Finding her ‘missing piece’: Whately resident opens Pilates studio in South Deerfield

State shines spotlight on 250 farm-to-school initiatives, including 21 locally

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has released 250 snapshots of farm-to-school initiatives, including 21 programs in Franklin County and North Quabbin, to highlight how Massachusetts schools and organizations are incorporating local food into their curriculum and providing hands-on learning experiences.

My Turn: The hidden hand of instinct

Our neighbor commented on the proficiency of our border collie in moving our livestock. I had to admit that I had very little to do with it. It’s his instinct. He comes from a line of dogs who’ve been selected for specific characteristics found in their wolf ancestors. What is predatory behavior in wild canines […]

Pushback: Three errors by state AG disrupt the November ballot

Based on separate rulings from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), three “unexpected” errors made by the Massachusetts Attorney General have robbed you and me of the chance to vote this Nov. 3 on three major policy changes: 1. A rent control ballot initiative. The SJC ruled that by exempting housing units operated by religious institutions from rent […]

West County Notebook: July 15, 2026

Shelburne to consider new lights at Police Station SHELBURNE — A $4,915 state grant from the Green Communities Division could lead to new lights at the Police Station at 623 Mohawk Trail. Energy Committee member Jeff Boettner said that after discussion, the committee decided the most logical use of the grant would be for replacing the lights in the station with a more energy-efficient option, which would save the town roughly $1,300 a year. The project itself costs $15,250. According to Town Administrator Terry Narkewicz, the rest of the money would come from the fiscal year 2026 Street Light Fund, which […]

Franklin County Technical School Honor Roll, Second Semester

Freshmen High Honors: Isabella Allen, Gavin Bjorlin, Hayden Brechenser, Max Briere, Santiago Buri Rosales, Stella Call, Moziah Calypso, Avery Chapin, Bryan Cordero Lopez, Lillian Cranston, Noah Crommett, Elissa Delisle, Teagan Donahue, Emmett Elwood, Jakob George, Brody Gilbert, Lillian Gleason, Racheal Herzig, Ellis Holmes, Clinton Jacgues, Theodore Janke, Charley Knight, Adelaide Kolakoski, Wylie Lynch, Leo McDonald, […]