Dalton National Guard Airman Receives New Rank, New Responsibilities

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LATHAM, N.Y. — A Dalton, Mass., airman has been promoted in rank in the New York Air National Guard.
 
Charlotte Weiskotten, assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, received the promotion April 15 to the rank of airman, first class.
 
She is a cybersecurity analyst and a graduate of Wahconah Regional High School and the Community College of the Air Force and is currently attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. 
 
Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Bank, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announced the recent promotion of members of the Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
 
Promotions are based on a airman's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
 
"The New York Air National Guard is built on a foundation of talented and motivated Airmen, and this month's promotions are a shining example of that excellence," Bank said. "I am honored to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our airmen, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and contributions to our organization."
 
More information on the Guard here.

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Dalton Police Facility Report Complete; Station Future Still Uncertain

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee's final report is complete but the future of the station remains uncertain. 
 
Several members of the committee attended the Select Board meeting last week, as co-Chair Craig Wilbur presented four options delineated in the presentation — build on town-owned land, build on private land, renovate or repurpose the existing buildings, and do nothing. The full report can be found here
 
According to the report, addressing the station's needs coincides with the town facing significant financial challenges, with rising fixed costs and declining state aid straining its budget. 
 
These financial pressures restrict the town's ability to fund major capital projects and a new police station has to compete with a backlog of deferred infrastructure needs like water, sewer, roads, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
 
In June 2024, Police Chief Deanna Strout informed the board of the station's dire condition — including issues with plumbing, mold, ventilation, mice, water damage, heating, and damaged cells — prompting the board to take action on two fronts. 
 
The board set aside American Rescue Plan Act funds to address the immediately dire issues, including the ventilation, and established the Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee to navigate long-term options
 
Very early on it was determined that the current facility is not adequate enough to meet the needs of a 21st-century Police Facility. This determination was backed up following a space needs assessment by Jacunski Humes Architects LLC
 
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