Athol opens cooling stations ahead of heat wave

Update to Massachusetts Rural Policy Plan looks to prioritize rural equity, capacity

The 2026 Massachusetts Rural Policy Plan is being updated to focus on rural equity and capacity, with recommendations for policymakers to address issues such as housing, municipal sustainability, economic development and regionalization of resources.

Housing and rural issues take center stage at Franklin County Legislative Breakfast

At the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast, state and representatives of federal legislators discussed the needs of housing, equity and infrastructure for the Pioneer Valley, with a focus on housing, transportation, workforce development and rural schools.

New leadership in place at AOTV

Liz Walber has taken over as the new executive director of Athol-Orange Community Television, succeeding Carol Courville who had been in the role for 31 1/2 years, and is committed to bringing the station into a new era and increasing its viewership.

Orange fire chief search continues

The Orange Selectboard has withdrawn offers to two candidates for fire chief and is forming a new search committee to find a replacement for interim Fire Chief James Young Jr.

Hike to mark Royalston's connection to the Revolution

ROYALSTON – To celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, the public is invited to an event honoring Royalston residents who took part in the America Revolution. The event, which gets underway at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, at the Historical Society Museum, is sponsored by the Village Improvement and Historical Society of Royalston. […]