CHARLEMONT — The Charlemont and Hawley boards of selectmen and finance committees are meeting tonight at the Hawlemont Regional School to discuss the future of the two-town ambulance service. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a “Plan B” — what to do about ambulance service when the license for the current volunteer ambulance service expires in June, and if Charlemont does not have new revenue from a recreation tax by the end of this fiscal year.
The ambulance has been running with a waiver from a state requirement that at least two EMTs (emergency medical technicians) respond to each call, but that waiver expires in June. A proposed legislative amendment that volunteer ambulance services in sparse rural areas only be required to respond with one EMT was not enacted in the last legislative session. Nor was a town-approved 3 percent recreation tax, which would have been used to improve the ambulance service, which is used by both town residents and outdoor recreation centers in both towns.
COLRAIN — Mohawk Trail Regional School District’s BEST Committee will present its long-range proposal for Mohawk schools, including Colrain Central, at a community meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Colrain Central School.
BEST stands for “Building Education Sustainability and Trust,” and this committee is looking for ways to cut educational costs without cutting quality in a school district that has lost 45 percent of its enrollment over the last 15 years.
If the school district population continues to decline or stagnate, one of the recommendations is to close Colrain Central as early as fall 2018, and to house all the Mohawk elementary students at Buckland Shelburne Elementary in Shelburne Falls and in Sanderson Academy in Ashfield. However, all the proposals will require approval by all eight Mohawk member towns.
HAWLEY — The state’s open burning season began Jan. 15. Residents who obtain a burning permit from the fire department may burn brush on their property provided the fire is at least 75 feet from a structure. Only brush can be burned, not grass, leaves, household trash, demolition materials or other waste. Permits are good for only the day they are issued, and all fires must be out by dark.
Permits will only be issued during safe burning conditions. Also, due to state air pollution regulations, the town cannot issue permits on some otherwise safe days for burning if atmospheric conditions make smoke likely to hang low and not rise.
If there isn’t snow cover, residents burning brush should have a pail of water or charged hose if possible to help keep the fire under control. The fire must be attended until it is out — any unattended fires reported to the fire department will be put out. If you feel that your fire is getting out of control — call 911 and the fire department will come and help get it under control.
To get a burning permit in Hawley, call either Greg Cox at 339-5526, Bob Root at 339-5592, or Dan Hoyt at 339-8650 on the day you want to burn.
Anyone burning without a permit can be fined by both the town and by the state.
Agricultural burning is allowed year-round with a permit from the Fire Department, if fire conditions are safe.
SHELBURNE FALLS — Do you know someone who has demonstrated inspired leadership and involvement in community projects? Has this person earned the respect of their town and community for their contributions?
Nominate him or her for the Marvin J. Shippee Community Service Award. The Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association is accepting nominations through March 31. The award recipient will be honored at the GSFABA’s Spring Breakfast on May 5.
For more information, and to fill out a nomination form, go online to: gsfaba.org or pick up a form at the Business Association’s office, 75 Bridge St.
SHELBURNE FALLS — Every year, the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association awards a $500 scholarship to up to two graduating seniors. Eligible applicants must live in one of the towns served by the GSFABA and have a strong interest in pursuing a career in business or a related field (marketing, trade, agriculture, engineering, etc.).
For more information and to download an application, go online to gsfaba.org or pick up an application at the GSFABA office, 75 Bridge St. Applications must be sent by March 31 to the Business Association through the student’s school guidance office.