Speaking of Nature: Adapting to an early winter: Plus, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with an unusually friendly ruffed grouse

Guest columnist James A. Lomastro: Sustained attention works; try it on nursing homes

In January 2002, investigative reporters in Boston revealed that a Catholic archdiocese had kept moving a priest, John Geoghan, from parish to parish after learning what he had done. What followed taught Massachusetts something that applies far beyond churches. A single exposé did not change the institution. Sustained attention did: roughly 600 stories that year, […]

Emily Dickinson metal silhouette goes missing in Amherst

AMHERST — A metal silhouette depicting the likeness of Emily Dickinson, in conversation with fellow poet Robert Frost, is missing and presumed stolen from its boulder at the Gates lot in downtown Amherst. Part of the sculpture known as “Poetic Dialogue,” the silhouette was installed in 1996 at the corner of Main and Lessey streets. […]

Lawsuit prompts Amherst to consider changes to ADU bylaw

AMHERST — Officials are considering amending a town bylaw in light of a lawsuit over a recent Zoning Board of Appeals determination that a Newell Court accessory dwelling unit is too large to comply with town zoning. A few weeks after the Land Court lawsuit was filed, both on behalf of the Newell Court developer […]

Rowdy weekend keeps Amherst police busy

AMHERST — Several large parties and a few fights with injuries kept Amherst Police busy over the mild and dry weekend, with one gathering bringing well over 1,000 college-age people to the Hampshire College campus. At 10:59 p.m. Saturday, Amherst Police were contacted by campus security about a party taking place in the woods near […]

Attic fire causes minor damage to Amherst home

AMHERST — An attic fire at a Blue Hills Road home caused minor damage early Tuesday morning, with firefighters extinguishing the blaze before it extended beyond that part of the residence. Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren said the department’s nine on-duty, full-time firefighters responded to 117 Blue Hills Road, a two-story home, after receiving a 911 […]