News & Notes: Barrington Trees Marked; Motocross Owner in Court
 |
Berkshire News Network
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Berkshire News network recently received an inquiry as to why numerous trees in Great Barrington have been apparently slated for removal — and if you've noticed trees in the area that have been marked, you may have been wondering the same thing.
The tree removal is part of National Grid's Hazard Tree Removal Program. Approximately 250 to 300 trees along several streets in the town have been slated for removal. The marked trees pose a risk of coming into contact with power lines that could cause power outages and other potential hazards. National Grid spokeswoman Debbie Drew said several trees have already been removed and a second phase of removal is currently under way.
Drew said the trees on West Avenue, South Street and several other streets are being removed to protect the infrastructure and to assure that electric service to its customers is not interrupted.
Roof Fire Closes Baba Louie's Pizza
Berkshire News Network
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Great Barrington Fire Department responded to a reported chimney fire Monday afternoon just after 4 at Baba Louie's Pizza shop in the historic Barrington House on Main Street.
Upon arriving on the scene, firefighters found a bit more than a chimney fire. The building had a fire burning between a recently added newer roof and the building's older roof below that. According to Fire Chief Harry Jennings, it took firefighters about two hours to cut through the old roofing material to get to the fire. Other business were told to clear the building at the time of the fire, but were eventually allowed back inside.
Besides Baba Louie's, there was no other damage to the building. The pizza shop will be closed until the damages can been repaired. It's the second time in a year that Baba Louie's has had a fire.
Motocross Owner in Court
By Al Hartheimer
Lanesborough News
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Lanesborough motocross dirt track owner Peter Beaudoin appeared in Berkshire Superior Court on Friday after 22 neighbors claim he violated an order not to use the track.
Beaudoin's track has been the subject of numerous noise complaints over the past year. The Board of Health and the Housing Court issued a cease-and-desist orders last year.
After the plaintiffs, 13 of whom were present, presented their case for immediate relief and a temporary restraining order, Beaudoin responded that he did not think the cease-and-desist order was valid since he had not been notified of the date and time of the hearing that had precipitated it. He was then asked why he had waited six months before stating this.
Plaintiffs were questioned as to why they brought the action since the town's complaint to the Housing Court was to be heard Wednesday, April 22. The response was that the town's action to enforce the order and the neighbors' action are seperate. The judge ruled that there will be an evidentiary hearing on May 12 unless relief is ordered after the hearing Wednesday.
Suspects Apprehended in Adams Stabbing Incident
ADAMS, Mass. — Two suspects in a stabbing captured in Vermont have waived extradition and will be returned to the commonwealth within 10 days.
According to the Bennington (Vt.) Banner, Joshua Cannon, 18, of Johnsonville, N.Y., and William Fiske, 19, of Adams, were arrested at Southwest Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.
Bennington police arrested Joshua Cannon, 18, of at Southwest Vermont Medical Center in Bennington Friday after the two men were allegedly involved in a large fight on Winter Street in Adams on April 16.
Fiske allegedly stabbed one man eight to nine times; another man lost teeth after Cannon allegedly hit him in the mouth with a chain wrapped around his fist. The stabbing victim was reportedly taken to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield; Cannon had surgery on his hand at SVMC.
Fiske is facing a charge of aggravated assault with the intent to murder or maim and Cannon, assault and battery with a deadly weapon.
