News
$1.9 million override in the offing
February 5, 2010
Ballot language for a $1.9 million Proposition 2½ tax-cap override, which would allow Amherst to preserve many municipal services and keep intact core programs at its schools and libraries, will be determined next week.
Metaphorical maelstrom swirls at budget forum
February 5, 2010
The Amherst regional schools should be a "knitted whole" and not a "vending machine," and educators should look at students as "a fire to be kindled" and not a "bucket to be filled." There were lots of metaphors at a public hearing on the school budget Tuesday, as spectators overflowed the room and spilled out into the hallway at the School Committee's first meeting to be televised live.
Firefighters, Amherst ink new contract
February 5, 2010
Town officials and the union representing the firefighters have a tentative agreement on a new contract, more than two years after the current contract expired.
Pelham firefighters: 'Town disrespects us'
February 5, 2010
PELHAM - A division between the Fire Department and town officials emerged here this week, after firefighters threatened to quit their jobs over an alleged lack of respect shown to their department.
Deal inked for Patterson land, the would-be economic engine for town
February 5, 2010
Nearly 60 acres of land in North Amherst that could be the future site of a large corporate research and development facility is now under the town's control.
O'Connor throws hat in election ring
February 5, 2010
A vocal critic of the closing of Mark's Meadow School and the subsequent redistricting of elementary school students is running for a seat on the School Committee.
Official: College students essential to census
February 5, 2010
College and graduate school students have historically been a hard group for census workers to count - and Massachusetts is home to a lot of them.
Hadley selectmen at odds over police department mediator
February 5, 2010
HADLEY - A veteran selectman has been talking with the former Amherst police chief about being a facilitator to address problems within the Police Department here, a prospect other officials deem unnecessary.
Hadley continues its badge quest
February 5, 2010
HADLEY - Town officials are still trying to determine how many police commissioner badges exist in the hands of former selectmen after local police seized one of the golden emblems from a past board member during a traffic stop.
Network highlights mysterious case of Maura Murray
February 5, 2010
University of Massachusetts student Maura Murray's disappearance along Route 112 six years ago will be the subject of an Investigation Discovery television program set to air Monday night.
WinterFest to be held, snow or shine, on Saturday
February 5, 2010
The third annual WinterFest takes place at the Cherry Hill Golf course at 323 Montague Way in Amherst on Saturday. It will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A variety of activities and events will be offered.
Around Town: Override survey offers glimpse of voter attitude
February 5, 2010
As the Select Board next week decides the amount and type of a Proposition 2½ override that will come before voters, it has already received information from a Town Meeting member about voter sentiment.
This is only a test ... for now
February 5, 2010
A test balloon flies over Montgomery Rose, at 319 River Drive in North Hadley, on Jan. 26. Montgomery Rose declined to comment on the purpose of the balloon, but Building Inspector Tim Neyhart said a wireless company was testing sight lines for a proposed monopole for the site. The company - which Neyhart did not know by name - is yet to go before town planners.
News Briefs
February 5, 2010
Amherst
AMHERST CLUB MEETINGS: The Amherst Club opens its meetings to the public when there are speaker of general interest. The schedule: Feb. 9, Ellen Kosmer, Art in the Garden; Feb. 16, Claire Hopley, "Tea," the title of her new book; Feb. 23, Loretta Yarlow, Director, UMass Art Gallery on The Warhol Project. The meetings are held at the Hickory Ridge Country Club. Lunch costs $12. For reservations call, President Larry Siddall at 549-0547.
