image description

Berkshire Force 10U Team Brings Back Trophy from World Series

Community submissionPrint Story | Email Story
Mother Nature was about the only thing that could slow down the Berkshire Force 10-and-under softball team this week.
 
The Force was delayed most of Saturday getting home from the Babe Ruth World Series in Jensen Beach, Fla. The lightning that held up the team's flight north prevented the planned proper escort back into Pittsfield. So that will wait for another day.
 
But waiting nothing new for this team.
 
Berkshire Friday won the championship game of the Diamond Bracket at the national championships, edging Levelland, Texas, 4-3, in a game that was delayed six hours -- and played on two different fields -- due to lightning and rain.
 
When it finally ended, game MVP A.J. Pelkey hit a walk-off double to center field to score Gionnah LeVardi in the seventh inning.
 
Mia DeJesus earned the win in the circle as the Force finished the week 6-3 against some of the top programs in the country.
 
Pelkey and Ella Stodden were awarded spots on the tournament's all-defensive team.
 
Grace Julieano also made her mark on defense, helping turn more double plays, six, than anyone else in the tournament.
 
Out of 13 teams in the 10-and-under division, the Berkshire Force had several players finish at or near the top of statistical categories.
 
Stodden finished first in home runs with two. Pelkey led the way in putouts with 62. Julieano was second in the tournament with 11 stolen bases.
 
Other members of the Force 10U team include: Madison Barber, Mariah Barnes, Jaezsa Bartolotta, Chelsea Capitanio, Kylie Duhamel, Evelyn Julieano, Grace Julieano, Lillian MacDonald, Izabela Miller and Gionnah LeVardi.
 
The Force 10U and 12U teams both competed in the Babe Ruth World Series this week thanks to their performances in the New England Regional on their home fields at the Doyle Complex earlier this summer.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories