Tax break could help Massachusetts small farms

By CHRIS LISINSKI

A pair of western Massachusetts lawmakers made an urgent plea to their colleagues Tuesday to allow smaller farms to access property tax benefits currently available only to their larger peers.

Mendon Curlers takes top spot in Petersham tournament

PETERSHAM – The Petersham Lions Club recently held its 19th annual charity curling tournament and raffle fundraiser on March 22. The event benefits Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund to help in finding a cure for blindness.

Athol gets update on green energy

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Karen Chapman and Zack Kay of the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission appeared before the Selectboard at its March 18 meeting to provide an annual report on the town’s status relative to a FY24 Green Communities grant.

North Quabbin Notes, March 25

GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College President James Vander Hooven and Veterans Services Director Robert Mayer welcomed Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 907 member Jim Benton, on March 13, who presented MWCC a donation from the Vietnam Veterans of American Massachusetts State Council.

Athol Selectboard approves grant application for water, sewer repairs

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – The Selectboard has voted to back an application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for water and sewer line repairs.

Pioneer Valley farmers sound off over ag cuts at ‘Attack on Small Farms’ rally

By SAMUEL GELINAS

HADLEY — Irate farmers, waving signs and pitchforks, gathered in front of Town Hall on Sunday afternoon as tractors rolled in and the Expandable Brass Band played at the start of an “Attack on Small Farms” protest.

Petersham Art Center presents exhibition of spring creations

PETERSHAM – On Sunday, April 6, the Petersham Art Center will open its 2025 exhibition season with a public reception from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., featuring an array of spring-themed artwork.

Orange Police arrest two men on gun charges

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — Two men were arrested Sunday afternoon after gunshots were fired as a result of “severe recklessness,” according to the Orange Police Department.

Royalston residents invited to Saturday forum on town’s future

By GREG VINE

ROYALSTON – This Saturday, residents of the town will be asked to join an open forum to discuss the direction of the community.

State Legislature plans to again extend remote meeting authority

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON — Two weeks before the policies are set to expire, the House and Senate took the first steps Monday to once again temporarily extend pandemic-era laws allowing remote access for public meetings in Massachusetts.

Athol Capital Committee to decide on Fire Department request

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – The Capital Program Committee will meet Wednesday to try to come up with a way to get the Fire Department the new tanker requested by Fire Chief Jeff Parker.

State pilot program puts restaurant takeout meals on food aid menus around region

By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL

More than a half-dozen restaurants in Hampshire County are partnering with survival centers in Northampton and Amherst to provide free meals to those facing food insecurity in the region as part of a larger initiative taking place statewide.

Leader of Food Bank of Western Massachusetts worried about SNAP reductions

By SCOTT MERZBACH

Though Massachusetts is not one of at least six states that will lose out on $500 million in food deliveries promised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the leader of the region’s largest food bank remains concerned about future cuts.

Athol awards contract for Lord Pond project

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Town Manager Shaun Suhoski Thursday awarded the contract to undertake the greening of Lord Pond Plaza to J. Bates & Son.

Orange Selectboard prioritizes library roof, housing as uses for CDBG money

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE — If awarded the money, the town is looking to allocate $326,500 in Community Development Block Grant funding toward a new Wheeler Memorial Library roof.

PHOTO: Athol Royalston recognizes Students of the Month

McGovern town hall relays concern for federal institutions, calls to strengthen Democratic Party

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — The more than 700 people who attended a town hall event with U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern on Tuesday relayed an expansive mandate for him to take back to Congress: defend federal institutions, create a stronger coalition of Democrats and be a voice of resistance to the Trump administration.

The ills of a billion-dollar enterprise: The slow-death of the cannabis industry, and what might be done to reverse the trend

By GABRIEL O’HARA SALINI

The Massachusetts cannabis industry is a billion-dollar enterprise, with over 700 retailers operating across the state. Yet stores are closing, companies are firing their workers and retail and non-retail licenses are being surrendered by former operators as business owners clamor for regulatory changes to transform an industry they see as unsustainable.

Athol water, sewer rate increases approved

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – The Selectboard, at its meeting Tuesday night, March 19, voted to increase the rates for water and sewer service in the town of Athol.