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Western Mass legislators pan study of ways towns could tap Quabbin water
PELHAM — A preliminary report showing how the 12 communities in the Quabbin Reservoir watershed might be able to get potable water from the resource falls short of a comprehensive study being sought by legislators representing the Quabbin region.

Coffee pros: Price squeeze a grind
Don’t talk to the American people until they’ve had their coffee.
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Sports

HS Roundup: After slow start, Pioneer boys basketball cruises past Duggan, 69-44, in battle of unbeatens
SPRINGFIELD — There’s a good chance Monday’s matchup between Pioneer and Duggan won’t be the last time the two boys basketball teams meet this winter.

Opinion

My Turn: We live in such a place





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

Orange Police Logs: Dec. 31, 2024 to Jan. 10, 2025
9:34 a.m. - Reporting party states a Ford Ranger passed him, cut him off and almost hit him. Officers responded and spoke with all involved parties. Reporting party sent on his way after calming him down. Conflicting stories from both parties. Operator of Ranger was advised of the complaint, he wanted it on record about reporting party’s aggressive behavior in case something happens.




Arts & Life

Something sweet for Valentine’s Day: The legend of the Neiman Marcus chocolate-chip cookie
We tend to associate chocolate with Valentine’s Day. Americans will spend billions of dollars for that holiday this Friday, much of that money on chocolate. It seems like the perfect romantic gift.
Obituaries

Petersham, MA - Barbara Armstrong, age 81, of 53 Shaw Road, Petersham, MA, passed away on January 31st after a brief illness. Born in New Hampshire on June 28, 1943, she was the daughter of Arthur and Helen (Morton) Bowers. Barbara gra... remainder of obit for Barbara B. Armstrong

ORANGE, MA - Douglas A. Rogers, 77, of South Main Street, died unexpectedly at Athol Hospital on January 25, 2025 after being stricken ill at home. Born in Gardner on March 29, 1947, he was the son of the late Leon S. and Lena B. (C... remainder of obit for Douglas A. Rogers

ROYALSTON, MA - John P. Quatrale, age 61, of Royalston, MA died on Sunday 01/26/25 after a short battle with lung cancer. He was born in Fitchburg, MA in 1963 to Thomas & Rosanne Quatrale. John grew up in Shirley, MA and attended Lura... remainder of obit for John P. Quatrale

Orange, MA - Jeannine P. LaFountaine, 83, passed away peacefully at New Horizon Assisted Living in Florida on January 17, 2025. She leaves two brothers, Reginald Boivin of Chicopee and Dennis Boivin of Belchertown, a sister Yvonne Satr... remainder of obit for Jeannine P. LaFountaine