Drury Grad Killed in Florida Crash

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A Drury High School graduate was killed in a motor vehicle crash over the weekend in the state of Florida. 
 
Alison Felix, of Stamford, Vt., was a 2020 graduate of the high school and graduated this year from the University of Connecticut. She played basketball and soccer at Drury.
 
According to a message to the school community from North Adams' Superintendent of Schools Barbara Malkas, the district was notified that she was "tragically killed in a car collision while driving on the interstate in Florida."
 
It is not confirmed when or exactly where the accident occurred but NBC Miami Channel 6 reported a multivehicle crash on I-95 in Broward County late Saturday night in which two women were killed and four others injured. Two cars were stopped after a minor fender-bender when a third car rammed into them.
 
"She was an active, well-known, and admired student during her high school days, and leaves her sister, a current Drury senior, and many staff and friends who are shocked and saddened by her loss," Malkas wrote. "North Adams Public Schools mourns this young woman and wants to acknowledge this loss for her family and the community members who are impacted."
 
She also referred to the recent shooting incident at a school in Wisconsin in saying the school community would be provided information on mental health support resources as well as emergency operating procedures. 
 
"No parent ever wants to receive the message that something terrible has happened to their child. During the holiday season, it seems to be even more of an injury to the soul as we are bombarded with images of family unity," Malkas wrote. "Yesterday was defined by both a loss to our local community, as well as the news of another tragic school shooting, this time in Madison, Wisc."
 

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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