News
Amherst officials cool to bid to double spending hike for regional schools
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A request for nearly $1 million more from the four member towns of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District to support a $35.75 million fiscal year 2025 budget for the regional schools is being met with a lukewarm response and skepticism...
As Hadley works on energy storage bylaw, some question why the town has to allow them at all
By SCOTT MERZBACH
HADLEY — As a proposed energy storage bylaw continues to be refined by the Planning Board in advance of annual Town Meeting next month, some residents are questioning whether it’s appropriate to allow such systems in Hadley.“Sometimes we have to stand...
Police investigating bullets striking homes in Belchertown
Staff Report
BELCHERTOWN — Local and state police are investigating bullets striking two homes on Mountain View Drive within the past year and shattering glass doors, including one incident last week, according to the Northwestern district attorney’s...
Water rate hike eyed to fund new tanks in Hadley
By SCOTT MERZBACH
HADLEY — Hadley water rates could go up 10%, with an average household paying about $8 more per quarterly billing cycle, under an initial plan to cover the $9 million cost of replacing the Mount Warner and Mount Holyoke water tanks.The Select Board on...
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...
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...
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...
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...
