Amherst

By Trent Levakis | Jun 18, 2024

Holyoke, Amherst receive federal funding for electric school buses

Electric school buses will soon start phasing into Western Massachusetts roads after Holyoke and Amherst were two of 17 districts in the state to be awarded portions of $42 million in federal funding that will enable districts to replace fossil-fueled school buses with cleaner electric models.

Trent Levakis

tlevakis@thereminder.com | + posts

By Ryan Feyre | Jun 18, 2024

Amherst Planning Board discusses overlay district for University Drive

AMHERST — After many months of discussion, the Planning Board is on the verge of officially submitting its recommendation for an overlay district on University Drive between Amity Street and Northampton Road.

Ryan Feyre

rfeyre@thereminder.com | + posts

By Bill Zito | Jun 6, 2024

Western Mass. senators push priorities in budget debate

Following a vigorous May 23 debate session, the nearly $60 billion budget reached unanimous approval by the Massachusetts state Senate. Members adopted more than 400 of the 1,100 amendments filed, resulting in close to $90 million of additional spending with Western Massachusetts lawmakers maintaining the regions stake in funding.

Bill Zito

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By Ryan Feyre | May 31, 2024

Amherst town manager floats idea of using ARPA money for regional school budget

AMHERST — During the Finance Committee meeting on May 28, Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman floated the possibility of using $1 million in one-time American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools fiscal year 2025 budget.

Ryan Feyre

rfeyre@thereminder.com | + posts

By Ryan Feyre | May 31, 2024

Public input welcomed at June forum about new Amherst housing facility

AMHERST — A new project dedicated to mitigating the problem of regional homelessness is currently revving up in Amherst.

Ryan Feyre

rfeyre@thereminder.com | + posts

By Ryan Feyre | May 23, 2024

Committees execute contract with new ARPS superintendent

AMHERST — After officially naming Ericilda Xiomara Herman the district’s new superintendent in late April, the Amherst Pelham Regional Schools School Committee and Union 26 School Committee officially executed a contract with the new superintendent.

Ryan Feyre

rfeyre@thereminder.com | + posts

By Trent Levakis | May 23, 2024

Summer Sips wine tasting to benefit Newman Catholic Center in Amherst

AMHERST — Newman Catholic Center is prepping to host its first ever “Summer Sips” wine tasting event to benefit the ministry of the center on Friday, June 7, from 6-8 p.m. inside the center’s new facility located at 111 Thatcher Rd. on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Trent Levakis

tlevakis@thereminder.com | + posts

By Trent Levakis | May 20, 2024

State approves Valley Green Energy, Amherst leads community choice aggregation

AMHERST — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities’ approved the Valley Green Energy Community Choice Aggregation application, which will now lead to Amherst, Northampton and Pelham having collective buying power to purchase electricity more competitively and increase the amount of renewable energy in the electricity supply.