Pedestrian killed in motor vehicle crash in Athol

Columnist Judy Wagner: Gifts of a summer

Given the daily, even hourly, headlines, I could easily write an entire column on the cruelty, corruption, and betrayal of the lawless, erratic, cowardly and contemptible administration in Washington. Instead I will write about gifts. August can swamp us with too much: too many cucumbers, zucchinis and little tomatoes; too much heat some days; storms […]

Petersham voters to decide on overrides, Selectboard race on Monday

PETERSHAM – In addition to filling a vacancy on the Selectboard, Petersham voters will be asked to decide on a pair of Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusions at next Monday’s special election. Each of the borrowing requests was overwhelmingly approved at the June 1 Annual Town Meeting. The first of the two articles passed sought […]

State cannabis regulators hope for funding infusion as it implements new law, policies

BOSTON — Cannabis regulators are seeking millions of dollars more from Beacon Hill, money they say is necessary to implement this spring’s sweeping overhaul of the state’s marijuana industry and simultaneously advance long-discussed plans to let adults to buy and use marijuana at the same establishment. The ask is split between two buckets: To take on […]

Orange Selectboard offers town manager job to former Eau Claire official

The Orange Selectboard has offered the municipality's first town manager position to Stephanie Hirsch, a former city manager from Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Athol Planning Board advances data center moratorium

ATHOL – The Board of Planning and Community Development is moving forward with a proposed moratorium on data center development as the town considers how the facilities should be regulated. The board voted unanimously at its August meeting to send a draft moratorium to town counsel for review. The temporary measure would pause approvals for […]