Dalton National Guard Airman Receives New Rank, New Responsibilities

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LATHAM, N.Y. — A Dalton, Mass., airman has been promoted in rank in the New York Air National Guard.
 
Charlotte Weiskotten, assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, received the promotion April 15 to the rank of airman, first class.
 
She is a cybersecurity analyst and a graduate of Wahconah Regional High School and the Community College of the Air Force and is currently attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. 
 
Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Bank, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announced the recent promotion of members of the Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
 
Promotions are based on a airman's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
 
"The New York Air National Guard is built on a foundation of talented and motivated Airmen, and this month's promotions are a shining example of that excellence," Bank said. "I am honored to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our airmen, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and contributions to our organization."
 
More information on the Guard here.

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CBRSD Makes Cuts to Lower Town Assessments

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — School officials say reductions in the Central Berkshire Regional School District's budget will be felt, but remain optimistic that it will not prevent them from being "the best regional district in the state."
 
Throughout the budgeting season, officials said they strived to keep the seven member towns informed amid contractual increases outside their control and concerns with a state aid funding formula described as "remarkably wrong."
 
The initial budget was about a 9 percent increase, but with "strategic reductions" the district was able to cut that down to 2.99 percent, bringing the total budget to $37,740,005. 
 
"This was no small feat," said Paul Farella, district's Finance Committee chair.
 
In earlier budget drafts, towns voiced concerns over significantly higher assessments, which ranged from approximately 7 to 15 percent, compared to prior years, when it was about 2 to 7 percent. 
 
With the revised budget, projected net town assessments are: 
  • Becket for $2,859,205, an increase of 5.49 percent
  • Cummington for $670,246, an increase of 5.11 percent 
  • Dalton for $10,106,445, an increase of 5.86 percent
  • Hinsdale for $3,277,495, an increase of 10.54 percent 
  • Peru for $1,083,751, an increase of 6.11 percent 
  • Washington for $826,774, an increase of 6.64 percent
  • Windsor for $995,438, an increase of 9.37 percent
"[The cuts] will be felt, but we believe that it is what is necessary for the time being to not overburden our towns while still being able to provide a quality education to our community," Farella said. 
 
Delivering high-quality education while responsibly managing public funds in a district, which like many rural areas, faces financial constraints is a duty Superintendent Michael Henault said he takes very seriously.
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