Ryan’s Run 5K returns to Phillipston June 13

My Turn: Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring the fight for LGBTQ+ rights

“June is bustin’ out all over,” says a memorable song composed in the 1940s for the musical “Carousel,” but more recently, June has become  known as “Pride Month.” For those of you who are wondering why, here is my explanation.  “Pride,” in this case, is an abbreviation of “gay pride” or perhaps “lesbian and gay pride,” or “LGBTQ+ pride.” […]

Royalston Town Meeting approves $3.3M budget, $350K debt exclusion for Public Works

Royalston Town Meeting voters have approved a $3.3 million budget and a $350,000 Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion for the Department of Public Works to replace a 2002 dump truck. The budget includes increases for the town's assessment for its share of the Athol Royalston Regional School District and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School budgets, as well as a 2.5% increase for other line items and raises for town employees. The debt exclusion needs to go to a special election in September, and if passed, the money will be available in about a year.

Baystate Franklin nurses continue push for better pay, staffing levels

Baystate Franklin Medical Center nurses protested outside the Baystate Health & Wellness Center in Northampton on Monday, calling for higher pay and staffing levels, and urging the hospital administration to reach an agreement with the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

New chapter begins for Pioneer Valley Regional School Class of 2026

The Pioneer Valley Regional School Class of 2026 celebrated their graduation with speeches from the principal, salutatorian and valedictorian, emphasizing the importance of resilience and finding one's "why" in life.

Athol receives state funds for updates to open space plan

Athol has been awarded a $25,000 state Land Conservation Assistance Grant to update its Open Space and Recreation Plan, which expires in February of next year. The grant will pay for the town to hire a consultant to update portions of the plan. A public survey will be conducted as part of the update process. The town has also received a $15,500 Shared Streets and Spaces grant for the placement of bike racks in downtown Athol.