News
William Strickland, a longtime civil rights activist, scholar and friend of Malcolm X, has died
By MICHAEL CASEY
BOSTON — William Strickland, a longtime civil rights activist and supporter of the Black Power movement who worked with Malcolm X and other prominent leaders in the 1960s, has died. He was 87.Strickland, whose death April 10 was confirmed by a...
Shutesbury voters to decide on battery storage, lighting bylaws
By SCOTT MERZBACH
SHUTESBURY — Bylaws to regulate large-scale battery storage, limit outdoor light pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in new housing construction and control door-to-door solicitors will be considered by residents at Annual Town Meeting on...
Monroe election sees no contests, some positions without candidates
MONROE — As the annual town election approaches, there are several incumbents running unopposed for reelection and several positions for which there are no candidates on the ballot.Polls will be open on Monday, May 6, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Monroe...
Shea Theater mural artist chosen out of 354 applicants
By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI
MONTAGUE — After reviewing submissions from 354 applicants, a steering group has selected North Carolina-based muralist Darion Fleming to paint a 3,200-square-foot mural on the east exterior wall of the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls.The...
Healey weighs in on campus safety, protests
By COLIN A. YOUNG
As tensions simmer around college campus protests and university responses, Gov. Maura Healey gave a mostly muted response Tuesday to the proliferation of pro-Palestinian encampments, saying “there has to be” space for both protest and Jewish student...
Man allegedly steals $100K worth of items from Northampton, South Deerfield businesses
By JAMES PENTLAND
NORTHAMPTON — A South Hadley man pleaded not guilty in Hampshire County Superior Court on Monday to charges stemming from thefts from businesses in Northampton and South Deerfield.Steven Skea, 64, is accused of breaking into two businesses and making...
Building conversion, battery storage bylaws up for vote at Sunderland Town Meeting
By CHRIS LARABEE
SUNDERLAND — Bylaw proposals concerning battery storage facilities and converting existing buildings into multi-family dwellings will come before voters at Friday night’s Annual Town Meeting.Residents will decide on the 18-article warrant at...
Greenfield man arrested in New York on murder charge
By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI
GREENFIELD — Law enforcement in Albany, New York, arrested a Greenfield man on a murder charge Tuesday after police found the body of an unidentified man inside an apartment on lower Chapman Street on Monday night.Taaniel Herberger-Brown, 42, a former...
Longtime moderator facing challenger in Ashfield election
By DIANE BRONCACCIO
ASHFIELD — Longtime Town Moderator Stewart “Buz” Eisenberg is facing competition to retain his seat this year, with Evan Barth throwing his hat in the ring for the role’s one-year term.All other candidates are running unopposed in the May 4 town...
Regional Notebook: April 24, 2024
Rachel’s Table and Teen Board hosting Outrun Hunger 5K SPRINGFIELD — Rachel’s Table and its Teen Board will host Outrun Hunger, a 5K race and a 1-mile fun walk to raise money for Rachel’s Table’s hunger relief efforts across Hampden, Hampshire and...
PHOTO: Flowing falls
Photos: A musical classic returns
Starlight’s Youth Theatre will present the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” on Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 4 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Tickets are $14 for for students, $18 for seniors and $22 for...
Northfield appeals to Warren, Markey for Schell Bridge aid
By LIESEL NYGARD
NORTHFIELD — In the town’s latest effort to secure funding to replace the Schell Bridge, the Selectboard has sent a letter to U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey seeking their support.The letter, which was recently sent to the senators’...
Spilka pledges ‘comprehensive climate bill’ in Senate
By SAM DRYSDALE
BOSTON — Signaling the potential for more change in the transportation and energy sectors, Senate President Karen Spilka revealed Monday that the Senate plans to tackle a major climate bill within the next three months.The Ashland Democrat said at a...
Prescription Drug Take Back Day set for Saturday in 15 communities in Franklin, Hampshire counties
GREENFIELD — Communities in Franklin and Hampshire counties have signed on to the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day planned for Saturday, April 27, to offer residents a chance to safely dispose of unwanted and unneeded drugs.People are...
Leverett Town Meeting voters will decide cease-fire call, budgets
By SCOTT MERZBACH
LEVERETT — Money for continued restoration of the North Leverett Sawmill, a citizen’s petition calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, and a $7.56 million budget for fiscal year 2025, which adds a fourth police officer to the Police Department,...
PHOTOS: Artsy and informative
Judge dismisses case against former Buckland police chief
By DOMENIC POLI
GREENFIELD — A former Buckland police chief’s court case on charges of indecent assault and battery has been dismissed by a judge one year after it was continued without a finding.James T. Hicks, 57, last May admitted the prosecution had sufficient...
Greenfield’s Court Square to remain open year-round for first time since 2021
By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI
GREENFIELD — For the first time since 2021, Court Square will stay open to motorists year-round, closing only for special events that require pedestrian access.The city began seasonally closing Court Square to vehicles in 2021 when it adopted a pilot...
Millers Meadow idea would ‘completely transform’ Colrain Street lot in Greenfield
By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI
GREENFIELD — The environmental nonprofit Greening Greenfield is seeking the city’s approval to plant a small forest and meadow along the perimeter of the former site of the Wedgewood Gardens mobile home park on Colrain Street.If approved, the group...