
Grants to illuminate Massachusetts history for Revolution’s anniversary
Massachusetts is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War this year and next with initiatives and events across the state, funded by $2 million in grants from the Healey-Driscoll administration. The statewide initiative — known as Massachusetts 250 — will celebrate anniversaries and events significant to the state’s role in the American Revolution.

Molly Strouse of Athol remembered for fierce loyalty and spirit
ATHOL — Molly Bennett Aitken Strouse lived many vibrant lives in one extraordinary journey.
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Sports


Opinion

My Turn: Value of public lands is permanent, spiritual
In May of 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt visited John Muir, one of the most revered naturalists of his time, in Yosemite, California. Muir took Roosevelt on a three-day camping excursion through the area, hoping that exposing him to Yosemite’s natural beauty would convince the president to set aside Yosemite and other wilderness areas to be designated as national parks.





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, May 11 - June 9, 2025
2:01 a.m. - Male party in the lobby to speak with an officer about a cable box missing from his apartment. Male also stated he noticed the mat at his door has been moved.




Arts & Life

World of wonder: Walter Wick’s dynamic photographic illustrations at Norman Rockwell Museum
STOCKBRIDGE — The dynamic images of photographic illustrator Walter Wick can be viewed through Oct. 26 in four galleries at Stockbridge’s Norman Rockwell Museum.
Obituaries

San Marcos, TX - Eugene Richard Rice of San Marcos, TX passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the age of 96. Born in Islip, NY, he was the son of the late Erwin and Alice (Glassett) Rice. Gene grew up in Athol, MA and graduated f... remainder of obit for Eugene Richard Rice

Phillipston, MA - It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Donald Robert Schlicke on July 3, 2025. Born on May 10, 1953, in Gardner, MA, and a lifelong resident of Phillipston, MA, his presence will be deeply missed. His... remainder of obit for Donald R. Schlicke

BARRE, MA - Richard (Dick) Hamel, 75, of Barre passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was born December 3, 1949 in Lawrence, MA, second son of Margaret (Connors) Hamel and Raymond Hamel. He graduated from Central Cath... remainder of obit for Richard T. Hamel

ORANGE, MA - Mark S. Hurt, 69, of Putnam St, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at home after being stricken ill. Born in Athol on December 2, 1955, he was the son of the late William and Phyllis (Fisher) Hurt. He is surv... remainder of obit for Mark S. Hurt