Fire at The Boulders apartments in Amherst displaces 3, forces brief evacuation

Hadley's Bay Road bridge reopens after water main break

HADLEY — A water main break prompted the closure of the Bay Road bridge over the Fort River for most of the day Friday. The state’s Department of Transportation announced the temporary closure and detours on that section of Route 47, with drivers advised to use Route 9 and South Maple Street. Hadley Police announced […]

A natural fit: Granby's new town administrator bullish about future

GRANBY — Ron Aponte prefers to play in the political game rather than sit on the sidelines. That’s why, after growing up on the political sidelines in Springfield’s mayor-council system, he seized his opening once he moved to Belchertown 30 years ago. The town’s Town Meeting-style democracy pulled him onto the field, and he became […]

Northampton doctor sees hope for primary care funding as House passes bill, awaits Senate deal

NORTHAMPTON — When primary care physician Dr. Kate Atkinson goes to reunions, she’s usually met with this question from her peers: “Are you still practicing?” And to their surprise, she still is, despite intense shortages within the field met with escalating rates of burnout. As these trends continue, her colleagues are leaving for direct primary […]

Easthampton tenants seek to buy their building, form co-op after rent hikes

EASTHAMPTON — After experiencing steep rent hikes last year, residents of the eight-unit 17 Adams St. building are seeking to purchase the property with the help of Greenfield-based Valley Housing Co-op, aiming to collectively own and manage it without a landlord. If successful, 17 Adams would become the second property in the Pioneer Valley in […]

Invasive spotted lanternfly hitchhikes into Hampshire County, threatening local vineyards

NORTHAMPTON — As Larry Godard tucks grape vines into the catch wires of a trellis, he inspects each leaf for white, powdery mildew dust, rust-colored spots of black rot and spotted-wing drosophila bite marks, all signs of the common pests that have threatened his crops for years.  But this year, the Mineral Hills Winery owner […]