News/Business
Advancing water treatment: UMass startup Elateq Inc. wins state grant to deploy new technology
By XINYI YANG
AMHERST — In the four years since its founding on the UMass campus, startup Elateq Inc., a water treatment and hardware company, has landed contracts big (think PepsiCo) and small (think town of Amherst).Now the company, which uses advanced...
Locking up carbon for good: Easthampton inventor’s CO2 removal system turns biomass into biochar
By JAMES PENTLAND
HOLYOKE — Like many people, Michael Garjian believes global warming is a pressing issue of our times.Unlike most, he’s putting his ideas for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into practice — and at the same time bidding for a share of the...
New Realtor Association CEO looks to work collaboratively to maximize housing options
By ABNER ROJAS
SPRINGFIELD — As the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley’s new CEO arrives to a Massachusetts housing market plagued by high prices and a lack of stock, he aims to work alongside elected officials to maximize the availability of different kinds of...
Area property deed transfers, April 25
AMHERSTTheodore A. Hallstrom and Elizabeth L. Hallstrom to Richard B. Pierce and Elaine R. Pierce, 63 Cherry Lane, $625,000 Bodin D Joseph Est and Kristi A. Bodin to Julius J. Rosenthal, 35 Maplewood Circle, $470,000 JELB...
Primo Restaurant & Pizzeria in South Deerfield under new ownership
By CHRIS LARABEE
SOUTH DEERFIELD — After more than a decade in the previous owner’s hands, the Rodas family is taking the reins at Primo Restaurant & Pizzeria with plans to continue the eatery’s legacy.The new owners officially took over the pizza, sub and pasta shop...
Flair and flavor: Couple draws on European, regional travel and food expertise to bring gourmet Aster + Pine Market to Amherst
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST — From their own journeys in Europe and across New England and the Northeast, and their experience in the hospitality industry, a Northampton couple is creating a market featuring wines, pantry staples and fresh, local produce in downtown...
Prices up, sales down in early spring housing market
By COLIN A. YOUNG
The signs of spring are all around: the days are getting warmer, baseball is back, and Massachusetts home prices are setting records as demand continues to significantly outpace the inventory of houses for sale.The real estate analysts at The Warren...
Area property deed transfers, April 18
AMHERST 44 Chapel Rd, $560,750, B: Kristin M. Flewelling and Christine L. Larson, S: Paul A. Schroeder and Maria Monasterios BELCHERTOWN 203 South St, $507,150, B: Glenna J. Young, S: M & F Land Dev LLC 45 West St, $200,000, B: Serenity Ft and...
Recognizing an ‘inspiring force’: City business owner honored with Black Excellence award
By Aria Martinelli
NORTHAMPTON — A “good soul” and “inspiring force” who enriches western Massachusetts by bringing African culture to her new downtown store recently garnered some attention from the eastern part of the state.Aimee Salmon, the founder and operator of...
Area property deed transfers, April 11
AMHERST Jeanne Ray Juster T and Sigmund J. Roos to Robert Pomeroy and Holly Thompson, 35 Amity Place, Lot 35, $442,000 Bruce B. Payton to Lynn E. Payton and Marianne Payton, 76 N. Pleasant St., $1,333,337 Helene Cunningham and John Cunningham to...
College will cost up to $95,000 this fall: Schools say it's OK, financial aid can numb sticker shock
By NICK PERRY
MEREDITH, N.H. — As more than 2 million graduating high school students from across the United States finalize their decisions on what college to attend this fall, many are facing jaw-dropping costs — in some cases, as much as $95,000.A number of...
Area property deed transfers, April 4
AMHERST Marie E Armentano 2022 T and Marie E. Armentano to Grantwood LLC,36 Grantwood Dr., $416,000 Ryan Karb and Susan Karb to Kayvon Ross and Cyrus Safizadeh, 251-253 Pelham Road, $302,000 Bidwell James N Est and Torsten Bidwell to Yeon S....
Making news in business, March 28
Paragus I.T. founder turns over business to employees HADLEY — After implementing an employee stock ownership plan in 2016 that turned over 40% of the business to its employees, Paragus I.T. has recently transitioned to 100% employee ownership.With...
Area property deed transfers, March 28
AMHERST Justin C. Ching to Yg Pond LLC, 8 Hillcrest Place, $542,000 Manuel R. Townes and Valerie A. Townes to Cil Rlty Of Massachusette, 51 Hunters Hill Circle, $450,000 Jennifer E. Lynn to Denis R. Bruno, 21 Pine Grove, Lot 21, $295,000 Robert...
Consumer Corner with Anita Wilson: With spring weather, comes spring scams
Just like crocuses and daffodils, new scams emerge around this time of year.Warmer weather brings out individuals who knock on your door with offers to make repairs to your home, driveway or yard. They might say that they have materials, such as...
The perfect fit: Harper James, a women’s clothing store, opens in Easthampton
By JAMES PENTLAND
EASTHAMPTON — Navigating her 20s as a student, store employee and in wholesale manufacturing, Kayla Diggins sometimes felt she was lagging behind her peers making strides with career and family.Now, with the opening of her own store on Cottage Street,...
Making news in business, March 14
Many Graces Farm to open Sub Rosa NORTHAMPTON — Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra will cut the ribbon on Sub Rosa, a new botanical lounge and flower shop at 33B West St. on Friday at 4 p.m.Sub Rosa is a project of Many Graces Farm & Design, a flower farm and...
Deep roots: Carey’s Flowers in South Hadley rolling with the changes through four generations
B y SCOTT MERZBACH
SOUTH HADLEY — Every year, in the lead-up to Mount Holyoke College’s commencement, graduating seniors participate in the Laurel Parade, carrying long chains of mountain laurel to be placed at the grave of college founder Mary Lyons.A tradition the...
Area property deed transfers, March 14
AMHERST Kay Kranick-Weinberg to Nyla M. Dartt, 23 Green Leaves Dr., Lot 130, $280,000 Maly Mao and Poy Hok to Amherst Cmnty Land T Inc., 111 Logtown Road, $410,000 EASTHAMPTON Keely S. Sexton and Andrew Sexton to Kyle D. Cross and Elizabeth R....
Making news in business, March 7
New U-Haul dealer in HatfieldHATFIELD — Rescue Towing and Recovery at 253 West St. has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the local community.Rescue Towing and Recovery will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing...