GCC plans Saturday open house

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 […]

Western Mass. lawmakers tout state investments, warn of federal cuts at Amherst chamber breakfast

AMHERST — With federal cutbacks and rising costs squeezing the region, three western Massachusetts legislators told business and community leaders Friday that the state is working to keep the local economy resilient but cannot make up every shortfall. State Reps. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, and Aaron Saunders, D-Belchertown, and state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, spoke at […]

Athol officials plan response to Silver Lake Park skate park concerns

ATHOL – Local officials plan to meet to draft a response to residents’ concerns over a proposed skate park at Silver Lake Park. Open Space and Recreation Review Commission (OSRRC) members Raenette Kramer and David Small, skate park proponent Stephen Paige, and Planning and Development Director Eric Smith will work up a response to Lincoln […]

Nearly $10M to aid in Franklin County, North Quabbin addiction recovery efforts

The Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office were awarded nearly $10 million in federal grant funding to combat substance use disorder and support recovery efforts.