Tuesday, May 6 Charles R. "Rusty" Ransford is by all accounts a good-natured, easy-going man. Many of his tenants believe he is a good landlord -- he certainly has the experience, having been in the business more than 40 years. In his numerous dealings with the city -- mostly having to do with building inspections and tax-takings these days -- he has generally been acknowledged by local   Full Story

Thursday, May 1 Frank Polastri of Cheshire served his town capably and well for many years as a selectman, but unfortunately he seems to be stuck in a time warp. Mr. Polastri is leading a charge to eliminate the part-time position of town administrator and to make up the workload by adding two members to the Board of Selectmen ("Need for town administrator put in question," Transcript,   Full Story

Tuesday, April 29 The first Hoosic River Light Project, alias "light festival," proved a mixed success in North Adams, with many folks apparently expecting bigger and brighter things and other folks walking away thinking the whole darned thing was pretty cool. While there could have been more food, at least some music and certainly more exhibits and displays, the whole thing was pretty   Full Story

We think the Catholic Diocese of Springfield doth protest too much. In an emotional, wide-ranging letter Thursday, the Rev. Msgr. John J. Bonzagni chastised a recent Transcript editorial for being sarcastic, cynical and off the mark concerning the diocese's plan to deal with the inevitable consolidation of parishes and closing of churches.   Full Story