Latest News
McGovern addresses recent federal freeze at AHS Food Pantry
ATHOL – During a recent visit to the Athol High School Family & Community Center and Food Pantry, U.S. Rep. James McGovern addressed the recent federal spending freeze that had so many concerned about the future.
Athol board reviews first phase plan for Rabbit Run
ATHOL – Representatives of the engineering firm Howard Stein Hudson met virtually with the Open Space and Recreation Commission last Wednesday to present a preliminary design plan for Phase 1A of the proposed Rabbit Run Rail Trail.
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Sports
Keeping Score with Chip Ainsworth: Thayer’s Panthers hard to beat
Good morning!The top-ranked Pioneer boys basketball team isn’t looking ahead, not yet, but at this writing the only other undefeated team in Division 5 is J.J. Duggan Academy of Springfield. The Jayhawks are coached by Lavar Click-Bruce, a Ward 5 City Councilor from Sixteen Acres.
Opinion
My Turn: A terrible time to cut state funding for children to eat
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
‘There’s a majesty to grief’: Poet and UMass professor Peter Gizzi wins prestigious 2024 T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry
Peter Gizzi, professor of poetry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, recently won the 2024 T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry, one of the world’s most prestigious poetry awards.
Obituaries
PHILLIPSTON, MA - John W. Wheeler II, 72, of Schoolhouse Road, died unexpectedly at home on the evening of Thursday, January 23, 2025 after being stricken ill. Born in Orange on September 6, 1952, he was the son of John W. and Patri... remainder of obit for John W. Wheeler II
SOUTHBRIDGE, MA - Jennifer Marie Prue, 40, of Southbridge, formerly of Athol and Turners Falls, died Saturday, January 18th at Harrington Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Jennifer was born February 12th, 1984, the daught... remainder of obit for Jennifer M. Prue
Athol, MA - James Ronald Tedford, ("Jim" "Ron" "Ted") died January 20, 2025 at Alliance Health of Baldwinsville, following a short period of declining health. He was born April 7, 1936 in Medford, MA; the first child of James N. Ted... remainder of obit for James R. Tedford
[IMAGE]Lloyd A. Taylor ORANGE, MA - Lloyd A. Taylor, 99, passed peacefully at home in Tully on January 19, 2025, with his family and beloved kitty Caylee by his side. Born April 15, 1925, to William and Evangeline (Hatt) Taylor, he was ... remainder of obit for Lloyd A. Taylor