News
Commission reviews economic, environmental impacts of rail system
By DOMENIC POLI
GREENFIELD — The need for connectivity and economic prosperity were the prevailing themes of a Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission public hearing held at the John W. Olver Transit Center on Tuesday.The commission was created by an act of...
Officials weigh expansion proposal for Gardner sludge landfill
By GREG VINE
GARDNER – Residents of Gardner and Templeton joined state and local officials on a visit to the Chair City’s sludge landfill off Route 68, near the Templeton line.Those taking part in the visit were hoping to get a better idea of the potential effects...
UMass Amherst awards Ellsberg with honorary degree
By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL
AMHERST — Daniel Ellsberg, the whistleblower who leaked classified information pertaining to the Vietnam War known as the “Pentagon Papers,” was awarded an honorary degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst in a ceremony held in San Francisco...
North Quabbin Notebook: Jan. 25, 2023
Memory Café and grief support group for seniorsATHOL — The Athol and Petersham councils on aging have been awarded funding from LifePath, Inc., and the Church Street Home Fund to create a new initiative called the North Quabbin Memory Café. The new...
North Quabbin Notebook: Jan. 25, 2023
Mahar 50+ Club raises $7,750 for scholarships ORANGE — The $7,750 in scholarships raised this year by the Mahar 50+ Club marked the third year of increased donations, despite the lack of a physical meeting.The club did not hold its annual dinner...
Welding simulators to expand education at Franklin Tech and beyond
By JULIAN MENDOZA
TURNERS FALLS — Welding students at Franklin County Technical School and beyond will soon be joining more than just pieces of steel with a half-million-dollar investment that is set to fuse the real and the imaginary.Come next school year, the school...
McGovern: Municipal projects could suffer if debt ceiling not dealt with
By GREG VINE
WORCESTER – In a letter to Congressional leaders last Friday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen cautioned that she will be faced with taking “extraordinary measures” to prevent a default on the nation’s debt should lawmakers fail to either increase...
PHOTO: Wolski sworn in as Winchendon Police Chief
Changing storm conditions keeps Athol DPW on its toes
By GREG VINE
ATHOL — As the second winter storm in four days was bearing down on North Quabbin Sunday evening, the town’s Department of Public Works was out in force, repeating steps taken the previous Thursday to prepare for the first round of snow, sleet, and...
North Quabbin Notes, Jan. 24
Harlem Wizards to face off against Narragansett teachersBALDWINVILLE — On Thursday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m., the Harlem Wizards will be coming to Narragansett Regional High School to play Narragansett teachers from across the district. Teachers from TES,...
North Quabbin Notes, Jan. 23
Mount Wachusett Community College President’s and Dean’s Lists for Fall 2022 Semester GARDNER — Mount Wachusett Community College is pleased to announce the Dean’s and President’s Lists for the fall 2022 semester. Students who complete a minimum of...
Petersham residents seek answers for unexpected tax increase
By GREG VINE
The three-dozen people who went to Petersham Town Hall on Jan. 18 were intent on getting an explanation for the significant increase to their property tax bills. Property owners saw increases ranging from 17 to 35% over last year’s tax obligation. The...
Housing authority taking on new role in accessibility program
By CHRIS LARABEE
TURNERS FALLS – Through a reconfiguration of the state’s Home Modification Loan Program, the Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority is now better positioned to serve residents needing aid in making their homes more...
With climate education, Hitchcock Center looks to help children envision ideal world
By JULIAN MENDOZA
WHATELY — While winter’s warmest days remind us that our climate’s future could be bleak, the future generation reminds us that it may not have to be.Stephanie Apanell’s fourth grade class at Whately Elementary School joined forces with Amherst’s...
Phillipston Boy Scout earns Eagle Badge for fire pit project
By CAROLE GARIEPY
Phillipston’s John Bennett from Boy Scout Troop 39 has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was presented with the award in January during a ceremony at the Congregational Church.The Boy Scouts have ranks just as the military does, and Eagle is the...
Royaslton Board discusses revival of Winchendon Rod & Gun Club
By GREG VINE
ROYALSTON – The Winchendon Rod & Gun Club took a step toward reopening after being closed for more than two years. Winchendon resident Gary Fleming met with Royalston’s Selectboard, looking for guidance on reopening the Winchendon Rod & Gun Club in...
Remaining submissions for Memory Tree fundraiser
ATHOL — Listed below are some late submissions of memorial names contributed as part of the Athol Woman’s Club’s annual Memory Tree fundraiser held in December.For a $1 donation, residents submitted a name. Each light on the memorial tree, located on...
Real Estate Transactions: Jan. 20, 2023
ATHOL 238 Beacon St. $380,000. B: Dylan J. Boissoneau and Joshua R. Boissoneau. S: Beacon Central LLC. 84 Grove St. $205,000. B: Michael Vorce. S: Cindy W. Mertzic. 1545 Main St. $40,000. B: Sergio A. Reis. S: 1545 Main St. LLC. 135 Oak Ave....
Jan. 6: A protest or insurrection?: Latest UMass poll splits along party lines
By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL
AMHERST — Two years after the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when supporters of former President Donald Trump forced their way into the U.S. Capitol, the views of what happened that day remain firmly entrenched along partisan lines, according to a new...
PHOTO: A busy Millers River
