Blandford
GOVERNMENT
Chester water supply discoloration suspected to be manganese
CHESTER — A Chester water commissioner has confirmed that the town’s drinking water supply is discolored and said that naturally occurring manganese is suspected to be the cause. Commissioner Robert Daley said in an email to The Republican Saturday that the town tested the water supply in June...
The 3 Most Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts for 2024
It's quite clear that folks from different walks of life enjoy visiting and moving to Massachusetts. If you're looking for a top state to raise a family, Massachusetts checks that box. If you are looking for a state with a sound education, Massachusetts checks that box. If you are looking for a state that has areas of beautiful mountains and wide open spaces along with the downtown hustle and bustle spotlighting live music, art, and high-tech jobs, Massachusetts checks those boxes as well.
Live Wire: Bousquet Mountain adds musical flavor to Berkshires
If people are talking about summer music in the Berkshires, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Tanglewood in Lenox or maybe Wilco’s annual Solid Sound Festival at MassMoCA in North Adams. But there’s another player in the game in the western part of the state: Bousquet...
Southwick seeks 3 volunteers to serve on Master Plan Implementation Committee
SOUTHWICK — It’s been more than three months since the Planning Board approved the town’s master plan, Southwick Vision 2040, but it was only last week that the Select Board invited applications for the three seats it will appoint to the implementation committee. “We’d love to have...
Department of Public Health calls on Medical Reserve Corps to South Hadley nursing home
The Department of Public Health has called on the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and rapid response teams, including nurses and certified nurses aides to assist South Hadley’s Pioneer Valley Health and Rehabilitation. Some local lawmakers have called for an investigation into the facility after reports of inadequate patient care,...
Westfield planners OK self-storage on Lockhouse Rd., delay vote on Norton St.
WESTFIELD — The Westfield Planning Board voted July 16 to approve the site plan and stormwater permit required for JML Storage to expand its Lockhouse Road self-storage facility. Rob Levesque of R. Levesque Associates, representing applicant Matt Rokosz, presented a site plan that addressed the concerns from the board’s...
Two Berkshire Peaker Plants Have Been Put in the Past
LEE, Mass. — Two peaker plants in Berkshire County have been out of service for two years and are in the process of demolition. Local environmentalists are rejoicing. "It's phenomenal," said Rosemary Wessel of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team. "To actually see the physical proof of a peaker plant not just shut down but removed is just more than we really expected and it's really great."
Update: Prepare for strong thunderstorms in Berkshire County early Saturday evening
An updated report from the National Weather Service was issued on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:45 p.m. for Berkshire County. Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 40 mph. "At 4:09 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Falls Village, or 16 miles northwest...
Lee Represents Massachusetts in 50 in 50 Mural Project
LEE, Mass. — Out of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, Lee was selected to participate in the "50 in 50" Project. Artist Cheyenne Renee is working to paint a mural in a small town in all 50 states. As part of the project, there will also be a documentary that will incorporate interviews and footage from each town.
Legislators Celebrate Earmark for Baystate Brightwood Health Center
BOSTON — State Sen. Adam Gomez joined state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, representatives of Baystate Health, and community members on July 19 for an earmark-acknowledgement event at Baystate Brightwood Health Center in Springfield, celebrating a pair of amendments secured by the two representatives during last year’s state budget cycle.
Town Announces Launch of Valley Green Energy
Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Sustainability Director Stephanie Ciccarello announced on July 19 a new program that will be offered to Amherst residents and businesses this fall that will lower energy costs in an environmentally sustainable way. Amherst, along with Northampton and Pelham, have signed electricity supply contracts with First...
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