Students on the Simon's Rock campus gather at the library in preparation for the Bard Queer Leadership Project. Press photo courtesy of Bard College at Simon's Rock

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:

    Downtown revival with a social mission — Pittsfield project aims for cooperative ownership

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    Pittsfield project aims for cooperative ownership of businesses, real estate   A coalition of nonprofit groups aims to transform a block of buildings opposite Pittsfield City Hall into a revitalized urban hub, starting with the reopening of the King Kone ice cream shop as an employee-owned cooperative. Susan Sabino photo   By JOHN TOWNESContributing writer read more

    Downtown revival with a social mission — Pittsfield project aims for cooperative ownership
  • Issue:

    Local House members differ on speaker choice

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    Molinaro’s shifting stance draws questions as 2024 looms By MAURY THOMPSONContributing writer   The 22-day fight among Republicans over the selection of a new House speaker could have ramifications for next year’s elections in New York, where U.S. Rep. Marcus Molinaro is among five GOP freshman defending swing districts for a party increasingly dominated by read more

    Local House members differ on speaker choice
  • Issue:

    Local and organic — winter produce gives rise to a food store

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    Couple’s winter produce operation gave rise to full-fledged food store   Kaleb Myers and his father, Tim Myers, gather fresh greens from their farm to supply Old Saratoga Mercantile, the family’s storefront on Route 29 just west of Schuylerville, N.Y. Joan K. Lentini photo   By STACEY MORRISContributing writer SARATOGA, N.Y. At first glance, the read more

    Local and organic — winter produce gives rise to a food store
  • Issue:

    Legislator’s clout no match for unwritten rule

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    It was a generally quiet day at the state capital. “There was little of interest in the sessions of either house of the Legislature yesterday,” The Argus of Albany reported on Feb. 8, 1894. “The liveliest fight of all was over Mr. Hobbie’s bill granting permission for the erection of a free bridge over the read more

    Legislator’s clout no match for unwritten rule
  • Issue:

    Election 2023

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    Voters in N.Y., Mass. to decide local races By FRED DALEYEditor   Mayoral races in Pittsfield, North Adams, Troy and Saratoga Springs are headlining a host of local contests as voters cast ballots for a Nov. 7 general election across New York and in the cities of Massachusetts. Voters in Columbia County will be choosing read more

    Election 2023
  • Issue:

    Pulitzer-winning ‘English’ explores dreams, fears inside Iran

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    Pulitzer-winning ‘English’ explores dreams, fears inside Iran   The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi is playing one of the parts in Barrington Stage’s production of “English,” which runs through Oct. 15. Courtesy photo   By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer PITTSFIELD, Mass. Four students walk into a classroom in a city in the mountains. Tonight, they’ve come read more

    Pulitzer-winning ‘English’ explores dreams, fears inside Iran
  • Issue:

    High culture, low pay — Local arts groups push for change

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    Local arts groups shine light on their own workplaces in push for change       By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. Guitars strum and fireflies gleam in the meadow. Actors are falling in love every night, and stages large and small are alive with dance and music. It’s summer in the Berkshires. But read more

    High culture, low pay — Local arts groups push for change
  • Issue:

    Region’s power grids face new stresses

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    Shift to clean energy means more demand, changing supplies   Many experts say the current power grids in New York and New England are inadequate to support the region’s planned shift away from fossil fuels. But for now it’s hard to predict exactly where additional capacity will be needed. Joan K. Lentini photo   By read more

    Region’s power grids face new stresses
  • Issue:

    At a farm for horses, a spa for people

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    Luxury wellness center shares address with equine rehabilitation facility Abby Melfi welcomes guests at the entrance to Sacred Spa, a luxury wellness center she created in a converted horse barn. Joan K. Lentini photo   By STACEY MORRISContributing writer NORTHUMBERLAND, N.Y. Abby Melfi was in her element as she strode through the quiet hallways of read more

    At a farm for horses, a spa for people
  • Issue:

    Closed to deliveries? Community rallies to save birthing center

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    Community rallies to save Rensselaer County’s last birthing center   Emily Steinbach, right, her wife, Michele, and daughter Eleanor take part in a rally last month against the proposed closing of Burdett Birth Center, the only remaining medical facility in Rensselaer County where expectant mothers can give birth. Victoria Kereszi photo   By TRACY FRISCHContributing read more

    Closed to deliveries? Community rallies to save birthing center