News
Erving native Jeremy Bucci welcomed to Superior Court
By DOMENIC POLI
GREENFIELD — Franklin County celebrated its second resident to become a Superior Court judge in 31 years with the induction of Erving native Jeremy C. Bucci on Thursday.Bucci, who now lives in Deerfield, was the chief trial counsel for the...
Athol-Royalston School website to see upgrades
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – The Athol Royalston Regional School District is in the midst of revamping one of the most important tools for communicating with students, families and the community. The decision to reconstruct the district’s website was a result of user...
PHOTOS: A night of fun in February
With new chair, DPU forces cut in natural gas bills
By COLIN YOUNG
When they get their bills in March, most gas customers in Massachusetts are going see a decrease of 4 or 5 percent after the Department of Public Utilities this week approved a mid-season reduction in gas supply charges as natural gas prices drop.Gas...
Real Estate Transactions: Feb. 3, 2023
ATHOL 38 Farnsworth Ave. $289,500. B: Jeffrey T. Cronk and Jody A. Newton. S: Joanne Marie Buzzell Estate and Marcee Balfour. 53 Hampstead Place. $208,000. B: Joseph P. Bellone. S: Ronald D. Recos.BERNARDSTON 108 Couch Brook Road. $35,000. B:...
Health officials warn of co-infections of multiple respiratory illnesses
By MARY BYRNE
Although public health officials aren’t seeing an abundance of cases locally, it is possible, experts say, for an individual to carry more than one respiratory illness at once.“Co-infections have become a growing concern in recent months in response...
Hospital, fire marshal issue warnings ahead of weekend cold snap
With temperatures expected to drop into the negative digits on Friday and Saturday, Baystate Hospital and the Mass State Fire Marshal have issued warnings and advice for how to cope with the cold.Cold weather can be hazardous and result in frostbite,...
PHOTO: A sunset scene
North Quabbin Notes, Feb. 3
Athol Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship rescheduledATHOL — Due to extreme weather conditions predicted for Saturday, Feb. 4, the Athol Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship that was to be held at the Athol YMCA has been rescheduled to...
Plans in the works for new Athol tattoo parlor
By GREG VINE
ATHOL – The town has been without a tattoo parlor since the last one closed its doors approximately a dozen years ago. That could change over the next few months—perhaps sooner—if the plans of four Athol residents come to fruition.Business owners...
Royalston, Sunderland libraries recognized for dedicated service
By CHRIS LARABEE
For their continued dedication to serving patrons, including adapting operations on the fly in response to the pandemic, two local libraries were awarded 2022 Star Library ratings by Library Journal, a prestigious librarian journal.Royalston’s...
Heywood: collection notices sent in error
By GREG VINE
GARDNER — Following a series of posts made on social media by confused patients, Heywood Healthcare released a statement Tuesday afternoon clarifying that collection notices sent to area residents were sent in error and apologized for any “confusion...
No one injured in Phillipston vehicle fire
PHILLIPSTON — A vehicle fire reported Tuesday afternoon tied up traffic for some time, but no injuries were reported.According to the Mass State Police, the fire was reported at 3:34 p.m. on Tuesday on Route 2 eastbound, near Highland Avenue Overpass...
North Quabbin Notes, Feb. 2
McGovern reappointed to Agricultural CommitteeCongressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) has been reappointed to Agriculture Committee for the 118th Congress.”I’m determined to continue fighting to ensure all Americans have access to fresh, nutritious food, that...
PC Doctor: Libby for Kindle Fire
Dear PC Doctor:I have a new Kindle Fire and I’m so excited to start listening to digital audiobooks with my library card and the Libby app! I’m following the directions on the Libby Overdrive website (https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/kindlefire)...
Kilhart: snow and ice budget looks okay – for now
By GREG VINE
ATHOL — Despite a recent string of storms dumping plenty of snow, rain, and freezing rain, Public Works Director Dick Kilhart said the department’s snow and ice budget is in fairly good shape.“We’re probably about two-thirds into that snow and ice...
Feeling the fuel pinch: Record number of applicants applying for fuel assistance
By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL
GREENFIELD — When they opened their most recent utility bill, Dianne and Robert Rode couldn’t believe that they were being asked to pay $500 for a month’s worth of heat, the highest they’ve ever had to pay in 35 years of living at their home in...
Healey seeks $282M for shelter, food aid programs
By CHRIS LISINSKI
BOSTON — Reviving debate on an issue that lawmakers left untouched at the end of last session, Gov. Maura Healey on Monday filed a $282 million spending bill she said is necessary to manage a surge in demand for emergency shelter and prevent the free...
Several Athol-area locations to open as warming centers this weekend
ATHOL -— In expectation of dangerously low temperatures this Friday and Saturday, several locations in Athol will be opened as warming centers, according to information sent by the town. The National Weather Service is expecting a high of 21 degrees...
PHOTO: A look at Royalston history
