Search Results

ATHOL – Please come out for the June 21 supper at the South Athol United Methodist Church located at 65 Morgan Ave. Please consider treating “Dear Ole’ Dad” for a belated Father’s Day weekend with a Swedish Meatball supper on Saturday, June 21 served with gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, fresh dinner rolls and, as a change of pace, strawberry shortcake for dessert. All prepared and served family-style by experienced kitchen helpers, many of whom are ServSafe-certified.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HOLYOKE — Recent cancellation of an $87 million federal grant to support construction of a low-carbon cement startup’s manufacturing plant in Holyoke is not expected to derail plans that would have that facility open by 2028, though the company is reviewing backup options.

By CHRIS LARABEE

BOSTON — The state Senate’s approved fiscal year 2026 budget could bring more than $1 million in earmarks to western Massachusetts.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – This year’s Margaret Grazis Employee of the Year Award was presented to Athol Police Det. Sgt. Douglas Kaczmarczyk for his hard work and dedication to the department.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Hundreds of thousands of small business employees and individuals could face significantly higher health insurance premiums next year under proposed rate increases that critics warn would add another crushing weight to employers and residents already struggling to manage high costs.

GARDNER – On May 30, Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) celebrated the achievements of its Early College program graduates.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Despite some ominous weather, the “Silver Lake: Our Waters” went on as planned, even if the crowds weren’t what organizers were hoping for.

By COLIN A. YOUNG

The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources got its feet wet Tuesday, diving into testimony on bills dealing with water.

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Arrests at a May 2024 Gaza solidarity encampment, alleged discriminatory sanctions and reported failures to address anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian harassment is leading the Council on American-Islamic Relations to declare the University of Massachusetts a hostile campus for Muslim and Palestinian students.

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Determined not to let rain or the current presidential administration dampen their pride, hundreds lined the streets Saturday afternoon for the 8th annual Franklin County Pride Parade and Festival.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Voters will be asked to decide on 49 articles when they gather for Athol’s Annual Town Meeting Monday. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall at Town Hall.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Work on the Five Points project and repairs to what is known as the “secret bridge” under the Crescent Street Bridge near L.S. Starrett will require motorists to adapt to some road closures over the next few months.

By COLIN A. YOUNG

The House approved a significant overhaul of marijuana oversight in Massachusetts on Wednesday, passing a bill that would downsize and reorient the scandal-hounded Cannabis Control Commission that has kept tabs on the legal industry since it launched almost eight years ago.

By GREG VINE

Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski and Royalston Selectboard member Linda Alger Tuesday night signed a new intermunicipal agreement which keeps Athol Sewer Division employees in charge of Royalston’s wastewater treatment plant operations.

By Mike Roche

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — The 8th annual Franklin County Pride Parade and Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, and while it is a challenging time for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S., this year’s event is for reflection and joy.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

A Franklin County resident who surrendered 147 animals to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA-Angell) in April is now being investigated by MSPCA Law Enforcement.

By GREG VINE

PETERSHAM – Voters at Monday’s Town Meeting approved a change to the date of the Annual Town Election.

By GREG VINE

PETERSHAM – With very little discussion, the 120 voters who showed up for Petersham’s Annual Town Meeting Monday evening unanimously approved a FY26 town operating budget of $1,979,739.

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Representatives on one legislative committee are not ready to decide whether one of the most controversial proposals on their plate should move forward early in the lawmaking term.