Join BEAT To Free a Tree From Invasive Hardy Kiwi

08:00AM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Join BEAT on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Burbank Park in Pittsfield to remove invasive hardy kiwi.

Hardy kiwi is an ornamental plant known for its fast and dense growing patterns that has become a significant issue in Berkshire County. The dense curtains can smother native plants, creating a monoculture that threatens biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, according to a press release.

To help free the area of this harmful invasive, the BEAT team and volunteers will meet at the Onota Boat Launch on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9:00 AM - Noon. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Participants will pull and cut kiwi vines, specifically removing any fruit to keep wildlife from eating it and spreading the plant further.

Participants should come prepared to walk approximately 10 minutes into the forest and spend an hour or two pulling hardy kiwi. Wearing long pants, long socks, and closed-toed shoes is important. Additionally, participants are encouraged to bring a full water bottle and any equipment, such as gloves, shears, or loppers they possess. BEAT has equipment participants can borrow. Before the pulling begins, BEAT will direct volunteers to sections of hardy kiwi and provide any necessary instructions. This event is open to everyone, regardless of previous experience.

Tags: BEAT,

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:52PM / Tuesday, August 25, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the POST Commission.

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub.

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission.

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted. On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April.

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday.

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads.

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline."

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