News
PHOTOS-Eclipse viewing party in Athol
Paddles stops by Salvadore Auto
UMass trustees OK 2.5% tuition increase
By COLIN A. YOUNG
BOSTON – The University of Massachusetts has taken a step toward hiking tuition and room and board charges for the next academic year, but some trustees said last Wednesday the proposed increases are not high enough and one said the status quo would...
Heywood Healthcare cites progress made since bankruptcy filing
By MAX BOWEN
ATHOL — After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last October, Heywood Healthcare has announced it has made progress in restoring and improving services.The health care company has pointed to a costly electronic medical record transition,...
After six decades, River Rat Race paddles on
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – The first Athol to Orange River Rat Race in 1963 may have been a more informal event, but it marked the beginning of an annual tradition that generations of North Quabbin residents have come to cherish. This year’s race takes place this...
Council OKs mega-pardon for marijuana possession
By SAM DORAN
BOSTON — The Governor’s Council unanimously approved Gov. Maura Healey’s mass pardon Wednesday that grants official forgiveness to anyone convicted of simple cannabis possession in Massachusetts.The courts must still work to identify people to whom...
Sportsman’s Corner columnist receives Words of Wisdom Award
By CARLA CHARTER
ORANGE-For his many years of advocacy of sportsmen’s issues, Mike Roche has received the Words of Wisdom Award from the Worcester County League of Sportsmen’s Clubs.Roche received the award at the club’s annual banquet on March 23, held at the...
Paddles does his taxes
Flag raised at Athol Library to mark National Child Abuse Prevention Month
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – Residents, area dignitaries and community leaders gathered in front of Athol Public Library Friday morning for a flag-raising ceremony in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.The event was sponsored by the Children’s Advocacy...
‘One of the great gifts of nature’: Expert shares science, viewing methods behind April 8 solar eclipse
By CHRIS LARABEE
During the afternoon of Monday, April 8, folks around the Pioneer Valley and throughout the U.S. will be treated to one of the solar system’s most extraordinary events.At approximately 3:28 p.m., the moon will overtake the sun and our celestial...
Where to view (and prep for) Monday’s solar eclipse in the Pioneer Valley
By CHRIS LARABEE
Editor’s note: The following is a collection of Pioneer Valley events where the public can observe and celebrate the April 8 solar eclipse. Know of an event that isn’t listed? Feel free to send details to news@recorder.com. Monday’s solar eclipse will...
U.S. Rep. Neal scopes out new veterans home in Holyoke
By EMILEE KLEIN
HOLYOKE — Congressman Richard Neal often frequented the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke years ago to visit his grandfather and uncle — the latter of whom served in the Korean War for exactly one year, one month and one day — and witnessed firsthand the...
Earthquake centered near New York City rattles the Northeast
By JAMES PENTLAND and ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL
NORTHAMPTON — Sen. Jo Comerford was at home in Northampton on a Zoom call Friday morning when suddenly her home started shaking.“I thought maybe it was ice falling off the roof,” Comerford said. “It was quite jarring.”Leeds resident Jeffrey McLeod,...
Sportsman’s Corner: Wildlife conflict
By Mike RocheAs you may have heard, a horse was killed by a bear in South Athol last week. This ultimate wildlife/livestock conflict was a great loss for the owners of the 24-year-old pony, who had been a great show horse in her day. It is easy to...
Athol officials explore legal options for fire-ravaged property
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – Town officials have decided to begin investigating court options to clean the property at 1756 Main St.The home at that address was destroyed in a fire last August. Records in the assessor’s office indicate the property is owned by Matthew...
Environmental expo to be held Saturday on climate change and emergency preparation
PETERSHAM – The town of Petersham and North Hatfield-based Conservation Works are co-hosting the Petersham Environmental Expo this Saturday, April 6, from noon-4 p.m. at Petersham Town Hall, 1 South Main St. According to the organization’s web site,...
Consolidation, caps urged to speed clean energy permitting across state
By COLIN A. YOUNG
BOSTON — In anticipation of a boom in clean energy projects needed to help the state meet its decarbonization targets, a group put together by the governor rolled out recommendations Monday for ways to streamline and accelerate the siting and...
School nurse resigns after Orange administrators discover lack of license
By DOMENIC POLI
ORANGE — The man employed as a licensed practical nurse at Fisher Hill School from Oct. 2 to Feb. 28 did not have a proper license, a matter that is under investigation, according to the Ralph C. Mahar Regional and Union 73 school districts.Robert...
Erving man wins $4M in state lottery
By DOMENIC POLI
GREENFIELD – An Erving man says he plans to purchase a house and a car after winning $4 million in the Massachusetts State Lottery last month.Jeremy Bouchard played the “$4,000,000 Jumbo Cash” game with an instant ticket he purchased from the Sandri...
North Quabbin Notes, April 4
Lions, curling club team up for annual competitionPETERSHAM – The Petersham Lions Club recently held its 18th annual charity curling tournament and raffle fundraiser in March. A curling tournament is known as a bonspiel. The event benefits the...
