Quabbin water plan draws flood of opposition at crowded hearing

Healey hears Hilltown frustration over large-scale solar arrays at Worthington listening session

WORTHINGTON — Three weeks after signing an executive order letting communities bar data centers, Gov. Maura Healey came to the Hilltowns on Tuesday and faced residents asking why she can’t do the same with large-scale solar arrays. More than a dozen of roughly 70 people at Town Hall spoke during a listening session, describing a […]

Hatfield mulls future of ambulance service

HATFIELD — As representatives of South County EMS propose more than tripling the amount paid for each ambulance response to Hatfield and becoming the primary medical provider, town officials are looking into options for preserving a town-run ambulance. With an Oct. 19 deadline looming for when South County EMS will adjust the per-call fee from […]

Balanced Birch Studio marks five years with an open house weekend

AMHERST — A pilates studio in the Mill District in North Amherst is marking five years with its Open House Weekend Friday and Saturday. Balanced Birch Studio, 77 Cowls Road, was founded by Mary Ellen Liacos following a professional dance career and teaching in public schools, as well as an interest in supporting a lifelong […]

Liberty Cannabis Dispensary in Easthampton to close after six years

EASTHAMPTON — Liberty Cannabis Dispensary is closing after six years on Northampton Street, with leaders from its national parent company, Holistic Industries, saying the location did not turn enough profit to stay open. “There’s not much more to say other than this is a business decision based on the economic viability of this location,” Steve Harrell, […]

Guest columnist Jeff Weston: Eversource clear-cuts a risk to region

If you have ever walked along the trails at Buffam Falls Conservation Area in Pelham, you know what makes places like this so precious. The sound of rushing water. The shade of the forest. The sense that, for a while, you have stepped away from the busy world around you. Now imagine a straight-cut clearing […]