By Mary E. Arata and M.E. Jones MediaNews Ayer and Shirley residents approved the state's first new regional school district in 30 years Saturday, voting overwhelmingly at town meetings to merge their districts in the 2010-2011 school year.   Full Story

PEPPERELL -- A water main break shut down one side of Hollis Street (Route 111) Sunday as crews worked to repair the damage, police said.   Full Story

By Mary E. Arata and M.E. Jones MediaNews Ayer and Shirley residents approved the state's first new regional school district in 30 years Saturday, voting overwhelmingly at town meetings to merge their districts in the 2010-2011 school year.   Full Story

TOWNSEND -- Town Administrator Gregory W. Barnes told the Finance Committee Thursday there will be a couple of so-called accelerators in town budget for fiscal year 2011, including rising health care costs and salary issues.   Full Story