Monterey Man Arrested in Suspicious Fire

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John Rohane
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.

Tags: arson,   structure fire,   

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Must-Experience Spring Events in the Berkshires

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
The sun has finally risen from the clouds and shines its golden rays on the bare trees bringing the wildlife back to life and awakening the wildlife from their blissful sleep. The snow melts and the sky cries with joy, showering the ground and  filling the air with the smell of petrichor.
 
The grass becomes green, the leaves return, and the flowers pollinate, filling the world with the forgotten color. Nature celebrates the coming of spring and so should you. Here are some events happening this spring to help with your celebration.
 
SpringFest 
Saturday, May 9 
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge
 
The 24-acre botanical garden will have free admission family fun designed to celebrate spring and community. The event features food trucks and enough children's activities to keep the youngest visitors happily busy for hours including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and more. A traditional maypole dance will add an old-world flourish to the day's lineup.
 
The festival is part of the garden's immersive weekend experience Mother's Day weekend, coinciding with its 49th annual Plants-and-Answers Plant Sale from May 8 through 10.
 
The event was established in 1977 and has become a cherished Mother's Day weekend tradition for gardeners across the region. This year's edition, curated by its horticulture staff, offers hundreds of perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetables — each selected with an emphasis on diversity and nature-based landscaping.
 
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