 Taconic Student Revitalizes Wild Acres Trailhead SignA Taconic High student has given new life to a city trailhead sign that dates back to the 1980s.  Friday Front Porch Feature: A Cozy Home in AdamsOur Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 84 North Summer St.  Friday Afternoon Fire Destroys Cheshire BarnThe 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.  Williamstown Health Board Finalizes N2O Bylaw DraftThe board Tuesday also reversed its earlier decision on phasing in implementation of the anti-smoking bylaw town meeting approved last May. North Adams Man Indicted on Murder, Arson ChargesHe is being held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction, where he has been housed since Nov. 25. Cheshire Discusses Road Work, ADU BylawsBumpy Fred Mason Road is on the is on the Department of Public Works' project list for this summer. Williamstown Finance Committee Finalizes Fiscal Year 2027 Budget ProposalThe tax bill of a median-priced single family home will go up by 8.45 percent in the year that begins July 1 under a spending plan approved by the Finance Committee on Wednesday night. Adams Fire District Budget Up Nearly 10%The Fire District is eyeing a total budget of $3,159,077.78, a 9.67 percent increase from the previous year.  Tenants Moving Into Pittsfield Supportive Housing ProjectTenants began moving into the new permanent supportive housing units on West Housatonic Street this week.  MCLA Announces Four Finalists for Next PresidentMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts announced four finalists for the position of president, following a national search. Adams Couple Sentenced to Staggered Prison Terms in Death of Foster InfantAn Adams couple will serve staggered three to five year prison sentences for the 2020 death of their foster infant.  Weekend Outlook: Hopping Good FunCheck out the events happening this weekend including First Friday, Easter events, music series, and more. Adams Eyes $21M Spending Plan for Fiscal 2027The town is eyeing a budget slightly over $21 million for fiscal year 2027, an increase of 4.5 percent. Pittsfield Council OKs $15M Borrowing for Drinking Water SystemCommissioner of Public Services Ricardo Morales explained that the decades-old filtration units need to be babysat "much more" than usual, and the city is due for new technology.  Pittsfield Holds Second Master Plan WorkshopThe city is about halfway through developing its new master plan, and held a second community workshop this past Thursday.  Companion Corner: Baby at Berkshire Humane SocietyiBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 'Swatting' Incident at Mount Greylock Regional SchoolA search uncovered no evidence to support the threat and the school returned to normal operations at 11:03 a.m, police said. Additional public safety resources were to remain on scene for the remainder of the school day. Adams Fire Questions Impact of Retirement MandateFire District officials say the state's mandatory retirement age for firefighters will have a "catastrophic" impact on the Fire Department.  Flooding Leads Pittsfield ConCom to Bel Air Dam Deconstruction SiteThe Bel Air Dam project team toured the site on Monday with the Conservation Commission to review conditions following a flooding incident.  Adams Plans Route 8 Blight, Winter Street ReconstructionThe town is preparing to submit an application for Community Block Grant Funds following the designation of its blighted area on Route 8. North Adams Clothing Store Moving to Larger SpaceLabel Shopper is moving across the parking lot to the former Peebles location in April.  Build or Rent: Communities Seek Options to House Public Safety DepartmentsFor many years, the town of Lee has had to struggle with an outdated and crowded Police Department station located in its Town Hall, which was built in 1874. Its nearby fire station was originally constructed to house horse-drawn firefighting vehicles.  Williamstown Fire Committee Sees FY27 Budget with Sizable Operational IncreaseThe Prudential Committee last week reviewed a draft annual fire district meeting warrant that includes an operational expenses budget up 9.4 percent from the figures approved at the May 2025 annual meeting. PHS Community Challenges FY27 Budget CutsUnder this plan, Pittsfield High School would see a reduction of seven teachers (plus one teacher of deportment and an assistant principal of teaching and learning, and a guidance counselor repurposed across the district.  Outdated Public Safety Buildings Strain Berkshire CommunitiesOne of the most basic roles of government is public safety. The ability to provide police and fire protection and other emergency services is considered a vital function. |
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