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Rollout of smart meters in Berkshires prompts discussions from local governing boards, community members

Experts and town officials tout radiofrequency education as the first step in understanding the issue.

After 2 years, Stockbridge Police Chief Robert Eaton moves on

Stockbridge Selectmen have yet to receive a letter of resignation, but “our board will have something to say,” according to Selectman Steve Shatz.

Thomas Haas, 86, former Egremont Selectman, television news director

Tom had a strong sense of justice, fairness, character and truth. He loved the excitement of live television and worked on various shows as Director or Production Chief.

Bioremediation ‘significantly’ neutralized pollution at Log Homes site, firm contends

If the state Department of Environmental Protection will allow it, Biopath Solutions is ready and willing to return to the Bridge Street site and finish the job.

Great Barrington Selectboard endorses 100 Bridge St. project

Economic development promised by both the 100 Bridge and hotel projects on Bridge Street helped the town get a $2.1 million state grant to work on roads and utilities along this emerging commercial corridor.

Albina R. Opperman, 98, of Cohoes, N.Y., formerly of Housatonic

A friend to all who knew her, Albina may best be remembered as "The Avon Lady," having sold throughout the region for more than 40 years.

James “Jimmy Joe” Provost, 54, of Ashley Falls

Jimmy worked as a carpenter building homes. He rebuilt the Corn Crib after the fire and framed houses in Georgia for five years.

Barbara Jean Martin, 76, of Housatonic

Barbara worked at Country Curtains in Housatonic and as an operator for New England Telephone.

News Briefs: MASSPIRG launches clean energy campaign

This semester the student advocacy group is focusing its efforts on climate change.

Planners seek public input for solutions to Lake Mansfield access

It’s a “unique lake in Berkshire County. There are few so close to downtown … It’s not private and just for town residents. It’s a public resource in walking distance from several neighborhoods, and for visitors." -- Great Barrington Town Planner Christopher Rembold

Capt. Herbert Irving Mandel, 98, of Lenox, U.S. Navy (Retired), graduate of U.S. Naval Academy

For his service in WWII, he was awarded a second Gold Star in lieu of his third Silver Star medal. His funeral with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring.

IN THE FIELD: The Great Horned Owl

One early field guide accused the Great Horned Owl of suggesting “every form of dark emotion by its voice.”

MassDOT ponders need for traffic light at high school entrance

In the meantime, the state has installed mobile digital speed trailers on U.S. Route 7 at both the north and south approaches to the Berkshire Hills school campuses to slow traffic down.

David S. Wells, 74, of Sheffield

David was a building contractor and leaves numerous beautiful homes that he either built or historically renovated.

Hotel at Searles School campus earns endorsement of Great Barrington Planning Board

The hotel was designed by the same people who designed the adjacent former Bryant School, turning it into Iredale Mineral Cosmetics’ modern world headquarters while sensitively preserving the former school’s charms.

News Briefs: Governor Baker statement on White House opioid abuse proposal

"With nearly four people dying per day from overdoses in our state, it is clear that this epidemic transcends partisan boundaries." -- Gov. Charlie Baker

Adam Hinds, executive director of Community Coalition, to run for Downing’s Senate seat

A Wesleyan University grad who studied international law and negotiation at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Hinds started Pittsfield Community Connection, a program designed to proactively engage at-risk youth.