Ashfield Road to close for culvert replacements

HAWLEY — Motorists should seek alternate routes for the foreseeable future, as Ashfield Road will be closed for culvert replacements beginning Monday.

Selectboard Chair Will Cosby said the closure will likely last approximately five to eight weeks while the road is being worked on. Road closure and detour signs will be posted.

Cemetery prices to increase in Hawley

HAWLEY — The Selectboard has approved increasing plot prices at town cemeteries to $500, effective Sept. 15.

The $150 increase from the current $350 price will help the town cover maintenance costs for the cemeteries. The town owns four cemeteries, on Forget Road, Plainfield Road, Bozrah Road and Hallockville Road. Members of the Historical Commission, which manages the cemeteries, told the Selectboard that plot prices have not kept up with inflation, and increasing the prices will help cover the costs of mowing and maintaining the properties.

With the price increase, the town is also introducing the option to pay in installments, provided the balance owed on the plot is fully paid by the date of interment.

Special Town Meeting needed for school tuition

COLRAIN — Voters should plan for a fall Special Town Meeting, tentatively set for early November, to address unplanned education costs.

Town Administrator Diana Parsons told the Selectboard Tuesday that the town learned last week that a Colrain student would be attending Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School this school year, and the town owes $21,693 for tuition and $7,931 for transportation. As the town’s budget was set in May, a Special Town Meeting will be needed for voters to approve the unplanned expense.

Ashfield seeks new highway superintendent

ASHFIELD — The Selectboard is seeking candidates for a new highway superintendent to replace Tom Poissant, who plans to retire at the end of the year.

The highway superintendent is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Highway Department and Transfer Station, managing the department’s budget and other related tasks. The salary ranges from $75,000 to $80,000, depending on a candidate’s qualifications.

The full job description and application are available on the town website.