nbCC to Host 13th Annual Back-Packed for Success

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) is hosting its 13th annual back-to-school event for school-aged kids for local northern Berkshire students. 
 
This includes homeschooled students. 
 
This year registration has expanded to include children entering  pre-k programs, spanning pre-K through 12th grade. Students will receive a free backpack to fill with school supplies. 
 
The event for families living in Florida and Savoy will be located at Gabriel Abbott Memorial School, 56 North County Road, Florida on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 5:00p.m. to 6:00pm. Families picking up from Florida and Savoy will receive pre-packed backpacks and will be contacted to choose the color of their child's backpack.
 
The event for families living in Williamstown, North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams, & Cheshire will be located at the North Adams Armory gym, 206 Ashland Street, North Adams on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Families picking up at this location will choose their backpacks and school supplies at the event. If possible, bring children along so they can choose for themselves.
 
This event requires pre-registration to ensure there are enough backpacks and supplies ready for each child, as supplies are limited. Families can register online at:https://forms.gle/Uifib4ghS1betJzu8 or by contacting nbCC's Family Resource Center at (413) 663-7588 to register. 
 
For more information, contact Nancy Kennedy, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at (413) 663-7588. 
 

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North Adams Police Charge 7 After Drug Investigation

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Police charged seven people after executing simultaneous search warrants on Eagle Street and Arnold Place.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, members of the North Adams Police Department Detective Unit and Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force executed search warrants at 212 Eagle Street Apartment 3 and 59 Arnold Place.

According to police, the search warrants were the result of a month-long investigation into a group of people from Springfield utilizing both residences as part of their heroin and cocaine distribution operation.

Police reported that during the search warrant execution at 212 Eagle Street Apartment 3, Giovanni Ramirez was taken into custody. Joanne Bentley and Chad Luczynski were also located in the apartment and will be charged as part of this investigation.

During the search warrant execution at 59 Arnold Place, Sandra Bunt, Raven Vanderburg, Jaiden Langford-Andrews and Angel Ortiz were all taken into custody.

Bunt's bail was revoked on a separate open case, and she is held without bail. Vanderburg is being held without bail for a probation violation on a separate case.

Langford-Andrews, Ortiz and Ramirez were all held without bail pending dangerousness hearings scheduled for later this week and early next week.

As a result of the investigation, the following evidence was seized:

  • Approximately 110 grams of cocaine
  • Approximately 2,323 bags of heroin (46 grams)
  • Approximately $6,817 U.S. Currency
  • Multiple functioning digital scales with residue

The following people were arrested and charged with the following:

Jaiden Langford-Andrews of Springfield:

  • Arrest Warrant
  • Trafficking Heroin 36-100 grams
  • Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy

Angel Ortiz, of Springfield:

  • Trafficking Heroin 36-100 grams
  • Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy
  • Giovanni Ramirez, of Springfield, Massachusetts:
  • Trafficking Cocaine 36-100 grams
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin
  • Conspiracy

Sandra Bunt, of North Adams:

  • Trafficking Heroin 36-100 grams
  • Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy

Raven Vanderburg, of North Adams:

  • Trafficking Heroin 36-100 grams
  • Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
  • Conspiracy

The following people were charged but not taken into custody:

Joanne Bentley of North Adams:

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