Three Arrested In Great Barrington Drug Investigation

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Great Barrington Police officers made three arrests related to an ongoing narcotics investigation Wednesday, Jan. 27, 
 
Officers conducted two motor vehicle stops in the early afternoon and arrested Aaron Strampach,34 of Great Barrington, and charged him with distribution of a class A drug and trafficking a controlled substance of more than 36 grams. Joshua Brendline, 34 and Sherri Simmons, 29, both of Copake New York, were arrested and charged with Possession of a Class A substance.
 
A large amount of cash and a substance believed to be mostly fentanyl were seized.  Field analysis suggests it is trafficking weight.  All three were booked at the Great Barrington Police Department and released on their personal recognizance. They will be arraigned in Southern Berkshire District Court next week. In addition to the two traffic stops, officers executed a search warrant on a local hotel room and Strambach's vehicle.  
 
Lead Investigating Officer Christopher Peebles was assisted by Officer Andres Huertas and Officer Bradley Lupiani. Additional Officers that assisted in the arrest are Officer Tim Ullrich with K9 Titan, Officer Joe O'Brien and Officer Elias Casey. The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney's Office also provided assistance in the investigation.
 
"I congratulate the officers in their great investigative work. We are happy to get these drugs off of our streets." Chief Storti said.
 
 
 
 
 
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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