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Tuesday, November 3, 2026 New Salem, Massachusetts · Change town
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Morning Brief

Every edition of the morning brief: everything local in New Salem, each day.

62 stories

Agricultural Commission plans fall events and garden repairs

Agricultural Commission sets fall events and garden repairs. The commission scheduled Old Home Day for September 12 on the Common with Sue Cloutier leading preparations and Devorah Roliski assisting. Carol Hillman will coordinate fall and winter programs including a bees workshop at David Gothier's

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Government · Board of Selectmen

Selectmen Authorize $827,000 Consolidated Loan Renewal

New Salem selectmen authorize $827,000 consolidated loan renewal and advance multiple municipal initiatives. The board approved consolidation of broadband infrastructure ($525,000) and fire truck financing (approximately $301,000) while directing an audit; Town Coordinator Emily Hill was

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Declaration of Independence reading set as Old Home Day theme

Old Home Day Committee approves Declaration reading as event theme. The committee, meeting July 28 in New Salem, selected a Declaration of Independence reading with Ken Levine of Petersham in period costume as its centerpiece program. Chair Jeanne Clayton reported raising $700.81 in pledges, with

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Government · Board of Selectmen

Board appoints Charles Brooks as New Salem Police Chief

New Salem Board of Selectmen appoints Police Chief with $79,000 salary. The Board voted to hire Charles Brooks as Police Chief at an annual salary of $79,000 plus a 3.5 percent fiscal year cost-of-living adjustment, replacing retiring Chief John Bonafini. Chair Richard Taupier led discussion of the

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Government · Planning Board

Planning Board allows outdoor ceremony at Art Museum after review

Planning Board allows outdoor ceremony at Art Museum following one-year review. The board agreed to a stipulation modifying a site plan condition that had prohibited all outdoor events, allowing the annual art competition awards ceremony to proceed. Abutters raised concerns about an unfilled fence

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Government · Council on Aging

Council on Aging pursues $17,000 grant for paid assistant

Council on Aging pursues $17,000 state grant for paid assistant. The New Salem Council on Aging, with all seven voting members present, is working toward a $17,000 Massachusetts Councils on Aging grant to hire a part-time paid assistant for one year at $21 per hour, 16 hours weekly; the committee

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Government · Board of Selectmen

Board approves $7,137 transfer to address Board of Health shortfalls

New Salem selectboard approves $7,137 Board of Health transfer; plans October facility repairs. Treasurer Gabe Voelker presented the budget adjustment to cover unbudgeted agent hours and a vacant clerical position in the Board of Health, unanimously approved. The Building Maintenance Committee

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Government · Board of Selectmen

Board sets Fire Chief pay raise, driveway permit fee

New Salem board sets driveway fee, aligns Fire Chief pay with Wendell. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a 4 percent cost-of-living adjustment for the shared Fire Chief to match Wendell's rate instead of New Salem's approved 3.5 percent, and voted unanimously to set the driveway permit

Townbrief news summary ·
Government · Board of Selectmen

Board discusses police chief contract, approves harassment policies

New Salem Selectboard unanimously adopts harassment prevention and Pregnant Workers Fairness policies. Member Susan Cloutier emphasized the policies ensure full community participation and workforce safety under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX. The board also unanimously approved

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