News & Notes: WWLP Back; Downing Leads Probe of Wilkerson
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The arrest of state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson for allegedly taking more than $23,000 dollars in bribes from undercover agents posing as businessmen is rocking Beacon Hill.
State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield will be involved, as the Boston Democrat's case is being referred to the Senate Ethics and Rules Committee, which is chaired by Downing.
Beth-Anne Steiner in Downing's Boston office told the Berkshire News Network that the senator would not be able to comment on the Wilkerson issue until a report is issued by the Ethics Committee.
Gov. Deval Patrick, who has supported the troubled senator in the past, said he was "deeply disappointed" and, if true, Wilkerson should resign.
WWLP-TV Coming Back to Time Warner Cable
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's all about the money ... apparently. Wednesday, Time Warner Cable reached a deal with LIN TV Corp. for the right to carry the signals of 17 television stations, including WWLP-TV in Springfield.
The deal ends a nearly monthlong standoff that blacked out local channels for viewers across the country including WWLP's channels carried on Time-Warner Cable in the Berkshires. The NBC affiliate, Channel 22, will return to the lineup.
The nation's second-largest cable operator has agreed to pay undisclosed retransmission fees to Providence, R.I.-based LIN TV.
Election Day Rides Available in Adams; Town Sets Winter Parking
ADAMS, Mass. — Election Day is right around the corner and the Adams Council on Aging wants to remind voters that they'll be able to get rides to the polls between the hours of 9 and 2 on Nov. 4.
Rides can be arranged by calling the Council on Aging between those hours at 743-8333.
Town Clerk Paul Hutchinson says voters will be able park on the south side of Valley Street when they cast their ballots at Adams Memorial Middle School on Election Day. He also said that police will post "Temporary Voter Parking" signs on the street. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
With the first winter storm of the season leaving its mark, police are reminding residents that an overnight parking ban between midnight and 7 will be in effect from Nov. 15 through April 2009.
Police are also reminding residents that the town's bylaws require tenants or owners of buildings to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm and that no person shall shovel, plow, push or throw snow or ice into the streets. There is a $50 fine if you get caught doing this.
Olver to Visit School, Soldier On
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The last visit U.S. Rep. John Olver made to the Berkshires was earlier this month for an exclusive radio debate with his republican challenger, Nathan Bech, on Berkshire News Network stations.
Today, Olver will make good on a long-standing invitation by Egremont Elementary School to pay them a visit. The Amherst Democrat will visit with four fifth-grade classes to talk about what it means to be part of the Congress.
Earlier, Olver will take a tour of Elder Services Meal Serve Location in Lanesborough. After the school visit, he will tour the Soldier On facility in Pittsfield and talk with veterans.
