Area Briefs: HCC opens registration for spring noncredit classes

Senate amendment closes biomass loophole; regional activists call it a win after 15-year fight

A new amendment approved by the state Senate could chop down the future of woody biomass energy in the commonwealth — a step forward for climate activists across the region, including in Hampshire County, who have fought for years against a proposed biomass plant in Springfield. Under the legislation, biomass — burning wood for electric […]

Northampton man identified in Hatfield fatal crash on Monday

HATFIELD — The 30-year-old man killed in a motor vehicle crash Monday morning has been identified as Jacob Gordon of Florence, authorities said on Tuesday. Gordon was traveling south on Interstate 91 at 7 a.m. Monday when he drove his pickup truck into the median in Hatfield, striking multiple trees, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation indicates Gordon’s Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck left the highway on the right-hand side at mile marker 28, re-entered the road, and then drove off the highway again to the left, where it crossed into […]

At Easthampton forum, Whalen pitches progressive agenda in bid for Neal's seat

EASTHAMPTON — Jeromie Whalen paced from side to side across the Easthampton High School auditorium stage Monday night, dressed casually in a pink Pride shirt from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, which endorsed him this week, along with cargo shorts and sneakers. Between paces, the former educator laid out his pitch at a candidate forum for […]

Columnist Karen Gardner: 'A Chorus Line'

When I was a kid growing up in the ’50’s, my parents had a huge piece of furniture parked in the living room that we called the Hi-Fi (High Fidelity). What I remember most was the fabulous sound it produced when we played LP vinyl records on its turntable. My parents had a good-sized collection […]

Amherst's Jones Library slate roof, windows nearing completion

AMHERST — A new slate roof for the historic portion of the Jones Library is nearing completion as wood-framed replica windows continue to be installed, part of the ongoing $46.1 million expansion and renovation project. The library is now in the home stretch of work expected to be completed by next spring at the original […]