Adoption event to rehome 147 animals taken from Orange property proves popular

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

ORANGE — An Orange resident is the subject of a Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Law Enforcement investigation after the April removal of 147 animals on the property, many of which have since been adopted.

Reproductive, transgender care bill inches closer to Mass. Senate floor

By SAM DRYSDALE

BOSTON — A bill to fortify protections under a 2022 law that shields reproductive and transgender care providers from out-of-state and federal threats received a favorable report from the Senate members of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Thursday.

FirstLight faces appeals to MassDEP’s water quality certification; parties allege river not protected

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

In response to the state Department of Environmental Protection’s decision to give FirstLight Hydro Generating Co. a water quality certification for its operations in Turners Falls and Northfield, two environmental advocacy nonprofits have joined others in the Pioneer Valley in filing an appeal with MassDEP’s Office of Appeals and Dispute Resolution.

PHOTO: Freshly coated cupola

8 design options aired for new or renovated Franklin County Technical School

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — The Franklin County Technical School Committee reviewed eight design options on Wednesday for constructing a new school or renovating the existing building.

Massachusetts educators grappling with suspended high school graduation requirements

By MAYA MITCHELL

Teachers and state educators are grappling with suspended statewide high school graduation requirements and what it means for the future of Massachusetts high school diplomas.

TA to suggest tabling budget vote

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE – The town administrator plans to suggest that voters at Monday’s Annual Town Meeting table a warrant article pertaining to the budget and revisit the matter after a scheduled Proposition 2½ override vote.

Tour of Athol High School shows issues with building

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – In an effort to show the need for a new or renovated Athol High School, officials held a tour while outlining the process, which begins with a feasibility study.

Winchendon Winds marks 10 years of music

By GREG VINE

WINCHENDON – Starting this weekend, Winchendon Winds will hold the first of three concerts to mark the group’s 10th anniversary.

Sportsman’s Corner: Live from Vassalboro

By Mike Roche

North Quabbin Notes, June 14

WINCHENDON – Unwind, relax, and celebrate the beauty of yoga with instructor Chantal Froystein from Shadow Alchemy Wellness. Starting on June 17, this class will run on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. All skill levels are welcomed and mats and blocks are available, if needed. These classes are free and are open for adults and teens. Donations are gratefully accepted, but not required.

Erving convenience store sells winning $1M scratch ticket

ERVING — CST Nominee Trust of Greenfield has claimed a $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “$4,000,000 Gold 50X” game with a scratch ticket purchased at Weatherheads Convenience Store on the French King Highway, which gets a $10,000 bonus for the sale.

Former Athol Selectboard member recognized for years of volunteer work

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – The Margaret Grazis Citizen of the Year Award was first awarded in 1995, and in any year since then, Selectboard member Brian Doge said the 2025 recipient could easily have been honored.

Athol voters give green light to $1.3M capital plan

By GREG VINE

ATHOL –A total of 166 voters completed the 49-article Town Meeting warrant in just under two hours Monday night.

Draft FY26 budgets from House, Senate and governor include increased HIP funding

By CHRIS LARABEE

More funding for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) may be on the way in fiscal year 2026, as Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed budget, along with those put forward by the Senate and House of Representatives, all request more money than in FY25.

Royalston Town Meeting approves overrides for police hires, town administrator

By GREG VINE

ROYALSTON – With relatively little discussion, voters at Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting approved three Proposition 2½ overrides.

Markey says he’d ‘fight Trump’ over National Guard deployment

By ALISON KUZNITZ

Days after President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops in California to respond to immigration enforcement protests, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said he would oppose any similar tactics in Massachusetts, which has already come under fire for its “sanctuary” policies.

North Quabbin Notes, June 10

ATHOL – Please come out for the June 21 supper at the South Athol United Methodist Church located at 65 Morgan Ave. Please consider treating “Dear Ole’ Dad” for a belated Father’s Day weekend with a Swedish Meatball supper on Saturday, June 21 served with gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, fresh dinner rolls and, as a change of pace, strawberry shortcake for dessert. All prepared and served family-style by experienced kitchen helpers, many of whom are ServSafe-certified.

Feds pull $87M grant from Sublime Systems for low-carbon cement plant in Holyoke

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HOLYOKE — Recent cancellation of an $87 million federal grant to support construction of a low-carbon cement startup’s manufacturing plant in Holyoke is not expected to derail plans that would have that facility open by 2028, though the company is reviewing backup options.

Senate budget includes more than $1M in local earmarks for western Mass

By CHRIS LARABEE

BOSTON — The state Senate’s approved fiscal year 2026 budget could bring more than $1 million in earmarks to western Massachusetts.