Monday, March 16, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Shaw Israel Izikson

Shaw Israel Izikson is Managing Editor for The Berkshire Edge. Izikson is an award-winning journalist, editor, and photographer from Baltimore, Maryland. He was the winner of the 2015 New England Better Newspaper competition in editorial writing. Izikson is the former editor of The Winsted Journal newspaper from 2014 to 2017. He was also the editor of The Winsted Phoenix from 2019 to 2021, and most recently The Country Journal in late 2021. He has been in the journalism field for over 20 years, starting as a reporter for The Irregular newspaper in Kingfield, Maine. He worked at The Lakeville Journal company for 11 years, working as a reporter at all three newspapers owned by the company before serving as the editor for The Winsted Journal from 2014 to 2017. Izikson is an award-winning journalist, editor, and photographer from Baltimore, Maryland. He was the winner of the 2015 New England Better Newspaper competition in editorial writing. Izikson is the former editor of The Winsted Journal newspaper from 2014 to 2017. He was also the editor of The Winsted Phoenix from 2019 to 2021, and most recently The Country Journal in late 2021. He has been in the journalism field for over 20 years, starting as a reporter for The Irregular newspaper in Kingfield, Maine. He worked at The Lakeville Journal company for 11 years, working as a reporter at all three newspapers owned by the company before serving as the editor for The Winsted Journal from 2014 to 2017. Photo by Jamie Tilley.

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Berkshire Busk! closes second season

“I think people keep coming back to The Berkshire Busk! because everyone keeps having fun,” event founder and co-organizer Eugene Carr said of the event whose season came to a close on Saturday, September 3. “This is a great way to see all of your neighbors and meet with your friends. It’s great that the community comes alive at night here in Great Barrington.”

Stockbridge Select Board Chairman White: Residential Tax Exemption notion is dropped

In an interview with The Berkshire Edge on Thursday, September 15, White said that the idea of the town implementing RTE is dead. “A change like this would require broad support, which this doesn’t have. As far as I’m concerned, this matter is settled," White explained.

Housatonic Water Works increased Fredrick and James Mercer’s salaries in 2021

After receiving a letter from the state in August that it was delinquent in filing its annual return for 2021, Housatonic Water Works recently filed their returns, which revealed that company President Frederick Mercer and Treasurer James Mercer both received bumps in their 2021 salaries.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day events in October

The Alliance for a Viable Future will be holding a celebration of Native American culture in the Berkshires from Saturday, October 8 to Monday, October 10 to help people to "move into the future" and "to welcome the original inhabitants of the Berkshires," according to co-organizer of the event Lev Natan.

Town seeking information from Housatonic School developers

According to a document sent to The Berkshire Edge by Great Barrington Town Manager Mark Pruhenski, as part of the proposal, both potential developers for the former Housatonic School Building are required to submit commitment letters from lenders, along with a plan detailing the construction and permanent financing for the project.

OLLI sponsors Indigenous Peoples of the Northeast program

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is holding their program, "We Are Still Here: Indigenous Peoples of The Northeast University Days," through September 29 "partly to remind people that the Mohicans didn’t die out. They’re still alive and out here [in Massachusetts].”

Housatonic Water Works, permits, briefly discussed at 15-minute Select Board meeting

The Great Barrington Select Board held a short 15-minute meeting on September 12, during which they discussed the situation with Housatonic Water Works.

New director’s love affair with libraries continues

Great Barrington's new Libraries Director Samara Klein's heart has always been with libraries. She says she is hoping to restore many of the libraries' services that were scaled back during the COVID pandemic.

Vigil in Great Barrington remembers victims of drug overdose

A candlelight vigil for those who have been lost to drug overdose was held at the South County Recovery Center on Wednesday, August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day.

People’s Pantry benefit on September 22

“This is an excellent way to give back to the community, and there also will be wonderful music,” event organizer and The People's Pantry Board Member Rees Shad said. “These musicians give it their all, and I couldn’t be any more proud to work with them. We are always looking for volunteers at the pantry.”

Residents protest Housatonic Water Works, new developments with Mass DEP

On Thursday, September 1, company treasurer Jim Mercer issued a press release stating that its water quality now meets compliance with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection standards when it comes to haloacetic acids (HAA5). The following Saturday, September 3, residents held a protest in front of town hall as their water continues to be discolored.

Primary election results 2022

Throughout the night, The Berkshire Edge will be covering the results of the primary election.

Community organizer running for state senate

Community organizer Huff Tyler Templeton of Williamstown is running against State Rep. Paul W. Mark for the Democratic primary election for state senate on Tuesday, September 6.

Select Board reviews suitors for former Housatonic School property

The Great Barrington Select Board reviewed from WDM Properties LLC and Arete Venture Partners LLC to redevelop the former Housatonic School that has been vacant since 2003.

JUST IN: Pittsfield resident sentenced for embezzlement

According to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, Leonard Curtis has been sentenced to two and a half years at the Berkshire House of Corrections for embezzlement.

Protest against Housatonic Water Works this Saturday

A protest organized by Housatonic resident Denise Forbes on behalf of the Residents for Safe Water group is planned to take place against Housatonic Water Works in front of Town Hall on Saturday, September 3 at 11 a.m.
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