Baystate Franklin nurses continue push for better pay, staffing levels

Sportsman's Corner: October, the best month

This writer loves October. The weather and the opportunities to hunt and fish make it the best 31 days of every year. It also has some great birthdays as my mother, my daughter Jen, brother Chris, bird dogs Lily and Laney, and yours truly are all October-born. The long weekend, which will always be Columbus Day to me, was my “getaway weekend” during my working days and the woodcock were always moving through the third week of the month. Some people love it when the leaves turn brilliant colors, but my celebration takes place when they fall and make it easier […]

‘$72.80 isn’t enough’: College student uses new podcast to advocate for vulnerable nursing home residents

Noah Daube-Valois, a Vassar College student, has launched the '$72.80 Project' podcast to raise awareness about the stagnant personal needs allowance for Massachusetts seniors in long-term care facilities.

‘It’s not sustainable’: A look at school staffing after FY27 budget cuts

Public school districts across Franklin County implemented significant staffing and programming cuts for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to address rising operating costs and revenue shortfalls.

Athol Fire receives grant for training, equipment purchases

ATHOL – The Fire Department has received a grant of $197,400 that will be used for new equipment and training programs. The department was recently notified it has been awarded the FY25 Assistance for Firefighters Grant, overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to the FEMA website, Athol is one of 1,399 agencies nationwide […]

PHOTOS: Marveling over comics

Discover the incredible health benefits of incorporating daily physical exercise into your routine to boost mood, energy levels, and long-term physical well-being.