Pittsfield Notification of aquatic treatment at Onota, Pontoosuc Lakes

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pontoosuc Lake and Onota Lake will be chemically treated with aquatic herbicides to control invasive aquatic vegetation.

Pontoosuc Lake will be treated on Wednesday, June 17 and Onota Lake will be treated on Tuesday, June 23.

During the treatment, both lakes will be closed to all water users including people and pets.

In addition, the following activity restrictions are in place:

Pontoosuc Lake

• Boating, fishing, and swimming are prohibited in the lake until June 18
• Irrigation is prohibited until June 23.

Onota Lake

• Boating, fishing, and swimming are prohibited in the lake until June 24
• Irrigation is prohibited until July 8.

Printed posters warning of these restrictions will be posted around the lake shoreline in advance of the treatment.

For more information, call Parks, Open Space and Natural Resource Program Manager, Jim McGrath at (413) 499-9344.

Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:40AM / Friday, June 12, 2026

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.

 

Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.

 

They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

 

College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.

 

She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 

 

"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."

 

Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.