News

A Look Back, March 15

We are informed that the project of a canal from New Haven through Farmington to the Connecticut River at Northampton, which has lain in suspense during the last season, is soon to be revived. Difficulties had arisen from an apprehension of the impracticability of passing the plains on each side of the Westfield valley, and of crossing by an aqueduct the Westfield great river.

Northampton superintendent unveils three budget scenarios for schools next year

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — With memories of contentious debate over the last school budget still fresh on the minds of residents and city officials, Northampton Public Schools Superintendent Portia Bonner has unveiled three prospective paths for next year’s budget.

The Roost set to close in Northampton after 14 years

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

NORTHAMPTON — The Roost, a coffee shop located at the corner of Main and Market streets, announced on social media that it will be closing down permanently, although hinted at a potential new business may be reborn from the closure.

Soft sculptures rise: High school students bring designs of kindergartners alive through ‘stuffie’ arts collaboration

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Entirely knit with black yarn surrounding a foam interior, an enderman, the tall, thin blob seen in the Minecraft video game, is being turned into a three-dimensional form inside a classroom at Amherst Regional High School.

South Hadley mom creates new Girl Scout troop to fill void

By EMILEE KLEIN

SOUTH HADLEY — As a former Girl Scout, Celia Overby hoped her 6-year-old daughter would find a sense of self, responsibility and community with a local troop just as she did during her childhood, but no troop in the area was accepting new scouts her daughter’s age.

Baystate’s visiting nurses take message public after negotiations stall

By Alexander MacDougall

NORTHAMPTON — Locked in contract negotiations for more than a year, Baystate Health’s visiting nurses and their allies are taking their message public.

Around Amherst: School confrontation prompts work on parental code of conduct

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A recent incident at an Amherst school, in which one parent was confronted by other parents in an apparent threatening and harassing manner, is prompting Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman to send a message to families about the importance of being respectful toward each other and developing a Caregiver Code of Conduct.

Photo: Seeds for all at Grow Food Northampton’s Winter Farmer Market

Photos: From bark to art for Hatfield resident

A Look Back, March 14

Special commission gauges climate for Jews in region during visit to WMass

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

Members of the state’s Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism held its fifth meeting this week in the western part of the commonwealth, hearing testimony from local experts and residents, including several from Northampton, on their experience dealing with antisemitism.

Pioneer Valley upgraded to critical drought status, months of sustained precipitation needed

By ALEXA LEWIS

Despite a recent increase in precipitation, the Connecticut River Valley region has been designated as experiencing critical drought conditions, which will continue to persist until sustained precipitation over a much longer period of time is able to restore water table levels.

Amherst regional school board seeking to limit staff cuts by boosting spending

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — In advance of a final fiscal year 2026 budget proposal for the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools being brought forward for an anticipated School Committee vote Friday, a three-member subcommittee is recommending preserving almost all student-facing positions at the high school and middle school by restoring $696,000 in possible cuts.

Hatfield Housing Authority board presses for removal of ‘toxic’ member

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HATFIELD — A member of the Hatfield Housing Authority who’s been absent from every meeting since September, not up to date on mandated state training, and whose behavior has concerned colleagues could be removed from the panel by the Select Board, pending a hearing later this month.

Federal judge orders White House to rehire probationary workers let go in mass firings across multiple agencies

By JANIE HAR

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge in San Francisco ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to rehire thousands, if not tens of thousands, of probationary workers let go in mass firings across multiple agencies, blasting their tactics Thursday as he slowed the new president’s dramatic downsizing of the federal government.

E-bike battery explodes in Holyoke apartment, prompting fire officials to issue safety advisory

By Staff Report

Area briefs: Marking spring equinox at UMass Sunwheel; Treehouse to host ‘Women Leading Change’ panel; Holyoke launches wayfinding sign survey

AMHERST — The public is invited to celebrate the spring equinox, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, at the standing stones of the UMass Amherst Sunwheel on Thursday, March 20, at 6:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Compassionate barbers: Easthampton shop Hero Barber is growing thanks to its inclusive atmosphere

By ALEXA LEWIS

EASTHAMPTON — What started out as a men’s gifts and grooming shop in Northampton has become a bustling barbershop in Easthampton that prides itself on its inclusive practices and atmosphere.

Area property deed transfers, March 14

AMHERST