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Hilltop Orchards is back making cider doughnuts after a fire damaged the orchard's store at Christmas.

Hilltop Orchards Reopens Store Damaged in Christmas Fire

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RICHMOND, Mass. — Hilltop Orchards has reopened this weekend after a Christmas morning fire caused smoke and fire damage the its store.
 
David Martell, farm manager and master wine/cider maker, said the orchard faced uncertainty after the fire. 
 
However, he said, with hard work, dedicated deep cleaning, and a retail inspection by the Massachusetts Department of Health, store is once more offering freshly made cider doughnuts and other products such as wines and Johnny Mash/JMASH Ciders.
 
"The Christmas day fire was tough but we know it could have been much worse," Martell said in a statement announcing the reopening. "We feel fortunate for so much: that our dog, Benjamin, barked and woke us up, that the Richmond Fire department and others responded quickly and put the fire out in 10 minutes, that no one was hurt, and that our staff and community have been so supportive."
 
Hilltop's farm building suffered damage because of a tractor's malfunctioning engine block heater. The farm building, production room, and retail space suffered heavy smoke damage.
 
Staff, and the Vittori family, owners of Hilltop Orchards, said they are grateful to Richmond, Lenox and other local fire departments for their quick response that resulted in limited damage.
 
Hilltop Orchards is once again open seven days a week, 9 to 5 p.m.
 

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Pittsfield Council OKs Privacy Measure, Sees Bridge Update

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The state plans to remove some of crumbling concrete on the Dalton Avenue bridge and wrap its repairs into a project with the rail trail. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council is taking steps to protect its own privacy, as well as public comment speakers' privacy. 

On Tuesday, councilors voted to remove their home addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with 70 Allen St., or City Hall, to improve safety. It was brought forward by Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody, Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, and Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham. 

"This is an easy proposal to support," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said. 

While this doesn't completely block their addresses from public view, as they are listed elsewhere as residents, it makes them a little harder to access. 

Moody pointed out that a Virginia city councilor was set on fire last year by a member of the public. NBC News reported that the attack stemmed from a personal matter. 

"I don't think anybody worries about me being able to defend myself, but I do have children, and I worry for them," Moody explained. 

Warren pointed out that they have done the same for those who speak at public comment. When he was first elected into office years ago, people picketed at his home for his stance on a School Committee issue. 

"Back then, it wasn't that big a deal. Now we find ourselves in very divisive times," Warren said. 

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