Man Stabbed at Pittsfield Bar on Thanksgiving Eve

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A man stabbed in a local bar Thanksgiving eve is expected to survive after showing up at Berkshire Medical Center's emergency room.

Police and ambulance responded to the report of the stabbing at Thistle and Mirth at 46 West St. at about 9:40 p.m.

A large number of patrons were exiting the bar and ramen restaurant when police arrived and, according to Lt. John Mazzeo, they found evidence of the stabbing but not the victim. 

The man, who was not identified, arrived at BMC shortly afterward. 

Thistle and Mirth was shutdown and the area around West and McKay closed off as police investigated the incident. Several posts to Facebook show cruisers and the ambulance at the location. After the incident, several areas outside of the bar were closed off with caution tape.

"This was not believed to have been a random act, and as such there is no immediate threat to the public," Mazzeo stated in a press release early Thursday morning. .

Members of the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, Anti-Crime Unit, and Crime Scene Services assisted at the scene and at BMC.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective James Losaw at 413- 448-9700, Ext. 572. Information can also be provided anonymously via the Tip Line at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.