image description — Public safety personnel have set up a smashed car and victim near the entrance of Wahconah Regional High School to remind students of the danger of drunken driving.

Dalton Police Department Reminds Teens to Drive Safe

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
12:37PM / Wednesday, May 17, 2023Print Story | Email Story

DALTON, Mass. — The Dalton Police and Fire Departments set up a mock staged accident on the lawn of Wahconah Regional High School on Wednesday morning to remind students to celebrate safely and the dangers of impaired driving.

The goal of the staging was to make the high schoolers think about the consequences of driving while impaired. The mock car was provided by Sayers' Auto Wrecking of Lanesborough.

"They never think it'll happen to them until it happens to them. So, sometimes just putting it out there ahead of the season with graduation, and parties, and prom," Police Chief Deanna Strout said.

With graduation and prom season upon us there is no doubt that there is cause for celebration but it is important to remember to celebrate safely.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 people in the United States die every day in drunken-driving crashes.

"Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens, and about a quarter of fatal crashes involve an underage drinking driver," NHTSA said.

Responsible Behavior According to NHTSA:

If you are drinking, do not drive.
If you choose to drink, plan a safe ride home before you go to the party, whether you choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver, get a taxi, or call your parents.
If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
If you're hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
Seat belts are your best defense against impaired drivers so always wear one.
If you see an impaired driver, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone's life.

Tags: Wahconah,

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Historic Wahconah Park Grandstand Almost Leveled

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:35PM / Wednesday, September 16, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — If you want to catch a last glimpse of the remaining Wahconah Park grandstand, you need to hurry.

The historic grandstand is currently being demolished, with only a couple of the major structures remaining. Pittsfield is also working on what comes next for the park, and how baseball will return next year.

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath said if people want to see the last of the structure, they should head down by the end of this week because "by Thursday or Friday it probably will entirely be down."

"It's moving quickly now that they're into the active demo phase," he told the Parks Commission on Tuesday.

"…Certainly, I think by the end of September we'll see cleanup and, if you will, the big hole where the stadium sat. That all will be filled to grade."

The more than 75-year-old structure was deemed unsafe in 2022, and planners determined that starting from square one is the best option.

On Sept. 3, the Conservation Commission issued 36 orders of conditions for the reconstruction of the ballpark.

Conservation Agent Shannon Poulin pointed out that the application has gone through many revisions; reconstruction cannot begin until a certificate of compliance for the demolition is issued.

The project crew will have an on-site meeting on Friday morning and consider two avenues of revitalization: The funding, last estimated around $15 million, and a financial strategy coming together through the mayor so that Pittsfield can move into an active build next year, or a longer process where the field is utilized before a new grandstand is built.

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