 Pittsfield Holds Second Master Plan WorkshopThe city is about halfway through developing its new master plan, and held a second community workshop this past Thursday.  Companion Corner: Baby at Berkshire Humane SocietyiBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.  'Swatting' Incident at Mount Greylock Regional SchoolA search uncovered no evidence to support the threat and the school returned to normal operations at 11:03 a.m, police said. Additional public safety resources were to remain on scene for the remainder of the school day.  Store at Five Corners Reopens in WilliamstownColleen Taylor and her brother and business partner Sean Taylor grabbed the concession offered by the Five Corners Stewardship Association, which purchased the store at the junction of Routes 7 and 43 in 2022. Adams Fire Questions Impact of Retirement MandateFire District officials say the state's mandatory retirement age for firefighters will have a "catastrophic" impact on the Fire Department.  Flooding Leads Pittsfield ConCom to Bel Air Dam Deconstruction SiteThe Bel Air Dam project team toured the site on Monday with the Conservation Commission to review conditions following a flooding incident.  Adams Plans Route 8 Blight, Winter Street ReconstructionThe town is preparing to submit an application for Community Block Grant Funds following the designation of its blighted area on Route 8. North Adams Clothing Store Moving to Larger SpaceLabel Shopper is moving across the parking lot to the former Peebles location in April.  Build or Rent: Communities Seek Options to House Public Safety DepartmentsFor many years, the town of Lee has had to struggle with an outdated and crowded Police Department station located in its Town Hall, which was built in 1874. Its nearby fire station was originally constructed to house horse-drawn firefighting vehicles.  Williamstown Fire Committee Sees FY27 Budget with Sizable Operational IncreaseThe Prudential Committee last week reviewed a draft annual fire district meeting warrant that includes an operational expenses budget up 9.4 percent from the figures approved at the May 2025 annual meeting. PHS Community Challenges FY27 Budget CutsUnder this plan, Pittsfield High School would see a reduction of seven teachers (plus one teacher of deportment and an assistant principal of teaching and learning, and a guidance counselor repurposed across the district.  Outdated Public Safety Buildings Strain Berkshire CommunitiesOne of the most basic roles of government is public safety. The ability to provide police and fire protection and other emergency services is considered a vital function. Cheshire Eliminated Harbormaster PostThe Select Board last week voted to eliminate the post of harbormaster and turn the boat over the Fire Department at the request of both the police and fire chiefs.  Pittsfield Marks Vietnam Veterans Day in Park SquareAbout 50 people gathered at Park Square on Saturday to remember Vietnam veterans and mark the 53rd anniversary of the last American troops' departure. Williamstown Select Board Finalizes Property Tax Relief Measure for Town MeetingThe Select Board last week finalized a request to town meeting to change the parameters of a property tax relief program for residents aged 60 and over.  Pittsfield Schools Hear Community Feedback on Morningside ClosureThe Pittsfield Public Schools are gathering feedback on a potential closure of Morningside Community School before a recommendation is made.  Northern Berkshire United Way: 1950s Sees New Name, Same MissionThe organization had successfully grown over the past 20 years and, by the end of the decade, would see its campaign drives pass the $100,000 mark and the number of agencies under its umbrella grow to 17. Dalton Board Uncertain on How to Budget for Clean Air EffortsAs concerns about Berkshire Concrete's operations persist, Select Board members agree funding is needed, but are uncertain on how it should be allocated.  Sheffield Craftsman Offering Workshops on Windsor ChairsAndrew Jack specializes in Windsor chairs and has been making them for almost 20 years.  Third No Kings Rally Adds War in Iran to List of GrievancesEven the frigid wind couldn't silence the voices of thousands of protestors across the county.  Adams' Street Being Shut Down for Crewdson Photography ProductionThe Board of Selectmen last week approved the closures of the street between Pleasant and Dean Streets from Wednesday through Saturday, April 1 to 4, to allow for the Crewdson's production company to set up for his complex and intricate shots. Cheshire Gets Answers on Police Budget, Reviews DPWInterim Police Chief Timothy Garner on Tuesday followed up on questions the Select Board had last month on his proposed fiscal 2027 budget.  Grow Your Garden With the Berkshire AthenaeumThe seed library is funded by the volunteer organization Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum, which raises funds for the library programming and needs. Dalton Board Reviews Draft AI, Social Media PoliciesArtificial intelligence is becoming a topic of discussion at several governmental agencies across the state, and has now come before the Select Board.  Nurturing Curiosity at Hoosac Valley High School's STEAM NightStudents, families, and teachers nurtured their curiosity with Hoosac Valley Middle and High School's third annual STEAM Night. |
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