Business Briefs: May 23, 2025

SHELBURNE FALLS — Greenfield Cooperative Bank will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its Shelburne Falls branch at 33 Bridge St. with an event on Wednesday, May 28.

‘We had a dream. We did our dream’: Pioneer Valley Brewery closing in Turners Falls

By DOMENIC POLI

TURNERS FALLS — It’s last call at Pioneer Valley Brewery, which is slated to close on Saturday, May 31.

Real Estate Transactions: May 23, 2025

Christopher Paine sold to Law Land Trust and Robert Law, 326 Main St. $640,000.

A run to remember: 5K run and walk in South Deerfield will honor fallen service members

By CHRIS LARABEE

SOUTH DEERFIELD — The mother of Meaghan Burns, a South Deerfield resident and U.S. Navy corpsman who was murdered in 2019, is bringing back a 5K walk and run this Memorial Day weekend to honor fallen American service members.

PHOTOS: Cruisin’ on two wheels

Write-in Goldman wins Montague Selectboard seat in a landslide

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

MONTAGUE — After launching her write-in campaign 18 days ago, Marina Goldman has secured a three-year term on the Selectboard, ousting incumbent Christopher Boutwell after five terms on the board and beating challenger Edward Voudren.

Franklin County librarians detail modern-day challenges

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

GREENFIELD — Library directors from across Franklin County recently shared their stories of what it means to be a librarian in 2025, a role they say often involves pivoting to tackle unprecedented challenges.

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum to showcase restoration projects as it opens for seaso

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

SHELBURNE FALLS — The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum will open for the season on Saturday, May 24.

Four write-in candidates claim seats in Shelburne; new Selectboard member elected

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

SHELBURNE — With no contested races, Tuesday’s town election ushered in a new Selectboard member, Rodney McBride, and saw write-in votes decide the fate of four positions with no candidates on the ballot.

‘You’re not going to see anything quite like it’: Bernardston Gas Engine Show, Flea Market and Craft Fair returns

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

BERNARDSTON — The Bernardston Gas Engine Show, Flea Market & Craft Fair is back for its 49th year of tractors, treats and community togetherness.

Teens showcase talents: Second annual performing arts showcase planned in Turners Falls

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — After a successful inaugural performance last June, the Franklin County Teen Performing Arts Showcase will return to the Shea Theater Arts Center on Friday, May 23.

Study examines feasibility of 6.7-mile trail connecting Whately, Deerfield, Sunderland and Amherst

By CHRIS LARABEE

SUNDERLAND — While final tweaks and changes are expected before the end of June, residents and the Selectboard got a first look at the feasibility study for the Norwottuck North Shared-Use Path Monday evening.

Greenfield Police Logs: April 28 to May 3, 2025

8:58 a.m. — Report of an unwanted person at the homeless shelter on Arch Place. Male got into his vehicle and left. Clinical & Support Options was advised to seek a no-trespass notice via the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

State board agrees on vocational school admissions reforms

By SAM DRYSDALE

Career technical schools in Massachusetts will use a lottery system to admit students when there are more applicants than available seats, an approach that supporters say will ensure fairness and critics warn will water down education standards.

PHOTO: Windy day on the water in Warwick

Rep. Saunders hears concerns about ICE deportations, health care in virtual town hall

By DOMENIC POLI

WENDELL — Residents voiced concerns about recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehensions and deportations, and support for a Medicare-for-All system and land conservation, during a town hall-style meeting with the Democrat representing the 7th Hampden District on Monday afternoon.

12-year selectman returning to board following Gill election

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GILL — John Ward will return to the Selectboard, having securing the seat in an uncontested race in Monday’s town election.

No surprises in Warwick election

By CHRIS LARABEE

WARWICK — With no contested races, there were no surprises in Monday’s town election.

West County Notebook: May 21, 2025

CHARLEMONT — The Department of Conservation and Recreation will be closing the day use area at the Mohawk Trail State Forest from May 23 through June 6 to accommodate storm damage repair work along the trails.

State plans to close all hotel, motel shelters this summer

By SAM DRYSDALE

The state will close its remaining motel and hotel shelters this summer, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday, as the governor and lawmakers have imposed restrictions on the emergency housing system over the past year and family enrollment has declined.