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Berkshire County, MA

Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From
Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From With Spooky Season over, attention is turning to the holidays and New York’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year’s tree is a 74-foot tall Norway Spruce from Massachusetts that was grown in Berkshire County in West Stockbridge, Rockefeller Center announced on Instagram. Weighing in at around 11 tons, it’s the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to come from the Bay State since 1959. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rockefeller Center (@rockefellercenter) The colossal tree will make the 136-mile journey to Manha…
Mass. Hammer Murderer Gets Life In Prison For Killing Sleeping Wife: DA Mass. Hammer Murderer Gets Life In Prison For Killing Sleeping Wife: DA
Mass. Hammer Murderer Gets Life In Prison For Killing Sleeping Wife: DA A Massachusetts man who beat his estranged wife to death with a hammer as she slept will spend at least the next 25 years in prison, authorities said.  Michael A. Cook Sr., of North Adams in Berkshire Country, was convicted of second-degree murder last week and was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday, Oct. 10, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. However, he will be eligible for parole in 25 years.  Charli Cook, a 41-year-old CNA at the former Willowood Health Care Center, was asleep when Michael Cook broke into her North Adams home in July 2019 and hit h…
Body Of 14-Year-Old Found At Western Mass Pond; Presumed Drowned Body Of 14-Year-Old Found At Western Mass Pond; Presumed Drowned
Body Of 14-Year-Old Found At Western Mass Pond; Presumed Drowned Police are investigating after a 14-year-old was found unresponsive at Benedict Pond in Berkshire County, authorities said.  Great Barrington police were called to the Beartown State Forest recreation area just before 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, after the child was found unresponsive in the water, officials said. Police and witnesses pulled the child from the water and began CPR immediately.  Responders rushed the teen to Fairview Hospital, but doctors were unable to save their life.  The child's name was not released.  Police are investigating the circumst…
Western Mass Eatery Will Appear On 'America's Best Restaurants' Western Mass Eatery Will Appear On 'America's Best Restaurants'
Western Mass Eatery Will Appear On 'America's Best Restaurants' The owners of a popular restaurant in Berkshire County made a big announcement on the eatery's Facebook page last week: they're going to be on the "America's Best Restaurants Roadshow" The owners posted the video on Saturday, June 1, explaining that producers will film scenes from the Lanesborough restaurant on Monday, June 17.  The show features hosts Theo Williams, Jacalyn Mains, and Luis Rivera as they try some of the best foods from across the country from small, family-owned eateries.  Biggins Diggins boasts on its website that the restaurant will be your new …
Man Who Raped 2 Children At Great Barrington Treatment Center Sentenced To Up To 12 Years: DA Man Who Raped 2 Children At Great Barrington Treatment Center Sentenced To Up To 12 Years: DA
Man Who Raped 2 Children At Great Barrington Treatment Center Sentenced To Up To 12 Years: DA A 44-year-old Berkshire County man who admitted to 23 charges including raping two 15-year-old girls was sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison this week, authorities said.  Douglas Agyeh, of Pittsfield, was a former staffer at the Brookside School in Great Barrington, a treatment center for girls with behavioral or psychological issues.  Agyeh worked at the residential school for several weeks in 2021. He was responsible for monitoring the girls' behavior and protecting them as they slept. However, he took advantage of this authority, court records show.  One of his vic…
2 Guilty of Trafficking 100 Lbs of Pot In Massive Grow Operation Uncovered In Western Mass 2 Guilty of Trafficking 100 Lbs of Pot In Massive Grow Operation Uncovered In Western Mass
2 Guilty of Trafficking 100 Lbs of Pot In Massive Grow Operation Uncovered In Western Mass Police and prosecutors unearthed a $3 million marijuana grow operation in a small town in Berkshire County, and now two men are going to prison, authorities said. And it was all thanks to a busted electric box and two quick-thinking linemen.  Yebin Mai, 32, and Dem Wu, 52, both of Staten Island, New York, were both convicted by a jury of trafficking more than 100 pounds of marijuana, the Berkshire County District Attorney said on Tuesday, May 7. Mai was also found guilty of witness intimidation.  The men were arrested on July 30, 2020, after repairmen from Eversource Electric…
New England Estate Built In 1780 Hits Market For $4.85M New England Estate Built In 1780 Hits Market For $4.85M
New England Estate Built In 1780 Hits Market For $4.85M Horse lovers or those looking for a historic home in picturesque New England will find that and more in a home/compound for sale for $4.85 million. Located in Western Massachusetts, in the Berkshire County town of Richmond, the 1776 home is on 27 acres. According to Zillow, it includes not only the home but also a "premiere" full-service equestrian facility, including indoor and outdoor rings. The stables and riding area.  Zillow The compound features a home with seven bedrooms, seven-and-a-half baths, three cottages, a barn for events, five paddocks, a 6000-square-foot heated aren…
'An Incredible Run': Western Mass Restaurant Closing After Nearly 50 Years 'An Incredible Run': Western Mass Restaurant Closing After Nearly 50 Years
'An Incredible Run': Western Mass Restaurant Closing After Nearly 50 Years A popular restaurant in Western Massachusetts will hold its final dinner service after nearly 50 years in business. Berkshire County staple The Old Mill, located in Egremont at 53 Main Street, will permanently close in early June 2024, owner Terry Moore announced on its website. “In early June, after 46 glorious years, the Old Mill will close its doors. We have had an incredible run and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the extremely dedicated staff that has worked alongside me all these years,” he said. Moore went on to thank the “countless wonderful guests” who have supported the restau…
Dad Admits To Toddler's Death After Losing Boy In Western Mass Brook While Fleeing Crash: DA Dad Admits To Toddler's Death After Losing Boy In Western Mass Brook While Fleeing Crash: DA
Dad Admits To Toddler's Death After Losing Boy In Western Mass Brook While Fleeing Crash: DA A Vermont man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges after his 2-year-old son drowned in Berkshire County when he lost the boy in a brook as he tried to run away from a car crash while intoxicated, authorities announced.  Darel Galorenzo, 36, of Readsboro, Vermont, admitted to charges of manslaughter, OUI-child endangerment, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle in the 2023 crash, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday, March 4.  He was sentenced to 9 to 15 years in prison, the DA's office said. Prosecutors asked for 12 to 15 years. …
Just Added: Historic $6.5M Western Mass Retreat Offers Seclusion, 4 Miles Of Walking Trails Just Added: Historic $6.5M Western Mass Retreat Offers Seclusion, 4 Miles Of Walking Trails
Just Added: Historic $6.5M Western Mass Retreat Offers Seclusion, 4 Miles Of Walking Trails A $6.5 million property added to Zillow on Thursday, Feb. 22, could be one of Western Massachusett's most tranquil properties.  The listing for the more than 300-acre property at 14 Sullivan Road in Sandisfield promises unmatched privacy with a one-of-a-kind story.  The 320-acre property is secluded in Sandisfield around Atwater Pond.  Zillow Atwater Pond is a remarkable 321-acre retreat in southern Berkshire County. An immaculately renovated mid-century house and 1920's guest cottage sit on the edge of a 32-acre, spring-fed pond, surrounded by hundreds of acres of pristi…
Armed Robber Who Zip-Tied Western Mass Bank Tellers, Got Into Vault Nabbed Months Later: Police Armed Robber Who Zip-Tied Western Mass Bank Tellers, Got Into Vault Nabbed Months Later: Police
Armed Robber Who Zip-Tied Western Mass Bank Tellers, Got Into Vault Nabbed Months Later: Police A suspect has been arrested months after an armed robbery at a bank in Western Massachusetts. The Berkshire County holdup happened Nov. 29, 2023, in Pittsfield, at the NBT Bank located on Merrill Road. Pittsfield police said employees called 911 at around 5 p.m. saying a masked man had pulled a gun on them and demanded cash. The robber directed the tellers to lock the doors, close the blinds, and open the vault. He then ordered the employees to sit on the floor and zip-tied their hands in front of them, police said. After grabbing all the cash he could from the vault and two tell…
$7M 'Fixer-Upper' In Western Mass With Indoor Pool Is Secluded Sanctuary $7M 'Fixer-Upper' In Western Mass With Indoor Pool Is Secluded Sanctuary
$7M 'Fixer-Upper' In Western Mass With Indoor Pool Is Secluded Sanctuary If you've got $6.9 million to spend, a natural inclination for solitude, and a working knowledge of 1920s architecture, then there is a place for you in Berkshire County.  A five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home in New Marlborough with nearly 6,000 feet of square space comes with 330 acres of land, an indoor pool, and a few problems, the Zillow listing says. The home built in 1920 consists of multiple buildings — the Tudor style residence with an indoor pool, shingled barn, Dutch colonial multi-family dwelling, a guest house, and several smaller sheds, and a workshop.  The residen…
3 Men Hospitalized In Western Mass Crash ID'd, Police Update Their Conditions 3 Men Hospitalized In Western Mass Crash ID'd, Police Update Their Conditions
3 Men Hospitalized In Western Mass Crash ID'd, Police Update Their Conditions Police have identified the three men who were injured after the truck they were in crashed into a tree in Berkshire County on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 9.  Anthony Nichols, age 41, Gregory Prince, 54, and Robert O'Bert, 50, all of Pittsfield, had to be cut from the truck after it crashed at 241 South St. in Pittsfield near the intersection of Broad Street just after 3:30 p.m., Pittsfield police said.  Nichols, the driver, was in serious condition, Prince was in fair condition, and O'Bert was in good condition Wednesday evening, police said. All three remained at Baystate Medical Cen…
'He Was The Best': US Airman From Berkshire County Killed In Military Aircraft Crash In Japan 'He Was The Best': US Airman From Berkshire County Killed In Military Aircraft Crash In Japan
'He Was The Best': US Airman From Berkshire County Killed In Military Aircraft Crash In Japan A US Airman from Berkshire County was one of eight servicemembers who died this week when an Osprey aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan during a routine training exercise, the Pittsfield Police Department confirmed on Friday, Dec. 1.  Jacob "Jake" Galliher, a 24-year-old father of two from Pittsfield, was aboard the aircraft that went down near the island of Yakushima on Wednesday. The bodies of the seven other crew members who were killed have not been found, the US Air Force said Friday.  It's unclear what caused the Osprey to crash, but a witness told investigators the…
Western Mass Man, Ex-Head Of 'Recount' News Site Had 'Large' Amount Of Child Porn: Police Western Mass Man, Ex-Head Of 'Recount' News Site Had 'Large' Amount Of Child Porn: Police
Western Mass Man, Ex-Head Of 'Recount' News Site Had 'Large' Amount Of Child Porn: Police A 44-year-old Berkshire County man and former editor-in-chief of a popular news site faces multiple felonies after he allegedly amassed a trove of child sexual abuse material featuring children as young as 3, authorities said. He also took is accused of taking part in discussions on how to abduct and rape children.  Slade Sohmer, of Otis, was arrested on Monday, Nov. 13, following a lengthy investigation and charged with two counts of having child porn and two counts of dissemination of child pornography, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. More charges are expect…
Mass Native Matthew Perry Dies: Hollywood Mourns Star of 'Friends,' Films Mass Native Matthew Perry Dies: Hollywood Mourns Star of 'Friends,' Films
Mass Native Matthew Perry Dies: Hollywood Mourns Star of 'Friends,' Films New England's own Matthew Perry, best known as the sarcastic, spastic, and overly-dramatic Chandler Bing on "Friends," died unexpectedly at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, Oct. 28, multiple outlets reported.  The Berkshire County native was just 54 years old.  Police were called to his home around 4 p.m. and found him unresponsive in his hot tub. No drugs were found at the scene, and no foul play is expected, according to the LA Times. The immediate cause of death is unclear.  Perry parlayed his superstardom on NBC's "Must See TV" lineup into several films and other major television rol…
Man, 49, Hit, Killed While Working On Western Mass Road ID'd By Police Man, 49, Hit, Killed While Working On Western Mass Road ID'd By Police
Man, 49, Hit, Killed While Working On Western Mass Road ID'd By Police A 49-year-old construction worker working on a crew repairing a road in Berkshire County on Thursday morning, Oct. 12, was run over and killed by an 87-year-old driver, authorities said.  Shane Cassavant, of Lanesboro, was working on the roadway near 777 West Street just before 8 a.m., Pittsfield police said.  Edward Ladouceur, of Pittsfield, was driving east on the road and was flagged to move into the westbound lane once at the construction site. That's when police say he crashed his Chevrolet Colorado into Cassavant, police said.  Paramedics rushed Cassavan…
Rare Endangered Plant Found Growing In Western Mass For First Time Rare Endangered Plant Found Growing In Western Mass For First Time
Rare Endangered Plant Found Growing In Western Mass For First Time Botanists rejoice. A plant that has never been seen in Massachusetts before was spotted growing in Berkshire County. Meet the pine-drops plant.  Amateur botanist Syke van der Laan discovered while hiking in the Berkshires recently. He wasn't sure what it was but realized its significance and alerted the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, who were thrilled at the find.  “The discovery of a new native plant here in Massachusetts is extraordinary,”  said MassWildlife’s State Botanist Robert Wernerehl. “We have more active professional botanists per square mil…
(Update) AMBER ALERT: Girl, 4, Abducted In Western Mass Found Safe (Update) AMBER ALERT: Girl, 4, Abducted In Western Mass Found Safe
(Update) Amber ALERT: Girl, 4, Abducted In Western Mass Found Safe New update: Police say they located 4-year-old Cortana Goncalves in a trailer park in Cheshire, Massachusetts, in Berkshire County. She is safe.  Brandee Arnold, the girl's mother, was arrested and is being returned to Springfield.  Original report: State police have issued an Amber Alert after a young girl was kidnapped from Springfield by her non-custodial, biological mother.  Brandee Arnold, age 32, is accused of taking her 4-year-old daughter, Cortana Concalves, on Thursday, June 22, Massachusetts State Police said. Arnold is believed to be driving a gray 2010 Honda Ac…
Body Of Missing Western Mass Man Found Nearly Year After Disappearance: Police Body Of Missing Western Mass Man Found Nearly Year After Disappearance: Police
Body Of Missing Western Mass Man Found Nearly Year After Disappearance: Police The body of a man from the region who was reported missing almost a year ago was found on Mother's Day of 2023, according to authorities. Western Massachusetts resident Lee Walter Meisenheimer, age 69, of Pittsfield in Berkshire County, was discovered in the area of Morningview Drive in Pittsfield around 6:25 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, Pittsfield Police said on Facebook.  Earlier Report: Police Issue Alert For Missing Pittsfield Man Police said they responded to the area after a resident called reporting possible human remains.  Responding officers confirmed the remains and ca…
Western Mass Man Thought He Sent Nudes To Teen, But They Went To Police Western Mass Man Thought He Sent Nudes To Teen, But They Went To Police
Western Mass Man Thought He Sent Nudes To Teen, But They Went To Police A 35-year-old Berkshire County man who thought he was talking to a 14-year-old girl online got a rude awakening after he sent her several naked videos of himself, federal authorities said.  Paul J. Bruzzi, of Lenox, is now charged with attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  In September, Bruzzi started a conversation with what he believed was a teenage girl on a social media app but was an undercover federal agent, the prosecutor said. Bruzzi allegedly sent them nine photos and videos where he displayed his genitals and pr…
Donations Pour In For 3 CT University Students Killed In Western Mass Crash Donations Pour In For 3 CT University Students Killed In Western Mass Crash
Donations Pour In For 3 CT University Students Killed In Western Mass Crash Donations are pouring in for three families who each lost one of their loved ones from a triple-fatal crash in Western Massachusetts this week.  Prem Kumar Reddy Goda, age 27, Pavani Gullapally, age 22, and Sai Narasimha Patamsetti, age 22, died in the Berkshire County crash that happened in Sheffield on Tuesday, Oct. 25, as previously reported by Daily Voice. All three were international students from India studying at universities in Connecticut: at either the University of New Haven or Sacred Heart University in the town of Fairfield. Patamsetti came the US only three mont…
Brothers From Western Mass Convicted In Luring, Shooting Death Of 18-Year-Old Brothers From Western Mass Convicted In Luring, Shooting Death Of 18-Year-Old
Brothers From Western Mass Convicted In Luring, Shooting Death Of 18-Year-Old Two brothers have been convicted in the luring and shooting death of an 18-year-old man from the region. After more than two weeks of trial in Western Massachusetts, a jury in Berkshire County found Omar Pascual-Polanco, age 26, and Carlos Pascual-Polanco, age 22, both of Pittsfield, guilty of first-degree murder Thursday, Sept. 22, in the death of Jaden Salois. The brothers were running a marijuana distribution operation through a fake social media account when they used it to lure Salois, of Dalton, from a home in Pittsfield early on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, the Berkshire DA’s Office said. …
Teen Found With Loaded Handgun, 'Substantial Amount' Of Cocaine In Western Mass, Police Say Teen Found With Loaded Handgun, 'Substantial Amount' Of Cocaine In Western Mass, Police Say
Teen Found With Loaded Handgun, 'Substantial Amount' Of Cocaine In Western Mass, Police Say A 17-year-old boy is facing drug and firearm charges after police in Western Massachusetts said he was found in possession of a loaded handgun and a "substantial amount" of cocaine. The Pittsfield Police Department in Berkshire County received a report about a teenager who was in possession of a firearm on Monday, Sept. 19, police said. The teenager, whose identity was not released, was arrested shortly after the arrest warrant was issued and found in possession of cocaine, a handgun, and a "large quantity" of cash, police said. Authorities said he was charged with: Carrying a loaded fir…
Man, 44, Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash Man, 44, Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash
Man, 44, Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash A 44-year-old man died in a single-vehicle crash in Western Massachusetts, authorities said.  Police in Berkshire County responded to the crash in the Town of Florida that happened on River Road around 8:11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, Massachusetts State Police said.  Initial investigation suggests the man was driving his 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle on River Road when he lost control and crashed, police said.  No other vehicles were involved and no other injuries were reported.  The man was taken to a local hospital where he later died, police said.  Hi…
Human Remains Found Presumed To Be Missing NY High School Teacher Human Remains Found Presumed To Be Missing NY High School Teacher
Human Remains Found Presumed To Be Missing NY High School Teacher This article has been updated. Investigators have recovered human remains in Western Massachusetts believed to be that of missing New York high school teacher Meghan Marohn, age 42, of Delmar in Albany County, an English teacher at Shaker High School in Latham. The remains were discovered by a civilian in Berkshire County Thursday evening, Sept. 1, in a heavily wooded area in the town of Lee, Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington said. Earlier Report: Massachusetts State Police Issue Alert For Woman Who Went Missing In Lee Investigators are still actively canvassing the area, an…
Employee Accused Of Intentionally Setting Fire At Western Mass Restaurant Employee Accused Of Intentionally Setting Fire At Western Mass Restaurant
Employee Accused Of Intentionally Setting Fire At Western Mass Restaurant An employee of a Western Massachusetts restaurant is accused of intentionally setting the building on fire over the weekend. Authorities in Berkshire County received a report of a fire at Olde Forge Restaurant, located at 125 North Main St. in Lanesborough, at about 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28, according to the Lanesborough Police Department. The Cheshire, Dalton, Hancock, and Hinsdale fire departments responded to assist the Lanesborough Fire Department and found fire coming from the back of the building. The fire was contained within an hour, police reported. Authorities said a…
Western Mass Diner Owner Saves Choking Woman, Report Says Western Mass Diner Owner Saves Choking Woman, Report Says
Western Mass Diner Owner Saves Choking Woman, Report Says The owner of a Western Massachusetts diner is being praised after saving a choking customer, News10 ABC reports. Peter Oleskiewicz told the outlet the scary incident happened Wednesday, Aug. 17, inside his Berkshire County restaurant, Miss Adams Diner, located on Park Street in Adams. When an elderly woman began choking, employees tried asking her about what she ate and offered her water, but Oleskiewicz said she was unable to respond. That’s when he sprang into action, implying in his interview with News10 that he performed the Heimlich maneuver. “With just one try it came out, so we’r…
Police Looking For Bank Robbery Suspect In Western Mass Police Looking For Bank Robbery Suspect In Western Mass
Police Looking For Bank Robbery Suspect In Western Mass Police are on the hunt for a man who robbed a Western Massachusetts bank. In Berkshire County, police were called just before 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8, with reports of a bank robbery in Pittsfield at the Greylock Federal Credit Union, located on Kellogg Street. Employees told police a man had passed a note to the teller demanding money. He was not armed at the time, according to Pittsfield Police. The teller complied with the man’s request and he fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, police said. Nobody at the bank was injured during the ordeal. Police described the suspect as a…
Police Issue Alert For Missing Man From Western Mass Police Issue Alert For Missing Man From Western Mass
Police Issue Alert For Missing Man From Western Mass Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man from the region who hasn’t been seen in several weeks. In Berkshire County, Pittsfield Police said they’re looking for Lee Walter Meisenheimer, age 69, who was last seen sometime around Wednesday, July 13. He’s known to frequent grocery stores and Walmart in the Coltsville area of Pittsfield, police said. Authorities described Meisenheimer as a white male with salt and pepper hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing brown pants. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Pittsfield Police at 413-448…
Single-Vehicle Crash Significantly Damages Building In Western Massachusetts Single-Vehicle Crash Significantly Damages Building In Western Massachusetts
Single-Vehicle Crash Significantly Damages Building In Western Massachusetts Police are investigating after a vehicle crashed into a building in western Massachusetts, causing extensive damage. Authorities in Berkshire County responded to a report that a vehicle crashed into a building located at 87 Wahconah St. in Pittsfield at about 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, according to the Pittsfield Police Department. The building that was struck was the former location of Johnny’s Beach Club, authorities said. Police said the two occupants of the vehicle were hospitalized for treatment of minor injuries. Authorities asked anyone with information about the crash t…