WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass.— The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) has issued a call to all residents of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, urging them to complete the Municipal Broadband Institute's (MBI) survey form.
This effort is aimed at bolstering the town's eligibility to apply for grant funding, specifically designated to enhance internet accessibility and speed throughout West Stockbridge.
By actively participating in the survey, residents can contribute to identifying unserved and underserved areas within the town. The MBI has implemented a BEAD Challenge Process, utilizing this data to pinpoint locations that lack adequate high-speed fiber connectivity. These identified areas will then be considered for funding, aiming to bridge the digital divide and improve internet infrastructure.
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey by accessing the provided link. To read more information on the BEAD Challenge Process please click this link: BEAD Challenge Process
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman
SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth.
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice.
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams.
The 105 graduates from Great Barrington were sent off to solve the world's problems, but not before hearing some words of wisdom from their teachers and classmates.
click for more
Lee High School's class of 2026 was the smallest class since 1938, giving them the name "small but mighty" while honoring one of their own wildcats who could not walk the stage with them today. click for more
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Valedictorian Benjamin Vella compared his class to the Artemis II mission from earlier this year, and how they had done what those astronauts have done to soar among the stars.
click for more
Monument Mountain Regional High School has named Sadie Honig-Briggs and Reese Duchesne as the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the graduating class of 2026. click for more
