News

Mass Dems propose nine-month shelter stay limit

By SAM DORAN

Senate and House negotiators on Wednesday proposed a new nine-month limit on how long families can stay in the state’s emergency shelters, while authorizing withdrawals up to $426 million from a state savings account to spend on the ongoing crisis.Top...

Federal probe targets UMass response to anti-Arab incidents

By JAMES PENTLAND

AMHERST — Federal civil rights officials are investigating the University of Massachusetts for allegedly dragging its feet over complaints of anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian harassment on campus amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.An official...

Sportsman’s Corner: Missouri gobbler

By Mike RocheLast week was my first ever turkey hunt in Missouri. After over a decade of flying out to Kansas and hunting turkeys in that state, things changed. In response to significant declines in turkey numbers in the Sunflower State, the Kansas...

Erving rejects trade school’s incomplete proposal for mill reuse

By DOMENIC POLI

ERVING — While the Selectboard was forced to reject the lone procurement submission for the former International Paper Mill because it was incomplete, members hope the applicant’s idea could be a window to future opportunities.Hancock Academy is...

North Quabbin Notes, April 25

Boston Lighthouse presentation with former Light Keeper Sally SnowmanATHOL – Join the Athol Public Library at 568 Main St., Athol, on Thursday, May 9, from 6–7 p.m., when retired Light Keeper Sally Snowman for her one-hour historic slideshow lecture...

North Quabbin Notes, April 24

Volunteer drivers needed to helpothers get to and from medicalappointmentsLifePath has a program to help older people get to medical appointments, and matches local volunteers with individuals in need of transportation or medical advocacy. There is a...

Plan calls for upgrades to Silver Lake in Athol

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Residents and town officials joined members of the Open Space & Recreation Commission for a walking tour of Silver Lake Park Tuesday night.The purpose of the meeting, which convened at the park’s pavilion, was to discuss a master plan for the...

Parents question handling of threat at Erving Elementary School

By MAX BOWEN

ERVING — Following a report of a threat that involved an Erving Elementary School student, parents questioned the School Committee on Tuesday about what can be done in light of concerns over the administration’s response.According to a joint statement...

Magic comes to Red Apple in Phillipston

By MAX BOWEN

PHILLIPSTON — Red Apple Farm will become home to faeries, knights, trolls and lots of magic on the first weekend in May.The Enchanted Orchard Renaissance Faire will take place on May 4-5. Richard and Rajuli Fahey of Winchendon have been to the farm a...

A Page from North Quabbin History: Women of Royalston display

By Carla CharterThe Royalston Historical Society will hold its grand reopening on May 19 with a “Women’s Lives of Royalston” exhibit, which will share the stories of Royalston women’s lives throughout history from their own perspectives, according to...

Athol Royalston School Committee approves budget on second attempt

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – It took two votes, but the Athol Royalston Regional School Committee approved an $32.1 million FY25 general budget for the district at its meeting on Monday, April 22.The final vote came after more than two hours of public comment and...

Spilka pledges ‘comprehensive climate bill’ in Senate

By SAM DRYSDALE

BOSTON — Signaling the potential for more change in the transportation and energy sectors, Senate President Karen Spilka revealed Monday that the Senate plans to tackle a major climate bill before formal sessions come to a close in just over three...

Alumnae gather in Athol to honor Spelman College founders

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Saturday’s morning rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of those who attended the third annual Spelman College Founders Day at Silver Lake Cemetery to honor Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles.According to the college’s web site, the...

White’s Mill development proceeds following roof cave-in

By MAX BOWEN

WINCHENDON—A planned re-development of the former White’s Mill complex in Winchendon Springs is proceeding, following a partial collapse of the roof from a snowstorm on April 4.Since then, Amelia Giovanoni, acting director of the Mill Farm Initiative...

Senate adds bills to reform electric industry

By SAM DRYSDALE

Senate Democrats plan this week to make a big push for reforms to the state’s motor vehicle “Lemon Law,” insurance coverage for home heating oil leaks and the controversial competitive electric supply industry.The Senate on Monday formally added a...

North Quabbin Notes, April 23

Scam presentation in RoyalsonThe Royalston Ladies’ Benevolent Society is hosting a presentation on scams which target older adults this Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Royalston Town Hall. The presentation will be given by a representative...

New Realtor Association CEO looks to work collaboratively to maximize housing options

By ABNER ROJAS

SPRINGFIELD — As the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley’s new CEO arrives to a Massachusetts housing market plagued by high prices and a lack of stock, he aims to work alongside elected officials to maximize the availability of different kinds of...

A Page from North Quabbin History: The story of the Millers River

By Carla CharterThe Millers River meanders through both Athol and Orange, carrying with it not only the beauty on its surface, but a long history stretching back to when the river was first formed 25,000 years ago. Local historian Chris Coyle will be...

Mass. saw nearly 200 percent rise in antisemitic incidents last year

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — New England saw a staggering surge in antisemitic incidents last year that exceeded the increase logged nationally, the Anti-Defamation League said in a new report released Tuesday.There were 623 antisemitic incidents of assault, harassment...