Valley Bounty: Bostrom Farm keeps it simple, wholesome and fresh

Amherst resident contends Jones Library trustees violated state Open Meeting Law

AMHERST — A resident who has questioned aspects of the Jones Library’s expansion and renovation project is bringing an Open Meeting Law complaint against the library’s elected trustees, contending the board improperly went into executive session at two meetings last month. Jeff Lee of South East Street, a writer for The Amherst Indy blog, argues […]

Book Review: Bestselling author Jacqueline Sheehan explores local rise of Nazism through fictional female whistleblower in 'The Camp Muralist'

Jacqueline Sheehan has always been intrigued by people. The New York Times best-selling author and former psychologist is attuned to body language and backstories, to what is shared and what is withheld.  It fits, then, that the Florence-based writer’s seventh novel uncovers a nation’s secret through characters who have buried their own truths. On Nov. […]

UMass, Eversource renew energy pact through 2028 to cut emissions and costs

AMHERST — UMass Amherst and Eversource have renewed a nonbinding agreement to cut energy use and greenhouse gas emissions on campus, extending a partnership that dates to 2014. The three-year memorandum of understanding, announced jointly by the university and the utility, runs through 2028. Under it, the two will work to maximize energy efficiency in […]

Leverett property tax bills to rise nearly $500 as levy cushion shrinks

LEVERETT — A typical homeowner could see their property tax bill go up by nearly $500 this year, even as town officials advise that fiscal discipline will be needed in fiscal 2028. At the recommendation of the Board of Assessors, the Select Board voted Monday to set a single tax rate, which is estimated to […]

Around Amherst: Trivia Bee raises $14K for schools

AMHERST — During World War II, a recruiting slogan stated, “She’s a WOW.” For those playing for the East Amherst Eggheads team, knowing that WOW stood for “Woman Ordnance Worker” earned five points. It also crowned Tim Hope, Josh Polak and Kurt Sundeen as champions at the recent Amherst Trivia Bee. In what organizer John […]