Around and About with Richard McCarthy: Finding peace beyond the puzzle

Northampton Main Street redesign reaches 100% design, now under MassDOT review

NORTHAMPTON — More than 60 residents gathered inside the Senior Center Wednesday evening as city officials joined engineers from Toole Design for a presentation and “fly-through” rendering of the most up-to-date version of the Picture Main Street project. The Main Street overhaul aims to widen the sidewalk on both sides of Main Street between Bridge […]

MIAA approves major rule changes for 2027 golf season

On Sept. 16, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Board of Directors unanimously voted 17-0  in support of making several rule changes for golf starting in 2027. Among the changes, stroke play will be used statewide, teams and individuals will receive rankings, and a reduced number of teams and players will qualify for the postseason. […]

Police seek public help locating missing Hampshire Regional High School student

WESTHAMPTON — The Williamsburg and Westhampton police departments are seeking the public’s help in finding Giuliana Martinez, a Hampshire Regional High School student who was reported missing Wednesday. Martinez, of Westhampton, was believed to be last seen in Williamsburg at approximately 12:50 p.m., according to a Facebook post from both police departments. Martinez was still missing […]

South Hadley could be first in Hampshire County to put stop-arm cameras on school buses

SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley could become the first Hampshire County municipality to adopt a state law allowing video monitoring on school buses for traffic violation enforcement, as the town looks to clamp down on an estimated 1,000-plus violations that occur every school year. The law, signed by Gov. Maura Healey in January 2025, allows […]

A faithful calling: Rev. Vicki Kemper to step away from pulpit at First Church Amherst

AMHERST — One of the first United Church of Christ congregations in the United States to declare itself open and affirming, First Church Amherst has regularly been at the forefront of faith-based social justice causes. Whether helping the LGBTQIA+ community to the full life of the church or ensuring rights for immigrants, promoting environmental protections […]