'Laps for Liam' Benefit Walk Set at Abbott School

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FLORIDA, Mass. — Three days after celebrating his 9th birthday, Liam Lescarbeau was diagnosed with T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 
 
Even though it was detected early, his treatment plan will last approximately 3 1/2 to four years. The first six months of treatment are predicted to be the most aggressive and demanding. 
 
Liam developed a fungal infection in his lungs and brain that affected his speech, right side of his body, and his brain function. He has remained at Boston Children's Hospital since May 30 fighting the fungal infection and working hard to get his mobility back.
 
His family remains in Boston beside him. His mom, Wendy, remains out of work. His dad, Jonathon, has adjusted his work schedule to allow him to be with his family and support the household as much as possible. 
 
"Liam is not just my neighbor. He is my hero," said Terry Culpepper. "Being recently diagnosed with cancer myself, seeing him fight the good fight inspires me to continue my fight."
 
The length of South Street is approximately one-mile long. Prior to getting sick, Liam and his family would spend quality time together walking down and around. At times, their walk would total approximately two miles. Two miles is equivalent to roughly 14 laps around the ball field at Abbott Memorial School.
 
Culpepper is asking community members to walk "Laps for Liam" Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 to 3. Event rain date will be Oct. 10, again from 11 to 3. 
 
Pledge sheets were dispersed to Abbott students and available to the community through Culpepper. There will be food and treats for sale, raffle baskets, 50/50 tickets, family games, and more at the event.
 
Those interested in providing a monetary donation to the Lescarbeau family can contact Stephanie Pare at spare@abbottmemorial.org; there is also a GoFundMe for the family. Additionally, donations toward a lottery tree or raffle baskets are greatly appreciated and can be collected by the Florida Free Library. 
 
For more on lottery tree or raffle basket donations, contact Heidi Dugal at 413-329-0590.
 
This isn't just a walkathon fundraiser, but a family day to celebrate Liam's progress and all he has accomplished so far.

Tags: benefit walk,   cancer support,   

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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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