A lot has happened in the Berkshires this week. Here are some of the stories you may have missed.
Berkshire Carousel Spins Again
For the first time in years, community members of all ages rode the Berkshire Carousel. The carousel re-opened with a new patio and volunteer support. The efforts originally began in the late 2000s, and the ride hadn't operated since 2018.
Less than 20 minutes away, hundreds of people filled the side streets near the Common to protest the actions of the Trump Administration. The effort was part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.
Mural Honoring 54th Massachusetts at the Center of Juneteenth Celebration
Pittsfield’s annual Juneteenth Celebration at Durant Park featured the unveiling of a new mural dedicated to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and, specifically, the Pittsfield residents who served in the nation’s first all-Black combat unit.
A Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Themed 'Young At Heart'
The Pittsfield Fourth of July parade is just weeks away. This year's event, themed "Young at Heart," will feature over 100 units, including more than a dozen floats, several musical dance performances, and other elements that celebrate the community's youth.
The Lanesborough Select Board approved a towing policy that doesn't require companies to have a storage facility in town or charge the customer for a cancelled call.
Pittsfield Adult Learning Center Graduates 62 Resilient Students
Sixty-two graduates received High School Equivalency Diplomas, Adult Diplomas, and or General Educational Development credentials during the Williams Stickney Pittsfield Adult Learning Center’s 44th commencement ceremony, held at Taconic High School.
Adams Town Meeting Approves FY2026 Budget with Amendments
Town meeting members approved all town meeting articles on the warrant Tuesday night after making some amendments to the operating budget.
Although the 108 town meeting members in attendance ultimately approved the $19,763,563 fiscal year 2026 budget that will raise $14,369,951 through taxation, they did make some changes to the operating budget.
Lever Partnering Two Companies to Use Local Wood in Berkshire Projects
North Adams-based economic development nonprofit Lever has partnered with Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and Hall Tavern Farm to supply local wood for four affordable homes in Williamstown, with support from a Massachusetts grant.
The state will replace two structurally unsound bridges on South Street in Pittsfield within a couple of years, possibly resulting in a brief closure of the main route.
Kirvin Park Staged for 'Significant' Ecological Restoration
Kirvin Memorial Park is staged for "significant" floodplain and habitat restoration beginning in the fall.
The city, in collaboration with the Housatonic River Natural Resources Trustees and General Electric Co., is working to enhance the natural resources of the Housatonic River Watershed.
For the first time in 25 years, Pittsfield has a new sister city. During a signing ceremony, the city established Cape Coast, Ghana, as its new sister.
The designation aims to foster cultural, economic, and intellectual exchange.
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Pittsfield School Committee Requests Redacted PHS Report
On Wednesday, the committee approved member Ciara Batory's request to release the PHS investigative report with proper redactions by Feb. 18. The previous day, City Council members made the same request, but left the deadline up to the School Committee.
Five past and present PHS staff members were investigated for alleged misconduct, and allegations were found to be "unsupported," according to executive summaries released by the former committee.
"The fact that the City Council has urged transparency here speaks volumes. When another elected body looks at a situation and says the public deserves answers, we should listen because trust isn't built by asking people to take our word for it," Batory said.
"Trust is built by showing our work. Honesty will always shine, and secrecy will always create doubt."
It was noted that the report will be heavily redacted and might provide less information than the summaries. The School Committee will review the document before it reaches the public.
"In preparation for the meeting, I have been told by legal counsel that what will be released as a redacted version will have less information than what was in the summary report," Mayor Peter Marchetti, chair of the committee, said.
"That's what I can share."
Batory asserted that the district cannot move forward by asking families to trust major changes in the district, such as the middle school restructuring, "while holding information they paid for, information that directly impacts their confidence in the system that serves their children."
"Let me be clear. I'm not asking us to be reckless," she said. "I’m asking for a redacted release, a legal release so we protect students' privacy while giving the community the truth they deserve."
The Planning Board will review a proposed amendment to the earth-removal bylaw at a future meeting that will include provisions for dealing with dust and debris. click for more
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 5 Eastbrook Lane in Pittsfield.
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A guest speaker at Taconic High School was escorted out of the building after school officials said they passed around unapproved political material.
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The Pittsfield Public Schools will see a "very modest" increase in Chapter 70 funding for fiscal year 2027, and administrators are working to calculate exactly what that will mean. click for more
During Berkshire Community College's inaugural Workforce and Community Education graduation, scholars were asked, "Will you stay comfortable or will you grow?" click for more