Local Animal Advocate Offers Reward in Adams Cat Case

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Allen Harris, president of Berkshire Money Management, is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the recent cruel and sadistic treatment of a cat in the vicinity of Howland Avenue in Adams.

The young cat, named Cleo, was found left to die in a makeshift setup to hang the animal. Luckily, a passerby heard the choking cat, called 911, and saved its life.

"This is a heinous crime. I recognize that without some additional incentive the perpetrator or perpetrators may not be brought to justice," said Harris in a statement. "I implore anyone who knows something, anything, that may be helpful to law enforcement to do the right thing and report it."

Those with any information about the crime should call Adams Police at 413-743-1212.

Harris said he was shocked and appalled reading the details of the despicable acts. Such cruel behavior should not be tolerated, whether the victim is a cat, dog or any other living creature.

Harris and his wife, Stacey Carver, have been longtime supporters of vulnerable animals in the community. They have dedicated time and resources to several causes including Berkshire Animal DREAMS, New England Basset Hound Rescue, Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter and others. Carver is a board member for Animal DREAMS and New England Basset Hound Rescue Inc. and Harris is a member of the city of Pittsfield Animal Control Board.

Cleo has recovered from her trauma but is still uneasy around humans. She is seeking a kind and loving home. Find out more about her here.  A benefit to offset the costs of Cleo's care is being held by Northern Berkshire Cat Rescue on Feb. 24.

Pittsfield DPW Building Destroyed By Fire

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — One firefighter was taken to the hospital during a blaze at the city's highway department building Monday morning.

According to Deputy Chief Bruce Kilmer, the fire began on the upper floors around 9 a.m.

While attempting to knock down the flames, one firefighter sustained a burn on his neck. He was transported to Berkshire Medical Center for Treatment. No other injuries were reported.

As of 11 a.m., the fire was still burning but was mostly contained.

"The major body of the fire is down. We're just working hard to get in there at this time," Kilmer said of the fire that was smoldering in the attic.

"It's just a hard fire to get at," he said.

Pittsfield Woman Injured in Snowmobile Crash

WOODFORD, Vt. — A Pittsfield, Mass., woman was taken to Southern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington after her snowmobile struck a tree on Thursday evening, Jan. 3.

According to state police, Chelsea Hawksley, 27, was traveling west on a Vermont Association Of Snow Travelers (VAST) trail in Woodford when she lost control of her 2012 Ski-doo 600, left the trail and struck a tree.

The crash was reported at about 7 p.m. Hawksley, who had been wearing a helmet, was transported to the hospital by Bennington Rescue with unknown injuries. She was reportedly still at SVMC on Monday. The snowmobile was totaled.

Patrick Names Former Pittsfield Solicitor For Judgeship

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Former City Solicitor Michael McCarthy was nominated by the governor Friday as an associate justice of Southern Berkshire District Court.

McCarthy is an associate with the city firm of George, DeGregorio, Massimiano & McCarthy since 1989. Prior to that, he was the city's solicitor for two years, assistant district attorney for five years and an assistant district attorney in Portland, Maine, for one year. He is a graduate of Assumption College and the University of Maine Law School.

McCarthy will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James B. McElroy. He was previously nominated for the post in August 2012.

Secretary of Public Safety Mary Heffernan was also nominated as Circuit Justice.

"I also am pleased to re-nominate Michael J. McCarthy to serve on the bench in Berkshire County. I thank both of these nominees for their commitment to the fair administration of justice and their willingness to serve the Commonwealth in these challenging new roles," Gov. Deval Patrick said in a prepared statement Friday.

Additionally, the governor resubmitted four pending judicial nominations to the Governor's Council in Geraldine S. Hines as an associate justice of the Appeals Court; and Angel Kelly Brown, Brian A. Davis and Robert B. Gordon as associate justices of the Superior Court. The nominees are being resubmitted because the Governor Council’s term ended before they were considered.

Pittsfield Woman Dies After Being Struck By Jeep

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police said a 67-year-old woman died after being hit at the intersection of First and Federal streets Wednesday evening.

According to the statement from police, Adella Demary, of Pittsfield, was stuck by a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 17-year-old Matthew Ott, also of Pittsfield, Wednesday at 6:27 p.m.

The Fire Department and Action Ambulance assisted Demary at the scene and transported her to Berkshire Medical Center. First Street was closed while responders worked on the scene. 

Police Sgt. Michael Maddalena said late Thursday morning that Demary died overnight. The accident is under investigation by the Traffic Unit. No charges had been filed by the time this report was published.