New park security cameras aim to deter vandalism, according to Athol police

Comerford urges residents to rally for overhaul of state school funding formula

State Sen. Jo Comerford is urging residents to participate in the upcoming Foundation Budget Review Commission meetings to advocate for fairer state funding formulas for western Massachusetts schools and infrastructure.

Athol Community Health Fair & Music Festival to open Oct. 3

ATHOL – Bob Curley, a U.S. Army veteran and president of the North Quabbin Trails Association, is hoping the first Annual Athol Community Health Fair & Music Festival will generate a greater sense of community involvement. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Mill Brook Crossing, formerly […]

Apple season off to sweet start for first ever Massachusetts Apple Month

With apple season off to a fruitful start for Franklin County farmers, Gov. Maura Healey has declared September “Massachusetts Apple Month.” “September really is prime apple-picking season,” said Ben Clark of Clarkdale Fruit Farms in Deerfield, adding that between September and Indigenous People’s Day is the best time to bring a basket to an orchard. […]

Sen. Comerford encourages local action at Fisher Hill School discussion

ORANGE – State Sen. Jo Comerford visited Fisher Hill School Thursday to discuss the legislative and budget processes and provide an overview of her priorities for the next session of the Legislature. Comerford, D-Northampton, who represents the Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester district, is running unopposed for a fifth term, but told the Athol Daily News […]

Franklin Hampshire unemployment rate drops to 3.8% amid shrinking labor force

The Franklin Hampshire region's unemployment rate fell to 3.8% in June 2026, even as experts noted a shrinking labor force driven by an aging population and housing shortages.