Orange

Recorder file photo
A bear goes after a sweet treat by way of a hummingbird feeder in a local back yard.

Bears showing up everywhere

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Brothers Grimm collected many fine fairy tales illustrating the dangers of antagonizing woodland creatures by, for instance, stealing their porridge. They neglected to mention, however, the dangers of enticing them with birdseed, garbage or undersized pets. The American black bear is native to the area and its local population has been showing up in Greenfield’s “urban” neighborhoods this week. Montague and Sunderland police also logged reports Saturday and Sunday of bears in backyards, singly or in family groups. A Montague Road, Sunderland, resident on Saturday reported a black bear active in the area for almost a month and in a neighbor’s yard almost every … 0

Former county man dies after being hit by bus

Thursday, May 23, 2013

WORCESTER — A former Franklin County man died of injuries suffered in a bus accident earlier this week. Joseph L. “JJ” Barron Jr., of Buzzards Bay, died at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center University Campus, after being struck by a school bus. Barron was walking on the westbound lane of Interstate 290 in Worcester, when he was struck by the bus at … 0

Tornado warning had western Mass. wary Wednesday

Thursday, May 23, 2013

People were forced underground as a tornado warning was issued for areas along and to the south of the Route 2 corridor Wednesday evening. Shortly after 5 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for central Franklin County. It wound up all for naught, but better safe than sorry, as they say. The tornado warning was cancelled at about 6:15 p.m. … 0

Give me a (spring) break!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Around the county, people looked out of their windows Friday, and uttered an all-too-familiar four-letter word. Snow. Friday’s wintry weather came as a shock to many, and kept emergency workers busy as cars slid off the road, one … 0

Franklin County Register of Probate Merrigan endorses Lynch for Senate

Friday, April 12, 2013

GREENFIELD — Franklin County Register of Probate John Merrigan has endorsed Congressman Stephen F. Lynch in the U.S. Senate race to replace John Kerry. “I had the pleasure to serve with Congressman Lynch in the Legislature,” said Merrigan. “He is a dedicated public servant who puts his heart … 0

WiredWest looks for role  in state broadband plans

Friday, April 12, 2013

Following a recent meeting with Massachusetts Broadband Institute and area legislators, the 42-town WiredWest cooperative is pledging its support for a proposed $40 million state bond to develop a fiber-to-the-home network for roughly 45 towns that are unserved by cable. “WiredWest remains committed to universally available and fairly … 0

Regional Notebook

Friday, April 12, 2013

Greenfield holiday trash, recycling schedule GREENFIELD — Due to the Monday Patriot’s Day holiday, the following will be trash and recycling pickup: ∎ Monday collection will be on Tuesday ∎ Tuesday collection will be on Wednesday ∎ Wednesday collection will be on Thursday ∎ Thursday and Friday collection will be on Friday … 0

Orange to host 3 GOP Senate hopefuls Sunday

Thursday, April 11, 2013

ORANGE — The Republican Town Committee will hold a candidate “Meet & Greet” for the three Republicans running for nomination for John Kerry’s vacant U.S Senate seat. The primary is on April 30. The candidates will gather Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. The event is hosted by … 0

Brush fire season under way: Firefighters busy in Orange, New Salem, Greenfield, Turners, Northfield

Sunday, April 7, 2013

NEW SALEM — Area fire departments responded to numerous brush fires over the weekend as dry conditions and gusty winds fanned flames, the most extensive burn on the border between New Salem and Orange. Angus “Terry” Dun, spokesman … 0

Orange seeks grants to make Town Hall entertainment venue

Thursday, April 4, 2013

ORANGE — Developing Orange as a cultural center that attracts big-name music and theater acts has long been a dream of many residents and officials. And while that dream may seem out of reach for a small town that has struggled in recent years to pay its own … 0

Orange looks at turning streetlights back on

Thursday, March 7, 2013

ORANGE — The longer days ahead of us may not be the only reason Orange streets grow a little lighter, as officials search for cost-efficient ways to turn streetlights back on. All streetlights, except for the ornamental lights in the center of town, were turned off as part … 0

Alleged ‘Pillowcase Bandits’ arraigned

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

NORTHAMPTON — Two Athol men who allegedly referred to themselves as the “Pillowcase Bandits” pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Northampton Superior Court to 26 counts each in relation to seven burglaries in five towns. A Franklin County grand jury Friday returned identical indictments against Aaron Provencher, 34, of … 0

Orange officials happy to have new town accountant

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

ORANGE — Selectmen’s hiring of Darleen LeGrand as the new town accountant couldn’t come soon enough for officials who are eagerly waiting for up-to-date financial reports to prepare next year’s budget for the annual town meeting. Town Administrator Diana Schindler told selectmen that LeGrand is “an ideal fit” … 0