Athol Selectboard deems 1756 Main St. a ‘dangerous condition’

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – A public hearing that began two months ago concluded Tuesday night with the Selectboard declaring that 1756 Main St. constitutes “a dangerous condition and a nuisance to the neighborhood.”A home on the property, owned by Matt Alden, was gutted...

McGovern calls Biosecure bill that targets China companies poorly written

By NAOMI SCULLY-BRISTOL

A bill moving through Congress that prohibits federal agencies from procuring or obtaining any biotechnology equipment or service produced or provided by a “company of concern,” specifically five firms based in China, has drawn strong opposition from...

Shelter panel presents challenge for Driscoll

By SAM DRYSDALE

BOSTON — A commission tasked with considering the structure and sustainability of the state’s beleaguered emergency family shelter system is up against a quickly approaching deadline, with still broad disagreement amongst its members about what...

Winchendon treasurer fired amid larceny investigation at Town Hall

By GREG VINE

WINCHENDON – Treasurer/Collector Paul Redmond has been fired following an investigation into the alleged theft of funds from Town Hall.According to an announcement posted to the town website, officials were made aware of the alleged theft on Sept....

New Salem mail carrier to step down after 40 years on the route

By DOMENIC POLI

NEW SALEM – Wendy Flanders can expect her retirement to arrive in eight business days.Following 40 years on the contracted New Salem route, the letter carrier is hanging up her mailbag for good on Sept. 30 and retiring from the Orange Post...

Athol officials issue RFP for veterans center

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Following a discussion with legal counsel, a Request for Proposals has been issued for a building at 72 Freedom St. already being worked on to become the North Quabbin Veterans Center.The center is opening in Athol to meet better the needs of...

Athol Comic Book Fest to include Cosplay Contest

ATHOL – Calling all cosplayers, super fans, and dress up lovers. The Athol Public Library will host the annual Cosplay Contest during this year’s Comic Book Fest, which takes place on Saturday, Oct. 5.Pick a character from a favorite book, show,...

Community college faculty sound alarm on salaries

By ALEXA LEWIS

Without greater investment in salaries for faculty and staff at community colleges in Massachusetts, a free tuition program launched this summer to great fanfare may be “doomed to fail.”That’s the alarm some education leaders are sounding as they call...

North Quabbin Notes, Sept. 17

COVID test kits at Athol Town HallATHOL – The Athol Board of Health has COVID test kits available for the public. The office is located on the bottom floor of Town Hall, 584 Main St., Room #1. The office is open, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8...

Western Mass. officials show support for proposed Northern Tier Rail

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — As the Oct. 12 deadline for public comment on the Northern Tier Passenger Rail study approaches, communities around Franklin County are sending letters of support to the state for what some officials say could be a “game-changer” for the...

How Franklin County farms adapt to climate change

By CHRIS LARABEE

SUNDERLAND – Two local farms opened their doors to Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer Monday morning as she heard farmers explain the challenges brought on by climate change, as well as opportunities for future investments in the industry.The state’s...

Athol, area towns strategize for hazmat response drill

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Scenario 1: A train is hauling a tank car carrying 8,000 gallons of ethanol through Athol on its way to Gardner, but a motorist calls 911 to report it is leaking the highly flammable liquid. Scenario 2: Local communities are worried because...

Taking pulse of a potent potential danger: Airbase briefs municipal officials on electromagnetic pulses

By ALEXA LEWIS

CHICOPEE — Imagine waking up to find that electronic technology has stopped working.Cellphones are down, traffic signals are dark and navigation systems are offline. The infrastructure behind modern life would be completely shut down, eventually...

TRANSform the Vote: Transhealth joins national movement to mobilize trans voters

By ALEXA LEWIS

Election season is quickly approaching, but for some community members, making their voices heard at the polls can come with unexpected challenges.Among those at Transhealth, increasingly strict voter ID laws and a feeling of burgeoning national...

Lawmakers return slimmed-down spring supp to Healey

By SAM DRYSDALE

Six months later and $180 million lighter, lawmakers on Thursday returned to Gov. Maura Healey a spending bill that ratifies 38 collective bargaining agreements for state employees and approves millions in last-chance spending of federal pandemic...

Photo: Decoration at the dam

Weight loss drug demand leads to higher premiums in Massachusetts

By ALISON KUZNITZ

As the state health insurance marketplace prepares for open enrollment in November, officials say the steep cost of popular weight-loss drugs has fueled higher premiums.Increased provider rates also contributed to the rise in insurance premiums...

Karuna Center for Peacebuilding to celebrate 30 years

By CHRIS LARABEE

AMHERST — With 30 years of work in the valley and around the world, the Karuna Center for Peacebuilding is welcoming people from around the region to celebrate three decades of community-based work.To highlight the nonprofit’s work, the Karuna Center...

Athol officials await oil test results at Millers River Environmental Center

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – It appears the Town of Athol will have to wait a little longer to find out if the removal of oil-contaminated soil at the Millers River Environmental Center (MREC) has left the property pollution-free.In the summer of 2023, plans were in the...