News
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.”
$524K to fund energy-efficient upgrades at Mahar
By DOMENIC POLI
ORANGE — Ralph C. Mahar Regional School will soon be more energy-efficient after securing $524,000 in grants.
Sour taste as state lawmakers unpeel ‘big, beautiful bill’
By CHRIS LISINSKI and COLIN A. YOUNG
BOSTON — The top Republican in the Massachusetts House is still parsing the so-called “big, beautiful bill” that became law Friday to figure out where he lands.
Local advocates seek removal of Healey provision on new nuclear facilities
By CHRIS LARABEE
Local advocates are urging the Legislature to remove a specific provision in Gov. Maura Healey’s Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act that would repeal a 1982 referendum requiring voters at a statewide election to approve any new nuclear facilities in Massachusetts.
State inches closer to legalizing medical aid in dying
By NAOMI SCULLY-BRISTOL
In 2012, Massachusetts residents came close to legalizing medical aid in dying.
Dying on one’s own terms: With state legislation gaining traction, debate continues over how — and whether — choice should shape death
By NAOMI SCULLY-BRISTOL
On a winter day in 2023, Joan Cenedella turned to her partner of almost 30 years, Fran Volkmann, and said she would like a bowl of chocolate ice cream. Volkmann said she could get it for her, “but you know it will slow down what you’re trying to do.”
Athol selected for new electric vehicle program
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center announced on July 1 that Athol is one of 21 municipalities chosen to participate in On-Street Charging, a new electric vehicle (EV) program aimed at improving access to EV charging.
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