News & Notes: Hoosac Has Bomb Threat, Downing Pushes Energy Bucks
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CHESHIRE, Mass. — A bomb threat found written on a girls' bathroom wall Tuesday afternoon disrupted classes at Hoosac Valley High School.
School officials decided to do an "internal" evacuation by sending students into the gym rather than out in the frigid air.
Principal Henry Duval said it was the first time the school had had to deal with such a threat in nearly a decade. Staff and law enforcement officials searched the gym, which is in a seperate wing, and then the rest of the building. Students were all in the gym by 1 p.m., a half-hour after the threat was found, and released at their normal time of 2 p.m. Police continued their search of the building until 4.
The student responsible for the threat could face charges, and certainly be disciplined by the school, said Duval.
Northern Berkshire United Way Halfway to 2009 Goal
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire United Way said Monday that it has reached the halfway point in its goal to raise $750,000 in the current campaign. The goal this year is a little higher then last year's goal of $696,000.
A major fundraiser is coming up on March 2 at the Boston Sea Foods restaurant, complete with celebrity waiters, waitresses and bartenders from the Northern Berkshires. The "Celebrity Chicken Dinner" will start at 4:30 p.m. with lift tickets from Jiminy Peak Ski Resort being raffled off to raise additional money.
Senator Downing Pushes Energy Bucks
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing is encouraging residents of Berkshire County to take part in what is known as the Energy Bucks program that informs residents about cost-saving measures.
The Pittsfield Democrat said "Energy Bucks" creates "one-stop-shopping" for energy assistance services, enabling low-income Massachusetts residents to better understand and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs.
Energy Bucks is sponsored by Massachusetts utilities including National Grid, Western Massachusetts Electric Co. and Berkshire Gas Co. in collaboration with the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN). To find out if you qualify for assistance, visit www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST.
