County Woman Confirmed To Have West Nile

Staff Reports02:56PM / Saturday, August 25, 2012Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An elderly woman is hospitalized after contracting West Nile Virus - the first confirmed case in the county.

The state Department of Public Health announced on Friday that the woman in her 70s will be released from the hospital soon but the finding raising the risk level for the city from moderate to high. The risk levels in Dalton, Hancock, Lanesborough, Lenox, Richmond and Washington have been raised to moderate.

The virus as well as Equine Encephalitis were both confirmed in mosquitos throughout the county. The city has been adulticide spraying to reduce the population. In the eastern part of the state the threat of EEE is considered "critical."

The best way to avoid contracting the viruses to avoid or eliminate mosquitos. Basic tips include:

• Take precautions, especially, during the peak biting times of dusk and dawn by wearing long-sleeves, pants and socks when outdoors; apply repellent.

• Drain or get rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. Use larvicide where appropriate.

• Make sure screens are tight fitting on doors and windows.

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Dalton Capital Planning Committee Takes First Steps

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
10:59AM / Friday, February 06, 2026

DALTON, Mass. — The Capital Planning Committee held its first meeting last week; the first step in a yearlong process of developing a five-year capital plan.

The meeting kicked off with Thomas Irwin, a Finance Committee member, elected chairman, and Dennis Croughwell, a Planning Board member, elected vice chair.

The committee was established during the annual town meeting in May 2025. Irwin was instrumental in developing the Capital Planning Committee, which was modeled on the town of Lee's committee.

The goal is to produce a practical, prioritized five-year capital improvement plan that helps the Select Board and Finance Committee make informed budget and capital decisions.

According to Town Manager Eric Anderson, the committee is responsible for collecting and reviewing all capital plans that impact the town.

This includes plans from departments and agencies outside its direct authority, such as the water department, fire department, schools, and relevant Pittsfield agencies — especially those concerning sewer and wastewater treatment.

The committee's goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of capital needs and their budgetary impact across all sectors, and then prioritize these needs based on urgency.

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