News
Here are the Hill Country Observer’s news articles, listed from newest to oldest. The Hill Country Observer covers town events, local government, community stories and more — from public health to housing to education and freedom of mind in New York, Vermont and Western Massachusetts.
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A big gap to fill – Food systems face a test as major SNAP cuts begin
Local food systems are facing rising pressure since the federal administration and Republican legislators have withdrawn or held up Millions in federal funding, in the Republican budget bill in July and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the fall and in the future. read more
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Issue: December 2025-January 2026
Which way New York?
Democratic and Republican analysts consider the consequences as U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik declares her candidacy for Governor. — By Maury Thompson read more
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Issue: December 2025-January 2026
Once tenants, now owners
This fall, a group of residents of Lake Onota Village, a mobile home park off Valentine Road on the west side of Pittsfield, joined together to buy the park for $5.5 million. — By John Townes read more
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Issue: December 2025-January 2026
Election reshapes local governments in Mass., N.Y.
Voters in the Nov. 4 general election chose new mayors to lead the cities of Hudson and Glens Falls while re-electing incumbent mayors and turning over city council seats in North Adams and Saratoga Springs. read more
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Issue: October 2025
Health center fills a rural gap
Salem Family Health works to make services more accessible to people in southern Washington County. — By Maury Thompson read more
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Issue: October 2025
Elections 2025
Mayor’s races lead local contests in N.Y., Mass. By FRED DALEY Editor Mayoral races in Hudson, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and North Adams are headlining a host of local contests as voters cast ballots in the Nov. 4 general election across New York and in the cities of Massachusetts. Voters in Columbia County will be read more
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Issue: October 2025
Will wolves roam again?
David Gibson, managing partner of the environmental group Adirondack Wild, is participating in the Northeast Wolf Recovery Alliance to promote the recovery and protection of wolves across the Northeast and in eastern Canada. — By Maury Thompson read more
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Issue: August-September 2025
Assets 4 Artists goes independent
The creative organization, which began as a program of Mass MoCA, will become an independent, regional nonprofit — By Kate Abbott read more
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Issue: August-September 2025
The divide over dirt roads
After months of controversy, officials in Hillsdale plan to pave a rural road – over the objections of most of the people who live along it. — By John Townes read more
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Issue: August-September 2025
Vermont starts major overhaul of education
Vermont’s political leaders have embarked on a plan to dramatically reshape the state’s education system over the next few years by sharply reducing the number of school districts while giving the state more control over districts’ spending. The state Senate and House each gave final approval to the controversial education reform plan on June 16, read more