BNRC Announces New Board Leadership and Members

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Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has appointed F. Sydney "Syd" Smithers as its new Board of Directors Chair.
LENOX, Mass. — Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has appointed F. Sydney "Syd" Smithers as its new Board of Directors Chair. 
 
Smithers, a retired Berkshire County real estate attorney with over 50 years of experience, previously served on the BNRC board for 10 years and rejoined last year.
 
John Mancia, a BNRC board member since 2018, was appointed Vice Chair. Mancia recently retired from a 30-year career in senior management at Elsevier, the world's largest science and medical publisher.
 
BNRC also welcomes Karen Ross and Steve Cunningham to the board. 
 
Ross, a Pittsfield native and long-time BNRC volunteer, previously served on the board and holds a PhD in higher education administration. 
 
Cunningham brings experience in renewable energy and agriculture, having spent the last 15 years running an organic vegetable farm in New Marlborough.
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Monterey Man Arrested in Suspicious Fire

Update: John Rohane was taken into custody on a warrant connected to the fire. He was taken to an area hospital for an issue unrelated to the fire or his arrest.
MONTEREY, Mass. — State Police, Monterey Police, and other officials are searching for John Rohane, 60, following a suspicious fire early Wednesday morning at his home on Main Road.
 
Rohane may be wearing a green jacket and boots. Anyone who sees him or knows of his whereabouts is urged to call 911 right away. Do not approach him.
 
The Monterey Fire Department responded to 340 Main Road at about 3:50 Wednesday morning for a report of a fire. Otis responded for mutual aid. No injuries were reported. 
 
Based on an examination of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office determined that the fire had been intentionally set.
 
As the investigation continued, State Police and regional partners began searching for Rohane, bringing additional assets to the wooded area behind 340 Main Road, including areas of Beartown State Forest.
 
Those efforts remain active at the posting of this information at 5 p.m.
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