News
Surveillance cameras irk Golden Court residents
September 5, 2008
HADLEY - Newly installed surveillance cameras in the main building and community room of the Golden Court public housing complex are troubling some elderly and disabled tenants who say they are unnecessary and create an atmosphere of suspicion.
Tensions rise on school board: Acrimony among committee members may land them at a retreat
September 5, 2008
The Amherst Regional School Committee is in need of a retreat, in the judgement of most of its members, but they disagree on the qualifications of a consultant to lead the retreat and whether it should be a private getaway or open to the public.
E. coli scare tests Amherst
September 5, 2008
With more than 20,000 students preparing to return to Amherst over Labor Day weekend, a water test that showed evidence of E. coli bacteria had town and campus officials scrambling to prepare for a potential public health emergency. In the end, there was no emergency, but Amherst officials say they were ready - efforts were well-coordinated and the system for alerting residents in an emergency worked well.
93 UMass grad students evicted
September 5, 2008
A dispute over a 6 percent rent hike has led the University of Massachusetts to issue 93 eviction notices this month to students living in family housing on the campus.
Amherst: Uncovered papers support decision on election
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - Recently uncovered documents, as well as updated advice from town counsel, are bolstering the argument made by a majority of the Select Board that postponing the coming special election was the proper decision.
Study ahead on expanded Survival Center
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - Planning for a new and bigger building that could house the Amherst Survival Center within the next three- to five years will begin with a feasibility study this fall.
Views mixed on private education for children of Amherst officials
September 5, 2008
A parent and two School Committee members said they believe the public should know if their fellow School Committee members and school administrators are electing to send their children to private schools. But other committee members question whether the information is "anybody's business."
Fuel costs compel look at outer bus routes
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - Rising diesel-fuel costs are causing the two bus routes funded by the town to run a combined deficit of close to $25,000.
Biotech zoning idea loses steam in Hadley
September 5, 2008
HADLEY - The Planning Board will not pursue a bylaw to encourage biotechnology companies to locate in town, said member William Dwyer.
Amherst police ready for influx
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - With the return of students to this college town, Amherst police say they are ready to deal with an anticipated increase in calls and arrests that often mark the beginning of an academic year.
Efforts under way to defeat income tax ballot measure
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - Meetings to get residents involved in defeating a Nov. 4 ballot initiative that could eliminate the Massachusetts income tax are beginning to take place.
Shutesbury copes with leaky tank: Fuel traces found in nearby wells
September 5, 2008
SHUTESBURY - Contamination of the soil and well water around an old fuel storage tank near the fire station on Leverett Road is much greater than expected.
Shortage has area judges filling in at Springfield court
September 5, 2008
NORTHAMPTON - A shortage of district court judges in western Massachusetts is prompting court officials to do some creative scheduling.
UMass' anti-binge drinking effort gets notice
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - As a freshman, when Amato Zinno told his friends he would be attending UMass they congratulated him on being accepted to one of the nation's best party schools.
Amherst gets new crosswalk near Amethyst Brook area
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - A new crosswalk will make it easier for pedestrians to cross Pelham Road to Amethyst Brook Conservation Area.
One scholar's roots: UMass digs in to renew interest in W.E.B. Du Bois' childhood home
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - What may be the most significant site on a historical trail in western Massachusetts may also be the most neglected.
Resident poised to open 'eco-friendly' shop
September 5, 2008
AMHERST - A store selling sustainable, recycled, organic and fair-trade products, including clothing, accessories and gifts, is coming to downtown Amherst.
Around Town: Daffodils will spring up everywhere in '09
September 5, 2008
In anticipation of Amherst's 250th anniversary in 2009, 10,000 daffodil bulbs are being planted on town commons and in municipal parks this fall as part of an effort called "Amherst in Bloom."
News Briefs
September 5, 2008
Positive parenting group meets
HADLEY - Berkshire Children and Families, located at 220 Russell St., will hold a positive parenting group to share ideas and thoughts about parenting starting Sept. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. for 10 weeks at 220 Russell St., Hadley. The group is free, and childcare is provided. Call 584-5690, ext. 115.
School Briefs
September 5, 2008
Calendar
* Shutesbury will hold a "Back to School" family pot luck Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
