Mohawk board restores French, Peer Leadership

BUCKLAND — Despite rising school costs for most member towns, the Mohawk Trail Regional School District Committee voted Thursday night to add $80,000 to next year’s budget proposal for high school French and Peer Leadership classes. Their deliberations came just before the vote to adopt an $18.2 million … 0

West County notebook items

Ashfield voter signup deadline Monday ASHFIELD —Monday is the last day to register to vote if you wish to participate in the March 13 special town meeting. The town clerk will hold special voter registration hours on Monday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 8 … 0

Heath OKs wind ban

HEATH —Speaking as if with one voice, 96 special town meeting voters quickly and unanimously approved the Planning Board’s zoning bylaw amendment banning “industrial scale” wind turbines from being built within town borders. “Well, that was easy,” said Town Moderator Doug Wilkins, who had worried a minute earlier … 1

Mohawk budget sparks talk of consolidation

BUCKLAND — Mohawk Superintendent Michael Buoniconti brought both good and bad budget news for town officials. The good news was that newly completed “Green Repair” projects for all three Mohawk schools came in at least one-third below the budgeted costs. But the bad news was that, although next … 0

Ashfield Democrats to caucus March 2 ASHFIELD — Town Democrats will hold a caucus to select a 2013 convention delegate on March 2 at 10 a.m. in Ashfield Town Hall. All registered Democrats in Ashfield are welcome and encouraged to participate. The elected delegate will represent Ashfield at … 0

Tech preliminary budget OK’d. Cuts instructor, splits administrator

TURNERS FALLS — The Franklin County Technical School’s tentative budget for the coming school year calls for a 2.5 percent total increase in assessments to member towns and includes a cut to the teaching staff of the business technology shop and the creation of a new administrative position. … 0