Franklin County

After years of representing one of the most rural stretches of western Massachusetts, state lawmaker Natalie Blais is departing her role.Earlier this month, the 1st Franklin State Representative announced she would be leaving office for a new position at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Speaking with WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos ahead of her last day, she says her district -- one of the state’s largest in geographic mass -- is like no other.

Thousands of people made their way to Orange, Massachusetts for fragrant weekend festivities at the North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau James Paleologopoulos reports

Loaded with colorful carnations, petunias and other flora, the beloved Bridge of Flowers in western Massachusetts is open again after a year of repairs.

Rural Franklin County, Massachusetts is facing housing issues like the rest of the commonwealth, but regional leaders say unlike other counties, it isn’t getting an equal level of support.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has been on the road, promoting road funding proposals that could mean almost double the amount of Chapter 90 dollars for some rural communities and more.

Following almost 40 years of public service, Franklin County Sheriff Chris Donelan says he'll be retiring at the end of January. Donelan was first sworn in as sheriff in 2011, and has been re-elected twice - serving two, full-six year terms. He's retiring amid his third and after a career that's also included time as a police officer and state representative. As sheriff, he oversaw the county's House of Correction shift focus to offering addiction and mental health treatment to those in the system. As a lawmaker, he also had a role in the creation of the state's first sales tax holiday, among other accomplishments. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos spoke with Donelan soon after his retirement announcement.

Community members in Greenfield, Massachusetts got a chance to see the new home of their fire department Monday - following a ribbon-cutting for the facility.

Next week is Thanksgiving, and after a year and half of the coronavirus pandemic, Americans from coast to coast are looking forward to coming together this holiday season. But COVID-19 is still with us.

The Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations is rethinking its strategic plan for promoting things like innovative public policy,…