Excise Tax For Satellite Users In New 2010 State Budget

As of July 1st, the state’s 2010 budget includes a 5% excise tax on satellite TV services such as Dish and Direct TV. The excise tax was part of the municipal relief package amendment adopted in the Senate budget debate. DirectTV had a whole channel dedicated to fighting the Massachusetts tax but it did no good. State Senator Ben Downing’s office said that currently, cable television subscribers in Massachusetts pay a 5% fee on their monthly bill and up until this point, satellite subscribers did not have to pay such a tax. Now, they do. State Senator Downing’s office said that additional revenue generated for the Commonwealth under this proposal would be approximately $22 Million. Massachusetts is not alone in taxing satellite TV subscribers. At least six other states have adopted similar taxes.

Café Latino Closing At Mass Moca In North Adams

On September 15, Café’ Latino at Mass MoCA in North Adams is closing its doors after four years of operation. There has been speculation around town that the owners of Café’ Latino were thinking of opening the café’ in the former Jae’s Inn on Cold Spring Road…since the owners of Café’ Latino had purchased that property in April. The Berkshire Eagle reports that the owners of Café’ Latino have no current plans to open in Williamstown. Mass MoCA Marketing Director Katherine Myers said the restaurant is exercising an option to end their lease early and the museum is in the process of finding a new tenant for the space.

Bronx NY Man Held On High Bail After Court Appearance

A Bronx, NY man who was arrested after the execution of a search warrant on 14 Spring Street in North Adams and the Howard Johnson Motel in Williamstown on June 1, 2009, was arraigned in Berkshire Superior Court yesterday. 22-year-old Ural Robinson pled not guilty to a long list of drug charges including trafficking in cocaine. Superior Court Judge John Agostini ordered Robinson held at the Berkshire County House of Correction on $50-thosuand dollars cash bail.

BCC TO Hold  Fall Registration Sessions At McCann Tech

Berkshires, Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield will be holding courses at McCann Technical High School in North Adams this fall and is offering two registration nights for the courses…….Wednesday August 26 and Tuesday September 1st. Courses to be held at McCann Tech include Western Civilization Since 1500, Introduction To Composition, Human Growth And Development. The courses begin at McCann Technical High school on September 8th.

First Windsor Lake Concert Of The Season Moved To Sunday

The first Windsor Lake “Concerts at the Lake” series of shows for 2009 last night, had to be moved to Sunday July 5th at 7PM due to rain. The Eagles Band from Pittsfield was due to perform before the clouds and rain moved in. The free concerts are held on the shore of Windsor Lake and Historic Valley Campgrounds. Throughout the season, any Wednesday concerts that are rained out will automatically be moved to Sunday at the same time.

Third Thursdays In Pittsfield Voted Top 10 “Free” Things To Do In Massachusetts

Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto was happy to announce yesterday that Pittsfield’s Third Thursday events have been recognized by AAA of Southern New England as being one of the 10 best Free things to do in Massachusetts. The recognition came in the June issue of the AAA magazine…Horizons. Mayor Ruberto said that such recognition of Pittsfield’s Third Thursday continues to change the perception that is transforming Pittsfield into the best small city in the Northeast. The theme for the July Third Thursday is a summer beach party in which Palace Park on North Street will be transformed into a sandy beach.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

North Adams Mayor Barrett Running For Another Term

North Adams Mayor John Barrett made it official yesterday. He took out nomination papers for another term in office…his 14th. Barrett is the longest sitting mayor in Massachusetts…having been first elected in 1983. Barrett had told the Berkshire News Network he would not take out nomination papers until the 2010 budget was settled. Barrett said that North Adams’ finances are a major reason that would run again. At a budget release press conference last week, Barrett told the Berkshire News Network that he is more worried about the 2011 budget then the new 2010 budget because there are more uncertainties in the upcoming year. Barrett is facing North Adams City Councilor Richard Alcombright for Mayor in the November election.

Identity Of Limestone Quarry Crash Victim Released

Police have released the name of the driver of the truck that drove off the edge of a road at the Specialty Minerals limestone quarry in Adams early Monday morning. An autopsy was performed yesterday afternoon at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, revealing that 36-year-old Martin Selby of Pittsfield, died as a result of traumatic injuries sustained in the crash. Berkshire County District Attorney David Capeless said the death did not appear to be the result of foul play. The investigation is being conducted by state police detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and members of the Adams Police Department.

North Adams Woman Brought Up On Drug Charges

46-year-old Kathleen Lear of 150 Ashland Street, was arraigned in Berkshire Superior Court yesterday on drug charges. Lear pled not guilty to 3 counts of distribution of cocaine, 2 counts of drug violation within a drug free school zone and one count of possession of cocaine. Superior Court Judge John Agostini ordered Lear held on $20-thosuand dollars cash bail. It’s alleged that Lear sold cocaine in North Adams on May 26, 2009 and twice on May 27, 2009 and was in possession of cocaine when arrested on June 1, 2009. The investigation was conducted by members of the North Adams and Dalton Police Departments and state troopers assigned to the District Attorney’s Office.

Few Take The Time To Complain To Those Willing To Listen

Members of the Department of Telecommunications and Cable made the trip last night to Pittsfield to hear complaints from Verizon customers about phone and internet service. But only a half-dozen people showed up at Berkshire Community College to tell members of the commission about their problems. IBerkshires.com reports today that among those who were angry enough to talk to the commission were Hancock Selectmen Chairman Sherman Derby and Otis Fire Department Captain and Highway Superintendent, Christopher Bouchard. A number of Western Massachusetts towns, including Hancock and Williamstown, submitted letters of support for a regional investigation of Verizon's quality of service earlier this year.

Windsor Lake Series Of Concerts Begins Tonight In North Adams

The city of North Adams is also starting their summer offering of “Concerts at the Lake,” with the first one to be held tonight at 7pm and continuing each Wednesday through August 5th. The series is held on the hillside of the shore of Windsor Lake and Historic Valley Campgrounds. The kick-off for the Concert at the Lake series is the 47-piece Eagles band….celebrating over 70 years as the oldest continuing performance ensemble in the Berkshires. In case of rain, the concert will be rescheduled for Sunday at the same time.

New Fiscal Year For Area Towns And Cities

The 2010 fiscal year begins for cities and towns throughout the Berkshires today…July 1st and most budgets are leaner in most areas. North Adams enters the new fiscal year with a $34.7 million dollar budget which, according to Mayor John Barrett, will be closely monitored during the year if the recession continues. In Pittsfield, they’re starting off their fiscal year with a $122.7 million dollar budget, which Mayor James Ruberto says is much slimmer then last year. In just about every town and city in the Berkshires, budgets were planned based on projected state revenue.

Outdoor Movies On Four Sundays In Williamstown

Images Cinema in Williamstown will be showing outdoor movies as part of it “Family Flicks Under the Stars” series beginning in July. The family friendly movies will be shown on four consecutive Sundays starting on July 12th. The movies are free and open to everyone to attend and enjoy. The movies that will be shown include: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Princess Bride, Charade and Superman. The movies will be shown on the Chapin Lawn of Williams College off of Route 2 at sundown. If it rains, the movies move inside the Images Cinema located at 50 Spring Street. The series run through August 2nd.

Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Charges From Sheffield Stop

A Canaan, Connecticut man pleaded guilty yesterday in Berkshire Superior
Court to drug charges. 21 year old Sean Crowley of 92 Main Street
pleaded guilty to single counts each of trafficking in cocaine and
possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The charges stem from
a motor vehicle stop in Sheffield on August 22nd of last year. Judge
John Agostini ordered that he serve a 4 to 5 year sentence to the
Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction on the
trafficking charge. Crowley was given a concurrent 1 year house of
correction sentence on the other charge.

Arrest Made In West Stockbridge Break-In

A Great Barrington has been arrested for a late-night break in occurring
last week in West Stockbridge, one of six that occurred in the area on
Wednesday night. 40-year-old Timothy Welch was arrested on Thursday of
last week and then arraigned the next day for a break-in and larceny at
Rouge on West Center Road in West Stockbridge. Three other restaurants,
two other local businesses and even an unoccupied home were broken into
as well between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The latest
break-ins follow a whole slew of break-ins that have occurred over the
last couple of weeks in the Great Barrington/Columbia County area. State
Police from the Lee Barracks along with local police from area towns met
on Thursday to discuss the recent string of break-ins. Welch is a
suspect in those break-ins, but other suspects are being considered as well.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

North Adams Man Arraigned On Assault Charges

A 28-year-old North Adams man was arraigned yesterday afternoon in Berkshire Superior Court on assault charges. Patrick E. Wright Jr. of 10 Isbell Street, pled not guilty to single counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, armed assault with intent to murder and 3 counts of intimidation of a witness. It’s alleged that Wright assaulted a 27-year-old woman in North Adams on May 15, 2009 and intimidated witnesses connected to the investigation. Superior Court Judge John Agostini ordered him held on $250-thousand dollars bail.

One Man Dead After Truck Crash At Adams Quarry

One man was killed early yesterday morning after the truck he was driving went off the edge of a limestone quarry at Specialty Minerals on Rt. 8 in Adams. The driver of the truck was not identified but police said he was an SMI employee and the truck was so badly damaged, rescue crews had trouble removing the driver from the truck. An SMI manager reported finding the truck at the base of the quarry just before 7am and notified police…who arrived on the scene a short time later. The incident remains under investigation.

MCLA Offering New Athletic Major

The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams announced yesterday that they are offering a new Bachelor of Science in athletic training. MCLA officials said yesterday that the athletic training major will begin this fall after several years of development on the MCLA campus. The curriculum integrates both liberal arts and professional studies to provide a comprehensive and challenging program. Graduates of the program may be employed in diverse settings, from colleges and sports teams to medical offices and industrial operations. Berkshire County also offers numerous work opportunities for athletic training professionals in the performing arts and allied health sector.

Complaints Mounting Against Verizon Phone And Internet Service

Many residents in the Berkshires are not happy with Verizon phone and internet service and will have a chance to voice their complaints at a public hearing tonight in the Boland Theatre at Berkshire Community College. The public hearing is hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable, to gather information from dissatisfied Verizon customers from Dalton, Pittsfield, Middlefield and many other communities where residents are fed up with the quality of service they’re receiving. Any person wishing to comment on this matter may appear at the public hearing tonight at 6pm or file written comments by July 10th. Two previous hearings have been held in Greenfield and Florence and another is scheduled for Wednesday July 1st in Westfield at Westfield State. If you are not happy with your Verizon service, you are urged to attend tonight’s public hearing at BCC at 6pm.

BSO Begins Run Yesterday

29 members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra are taking part in a run
which began at Symphony Hall in Boston yesterday afternoon. It's part of
150 mile relay that will eventually find its way down Walker Street in
Lenox. The run is being held as a way to not only have some fun, but to
also bring attention to the BSO concerts this summer and to raise money
from sponsors. Many of the runners will make their way today to the
October Mountain State Forest, down Walker Street in Lenox and then on
to a final 4 mile stretch to a waiting party at the Tanglewood grounds.
The expected arrival time at Tanglewood is 1:15 this afternoon, but
weather or other delays could play a factor.

Miss Halls Students Awarded Scholarship

Congratulations go out to Tegan O'Neill of Stamford, VT who is one of
six winners of the 2009 Verizon Future Leaders Scholarship. The awards
are given by The Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation based on
outstanding leadership through community service, academic excellence
and athletic achievement. Eligible student-athletes were all 11th
graders who participated in the Bay State Games, where O'Neill has won
numerous gold medals as a figure skater. She is a high honors student in
the top five percent of her class at Miss Hall's School. She is also a
member of the Cum Laude Society, school secretary on the Judicial
Committee, editor of the school newspaper, and a contributor to the
Big/Little Sister program. O'Neill and the 5 other winners will each
receive a $2000 scholarship and be recognized at a future Bay State
Games event. The other winners were from Franklin, Harvard & Burlington
Massachusetts.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Monday Gasoline Prices……Holding Steady

Unless there is a huge spike in gasoline prices this week, it looks like motorists will be seeing gasoline prices holding steady as we approach the 4th of July holiday. Gasoline prices throughout the area…from North Adams to Great Barrington and everywhere in between, are averaging around $2.61 a gallon. Even such legendary low gasoline price communities such as Southwick, Massachusetts, equal the Berkshires in gasoline prices. Earlier this month, gasoline dealers we talked to said they doubted gasoline would hit the $3 dollar mark by the 4th of July. One year ago, the price of gasoline was just above $4 dollars-per-gallon.

Budget Deadline Looms Ahead For Pittsfield/North Adams

The two largest cities in Berkshire County are facing a budgetary deadline this week. In fact, North Adams and Pittsfield MUST have their 2010 budgets passed today or tomorrow….ready for implantation on Wednesday July 1st…the start of the fiscal year. North Adams and Pittsfield City Councilors have been pouring over their proposed budgets recently. North Adams City Councilors only received theirs from Mayor John Barrett last week while Pittsfield City Councilors have had quite a bit more time and held a series of public hearings on the budgets. Councilors in both North Adams and Pittsfield had the job of going over their proposed budgets department by department….line by line. Both budgets were so lean, there was also no room for further cuts.

Youth Center In Adams Received Funding

The Youth Center in Adams has received funding through the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board to operate a summer youth employment program. The program will be offering ten 16-21-year-olds work-readiness training, as well as 100 hours of paid work experience for youth from Adams, Cheshire and Savoy. The Adams site is one of six operating in Berkshire County this summer. Goals for the program are to get youth in summer jobs so they can earn a paycheck, develop work skills and learn about the world of work. They’ll also learn how to do a job search, customer service and work ethics. An information session will be held tomorrow afternoon at 4pm at the Adams Community Center….where the Youth Center is located.

BSO Cuts Will Not Affect Tanglewood Experience

You won't notice a difference at Tanglewood this summer despite last week’s staff cuts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The BSO laid-off 10 employees last week, attributing the staff cuts to serious challenges due to the economic downturn. BSO media relations director, Bernadette Horgan, says that the staff cuts include four cuts in the marketing/public relations department, four in development and two elsewhere in the BSO organization. She said the cutbacks will not affect the Tanglewood experience. The BSO also instituted a hiring freeze in December of last year and canceled an upcoming European tour.

Autopsy Completed On Man Pulled From Lauel Lake In Lee Thursday Afternoon

The preliminary results of an autopsy of a man who was found Thursday afternoon in Laurel Lake, in Lee, has been completed. The autopsy on 45 year old James Cripps of Dalton, was conducted at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield by Associate Medical Examiner Dr. Ethan Flynn….who said the cause of death was drowning. State and local police plus fire and EMS personnel were called to Laurel Lake around 12:30 Thursday when a body was discovered about 50 feet offshore. The investigation into the drowning continues by state and local police and the DA’s office.

Officials In Lenox Ponder Options To Close Budget Gap

Lenox officials are looking to make up a $100,000 budget shortfall for
the fiscal year which begins on July 1st. The town is investigating
various options to cut expenses or increase revenues to make up for the
budgetary difference from what the town was expecting to receive in
state aid and what it will actually be getting. Officials had estimated
that the town would be getting $1.9 million. That figure was in line
with the House’s bill in the state Legislature. The compromised Senate
bill however has reduced the town's share to roughly $1.8 million,
creating the roughly $100,000 budgetary shortfall. Town officials will
need to look at several options top try and narrow the gap. One way to
do that would be to raise taxes. That could come in the form of
increases to the towns excise tax or even putting into effect a local
meals tax.

Monterey Selectmen Meet This Afternoon

The Monterey Select Board meets this afternoon. Items up for discussion
today are several appointed town positions that are vacant. There's are
empty seats on the towns Historical Commission, Affordable Housing
Committee, Boat Ramp Committee, Agricultural Commission and Planning
Board. Also on the table today is a review a proposed amendment to the
towns Personnel policy. The town clerk has suggested that the personnel
policy be separate from town by-laws. The meeting gets underway at 4:00
this afternoon .

Great Barrington Affordable Housing Open House Tonight

The Hillside Avenue Affordable Housing Project in Great Barrington is
holding an open house this evening. The open house looks to to give the
public an inside and out view of the towns first new construction of
affordable housing units in more than a decade. The project located at
16 Hillside Avenue features ten affordable units, all of which are
expected to be fully leased by July 1st. More than 150 families are on a
waiting list for the units. The Hillside Avenue project was funded with
local, state and federal funding dollars including quasi-public/private
financing from local financial institutions including TD Bank and
Pittsfield Co-operative Bank with the Federal Home Loan Bank in Boston.
The open house tonight goes from 5:30 to 7:00.