News & Notes: Pooch Plucked from River
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Firefighters are being credited with saving the life of a dog that fell through thin ice into the Hoosic River on Wednesday afternoon.
Firefighters were called to the side of Cole Field around 4:30 yesterday after being told that a woman had fallen through the ice. Mary-Jo Green, 63, had, indeed, fallen through the ice while walking her dog.
She escaped but her dog Jimmy did not. When firefighters arrived at the river's edge, one firefighter reached the dog, pulled him from the freezing water and immediately brought him to a warm police vehicle. The dog was transported to Greylock Animal Hospital and, as of this morning, was still shivering but doing well and was expected to go home in the afternoon.
Green was taken to North Adams Regional Hospital for treatment of hypothermia. Fire officials are using the incident to remind everyone that iced-over rivers, streams and brooks may appear save but are not. Play it save and stay off them.
Local Lawmakers Call for Reform Over Gas Tax Hike
BOSTON — Berkshire lawmakers are responding to a question asked by the Berkshire News Network yesterday: What do they think of an proposal by a group of Boston area lawmakers to hike the gasoline tax by 29 cents a gallon and eliminate expensive tolls on the Tobin Bridge, the tunnels and the entire Massachusetts Turnpike.
Rep. Denis Guyer of Dalton said he wouldn't support it at all and that it's just another example of the mindset in Boston — that they can have their Big Dig and not pay for it. Sen. Benjamin B. Downing said we need to reform the Massachusetts transportation system before thinking of lowering tolls or raising the gas tax.
The latest response came from Rep. Daniel E. Bosley of North Adams, who said the MetroWest folks are a group representing their constituents who pay tolls for a road that they don't use. Bosley said that if we are to look at a gas tax hike, we need to adopt an amendment that ensures that all parts of the state reap the benefit of increased road and bridge work and that it was clear that we need to raise some form of revenue as well as introduce reforms to reduce costs on our highway departments. Bosley said lawmakers are attempting to do both.
There is talk today about Senate leaders wanting a new "super" agency that will oversee transportation police in Massachusetts. The "Massachusetts Surface Transportation Authority," or MassTrans for short, would combine several existing agencies including the Massachusetts Bay Transporation Authority (the T), the Turnpike Authority and the Massachusetts Highway Department. Senate leaders agree with Downing that any discussion about raising the gas tax should be put off until they work on transportation reform.
What's Up with Park Square? Nothing, Yet
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Last July, city residents were told that the Park Square project would get under way right after the Pittsfield 4th of July Parade.
Well, here it is January 2009 and nothing has happened yet. Actually, the project is in the hands of MassHighway and Mark More from his office in Lenox told the Berkshire News Network that bids on the project have been advertised and are currently being opened. No word on any of the bids being awarded yet.
More said work should begin on project by the time the spring construction season arrives. Plans are to eliminate the circle and join South Street directly with North Street.
