‘Always go for your goals’: 30 students achieve high school equivalency credentials in Greenfield ceremony

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — Thirty students who achieved their high school equivalency credentials were honored Thursday, as they were urged to continue their learning journey.

Western Mass legislators urge PILOT formula reform

By CHRIS LARABEE

BOSTON — State Rep. Natalie Blais and Sen. Jo Comerford are urging the Healey-Driscoll administration to reform the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) formula for state-owned land, which they say “shortchanges” rural counties, while rewarding those in urban and suburban areas.

Greenfield Police Logs: April 22 to April 27, 2025

6:34 a.m. — Theft of a 2004 Honda Civic reported on Devens Street. Report issued.

Healey urges Congress to reject SNAP cuts

By CHRIS LARABEE

In a letter to Congress, Gov. Maura Healey is urging lawmakers to reject changes proposed by Republicans to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would shift much of the expense to the states, which would cost a minimum of $131.4 million annually and potentially as much as $650 million.

Mohawk Trail, Hawlemont school committees support further exploration of single-campus model

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

BUCKLAND — Implementing a single-campus model for the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional school districts is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Lifelong Shelburne resident seeks Selectboard seat

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

SHELBURNE — Rodney McBride, 69, is seeking a three-year term on the Selectboard in an uncontested race.

‘The community needed this’: Franklin Tech celebrates new veterinary and animal sciences building

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — Franklin County Technical School’s $1.5 million veterinary and animal sciences building, providing a new home for the program’s students and instructors, has been fully operational since the start of 2025.

Eggtooth Productions presents ‘Orlando’

By GUSTAVO ATENCIO FLORES

NORTHAMPTON — For one night only, Eggtooth Productions is putting on a production of Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando” at the Academy of Music.

Shutesbury police chief on leave

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Police Chief Kristin Burgess is taking a leave of absence from her position overseeing the department, according to an email sent by the Selectboard to residents Thursday night.

Conway art show to raise money for Franklin Land Trust

By CHRIS LARABEE

CONWAY — With a deep love for the natural land of western Massachusetts serving as her artistic muse, a local artist is opening up her studio this weekend to raise money for the Franklin Land Trust’s conservation efforts.

Former Selectboard member looks to regain seat in Gill election

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GILL — Former Gill Selectboard member John Ward is seeking to return to the board for a three-year term in an uncontested race.

No contested races in Warwick’s election

By CHRIS LARABEE

WARWICK — For the second consecutive year, there are no contested races in the town election.

Dog shelter hearing continued to June 9 in Deerfield

By CHRIS LARABEE

DEERFIELD — The Zoning Board of Appeals, at the applicant’s request, continued the public hearing on two special permits for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter’s proposed new location to June 9.

Push on to protect Native heritage: Indigenous leaders gather with legislators to support five-bill agenda

By SAMUEL GELINAS

BOSTON — Indigenous leaders took the podium in the State House this week to voice united support for five pieces of legislation filed on behalf on their communities, including bills that would say goodbye to Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day and bar the use of Indigenous-themed mascots in public schools.

Police remove Greenfield man from Elm Street house after 6-hour standoff

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — After a six-hour police standoff, Franklin County Regional Special Response Team officers apprehended Greenfield resident William Judd, who was alleged to have been armed and barricaded himself in an Elm Street home Friday morning.

Beacon Hill Roll Call: May 5 to May 9, 2025

By BOB KATZEN

Greenfield School Committee resolution seeks extra $350K in FY26 budget

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — School Committee members voted 4-2 to provide a resolution to City Council requesting that $350,000 be added to the School Department’s fiscal year 2026 budget as Mayor Ginny Desorgher maintains her commitment to a conservative budget amid rising insurance costs and uncertain state and federal funding.

Former Leyden police chief must pay nearly $11K in larceny case

By DOMENIC POLI

GREENFIELD — A former Leyden police chief must pay $10,950 in restitution after having been found in possession of town-owned equipment received through a program that transfers excess military equipment to nonmilitary law enforcement agencies.

Greenfield Notebook: May 16, 2025

GREENFIELD — Dogs and their human companions will unite on Sunday, May 18, at 11 a.m. for the annual Mutts and Mayhem obstacle course at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. All proceeds benefit Paws Park on Petty Plain Road.

West County Notebook: May 16, 2025

SHELBURNE FALLS — Alumni are advised that if they did not receive the notification about the Arms Academy Association Reunion, to contact Marlene Peck Field at 7 Laurel St., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 or 413-834-1106.