Montague, Erving and Gill Notebook: June 12, 2026

Despite statewide decline, opioid deaths remain level in Franklin County, North Quabbin

Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts dropped below 1,000 individuals in 2025 for the first time since 2013, but statistics for Franklin County and the North Quabbin region remained level, with 12 deaths in 2024 and 2025 — still representing a 75% decline from 2021.

My Turn: Democracy on a rainy day in Wendell

On a recent gray, rainy Saturday morning, with the temperature hovering around 43 degrees, I found myself driving the winding roads through Sunderland, North Leverett into Wendell. As I entered town, American flags hung from utility poles, stirring gently in the damp breeze. Ahead stood the white Town Hall, modest and unassuming, the kind of […]

My Turn: A stolen flag and stolen right

There was a troubling incident last week during the regular standout held in Gill at the intersection of Route 2, Main Road, and the Turners Falls bridge. A large man appeared in front of the protesters yelling a profanity at a woman and telling her she “can’t disrespect the flag.” The man yanked the flag […]

Three decades, one mission: Relay For Life unites Franklin County residents in fight against cancer

Relay For Life has been a tradition in Franklin County for three decades, bringing the community together to celebrate cancer survivors, honor those who have been lost and raise money to support the fight against cancer.

Grounds for celebration: Dean's Beans named Massachusetts Rural Business of the Year

When founder Dean Cycon stepped down from his Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Co. in 2023, he didn’t look for a wealthy outside buyer or a massive conglomerate to take over. Instead, he handed the keys directly to the roasters, packers and office staff who helped him build the brand. Three years into its journey as […]