Columbia High School shooting

By Larry Kratka, WUPE Radio NewsPrint Story | Email Story
Many Berkshire residents reacted with shock and dismay as word came through late yesterday morning about a shooting at nearby Columbia High School in East Greenbush NY. 16-year-old Jon Romano was arrested and charged with shooting teacher Michael Bennett in the right leg. Somehow, Romano got a 12-guage shotgun into the school, hiding it within a trench coat. The wounded teacher was treated and released from Albany Medical Center yesterday afternoon. Romano was arraigned at the East Greenbush New York police station yesterday afternoon and pled not guilty to the charges. Because he is 16-years-old, Romano will be treated as an adult. Parents in Pittsfield who heard about the shooting at Columbia High School said it was "too close to home." This report was compiled by WUHN/WUPE Radio, Pittsfield
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Dalton Fire District Voters OK 'Surprise' Building Purchase

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

An image of 30-32 Flansburgh from the town's assessor data. 
DALTON, Mass. — For several years, the district has been working with limited space, and a vote at the annual meeting is expected to help ease those constraints.
 
During the meeting on Tuesday at the Stationary Factory, 48 voters approved 24 of the 25 articles on the warrant, including the purchase of 30-32 Flansburgh Ave., directly next to the current station. 
 
If the property passes the home inspection, the district would purchase the multi-family home from its current owner Richard Olsted for $350,000. 
 
The property is a two-family duplex built in 1920 with more than 6,000 square feet on a fifth of an acre. Its assessed value according to information in the town's database is $305,200. It's estimated on Zillow at $312,500, with a potential high of $350,000.
 
As part of the agreement for the purchase cost, the district agreed to allow Olsted to reside in one of the building's units for as long as he chooses, with the understanding that he will be responsible for utilities and will not be required to pay rent.
 
The foreseeable purpose of the other units will be to create proper housing for emergency services personnel. 
 
The department currently has three makeshift bedrooms in the fire station that were described as not well suited for a regular ambulance service.
 
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