‘No community can ever be prepared’: Olympia Place left in rubble after weekend inferno

Building inspector warns Athol's 1930 structure faces winter risks

Athol officials are considering the demolition of a vacant 1930s building at 465 Main St., following concerns over its structural integrity. Building Inspector Bob Legare warned the Select Board that the structure may not survive the winter season. While some residents wish to preserve the historic facade, the town is investigating costs and potential loans to fund the project by Aug. 18.

A smoother road ahead: State officials launch new Unpaved Roads Program

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced a new $11.26 million Unpaved Roads Program, which includes a $670,440 grant to Hatfield for repairs to Straits Road and several others to various Western Massachusetts towns for road construction and equipment.

New Baystate Franklin doctors explore rural health needs on county tour

Six new doctors from Baystate Franklin Medical Center's Family Medicine Residency Program toured Franklin County to learn about local challenges including food insecurity, senior services and the scarcity of primary care physicians.

Misconduct problems continue to dog State Police

Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble addressed the agency's history of misconduct during an interview, emphasizing his commitment to reform and safety improvements following several high-profile scandals.

Eric Wirth of Athol to travel to India via Fulbright-Nehru Award

Eric Wirth of Athol, director of global partnerships at UMass Amherst, has been selected for a Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Award. This fall, Wirth will travel to Delhi, Pune, and Hyderabad to study India's rapidly growing higher education system.