Both sides of the brook

State reopens door to childcare assistance for low-income families

For the first time since April 2024, the Department of Early Education and Care will open access to childcare financial assistance for income-eligible families. A new funding injection will open about 2,100 seats, chipping away at the waitlist of roughly 32,000 children as of July.  The aid expansion is funded with $31.2 million from the 4% […]

PHOTOS: A day at the Appleseed Fair

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‘History grows here’: Tradition on display at 177th Franklin County Fair

The Franklin County Fair is celebrating its 177th year under the theme "History Grows Here," featuring an expanded lineup of entertainment, a new mascot named Franklin Cow-nty, and various community competitions.

‘A long and winding road’: Orange Selectboard taps Fortier as town manager

Orange appointed Matthew Fortier as its first town manager during a special Selectboard meeting following the withdrawal of top candidate Stephanie Hirsch.

SJC ruling sends solar proposal for Petersham back for review

PETERSHAM – The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in July that the Petersham Zoning Board of Appeals improperly denied a special permit for a proposed solar and battery storage project, sending the application back to the town for further review. The project, proposed by Sunpin Energy Services, would include clearing trees from about 14.3 acres […]