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Cummington Fair opens gates for 156th run
It is all good fun in calling themselves “one of the best little fairs in the country.”. “It is a friendly competition,” said Albert Judd, president of the board of directors of the Hillside Agricultural Society, organizers of the annual Cummington Fair since 1869. If you purchase a...
Video allegedly reveals former Holyoke city councilor as member of Russian military
A new video has surfaced this week and it’s making national headlines. It appears to show former Holyoke City Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota being interviewed as part of the Russian military.
With estimated $8.5M price tag, Deerfield takes second run at 1888 Building restoration
DEERFIELD — With a request for $3.8 million in Community Preservation Act funding on the table, the town made its pitch for the renovation of the 1888 Building to the Community Preservation Committee on Aug. 14. Led by Select Board Chair Tim Hilchey and Planning and Economic Development Coordinator...
Public Comment: Protect the Architectural Integrity of the 1928 Jones Library Building
The following public comment was sent to the Amherst Historical Commission in advance of their public hearings on August 22, 2024. My husband and I have lived in Amherst for 35 years and raised our family here. I am writing to express my concern about the adverse historical effects of the proposed expansion plan for the Jones Library. As a student in the Architecture and Law Schools at the University of Virginia, I learned to appreciate the importance of historic preservation legislation in protecting the architectural legacy of our cities and towns.
Registration For Household Hazardous Waste Day Ends Tuesday August 27
Registration for the town’s 2024 Hazardous Waste Day ends Tuesday, August 27, 2024. No late sign ups will be accepted. Sign up now at https://www.amherstma.gov//CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3613. Stay Connectred with Town of Amherst News. This notice is part of Amherst’s Open Government [http://www.amherstma.gov/tothemax] initiative. Sign-up for more automated email or SMS/text...
West Nile Virus continues to spread in mosquito samples across the state, including in Hampden County
West Nile Virus continues to spread in mosquito samples. Another mosquito has tested positive for the virus in Hampden County. 22News spoke with local doctors on why we are seeing more positive detection.
Massage studio’s sudden closure leaves Hadley customers feeling burned
HADLEY — Some residents are having a hands-on experience with frustration, as the sudden closure of Elements Massage has left customers with unredeemed memberships and gift cards, sparking complaints to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development confirmed the closure of...
Former counselor sues Amherst-Pelham school district, adding to complaints in wake of Title IX investigations
AMHERST — A federal lawsuit brought against the Amherst-Pelham Regional school district, as well as several current and former staff members, by a former middle school counselor contends that she and other counselors were targeted by colleagues and administrators due to their Christian beliefs. In a lawsuit filed in...
Letter: Amherst Zoning Restrictions on Accessory Dwellings Are Now Illegal
In succinct plain English, neighbor objections which in the past have succeeded in blocking ADUs (auxiliary dwelling units) in Amherst will no longer work. More ADUs added to existing rented single-family house properties are coming statewide. Perhaps most significant for Amherst is the elimination of any owner occupancy requirement. That...
Desorgher provides update on water main replacement project
GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher has provided an update on the downtown water main replacement project. Desorgher said it is a somewhat difficult endeavor, especially considering the age of what’s currently there. “The infrastructure is almost 105 years old,” said Desorgher. “We are...
Amherst recreation leaders say two pools key for aquatics program
AMHERST — With a pause in plans to rebuild the aging bathhouse at War Memorial Pool, and discussions beginning about whether the town needs two full-size outdoor swimming pools during the summer, Amherst Recreation officials say having both facilities is important to the aquatics program and summer camps. Recreation...
Amherst Historic Commission Rejects State Guidance on Jones Expansion
Demolition Permit Granted. Hearing on Historic Preservation Restriction Continued Until August 28. Report on Two Public Hearings of the Amherst Historical Commission, August 22, 2024. The meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. Present. Madeleine Helmer (Acting Chair), Pat Auth, Hetty Startup, Antonia Brillembourg. Absent: Mikayla Rasnick and Robin...
Ball Lane affordable housing project in Amherst gets $350K town boost
AMHERST — A $20.5 million development in North Amherst featuring 30 affordable homes, each of which will be owned by families, is getting another influx of money from the town, a commitment that should ensure ground can be broken next spring. The Amherst Affordable Housing Trust Fund voted unanimously...
Letter: Amherst Landlords Have Not Taken a Stand on Waste Hauler Bylaw
As President of the 500 member( landlord Association, I am writing to set the record straight about Stan Rosenberg’s meeting with our Board and to correct misimpression’s that might be left from the headline and content of your article. Stan met with us to provide information about the...
Watch the presidential debate with NEPM News
Watch the presidential debate along with NEPM News. The first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. Grab your friends and take it all in with NEPM News at White Lion Brewing in Amherst. Come early for a bite...
Anne Herrington and Christine Plette: The Jones project still makes good sense
While the original high bid for the Jones Library project was disappointing, the Jones project team has made responsible design decisions aiming to lower the overall costs. While the naysayers with their exaggerated claims would have us believe otherwise, the proposed changes would still result in a library that meets the original goals and would serve Amherst residents better than a patch-up of the existing building: still more energy efficient; still preserving many historical features, including most of the original 1927 woodwork; providing a permanent home for the Civil War tablets; and providing space for the varied services the Jones aim to provide all Amherst residents, including children and teens, people aiming to learn English, people needing computers who do not otherwise have access, and, in general, all people looking to use the many resources the library provides.
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