Guest columnist Rob Okun: Mass shootings: another troubling side of manhood

State grants totaling almost $2M boost conservation and recreation in Hampshire County

The state has awarded five Hampshire County municipalities and nonprofits a total of $1.93 million to expand their repertoire of locally conserved forestland and recreational facilities. Belchertown came out on top this grant cycle, receiving nearly $500,000 for a multipurpose sports space at Chestnut Hill Recreation Center and a conservation restriction on land between Mount Holyoke Range and Quabbin Reservoir. The remaining funds paved the way for Southampton to preserve critical forest and wetlands in town, while also giving the Kestrel Land Trust and Hilltown Land Trust money to purchase the missing piece in their puzzle of protected lands. The Healey-Driscoll […]

South Hadley looks to further reduce hours Town Hall is open to the public

SOUTH HADLEY — The Select Board has requested further reductions to Town Hall hours to allow department staff to catch up on work. Town Hall began closing to the public every Friday on Oct. 2. The change in hours was a reaction to years of staff cuts in municipal departments, which mostly reduced front desk […]

With its hands tied, Hadley Planning Board approves battery storage system at Breckenridge Road gravel pit

HADLEY — A stand-alone battery energy storage system will be allowed at a Breckenridge Road gravel pit, despite concerns about the location being in the town’s aquifer protection district and growing unease from those who live in the neighborhood. In a 4-0 vote with one member absent, the Planning Board Tuesday approved the site plans, […]

Quabbin water fight raises questions about state's dual oversight roles

BOSTON — As the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority deals with resistance to its request to withdraw more water from the Quabbin and Wachusett system, the state’s environmental secretariat is playing a key role at both the water authority and the commission that is vetting the controversial request.  Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper chairs […]

SunnyDayz Cannabis opens ‘craft’ dispensary in South Deerfield

SunnyDayz Cannabis has opened its retail dispensary and indoor cultivation facility on a 5-acre campus in South Deerfield following a five-year development process.