Amherst Delays Middle School, Chestnut Street Academy Opening to Aug. 31

AMHERST — Amherst Regional Middle School and Chestnut Street Academy will push their first day of school back to Monday, Aug. 31, the town announced Tuesday, as disruptions from an ongoing roof repair and renovation project continue at the buildings.

TOWN HALL

The town closed Potwine Lane to through traffic between house numbers 216 and 256 after heavy rains compromised the road surface. Each end of the street remains accessible via Middle Street or West Street while repairs proceed.

SCHOOLS

Monday, Aug. 31, will now be the first day of classes for students at Amherst Regional Middle School and Chestnut Street Academy, the town's News Flash announcement said, citing disruptions tied to the schools' roof repair and renovation project. No other Amherst schools were named in the delay notice.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Douglas G. Colligan Obituary | 1944 - 2026 | Amherst, MA - Tribute Archive" reports the death of longtime Amherst resident Douglas G. Colligan, who was 82. He died Aug. 17, per Tribute Archive (read it at https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/49371564/douglas-g.-colligan).

"Anita Page Obituary (2026) - Amherst, MA - Douglass Funeral Service - Legacy" notes the death of Anita Page, a resident of the Applewood Retirement Community in Amherst. She died Aug. 21, according to Legacy.com (read it at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/anita-page-obituary?id=62262479).

COMING UP

The Special Town Council Meeting work session is set for Monday, Aug. 31. The state primary election falls on Tuesday, Sept. 1; residents can vote by mail, absentee, early in person, or on election day. The Amherst Farmers Market runs Saturday, Aug. 29, and the Council on Aging's Senior Sips gathering at Ginger Garden is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.