My Turn: Grieving through nature

Speaking of Nature: A fond farewell: The last song sparrow of the season

After decades of slow, steady effort I feel as though I am finally starting to get a handle on the rhythms of the natural world. I know when to start looking for certain flowers in the spring and summer, I know when to expect the arrival of certain birds as the weather warms, and I […]

My Turn: Violence against women is real

October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month and a grim reminder of the reality that a leading cause of death for women ages 20-44 is homicide by an intimate partner. In June, the State Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team found domestic violence homicides in Massachusetts jumped 20% to a five-year high in 2025, with an additional […]

Western Mass. towns push back on state solar siting rules at Shutesbury forum

SHUTESBURY — When five solar projects were proposed that could have cleared some 29,000 trees from 190 acres in Shutesbury, town officials were left on their own to cover the costs of the Land Court litigation that followed. Planning Board member Jeff Weston said the town got “no help from anyone” at the state level […]

Clifford F. Roberts Jr.

<html><head></head><body>Clifford F. Roberts, Jr.<br /><br />West Simsbury, CT - Clifford F. Roberts, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on October 20, 2026.<br /><br />Cliff was born on December 17, 1926, to Clifford F. and Hazel R. (Vot ...

H.S. Roundup: Pioneer girls volleyball moves past Ware in Class D

NORTHFIELD — With the outcome of the match teetering on the brink of a win or a loss, the Pioneer Valley Regional girls volleyball team needed playmakers on Monday night. The Panthers got clutch plays from Corrie Glenn and Ryleigh Goodwin in the fourth set against Ware, leading to a 3-1 win over the Indians [&hellip;]