Williamstown named among nation's best places to live for 2026

Williamstown earned national recognition Thursday as the town was named among the 12 best places to call home in the United States for 2026, according to World Atlas, even as Town Hall confirmed a more routine administrative change: Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin has or…

Senior Fitness Class Moves to School for One Week

Becket's free senior fitness class shifts venues for one week while the library adds a nature-themed evening program. On Friday, July 31, the class relocates to the Community Room at Becket Washington School at 9 a.m., followed at 10:30 a.m. by Creative Modern Dance with Louise. That ev…

Town Clerk's Office to close early twice next week

The Williamstown Town Clerk's Office will operate on shortened hours twice next week, open just 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31, and Monday, August 3, town officials announced. The reduced hours come as the office also processes 2026 Vote by Mail applications due by 5 p.m. on…

Berkshire Museum Debuts Renovated Aquarium With Octopus Exhibit

The Berkshire Museum has reopened its renovated aquarium, drawing visitors with new marine exhibits including an octopus display, per a July 29 NEPM report. Separately, Western Mass News reported that a Pittsfield pharmacist has been charged in Boston federal court with allegedly divert…

Stockbridge Conservation Commission Votes for Weathering Steel Rails at Rattlesnake Mountain Road

Stockbridge Conservation Commission approves planting and rail conditions for Rattlesnake Mountain Road culvert project.

Rain forecast cancels Wednesday Fitness Court class

Rain forecast forces cancellation of Wednesday's Fitness Court class as town prepares for National Night Out. The Wednesday, July 29 outdoor fitness session led by instructor Amanda Bayliss was called off due to expected rain, per the town's News Flash feed, while officials continue rea…

Select Board Approves Pole Petitions, Hears Route 2 Safety Study Update

Williamstown Select Board advances $500,000 Main Street corridor safety study and approves four National Grid pole petitions.

Obituary notices, week of 2026-07-20 through 2026-07-26

One Williamstown-resident obituary was published this week: Feldman, Don Marc, 72, who died Tuesday, July 20, 2026. The notice was posted through Echovita, with funeral arrangements handled by Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home. No additional biographical or service details were available in …

Obituary notices, week of Monday, July 20, 2026 through Sunday, July 26, 2026

One Sandisfield-resident obituary was published this week: Mason, Joan V., 90, who died July 14, 2026. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Homes of Great Barrington, per Echovita.

Obituary notices, week of July 20, 2026 through July 26, 2026

Four Pittsfield, Massachusetts obituaries published this week: Morgan, Victoria; McGrath, Joseph; O'Neill, Carol Jean; and Drosehn, Marion F. All four died between July 20 and July 21, 2026, with arrangements listed under Dery Funeral Home (Morgan, McGrath, O'Neill) and Dwyer Funeral Ho…

Obituary notices, week of July 20, 2026 through July 26, 2026

One North Adams obituary was published this week: Norman, Marie Rose, 80, whose arrangements are being handled by Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home of North Adams. Full details are available via Echovita.

Obituary notices, week of July 20, 2026 through July 26, 2026

One Lee, Massachusetts obituary was published this week: Gerard, Jared, 28, whose arrangements are being handled by Kelly Funeral Home. Full details are available via the funeral home's Echovita listing.

Obituary notices, week of 2026-07-20 through 2026-07-26

One Cheshire, Massachusetts obituary notice was published this week: John "Red" Clark Jr., 94, who died Tuesday, July 20, 2026. His arrangements are being handled by Dery Funeral Home, with the notice posted via Echovita.

Road, Bridge Work Begins on County, Yokum Pond, Tyne Roads

Road and bridge work begins on County, Yokum Pond and Tyne roads as Becket eyes a summer Swap Shop opening. Crews are underway on the Yokum Pond Road bridge project and paving between Route 8 and the Becket/Lee line, according to the town's News Flash, while officials continue seeking v…