BCC's Director of Academic Advising Wins Award

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced that Director of Academic Advising and Coaching Lyndsay Isham-Morton is the winner of the Region 1 Excellence in Advising – Advising Administrator Award from NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. 
 
Isham-Morton will be recognized at a conference in April.  
 
According to a press release, NACADA is the leading association globally for the advancement of student success through excellence in academic advising in higher education. NACADA provides its members with opportunities for professional development and personal growth. 
 
As director of academic advising and coaching, a position she has held at BCC since 2021, Isham-Morton has overseen the unification of advising and coaching into one integrated team. She led this work, which is aligned with BCC's strategic plan, to support students, especially those from historically marginalized communities. She has also spearheaded innovation through the creation of advising learning outcomes, and she led the implementation of an online navigation system that streamlines advising processes and helps the College react quickly to student needs. 
 
"Lyndsay exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate and dedicated leader who fosters strong relationships with her team, faculty, staff and students,” said Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Adam Klepetar. 

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Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue. 

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry. 

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer. 

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday. 
 
The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings. 

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote. 

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Attempted murder
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

  • Attempted murder
  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday. 

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

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