News
In federal lawsuit, teacher accuses Amherst schools of violating civil rights, other district policies
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A special education teacher who previously led the teachers union has filed a federal discrimination and defamation lawsuit against the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools, its current interim superintendent and its former leaders.An...
Three vying for two Hadley Select Board seats in sole contested race
HADLEY — A three-way race for two seats on the Select Board is the lone contest anticipated at the May 21 town election.Amy Parsons, who currently chairs the board, is running for a second three-year term and will face former board member David J....
The Lehrer Report: April 12, 2024
Reminder: Monday, April 16 is Patriot’s Day, a state holiday. Town offices are closed but the post office will be open.Reminder: Because of the holiday, the deadline to file state and federal income taxes is Tuesday, April 17.The check(s) will be in...
Residents seek to balance intersection upgrades with preservation of Sunderland character
By CHRIS LARABEE
SUNDERLAND — With Stantec consultants back in town to gather feedback on potential changes to downtown Sunderland, streetscape improvements, traffic-calming measures, multi-use paths and other similar infrastructure were at the top of residents’ minds...
Around Amherst: Education foundation funds array of projects
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Special programs and projects outside of school budget funding are being supported with $24,594 in grants from the Amherst Education Foundation, which is in its 30th year of helping educators at the four Amherst and Pelham elementary schools...
Made in the shade: Eclipse mixes science, magic for many in Valley
By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL and EMILEE KLEIN
AMHERST — Residents across the Pioneer Valley turned out in force to witness a rare solar eclipse on Monday, with western Massachusetts witnessing a 95% coverage of the sun by the passing moon.Despite being outside the path of full totality, which...
Valley arts organizations win Mass Cultural funding: Awards are designed to mitigate casinos’ entertainment clout
By STEVE PFARRER
As part of a funding program for municipal and nonprofit performing arts centers, the Massachusetts Cultural Council is awarding over $150,000 to 10 arts organizations and centers in the Valley.The awards — part of $3.66 million in funding the MCC is...
It’s official: Belchertown’s request to create town manager position OK’d by state
By Emilee Klein
BELCHERTOWN — After nearly a year of waiting, Belchertown finally has a town manager.On March 8, Gov. Maura Healey signed legislation to create the first-ever town manager, replacing the long-used town administrator form of government. The change,...
UMass trustees OK 2.5% tuition increase
By COLIN A. YOUNG
BOSTON – The University of Massachusetts has taken a step toward hiking tuition and room and board charges for the next academic year, but some trustees said Wednesday the proposed increases are not high enough and one said the status quo would be...
Smart search shirt: AHRS invention group’s garment will report rescuers’ vital signs and location
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Often during search-and-rescue efforts, emergency personnel in the field prioritize helping those lost, trapped or otherwise in trouble, rather than focusing on their own safety and well-being.Understanding the risks they take, a group...
Amherst police chief finalists stress anti-racism cred, discuss other issues in separate meetings with public
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Both Chelmsford Police Lt. Todd Ahern and Amherst interim Police Chief Gabriel Ting are citing their lived experiences, as well as their significant service to public safety, as reasons they should become the next police chief of the Amherst...
School backers press council for boost to Amherst regional budget
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Parents, educators and members of the Regional School Committee are making direct appeals to the Amherst Town Council to support a $35.75 million fiscal year 2025 budget that is nearly $1 million above the financial guidance provided by...
Amherst councilor mulls restrictions on public comment
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — An Amherst councilor may seek to place some restrictions on how public comments are made at Town Council meetings, such as requiring advance sign-up for those participating remotely, as a way of combating potential hate speech.At a Town...
Small towns wary of Amherst Regional committee’s school budget ask
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Skepticism and uncertainty from officials in Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury over Amherst Regional School Committee’s appeal for nearly $1 million more from the four member towns is prompting the convening of a four-town meeting next month...
As expansion project begins, Tilton Library move set for April 15
By CHRIS LARABEE
SOUTH DEERFIELD — Tilton Library has an official date for its move next door to the South Deerfield Congregational Church’s function hall, as its long-awaited expansion project is nearly set to begin.The library will officially move on April 15, but...
A time for every purpose under heaven: Free sing-a-long Pete Seeger Fest returns to Ashfield, April 6
By SHERYL HUNTER
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pete Seeger’s death. The legendary folk musician, political activist, and environmentalist touched lives around the world with his songs, which were rich in hope and history and exhibited a strong sense of...
‘Sport court’ eyed for Amherst recreational sites
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A dedicated outdoor fitness space could be added to the town’s recreational sites through support from a national initiative that would provide grant money to cover most costs of its installation.The Amherst Recreation Commission recently...
The love behind a perfect match: Pet rescue organization using AI to help rehome pets
By EMILEE KLEIN
No dog trainers, behaviorists and even an psychic animal communicator could prevent Melissa Bekisz’s two dogs from fighting.The New York resident inherited her ex-partner’s 4-year-old Australian shepherd Marjoram after he moved out. Marjoram began...
Deerfield woman gets probation in stabbing case
By DOMENIC POLI
GREENFIELD — A Deerfield woman was sentenced Tuesday to three years of probation after admitting in Franklin County Superior Court to stabbing the 82-year-old husband of a woman she was caring for as a personal care attendant last year.Kady J....
Veteran West Roxbury community booster will lead Amherst Area Chamber
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A Belchertown resident with experience in promoting economic development, leading community events and building coalitions begins his tenure as executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce this month.Jacob Robinson, most...
