Community

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Berkshire County in Mild Drought

A Level – 1 Mild Drought requires detailed monitoring of drought conditions.

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MassDOT: Baker Street Bridge to Close

The closure is expected to last through August 2025, and drivers are advised to plan alternate routes.

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Hoosac Valley Prepares for Budget Cuts in Fiscal 2026

The Hoosac Valley Regional School District is eying a 3 percent budget increase for total budget of $23.1 million for fiscal year 2026.

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Adams Housing Authority Seeking Commissioner

Executive Director William Schrade notified the Board of Selectmen of the opening last month and returned at its request last week to explain the commission's responsibilities.

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Williamstown's 1896 House Back Before Board of Health on Electrical Issue

The months-long conversation between the owners of the 1896 House and the Board of Health finally may be coming to a close … at least on one front.

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Dalton Day In Need of Sponsorships

This year, the town will not receive ARPA funds because it was a response to aid towns during the pandemic.

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Friday's Drug Raids Seized $200K Worth of Drugs; Arrest Nine

A combined task force says it took down a major drug pipeline on Friday that extended out to Lowell.

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Pittsfield Basement Fire Displaces Residents, Claims Pet Birds

Firefighters arrived to find thick smoke pouring from the front door and flames visible through a first-floor window

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Pittsfield's 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival Returns with Music, Art, and Outdoor Activities

The festival features a range of events including theater, music, visual arts, dance, outdoor activities, and fireworks.

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Willamstown Community Preservation Committee Ups Recommended Funding Levels

Non-profits seeking Community Preservation Act funds in fiscal year 2026 will receive a little bit more than expected if town meeting agrees with the recommendations from the Community Preservation Committee.

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Pittsfield Charter Panel Defers Pay for Elected Officials

The commission last week motioned to thank city councilors for bringing pay raises to their attention but communicate it is better suited for the city code and ordinary course — not the city charter.

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Veteran Spotlight: Navy Seaman Herbert Putnam

Herbert Putnam served his country in the Navy as a seaman from 1952 to 1956, separating from the service as a fireman, first class.

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Governor Launches Increased Annuity for Veterans and Families through HERO Act

Payments will begin increasing in February 2025, ultimately going up to $2,500 by August 2025

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State Reviewing Dalton's Proposed Second Historical District

The proposed district starts at Park Avenue, where Main Street Cemetery is, and goes down to Depot Street. It then goes up High and North Streets.

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Pittsfield Health Initiative Vaccinates Underrepresented Population

The Pittsfield Health Department worked to vaccinate Hispanic community members after noticing they were underrepresented.

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Berkshire HorseWorks Gets Grants to Expand Literacy, Mental Health Programs

The nonprofit secured a $2,500 grant from The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation to fund scholarships for third- through eighth-grade students with learning disabilities to participate in the Horse Powered Reading (HPR) program.

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Accessory Dwelling Units Officially Allowed Statewide

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Issues Final Regulations to Help Cities and Towns Update Local Regulations

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Dalton Fire District Ambulance Arrives

The Fire District's new ambulance has arrived and is anticipated to be in service by March 1 as an Advanced Life Support unit.

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WBCR-lp Temporarily Moved Upstairs in Mahaiwe Building

WBCR-lp's studio has been operating throughout the renovations, but now its storefront location will get its much-needed reovation.

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State Study Finds 220K New Homes Needed Before 2035

A statewide study found that more than 220,000 homes must be built in the next decade to meet housing needs.

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Countywide Drug Raids Executed Friday

At least three occurred in North County — on Quaker Street and Howland Avenue in Adams and on Beaver Street in North Adams.

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Greylock Federal Webinar: Winning On Your Taxes

The webinar, which is free and open to the public, will be hosted by Mame Opoku, Black/African American Outreach Coach and Stephanie Martin, Financial Wellness Coach.

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Williamstown Aubuchon Grand Reopening Marks Company's 117th Year

The event highlighted the company's core values: safety, doing the right thing, teamwork, commitment to serve, accountability, and growth and change.

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MassDOT: Becket, West Stockbridge Construction Operations

Construction Operations on I-90 Eastbound and Westbound Monday, Feb. 10, through Friday, Feb. 14. Lane closures will be in effect during daytime hours.

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Dalton Officials Begin FY2026 Budget Review

Fiscal 2026 will be mixed — slight increases because of the end ARPA but offsets using the last of the funds for supplies.

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School Committee OKs Pittsfield Administrator Contracts

The School Committee and administrators' union have settled on a contract that runs retroactively from 2024 to 2027.

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MCLA, Habitat for Humanity Partner for Sixth Year of Free Tax Assistance

Through the IRS's VITA program, MCLA students assist taxpayers by providing free tax preparation services. To qualify, most individuals and families must earn $67,000 or less, however, there is no income limit for those with disabilities, limited English-speaking skills, and individuals over the age of 60 with retirement or pension income.

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Cheshire Taking First Steps Toward Public Safety Complex Project

Town officials are exploring steps to bring forward a public safety building project that could include fire, police and ambulance situated on the parking lot at the Community House.

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Pittsfield Braces for 'Difficult' Budget Season

The upcoming budget cycle will be "difficult" and have no frills, officials say.

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Homeless 'Point in Time Count' Less Than Expected Amid Frigid Weather

This year's Point In Time count was taken on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and while totals are still being finalized, ServiceNet saw lower numbers in its count than expected.

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