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16 Stories
Posted on: June 13, 2013

New Class At LSSE: Dancing Outside!

Come create and perform a new work of dance/ theatre inspired by the outdoors. Instructor will guide participants through movement warm-ups, explorations of the dance environment, and rehearsing and sharing our work in an... Read on...

Additional Info...
Posted on: June 11, 2013

FREE Jam Making Workshop on June 20th at 6 PM!

Join Peg Thibbitts on Thursday, June 20th from 6 – 8 PM in the Large Activity Room of the Bangs Community Center. Peg will instruct attendees on how to cook and preserve fresh, local strawberries. Each attendee will leave... Read on...

Additional Info...
Posted on: June 7, 2013

Town of Amherst Launches Online Open Checkbook!

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For Immediate Release
Contact: John Musante, Town Manager (413) 259-3002
Sandy Pooler, Finance Director (413) 259-3002
Kristopher Pacunas, Information Technology Director (413) 259-3222

(June 7, 2013)... Read on...

Open Government to the MAX!
Posted on: June 8, 2013

Norwottuck Rail Trail Reconstruction Project Update!

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Norwottuck Rail Trail Reconstruction Project Update

Reconstruction Work Beginning This Summer!

(June 7, 2013) Beginning this month, users of the Rail Trail will begin to see survey crews and other work crews out on the... Read on...

Additional Info...
Posted on: June 7, 2013

Public Forum for Comprehensive Housing Market Study

The consultant, RKG Associates, will make a presentation and then hear public comments and questions.

Posted on: June 5, 2013

Limited Rain Barrels and Compost Units Available

A limited supply of Jack's Rain Barrels and Earth Machine composting units are available for sale at the Transfer Station while supplies last. Rain barrels are $65. each for Amherst residents ($75 for non-residents), and... Read on...

Posted on: June 5, 2013

Amherst Board of Health Schedules Public Hearing

The Amherst Board of Health will hold a Public Hearing on June 19, 2013, beginning at 7:05 p.m., in Room 101 at the Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002, to receive public comment regarding a proposed... Read on...

Additional Info...
Posted on: May 30, 2013

Town of Amherst Recieves United Way Award for Employee Contributions!

Congratulations to the Town of Amherst Employees who embody the spirit of the community! Several members of the Amherst Select Board accepted an award from the United Way Tuesday, May 29, 2013. The United Way presented the... Read on...

Posted on: May 30, 2013

Public Arts in Kendrick Park

The Amherst Public Arts Commission has raised cash and commitments of over $7,000 towards the $10,000 purchase price to make Matt Evald Johnson’s sculpture the first public art piece permanently in Kendrick Park. Your help... Read on...

Additional Info...
Posted on: May 17, 2013

Paint Collection Change

Paint Collection Change

The summer paint collection procedure in Amherst has changed. Based on the type of paint product requiring disposal, one of the following two procedures are recommended going forward:

Latex and... Read on...

Posted on: May 6, 2013

New Food Waste Pilot at Transfer Station

On May 11 a new organics recycling program will debut at the Amherst Transfer Station. Amend Organics, in collaboration with the Solid Waste Division of Department of Public Works, will pilot a pay-as-you-throw compostable... Read on...

Additional Info...
Posted on: April 18, 2013

FY14 Report of the Joint Capital Planning Committee Now Available

The General Fund Five Year Capital Plan for FY 14-18 includes voted appropriations from FY 13, a proposed budget for FY 14, and a tentative plan of capital investment for the period FY 15-18. The report is now available on... Read on...

www.amherstma.gov/budget
Posted on: April 8, 2013

Video of Town of Amherst Flag Flying for the First Time!

The design of the new Town of Amherst flag, gifted by local artisan Barry Moser was chosen by the Select Board some months ago. A video of the flag flying for the first can be viewed below.

A two-sided 4 x 6 flag for... Read on...

Posted on: April 8, 2013

Upcoming Elections Information

Good afternoon this courtesy message from Amherst Town Manager John Musante Monday April 8th regarding three upcoming elections. The Annual Town Election is tomorrow April 9th and polling hours are 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. The... Read on...

Detailed voter information at amehrstma.gov/vote.
Posted on: April 8, 2013

New Town of Amherst Flag to Begin Flying Tuesday April 9, 2013

A Town of Amherst flag will be introduced at the Monday April 8, 2013 Select Board meeting. The design, gifted by local artisan Barry Moser, was chosen by the Select Board some months ago. The flags were then transferred... Read on...

Amherst Town Flag Illustration (PDF)
Posted on: March 27, 2013

Street Sweeping Has Begun

The Town of Amherst Department of Public Works has begun sweeping the main routes and hills that receive the most sand during the winter months. After completing these areas the DPW will begin sweeping the various sections... Read on...


amherstpd.org - Police News & Announcements

34 Stories
Posted on: June 10, 2013

Amherst Police Department Awarded Grant to Enhance Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety

In an effort to make Amherst a safer place for our pedestrians and bicyclists, the Amherst Police Department will use a $5,000.00 grant provided by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).

The funding is from $192,000 provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specifically to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Amherst is one of 48 police departments to receive this grant... Read on...

Posted on: May 14, 2013

Beware of Money Wire Scams

The Amherst Police Department has been receiving some complaints from individuals who have been tricked into wiring money or providing credit card information over the telephone/ internet.

In one version of this scam, a person calls and pretends to be your grandchild. He or she requests money for bail after a supposed arrest or fine in another country. The amount of the bail/fine fee is often said to be in... Read on...

Posted on: May 14, 2013

Click It or Ticket to Boost Seat Belt Use – Day and Night

Amherst Police Department High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign Begins May 20, 2013

As Massachusetts drivers and passengers take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, Amherst police are urging everyone to buckle up or be ready to face the consequences. The Amherst Police Department, in partnership with... Read on...

Posted on: May 6, 2013

Amherst Police Receives Accreditation Award

Accreditation Award given on May 2, 2013


Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone is please to announce that on May 2, 2013, the Amherst Police Department was awarded state accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. On February 26, 27 and... Read on...

Posted on: April 24, 2013

Extravaganja Arrests

On Saturday, May 20, 2013, the University of Massachusetts sponsored the Extravaganja event on the Amherst town common. The UMASS Cannabis Reform Coalition coordinated the event that included speakers, bands, and vendors.

The event was attended by approximately 6,000 people, and ran from 12:00PM to 6:30PM. Traffic and parking in the downtown business district was particularly congested and challenging during the event.

The Amherst Police... Read on...

Posted on: April 17, 2013

APD Mustache March

This year's event was a success and tens of thousands of dollars were donated to childhood cancer research!

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity, committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.


Traditionally,... Read on...

Posted on: April 12, 2013

Report Animal Complaints Online

The Amherst Police Department now has the capability to accept and investigate animal complaints that are submitted through the online incident reporting system.

These reports are for non-emergency community concerns regarding pets, farm animals, or wild animals. All complaints are forwarded to and investigated by the Animal Welfare Officer, Carol Hepburn.


As always, in the... Read on...

Posted on: March 18, 2013

Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy 2013

The Amherst and University of Massachusetts Police Departments are pleased to announce the dates of the Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy.

The 2013, Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy is a ONE week program, being held Monday, July 15, 2013 to Friday, July 19, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Youths entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grades are eligible to... Read on...

Posted on: March 18, 2013

The Amherst Police Department Receives $10,000 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Award

The Amherst Police Department was awarded $10,000 in grant funding as part of the 2013 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Grant Program from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).

This program provides overtime funds for enforcement of underage alcohol laws through activities such as compliance checks at liquor serving establishments, party patrols, and surveillance patrols.

The Amherst Police... Read on...

Posted on: February 21, 2013

Hebb Graduates Academy

Chief Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce that Patrol Officer Samuel W. Hebb graduated from the State Police Academy, in New Braintree, Massachusetts on February 15, 2013, and has started his twelve week field officer training program.

Samuel W. Hebb, 23, is the son of Arthur Hebb and Teri Hebb of Hadley, Massachusetts. He is a 2008 graduate of the Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut. In 2012, Mr. Hebb graduated from Endicott College in Beverly,... Read on...

Posted on: February 15, 2013

Assignment of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Investigator

Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce the reassignment of Detective Janet Lopez as the Amherst Police Department’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Investigator.

Detective Lopez is a 14 year veteran of the department and most recently held the position of Court Liaison Officer. In this newly developed position, Detective Lopez will be responsible for the criminal investigations of... Read on...

Posted on: February 4, 2013

Police Accreditation Assessment

The Amherst Police Department will undergo a peer review by a team of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, Inc. to determine if the department will maintain its accreditation status.

The team of assessors will be examining various aspects of the Amherst Police Department’s policies and procedures, operations and facilities. This assessment will take place at the Amherst Police Department on February 26,... Read on...

Posted on: January 28, 2013

Arrest Made After Stabbing Incident

On January 25, 2013 at approximately 5:20AM, the Amherst Police Department was notified that a man had checked in to Baystate Medical Center with a stab wound to his chest.

The wound was found not to be life threatening. The victim was identified as a 34 year old Amherst man.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the stabbing had occurred in Amherst following an altercation with a female... Read on...

Posted on: January 28, 2013

False Alarm Fee Bylaw

The Amherst Police Department would like to remind community members of the False Alarm Bylaw.

Passed in April 2008 by the Amherst Town Meeting, fees are assessed to owners of property with repeated responses by the Amherst Police to false burglar alarms. The bylaw appears to be effective in encouraging community... Read on...

Posted on: January 16, 2013

Free Gun Lock Distribution

As we are committed to the safety of our community, and especially our children, the Amherst Police Department will provide free gun locks to any community member without proper gun locks.

With the hunting season upon us, gun owners are reminded that Massachusetts General Law requires all firearms to be locked when not under the owner’s immediate control. By providing the free distribution of gun locks to the... Read on...

Posted on: January 10, 2013

APD Hires New Officer

Chief Scott P. Livingstone announced the appointment of a new patrol officer to the Amherst Police Department.

Michael J. Barone was appointed after an extensive selection process which included a written examination and interviews with Chief Scott P. Livingstone and Town Manager John P. Musante. Mr. Barone’s position is being... Read on...

Posted on: January 10, 2013

Child Passenger Car Seat Installations

The Amherst Police Department conducts Child Passenger Car Seat Inspections on the 3rd Saturday of each month. The next schedule inspection day is Saturday, January 19, 2013, by appointment only.

Open to all community members, our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect child passenger car seats for wear and effectiveness and install them properly to assure the safest ride for our children. To schedule a 30... Read on...

Posted on: January 3, 2013

A Community Event for Seniors of Amherst

Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce an event to assist our senior community with accessing their free credit report on-line.

It is important that community members, including our senior community, review their credit report at least annually to assure that they have not been a victim of identity theft. Many seniors neglect to obtain their credit... Read on...

Posted on: December 23, 2012

School Bus Safety

Amherst Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone and Superintendent of Schools Maria Geryk would like to remind drivers of the importance of stopping for school buses with red flashing lights.

The Amherst Police Department participates annually in programs designed to promote pedestrian safety such as Operation Yellow Blitz, National Walk and Bike to School Day and Safe Routes to School. The police department... Read on...

Posted on: December 14, 2012

January 2013 RAD Class

Amherst Police will have a RAD class this January....


Chief Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce the Amherst Police Department will be hosting a R.A.D. self defense course for women. The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics... Read on...

Posted on: December 14, 2012

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

The Amherst Police Department will increase traffic enforcement from December 14, 2012 to January 1, 2013, arresting anyone caught driving drunk.

The Amherst Police will join more than 48 local law enforcement agencies and the Massachusetts State Police through the New Year as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization, funded by a federal grant... Read on...

Posted on: November 21, 2012

R U OK? Safety System

The R U OK? Program is a computerized telephone reassurance program for at-risk seniors that assists elders or disabled individuals who may be housebound, live alone, or need the assurance of a daily phone call to feel safe and secure.

With the winter months upon us, Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone would like to remind our community, especially the elderly and housebound, of an important service offered by the Amherst Police Department and the Amherst... Read on...

Posted on: November 15, 2012

$300,000 Department of Justice Grant Awarded to APD

The Town of Amherst Police Department has received a $300,000 award from the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

This federal grant was obtained in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Police Department, the University of Massachusetts Center for Women & Community (CWC) and the Northampton Police Department. The award... Read on...

Posted on: October 11, 2012

Child Passenger Seat Installation

The Amherst Police Department conducts Child Passenger Car Seat Inspections on the 3rd Saturday of each month. The next schedule inspection day is Saturday, October 20, 2012, by appointment only.

Open to all community members, our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect child passenger car seats for wear and effectiveness and install them properly to assure the safest ride for our children. To schedule a 30... Read on...

Posted on: September 27, 2012

New APD Officer Appointed

Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce the appointment of a new patrol officer to the Amherst Police Department.

Samuel W. Hebb was appointed after an extensive selection process which included a written examination, interview panels, physical and psychological testing and interviews with the Chief of Police and Town Manager. ... Read on...

Posted on: September 21, 2012

National Prescription Take Back Day

Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 2012. The Amherst location will be at the Wildwood School, 71 Strong Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Amherst Police and Amherst Health Department, in partnership with the Hampshire/Franklin
TRIAD program, Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, Hampshire and Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and a broad range of... Read on...

Posted on: September 5, 2012

New APD Officer Hired

Chief Scott P. Livingstone announced the appointment of a new patrol officer to the Amherst Police Department.

Rita M. Contardo was appointed after an extensive selection process which included a written examination and interviews with Chief Scott P. Livingstone and Town Manager John P. Musante. The vacancy was created with the... Read on...

Posted on: August 30, 2012

Amherst Police Receives Massachusetts Law Enforcement Challenge Award

The Amherst Police Department has received an Award of Excellence for Municipal Departments for participating in the annual Massachusetts Law Enforcement Challenge (MLEC).

The Challenge is a joint initiative supported by the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).

The Amherst Police Department was... Read on...

Posted on: August 30, 2012

Amherst Police Department Launch an Intensive Crackdown on Impaired Driving

The Amherst Police Department will be conducting an Impaired Driving Enforcement Initiative during the month of September

At select dates and times officers will be aggressively targeting impaired drivers.

Impaired driving is one of America’s most often committed and deadliest crimes. In 2010, 115 people died in impaired driving related... Read on...

Posted on: August 6, 2012

Special Olympics Torch Run 8/11/12

Amherst Police will be the kick off location for the 2012 Special Olympics Torch Run


The Law Enforcement Torch Run is part of a worldwide program to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics. The Torch Run is not a race; it is a torch relay in which law enforcement officials carry the Special Olympics... Read on...

Posted on: July 13, 2012

Amber Sullivan joins APD

Chief Livinstone is pleased to announce that a civilain crime analyst has joined the Amherst Police..


Chief Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce the hiring of a Civilian Crime and Intelligence Analyst at the Amherst Police Department. Amber Sullivan was appointed after an extensive selection process. Ms. Sullivan... Read on...

Posted on: July 11, 2012

Child Passenger Car Seat Installations

The next schedule inspection day is Saturday, July 21, 2012, by appointment only.

Open to all community members, our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect child passenger car seats for wear and effectiveness and install them properly to assure the safest ride for our children. To schedule a 30... Read on...

Posted on: July 11, 2012

Burglary Suspect Arrested in South Amherst

On July 9, 2012 at approximately 5:29PM, several officers responded to a home in south Amherst for the report of a burglary.

Officers quickly located a suspect in the area and he was identified as John Kydd. Kydd was observed by a witness to have entered the home. Kydd was also found to be in possession of heroin and to have an outstanding warrant... Read on...

Posted on: July 6, 2012

New APD Officers Begin Field Training

Chief Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce that Patrol Officers Kasey J. Nagle, Benton J. Carr and Andrew C. Hulse graduated from the Western Massachusetts Regional Police Academy, in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 22, 2012.

Patrol Officers Nagle, Carr and Hulse have begun their twelve week field officer training program.

Kasey J. Nagle, 25, is the son of William P. Nagle and Mary Jo Nagle of Florence, Massachusetts. He is a 2006 graduate... Read on...