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Police are investigating human remains found by parks workers at Wahconah Park on Tuesday.

Human Remains Found at Wahconah Park

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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A swampy area of the grounds is taped off at Wahconah Park. 

Update at 3:53 p.m.: Police say the remains were collected by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and that they were in an advanced state of decomposition. No identification has been made. 

A city employee who was cutting brush in the park made the discovery but that location is not part of the baseball field. 
 
The detective bureau is investigating and police said there is no indication of any threat to the general public. 
 
Anyone who can provide information is asked to call 413-448-9705. Information can also be provided anonymously via 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).
 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police are investigating human remains found Tuesday on the grounds of Wahconah Park.

A swampy area between the parking lot and the park on Wahconah Street was taped off after a late morning call from the Parks Department reporting the find.
 
"We were called by the Parks Department," Police Cpt. Matthew Kirchner said. "We're investigating. We have a deceased party."
 
He said parks workers were doing routine maintenance when the body was found at approximately 11 a.m.
 
iBerkshires was on the scene at about 1:15 p.m. and police said no further information could be released at that time about the identity, age or gender of the remains. Police were waiting for the medical examiner to arrive.  
 
Police would not confirm or deny a report about the condition of the remains.
 
"We are waiting for the medical examiner's office," Kirchner said. "There will be an investigation done."
 
The taped area around where the body was found is blocked off from the public but the park and the parking lot remain open. The area appears not far from open space and is next to a baseball backdrop, which is also taped off.
 
The patrol division, Crime Scene Services and the detective bureau were on the scene.  


 


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18 Degrees Event Celebrates Reunified Families

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For many families involved with the Department of Children and Families, the first feeling is often fear of their child being removed from the home.
 
In reality, its goal is the opposite.
 
Last week, families, attorneys, social workers, and agency staff gathered at the 18 Degrees Family Resource Center to honor four families who overcame obstacles, such as addiction, successfully navigated the system, and were ultimately reunited with their children.
 
According to the event flyer, since 2010, the child welfare community has recognized June as Family Unification Month, formerly Family Reunification Month, to honor families working to strengthen and reunify their families, as well as the advocates who support them and help prevent family separation.
 
Speaking at the podium, some parents reflected on the negative perceptions they once had of DCF – views that changed as they confronted their struggles, persevered, and worked with the agency to access support and become better parents.
 
The setting of the celebration reflected the theme of new beginnings, as the name 18 Degrees symbolizes the height of the sun on a new day, which is filled with new opportunities and possibilities, said Stephanie Steed, 18 Degrees president and CEO. 
 
"It is where the change from darkness to light happens, and all those things are just really symbolic and really a part of everyone's process," she said. 
 
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