a step forward each year in the MIAA Division 5 state tournament. 

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Eventually over the course of a state tournament run, there will be a night where shots aren’t falling. 

By DOMENIC POLI

SPRINGFIELD — A U.S. Marine veteran pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing benefit payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs and submitting a false Purple Heart application to the Marine Corps through his congressional representative.

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

After cruising to a 75-29 victory over Ware in a MIAA Div. 5 state quarterfinal contest, Pioneer seniors Brayden Thayer, Alex McClelland and Kurt Redeker were asked if they had a preference of playing fourth-seeded Drury or fifth-seeded Boston English in the state semifinals.

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

NORTHFIELD — Good luck stopping the Pioneer boys basketball team. 

By ALEXA LEWIS

A virtual briefing on immigrant and refugee rights and protections hosted by state Rep. Mindy Domb and state Sen. Jo Comerford drew a crowd of more than 200 participants earlier this week.

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

And then there was one. 

By GEORGE MILLER

NORTHFIELD — The time may come when Pioneer finds itself in a life-or-death struggle on its path through the Division 5 state basketball tournament, but the first two rounds haven't yet presented any such obstacles for the unbeaten and top-seeded Panthers.

By JENNIFER CORE and CLAIRE MORENON

By CHRIS LARABEE

NORTHFIELD — Just five and a half months after implementing a cellphone ban for students, the effects are clear to Pioneer Valley Regional School District administrators: students are paying more attention in class and socializing among themselves instead of through a screen.

By CHRIS LARABEE

NORTHFIELD — While other districts are currently setting their competency determinations in the wake of Question 2, the Pioneer Valley Regional School District will instead take its time.

By CHRIS LARABEE

NORTHFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Regional School District School Committee last week approved the administration’s $17.46 million budget for fiscal year 2026, thus sending the proposal along for Annual Town Meeting approval.

Highest Honor: Aaron Archer, Ahnna Berthiaume, Amber Drossart, Emma Goulding, Samuel Lawler, Evangeline Lewis, Deveney Pillsbury, Gianna Shattuck, Hannah Skorupa, Amy VanDoren, Gabrielle Warriner Cardin and Brooke Welcome.

By CHRIS LARABEE

NORTHFIELD — Pioneer Valley Regional School administrators said they are deepening their commitment to investing in curriculum, staff compensation and facilities in the fiscal year 2026 budget presentation last week.