berkshire county

Social Media Campaign Promotes Prom Season Safety in Berkshires

Lucas Willard — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:24:09 +0000

A campaign aimed at parents and teenagers to encourage a safe prom season kicks off today in the Berkshires and online.

The three-week Safe Prom Berkshire County campaign is a project of the Pittsfield Prevention Partnership and the Berkshire Family Focus. With information passed on to teens and parents through community businesses and partners, and an online social media strategy, the campaign hopes to encourage safe behavior and prevent automobile accidents.

Berkshire Lawmaker Files Bill to Support Recovering Addicts

Lucas Willard — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:19:42 +0000

A Massachusetts legislator in Berkshire County is sponsoring a bill that would require health insurers in the state to allow victims of substance abuse greater access to recovery treatment.

4^th Berkshire District Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli, a democrat, is one of four co-sponsors of the so-called healthcare parity bill. The legislation would require health insurance providers in Massachusetts to pay for the continuing treatment of individuals recovering from substance abuse.

Berkshire Non-Profit Launches Teen Pregnancy Awareness Campaign

Lucas Willard — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:09:51 +0000

Berkshire County, Massachusetts has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the state. In Pittsfield, a local organization kicked off a campaign that intends to raise awareness of this issue.

Berkshire County Wood Products Industry Will See Changes Under Quarantine

Lucas Willard — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:36:53 +0000

Due to the discovery of the invasive emerald ash borer in Dalton last summer, Berkshire County is now under strict orders to contain the movement of ash lumber and all hardwood firewood from outside of its borders.

Dicken Crane sells ash lumber from his Holiday Brook Farm in Dalton. He said that if the quarantine zone were not confined to Berkshire County only, he’d have an easier time getting his lumber or firewood processed, which often must be done in other parts of the state.

Community Corner: Jason McCandless, Superintendent of Lee Public Schools

Lucas Willard — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:30:39 +0000

The search for a superintendent for Pittsfield Public schools has come to an end. Current superintendent of Lee Public Schools Jason McCandless will be taking the position in Pittsfield in the next school year. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Lucas Willard spoke with McCandless about his new job, the federal and state education budget, and closing the so-called achievement gap in Massachusetts Gateway Cities.

Lawyer for Berkshire suspect wants trial moved

Associated Press — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:20:32 +0000

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The lawyer for one of three men charged with a Berkshire County triple slaying has asked a judge to move his client's trial out of the county because "incessant" and "inflammatory" media coverage has "impaired" the ability to get a fair trial.

Berkshire County Unemployment Rate Now Higher Than Mass. Statewide Average

Lucas Willard — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:05:00 +0000

According to state officials in Massachusetts, the unemployment rose to 6.7% in December, and for the Berkshires, the unemployment rate is now above the state average.

Although the numbers released by the State Executive Office of Labor and Workforce development are not seasonally adjusted, the Berkshires now face an unemployment rate at 6.6% That’s up half a percentage point from October and November, and the highest it’s been since February 2012.