'Rent a Backpack' Soon to Start at Dalton Library

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story
DALTON, Mass. — Hikers can soon rent a backpack full of beginner hiking material at the Dalton Free Public Library. 
 
Berkshire Family Hikes founder Taylor Staubach said the endeavor will be launched with a hike of the Pines with the town's Open Space and Recreation Committee. 
 
Staubach is still in the process of planning the event but hopes to have it on a weekend in mid-May. 
 
The organization's Uncommon Paths Program was approved for a $648 grant through the Cultural Council in November. The program includes a backpack-borrowing initiative.
 
The endeavor will allow library card holders to rent a backpack at the Dalton Library at no cost. Hikers can rent the bag for one week. 
 
The pack will be filled with materials a beginner hiker will find useful, including a first aid kit, binoculars, compass, and more. The library will have two bags available. 
 
Although hikers can bring the bag to other hiking destinations in the area, Staubach wanted to find a way to incorporate the Pines into the program because of its accessibility. 
 
"I feel like it serves that dual purpose to really raise the awareness of that property and its newness, and its inclusiveness for all mobilities," Staubach said. 
 
"I also think I'm not opposed to people wanting to take it up to the Appalachian Trail or the Boulders either or even outside of Dalton, but it's really aimed at creating a community initiative to encourage people to get outdoors."

Tags: hiking,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories