Storybook forest comes to life at Forbes Library

Hadley Planning Board skeptical of Historical Commission pitch for demo delay bylaw

HADLEY — Once standing at the southwestern corner of Route 9 and East Street, an 1830 farmhouse and barn were torn down two years ago to make way for a new dentist office, despite appeals from the Historical Commission that the buildings be saved. With the future of both the former Russell School building and […]

Columnist Martin Medina-Elizalde: When preparation crowds out childhood

As educators and parents, we want children to learn, be challenged, and develop the abilities they will need as adults. But there is a question we may not ask enough: At what point does preparing children for the future begin to interfere with their development in the present? Much of modern education is organized around […]

Shutesbury select board votes to accept bequest of local home

SHUTESBURY — The Select Board is accepting a late Shutesbury resident’s bequeath of his home, with hopes that its future sale could provide a revenue boost for the town. The board last Wednesday voted 3-0 to proceed with becoming owner of the 1,400-square-foot dwelling at 41 Cooleyville Road, located on a half-acre property just east […]

H.S. golf preview: Hampshire County squads feature no shortage of talent

Local high school golfers returned to the links for the start of the 2026 season last week, marking the beginning of the MIAA fall sports season. Several golf squads have started strong, including Hampshire and Belchertown, while others are still ironing out the kinks through the early portion of the season. While Hampshire County only […]

Guest columnist William Lambers: On Labor Day let’s thank caregivers

This Labor Day let’s remember a quiet group of hard workers, although mostly unpaid, who are extremely valuable to families everywhere. Caregivers save the day for those who are sick, injured or unable to take care of themselves. Caregivers are often family members who dedicate days, months or even years in this critical role.  There […]