 MCLA Moves Students Online But Still Plans CommencementPresident Jamie Birge on Thursday confirmed to the board of trustees what he'd written weeks before on the college's website: some way, some how there would be a presentation of diplomas.  Governor Announces COVID-19 Relief Fund, Testing Facility for WMassHe cautioned not to draw conclusions from the daily numbers coming out of the Department of Public Health by reading into one or two-day figures on the contagion's spread.  Bennington Hospital Adds Beds, Infrastructure to Prepare for SurgeThat census normally is between 35 and 40 patients, Dobson said. Right now, SVMC has plans in place to treat about 100 patients inside the hospital.  Belltower Records Doors May Be Shut But The Music Is Still OnBelair and Nelson have always sold music online but saw an opportunity to expand while the brick and mortar operation is closed.. They have increased their offerings on both Discogs and Etsy, where they sell music posters.  Local Real Estate Firm Trying to Support Small BusinessesNocher Realty has partnered with various businesses throughout Berkshire County including the Corner Lunch and Berkshire Printing & Embroidery.  Governor Raises Possibility of Testing, Field Hospital in Western MassStanding outside the new drive-through testing site at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Friday, Gov. Charlie Baker stressed the need for more testing and tracing capacity for the novel coronavirus.  Historical Echo, Irony in Williams College CancellationsAnother connection between the two. The 1970 strike disrupted the final semester for Miller and his classmates at the college. And in 2020, they were scheduled to hold their 50th class reunion in Williamstown the weekend of June 13.  Berkshire Humane Still Caring for Animals Despite Financial StrugglesThe Berkshire Humane Society has been forced to change operations because of the COVID-19 pandemic but its and care and support for animals will not waiver.  Walmart Implementing COVID-19 RestrictionsAs of Saturday, April 4, the number of customers allowed in store will be limited to five per every 1,000 square feet, or about 20 percent of each store's capacity.  @theMarket: Don't Trade This MarketThe financial media, I believe, is providing investors a great disservice. Every day, some analyst, money manager, or company executive is either trying to pick a bottom, or telling you the bottom is already in, or arguing that it may be weeks or months away. Ignore them.  Hoosac Valley Students Learn Composting for Gardening ProgramIn the weeks leading up to school closures because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoosac Valley was ramping up its composting program. Teacher and program organizer Lindsay McGinnis had her eyes set on the spring.  Testing, Contact Tracing Touted as Tool to Stop COVID-19 SpreadGov. Charlie Baker stressed Friday that testing will be an "enormously powerful tool for public health officials" in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus. The new tracing collaborative is one of several assets being used to prepare for an expected surge in cases that could top 170,000 before the end of April.  Williamstown Commons COVID-19 Contagion SpreadsThe 180-bed has seen cases rise since the first positive test results on March 24. Within three days the number had jumped to 14.  North Adams Extends Due Dates for City BillsThe City of North Adams will extend due dates on real estate and personal property bills, motor vehicle excise bills, water and sewer bills, and exemption and deferral applications until June 1, 2020. These extensions apply regardless of the due date printed on the bills.  The Independent Investor: How the CARE Act Changes Tax-Deferred Account RulesListen up, big changes have just occurred because of the newly passed CARE Act. Aside from the "free money" that 90 percent of Americans are expecting, important changes to your retirement accounts have been passed. These changes can save you a bundle in taxes while providing instant cash relief, if you need it.  Adams Community Bank Donates $100,000 to BHS COVID-19 Relief FundAdams Community Bank has donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund that was recently established to help Berkshire Health Systems battle the coronavirus pandemic.  Williams College Cancels Commencement, Reunion WeekendMandel announced that members of the Class of 2020 will receive a survey seeking their ideas about alternative ways to celebrate their graduation from the liberal arts college.  Covid-19 Briefs April 3: BRTA Modifies Bus RoutesThe Elizabeth Freeman Center, the county's provider of services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, is still operating but the is concerned about the decline in requests for help.  Roots Rising Launching Virtual Farmers MarketThe online store features a variety of vendors and is open to all local residents. Those who have SNAP benefits or those who have recently lost their jobs or are facing economic hardship from the pandemic are eligible for $30 a week in free food from the Virtual Farmers Market.  Vermont Veterans Home Hosts Vehicle Parade on SaturdayOn Saturday at the Vermont Veterans Home, many local vets will be on the sidelines as the facility invites friends, family and members of the public to the home's first Vehicle Parade.  Legislators Continue to Plug Away at Budget, Virus-Related IssuesBarrett said despite a "dramatic" loss in state revenues because of the economic slowdown resulting from social distancing measures in place to slow the coronavirus's spread, the federal stimulus package should help.  One Million N95 Masks Headed for MassachusettsThe first shipment is expected to arrive Thursday night with the rest to follow shortly afterward, Gov. Charlie Baker said at Thursday's COVID-19 briefing.  Cultural Pittsfield This Week: April 3-9While we all do what we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, Cultural Pittsfield will offer weekly guides featuring online events and information. If you are a Pittsfield business and would like your event listed, please email cultural@pittsfieldch.com. Thank you and be well!  North Adams Schools Preparing Alternative Budget PlansA preliminary budget with a 1.5 percent increase to maintain level services had already been presented. That's now off the table as schools are shuttered until at least May 4 — if not longer — and Beacon Hill had barely made headway with the fiscal 2021 spending plan before the spreading novel coronavirus put everyone on an emergency footing.  Local Woman Organizing 'Bear Hunt' in Berkshires This WeekendInspired by the book "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," which Susan Wrba likes to read with her 2-year-old son, Wrba is organizing a "bear hunt" across the Berkshires from Friday, April 3, to Sunday, April 5. |
| MORE STORIES |
| Archives |