Search Results

Keyword search: shutesbury MA

By BROOKLYN TRUEHEART DEMME

I grew up on the safe side of town with educational access and expectations of gainful, dignified employment. Selling harmful addictive substances was not a consideration I needed to make to provide for my family. Moreover, the mobility and security afforded by my skin color and privileged class background have allowed for me to safely visit and learn in some dangerous places which residents can not easily leave.

When I was five and got my own library card, I enjoyed being entrusted with grown-up responsibility as much as I enjoyed the “kerchunk” sound of the machine checking out my book. I didn’t know this was my introduction to civic engagement.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — While no ban on motorboats on Lake Wyola is being contemplated, a serious accident that injured a boater last June has prompted a review of the current bylaw governing use of the 128-acre body of water, which some residents say should be modified to enhance safety, while others say safety is largely a matter of personal responsibility.

DEERFIELD — The registration deadline for “Engaging with the Legacies of Northern Slavery,” a one-day conference slated for Saturday, April 5, from 9:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., is approaching.

By DOMENIC POLI

WENDELL — Have you ever looked back at a crossroads in your life and wondered if you should have handled something differently?

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Hayley Bolton, who for the past six years has led senior centers in Amherst and Bernardston, is poised to become Shutesbury’s town administrator in April.

President Donald Trump and his minions have only proved their callous disregard for human beings under the false claim of efficiency.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Construction of a new track and field at Amherst-Pelham Regional High School, at a cost of $4.11 million, is expected to begin in late June.

By MATTEO PANGALLO

By SCOTT MERZBACH

PELHAM — A preliminary report showing how the 12 communities in the Quabbin Reservoir watershed might be able to get potable water from the resource falls short of a comprehensive study being sought by legislators representing the Quabbin region.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

Both Shutesbury and Hadley are being recognized as Digital Inclusion Trailblazers by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, an Ohio-based nonprofit, for their efforts to close the digital divide for residents by providing access to affordable, high-speed internet and digital skills training.

Just wondering if it bothers others that the predominant descriptor for “intelligence” has now become “artificial.” I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising in a time when opinions trump genuine knowledge or understanding. But just a wee suggestion: When waking up to smell the roses, please make sure they’re not plastic; having dust up your nose can be quite off-putting.

By LYNNE MAN, NANCY POLAN and DALE LABONTE

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A New Hampshire timber company has closed on a massive land buy of nearly 2,400 acres in seven communities in Hampshire and Franklin counties, acquiring five parcels for more than $20 million from Amherst-based W.D. Cowls Inc.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Moments before a Danvers resident appeared ready to end his own life on the morning of Jan. 1, a Shutesbury police sergeant located the man’s vehicle parked off Route 202 and engaged in a conversation that convinced him to remain alive, and then be brought to a hospital for needed physical and mental help.

By EVELINE MACDOUGALL

Over the last few decades, many people felt inspired to learn skills that were common in earlier times. The recent pandemic era nudged even more people to take up practices like baking sourdough bread, knitting, building furniture, and a mind-boggling number of other pursuits. Tutorials are readily available through libraries and on the internet, but there are limits, right? We’re unlikely to find hobbyists handcrafting cars, building computers from scratch, or making their own shoes.

I am writing in support of Bruce Spencer’s Dec. 10 column regarding the “People’s Pines” [“Are these the ‘King’s Pines’ or the ‘People’s Pines’?” His article questioned the current plans of state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to cut...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — A lawyer whose earlier professional life included covering land-use boards as a news reporter will be joining the town’s Conservation Commission, despite objections from some residents that the appointment could create complications for...

Dog licensing going on in Orange ORANGE — Dog licensing for 2025 has begun at the Town Clerk’s Office. Licensing will take place until March 31. Starting April 1, there will be a $50 late fee per unlicensed dog. State law requires all dogs to be...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Residents, town officials and the legislative delegation are raising concerns about a proposed forest management plan for land at the edge of the Quabbin Reservoir that could involve removing many tall white pines using large equipment...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Already facing a possible $1.26 million deficit in next year’s $37.54 million operating budget for the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools, officials from the four member towns are divided on the best approach for both closing that gap and...