Northern Berkshire School Union Starting School Year With Masks

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
01:19PM / Tuesday, August 24, 2021Print Story | Email Story

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire School Union voted to mandate the wearing of masks inside school buildings for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to start the school year.

These votes were taken in the Clarksburg, Florida, Rowe, and Savoy school districts during their respective August meetings.

These votes were prior to Tuesday morning's vote by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to authorize the education commissioner to mandate masks in light of rising COVID-19 cases in the past month.

The NBSU did make some changes from the 2020-21 school year in regard to COVID-19 precautions and although the schools will maintain the mask mandate, social distancing will not be required, masks will not be required outdoors, and previous travel restrictions have been rescinded.

All NBSU districts begin the new school year on Wednesday, Aug. 25. It will be a half day in Clarksburg, Florida, and Rowe with an 11:30 a.m. student dismissal time in Clarksburg and Florida. Rowe dismisses at 12:30 p.m. Savoy has a full day of school on Wednesday.

Tags: COVID-19, first day, masks, NBSU, school openings,

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Clarksburg Neighbors Raise Concerns Over River Road Bridge Closure

Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
05:41PM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The select board welcomed representatives from MassDOT to discuss the closure of River Road as a temporary bridge is installed.

During the regular select board meeting Monday, residents shared their fears and anxieties about the closure, including access, road conditions, heavier traffic and speed enforcement.

"We appreciate the open communication, the support, the outreach," said Francisca Heming, MassDOT Highway District 1 Office Director. "That has been important because this is a critical route, and we can't fool around with safety."

MassDOT announced the closure of River Road (Route 8) over the North Branch of the Hoosic River near the intersection of East Road to facilitate the installation of a temporary bridge over the existing Red Mills Bridge, following a bridge inspection that resulted in the failure of the 66-year-old bridge.

The closure will begin Monday, Aug. 10.

Heming said the road will be closed for two months, during which traffic will be detoured via Walker Street and East Road:

Northbound Detour: Route 8 North, Henderson Road, East Road, Daniels Road, Walker Street, Union Street, Route 8

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