News
Advocates flag concerns over solar subcontractor at old Hickory Ridge Golf Course in Amherst
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Advocates for solar development that protects forests and natural resources are calling on the town to do more to keep the former Hickory Ridge Country Club, and the Fort River that traverses the 150-acre property, from being harmed after...
Amherst Town Council eyes retreat to boost efficiency, professionalism
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Occasional tense meetings for the Town Council, including one involving extended discussions on appropriating money for a high school track and field project last fall, are prompting a councilor to suggest her colleagues participate in a...
Amherst man gets 5-6 years for sexual assaults on a child
By JAMES PENTLAND
NORTHAMPTON — An Amherst man was sentenced to five to six years in state prison Monday after being convicted last week of five counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and witness intimidation.Judge Richard Carey sentenced Jorge...
Book exchange adds appeal to Hadley transfer station
By SCOTT MERZBACH
HADLEY — Many transfer stations around the region have become more than just places to bring household trash, recyclables and compost, becoming part of the fabric of the community with take-it-or-leave-it facilities and book sheds.Hadley’s transfer...
Brothers ‘keeping it simple’ with Deerfield diner
By CHRIS LARABEE
DEERFIELD — Looking for a diner-style breakfast at a cheap price? Chris Dodge and Jim Dion have you covered.The two brothers, who are both military veterans, have opened The 5&10 Breakfast Club in the Tibetan Plaza at 265 Greenfield Road, with the aim...
Report finds fewer students heading to college; pols call for more investment
By SYDNEY KO
BOSTON — The number of students choosing to attend post-secondary education in Massachusetts has dropped significantly in recent years, a trend that started nearly a decade ago and has only been exacerbated during the pandemic.“The pandemic’s impact...
Mount Holyoke names Danielle Ren Holley as its new president
By SCOTT MERZBACH
SOUTH HADLEY — Danielle Ren Holley, a legal educator and social justice scholar, will become the 20th president of Mount Holyoke College on July 1, becoming the first Black woman to serve as a permanent president in the college’s 186-year history.In...
Volunteer committee in Amherst begins advocacy for school project
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A volunteer group is forming to advocate in support of the $98 million elementary school to replace Wildwood and Fort River elementary schools.Vote Yes for Our Schools, a ballot question committee that organized in late January, was...
South Hadley schools, union move forward with new contract, though 46% of members vote against ratification
By EMILY THURLOW
SOUTH HADLEY — After a particularly contentious contract negotiation cycle that began in the fall of 2021, the school district and the South Hadley Education Association have solidified their contract agreements.Members of the 270-member union of...
Trading arrests for accountability: 5 police departments, DA’s office using restorative justice program
By EMILY THURLOW
On more than one occasion, Amherst police officers have responded to calls that involve an intoxicated person stumbling into the wrong house.In one case in particular, the intoxicated person wandered into the bedroom of a child who has autism and who...
Around Amherst: School Orchestra Director Suzuki’s band steps out for show at The Drake
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A recent concert by Amherst Regional High School teachers and students at The Drake not only collected needed money for the public schools’ performing arts program, but brought families together for an evening.Organized by Yasu Suzuki, the...
‘Rising star’ Javier Reyes confirmed as next UMass chancellor
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Moments after a unanimous vote Thursday morning by the University of Massachusetts board of trustees naming him the chancellor-elect for the flagship campus, Javier Reyes offered his appreciation for being selected in both English and then...
Amherst school officials, educators stuck in contract talks
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A continued impasse in talks between the Amherst Pelham Education Association and the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee is prompting both sides to do outreach and make appeals to the community.The School Committee, in a letter sent...
Amherst’s new school project would bring tax hike of nearly $500 per year for average homeowner
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — An average Amherst homeowner could face a nearly $500 increase in their annual property tax bill should voters approve construction of a $98 million elementary school this spring.Finance Director Sean Mangano on Monday presented the Town...
Fees going up for many townwide services in Hadley
By SCOTT MERZBACH
HADLEY — Fee increases and changes in how costs for town services are calculated are being made for inspections at homes, restaurants and other businesses, while the cost of certain permits and the fees for some recreational programs are also...
Amherst buys VFW building for $775K
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Amherst’s dormant Veterans of Foreign Wars building at 457 Main St. is now owned by the town, which intends to demolish the 1960s-era structure and have the site redeveloped for both affordable housing and a permanent homeless shelter.The...
Amherst eyes zoning changes to diversify living choices
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Zoning changes aimed at streamlining the permitting process for duplexes, triplexes, townhomes and converted dwellings, as a means of providing more living options for individuals and families, are being considered by town officials.At the...
Amherst Regional Middle School principal departing at year’s end
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Diego Sharon, in his third year as principal at Amherst Regional Middle School, is leaving the position at the end of the school year.Superintendent Michael Morris told the Amherst Regional School Committee on Jan. 31 that Sharon is looking...
Demolition of historic Charles Leeds House subject of upcoming hearing
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A historic single-family home in the East Amherst village will be the subject of a demolition delay hearing this month.Kohl Construction is proposing the removal of what is commonly known as the Charles Leeds House, at 815 Main St.Leeds was...
Diversity of staff in Amherst’s schools on the rise School staff behind 6-year initiative
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A 6-year-old project to diversify the teaching staff in the Amherst and regional public schools to better match the racial makeup of the student body continues to yield results.At the Amherst Regional School Committee on Tuesday, members of...
