Contract Agreement Reached Between North Adams Hospital And Nurses Union

A contract settlement has been reached between North Adams Regional Hospital and the union representing the hospital’s nurses. Union officials said the settlement came after two days of negotiations, with a final version of the contract reached yesterday morning…..just 24 hours before a strike was to begin at the hospital. Details of the tentative 3-year contract were not released. Officials at North Adams Regional Hospital issued a statement yesterday, also refusing to discuss details of the contract. They did say the settlement addresses the critical need for flexible staffing policies and fiscal responsibility. The hospital’s 103 registered nurses had been without a contract since March 31.

Holiday-Drunken Driving Watch By State Police And Gas Prices

Massachusetts and New York State police are promising a crackdown on drunken driving over the holiday weekend. Massachusetts State Police said they would beef up their patrols on the MassPike and state roads in the Berkshires and throughout the state. New York State Police said they would keep a close eye on traffic entering their state from Massachusetts. Police say more drivers are on the road on the holiday weekend, bringing a heightened risk of drunken drivers. As for gasoline prices, they appear to be holding steady. Unleaded regular gasoline prices in North Adams range from $2.65 - $2.67 a gallon……$2.62 - $2.75 in Williamstown and $2.65 in Adams. In Pittsfield, prices range from $2.60 - $2.65 a gallon. Great Barrington prices ranges from $2.62 - $2.69 a gallon and in Lee, prices range from $2.69 a gallon on the MassPike to $2.78 a gallon in town. The lowest price for a gallon of regular gasoline was in the town of Windsor on Rt. 9…$2.57 a gallon.

Next Big Political Forum: “Final Word” Forum On Wednesday

The radio political forums may be over for this week but the next big radio forum will be the Final Word forum between the two candidates for Sheriff. Dan Bosley of North Adams and Thomas Bowler of Pittsfield will go head-to-head next Wednesday, September 8th, in a radio forum that will be broadcast “live” on 1420 WBEC in Pittsfield, AM1230 WNAW in North Adams and 860AM/94.1FM WSBS in Great Barrington from 11am – noon. The candidates will be asked questions by members of the Berkshire News Network, media partner IBerkshires.com and the Berkshire Eagle.

BRTA Suspends Service For Labor Day

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority will be suspending its regular bus service and will close its offices in observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday. The regular bus schedule will resume on Tuesday morning at 5:45. The offices will re-open at 8am Tuesday. More information on specific bus routes during normal hours of operation can be found on-line at www.berkshirerta.com.

MCLA To Close Portions Of Streets

A portion of Church Street between Bradley and Blackinton streets in North Adams, will be closed to traffic between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday as resident students check-in at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. School officials said check- in begins on Sunday morning and will continue through Tuesday. The process will involve a large number of students moving into the Berkshire Towers on Church Street and Hoosac Hall on Highland Avenue. Residents living within this closed off area will be allowed unrestricted access. All other traffic will be re- routed to Davenport and Blackinton streets. Residents should have received a letter to present to the officers who will be posted near Blackinton Street or Bradley Street for entry.

Green Rainbow Candidates Hold Meet And Greet

Green Rainbow Party candidate for State Representative in the 4th Berkshire District L. Scott Laugenour held a meet in greet in Lenox last night at the Firefly Restaurant. The Berkshire Eagle is reporting that a few dozen people were moving in and out of the restaurant and Laugenour spoke with the voters on a one-on-one basis. He is trying to unseat State Representative Smitty Pignatelli, who has not had a challenger since he defeated James Bashour in 2004. Mark Miller, who is also running as a member of the Green Rainbow party in the 3rd Berkshire District was also at the meet and greet to talk with voters last night.

Lee Big Y Plans Move Forward

The Lee Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously on Wednesday night in favor of the construction of a Big Y supermarket in the old Diesel Dan's truck stop lot on Pleasant Street. Berkshire News Network media partner iBerkshire.com reports that the special permit granted by the board will allow construction of the World Class Supermarket in the area of a flood plain as the lot sits adjacent to the Housatonic River. Big Y Foods local attorney, Donald Hunter, says the construction of the 48,000 square foot building (including 5,000 square feet of additional retail space) will actually improve the environmental conditions at the 9.8 acre lot. The plan for the Big Y project includes a foundation built to one foot higher than flood elevations as well as special doors that will close to prevent flooding in the store and will be able to handle impact loads such as logs and other heavy objects. Big Y hopes to begin construction in the fall. The plans were approved by the Planning Commission last month and will go before the Conservation Commission on Tuesday with a notice of intent to raze the current structures and plans for construction. The Springfield-based chain has stores in Great Barrington, Pittsfield, Adams and North Adams. The new store in Lee will create more than 100 full- and part-time jobs.

Thursday, September 02, 2010

North Adams Schools Open Today

North Adams elementary students in kindergarten through grade 7 begin school today…..with today and tomorrow being a half-day of school. Drury High School, students in grade 8 will begin classes on today… and tomorrow, students in grade 8 and 9 will attend school. All students will report for a full day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 7. Breakfast will be served at all schools starting today. Breakfast and lunch will be served at all North Adams schools beginning on Sept. 7. Breakfast prices will be $ 1. Lunch prices are $1.65. All students who were eligible for free and reduced priced meals last year, will continue to participate until a re-evaluation of their status is completed.

Williamstown PD Receive Reports Of Motor Vehicle Break-Ins

Williamstown police are investigating a number of reports of motor vehicle break-ins during the overnight hours Tuesday and Wednesday. The reports came from Candlewood Road residents, who reported electronic equipment and other miscellaneous items stolen from their vehicles. Police said ALL of the vehicles involved were unlocked at the time of the thefts. Police Chief Kyle Johnson would like to remind residents and visitors, to remove all valuables from their vehicles and to lock all doors. The message from Chief Johnson actually applies to all residents and visitors in the Berkshires…no matter where you are.

Republican 2nd Berkshire District Candidates Take Part In Radio Forum

Tuesday, the three democratic primary candidates for the 2nd Berkshire District seat in the House of Representatives, took part in a radio forum on 1420 WBEC. Yesterday, the two Republican primary candidates, Rosanne Frieri of Richmond and Mike Case of Washington, took part in a similar forum. When asked who they support for Governor in the November election, Frieri….a republican, said she supports Governor Patrick…a democrat. Mike Case, a more conservative member of the Republican Party, had an opposite opinion and said he does NOT support Governor Patrick. The two candidates also agree casino gambling would be a good idea but did not support the slot machine aspect of it.

1st Congressional Radio Debate Tentatively Scheduled For Late October

As the Berkshire News Network dove into the 2nd and 1st Berkshire District State Representative radio forums, we tentatively booked a major county-wide radio forum with incumbent First District Congressman John Olver for Friday, October 22nd. Congressman Olver’s campaign office chose the Berkshire News Network because of previous radio forums in the last two Congressional election cycles and the fact that the forum would be broadcast throughout the Berkshires on 1420 WBEC in Pittsfield, AM1230 WNAW in North Adams and 860AM/94.1 FM, WSBS in Great Barrington. Olver’s campaign office said they were offering the debate to his challengers, Republican William L. Gunn Jr. and Independent Michael Engel

1st Berkshire District State Representative Candidates On Radio This Morning

A major radio forum between the three democratic candidates for State Representative from the 1st Berkshire District, will be on the air this morning on AM 1230 WNAW from 9am – 10am. David Bissaillon of Adams, Gailanne Cariddi of North Adams and Edward MacDonald of Adams, will be on the air for an hour, taking questions from the Berkshire News Network (Larry Kratka) moderator and veteran broadcaster Dan Valenti and Berkshire Eagle columnist Clarence Fanto. This race is very important because the winner of the September 14th primary election WILL be the next State Representative from the 1st Berkshire District. The First Berkshire District seat is being vacated by Dan Bosley…who is running for sheriff.

Pittsfield Schools Reopen For Some Yesterday…All Students Today

Yesterday was the first day of school in Pittsfield for grades 1-5 in the elementary schools, grade 6 in the middle schools and 9th grade in the high schools. It was also a half-day of school. Today, ALL students report for class with today and tomorrow being normal school days. Yesterday was also an orientation day for parents with youngsters entering kindergarten. Kindergarten classes in Pittsfield will be half-day sessions until September 27th when full-time classes will begin.

New Principal For St. Joseph High School In Pittsfield

Returning students to St. Joseph High School yesterday, were greeted by a brand new principal. The Diocese of Springfield announced that Francis Foley of Latham, NY, was hired as principal to replace Donna Quallen, who resigned in July. A Diocese spokesman described Foley as a seasoned leader with over 30 years of administrative experience in elementary, middle and high school environments. St. Joseph High School has 172 students enrolled in grades 9-12. Grade 8, which was shifted from St. Mark School to St. Joseph several years, returned to St. Mark this year.

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Bargaining Talks Between Nurses Union And NARH At Stalemate

North Adams Regional Hospital nurses are set to go on strike Friday if a new contract is not hammered out. According to published reports, bargaining talks between the nurses union and hospital management, remain at an impasse as of last night. The Berkshire Eagle reports that the Chair Woman of the local unit of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, said the strike is still ON, but hospital officials have asked them to postpone it, to allow them to work out some details. The good news is that some concessions have been made by each side. Hospital spokesman Paul Hopkins said management would have no comment until negotiations were complete.

Many Berkshire County Schools Open Today.

Schools throughout Berkshire County open today for the 2010-2011 school year. In Pittsfield, North Adams, Great Barrington and throughout the county, students are returning to school systems that have had to tighten their belts because of budget cuts. In some cases, students will find new principals at their schools and in some cases, parents will find a new superintendent running their school system. Police throughout the Berkshires remind motorists to watch out for school busses and be sure to stop when the school bus lights are flashing.

2nd Berkshire District State Rep. Dems Hash Out Issues In Radio Forum

An hour-long 2nd Berkshire District State Representative political forum was broadcast on 1420 WBEC yesterday with democratic candidates, Tom Szezepaniak of Dalton, Noreen Suriner of Middlefield and Paul Mark of Hancock. The candidates talked about issues ranging from jobs to casino gambling. Noreen Suriner said she does not support casino gambling, Paul Mark seemed to agree with the creation of casino’s in Massachusetts while Tom Szezepaniak doesn’t like the idea at all. This morning at 11am, the two Republican 2nd Berkshire District candidates, Mike Case and Rosanne Frieri, will talk about the issues. The forums will be moderated by columnist and author, Dan Valenti with questions coming from the Berkshire News Network and Clarence Fanto from the Berkshire Eagle.

Pittsfield Man Arraigned On Numerous Drug Charges

A Pittsfield man was arraigned yesterday in Berkshire Superior Court on drug charges. 33-year-old Rickey Williams of 320 First Street had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on single counts each of trafficking in cocaine, possession of heroin with intent to distribute (2nd offense), and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (2nd offense). He also had not guilty pleas entered on three counts of drug violation within a drug free school zone and one count of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Williams was ordered held at the Berkshire County House of Correction on $25,000 cash or $250,000 surety bail. The charges stem from a motor vehicle stop in Pittsfield on July 2nd.

Colonial Theater Executive Director Retires

The smiling face who greets just about every performance at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, David Flemming, is retiring. Executive Director David Flemming announced his retirement to the Board of Directors yesterday…effective immediately.
The retirement came as a surprise even though Flemming had been talking about retirement recently. Flemming has successfully guided the Colonial Theatre since it reopened in 2006. Until a new Executive Director can be found, Flemming will be succeeded by General Manager, Seth Keyes.

Pittsfield Schools Reopen For Some Today

Today is the day that students in Pittsfield’s elementary, middle and high schools report to class. Classes will commence today for students in grades 1-5 in the elementary schools, grade 6 in the middle schools and 9th grade in the high schools. Students in all other grades will report to class tomorrow. Today will be a half-day of school in Pittsfield but tomorrow and Friday will be normal days. For kindergarten students, today is a parent orientation day with half-day classes beginning tomorrow. Full day kindergarten classes will begin on September 27th.

Free Music In Lenox Tonight

While the Live on the Lake series of free concerts put on by our sister station LIVE 95.9FM in Pittsfield and the Party in the Park series of free concerts put on by our sister stations in the northern Berkshires, 1230 WNAW and 100.1 WUPE FM have come to a close for the season but there is still plenty of free music available in the Berkshires. A free performance featuring the Woodwind Quintet from The Stockbridge Sinfonia, is taking place at Lilac Park in Lenox at 7:00 tonight. It’s a nice opportunity to have a picnic with the family and enjoy some free music. Rain would move the concert inside into the Town Hall Auditorium, but the Berkshire forecast is calling for clear skies tonight.

Richmond Man Arraigned On Drug Charge

A Richmond man was arraigned yesterday in Berkshire Superior Court on a conspiracy charge. 35-year-old Michael Cargill of 140 Swamp Road, had a not guilty plea entered on his behalf on one count of conspiracy to violate drug laws…. distribution of oxycontin. Superior Court Judge John Agostini ordered that he be held at the Berkshire County House of Correction on $100 bail. It is alleged that Cargill conspired with others to distribute oxycontin. The incident is alleged to have occurred between December 22nd of last year and April 15th of this year.

Lenox Library Association Distinguished Lecture Series Coming Up

The Lenox Library Association is getting set to kick off its 2010-11 Distinguished Lecture series for the season. The opening speaker for the series will be Mark Volpe, who you may know as the Managing Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Volpe will talk about the challenges of running what is considered to be the largest orchestral enterprise in the world. The lecture will take place in the Library’s Sedgwick Reading Room, at 18 Main Street in Lenox from 4 to 5pm on Sunday, September 19th. Volpe has been the Managing Director of the BSO since 1997 and runs the Boston Pops, as well as the Tanglewood Music Center.

Crescentini Stepping Down From Berkshire South Helm

A major change at the Berkshire South Regional Community Center was announced yesterday. The Board of trustees has reluctantly accepted the resignation of Executive Director Eliza Crescentini. Crescentini has been at the helm of the center for the last seven years. Board Chairman Bob Norris said in a press release yesterday that under her leadership, membership at Berkshire South has grown by nearly 1000. He also praised the range of programs that she has been able to institute over her tenure. Crescentini will be moving on to take a position as the Massachusetts Head of School for K12, Inc., which is the country’s largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online school programs for students in Kindergarten through high school. On September 20th, Crescentini will leave the Center in the hands of veteran Managing Director Jenise Lucey, who will be at the helm during an executive search. The Board of Trustees has appointed a search committee to determine future leadership.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sheriff Candidates Stick To Their Reasons For Running

One of the few sheriff candidate debates to take place this year, took place last night at Berkshire Community College. Outgoing State Rep. Dan Bosley of North Adams and Pittsfield police detective, Thomas Bowler, began their debate last night by explaining why they wanted to be the next Sheriff of Berkshire County. The next debate for the two candidates, will be the 9 debate that will be broadcast "live" on 1420 WBEC in Pittsfield, AM1230 WNAW in North Adams and radio 860AM WSBS/94.1FM in Great Barrington, on Wednesday September 8th from 11am to 12 noon. The primary election is on Tuesday September 14th.

North Adams Couple Ordered Arraigned On Breaking And Entering Charges

A North Adams couple….Robert Morgan and Jessica Morgan, were arraigned in North Berkshire District yesterday on breaking and entering charges. The Morgans pled not guilty to single counts of breaking into a building during the daytime, malicious destruction of property and larceny. Robert Morgan was ordered held at the Berkshire County House of Correction on $25-hundred dollars cash bail while Jessica Morgan was ordered held on a thousand dollars cash bail. It’s alleged that the Morgans broke into at least one home on Marshall Street on Saturday afternoon and another on Mohawk Forest that evening. Both the Morgans have pre-trial hearings scheduled for September 8th.

Ailing Rt. 116 To Get New Layor Of Asphalt This Week.

There may be some traffic delays on Rt. 116 in Savoy this week but any delays will be worth it. The North Adams Transcript reports that due to limited funds, the work will only be a skim coating of new asphalt on the most problematic stretch of road between the Cheshire town line and the intersection of Route 8A. However, bigger things are reportedly in the works for 116. The town has designed the first 25 percent of the engineering for a full overhaul of the full length of Route 116 through town. The full reconstruction of all 6.3 miles of Route 116 is expected to cost just under $4-million dollars. A project development engineer for Mass DOT, told the Transcript that if the project is done right, it should solve a lot of the town’s problems when it comes to potholes.

Savoy Looking To Nab Illegal Dumpers

The town of Savoy will be watching for litterbugs a little more closely. The town will be going high tech in its approach to stopping illegal roadside dumping. Officials say that the town has received a number of wireless trail cameras from the state Department of Public Health to set up around town in an effort to nab those that are responsible for the illegal dumping. Anyone caught dumping in any town can potentially face a $500 fine and in the past people have been required to clean up long stretches of the road at their own expense.

2nd Berkshire District Candidates Talk Issues At BCC

The five candidates for State Representative from the 2nd Berkshire District, met last night at Berkshire Community College for the first of several debates before the September 14th primary election. First, democratic candidates Tom Szezepaniak of Dalton, Noreen Suriner of Middlefield and Paul Mark of Hancock, talked about various issues including taxes and jobs. The two republican candidates, Mike Case of Washington and Rosanne Frieri of Richmond, discussed similar topics in their debate.

Jae’s Spice Handed A 3-Day Liquor License Suspension.

The Pittsfield licensing board, headed by Chairman Carman Massimiano, sat down with management and legal council from Jae’s Spice on North Street yesterday and held a hearing about a party last month in which it was alleged that underage drinking had taken place.. Chairman Massimiano said it all boils down to responsibility but after talking about who was responsible, another board member suggested a 3-day liquor license suspension and the vote was unanimous. The dates for the 3-day suspension will be decided at a later date after the licensing board informs the state ABCC about their decision. It is the second time Jae’s Spice has been called in front of the Licensing board.

Greylock Fed Annual Shred Day Coming Up

Do you have any old documents that you’ve been meaning to shred? Well, now you can have them shreded for you while making a donation to the United Way at the same time. Greylock Federal Credit Union's is holding its 2nd Annual Community Shred Day on Saturday, September 18th and Greylock officials say all you have to do is bring your unwanted personal documents in and watch them get destroyed. The suggested donation is $1 per box and all the money raised will benefit the Berkshire United Way. The Community Shred Day will run from 9am until noon at the former KayBee Toys parking lot at 100 West Street in Pittsfield

Red Cross Offering Cna Training

The Berkshire County Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering training for anyone interested in becoming nurse assistants and/or home care workers. It’s a five week, 120 hour course, running from 9am to 4pm five days a week. The course consists of 90 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of clinical instructions and practice. Clinical hours are 7am to 2pm. Courses for the fall will begin on September 8th, October 13th and November 15th and graduates are immediately employable in the health care industry and also qualify to be sit for the Massachusetts testing to become Certified Nurse Assistants. For more information on requirements, cost or to make an appointment, contact Nina Silver at 442-1506 ext 28.

Berkshire Scenic Railway Moves Towards Expansion

The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum has taken a step towards expansion. Berkshire News Network media partner iBerkshires.com reports that by purchasing the neighboring 1.5 acres of property now occupied by Daley Trucking, the museum has moved closer towards making its expansion a reality. The parcel was purchased for $550,000 as part of the nonprofit organization's master plan, developed back in 2006. Museum President Rick Selva says the property will give the museum the space needed to achieve its goal of becoming a premier railroad museum and attract more tourists to Berkshire County.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Vox Communications Gives Away Ultimate Makeover

One of the biggest radio promotions of the summer ended Saturday when the Vox Communication radio stations…WUPE-AM/FM, WBEC-AM/FM, WSBS and WNAW, gave away a $70 thousand dollar prize package of home improvements to one lucky winner. It all happened at Bousquet Saturday when the winner, Sherry Urban from Peru, was the second person to try and open a toolbox. When asked what she would do with the $70-thousand dollars, she had a few ideas...including remodeling her kitchen. Sherry Urban now has the job of figuring out what home improvements she’ll make.

Televised Sheriff Candidate Debate Tonight At BCC

Berkshire County Sheriff candidates, Dan Bosley of North Adams and Tom Bowler of Pittsfield, will face each other tonight in a televised debate from Berkshire Community College. The Pittsfield Gazette-sponsored debate will bring the two candidates together in one of two head-to-head confrontations before the September 14th primary election. The final debate will be broadcast on 1420 WBEC in Pittsfield, AM 1230 WNAW in North Adams and Radio 860AM WSBS in Great Barrington on Wednesday September 8th and will be the final debate for the two candidates. The winner of the September 14th primary will be the next Berkshire County Sheriff. Both Bosley and Bowler are democrats. There are no republican candidates. Also on the bill tonight in separate debates will be the three democratic candidates for State Representative from the 2nd Berkshire District…followed by the two republican candidates for the same district.

Another Heat Wave Arrives In The Berkshires

It’s been a hot summer in the Berkshires but Mother Nature has some more hot weather headed our way this week. Forecasters say that temperature will top out in the mid-upper 80’s and even the low 90’s as the week progresses with an increase in humidity each day. They also say that the heat wave may break by Friday when thunderstorms are forecast with temperatures returning to the 70’s by Labor Day weekend.

Jae’s Spice Cited For Teen Booze Party…Going Before Licensing Board Today

The Pittsfield Licensing Board is scheduled to conduct a hearing this afternoon, to determine the fate of the liquor license used by Jae’s Spice on North Street. The Pittsfield Gazette reports that today’s 3:30 meeting, will review alleged violations at Jae’s Spice, in which fire and police were called to a massive party last month that included underage drinking. The Gazette reports that the alleged violations occurred four days after the Licensing Board had warned Jae’s management about the need to adhere strictly to alcohol rules. All eyes will be on the ruling of the licensing board this afternoon.

Rt. 20 Crash Sends Ct. Woman To The Hospital

A late Sunday morning accident between a car and truck on Rt. 20 in Lee, resulted in a Connecticut woman being sent to the hospital. Lee police said that just before noon, 84-year-old Barbara Henry of Avon, Connecticut, was attempting to take a left-hand turn onto Rt. 20 from Maple Street, when a tractor trailer truck hit the side of her car. Rescue personnel had to use the “Jaws of Life” to extract her from the vehicle. Police said she was transported to Berkshire Medical Center where she was admitted and reported to be in stable condition. The driver of the truck was not hurt. Police said the accident remains under investigation.

Why Does Charlie Baker Want To Be Governor?

With a handful of legislative races and the race for Berkshire County Sheriff being the focus of the primary election coming up next month, there hasn’t been a lot of focus on the Governors race which will be one of the big races come November. We caught up with the Republican candidate in the race on Friday, Charlie Baker. Baker was asked why wants to Governor. Baker said the democrats running Massachusetts just don't get it. Baker is trying to unseat Democratic Governor Deval Patrick. Grace Ross is running on the Green-Rainbow Party ticket and Tim Cahill is running as an independent candidate.

New Scholarship Named For Berkshire Man

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has announced the establishment of a new scholarship fund. The James E. “Jamie” Bugley Scholarship Fund - otherwise known as “The Jamie Fund” – was established in memory of the late Jamie Bugley, and will build over time to provide scholarships to high school seniors in Berkshire County who wish to pursue a career in either music or vocational arts. Jamie Bugley died suddenly on March 31st at his home in Pittsfield. He was a business owner, musician, and active member of the community. You can find out more information on the scholarship fund at www.berkshiretaconic.org.