News
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...
Regional farming alliance strengthens educational, networking opportunities for apprentices
By CHRIS LARABEE
In 1994, a new movement began to grow out of the Pioneer Valley, Berkshires and Hudson Valley, as a group of organic farmers banded together to form a cooperative educational program for farm apprentices.That year marked the birth of the Collaborative...
Shelter money fading, but ‘not at the end of the line’
By CHRIS LISINSKI and SAM DRYSDALE
BOSTON — State dollars for the emergency family shelter system are dwindling, and restaurateurs who for years enjoyed expanded outdoor dining and the ability to sell drinks to go remain “in limbo” amid a sustained period of legislative...
Nicole Gough seeks seat on Phillipston Selectboard
By GREG VINE
PHILLIPSTON – After living in town for two decades, Nicole Gough has decided it’s time to make her first foray into local politics.Gough is running to fill the one year remaining on the term of former Selectboard member Dan Sanden, who resigned...
With eye toward teaching firearm safety, Mahar’s Junior ROTC adding air rifles
By DOMENIC POLI
ORANGE — It appears Ralph C. Mahar Regional School’s Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will participate in competitions with an air rifle aspect next year, though the program’s instructors are still waiting on air tanks, targets and other...
Quabbin region studied for MWRA expansion
By SAM DRYSDALE
As House Democrats eye the expansion of its public drinking water service area, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is considering whether the communities where that water comes from should finally get to reap the benefits of the...
Phillipston board opens talks on new police chief
By GREG VINE
PHILLIPSTON – Police Chief Kevin Dodge recently announced his intention to retire from a post he has held for more than a decade, and the Selectboard is reviewing the options for hiring his successor.The chief’s current salary is just under $85,000...
Sportsman’s Corner: Quabbin opens this Saturday
By Mike RocheQuabbin Reservoir will open for fishing tomorrow, April 20, at 6 a.m. The reservoir is the principal drinking water supply for 3 million of Massachusetts’ 7 million residents. Since 1946, shore fishing has been allowed and since 1952, a...
North Quabbin Notes, April 18
Wing contest at Athol EaglesATHOL — Make and bring your favorite wings to the Athol-Orange Eagles 4545 on April 20, 4-7 p.m. to be shared and judged. Prizes will be given to the top three places. Cost is $8 to taste test and get tickets to vote for...
Carol Doucette of Royalston receives $15,000 from Publishers Clearing House
By GREG VINE
ROYALSTON – The Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol went to Royalston on Wednesday and, in what PCH Representative Howie Guja said was a first, was unable to make it the front door of the $15,000 winner.As the Prize Patrol made its way to the Stone...
Partnership succeeds in protecting Lake Monomonac forestland
WINCHENDON – Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust and North County Land Trust (NCLT) joined forces with residents a year ago to protect 200-plus acres of forest at the southern reaches of Lake Monomonac, according to an announcement. With the support...
Royalston Selectboard mulls options for full-time police
By GREG VINE
ROYALSTON – The Selectboard will meet with the town’s Finance Committee Thursday night in hopes of determining the best way to provide at least one full-time officer to the police department in the year ahead.At their meeting Tuesday night, the...
Orange man gets 12 to 14 years for child rape
By DOMENIC POLI
GREENFIELD — An Orange man will spend 12 to 14 years in prison after being convicted in Franklin County Superior Court of aggravated rape and abuse of a child.David Prue, 36, was sentenced by Judge John Agostini on Tuesday morning following a jury...
Athol Salvation Army Corps joins Boston Marathon volunteers
By MAX BOWEN
ATHOL — Though they may not have been among the runners, the Salvation Army Athol Corps played an important role in the 128th Boston Marathon.The corps sent two vehicles — their mobile feeding unit, also known as a “canteen,” and a minivan — to help...
Director of Village School in Royalston steps down
By GREG VINE
ROYALSTON – Village School Director Rise Richardson, who has been there since the doors opened in 1989, has announced she has stepped down from the position.Richardson has been the school’s director since 1994, and said she had decided that it was...
Franklin County youth tapped to advise governor’s team
By Xinyi Yang
Orange resident Christiana Dunn is among 60 young people statewide who will advise Gov. Maura Healey and her administrative team on issues important to young people as a member of the newly minted Youth Advisory Council.The council members, ages...
Athol Police Logs: March 27 to April 10, 2024
Athol Police LogsMarch 27 – April 10Wednesday, March 272:11 p.m. - Report of a two-car motor vehicle accident on Roosevelt Avenue between a 2021 Chevy Traverse and a 2018 Hyundai Kona.2:43 p.m. - Male party into the lobby stating he was almost...
