Police Remove Gun From Herberg Student's Locker

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Police were called to Herberg Middle School in Pittsfield to remove a gun from a student's locker on Friday morning.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield police removed a small caliber pistol from a locker at Herberg Middle School on Friday morning.

The weapon was not loaded, but did have a clip with bullets beside it. had a magazine in the gun but there were no bullets in the chamber. (Superintendent Jason McCandless on Monday corrected the information first given to the press from the mayor's office on Friday.)

Police were called after a student reported to a teacher that another student had a gun in the school building. 

A search was conducted by the school administration, with assistance from the school resource officer, David Orsi.  The weapon was removed immediately by the Pittsfield Police Department.

"Officer Orsi was able to quickly secure the weapon and to place the student in custody," said Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn. "As always, we appreciate public cooperation with ongoing investigations and encourage residents to report any suspicious or concerning information.”


“We have safety protocols in place at all schools and practice them regularly," said Jason McCandless, Pittsfield Public Schools's superintendent. "As always, we are collaborating with the Pittsfield Police. We are thankful for our strong relationship and support from the city of Pittsfield and from our Pittsfield families, and will continue to keep them informed.”

The Herberg administration is working with the Pittsfield Police Department to further investigate the matter. Families are encouraged to partner with the school administration regarding any information that could be of assistance to help continue to maintain a safe and secure environment.

“Principal Coleman and her staff followed Pittsfield Public School safety protocol to the letter," Mayor Daniel Bianchi said. "School administration, including our school resource officer, and Pittsfield Police effectively took all appropriate measures to efficiently address the situation and safeguard the school community. I am confident in Dr. McCandless’s leadership and the professionalism of school staff as we continue to collaborate with community partners.”


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Pittsfield Signs Negotiating Rights Agreement With Suns Baseball Team

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Suns will call Wahconah Park home again. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission accepted a negotiating rights agreement between the city and longtime summer collegiate baseball team, the Pittsfield Suns. It solidifies that the two will work together when the historic ballpark is renovated. 

It remains in effect until the end of 2027, or when a license or lease agreement is signed. Terms will be automatically extended to the end of 2028 if it appears the facility won't be complete by then. 

"It certainly looks like it lays out kind of both what the Suns and Pittsfield would like to see over the next year or so during this construction plan, to be able to work together and work exclusively with each other in this time," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Owner Jeff Goldklang, joining virtually, said he shared those thoughts, and the team looks forward to starting negotiations. After this approval, it will need a signature from Mayor Peter Marchetti and the baseball team. 

The negotiating rights agreement recognizes the long-standing relationship between Pittsfield and the team dating back to 2012, and the Suns' ownership group's historical ties to Wahconah Park and the city dating to the 1980s. The team skipped the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the historic grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022.  

The Suns were granted the exclusive right to negotiate in good faith with the city for a license or lease agreement where the Suns will be the primary tenant. During the terms of the agreement, the city can't negotiate or enter into an agreement with another party for leniency, licensing, or operation of Wahconah Park for professional or collegiate summer baseball. 

"The Parties acknowledge the historic and cultural importance of Wahconah park to the residents of Berkshire County and share a mutual goal of providing community access, engagement, and programming on a broad and inclusive scale," it reads. 

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