Beartown State Forest Campground Extends Camping Season

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MONTEREY, Mass. — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced Beartown State Forest is extending the camping season two additional weeks until Oct. 27, 2024. 
 
In July, the campground reopened with more than $350,000 improvements, including modern bathroom facilities and enhanced amenities.  
 
While the campground was closed, DCR made significant upgrades to the site including the installation of two brand new bathrooms equipped with running water and flush toilets, several new water spigots, and updated tables and grills. DCR also added internet connectivity and a new year-round staff position to ensure improved visitor service. 
 
Beartown's campground has 12 sites for tent camping. Campers can explore the 12,000-acre state forest that stretches through the towns of Great Barrington, Monterey, Lee, Tyringham and Stockbridge or take a self-guided hike along the 1.5 mile Benedict Pond loop. They can also fish in Benedict Pond, a shallow 35-acre man-made pond.   
 
To make a reservation and experience the upgraded amenities at Beartown State Forest, visit https://massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com or call 1(877) 422-6762, camping is by reservation only. The last day for camping for the season at Beartown is now Oct. 27.

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Connecticut Man Killed in Otis Tractor-Trailer Crash

OTIS, Mass. — Thursday's collision between two tractor-trailers on Route 8 killed one of the drivers. 
 
Antonio Luis Marcucci, 32 of Waterbury, Conn., was northbound at about 9 a.m. Thursday when he apparently lost control of the truck and veered into the southbound lanes, colliding head-on with a southbound tractor trailer, according to police. 
 
According to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, police dispatched to 1322 South Main Road found the truck with Connecticut plates in the northbound lane and a truck bearing Oklahoma plates lodged in a snowback on south side. 
 
The officer began rendering aid to the northbound driver, identified as Marcucci. He was pinned inside the cab of his truck. He was extracated and transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield by Otis EMS, where he was pronounced dead.
 
The driver of the Oklahoma tractor trailer in the southbound lane did not receive serious injuries.
 
Early investigation, including dash camera footage captured by one of the tractor trailers, shows the Oklahoma tractor trailer was traveling in the southbound lane and the Connecticut tractor trailer was traveling in the northbound lane, according to the DA's Office. The Connecticut tractor trailer lost control veering off the other side of the road ultimately ending on the southbound lane. Shortly after the two tractor trailers collided in a head on collision.
 
The investigation remains ongoing.
 
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