Lawmakers urge GIC to reconsider ending coverage of weight-loss drugs

Eyes on the road: License plate cameras spark privacy concerns

Sometimes, it feels hard to escape technology these days. That may feel particularly relevant to those concerned about cameras set up on the side of the road in different Hampshire County communities, constantly capturing drivers’ locations, license plates and vehicle details. The AI-powered cameras known as automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), often operated by police […]

A Constitution Day oath: 34 newly minted citizens soak up positive energy in naturalization ceremony

AMHERST — Amherst College professors and married couple Daniel Kojo Schrade and Anna Schrade came to the United States in 2007. When they tell their friends back in Germany about their decision to become American citizens, their friends pity the couple. “Oh my God, you live in the United States, I’m so sorry,” they hear […]

Ribbon cut for Mill Brook Crossing in Athol

ATHOL – Local and state officials cut the ribbon to Mill Brook Crossing, formerly Lord Pond Plaza, the final step in a project that began in 2020. The event marked the completion of the years-long, $3 million effort to transform the center’s parking lot from six acres of moisture-impervious, heat-reflecting blacktop into “a greener, safer, […]

Community Canvas returns to Athol with End of Summer Festival

ATHOL – The End of Summer Festival, which will feature the Community Canvas art program, will be held this coming Saturday. Sponsored by the Polus Center for Social and Economic Development and Athol Credit Union [ACU], the festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wills Terrace, 478 […]

Sportsman's Corner: Surplus antlerless permit process a snap

After the announcement of the results of the MassWildlife Antlerless Deer Permit allocation process, it was obvious that things have changed. Due to the increase in deer numbers in many of the state’s management zones, coupled with a significant decrease in hunter participation, a majority of the zones ended up issuing permits to all applicants. […]