Market 32/Price Chopper Raises Funds For Red Cross Wildfire Relief

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Market 32/Price Chopper customers donated $63,338.77 to the American Red Cross California Wildfire Fund. Market 32/Price Chopper contributed an additional $10,000, bringing the total donation to $73,338.77.
 
According to CAL FIRE, wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in January burned 58 square miles and destroyed over 16,000 structures. The wildfires resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and 29 deaths.
 
The American Red Cross is providing disaster recovery centers, emergency shelter, meals, emotional support, and financial assistance. Customers were invited to round up their change to support these efforts from January 19 to February 15, 2025.
 
Blaine Bringhurst, Market 32/Price Chopper president, acknowledged the customer support for the American Red Cross California Wildfire Fund.
 
Kevin Coffey, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Eastern New York Region, stated that the American Red Cross provided assistance to Southern Californians, including food, shelter, and mental health services. He expressed gratitude to Market 32/Price Chopper and its customers for their support.
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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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