
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.
-
Issue: February-March 2017
Door slams shut as first refugees arrive
Only two Syrian families make it to Rutland before Trump halts program By C.B. HALLContributing writerand FRED DALEYEditor RUTLAND, Vt. Several hundred people took part in a Jan. 28 vigil in Rutland to express support for allowing Syrian refugees to resettle in the city. The flow of refugees was halted the previous day by read more
-
Issue: February-March 2017
Tuition-free at SUNY: Will private colleges pay?
New state law sends N.Y. districts scrambling to halt exposure to toxin By EVAN LAWENCEContributing writer Students walk to the dormitory built four years ago at SUNY Adirondack, whose campus in Queensbury previously served only day students. The college’s enrollment might grow under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to make public college tuition free for read more
-
Issue: December 2016-January 2017
Tests find lead in schools’ water
New state law sends N.Y. districts scrambling to halt exposure to toxin By EVAN LAWRENCEContributing writer SALEM, N.Y. Five fountains at Salem Central School were removed from service this fall after water tests revealed lead in unsafe concentrations. George Bouret photo The scene at Salem Central School has become a common one this fall read more
-
Issue: December 2016-January 2017
Vote creates fund for preservation in Pittsfield
Pittsfield backs property-tax surcharge that could help save landmarks By JOHN TOWNESContributing writer PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Masonic Temple building on South Street in Pittsfield is for sale, and preservationists say it is among several landmark structures in the city that face an uncertain future. Concern about the demolition or threatened loss of familiar structures read more
-
Issue: December 2016-January 2017
Election 2016 results
Here are the results of the Nov. 6 election for federal and state offices across the region. Winning candidates are in boldface type if the outcome is not in dispute. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk (*).Statewide results for the presidential race are listed in the main table; a separate county-by-county tally of presidential returns read more
-
Issue: November 2016
The greening of November – Growing cover crops for climate
More farms grow cover crops for soil health — and to fight climate change By TRACY FRISCHContributing writer LIVINGSTON, N.Y. David Goldstein, coordinator of the new research project Hudson Carbon, walks through a field with a blend of at least nine different cover crops at Stone House Farm in Livingston, N.Y. The research effort read more
-
Issue: November 2016
Historic house for lease; bring own tools
Live-in curator sought for childhood home of Susan B. Anthony By EVAN LAWRENCEContributing writer GREENWICH, N.Y. New York state acquired the former Susan B. Anthony home in Battenville in 2006 for preservation as a historic site, but the property has stood empty and deteriorating for the past decade. Now, under a recent legal change, read more
-
Issue: November 2016
Berkshires’ path to the future? A network of walking trails
Group aims for 200-mile network of walking trails across county By JOHN TOWNESContributing writer PITTSFIELD, Mass. Olivia’s Overlook, which offers a sweeping view of Stockbridge Bowl from Richmond Mountain Road in Lenox, is among many properties conserved by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The group recently unveiled an ambitious effort to link these sites read more
-
Issue: November 2016
Research center set to reopen at the Clark
New gallery space features exhibit of early photography By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Graduate students and scholars-in-residence are already using the newly renovated Manton Research Center at the Clark Art Institute, but the center will have its grand reopening to the public on the weekend of Nov. 12-13, with exhibits, lectures and a read more
-
Issue: October 2016
Marijuana legalization debate heats up as vote nears
Marijuana legalization debate heats up as vote nears in Mass. By CRAIG IDLEBROOKContributing writer PITTSFIELD, Mass. Judy Harris thinks marijuana would help with pain from her childhood case of polio, but trying to navigate the state’s medical marijuana system proved too frustrating. Now she favors outright legalization. Emily Walsh photo Judy Harris wants pot, read more


