AYER -- Bob France, the founder and president of Senate Construction Corp. in Shirley, has teamed with his wife, Janice, to purchase and renovate a prominent downtown building in Ayer.   Full Story

GROTON -- For many workers, landing a competitive job in Massachusetts means they may not be able to work in the same field, should they ever resign or get laid off.   Full Story

PEPPERELL -- Selectmen here are expressing strong concerns about the ongoing merger talks between the North Middlesex and Lunenburg school districts, saying that the town could not afford borrowing tens of millions of dollars to construct a new high   Full Story

SHIRLEY -- Selectmen Monday night approved a nonprofit group's request to place a sign at a place in town deemed acceptable by Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer Donald "Butch" Farrar.   Full Story

TOWNSEND -- Taxes, the economy, illegal immigration and even school uniforms were covered during a two-hour candidates forum for Democrat and Republican candidates for the 1st Middlesex District at Memorial Hall Thursday.   Full Story