Push on to protect Native heritage: Indigenous leaders gather with legislators to support five-bill agenda

By SAMUEL GELINAS

BOSTON — Indigenous leaders took the podium in the State House this week to voice united support for five pieces of legislation filed on behalf on their communities, including bills that would say goodbye to Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day and bar the use of Indigenous-themed mascots in public schools.

Area arts organizations concerned by proposed NEA elimination

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMANand MADISON SCHOFIELD

Area arts organizations are worried about the future funding landscape after hearing about cuts the Trump administration is proposing to the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo: Peekaboo bear

State issues open call for new seal, flag and motto

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON — The state is soliciting proposals from artists, historians, designers, “culture bearers” and anyone else who has an idea for a new Massachusetts state seal, flag and motto.

MassHealth warns of big coverage, funding losses under GOP plans

By CHRIS LISINKSI

BOSTON — A key piece of a federal spending cut and tax relief plan that’s on the move in Washington could result in Massachusetts losing more than $1 billion annually and hundreds of thousands of Bay Staters losing health coverage, according to the Healey administration.

Three-peat state award for Athol DPW’s water division

By GREG VINE

ATHOL — For the third consecutive year, Athol’s Water Division in the Department of Public Works has received an award for “noteworthy performance” from the state Department of Environmental Protection. The award was presented to 15 communities in the Large & Medium Community Systems category during a ceremony held in Boston on May 9.

Mount Wachusett Community College introduces new mascot ‘Monty the Mountain Lion’

By HANNAH MORIN

GARDNER — Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) introduced its new mascot, Monty the Mountain Lion, during a campus celebration on April 29.

Photo: Royalston students explore the great outdoors

Sportsman’s Corner: Of boats, birds, bears and fish

By MIKE ROCHE

Occasionally, as this writer sits down each week to pen my weekly rant, there are several topics which will come to mind. This is one of those weeks and instead of going into any depth on these topics, each will be touched upon.

Photo: A fierce flow

Local officials review capital spending requests in advance of Athol Town Meeting

By GREG VINE

ATHOL — Athol’s Finance and Warrant Advisory Committee on Tuesday began its review of the proposed warrant for June’s annual Town Meeting. While the committee did recommend passage of most of the four dozen articles on the warrant, members decided to wait until its next meeting on May 19 to consider Town Manager Shaun Suhoski’s proposed FY26 town budget of approximately $26.5 million. FWAC chair Ken Duffy explained that Suhoski is currently working to complete negotiations with four unions representing town employees.

Healey energy bill sets stage for reintroduction of nuclear

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey is proposing to repeal a law put in place by voters as part of a worldwide nuclear freeze movement, a bid to open the door to greater deployment of newer nuclear energy facilities as part of a push to save ratepayers $10 billion over a decade.

Work underway on new Athol housing project

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Work on the former Riverbend and Bigelow schools to transform the site into a 53-unit housing complex is underway.

Cannabis competitor flowering in convenience stores

By COLIN A. YOUNG

BOSTON — One representative called it a “wonderful, reefer-smelling bag” and another worried a drug-sniffing dog might alert to him at the airport later as he passed the bundle of products down the Cannabis Policy Committee dais.

PHOTOS: Pickleball at Silver Lake Park in Athol

North Quabbin Notes, May 14

ATHOL – The Knights of Lithuania will be holding a Lithuanian breakfast on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the St. Francis Church hall, 101 Main St., Athol. Price is $12 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under. For more information, contact Richard Gatautis, 978-501-7480.

Community Action could see significant service loss under Trump cuts

By CHRIS LARABEE

GREENFIELD — The White House’s discretionary budget request for fiscal year 2026, released on May 2, proposes slashing two line items that, if approved, could significantly alter Community Action Pioneer Valley’s services.

Photos: Going with the flow

North Quabbin Notes, May 13

ATHOL – The town clerk’s office is now taking orders for the 2025 Street List. The cost is $15 per book and must be prepaid in advance. The deadline to place an order is June 2. Order forms are available at the town clerk’s office and www.athol-ma.gov. Office hours for the Athol Town Clerk are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Town Hall is closed on Friday. For further information, please call the town clerk at 978-721-8445.