Comments Accepted on Kirvin Park Ecological Improvements

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield, Housatonic River Natural Resources Trustees, and General Electric Co. are working together on a significant floodplain and habitat restoration and enhancement project at Kirvin Memorial Park, 974 Williams St. 
 
The project will improve the conditions of approximately 17 acres in the floodplain of Sackett and Ashley Brooks in the south end of Kirvin Memorial Park by removing invasive plant species and establishing native vegetation. In addition, existing wetlands will be expanded into a portion of the floodplain area. The invasive plants collectively impair the overall habitat diversity and functions of the ecosystem.
 
The public is invited to comment on the Final Restoration Design/Restoration Action Plan for Kirvin Memorial Park. A copy of the plan and instructions on how to comment can be found here.
 
All comments must be received by Sept. 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. Additional information and a recording of the public meeting that occurred in June are also posted on the project website. 
 
This project is slated to start in the late fall. During this project, the park will remain open to the public.

Tags: invasive species,   public parks,   

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Rutledge Defense Seeks Dismissal of Rape Charges Over Statute of Limitations

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Superior Court courtroom was filled on Thursday as proceedings resumed on the high-profile case against former Miss Hall's School teacher Matthew Rutledge, with the court hearing arguments on his motion to dismiss.
 
 
On Thursday, Rutledge, represented by attorney Ryan Schiff, appeared before Judge Michael Callahan to seek dismissal of all three counts, arguing that prosecutors were attempting to circumvent the statute of limitations and had failed to disclose what Schiff characterized as "highly exculpatory evidence."
 
More than 100 attendees filled the pews, some wearing orange carnations to show solidarity with the accusers, Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon. 
 
As Rutledge attempted to leave the courtroom following Judge Callahan's departure, several attendees voiced their outrage, shouting "Shame," "You can't hide behind the bad law," and "We know what you did."  
 
Judge Callahan re-entered the courtroom to condemn these outbursts and directed court officers to record their names and bar them from attending future proceedings on this case.
 
The nearly hour-long hearing centered on competing interpretations of the language and legislative intent behind Massachusetts' statute of limitations, particularly whether Rutledge's temporary absences from the state could extend the time prosecutors have to bring charges.
 
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