Williamstown Issues Air Quality Alert, Opens Early Voting Schedule

WILLIAMSTOWN — Smoke drifting in from wildfires to the north and west pushed the regional Air Quality Index above 100 on Wednesday, triggering an alert for sensitive groups, as the town also released its early voting schedule ahead of the fall elections.

TOWN HALL

The town issued an air quality alert Wednesday afternoon warning that smoke from distant wildfires has pushed the Air Quality Index in the northern Berkshires above 100, a level classified as Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Officials advised residents with respiratory conditions, older adults, and children to limit prolonged outdoor exertion while the smoke persists.

Separately, the town clerk's office published the early voting and voter registration schedule for the 2026 elections. Residents can vote early in person ahead of the September 1 primary and the November 3 general election; the notice lists specific dates, hours, and registration deadlines for both.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Selldorf Architects reveal new design for the Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts": Wallpaper Magazine reports that the Williamstown museum and research institute is set to receive a redesign from the firm led by Annabelle Selldorf. (read it at https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/public-buildings/selldorf-architects-clark-art-institute-design-reveal)

"Williamstown: Hoosic River group plans river critter program": The Berkshire Eagle reports that a local river advocacy group is organizing a program focused on aquatic insects and river ecology along the Hoosic River. (read it at https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/community-news/williamstown-hoosic-river-group-plans-river-critter-program/article_c6f6cd1f-5899-48e7-b8ca-1c94e82f41fe.html)

COMING UP

The Williamstown Housing Authority meets July 22 from 9 to 10 a.m. at 35 Adams Road.

The Williamstown Fire District's Prudential Committee holds a hybrid meeting July 22 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 580 Main Street and via Zoom.