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A barn at Stoney Brook Farm went up in flames on Friday, killing 18 chickens.
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Friday Afternoon Fire Destroys Cheshire Barn

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
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CHESHIRE, Mass. — A fire on Friday afternoon destroyed a barn at 920 Sand Mill Road.
 
The building is a total loss but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching another nearby barn and the house at Stoney Brook Farm. 
 
Fire Chief Thomas Francesconi said the fire was called in 12:39 p.m. by the homeowners "but it already had a foothold before they noticed it."
 
Responding firefighters found the L-shaped structure fully involved. Adams, Lanesborough, Savoy and Windsor fire companies responded and Williamstown Fire covered the station.
 
The tankers were used to transport water from a nearby brook until a pool could be set up near the scene and water pumped into it. 
 
Northern Berkshire EMS responded and one firefighter was treated at the scene and then taken to Berkshire Medical Center. 
 
Francesconi said there were no other injuries but the owners told him there were 18 chickens in the barn. The structure also had equipment and other materials in it, including a Jeep. 
 
"We don't have any idea of the cause but the fire marshal is on the way, said the chief. 
 
Firefighters were trying to douse hotspots but the structure's metal roof — now on the ground — was making it difficult to get into certain areas. The owner had a small loader on the way to help push the roofing aside. 
 
The property has been in the Zieminski family for several generations. A section of the road in front of the home was closed off for a couple hours.
 
"We're just kind of mopping up operations at this point, as far as pulling the metal roof and getting into pockets of it, that kind of stuff," the chief said at about 2 p.m. "But we are starting to demobilize to send parties back."
 
All companies were released at 4:39 p.m. and returned to quarters. 

Tags: structure fire,   

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Adams Sets FY27 Tax Rates; Average Homeowner Bill Rises $130

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — The owner of an average home in Adams can expect their property tax bill to increase by $130.51 this year, or about $65.26 per installment for the semi-annual schedule.
 
During Wednesday's meeting, the Select Board approved a 30 percent split shift for fiscal year 2027, which it has done for the last four years.
 
The commercial, industrial and personal property tax rate is $22.20 per $1,000, for a valuation of $940,00 that equates to a tax bill of $20,868, an increase of $648.60 from the prior year, said Town Assessor Paula Grover.
 
The residential tax rate is $16.08 per $1,000 of assessed value, an estimated annual tax bill of about $4,272. 
 
The average single-family home is valued at $265,700, an increase of $700 from the previous fiscal year. The increase is smaller than recent years, with valuation increases largely limited to homes that underwent renovations or other improvements.
 
The town saw substantial new growth this year, totaling $18,163,326, with the majority of that growth coming from personal property.
 
"A great new growth number for our town. So, that's great," Select Board Chair Jay Meczywor said. 
 
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