Athol board reviews double utility pole increase

Abuse survivors say laws that failed them are now on their side

BOSTON — Survivors have spent over a decade telling anyone at the State House who would listen that Massachusetts needs a law to protect children from abuse by people in their life in positions of power, and they say a provision in the fiscal 2027 state budget finally gets their pleas across the finish line.  […]

Erving prepares to release request for mill redevelopment proposals

The Erving Selectboard is reviewing a draft request for proposals for the redevelopment of the former International Paper Mill, which is scheduled for release on Aug. 19.

The World Keeps Turning: Killing ‘the American Dream’ by murdering its dreamers

In considering the concept of “the American Dream” (The New Yorker, 6/29/26), Hua Hsu begins with its definition in a 1931 book: achieving “a better, richer, and happier life for all of our citizens regardless of rank.” That dream came true for two generations with the meteoric rise in economic production and income in 1945-75, […]

My Turn: Black cats treated like garbage

Guess what, there are approximately 80 million feral cats in the United States. We throw away cats and kittens like we do our garbage. I am not speaking without back up of some of these stats. We live near the South Deerfield grammar school and near the loud Amtrak rails. We end up with at […]

Athol considers raising liquor and car dealership license fees

The Athol Select Board is considering increasing liquor and car dealership license fees, some of which have remained unchanged for 60 years. Town officials noted that Athol currently charges some of the lowest rates compared to 11 neighboring communities. While board members acknowledged potential economic strain on local businesses, the board plans to vote on the proposed increases during its scheduled Aug. 18 meeting.