The Waterville Board of Education had a short meeting July 14 before discussing collective bargaining with the Waterville Teachers Association. During the six-minute public portion, Board members approved extending the contract for Superintendent Zach Abbe through June 2029. Abbe’s original contract began last year and ran through June 2028. Tuition rates for non- resident students went up 3.09 percent, which is the same amount the property tax levy increased. Rates for 2026-27 are $305 for...

Off to the east of Route 12 in North Brookfield, Kling’s Mills has been an ongoing business since 1808. What began as a grist mill that counted members of the Loomis Gang as its customers morphed over the years to include a hardware store, general store and a diner. In the past years as shopping habits changed, Kling’s offered fewer groceries but kept the diner going. This Sunday when the last cup of coffee is finished, the doors to Kling’s will close. While owner Carol Beach said the...

Brookfield girls who play varsity soccer will do so this Fall as part of the Waterville team. Brookfield Board of Education members voted last week to combine their girls varsity soccer team with Waterville this year due to low numbers. In the past few years the Beavers varsity team has had just 11, and at times fewer, girls who played. At their June meeting the Board decided to provide transportation for students to get to Waterville for games and practices. Brookfield has enough players to...