Explosives At Cole Field; Williams College Students Involved

By Susan Bush10:34AM / Friday, April 20, 2007Print Story | Email Story

Williamstown - Three Williams College students described by police as "thrillseekers" will be summonsed to appear at the Northern Berkshire District Court on several charges after college security officers discovered a homemade bomb had been assembled and ignited at a southwest corner of Cole Field.

The discovery was made on April 15, according to information released by town police.

Police said they are seeking charges of possession of an infernal machine and disorderly conduct against the students. The names of the three students are not being released, said police and college officials. Kolesar declined to specify whether the students involved were first-, second-, third-, or fourth-year students.

According to information released to the media by police, "[the students] intent was not to cause damage or injury but to pursue their curiosity about such a device."

Police said that they were called by college security officers at 12:42 a.m. on Sunday, and upon investigation, found evidence that a "homemade explosive device" had been assembled at the field. The bomb was ignited but it failed to burn or explode, police said. Police said the area was remote and well away from any buildings.

The investigation was conducted by town police, members of the Massachusetts State Police, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and college safety and security officers. Police emphasized that the three students were cooperative during the investigation.

Police released information about the incident at 9 a.m. today.

Williams College officials expected to release a statement about the incident at the same time but have encountered technical difficulties with that release.

The statement will be released as soon as possible, said college Director of Public Affairs James Kolesar.

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if it was one of our childred that did this,their picture would be on the front page of the newspaper,,but if its a college student -all is quiet
from: dan	on: 04-20-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Why the delay in releasing the information?
from: Jean	on: 04-20-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I hope that this is treated seriously and not just as a prank. In light of everything that has happened recently, we need to be sending a message to everyone that the handling of guns and explosives especially in an area where are kids play is not tolerated. I look forward to seeing what the college and our law enforcement agencies do with this.
from: Bob	on: 04-20-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I attend BCC. Just the other day there was a threat written on a bathroom stall and the entire campus was evacuated immediately... over a threat! I think Williams College AND the police treated the situation too lightly. Not only that, those 3 students were probably making a test bomb to be sure that when they did decide to blow up the school it would at least work.
from: Anonymous	on: 04-21-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Apparently â€œanonymousâ€ didnâ€™t read the entire article. It clearly said Williamstown Police had already located a device, versus Pittsfield authorities who were looking for a mechanism, one that could have been placed anywhere on the BCC campus, therefore, forcing the shutdown of the campus. I would also contest the assertion by â€œanonymousâ€ that college & police officials treated the situation â€œtoo lightly.â€ Apparently the contact of the Massachusetts State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation still does not comfort â€œanonymousâ€ on how the incident was handled. I donâ€™t recall the F.B.I. in Pittsfieldâ€™s bomb scare? Hats off to all who participated in this incident and a job well done.
from: Tom	on: 04-22-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
12:50PM / Sunday, December 21, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.

"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."

Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.

"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."

Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.

"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."

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