| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
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Pittsfield School Committee OKs Firm for PHS Staff InvestigationBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
11:54AM / Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Officials approved a third-party investigation on alleged staff misconduct at Pittsfield High School that's expected to wrap up by March.
On Monday, the School Committee authorized Chair William Cameron to negotiate and execute a retainer agreement with law firm Bulkley Richardson Gelinas of Springfield for "independent and impartial investigations of certain Pittsfield Public School employees."
"We need to have a credible investigation with the public so that the public can have confidence there is not something being covered up here," Cameron said during the special virtual meeting, citing public suspicion that the administration knew
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Berkshire Communities Awarded Recycling, Waste Reduction Grants| 10:40AM / Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | |
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $4 million in Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) grants to 285 municipalities and regional solid waste districts, that will help communities maximize their recycling, composting and waste reduction programs. "Every day, communities across Massachusetts are taking important steps towards environmental protection and sustainability through waste reduction," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "This funding will further empower municipalities to implement innovative programs and policies that are proven to maximize reuse, recycling, and composting." In 0 Comments
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Wander Hosts 'Write Your Own Obituary' Writing Workshop | 08:13AM / Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Wander, a cafe and event venue, will host an evening with author Eden Robins on Monday, Jan. 8, featuring a "Write Your Own Obituary" workshop, a reading from Robins' novel "Remember You Will Die," and a book signing. The event begins with a reflective writing workshop from 6 to 7 p.m., offering attendees a chance to craft their own obituaries as a creative approach to self-reflection and goal setting. Tickets for the workshop are $15 and can be reserved online. Following the workshop, Robins will read from their novel and sign books from 7:30 to 8. The reading and signing are free and open to the public, with books 0 Comments
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2024 in Sports: Hoosac Valley Girls Basketball Was Top StoryBy Stephen Dravis, iBerkshires Staff
05:06AM / Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | |
 The year that is ending came in with a bang as Berkshire County wrapped up three team state titles before 2024 was three months old. As the year went on, state crowns were harder to come by, but there still were a number of Western Mass titles and individual accomplishments to thrill local high school sports fans. Here is a look back at some of the stories that caught our eye in the year gone by: 1. County dynasty continues The story of the year was the story of the century as the Hoosac Valley girls basketball program reached its eighth state title game since 2014. And the Hurricanes won their third state championship in that run with a 71-53 win over West 0 Comments
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Updates to the Massachusetts Endangered Species List| 04:49AM / Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | |
BOSTON — MassWildlife works to conserve biodiversity in the Commonwealth and updated the list of plants and animals officially protected by the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) this year following an extensive review of population data and threats. Following this update, there are now 453 native animals and plants listed under MESA. All listed species receive the same protection, but they are categorized as endangered, threatened, or of special concern—depending on their status and the threats they face. After analysis of scientific data and review of public comments on the proposed changes, 22 plants and animals were added to the MESA list, 1 plant was 0 Comments
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Public Meeting to Review Woods Pond Remediation Plans| 02:18PM / Monday, December 30, 2024 | |
BOSTON — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled a virtual public meeting on the Reach 6 (Woods Pond area) Remedial Design/Remedial Action (RD/RA) at the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site for Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Zoom. The meeting will be completely virtual out of an abundance of caution for weather and any residual illnesses continuing from the holidays, and it will be recorded and posted to the website. The link to the meeting is here and on the GE website: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1613982552?pwd=zlTgzqk0PpViqu6iHNHaEP9dSgPp0i.1 Meeting ID: 161 398 2552 Passcode: 30052177 GE will be presenting its remedial design
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Bousquet Offers Adult Ski Race LeagueCommunity submission,
12:52PM / Monday, December 30, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Bousquet Mountain will offer an adult racing league on Tuesday nights from Jan. 7 to Feb. 11. No racing experience is required to participate in the 18-and-over league. Teams of five will compete in races that begin at 6:30 p.m., following a 6 p.m. course inspection. The cost for the season is $119 for Bousquet season passholders or $159 for non-passholders and includes skiing from 5 p.m. to closing on the night of races. To sign up, visit bousquetmountain.com. 0 Comments
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Truck Falls Through Ice on Pontoosuc Lake, City Issues WarningStaff Reports ,
11:41AM / Monday, December 30, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A pickup truck broke through thin ice on Pontoosuc Lake Saturday, but all four individuals fishing nearby safely evacuated without injury. On Saturday, Dec. 28, at 4:17 p.m., the Pittsfield Fire Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle that had fallen through the ice on Pontoosuc Lake near 239 Narragansett Avenue. Initial reports did not indicate whether any rescues were needed. Fire crews, including Car 2, Engine 3, Tower 2, Engine 5/Rescue 2, and Action Ambulance Medic 91, arrived to find four civilians who had safely evacuated the area without injuries. The incident occurred approximately 40-60 feet offshore behind 261 0 Comments
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Dalton Planning Board Works to Update ADU BylawBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:52AM / Monday, December 30, 2024 | |
DALTON, Mass. — The Planning Board agreed to amend its Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw one step at a time. During a meeting last month, the board decided to focus on updating the bylaw to comply with state law before presenting the idea of including mobile/movable tiny houses. This decision was made because many aspects need to be considered when addressing tiny mobile houses, and it could potentially be a more controversial item for voters. Board members said separating the ADU bylaw from the mobile/movable tiny house regulation would prevent confusion because it would allow each issue to be addressed clearly and distinctly. Amending the 0 Comments
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2024 Year in Review: Pittsfield Projects Unfold But Year Ends on Sour NoteBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:28AM / Monday, December 30, 2024 | |
The city cut the ribbon on a new pickleball courts in Springside Park. Below, the second extension of the Ashuwillticook Trail opens. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city started off 2024 with a new administration, had a visit from the vice president midway and ended the year with Pittsfield High School embroiled in scandal. Two days into the new year, Mayor Peter Marchetti was sworn in along with the City Council, School Committee, and City Clerk. Over the next four years, the new mayor pledged to fight for current generations while building a city for new generations. "There are many people working hard for Pittsfield, and I will continue to work hard for our
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Pittsfield Homeless Advisory Committee Hosting Housing Resource Fair| 01:40PM / Saturday, December 28, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's Homeless Advisory Committee is sponsoring its fourth Housing Resource Fair that will be held at the Berkshire Athenaeum on Thursday, Jan. 9 between 10 to noon. The fair will offer a variety of resources and assistance to those in the community who are seeking help with accessing stable and secure housing. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local housing organizations and agencies to learn about affordable housing options and receive information on resources for rental assistance. Participating agencies include Upside 413, Second 0 Comments
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Counting Birds Now a Christmas Tradition By Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
06:38AM / Saturday, December 28, 2024 | |
The bird counts are important in collecting data for ornithologists and conservationists. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A team of birders will be heading out across North County on Saturday to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count. The count has become a tradition for many over the last 125 years while providing valuable environmental insights for researchers, conservation biologists, wildlife agencies, and others. Participating in this wildlife census allows people to observe and interact with birds in their local environments directly and can inspire a deeper connection to nature, instilling a desire to protect it, said Tom Tyning, former 0 Comments
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