Community
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Pittsfield Health Initiative Vaccinates Underrepresented Population
The Pittsfield Health Department worked to vaccinate Hispanic community members after noticing they were underrepresented.
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.
Accessory Dwelling Units Officially Allowed Statewide
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Issues Final Regulations to Help Cities and Towns Update Local Regulations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
School Committee OKs Pittsfield Administrator Contracts
The School Committee and administrators' union have settled on a contract that runs retroactively from 2024 to 2027.
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.
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.
Pittsfield Braces for 'Difficult' Budget Season
The upcoming budget cycle will be "difficult" and have no frills, officials say.
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.
Weekend Outlook: Valentines Dances & Glow Forests
There are several events this weekend to help you recharge from your week, including a dance, live music, and animal photo-ops.
BRPC Invites Applications for Home Modification Loan Program
0 percent Interest Loans Available to Qualifying Households
Berkshire Green Drinks: From Pretzel Slime to Carnival Candy
February Berkshire Green Drinks will discuss the fascinating world of slime molds
Dalton Water Department To Undergo Water Rate Study
The Board of Water Commissioners approved contracting with Waterworth, a cloud-based platform, for a water rate study.
'Enough Abuse' Pitches Services to Pittsfield Amid PHS Scandal
The School Department is considering a nonprofit's assistance to safeguard children from sexual abuse.
Pittsfield School Building Commission to Review Its Composition
Commissioner Brendan Sheran said he has been thinking about whether the present order will support the group moving forward into a project. It will be further discussed next month.
Otis Election, Caucus Forms Available
Caucus request forms and the nomination papers are available now for the annual town election.
More Sleet, Snow on the Way
Get ready for another blast of snow Thursday and again on the weekend across the Berkshire region.
Cheshire Nomination Papers Available for May 5 Town Election
Nomination papers for elected offices in the town of Cheshire are available at the town clerk's office during scheduled business hours as of Feb. 5.
