Brittany Polito

LEE, Mass. — Two peaker plants in Berkshire County have been out of service for two years and are in the process of demolition. Local environmentalists are rejoicing.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The second extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail southward through the city is on schedule for completion in the fall.

ADAMS, Mass. — Hardline Studio opened its books on Friday, offering a variety of original tattoos created by owner Thomas Buckley. For him, this has been a longtime dream.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Rapid deterioration of the Peck's Road bridge has led to its closure until further notice and a hopefully expedited process to replace the entire structure.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city believes that traffic lights at the intersection of lower and upper West Street will improve safety.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Superintendent Joseph Curtis would like to see the district's cell phone policy tightened up after more than 6,000 violations were accrued during the last school year.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The only population growing in the Berkshires are immigrants, said Ilana Steinhauer of Volunteers in Medicine, and the region needs to be a place where people want to come and can thrive.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Herberg Middle School student has been identified as the presumed drowning victim at Benedict Pond in Great Barrington last week. Earl Giver Essien, who would have entered eighth grade in the fall, was remembered for her brightness in personality and academics.

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town recognizes the need for additional resources to clear damage from last week's storm.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Affordable Housing Trust has stepped toward allocating its $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding.