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Just wondering if it bothers others that the predominant descriptor for “intelligence” has now become “artificial.” I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising in a time when opinions trump genuine knowledge or understanding. But just a wee suggestion: When waking up to smell the roses, please make sure they’re not plastic; having dust up your nose can be quite off-putting.

By LYNNE MAN, NANCY POLAN and DALE LABONTE

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A New Hampshire timber company has closed on a massive land buy of nearly 2,400 acres in seven communities in Hampshire and Franklin counties, acquiring five parcels for more than $20 million from Amherst-based W.D. Cowls Inc.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Moments before a Danvers resident appeared ready to end his own life on the morning of Jan. 1, a Shutesbury police sergeant located the man’s vehicle parked off Route 202 and engaged in a conversation that convinced him to remain alive, and then be brought to a hospital for needed physical and mental help.

By EVELINE MACDOUGALL

Over the last few decades, many people felt inspired to learn skills that were common in earlier times. The recent pandemic era nudged even more people to take up practices like baking sourdough bread, knitting, building furniture, and a mind-boggling number of other pursuits. Tutorials are readily available through libraries and on the internet, but there are limits, right? We’re unlikely to find hobbyists handcrafting cars, building computers from scratch, or making their own shoes.

I am writing in support of Bruce Spencer’s Dec. 10 column regarding the “People’s Pines” [“Are these the ‘King’s Pines’ or the ‘People’s Pines’?” His article questioned the current plans of state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to cut...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — A lawyer whose earlier professional life included covering land-use boards as a news reporter will be joining the town’s Conservation Commission, despite objections from some residents that the appointment could create complications for...

Dog licensing going on in Orange ORANGE — Dog licensing for 2025 has begun at the Town Clerk’s Office. Licensing will take place until March 31. Starting April 1, there will be a $50 late fee per unlicensed dog. State law requires all dogs to be...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Residents, town officials and the legislative delegation are raising concerns about a proposed forest management plan for land at the edge of the Quabbin Reservoir that could involve removing many tall white pines using large equipment...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Already facing a possible $1.26 million deficit in next year’s $37.54 million operating budget for the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools, officials from the four member towns are divided on the best approach for both closing that gap and...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Kestrel Land Trust is permanently protecting a forest featuring more than 200 acres of white pine and mixed hardwoods on Montague Road, where a centuries-old dam was removed over the summer.A $327,000 grant from the Executive Office of...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — A general town bylaw creating a licensing process for large-scale battery storage in Shutesbury has been struck down by the state Attorney General’s Office, for both unreasonably regulating renewable energy and improperly regulating...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Appealing to the state Legislature to allow noncitizens who live in Shutesbury the right vote in local elections, becoming a pollinator-friendly town and providing some money to rebuild the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School track will...

On behalf of the Back from the Brink campaign (www.preventnuclearwar.org), I want to thank U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern for his steadfast leadership in confronting the existential threat to humanity posed by nuclear weapons. All of his constituents, and...

SHUTESBURY — To continue raising money for the new library now being constructed, the second annual Roadtown Turkey Trot 5K will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, with a timed run/walk starting at 9 a.m. and a shorter Kids’ Fun Run set for 9:30 a.m.The...

By DOMENIC POLI

Despite the presidential election having passed, reports of stolen or damaged political lawn signs appear to be continuing in some areas of Franklin County.After a rash of incidents on Montague and Old Wendell roads, Shutesbury Police Chief Kristin...

By CHRIS LARABEE

SUNDERLAND — With a contract executed by the Selectboard, Sunderland’s next town administrator will step into the role on Nov. 12.Rebecca Torres, Shutesbury’s longtime town administrator, will serve in Sunderland’s position following a search process...

By DOMENIC POLI

NEW SALEM — The 1794 Meetinghouse’s executive director plans to step down at the end of the year, feeling he no longer has the time the 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts center requires.Brad Foster was appointed to the part-time position 10½ years...

By CHRIS LARABEE

SUNDERLAND — After four consecutive interviews with finalists for the vacant town administrator position, the Selectboard has settled on Shutesbury Town Administrator Rebecca Torres.In a unanimous vote, the Sunderland Selectboard voted to put forward...

By MATTEO PANGALLO

 It is difficult to imagine a more condescending and erroneous take on Question 2 than the one Ed Lambert of the Boston-based pro-business group Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education attempts to articulate in his Oct. 5 letter [“Weakening...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — An open-air gazebo is being proposed to protect the town common’s historic guideboard, an artifact that dates to 1837 and continues to be refurbished and restored at the Williamstown Art Conservation Center.While the Historical Commission...