Latest News

Franklin County Technical School grads encouraged to find their purpose
TURNERS FALLS — On a warm and partly sunny Thursday evening at Franklin County Technical School graduation, Superintendent Richard Martin reminded the Class of 2025 when they kayaked on a pond that formed on the lawn of the school on a cold and icy New England morning.

Vigneau to retire as CEO of Franklin County YMCA
GREENFIELD – After six years serving as CEO of Franklin County YMCA – a period of time in which the organization saw more than 50% growth in both membership and programming – Grady Vigneau will retire June 30.
Most Read






Editors Picks




Sports

Fit to Play with Jim Johnson: The lure of sport gambling
I made my first sports bet when I was in college. I was getting a haircut and the barber handed me a betting sheet for the week’s college football games. I sat down, filled it out, gave him $5 and left. The next day I learned that I had won – easy money. I showed up early the next week, got the new sheet and placed a bigger bet. I lost all my money. The pain from losing that money overwhelmed the joy of winning. I never placed another bet, intrinsically knowing that I wasn’t as good as I thought.
Opinion

My Turn: Corruption in the highest places
Recent presidents waited until they became private citizens to make millions of dollars from their presidency. The general principle while serving in public office is to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. After leaving office it is a different story. In Washington it is called “Doing good then doing well.” For example the Clinton’s were technically in debt when they left the White House due to Bill’s legal expenses. Now their net worth is estimated at $120 million derived mostly from book sales and speeches. The Obamas’ post-presidency net worth is estimated at $70 million.





Your Daily Puzzles

An approachable redesign to a classic. Explore our "hints."

A quick daily flip. Finally, someone cracked the code on digital jigsaw puzzles.

Chess but with chaos: Every day is a unique, wacky board.

Word search but as a strategy game. Clearing the board feels really good.

Align the letters in just the right way to spell a word. And then more words.
Police Logs

Athol Police Logs, April 16 – April 26, 2025
10:45 a.m. - Report of a party going through a company’s mail. Made contact with the male party who stated he was checking for his own mail. Male party was located in his Mercedes in the back of the building. Party left the property shortly after.




Arts & Life

Meet the Messy Rhubarb Fool: Part Mess, part Fool, it’s basically a rhubarb sundae with a base of meringue
Some food names are impossible not to love. I have never made a Brown Betty, but I relish the idea of a crumbly dark dessert with a female name. I am still trying to figure out the difference between a Slump and a Grunt. Both appeal to me as descriptors.
Obituaries

Athol, MA - Terry Lynn Burton, born on July 4, 1957, in Athol, Massachusetts, was a beam of fierce love and unwavering dedication, whose bright spirit touched the lives of many. Terry lived life passionately, leaving an indelible mark o... remainder of obit for Terry Lynn Burton

ERVING, MA - Joseph Samuel Bucci, Jr., 78, was born in Honesdale, PA on December 10, 1946. He died after a short bout of cancer on May 23, 2025 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, MA. He was able to tell us his wishes to ... remainder of obit for Joseph S. Bucci Jr.

ORANGE, MA - Brian M. Haskins, 82, died Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born in Gardner on November 5, 1942, he was the son of Elmer M. and Bertha (Hume) Haskins. Growing up in the Blissville sectio... remainder of obit for Brian M. Haskins

Athol, MA - Anthony Albert Brighenti, affectionately known as Tony, Dad and Pa, was born on January 21, 1945, in Athol, MA, passed away on May 15, 2025. A reliable pillar of his community, Anthony spent much of his time and energy in se... remainder of obit for Anthony Albert Brighenti