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Warwick

Recorder file photo
A bear goes after a sweet treat by way of a hummingbird feeder in a local back yard.

Bears showing up everywhere

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Brothers Grimm collected many fine fairy tales illustrating the dangers of antagonizing woodland creatures by, for instance, stealing their porridge. They neglected to mention, however, the dangers of enticing them with birdseed, garbage or undersized pets. The American black bear is native to the area and its local population has been showing up in Greenfield’s “urban” neighborhoods this week. Montague and Sunderland police also logged reports Saturday and Sunday of bears in backyards, singly or in family groups. A Montague Road, Sunderland, resident on Saturday reported a black bear active in the area for almost a month and in a neighbor’s yard almost every … 0

Tornado warning had western Mass. wary Wednesday

Thursday, May 23, 2013

People were forced underground as a tornado warning was issued for areas along and to the south of the Route 2 corridor Wednesday evening. Shortly after 5 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for central Franklin County. It wound up all for naught, but better safe than sorry, as they say. The tornado warning was cancelled at about 6:15 p.m. … 0

Money for machines

Friday, May 17, 2013

TURNERS FALLS — Manufacturers’ effort to secure $500,000 for new metal-working machines at Franklin County Technical School — to help train 21st century metal workers for local industries desperate for such workers — won another victory Wednesday: a $250,000 proposed allocation from the state’s Senate Ways and Means Committee. The Senate committee’s budget proposal said, “that not less than $250,000 shall be used … 0

Elder services gets boost in Senate budget

Friday, May 17, 2013

TURNERS FALLS — Programs that allow poor elders to receive care in their own households, instead of turning to nursing homes, will see increases in funding next year — a much needed step in the right direction, said officials that help administer elder services. “The last four years … 0

Warwick approves $1.93 million budget

Monday, May 6, 2013

WARWICK — The 250th annual town meeting began and ended with little debate Monday night as 51 residents approved a $1.93 million budget for next year. The budget reflects a $71,753 or 4 percent increase over the current budget year, which ends June 30. With no discussion, the … 0

Dive team raises money for underwater radios

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Picture yourself swimming under murky water, unable to see your own hand in front of your face. The only way you can find your way through the depths is by relying on a signal rope held in your … 0

Symphony named one of area’s ‘outstanding organizations’

Friday, May 3, 2013

The Pioneer Valley Symphony, the 74-year-old community symphony and orchestra based in Greenfield, will be honored next week as one of the area’s “outstanding organizations.” The symphony will be one of four recipients honored at New England Public Radio’s 5th annual Arts and Humanities Gala on Tuesday night … 0

Still no budget for Pioneer

Friday, May 3, 2013

NORTHFIELD — With the total Pioneer Valley Regional School budget still uncertain and member towns budgeting for a four percent increase on their shares of it, a number of cuts may be made in the coming school year. “We are in dire straits,” said William Wahlstrom, chairman of … 0

Meetings for week of May 6

Friday, May 3, 2013

ASHFIELD Annual town meeting/election: Today 10 a.m. in Town Hall. Board of Assessors: Monday 6 p.m. in Town Hall. Conservation Commission: Wednesday 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall. BERNARDSTON Planning Board: Monday 6:30 p.m. in Antonio’s Pizza. Cultural Council: Monday 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall. Agricultural Commission: Tuesday 7:30 … 0

School spending tops Warwick warrant

Friday, May 3, 2013

WARWICK — Voters will have the option to pay extra for education at Monday’s annual town meeting. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. The town’s proposed operating budget for the coming fiscal year stands at $1.93 million, up $71,753, or 3.8 percent, from this year’s. … 0

Six area towns make list of ‘best places to live’ in Mass.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Six Franklin County towns have made the Boston Globe’s “Top 25 Places to Live in Massachusetts” list. Shelburne, Leverett, Rowe, Greenfield, Northfield and Gill all made the list, which can be found on Boston.com. The Globe did an online survey of its readers, saying it wanted to match … 0

Neighbors: Dinosaurs at GCC next week

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Hello neighbor. I have spent a good deal of time with dinosaurs over the past six months or so. Grandson Justin is absolutely fascinated and sometimes mesmerized by them. He calls them “Big Das,” because he can’t quite say “dinosaur” yet. I mention this because on Wednesday at … 1

Deerfield voters back keeping Baystate services in Greenfield

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

DEERFIELD — Voters here have overwhelmingly supported a resolution calling on Baystate Health System to keep services and resources at the Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. At its Monday annual town meeting, Deerfield was the first of 10 Franklin County towns to vote on the resolution. It … 0