Community
Berkshire Health Group Sets 16% Health Insurance Hike for FY26
Health insurance costs for employees in 25 towns and six regional school districts will rise by 16 percent in fiscal year 2026.
BCC to Hold Open House for Workforce & Community Education Programs
Participants will not only get in-depth information about programs to develop new skills, advance in their current field and explore new career opportunities, but they can also apply to BCC on the spot.
North Adams Council Taking Up Mayoral Authority Over Appointments
The City Council will take up two ordinance updates proposed by Vice President Ashley Shade to bring appointments to boards in line with current state laws.
Dalton Residents Express Support for Town Clerk Heather Hunt
Town Clerk Heather Hunt received a standing ovation at Monday night's Select Board meeting after she recounted her efforts to rectify a mailing error and her shock at the "vicious post" by a board member on the matter.
Drinking Water Advocates Applaud Well Water Bill
More than half a million Massachusetts residents — located heavily in rural areas but also in all 351 cities and towns — rely on private wells for their drinking water.
North Adams' Child Care of the Berkshires Gets New Boiler
Child Care of the Berkshires has been undergoing several initiatives to update its facility in the Sarah T. Haskins School.
Boys & Girls Club Members Can Get Homework Help
Available every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 at the club, the program has been a cornerstone of the its commitment to education.
BNRC Names Nick Pitel as Director of Conservation
Nick Pitel has been promoted to director of conservation, effective January 2025, by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.
Pittsfield Seeks Public Input on CDBG Plans
The required plans are designed to help states and local jurisdictions assess their affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions.
National Grid Encourages Use of Energy Assistance Programs
National Grid encourages its Massachusetts customers to take advantage of energy programs that can help manage their energy bills and keep their homes comfortable during winter temperatures.
North Adams Transforms Downtown Electrical Boxes into Public Art
The project was officially unveiled during October's First Friday celebration.
Jonathan Denmark Elected Exec VP of MountainOne Bank
MountainOne has promoted Jonathan Denmark, a Pittsfield resident, to executive vice president of MountainOne Bank.
Karen Sargent Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Dalton Branch Manager
Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has hired Karen Sargent as the new assistant vice president and branch manager of its Dalton branch location.
Think You Need an Antibiotic? You Might Not Get One for Your Cold!
Overexposure to antibiotics over time can cause antibiotic resistance, a dangerous condition when these medications are needed.
Breathe Easy Berkshires Examines Impact of Butternut Fire
Environmentalists earlier this month opened the floor for reflections on the Butternut Fire, highlighting its air quality effects in Pittsfield.
Dalton Select Board Approves Several Budget Items
The Select Board tentatively approved several budgets, addressing both increases and reductions
Veteran Spotlight: Army Sgt. Frank Scalise
Frank Scalise served his country in the Army in the Korean War as a sergeant from 1950 to 1952.
Berkshire Pride Announces Expansion and 2025 Event Schedule
Highlights include the integration of North Adams Pride, the launch of Lee Pride, and the addition of Drag Story Hour, Berkshire Chapter, as a program under Berkshire Pride.
Crane Museum Hosts Papermaking at Dalton Library
Although the Crane Museum's building is no longer accessible to the general public, residents still have the opportunity to learn about papermaking and the organization's history.
Downtown Pittsfield: A Taste of Downtown
Nineteen restaurants and bars in downtown Pittsfield will be participating.
Office of Veterans Services Launches Yearlong Acts of Service Campaign
Statewide initiative in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy aims to inspire and promote service to the veteran community throughout 2025
Berkshire-Based Murder Mystery Video Game Released
"Murder Is Game Over: The Blackinton Curse" is the fourth game in a series of stand-alone murder mystery games developed by Matthew Myers of HitherYon Games.
Landowners Play Vital Role Creating Habitat for Declining Native Wildlife
The New England cottontail, the only native rabbit in the region, thrives in dense young forests and shrublands.
1Berkshire Launches Pilot Program to Support Immigrant Entrepreneurs
The Berkshire Immigrant Entrepreneurial Support Program consists of four key initiatives.
Williams PTO Plans $330K Playground Improvement
On Tuesday, the Parks Commission gave a positive recommendation for the project's request of $100,000 in Community Preservation Act funding.
Healey, Driscoll Talk Transportation Funding, Municipal Empowerment
Those were just a few of the initiatives to aid cities and towns, they said, and were based what they were hearing from local government
MassDOT: South County Daytime Lane Closures
All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.? ? ? ?
Dalton Select Board Refers Its Budget to Finance Committee
Select Board member Marc Strout motioned that the board maintain its stipend rates from last year rather than approving the proposed 2 percent stipend increase.
Berkshire Carousel Offer Withdrawn, Volunteers Plan Reopening
Tuesday’s City Council agenda includes withdrawing an order to accept a conveyance and donation of land at 50 Center St. (the Berkshire Carousel.)
Williamstown Fire Personnel Committee to Interview Six Applicants for Chief Position
Williamstown Prudential Committee members, from left, Alex Steele, David Moresi, Lindsay Neathawk and Joe Beverly participate in Wednesday's meeting.
