News
‘Devastating’: Cuts to public broadcasting will be felt here
By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN
Federal funding cuts announced earlier this month to National Public Radio and The Public Broadcasting Service would have serious implications for public media viewers and listeners in western Massachusetts, experts in the region say.
Smithland Pet & Garden Center shutting down all 13 stores, including in Northampton and Hadley
By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL
Smithland Pet & Garden Center is closing all 13 of its locations, including stores in Northampton and Hadley.
A ‘monumental’ journey: Nearly 200 people become American citizens at naturalization ceremony at UMass Amherst
By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL
AMHERST — Ten years ago, Angelo Mercado began the lengthy and difficult process of becoming an American citizen. On Tuesday inside the Bowker Auditorium at Stockbridge Hall at the University of Massachusetts, that arduous journey finally came to an end.
97 voters cast ballots in Sunderland election, with no contests
By CHRIS LARABEE
SUNDERLAND — There were no surprises in Sunderland’s May 3 town election as there were no contested races and just 97 voters went to the polls at the Sunderland Public Library.
Hilchey bests Wolfram for Deerfield Selectboard seat
By CHRIS LARABEE
DEERFIELD — Select Board Chair Tim Hilchey was reelected to his seat on May 8, fending off a challenge from former Select Board member David Wolfram, 814-558.
Jones Library set to close next week for renovation, expansion project; will open temporarily on U-Drive
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — After the conclusion of business hours on Wednesday, the main branch of the Jones Library at 43 Amity St. is closed to patrons for the next 18 or so months, beginning the process for renovating and expanding the building for the first time since the early 1990s.
Valley CDC’s $20.5M development in Amherst will provide 30 families with ownership opportunities
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — As heavy machinery moves about a 9-acre site off Montague Road, marking the preliminary work on 15 duplex condominiums to be constructed over the next year and that will offer first-time homeownership opportunities to 30 families, North Amherst residents are already preparing to welcome their new neighbors.
Hadley honoring 59 more veterans with banners
By SCOTT MERZBACH
HADLEY — Banners recognizing the town’s past and present military veterans, as well as those continuing to actively serve in the armed forces, lined Hadley streets for the first time in 2024.
Photos: Asparagus prep at Hadley farm
Regional school budget, gift of woodlot approved at Leverett’s Town Meeting
By AALIANNA MARIETTA
LEVERETT — Roughly 100 residents voted to approve Leverett’s share of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District budget, accept a 146.3-acre property gift and appropriate funds for a series of community preservation projects during Saturday’s annual Town Meeting.
Amherst inks contract to expand, renovate Jones Library
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Work on the $46.1 million expansion and renovation of the Jones Library is expected to begin in mid-June after low bidder Fontaine Brothers, Inc., of Springfield signed a contract with the town to be the project’s general contractor.
Amherst’s $103.3M budget plan nearly meets school requests
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — A $103.3 million fiscal year budget that goes most of the way toward meeting the spending requests from the Amherst and Regional school committees, while leaving six full-time and one part-time municipal positions vacant and assorted Jones Library staff positions unfilled, is being delivered to the Town Council.
Creative director, alum David Korins tapped to be UMass commencement speaker; graduation set for May 16
By Staff Report
AMHERST — Award-winning creative director David Korins, a 1999 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, who has created the worlds, or imagined locations, for more than 25 Broadway shows, including the Tony Award-winning musical “Hamilton,” will be the keynote speaker at the university’s 155th commencement ceremony, and the 55th held at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, May 16 at 5 p.m.
Amherst proposal calls for 20% spike in water, sewer fees
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Town Manager Paul Bockelman is proposing sizable increases in water and sewer rates, which if adopted would add $211 to the $1,033 annual bill for an average homeowner.
Around Amherst: Officials renew appeal to residents to fill vacant board seats
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Amherst officials are renewing appeals to residents to step up to fill numerous vacancies on municipal boards and committees.
Summit House porch, upper parking lot closed for repairs in May
HADLEY — J.A. Skinner State Park’s upper parking lot and the Summit House wraparound porch are being closed to accommodate deck repair work that was scheduled to start on Monday.
DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services faces nearly 40% funding cut
By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI
DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services, a Greenfield nonprofit that serves youths across Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties and the North Quabbin region, announced Tuesday that the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is expected to cut nearly 40% of its roughly $2 million budget.
Her time in the spotlight: Amherst artist turns 90 and has first-ever public exhibit
By SCOTT MERZBACH
In one sculpture made from fired terracotta, with a natural patina, life holds and cradles life. In another sculpture, life holds and grasps death.
Around Amherst: Amherst Recreation Department honored with community impact award
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — Amherst Recreation Department’s work at expanding accessibility and empowering youth is being recognized through an award presented by the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association.
Photos: Feeling the mojo
MOJO WORKING
