Pepper Spray Deployed in Drury High Library; Student May Face Charges

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Drury High School's upper level was temporarily evacuated on Tuesday afternoon after a student used pepper spray in the library. 
 
According to a news post on the school's website, the incident occurred during the lunch period. 
 
"The student who sprayed the substance was identified and removed from the building. The police are currently investigating the incident and the school will pursue criminal charges," according to the post. 
 
Any of the students and staff affected by the spray were given medical attention. 
 
It is not against the law to possess pepper spray for self-defense, although minors between ages 15 and 18 must have a firearms identification card and guardian permission. It is illegal to use in criminal actions.
 
Pepper spray contains capsaicin that causes eye irritation and a burning sensation, and may cause temporary blindness. 
 
A cleaning crew as brought in to air out and upper level and cleaning the carpet. The library was closed for the remainder of the day but the rest of the building was unaffected. 
 
School adjustment counselors were on site should any student have needed additional support, according to the post. 
 

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Letter: Save Notch Forest

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: I'm writing in regards to the Save Notch Forest signs that I have seen.

As a proud Masshole native from North Adams, that has transplanted to Southwest Vermont, I was curious as to what the signs were about.

I am grateful that I checked out the site on the sign to learn of the extensive and heinous logging plans of the Mass Audubon society near the North Adams reservoir.

As someone who travels back down to Mass sometimes daily and ventures to the reservoir 95 percent of that time for just the peace and beauty of being able to just sit there in awe.

Each time I go, I am guaranteed to see the bald eagle that perches on the pine or birch on the eastern end of the reservoir. I've had quite a few joyfully, awesome experiences with watching it. Be when it was just chilling peacefully or swooping at the geese getting them all flustered but I loved hearing it's call after the beautiful Loons floating in the reservoir.

There was this time I could hear it calling and crying, but unable to see it. I then look up to see a hawk gliding back and forth along the reservoir, doing it's best to taunt and harass the Eagle. From the direction of the cries, I figured the bald eagle's nest must be somewhere behind that tree it usually sits on on the water's edge.

I just do not understand how Mass Audubon Society can intentionally destroy the bald eagle's habitat ... let alone the loons ... let alone all of the other heinous logging aspects that come with its proposal near the North Adams water supply. Way up mountainous terrain on already strained roads that are slowly sliding off the mountainside and near public habitation.

There are a million other places on Greylock, North Adams or Massachusetts in general, what about the other side in South Williamstown/New Ashford? More space, more direct, less people, no water supply or endangered species habitat to destroy for the fun of it.

Why does it have to be Greylock and North Adams you experiment with? Why experiment at all?

I'm grateful I stumbled upon the mighty little forest army fighting for what's good and right, let alone common sense. I am also eternally grateful for the abundant awe inspiring magic of Greylock and all she bestows.

Felicia Packard
Bennington, Vt.

 

 

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