Pushback: Tech school vote aftermath a day late and $56M short

Nearly 1.17 million Bay Staters voted before Election Day

By the time polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday, almost 1.17 million Bay Staters had already cast their ballots — a 22.3% turnout rate for early in-person and mail-in voting in this year’s statewide contests.  Secretary of State William Galvin’s office said 1,168,590 ballots had been submitted early — 821,244 (70.3%) of them came in […]

Voters in Athol and Royalston cast ballots in general election

ATHOL – A steady number of voters could be seen at Athol Town Hall Tuesday morning for the November general election, casting their votes for local and state officials and the nine ballot questions. “I can tell you we had 740 early in-person votes cast,” said Athol Town Clerk Nancy Burnham, adding that including mail-in […]

Pushback: Tech school vote aftermath a day late and $56M short

On Oct. 6, I voted “no” on the Franklin County Technical School (FCTS) — not because I disparage education — but because our city is carrying major debt. The Greenfield City Council met with the FCTS superintendent nine months ago. Members were told that Greenfield had 129 students at the Tech — 22% of total […]

Franklin County school districts see mixed MCAS test results

Franklin County school districts reported mixed 2026 test results, showing both gains and declines in proficiency rates following the removal of the MCAS graduation requirement.

Dale Monette will be featured speaker at Athol Bird and Nature Club’s annual dinner

ATHOL – The Athol Bird and Nature Club’s annual dinner will feature photographer and club member Dale Monette, according to club President David Small. The 63rd annual dinner will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Athol American Legion, 325 Pequoig Ave. “He’ll be explaining how he gets such great […]