Latest News
Orange man arraigned in alleged stabbing
TA to suggest tabling budget vote
Athol Police Logs, May 11 - June 9, 2025
Tari Thomas tapped for interim super role at Gill-Montague
MONTAGUE — Tari Thomas, former superintendent of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional and Union 73 school districts, has been tapped for the interim superintendent position at the Gill-Montague Regional School District, pending successful contract negotiations and reference checks.
Work begins at Lord Pond Plaza in Athol
ATHOL – In late March, the town signed a $2.8 million contract with the construction firm of J. Bates & Son to revamp Lord Pond Plaza, a project that includes the daylighting of Mill Brook.
Most Read
Massachusetts educators grappling with suspended high school graduation requirements
Athol Police Logs, May 11 - June 9, 2025
Tour of Athol High School shows issues with building
8 design options aired for new or renovated Franklin County Technical School
How Pioneer baseball’s culture fueled an unbeaten season and dramatic state championship win
Abarua’s extra-inning heroics power Turners Falls past Greenfield for 12th state softball crown (PHOTOS)
Editors Picks
Athol High School marks 150th Commencement with a hopeful message
Vigneau to retire as CEO of Franklin County YMCA
Idaho woman arrested on charges in 2023 Orange fraud case
Orange Sewer Commission votes to increase rates
Sports
Cody Booska returns to competition, dominates Mass. Am qualifier with 3-under 69
After taking a few years off from competitive golf, Cody Booska returned to compete in a qualifier for the Massachusetts Amateur Championship at Springfield Country Club on Wednesday.
Orange’s own leaps into national spotlight: Krasco to compete at New Balance Nationals
Bulletin Board: 44th Annual Montague Mug Race Kicks Off Aug. 16
Opinion
Christine Baronas: Questioning
Would a Trump supporter explain to me why, if the National Guard can be called out to protect ICE enforcement, why wasn’t it called out when the U.S. Capital was being attacked? He says he has the power today, 2025. He also had it in 2020 but didn’t use it when our nation’s Congress was overrun. It was a demonstration that got so out of hand that people did die. That leads to the question of what’s more important: ensuring the peaceful passage of a democracy’s power or making sure police can grab up criminals?
Deborah Potee: Superior Greenfield Public Schools leader
Patrick McGreevey: Our lord and savior
My Turn: Renewable energy and battery storage is the affordable choice for families. How do we get it right?
Columnist Bill Newman: Signs of the time

Your Daily Puzzles
An approachable redesign to a classic. Explore our "hints."
A quick daily flip. Finally, someone cracked the code on digital jigsaw puzzles.
Chess but with chaos: Every day is a unique, wacky board.
Word search but as a strategy game. Clearing the board feels really good.
Align the letters in just the right way to spell a word. And then more words.
Police Logs
Athol Police Logs, April 16 – April 26, 2025
10:45 a.m. - Report of a party going through a company’s mail. Made contact with the male party who stated he was checking for his own mail. Male party was located in his Mercedes in the back of the building. Party left the property shortly after.
Athol Police Logs, March 1 – March 17, 2025
Athol Police Logs: Feb. 6 – Feb. 27, 2025
Athol Police Logs Jan. 16 to Feb. 2, 2025
Orange Police Logs: Dec. 31, 2024 to Jan. 10, 2025
Arts & Life
Sounds Local: Green River Fest returns this weekend: Strong presence of local bands in the lineup this year
It’s finally here, the big weekend that so many of us have been waiting for. The Green River Festival will take place at the Franklin County Fairgrounds from Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, and the good news is that tickets are still available.
Obituaries
Norma H. Lively
Athol, MA - Norma H. Lively of 68 Harrington Street, Athol, MA died Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Quabbin Valley Health Care with her family by her side after several months of declining health. She was born in Athol, MA on August 25, 19... remainder of obit for Norma H. Lively
Jane Soderman
Jane (Evashousky) Soderman ATHOL, MA - Jane Evashousky "Ersey" Soderman Jane Evashousky "Ersey" Soderman, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday afternoon, May 17, 2025 at Alliance Health at Baldwinville Nursi... remainder of obit for Jane Soderman
Monica S. Bond
Monica S. (Calluzzo) Bond ATHOL, MA - In Loving Memory of Monica Sophia Calluzzo Bond A force of love, grace, and resilience, Monica passed away peacefully, reunited at last with the love of her life, John. Their love story - one of loy... remainder of obit for Monica S. Bond
Jane Soderman
ATHOL, MA - Jane Evashousky "Ersey" Soderman, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday afternoon, May 17, 2025 at Alliance Health at Baldwinville Nursing Home in Templeton, Ma. She was born to Paul "Paulie" and... remainder of obit for Jane Soderman

Massachusetts Legislature critics eye ballot campaign
Neal sounds off on Trump policies at Holyoke event to discuss housing crisis
Royalston Building Committee found to have violated Open Meeting Law, fined by AG
Reproductive, transgender care bill inches closer to Mass. Senate floor
FirstLight faces appeals to MassDEP’s water quality certification; parties allege river not protected
Small school, giant year: Inside Pioneer Valley Regional’s unmatched athletic run
Bulletin Board: Greenfield Post 81 falls to Pittsfield, 2-0, in season opener
Comedy, tragedy and pandemic tell relatable tale in Silverthorne Theater Co.’s latest production
Speaking of Nature: Pressure is on for the spotted turtle: Now is the point in the turtle life cycle when female turtles are most vulnerable
Something red for Juneteenth: ‘The backbone of Juneteenth festivities has always been the table’
‘Meant to only last the summer’: Amherst artist’s wheatpaste murals among those now decorating Montague