BCC Spring Semester Starts Jan. 21

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) begins its spring semester Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2023.

A variety of learning options is offered, including in-person, online and hybrid. Fully online options are now available for associate degrees and certificates in business, medical coding and liberal arts.  

Thanks to funding from the Commonwealth, community college tuition is free for most students who do not hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Some students are also eligible for free books and supplies. 

Prospective students may apply online at www.berkshirecc.edu/apply or visit the OneStop Enrollment Center, where admissions advisors are on hand to help with applications and financial aid. Accepted students should register for classes with their advisor. 

BCC offers more than 50 programs of study. Students may earn certificates and degrees in allied health, business, computer information systems, criminal justice, education, engineering, environmental and life sciences, fine and performing arts, fire science, health science, hospitality, human services, liberal arts, mechatronics, medical coding, natural and physical sciences, nursing and more. 

To learn more about applying to BCC, view a course catalogue or schedule a tour, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/spring. 

Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

 

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.  

 

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

 

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves. 

 

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said. 

 

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County. 

 

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.