Arts Briefs: Jazz 101 in Northampton, ‘Dances in the Orchard’ in Easthampton, and more

MIAA approves major rule changes for 2027 golf season

On Sept. 16, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Board of Directors unanimously voted 17-0  in support of making several rule changes for golf starting in 2027. Among the changes, stroke play will be used statewide, teams and individuals will receive rankings, and a reduced number of teams and players will qualify for the postseason. […]

Police seek public help locating missing Hampshire Regional High School student

WESTHAMPTON — The Williamsburg and Westhampton police departments are seeking the public’s help in finding Giuliana Martinez, a Hampshire Regional High School student who was reported missing Wednesday. Martinez, of Westhampton, was believed to be last seen in Williamsburg at approximately 12:50 p.m., according to a Facebook post from both police departments. Martinez was still missing […]

South Hadley could be first in Hampshire County to put stop-arm cameras on school buses

SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley could become the first Hampshire County municipality to adopt a state law allowing video monitoring on school buses for traffic violation enforcement, as the town looks to clamp down on an estimated 1,000-plus violations that occur every school year. The law, signed by Gov. Maura Healey in January 2025, allows […]

A faithful calling: Rev. Vicki Kemper to step away from pulpit at First Church Amherst

AMHERST — One of the first United Church of Christ congregations in the United States to declare itself open and affirming, First Church Amherst has regularly been at the forefront of faith-based social justice causes. Whether helping the LGBTQIA+ community to the full life of the church or ensuring rights for immigrants, promoting environmental protections […]

Amherst fiscal 2026 revenue tops estimates by $3.2 million

AMHERST — Amherst finished fiscal 2026 with $105 million in revenue, nearly $3.2 million more than estimated, driven by robust investment income and higher-than-anticipated motor vehicle excise, hotel and motel, and meals taxes. In a quarterly update to the Finance Committee on Sept. 15, Finance Director Sean Mangano said investment income was the standout, bringing […]