Thursday, March 5, 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.

written articles

BHRSD Superintendent Peter Dillon looking forward to new school year

“Overall, I think that this school year will be a good time to move forward,” Superintendent of Berkshire Hills Regional School District Peter Dillon said. "I think the most important thing families should know is that, over the summer, teachers and the staff at our district schools have all been working very hard to prepare for this school year, and we are all super excited to welcome you all back.”

District Attorney candidates debate issues facing Berkshire County

District Attorney Andrea Harrington and candidate Timothy Shugrue debated numerous issues facing Berkshire County, including substance and abuse and gun violence, in a District Attorney candidates debate on Monday, August 15.

Monument Mountain girls basketball team raising funds

As they await the start of their season just after Thanksgiving, members of the Monument Mountain Regional High School varsity and junior varsity girls basketball teams, along with their parents and boosters, are raising funds for the team's season.

Southern Berkshire Regional School District administrators earn Diversity and Inclusion certification

Two administrators for the Southern Berkshire Regional School District have earned Diversity and Inclusion certification through an online program offered by Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: Ruby Aver brings Tai Chi expertise from the Netherlands to the Berkshires

Former professional, classical, and contemporary dancer Ruby Avery is bringing her Tai Chi expertise that she developed studying under Master Djie Han Thung in the Netherlands to the Berkshires through classes, which she calls "Moving with Change."

Elizabeth Freeman statue to be unveiled in Sheffield

Sheffield's Historical Society will host a series of events August 19 through 20 prior to the unveiling of a statue that will pay homage to Elizabeth "Mum Bett" Freeman, a slave who successfully sued for her freedom in 1781.

Selectboard listens to concerns about Railroad Street closure

After hearing concerns from a Railroad Street gallery owner about preparation activities for the Berkshire Busk series on Friday and Saturday nights upsetting their and other Railroad Street merchants' business, the Great Barrington Select Board chose not to vote on a request that restaurants be allowed to set up an hour and a half early the events.

Housatonic Water Works delinquent in filing its annual return for 2021 with state

A letter by Records Access Officer for the Department of Public Utilities Legal Division Carline Lemoine has confirmed that Housatonic Water Works has yet to file its annual return for 2021 with the state.

Mason Library to host W.E.B. Du Bois sculpture and plaza project

In Great Barrington Select Board's August 8 meeting, representatives from the Mason Library presented preliminary plans for a W.E.B. Du Bois sculpture as well as renovations for the library's plaza.

New Great Barrington DPW Superintendent hired

Joe Aberdale will oversee the town’s highway and wastewater operations, cemeteries, waste transfer facility, and other town infrastructure.

Great Barrington Selectboard to review Housatonic School bids

After throwing out two of the four proposals to redevelop the former Housatonic School building for not meeting the minimum bid criteria outlined in the town's request for propels, the Great Barrington Select Board will review bids from WDM Properties LLC and Arete Venture Partners.

Housatonic Water Works saga: Resident plans to organize protest

During a citizens' comment period of the August 8 Great Barrington Select Board meeting, Housatonic resident Denise Forbes spoke about an organized protest event that she is planning with Great Barrington Resident Sharon Gregory against Housatonic Water Works.

District Attorney’s Office clears officer in shooting death

After an investigation, Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington found Pittsfield Police Officer Nicholas Sondrini acted in self-defense in the March 25 shooting of 22-year-old Miguel Estrella, who was going through a mental health crisis.

Housatonic Water Works wants to double customer rates for project

Housatonic Water Works plans to double customers' rates in order to cover the costs of addressing its ongoing problems with manganese contamination. The Great Barrington Select Board plans to discuss the company in its Monday, August 8 meeting.

MassDOT Advisory: Guardrail repair and bridge repair operations on I-90 in Lee and Becket

Guardrail repair and bridge repair operations on I-90 in Lee and Becket overnight starting August 8.

Pillow Pride returns at Jacob’s Pillow

Jacob's Pillow announces annual Pride event "Pillow Pride" for August 6th.
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