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Daily Digest
Steve Decker cleans up in front of BankNorth on Wednesday.
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More Snow
The Berkshires received several inches of snow this morning, but not enough to close schools, unlike yesterday's sleety mess. Temperatures will drop into the 20s this afternoon. A few more snow showers are expected through the weekend. |
Duff'em If You've Got'em
 North Adams Regional Hospital went smoke-free Monday — so did all its sister sites, from Sweet Brook to Northern Berkshire Family Practice to the Women's Exchange. No ashtrays, no smoking: No butts about it. |
Wanted: Eagle Eyes
MassWildlife's annual eagle count runs Dec. 31 to Jan. 14. Anyone sighting one of the regal birds in Massachusetts is asked to participate.
Send date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, whether juvenile or adult and observer's contact information to Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us. |
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Like to Write?
 iBerkshires accepts submissions about local events, news and opinion pieces. There are openings for freelance work, too, for qualified candidates. E-mail tdaniels@iberkshires.com to find out more. |
ObituariesRegionWhat's PlayingSales FliersColumnists | Independent Investor
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Other StuffMars Rovers Mark 5 Years
 Spirit and Opportunity have been trekking the red planet for half a decade. Spirit hit the 5-year mark on Sunday; Opportunity will on Jan. 24. |
Obama TransitionRelated Stories |
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News & Notes: Patrick Mum on 'Growth District' SitesBy Larry Kratka - April 11, 2008
Berkshire News Network
PITTSFIELD — Gov. Deval Patrick is preparing for a tour of the state in coming weeks to reveal the location of 16 regional "growth districts." The areas are designed to be magnets for new business development.
In an exclusive interview with the Berkshires News Network on Thursday morning, Patrick was asked if the Berkshires would be included in the 16 "growth" districts and he said "Yes" ... but we would have to wait until he makes the formal announcements.
Updated: The Republican of Springfield reported Friday night, April 11, that Patrick would announce the first growth district in Western Mass. on Saturday. The Chicopee River Business Park, which includes 151 acres in Chicopee and 40 acres in Springfield, will be designated a growth district.
Gregory P. Bialecki, state undersecretary for business development, told the Republican that three of the growth districts would be in Western Mass.
Patrick announced his intent to provide a short-term economic boost to various parts of the state during his address to the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce in Pittsfield last Friday. On Wednesday, unveiling his economic stimulus plan at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the governor said that "over the next 90 days, my economic development team will identify locations around the state - urban, suburban, former military bases, and others - that are primed for significant commercial, residential or mixed-use development."
During his appearance on "Whoopee In The Morning With Sherman Baldwin," the governor did not elaborate as to where in the Berkshires such a growth district would be, but said he and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray would be making the trip out this way in the weeks ahead, going to each of the 16 sites and calling attention to them. The governor also said that in each district, he would convene local business and government leaders to start the planning process and in some cases, those investments have begun.
North Adams Mayor John Barrett III and Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto are now waiting to hear if their communities are included in the 16 "growth" districts. The districts will typically be designated in older mill towns or cities near highways or other transportation. |
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