On April 3, Indivisible Northampton and local activists gathered on King Street to protest Citizens Bank’s financial ties to companies that operate ICE detention facilities. Read more: thereminder.com/local-news/...
#northampton #northamptonma #hamp #noho #hampshirecounty #protest #ice

Development Authority moves to pursue rail‑spur grant for Romney Industrial Park; large local match likely The county’s Development Authority authorized preliminary work on a Christie rail‑infrastructure grant to build a rail spur into Romney Industrial Park. An engineering estimate put full buildout near $19.5 million; a 20% match could mean a $3–$3.5 million local share, and the authority committed small seed funding to secure a concept design.

Hampshire County is gearing up to secure a $19.5 million grant for a new rail spur that could transform the Romney Industrial Park and boost local investment!

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#HampshireCounty #WV #RailSafety #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #HampshireCountyIndustrialPark

A blue and teal hiring graphic with a yellow “Now Hiring” burst. Text: Rape Crisis Specialist Provide support and advocacy to people in Hampshire County impacted by violence. Training provided. Button: Application at umass.edu/cwc Footer: Supporting Survivors | 413‑545‑0800

Join team CWC! More information at umass.edu/cwc
#hampshirecounty #massachusetts #amherst

Hampshire County authorizes petition to intervene in NextEra’s Morrill Transmission Line case The commission voted to authorize President Brill to sign and file a petition for leave to intervene in NextEra’s Morrill Transmission Line proceeding at the West Virginia Public Service Commission so the county can access filings, call witnesses and preserve future options.

Hampshire County takes a stand in the Morrill Transmission Line Project, ensuring local voices are heard and options preserved for the future.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #EnergyPolicy #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #HampshireCountyTransmission

Hampshire County commission rejects immediate EMS authority; votes to pursue communication fixes after heated HCSA debate After resignations and staffing strain at Hampshire County Search & Rescue/EMS, commissioners debated a proposed reform resolution and instead approved a plan to revamp advisory boards and improve interagency communication, with a target timeline for proposals and reporting.

Hampshire County commissioners faced intense debate over recent EMS leadership resignations, ultimately opting for communication improvements instead of sweeping reforms.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyManagement #CommunityCommunication

Hampshire County names interim emergency‑services leaders and delays vote on governance overhaul At a Jan. 30 special meeting, the Hampshire County Commission appointed interim HCSA leaders and an interim emergency‑management director, but tabled a proposed resolution to create a stakeholder board to oversee emergency‑services policy pending legal review and further study.

Hampshire County takes a cautious step forward by appointing interim emergency-services leaders while putting a vital governance overhaul on hold for further review.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #GovernanceReform #HampshireCountyEmergencyServices #EmergencyManagement #PublicSafety

Hampshire County emergency-services leaders resign after suspension and criminal charges, volunteers warn of safety risks Two senior emergency-management officials announced resignations at a Jan. 27 Hampshire County Commission meeting after the county disciplined a chief over alleged unauthorized access to the 9-1-1 system; volunteers and commissioners warned the departures may harm response capacity as leaders schedule follow-up meetings.

Hampshire County's emergency services are in crisis as two senior officials resign amid allegations of misconduct, raising serious concerns about public safety and response capabilities.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #HampshireCountyEmergencyServices #CrisisManagement #PublicSafety

The Hatfield Rally House is a new home base for tennis and pickleball players looking to hone their skills. Hold serve at thereminder.com!
#hampshirecounty #Hatfield #tennis #pickleball #westernmass #westernma #reminderpublishing #wearehometownnews

Commission approves tri-county MOU and $20,000 annual contribution for day-report center The commission approved a tri-county memorandum of understanding and agreed to continue an annual $20,000 contribution to the South Branch Valley Day Report Center to maintain community-based alternatives to incarceration and a new juvenile-services program, the center director said.

The South Branch Valley Day Report Center has saved three counties $1.5 million by diverting 116 individuals from incarceration, but it urgently needs continued funding to sustain its vital services.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #JuvenileServices #IncarcerationAlternatives #CitizenPortal

Outraged by the recent killing of Renee Nicole Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis, well over a 1,000 people took to the streets in Northampton on Jan. 11 to protest ICE’s operations across the country.
Story: thereminder.com/local-news/...
#northampton #hampshirecounty

Commission sends HCSA Chief360 rollout issues to supervisory board after executive session After a 2–1 vote to enter executive session over personnel and software‑rollout concerns, commissioners directed the HCSA supervisory/advisory board to prepare a factual report on allegations surrounding the Chief360 implementation and to provide administrative recommendations.

Amidst concerns over a controversial software rollout, HCSA leaders warn that removing key personnel could jeopardize vital emergency services in Hampshire County.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #HampshireCountyEmergencyServices #SoftwareRollout #LeadershipStability

Commission authorizes auction of Hampshire Center, sets $11.7M reserve After legal counsel reviewed West Virginia Code guidance for property sales, the commission authorized the president to sell the Hampshire Center at public auction to the highest bidder above $11,700,000 and directed work with counsel to complete sale procedures; commissioners debated online auction fees vs. local advertising before approving the motion.

The Hampshire Center is set to hit the auction block with a reserve of $11.7M, sparking a debate on the best sales strategy—traditional vs. online!

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CivicTransparency #PublicAuction #CountyAssetManagement #CitizenPortal #HampshireCountyAuction

Text reads: “Keep Growing; Keep Going. CWC INNERMISSION NAH 203 • M-F 10am-4pm.” Background is a dense arrangement of green succulent plants.

“INNERMISSION – CWC. Disguised as office cubicles, this ‘self-care speakeasy’ offers a quiet space designed to help you (re)set your energy and mood with self-guided activities, whimsical discoveries and thoughtful engagement. New Africa House 203 • M-F 10am-4pm.” Background shows a close-up of green succulent plants.

Need a quiet space to (re)set your mood? Visit Innermission any time M-F 10-4. @umassamherst.bsky.social #selfcare #umass #hampshirecounty

A picture of someone taking a selfie with a group of past chilly plunge participants. The sign says: We support survivors & a violence-free community. CWC Chilly Challenge 2025 Sat. 11/15 | 10:30am | Puffers Pond Sign Up: umass.edu/cwc

Just over a week left until the 2025 Chilly Challenge! Join us at Puffer's Pond to eat chili, get chilly, and make a difference in your community. #hampshirecounty #umass

Sign up: www.umass.edu/student-life....

Transportation available for UMass students. @umassamherst.bsky.social

Delegate Hillenbrand urges residents to use 211, family resource networks as SNAP benefits may be disrupted During public comment, Delegate Hillenbrand briefed the commission on a governor's memo detailing state plans to support residents potentially affected by a federal shutdown and reduced SNAP benefits, including emergency funding for food banks, family resource networks, and National Guard assistance.

Delegate Hillenbrand warns Hampshire County residents that SNAP benefits may be cut, but help is on the way with emergency funding and local resources.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #EmergencyFoodSupport #CitizenPortal #HampshireCountyFoodAssistance #CommunityResources #SNAPBenefits

Commission authorizes transmission-line public survey, preauthorizes $500 in prize incentives pending legal review The commission authorized county staff to refine and publish a countywide survey about a proposed transmission line route and agreed to preauthorize a $500 prize pool (ten $50 cards) for participant incentives pending review by the prosecutor’s office.

Hampshire County is launching a public survey on a proposed high-voltage transmission line and offering a $500 prize pool to boost participation—your voice matters!

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #CommunityFeedback #PublicEngagement #EnergyInnovation

Commission hears update on county AI apprenticeship; students building four county-focused agents Lend 2 Solutions updated Hampshire County commissioners on a 12-week apprenticeship developing four AI 'agents' for local businesses, EMS, tourism and resource matching; commissioners praised the trainees and discussed funding continuity and institutional partnerships.

Hampshire County apprentices are revolutionizing local services by creating AI agents for business bookings, EMS protocols, and tourism recommendations!

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#HampshireCounty #WV #DigitalServices #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment #HampshireCountyAI #CommunityResources

Hampshire County Commission discusses planning amendments and telecom service improvements Commissioners review planning amendments for renewable projects and address telecom service issues.

The Hampshire County Commission is making strides in renewable energy regulations and is calling for community voices to shape the future of local planning.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #RenewableEnergy #EfficientGovernance #HampshireCountyPlanning

Learn new skills & make a difference - applications now open for January SASA volunteer training! Priority deadline: 10/20/25. Training: 1/12/26-1/16/26.

Learn more & apply: www.umass.edu/student-life...

#hampshirecounty #westernma #amherstma #pioneervalley

Commissioner Discusses Hampshire County EMS Funding and Emergency Budget Strategies Commissioner outlines strategies for EMS funding and use of emergency budget reserves.

Hampshire County is gearing up to secure the future of emergency services with new funding strategies and a proactive approach to budget management.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency #EmergencyFunding #FiscalResponsibility

Commissioners Prepare Job Description for Animal Control Director Position Committee reviews job description and prepares for applicant interviews by deadline.

Hampshire County Commissioners are racing against the clock to finalize the Animal Control Director job description before interviews start this week!

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #JobDescription #HampshireCountyAnimalControl #LocalGovAI

Commissioner Supports Annual Funding for Romney Pool Maintenance and Operations Commissioners discuss potential yearly funding for the Romney swimming pool maintenance.

Hampshire County commissioners are torn between supporting the local swimming pool for youth and the harsh realities of budget constraints and state laws.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #HampshireCountyRecreation #YouthEngagement #RecreationFunding

Hampshire County Commission Requests Underground Transmission Project from NextEra Energy Commission drafts letter urging NextEra Energy to consider underground project design options.

Hampshire County leaders are pushing for an underground transmission project that promises billions in tax benefits, but concerns about transparency loom large.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #HampshireCountyEnergy #HealthcareCommunication #EconomicDevelopment

Commissioners Discuss Future Sustainability of County Sports Complex Project Commissioners address financial responsibility and sustainability for future sports complex development.

The vision for a new sports complex in Hampshire County is exciting, but will it be financially sustainable?

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #HampshireCountyRecreation #SustainableInvestments #CommunityDevelopment #FiscalResponsibility

Commission Approves $30K Pledge for Sink the Pool Fund Amid Financial Caution The commission allocates $30,000 for the pool project, prioritizing fiscal responsibility.

Hampshire County's commission makes a bold move, pledging $30,000 for a community pool while navigating the tightrope of fiscal responsibility!

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunitySupport #HampshireCountyPool #FiscalResponsibility

County Commissioner Discusses Emergency Services Funding Amid Pool Project Debate Commissioners emphasize prioritizing emergency services funding over pool project financial requests.

Hampshire County leaders are grappling with the tough decision of prioritizing emergency medical services over a proposed community pool, sparking heated debates about funding allocations.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FundingPriorities

County Officials Discuss Funding Solutions for Romney Swimming Pool Project Officials emphasize the project benefits the entire county, not just Romney residents.

The Hampshire County Commission meeting revealed that the new community pool in Romney isn't just a local asset—it's a vital resource for families across the entire county, with 75 to 80% of users coming from outside the town!

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#HampshireCounty #WV #BudgetPlanning

County Commission allocates ARPA funds for security upgrades and building improvements Development authority secures grants for building upgrades and spends on security system.

Hampshire County is taking major strides in enhancing community safety and infrastructure with new funding initiatives for building upgrades and security systems.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #FacilityImprovements #FundingInitiatives #HampshireCountyInfrastructure

Hampshire County officials discuss $1.1M pool project funding options County leaders evaluate funding strategies for a $1.1 million pool project benefitting residents.

Hampshire County officials are diving into discussions on a $1.1 million community pool project that could transform local recreation for years to come.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #HampshireCountyCommunity #CommunityInvolvement #YouthDevelopment #RecreationFacilities

Capenbridge community bathroom renovations exceed budget by $14,000 after bidding process Capenbridge bids for plumbing renovations came in $14,000 over budget after review.

The Capenbridge complex is facing an urgent plumbing crisis, with renovations coming in $14,000 over budget and the community's essential services hanging in the balance.

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#HampshireCounty #WV #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #HampshireCountyCommunity #PublicFacilities