UMass forum explores path to debt-free public higher education

By ALEXA LEWIS

AMHERST — “Growing up poor, all I’ve ever wanted was financial freedom,” said Beatrice Rogers, a third-year psychology and holistic health major at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. But that freedom might be far away for Rogers, whose college...

Robert Deschenes III chosen as new Phillipston Police Chief

By GREG VINE

PHILLIPSTON – After three months of searching, the town will soon have a new police chief to succeed former Phillipston Police Chief Kevin Dodge.The town’s Selectboard voted at its meeting Wednesday night to hire Templeton Police Officer Robert...

North Quabbin Notes, Sept. 20

Athol Bird and Nature Club fall eventsATHOL – Below are some of the upcoming events this fall through the Athol Bird and Nature Club.Sunday, Sept. 22, 1:30 p.m. – “Forest Stand Improvement in the Quabbin Watershed” with Austin Gelinas. In the winter...

Massachusetts gun law opponents advance suspension, repeal campaign

By CHRIS LISINSKI

Opponents of a major new gun law say they have collected a bit less than half of the signatures they need by early next month to suspend the measure until voters would potentially get a chance to decide its fate in 2026.A group of gun owners and...

Area police departments join Northeast Houndsmen training in Orange

By CHRIS LARABEE

ORANGE – Getting on and off a plane might sound like an odd piece of police training, but it can make quite a difference when you’re a dog.On Monday morning, K-9s and their handlers gathered at the Orange Municipal Airport for the second day of a...

Winchendon Musical festival makes its return

By GREG VINE

WINCHENDON – After a year’s hiatus, the popular Winchendon Music Festival is returning to the Toy Town.Three of the five performances will take place in the Murdock-Whitney House, home of the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, while two will be...

Sportsman’s Corner: Coping with a dry spell

By Mike RocheThe weather always provides plenty to talk about and the recent prolonged dry spell is getting a lot of attention. According to recent reports, we are approaching 30 days without measurable rainfall. That makes this event, or lack of...

RECOGNIZING RECOVERY

Massachusetts ready to ‘show off’ during Revolution’s 250th; Domb, Mark co-chair commission

By SAM DORAN

BOSTON — Paul Revere rode up Beacon Street blaring the news of rapidly approaching redcoats while Gov. Maura Healey trumpeted a message of her own, calling for Massachusetts to “show off our state over the next two years” as it prepares for center...

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...