Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Holds Annual Meeting, Elects Board of Directors

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) held its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 and welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors.
 
During the meeting, members unanimously elected Linda Johnston, a veteran human resources executive with over 35 years of banking experience at Berkshire Bank, to the Board. Johnston brings extensive leadership expertise in talent development, workforce strategy, and organizational growth—making her a valuable addition to the Co-op's community-focused mission.
 
President and CEO Michael P. Daly reported that Co-op Bank continues to stand on exceptionally strong financial footing.
 
"We are proud to report that the Co-op holds the best capital ratio in the Berkshires and ranks among the strongest in Massachusetts," said Daly. "This performance reflects our commitment to conservative financial management, smart growth, and serving our customers with integrity."  Daly also noted a growing sense of energy and enthusiasm surrounding the Bank, both within the organization and in the broader community."
 

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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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