Franklin Tech holding open house for eighth graders

TURNERS FALLS — Franklin County Technical School’s open house for Franklin County eighth graders will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Attendees can tour technical programs; learn about academic courses, student supports, athletics and clubs; and apply and interview to attend Franklin Tech. Technical shop teachers will be on hand to offer information about their programs and translators will be available upon request.

Call 413-863-9561 or visit fcts.us for more information.

Permit application withdrawn for large-scale solar project

ERVING — The special permit application for the large-scale solar project proposed for 1 River St. was withdrawn by the applicant on Tuesday, according to Planning Board Chair Jacquelyn Boyden. All Energy, a Westfield-based energy company, was the applicant.

Boyden explained via email that the original plan for the 250-kilowatt, ground-mounted solar array has changed to be a smaller-scale solar project that does not require a special permit for installation, per the town’s zoning bylaws. Project Manager Ben Anderson confirmed that the project will continue on a smaller scale.

The public hearing on the solar project, which was originally scheduled for Jan. 16, has been canceled, Boyden confirmed. However, the regular Planning Board meeting will still be held.

Selectboard approves new screening committees

ERVING — The Selectboard approved the formation of two screening committees during its Monday meeting, one to review applicants for the cadet position and another to carry out the same task for the town planner role.

The cadet position is a civilian, non-sworn position within the Erving Police Department. The ideal applicant will be an individual who is seeking law enforcement experience to become a sworn law enforcement officer in the future. Members of this committee include Selectboard member James Loynd, Patrol Officer Laura Gordon, School Committee Chair Mackensey Bailey, Finance Committee Chair Debra Smith, Town Administrator Bryan Smith and Police Chief Robert Holst.

The Town Planner Screening Committee was also approved, and three candidates have already applied. Selectboard member Scott Bastarache, Planning Board Chair Jacquelyn Boyden, Library Director Abigail Baines, Capital Planning Committee Chair Ben Fellows, Senior Housing Committee Chair Will Bembury and Town Administrator Bryan Smith will all serve on this screening committee.

More information on the vacant town planner position is available at erving-ma.gov/personnel/pages/town-planner-search.