State plans to close all hotel, motel shelters this summer

By SAM DRYSDALE

The state will close its remaining motel and hotel shelters this summer, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday, as the governor and lawmakers have imposed restrictions on the emergency housing system over the past year and family enrollment has declined.

‘Spreading love and mindfulness’: Political activist Joshua Jay Dostis remembered during celebration of life

By ADA DENENFELD KELLY

WENDELL — Before his death in November, Joshua Jay Dostis, better known locally as the politically charged jester Waffles T. Clown, announced his terminal illness in a fashion typical to him, with a communal gathering at the Full Moon Coffeehouse.

A zombie apocalypse is coming to Athol

By GREG VINE

ATHOL — Never seen a zombie up close? Well, here’s your chance. This Friday and Saturday the Athol Royalston Middle School Drama Club is presenting “The 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse.” The play is a light-hearted romp through the end of the world.

Ready to fly: Greenfield Community College graduates 308 in ‘challenging time’

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — As Greenfield Community College’s 308 graduates step out into a tumultuous world, they were urged to stay grounded in their values by a commencement speaker who one time left the world.

Two North Quabbin area veterans honored with Quilts of Valor

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — Two more North Quabbin area veterans became Quilts of Valor recipients following a ceremony at the Community Church of North Orange and Tully last week.

Healey urges Congress to reject SNAP cuts

By CHRIS LARABEE

In a letter to Congress, Gov. Maura Healey is urging lawmakers to reject changes proposed by Republicans to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would shift costs to states, which would cost, at minimum, at least $131.4 million annual and potentially up to $650 million.

North Quabbin Food-A-Thon returns to combat regional food insecurity

By HANNAH MORIN

ATHOL — The North Quabbin Food-A-Thon, a 12-hour community fundraiser supporting local food pantries, takes place today, marking its 22nd year. The event will be broadcast live from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on AOTV Channel 1301 and WVAO 105.9 FM.

Photo: Three’s a crowd

Western Mass legislators urge PILOT formula reform

By CHRIS LARABEE

State Sen. Jo Comerford and Rep. Natalie Blais and are urging the Healey-Driscoll administration to reform the state-owned land payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) formula, which they say “shortchanges” rural counties, while rewarding those in urban and suburban areas.

Athol High School adds new career pathways program for students

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – During a February visit to Athol High School, Gov. Maura Healey announced that AHS would be receiving $65,000 to expand the options available to students interested in the school’s Innovative Career Pathway program. About three dozen students are already enrolled in the manufacturing program, which currently includes classes in precision measuring instruments and robotics.

Push on to protect Native heritage: Indigenous leaders gather with legislators to support five-bill agenda

By SAMUEL GELINAS

BOSTON — Indigenous leaders took the podium in the State House this week to voice united support for five pieces of legislation filed on behalf on their communities, including bills that would say goodbye to Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day and bar the use of Indigenous-themed mascots in public schools.

Area arts organizations concerned by proposed NEA elimination

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMANand MADISON SCHOFIELD

Area arts organizations are worried about the future funding landscape after hearing about cuts the Trump administration is proposing to the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo: Peekaboo bear

State issues open call for new seal, flag and motto

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON — The state is soliciting proposals from artists, historians, designers, “culture bearers” and anyone else who has an idea for a new Massachusetts state seal, flag and motto.

MassHealth warns of big coverage, funding losses under GOP plans

By CHRIS LISINKSI

BOSTON — A key piece of a federal spending cut and tax relief plan that’s on the move in Washington could result in Massachusetts losing more than $1 billion annually and hundreds of thousands of Bay Staters losing health coverage, according to the Healey administration.

Three-peat state award for Athol DPW’s water division

By GREG VINE

ATHOL — For the third consecutive year, Athol’s Water Division in the Department of Public Works has received an award for “noteworthy performance” from the state Department of Environmental Protection. The award was presented to 15 communities in the Large & Medium Community Systems category during a ceremony held in Boston on May 9.

Mount Wachusett Community College introduces new mascot ‘Monty the Mountain Lion’

By HANNAH MORIN

GARDNER — Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) introduced its new mascot, Monty the Mountain Lion, during a campus celebration on April 29.

Photo: Royalston students explore the great outdoors

Sportsman’s Corner: Of boats, birds, bears and fish

By MIKE ROCHE

Occasionally, as this writer sits down each week to pen my weekly rant, there are several topics which will come to mind. This is one of those weeks and instead of going into any depth on these topics, each will be touched upon.