Sunday, March 22, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Terry Cowgill

Terry Cowgill is a journalist in the Berkshires and northwest Connecticut. He is the retired managing editor of The Edge, serving from 2017 to 2022. Terry is also a longtime political columnist for CTNewsJunkie, an award-winning media outlet that covers the Connecticut state government. A resident of Lakeville, Connecticut, Terry is a graduate of Bishop's University (Canada) and earned a master's degree in humanities from Wesleyan University. Follow Terry on Twitter @terrycowgill or email him at thenews@hotmail.com.

written articles

Berkshire cultural institutions fear impact of Trump’s budget axe

"This is a creative community that thrives with the inspiration and energy of hundreds of concerts, performances and exhibits throughout the year, as well as the educational and thought-provoking programs created through the CPB. All would be jeopardized if the nation no longer celebrated or supported the arts as integral to our democracy.” --- Beryl Jolly, executive director of the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington

Egremonters mull broadband options; only one gets MBI funding

Charlie Flynn, who chairs both the town Technology Committee and the Board of Selectmen, said the committee is meeting on Thursday (April 6) at 5 p.m. in Town Hall and the selectmen are slated to decide on a plan on Monday, April 10, at their regular meeting.

Beam collapse causes abrupt closure of Route 183 (Park Street) bridge

MassDOT has implemented a traffic management plan that includes variable message boards to inform the public, including one at the intersection of Route 183 and Route 7 (Stockbridge Road). The department says the signed detour utilizes Route 7, Route 102 and Route 183 in towns of Great Barrington and Stockbridge.

Mill River General Store changes hands, but not its unique community role

Built and opened in 1840, the Mill River General Store is the longest continuously operating general store in the Berkshires. "I'm a New Englander," said new owner Jessica Holcomb. "And this is an old-school New England concept."

Airport owners again seek permission for controversial new hangars

"There is no discernable evidence leading me to conclude future real property values will be negatively impacted by such an occasion and to assert otherwise is speculation." -- Town Assessor Chris Lamarre

Housatonic man dies in fall from village water tower

Although authorities could not reveal the name of the victim, multiple sources have confirmed the identity of the young man as Jesse Dupont, a graduate of Monument Mountain Regional High School.

Becket spikes medical pot facility again; advocates see flaw in state system

The 2-1 vote against the facility perpetuates an odd disconnect: More than 75 percent of the town's residents — second highest percentage in the state — approved a statewide ballot initiative in 2013 legalizing marijuana for medicinal use.

Suds and renewable energy: A marriage made in heaven

“We are on the front lines of environmental stewardship and forefront of sustainable brewery initiatives.” -- Andrew Mankin, co-owner of Barrington Brewery

Solicitation ban at town dump raises possible First Amendment issues

West Stockbridge — It might have sounded innocent enough. Ostensibly in response to complaints from residents about being accosted by salesmen, the Board of...

After robust debate, town and school budgets readied for Great Barrington town meeting

Unfortunately for Great Barrington taxpayers, the proposed BHRSD budget calls for an increase in the town's assessment of almost 6 percent, with an increase in Stockbridge of 1.16 percent and an actual decrease in West Stockbridge of 4.58 percent.

After imbroglio over fatal crash, Michael’s liquor license suspended for 12 days

Abdalla had destroyed a videotape showing him serving alcohol to the driver of an SUV involved in an April 4, 2015 fatal accident.

Berkshire County Dems galvanized, organizing to resist Trump administration

There was no shortage of ideas, starting with the unseating of a Republican Congressman John Faso, whose New York district, the 19th, borders Berkshire County. A complete list of organizations with contact information and links included with this article.

Stopping at Fuel, monks march to Washington for ‘sanctuary and demilitarization’

“We are showing active solidarity with immigrants, to honor the many people, faith communities and other communities and political leaders who are coming together across all lines to commit to sanctuary for our immigrant brothers and sisters." --- New England Peace Pagoda spokesperson Tim Bullock

Egremont mulls broadband proposals; residents decry lack of connectivity

After decades of living in the slow lane of dial-up, DSL and rickety satellite connections, Egremont now has more than one company vying for the right to slake the town's thirst for the modern age.
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