North Quabbin veterans join in effort to break skydiving record

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

ORANGE — Seeking camaraderie and a challenge, a group of local veterans joined in an effort seeking to break a world record by jumping out of a plane over the weekend.

Mount Grace secures 40 acres of forest in Ashby

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game and MassWildlife, in collaboration with Athol-based Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, has successfully protected nearly 40 acres of forest and fields in central Massachusetts along the New Hampshire border.

Energy aggregation on the agenda for Athol meeting Tuesday

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – This afternoon, residents can learn about the goal of municipal aggregation and how it can help lower electricity costs.

Fresh numbers show sharp decline in opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts

By ELLA ADAMS and Chris Larabee

BOSTON — Massachusetts experienced a more than 36% decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, the state Substance Addiction Services Bureau reported Wednesday.

PHOTOS: Royalston Music Fest opens first concert

Energy manager to work on municipal upgrades in Athol, Royalston

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Athol and Royalston will be among the beneficiaries of a three-year Mass Save Municipal Energy Manager Grant to undertake projects with the goal of reducing energy use and carbon emissions in municipal buildings.

Healey bill allocates $1.2B for road, culvert repairs

By Chris Lisinski

BOSTON — A key legislative committee moved forward on a nearly $1.2 billion borrowing bill that embraces Gov. Maura Healey’s push for more road maintenance funding while rebuffing her attempt to authorize half a decade of money at once.

Grants to illuminate Massachusetts history for Revolution’s anniversary

By GRACE CHAI

Massachusetts is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War this year and next with initiatives and events across the state, funded by $2 million in grants from the Healey-Driscoll administration. The statewide initiative — known as Massachusetts 250 — will celebrate anniversaries and events significant to the state’s role in the American Revolution.

Molly Strouse of Athol remembered for fierce loyalty and spirit

By HANNAH MORIN

ATHOL — Molly Bennett Aitken Strouse lived many vibrant lives in one extraordinary journey.

Anthony Geraci to perform at Winchendon’s Blues, Brews and BBQ

By GREG VINE

WINCHENDON – Anthony Geraci has played and recorded with some of the best of blues music and on July 19, he will bring his talents to Winchendon.

Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle named DCR commissioner

By SAM FERLAND

EASTHAMPTON — Mayor Nicole LaChapelle announced Wednesday she will step down next week after Gov. Maura Healey appointed her commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Royalston Music Fest expands with two dates

By GREG VINE

ROYALSTON – Royalston Music Fest 2025 is offering music fans two opportunities to enjoy some popular local bands this year. The lineup includes a number of familiar favorites as well as some new entertainment.

L.S. Starrett lays off 179 employees at Athol and other sites

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – L.S. Starrett, one of Athol’s largest employers, has laid off 179 employees, both in Athol and at other locations.

Food assistance agencies brace for SNAP cuts

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — With the approval of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act last week, which includes $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), regional food assistance agencies say they are anticipating negative impacts that will sprawl across many aspects of society.

Baystate Franklin Medical Center not at risk of closure, CFO says

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — Despite concerns circulating about the future of Baystate Franklin Medical Center after the passage of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act that cuts roughly $1.1 trillion in health care spending, Baystate Health’s chief financial officer advises the Greenfield hospital is not at risk of closure.

Erving seeks state grants for Evergreen Circle at Care Drive

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

ERVING — The town has applied for two state grants that, combined with a recent Town Meeting appropriation, would cover most of Erving’s portion of costs related to construction of the affordable senior and multi-generational housing project called Evergreen Circle at Care Drive.

Sportsman’s Corner: Doe permit time

By Mike Roche

Petersham Art Center opens scratchboard exhibit

PETERSHAM – The Petersham Art Center is hosting a reception this Sunday as part of scratchboard artist Joe Smith’s first solo exhibition.

Historic event features Petersham’s ‘Golden Age’

By GREG VINE

PETERSHAM – The historical society’s annual “History Under the Tent and Trees” series begins this Sunday with “Famous and Not So Famous People of Petersham.”