Hadley Board of Health Reads Flu Warning, Reports Near-Perfect Permit Compliance

HADLEY -- January 8, 2025, Hadley Board of Health warns of severe flu spike and reports its strongest permit compliance year on record. At its January 8 Zoom meeting, Health Agent Ben read a public health statement drawn from Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance, citing at least four pediatric influenza deaths and 29 adult deaths statewide so far this season, and urging residents six months and older to get flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Health Department Administrator Peter reported that 70 of 75 licensed food establishments renewed permits on time, the best rate in four years, with five late filers each assessed a $100 late fee through the board's PermitLink system. The board has collected $41,000 in fees at the fiscal year's halfway point, against a $50,000 total for all of last year, and Peter said he was "pretty confident" the board would hit its informal $60,000 target once spring Title 5 inspections and Asparagus Festival food-truck permits begin.