District Court Logs, Aug. 28 to Sept. 4, 2018

Greenfield, Aug. 28, Judge William F. Mazanec IIIDaniel F. Burrell, 49, Union Street, Greenfield.Found responsible for disturbing the peace, Fined $50.Tony Carr, 41, Orange.Charge of assault and battery on a family/household member. Placed on pretrial...

Renaissance Community members find the love is still there, 50 years later

By DAVID McLELLAN

MONTAGUE — The Brotherhood of the Spirit was many different things over its 20-year lifetime.It was first and foremost a commune, part of the New Age and hippie movements, but it was also the organization that ran several local businesses, including...

A bicycle built for you: Old factory houses custom-bike maker

By DIANE BRONCACCIO

SHELBURNE FALLS — Like Goldilocks, you can’t be too picky about finding a bicycle that is “just right” — especially if you take it on a 750-mile ride.That’s why the riders of custom bikes made by Alex Meade may spend a few hours on an adjustable...

Greenfield, July 26, Judge Laurie MacleodCarmen Luna, 53, Springfield. Three counts of identity fraud. Must pay $150 counsel fee. Released on personal recognizance, $150 counsel fee. Continued until 9/6/18 for pretrial conference.Ieremia V. Sinigur,...

Matt Kim looks back on a life of rock

By DAN DESROCHERS

GREENFIELD — With metal, as in the likes of Iron Maiden, not iron, Matt Kim just feels better.Listening to the soul-thumping drums, driving bass lines, and most importantly, high-octane guitar riffs, keeps Kim grounded. He found a permanency in metal,...

1970s Aerosmith tour van found in western Massachusetts

By FRAN RYAN

CHESTERFIELD — The original Aerosmith tour van that rested in the woods of Chesterfield was a well-kept secret from most residents. Select Board member Robert Recos and his wife, Nancy, however, accidentally became aware of the iconic vehicle more...

Deerfield man charged with secret recording

By JOSHUA SOLOMON

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Three town employees were recorded without their consent by a resident who has a no-trespass order to enter Town Hall, according to charges filed by the Deerfield Police Department in district court.Michael Killeen, 38, of Sunderland...

District Court Logs, July 27, 2018

Orange, June 28, Judge David S. Ross Randy J. Balchuinas, 49, of Phillipston, Ma. Found guilty following a jury trial for assault and battery on family/household member, subsequent offense, sentenced to one-year in the house of correction, suspended,...

UMass-Amherst local spring 2018 graduates

AMHERST — Approximately 5,500 students received bachelor’s degrees in more than 100 majors at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Undergraduate Commencement on May 11 at the McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Below is a list of students from Franklin...

80 years later, Quabbin Reservoir a wildlife haven

By DAVID McLELLAN

NEW SALEM — In 1938, four Massachusetts towns bustled with farmers and factory workers along the Swift River. However, in April of that year, Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott all would be disincorporated and drowned in the creation of the Quabbin...

District Court Logs, May 29 to June 5, 2018

Greenfield, May 29, Judge William Mazanec III Alexandra B. Brewer, 23, of Holyoke. Pleaded guilty to shoplifting at Yankee Candle in Deerfield. Sentenced to 120 days in the house of correction, direct, with credit for time held, and concurrent with a...

Deerfield Academy graduates Class of 2018

By CHRISTIE WISNIEWSKI 

DEERFIELD — Girls in white dresses and boys in suits grinned as they lined the sidewalk at Deerfield Academy, making way for a bagpiper and drum and fife ensemble to usher in the big day.The drizzly Sunday was made brighter by the joyful spirits of...

District Court Logs, May 4-15, 2018

Orange, May 4, Judge David S. Ross Krysty L. Walsh, 31, of Daniel Shays Highway, Orange. Pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug, to wit, methadone, sentenced to 90 days in the house of correction, direct, and given credit for time held. Charge of...

Home of the Thunder: Turners Falls High School chooses new mascot

By DAVID McLELLAN

MONTAGUE — After months of debate and controversy, Turners Falls High School has chosen a new mascot.The Gill-Montague Regional School Committee voted unanimously Friday to adopt “Thunder” as the school’s mascot and sports nickname, replacing...

Hart, Smith get life without parole for Orange double murder

By DAVID McLELLAN

GREENFIELD — Joshua Hart and Brittany Smith will spend their lives behind bars for murdering an elderly couple in Orange.Judge John Agostini gave each Hart, 25, and Smith, 29, both of Athol, two life sentences without the possibility of parole, to be...

District Court Logs, April 23 to 27, 2018

Greenfield, April 23, Judge William Mazanec III Peter M. Falandes, 18, of Shelburne Falls Road, Conway. Pleaded guilty to failure to stop for police, different date from previous case. Fined $100. Admitted to sufficient facts for negligent operation...

District Court Logs, March 27n to April 3, 2018

Orange, March 27, Judge David S. Ross Clayton S. Kessler, 25, of High Knob Road, Athol. Pleaded innocent to assault and battery, improper storage of a firearm, possessing a firearm without a firearms identification card, possessing a Class A drug, to...

Northfield admin on leave, FBI called following ongoing issues over emails

By MAX MARCUS

NORTHFIELD — Town Administrator Willie Morales’ access to police emails is drawing scrutiny within the town and has police Chief Robert Leighton reaching out to state agencies and the FBI.Since the issue arose last week, the Selectboard has revised...

Colrain man wins $15 million

COLRAIN — Gary Herzig of Colrain bought a $30 ticket from the F.L. Roberts service station at 63 Main St., Greenfield, and came away a millionaire.Herzig, 58, is the second $15 million grand prize winner in the state lottery’s 200X instant game,...

Gallery closes after 25 years

SHELBURNE FALLS — After 25 years, the Young & Constantin Gallery at 4 Deerfield Ave. has closed and is making way for a new boutique store that will specialize in fashion and home accessories.Owner and artist Kathleen Young has sold the gallery...