Since it opened in May 2014, the city of Fitchburg has generated nearly $2 million in hotel occupancy tax from Great Wolf Lodge, including just over $1 million in 2016 alone.
Although Massachusetts foreclosure starts were down for the fifth straight month in comparison to last year, the number in Worcester County increased 5 percent, according to Boston real estate data firm The Warren Group.
Crust Artisan Bakeshop in Worcester has received a $15,000 loan from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp., the first such loan since the agency said it would begin expanding south.
A total of 1,465 people died of unintentional opioid overdoses in 2016, with another 469 to 562 suspected opioid-related deaths, according to new state data.
Volunteers from Leominster Credit Union participated in one of the largest meal-packing events for United Way of North Central Mass. More than 100,000 meals were packaged by 400 volunteers for 20 local food pantries at the Double Tree by Hilton in Leominster. Benefitting pantries are in Athol, Leominster, Fitchburg, Gardner, Devens, Pepperell, Templeton, Winchendon and Westminster. Pictured (from left, front row) are Nancy Daigle, Ann Younie, Meghan Thomas and Susan Landry; (middle row) Cindy Holder and Stephanie and Lucas Hyles; and (back row) Stan Hyles.
Framingham State University and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner have received a share of $39 million in life science funding from the state announced Thursday.