Wednesday, November 19, 2025

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West Stockbridge voters add Tobias Casey to Select Board

The new member advocates being “part of a team” to bring meaningful business to the town and overcome the local divide between residents.

West Stockbridge arrests, safety calls increase as the size of its police force expands

The town may soon have a full-sized police department, with a candidate for a new officer recently interviewed.

Joseph M. Kay, 97, of Great Barrington

Calling hours will be Sunday, Nov. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m., and on Monday, Nov. 24, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. A Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev William P. Murphy will be at St. Peter's Church at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24.

Edward John ‘Ed’ Mordia, 88, of Lenox

A service of remembrance will be held at Christ Trinity Church in Sheffield on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m.

Berkshire Grown’s indoor Winter Farmers’ Market season begins

Berkshire Grown’s Winter Farmers' Markets host farmers and producers from Berkshire County and the surrounding region, proving that the season to buy locally grown food never ends for farmers and food producers in the Berkshires.

Johanna Janssen, 86, longtime Great Barrington resident

Johanna’s hobbies—entertaining; playing golf, bridge, and canasta; and attending concerts at Tanglewood—made for a very happy life.

Stockbridge Select Board considers whether to advance its stalled payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program

Will the town’s Pine Street courts revert back to the Austen Riggs Center?

PBS documentary on W.E.B. Du Bois to debut in 2026

To help bridge the gap left by federal funding cuts to PBS, Multicultural Bridge will host a fundraising event on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the organization's Solidarity Meeting House to raise funds to complete the documentary.

Peter A. Hagen, 80, of New Marlborough

A Funeral Mass for Peter A. Hagen will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m., at Saint Peter’s Church in Great Barrington, with Reverend William P. Murphy, pastor, officiating.

Giovanni Messina, 86, of Great Barrington

In keeping with Giovanni’s wishes, all services are private.

Welcome to Real Estate Friday!

Suzann Ward of Housatonic Real Estate offers a stunning post and beam home on beautiful grounds with sensational views in a great location. The biggest challenge for architect Andrew Webster of Graphite Studio was to preserve the charm and character of a two-hundred-year-old building while delivering 21st century performance and comfort. A report on real estate sales in the second quarter of 2025. Plus, recent sales and gardening columns and a home-cooking recipe.

Great Barrington Selectboard discuss priorities with new town manager

During the meeting, the board discussed the situation with Housatonic Water Works and infrastructure concerns as high on the town's list of priorities.

Sheffield Historical Society’s Veterans Day event honors Black veterans throughout U.S. history

“I think each of us has a story going all the way back to 1619 when those first enslaved people were sold in Virginia," said Civil War reenactor and discussion panelist Joe Zellner. "If we knew more about these people throughout history, I think we would be surprised and awed by their life stories.”

Housatonic Water Works: Public hearing in January concerning loans to build manganese treatment system

Company Treasurer James Mercer tells the Department of Public Utilities that the manganese situation “is not a health concern.”

Paul Dickinson, 81, of Housatonic

Paul’s wishes are for a private burial at Green Lawn Cemetery in Housatonic.

PREVIEW: A night with Berklee’s jazz faculty — McLaughlin Trio and guests perform Nov. 15 at Old Town Hall

Three Berklee professors demonstrate the artistry behind the college’s reputation for industry-ready training.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: Great Barrington Farmers’ Market wraps up 35th season

Market Manager Dennis Iodice called this year’s season “amazing,” with 1,600 to 2,000 people attending each market.