Local Couple's Gift Will Expand Lake Mansfield Playground

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A local couple has contributed $45,000 for new playground equipment to be placed in the Lake Mansfield Recreational Area.

"We are so very grateful for such a generous and timely gift from Susan and Judd Shoval, relatively new local residents, to enhance one of our town's most special public spaces," Town Manager Mark Pruhenski said. "There can never be too many places for children to play, as we've learned during this past year."

The gift will pay for the purchase and installation of additional new play equipment at the Lake Mansfield beach park, and Biasin Landscaping of Sheffield will donate the site work for the installation.

"We are delighted to be involved in this project," the Shovals said. "We recognized early on that the lakefront attracts families with young children from around the area, and we were impressed by the on-going community involvement, through the leadership of the Lake Mansfield Alliance, that keeps the property looking so inviting. We wanted to help and will continue to do so, as planned expanded hiking trails are developed that will encourage adult fitness on-site as well."

The playground improvements will get under way in the spring, and will likely be in place in time for summer 2021.


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New Trial Denied for Caius Veiovis

Staff Reports

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Caius Veiovis' request for a new trial was denied.

Veiovis, now 46, was one of three men convicted in the murder of David Glasser, Edward Frampton, and Robert Chadwell in 2011.  He is also known as Roy Gutfinski. 

In 2014, he was sentenced to three consecutive life terms for the alleged kidnapping, killing, and dismembering of the Pittsfield men. They were last seen at a city apartment shared by Glasser and Frampton on Aug. 28, 2011; their dismembered bodies were found in Becket that September.

According to AP News, Veiovis told the jury, "I'll see you in hell" after the conviction. 

On Tuesday, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported that following a final hearing held on June 26, 2026, Justice Michael D. Ricciuti issued an order on Oct. 23, 2026, denying Veiovis's motion for post-conviction relief. 

The motion had requested a new trial based chiefly on claims of ineffective assistance by his trial attorney and newly discovered evidence.

Post-conviction relief is a legal process that allows a convicted person to challenge a criminal conviction or sentence in the trial court after direct appeals have ended or were not filed.

"District Attorney Capeless' unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring it is maintained in this case has been truly remarkable," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. 

"His efforts in handling this difficult and complex criminal matter have helped make Berkshire County a safer place."

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