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By SAMUEL GELINAS

SPRINGFIELD — Bishop William Byrne not only introduced the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield’s new executive director for its Catholic Charities agency last week but also laid out the evolution that the agency will see now that protection of immigrants is no longer part of its agenda in the wake of federal cuts.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL — Waking up to raw temperatures, rain and 2-3 inches of snow on the ground failed to deter many who signed up to run in the annual Big Cheese 5K, which has become a big part of River Rat Race weekend.

By HANNAH MORIN

Despite a morning of rain, sleet and remnants of snow, the 60th annual River Rat Race started right on time at 1 p.m. on Saturday, sending 194 canoes down the Millers River from Athol to Orange.

By THOMAS JOHNSTON

Can this be the year the Athol boys volleyball team breaks through and reaches the MIAA Div. 2 state tournament for the first time since the new format was put in place?

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

With all Institute of Museum and Library Services having been placed on administrative leave and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners announcing cuts to services and grants on Wednesday, local librarians are anticipating continued uncertainty heading into fiscal year 2026.

By HANNAH MORIN

ATHOL — When the annual River Rat Race returns on April 12, it will mark six decades of canoe racing, community spirit and unforgettable moments on the water.

By GUSTAVO ATENCIO FLORES

ORANGE — Athol resident Robert G. Osborne’s long and storied career in the art world is on display at the Stage on Main gallery, giving residents a glimpse into some of his earliest creations from the 1960s as well as artwork created within the past decade.

We support Mitch Grosky’s candidacy for Athol selectman because of his integrity and desire to help townspeople and families. He wants citizens and town officials to work together to develop reasonable solutions to the problems of our community. He is a collaborator with heart and a willingness to listen to both sides.

By GREG VINE

ATHOL — An ensemble of musicians from across “the pond” will be leading the annual River Rat Promenade down Main Street this year.

By THE REV. CINDY LAJOY

Are we living in a post-Christian era? Or a post-Christian dominance? Is the Christian church in decline? Or is it merely not the only game in town any longer? While we may be seeing the deconstructing of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs throughout our government and some enterprises, the data says that the diversity of spirituality is actually on the rise … and that may upset some folks. But should it? Does it matter that one religion “beats” another? Should we be fearful that the religion that tends to be most familiar to Americans appears to be on a gradual downhill slide? And perhaps the most important question of all, does God care whose “side” we are on, or does God care far more that we are trying to tap the Divine in whatever way works best for us?

If our president really wanted to make America great, he would act in a manner that demonstrates statesmanship, cooperation, clear direction, understanding, compassion, leadership, respect, an understanding of mutually beneficial objectives related to America and other nations, and the willingness and strength to engage as equals for the betterment of all.

ATHOL — A Franklin County Superior Court judge on Wednesday sentenced a man to serve 4 to 4½ years in state prison in connection with the 2023 rape of a child in Athol, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is receiving $32,366 from the state Department of Environmental Protection as part of a larger $200,000 statewide grant to non-profits for water quality monitoring of rivers, lakes, ponds, and coastal resources.

By DOMENIC POLI

NEW SALEM – The nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to increasing public awareness and appreciation of the Quabbin Reservoir and watershed is soliciting donations to help restore a stone arch bridge erected the year after the Civil War ended.

Staff Report

ORANGE – A man was airlifted to a hospital Friday morning following a head-on collision on Daniel Shays Highway.

By DOMENIC POLI

Two area residents are among the roughly 1,500 people pardoned by President Donald Trump for their actions during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

It is with the deepest gratitude that The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division thanks all those in the Athol area who contributed to the 2024 Red Kettle Campaign. Your donations and volunteer support helped to meet the increased requests for assistance within your community during the holidays and will continue to help throughout the year.

ORANGE — The Orange Brown Bag Program is held on the third Wednesday of the month at St. Mary’s Parish Center at 10 West Myrtle St. from 10 a.m. to noon.

By DOMENIC POLI

NORTHFIELD — The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield has decreed that the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel at Thomas Aquinas College (TAC) will be an official pilgrimage site for the people of the diocese in observance of the 2025 Jubilee Year.