07/03/2009 08:15 AM EDT - By Kristine Holloran Correspondent PEPPERELL -- The Kelly Miller Circus rolled into town field for two shows on June 29.   Full Story

07/03/2009 08:15 AM EDT - TOWNSEND -- It suddenly became more expensive to build a new home in Townsend. The Board of Selectmen voted last Tuesday night to virtually double building-permit fees.   Full Story

07/03/2009 08:15 AM EDT - By Anne O'Connor Correspondent ASHBY -- "I know the ice storm is just a memory to a lot of people, but we're still pounding away," Selectman Peter McMurray said.   Full Story

07/03/2009 08:15 AM EDT - Calendar Monday, July 6 5:30 p.m. Water Department 6:30, Board of Health 7:00 p.m. Housing Authority 7:00 p.   Full Story

07/03/2009 08:15 AM EDT - TOWNSEND -- If all goes right, the town's Water Department could soon be on the receiving end of federal stimulus funds aimed at promoting "green" energy projects.   Full Story

07/03/2009 08:15 AM EDT - TOWNSEND -- In Massachusetts, there are 329 school districts. In Maryland, there are 24. Amid the financial crisis and changing educational needs, more and more districts are looking to merge their operations, according to North Middlesex Regional School District Superintendent Maureen Marshall, who hopes to double as head of the Quabbin   Full Story

07/03/2009 08:15 AM EDT - PEPPERELL -- Former teacher Emily Metcalfe said she will receive her salary and benefits through the summer, and was never technically fired from her long-term substitute teaching job at Spaulding Memorial School in Townsend.   Full Story

07/03/2009 08:14 AM EDT - By Anne O'Connor Correspondent TOWNSEND -- It was standing room only at the Hawthorne Brook Middle School awards ceremony.   Full Story

07/03/2009 08:14 AM EDT - TOWNSEND -- Nineteen of the 43 teachers who received pink slips may soon get their jobs back after the teachers union agreed to a $400,000 concession in salary cuts.   Full Story