Thompson Trial Rescheduled for September After Monday Bus Crash

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The trial for Joseph Thompson on motor vehicle negligent homicide charges was delayed yet again after the bus carrying jurors to the scene of the 2018 accident got in an accident itself on First Street on Monday. 
 
The bus mishap led Superior Court Judge Jennifer Tyne to declare a mistrial. A new trial date was set for Sept. 19, with a trial readiness conference scheduled for Aug. 16. 
 
Tyne also was on board the bus along with attorneys and other court officers when it was hit head-on by a pickup truck at about 1 p.m.
 
The jurors were expected to view the area at South Church Street near Berkshire Family and Individual Resources where the fatal accident occurred on July 20, 2018. 
 
According to police reports, Steven Fortier, 49, was southbound on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle at about 10 p.m. when he collided with Thompson's northbound Audi sport utility vehicle. Thompson allegedly attempted to avoid Fortier, who he said was in the northbound lane as he came around the curve from Ashland Street. Both collided in the southbound lane. 
 
Toxicology tests show that Fortier had a blood alcohol level of .28 percent, or more than four times the legal limit, but the clerk-magistrate found sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial. Thompson, 63, former longtime director of Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, is also charged with a marked lanes violation.
 
The trial had been expected to start in early 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic, along with numerous other cases. 

Tags: fatal,   trial,   

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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