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Greenfield City Council president looks to prioritize EVs with proposed ordinance
GREENFIELD — In an effort to save money, make Greenfield eligible for more state funding and help reduce the city’s carbon footprint, City Council President Lora Wondolowski is proposing an ordinance requiring that departments prioritize energy efficiency when purchasing new vehicles.

Wendell using $3.95M budget after failure of two override questions
WENDELL — Voters gave their blessing to two unrelated Proposition 2½ exemptions during Monday’s elections, but the failure of two override questions means the town is committed to the noncontingent budget approved at Annual Town Meeting.
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Sports

US Canoe and Kayak Association National Marathon Championship begins in Northfield Thursday
By THOMAS JOHNSTON




Opinion
Robert Bourke: A lesson from William Tell
I recently watched the latest movie on William Tell. As most readers know, he was forced to use a crossbow to shoot an apple placed on his son’s head (he was successful). He had to do this because all villagers had to kneel in front of a pole placed at the town center, which held the helmet of the Austrian king who had invaded Switzerland, as a show of obedience to the new ruler. When ordered to do so, William stated: “I bend a knee for no man.” Whereupon the villagers cheered for his brave stance. But he was not just courageous; his response showed it is about standing up for what is right, no matter how hard the cost for doing so. In today’s world how many politicians, lawyers, judges, voters, cabinet members, CEOs, and heads of state could, in total honesty, quote that line? I am afraid there will be no shortage of apples for years to come.

Your Daily Puzzles

An approachable redesign to a classic. Explore our "hints."

A quick daily flip. Finally, someone cracked the code on digital jigsaw puzzles.

Chess but with chaos: Every day is a unique, wacky board.

Word search but as a strategy game. Clearing the board feels really good.

Align the letters in just the right way to spell a word. And then more words.
Business

Greenfield’s Camelot Cat Cafe opening Friday
GREENFIELD — Those looking to kick back with ice cream or a beverage surrounded by feline friends can do so at the Camelot Cat Cafe, believed to be western Massachusetts’ first cat cafe, starting Friday.




Arts & Life

Sounds Local: Howl at the moon with Home Body: Synth-pop duo is joined by Wishbone Zoe at full moon concert, Saturday
On Saturday, Aug. 9, we will experience a Sturgeon Moon, a full moon named by Native Americans after the sturgeon fish that populate the Great Lakes. This particular full moon, also known as a super moon, is believed to represent strength. That same night, the synth-pop duo Home Body will perform their annual free concert at Peskeompskut Park in Turners Falls at 6:30 p.m., so it’s only fitting that they are calling this event “the full moon concert.”
Obituaries

Westwood, MA - Jane Mankowsky, 61, of Westwood, MA passed away the evening of July 28th surrounded by family and friends in Northfield, MA, after a long, well fought battle with cancer. Jane grew up in Turners Falls, MA, the daughter of... remainder of obit for Jane Mankowsky

Fort Myers, FL - Leonard F. Haggerty, 82, of Fort Meyers, FL died peacefully July 4, 2025, at the Holyoke Medical Center. He was born in New York City on February 13, 1943, the son of Leonard J. and Helen (Graves) Haggerty. Len attended... remainder of obit for Leonard F. Haggerty

Turners Falls, MA - Ruth M. Viens passed away at Franklin Medical Center after a brief illness on July 26th, 2025. Born at home in Turners Falls, she was the daughter of the late Lillian Cate and Alphonse SanSoucie, and the wife of the... remainder of obit for Ruth M. Viens

South Deerfield, MA - William Paul Lankarge of South Deerfield, MA, left us on July 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on July 5, 1937, in Greenfield, MA, Billy was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Kuzdeba)Lankarge. Brought up in S... remainder of obit for William Lankarge