Shutesbury Recreation Committee Adds Two Members, Plans Trivia Night for January

Overview: The Shutesbury Recreation Committee meeting saw the addition of two new members, Diane Adams and Annie Gagliardi, while discussions on upcoming community events, including a planned trivia night, took center stage. The committee also explored logistics for snowshoe purchases for the library and brainstormed future programming ideas.

Shutesbury Grapples with Beaver Trapping Ethics and PFAS Contamination Costs

Overview: During the Shutesbury Select Board meeting held on November 25, 2025, notable topics of discussion were the ethics of beaver trapping in the area and the ongoing financial burdens of PFAS contamination mitigation. Concerns were raised about the legality and ethics of using conibear traps, with community members urging the board to explore non-lethal alternatives. Additionally, the board discussed the financial strain caused by PFAS contamination, which has cost the town over $400,000 in mitigation funds, alongside annual testing expenses exceeding $100,000.

Shutesbury Considers Multi-Town Affordable Housing Coordinator Amid Funding Clarifications

Overview: The Shutesbury Community Preservation Committee meeting primarily focused on the potential establishment of a regional affordable housing coordinator position, in partnership with neighboring towns, using Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. The committee also discussed the implications of unsubmitted annual reports and anticipated grant applications for local projects.

Shutesbury School Committee Grapples with Heating System Issues and Budget Constraints

Overview: During the latest Shutesbury School Committee meeting, attention was devoted to ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly the persistent issues with the school’s heating system, as well as pressing budgetary constraints. The heating system’s maintenance was a focal point, with repeated repairs consuming much of the school’s maintenance budget and leaving the committee grappling with financial strains. Compounding this, the committee navigated budgetary discussions amid rising costs in special education transportation and a decrease in rural aid funding.

Shutesbury Board of Health Grapples with Trash Disposal, Property Sales, and New Health Agent

Overview: During its latest meeting, the Shutesbury Board of Health tackled ongoing community issues, including a property on Pelum Hill Road plagued by trash accumulation, potential sales, and the appointment of a new health agent. Retired carpenter and inspector John Thompson brought concerns about the property on Pelum Hill Road to the board’s attention, describing it as a significant eyesore and detailing a history of trash disposal issues that have attracted wildlife. He noted his safety concerns regarding “random gunfire” in the area and expressed frustration about the lack of progress in the property’s sale, which he had been monitoring through the local registry of deeds.