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McCann Names Valedictorian, Salutatorian for Class of 2026

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The top students for McCann Technical School's class of 2026 have been announced by Principal Justin Kratz.
 
Valedictorian Landon Plankey LeClair and salutatorian Ryleigh Holland will speak at graduation, held on Wednesday, May 27, in the Amsler Campus Center at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. 
 
LeClair, son of Eric and Susan LeClair of the town of Florida, was enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program. He achieved the highest academic standing in the graduating class, earning an impressive cumulative grade-point average of 4.44. During his time at McCann, he demonstrated dedication to academics through a course of study that included AP Calculus, AP English, and AP Physics. 
 
LeClair is a member of the National Honor Society, and SkillsUSA, recently placing first in the CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer competitionat at the district level, qualifying him to advance to the state level. 
 
He is a recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and completed a co-op placement at Sinicon Plastics in Pittsfield, where he gained hands-on experience in his field.
 
In the fall, LeClair plans to attend Western New England University in Springfield, where he will major in engineering.
 
Holland, daughter of Michael and Kelly Holland of Stamford, Vt.,  was enrolled in the Computer Assisted Design
Program and achieved the second highest academic standing in her graduating class, earning an impressive cumulative GPA of 4.42. 
 
During her time at McCann, she also demonstrated dedication to academics through a course of study that included AP Calculus, AP English, and AP Physics. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and SkillsUSA, recently placing second in Architectural Drafting at the district level competition, and a recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship.
 
During her spare time, Holland enjoys volunteering as a camp counselor and with the Math Club. She has also been an active member of the Ski Club and the girls' lacrosse team, demonstrating both leadership and dedication within her school community. She completed co-op placement at Hesnor Engineering Associates in Adams as a CAD technician.
 
In the fall, Holland plans to attend Syracuse (N.Y.) University, where she will major in architecture.
 
McCann Technical School congratulates LeClair and Holland on their outstanding achievements and wishes
them continued success in their future endeavors.

Tags: graduation 2026,   McCann,   val & sal,   

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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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