Local news
Greenfield
Franklin County, Massachusetts
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Greenfield School Committee ponders purchasing The Center School
The Greenfield School Committee voted Monday to explore buying The Center School’s 30-acre campus after the independent school announced it will close in June 2027. The mayor and superintendent will assess whether the…
Greenfield Ways and Means Committee recommends staying with single tax rate
The Greenfield Ways and Means Committee has recommended that the City Council maintain a single tax rate for the upcoming year. Following discussions with Assessing Director Christina Summers, the committee opted…
Greenfield man faces gun charges
A Greenfield man is facing multiple criminal charges following his arrest for the illegal possession of a loaded firearm and a large-capacity ammunition feeding device. Authorities also allege that the suspect failed to…
'Voices of Young Peacemakers' event in Greenfield shares stories of courage, kinship
Greenfield Human Rights Commission Chair Nate Woodard and former state representative candidate Corinne Coryat spoke at the Voices of Young Peacemakers gathering at Greenfield Public Library last week. Organized by…
High engagement fuels strong voter turnout in Franklin County, North Quabbin region
Voter turnout in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region was unusually high in the 2026 midterms, according to figures reported by 26 municipalities. The average turnout was 65.07%, while Ashfield recorded 73% and…
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Most Franklin County school districts saw attendance gains in 2025-26
Eight of 11 public school districts and supervisory unions in Franklin County improved attendance in the 2025–26 school year, according to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education data. All 11 were…
Greenfield Planning Board talks steps for battery energy storage system, data center regulations
Greenfield Planning Director Ella Wise is preparing ordinances to regulate battery energy storage systems and data centers, while the Planning Board considers changes to clean-energy permitting. The city is also…
My Turn: A feeling of genuine hope, even for skeptics
Steve Fox reflects on last Tuesday’s election and the unexpected optimism of two friends who believed Democrats could regain control of Congress. He admits he doubted voters and polling, then considers what the result…
A different kind of grilled cheese sandwich
Food writer Tinky Weisblat shares a cranberry-chipotle grilled cheese sandwich and reflects on how books and television can inspire cooking. She contrasts food-centered stories, including culinary mysteries, with films…
Mary Collins: Tom Ricardi a gracious presence
A letter to the editor praises Tom Ricardi for his dedicated work in rescuing and healing birds of prey in Franklin County. The author highlights Ricardi's gracious presence and the positive impact he has on the local…
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Trace L Hentz: Landline phone is a necessity
In an opinion piece, resident Trace L. Hentz argues that landline telephone service should be treated as a basic, affordable utility in Massachusetts. The author criticizes telecommunications corporations for phasing…
Where to celebrate Veterans Day in Franklin County
Franklin County communities are preparing for Veterans Day events to honor those who served. Scheduled activities include a new monument dedication in Gill, a ceremony at Soldiers Memorial Park in Turners Falls, and a…
'We're in sticker shock': Towns seek state aid for Franklin Tech building project
Municipalities in Franklin County are urging the Massachusetts School Building Authority to reform reimbursement formulas following voter approval of a $236.6 million project for the Franklin County Technical School…
Greenfield fair highlights options for curbing energy use, reducing costs
The third annual Franklin County Energy Fair was held at the John Zon Community Center in Greenfield, offering residents information on sustainable energy and cost-saving upgrades. As heating oil and gas prices rise…
MIAA girls soccer: Franklin Tech advances with win over Tech Boston Academy in Div. 5 prelims
The 30th-seeded Franklin Tech girls soccer team advanced to the Round of 32 in the MIAA Division 5 state tournament after a 5-1 victory over Tech Boston Academy on Sunday. The Eagles, who have won seven of their last…
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Greenfield Community College lauded for clean energy workforce development
Greenfield Community College has been honored with the 2026 Clean Energy Workforce Development Champion Award by the Alliance for Climate Transition. The recognition highlights the college's commitment to preparing…
Bulletin Board: Four Rivers boys soccer repeats as RVAL champions
The Four Rivers Charter School boys soccer team secured their second consecutive River Valley Athletic League championship by defeating the Putney School 3-0 on October 31. Silas Kopera led the scoring with two goals…
Greenfield Planning Board approves new downtown design guidelines
The Greenfield Planning Board has unanimously approved new downtown design guidelines and associated zoning changes. The proposal, aimed at promoting high-quality building design and consistent development standards…
High engagement fuels strong voter turnout in Franklin County, North Quabbin region
Franklin County and the North Quabbin region saw exceptionally high voter turnout during the 2026 midterm elections, significantly exceeding historical state averages. In Ashfield, turnout reached 73%, while the…
'Warm the Children fits right in with our mission': Greenfield Kiwanis Club gives $6K to support winter clothing drive
The Greenfield Kiwanis Club has donated $6,000 to the 'Warm the Children' charity, an annual initiative providing winter clothing and footwear to local children in need. The funds were raised primarily through the…
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'An idea that everyone can get behind': Second annual Freedom 5K set for Sunday in Greenfield
The second annual Freedom 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, in Greenfield. Organized by Marine Corps veteran and priest Rev. John Williams, the event aims to honor military veterans through fitness and…
Lew La Chance: Be courteous on the road
A local resident has penned a letter to the editor urging drivers in Greenfield to practice greater courtesy and patience on the road. The author expresses concern over a perceived decline in road sharing and mutual…
Tom Travis: Celebrate Veterans Day
The town of Greenfield is preparing to honor veterans with a parade and a ceremony at Veterans Mall on November 11. Residents are encouraged to line the parade route to show their appreciation for those who have served…
Turners Falls man gets prison time for robbery, injuring officer
A Turners Falls man, Brenden C. Jacobs, has been sentenced to three years in state prison for a 2024 gas station robbery and assaulting a police officer. Jacobs pleaded guilty in Franklin County Superior Court to…
Greenfield's Real Pickles wins manufacturing award after 25 years of sustainable growth
Greenfield-based Real Pickles has been named Manufacturer of the Year for the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District. The cooperative was recognized for its 25 years of sustainable growth and commitment to…
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Lora Wondolowski handily wins state rep. seat serving 1st Franklin District
Democrat Lora Wondolowski has won the election for the 1st Franklin District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Wondolowski secured a landslide victory with 14,211 votes against Independent candidate…
Arts Briefs: Book talks, an introduction to the art of Zentangle and more
The GCC Community Chorus will perform 'Songs of North America' on November 8 at the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield. The concert features folk songs and choral works from Canada, Mexico, and the U.S…
Lora Wondolowski in the lead for state rep. seat
Democratic candidate Lora Wondolowski has taken a significant lead in the race for the 1st Franklin District state representative seat. With 82% of votes counted, Wondolowski leads Independent Amy Lavallee by 8,652…
Lori Streeter takes commanding lead in Franklin County sheriff's race
Interim Sheriff Lori Streeter has taken a commanding lead in the Franklin County sheriff's race, with 18,590 votes compared to 5,168 for Jon Hall and 3,151 for Gary Gagnon, based on results from 19 of 26 municipalities…