Rewind: June 14 through June 20

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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A lot has happened in the Berkshires this week. Here are some of the stories you may have missed. 
 
Berkshire Carousel Spins Again
 
For the first time in years, community members of all ages rode the Berkshire Carousel. The carousel re-opened with a new patio and volunteer support.  The efforts originally began in the late 2000s, and the ride hadn't operated since 2018. 
 
More information here
 
'No Kings' Demonstrations Held Around County
 
Less than 20 minutes away, hundreds of people filled the side streets near the Common to protest the actions of the Trump Administration. The effort was part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.
 
More information here
 
Mural Honoring 54th Massachusetts at the Center of Juneteenth Celebration
 
Pittsfield’s annual Juneteenth Celebration at Durant Park featured the unveiling of a new mural dedicated to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and, specifically, the Pittsfield residents who served in the nation’s first all-Black combat unit.
 
More information here
 
A Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Themed 'Young At Heart'
 
The Pittsfield Fourth of July parade is just weeks away. This year's event, themed "Young at Heart," will feature over 100 units, including more than a dozen floats, several musical dance performances, and other elements that celebrate the community's youth.  
 
More information here
 
Lanesborough OKs Towing Policy
 
The Lanesborough Select Board approved a towing policy that doesn't require companies to have a storage facility in town or charge the customer for a cancelled call. 
 
More information here
 
Pittsfield Adult Learning Center Graduates 62 Resilient Students
 
Sixty-two graduates received High School Equivalency Diplomas, Adult Diplomas, and or General Educational Development credentials during the Williams Stickney Pittsfield Adult Learning Center’s 44th commencement ceremony, held at Taconic High School.  
 
More information here
 
Clarksburg Elementary Bids Farewell to Principal, Administrative Assistant
 
Clarksburg Elementary celebrated its principal and administrative assistant on the last day of school.
 
Principal Sandra Cote and administrative assistant Donna Neville both decided to retire at the end of the school year.
 
More information here
 
Adams Town Meeting Approves FY2026 Budget with Amendments
 
Town meeting members approved all town meeting articles on the warrant Tuesday night after making some amendments to the operating budget.
 
Although the 108 town meeting members in attendance ultimately approved the $19,763,563 fiscal year 2026 budget that will raise $14,369,951 through taxation, they did make some changes to the operating budget.
 
More information here
 
Lever Partnering Two Companies to Use Local Wood in Berkshire Projects
 
North Adams-based economic development nonprofit Lever has partnered with Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and Hall Tavern Farm to supply local wood for four affordable homes in Williamstown, with support from a Massachusetts grant.
 
More information here
 
MassDOT Plans Replacement of South St. Bridges
 
The state will replace two structurally unsound bridges on South Street in Pittsfield within a couple of years, possibly resulting in a brief closure of the main route.
 
More information here
 
Kirvin Park Staged for 'Significant' Ecological Restoration
 
Kirvin Memorial Park is staged for "significant" floodplain and habitat restoration beginning in the fall. 
 
The city, in collaboration with the Housatonic River Natural Resources Trustees and General Electric Co., is working to enhance the natural resources of the Housatonic River Watershed.
 
More information here
 
Pittsfield Now Sisters With Cape Coast, Ghana
 
For the first time in 25 years, Pittsfield has a new sister city. During a signing ceremony, the city established Cape Coast, Ghana, as its new sister. 
 
The designation aims to foster cultural, economic, and intellectual exchange.  
 
More information here
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Adams Couple Faces 5 Years for 2020 Death of Foster Child

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Sentencing for the Adams couple found guilty in the 2020 death of their foster infant has been pushed off by two weeks.

The court wants to clarify care for their four children before possibly issuing prison sentences. 

Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker, on Monday, were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in the death of Kristoff Zenopolous on Feb. 18, 2020. 

Kristoff was just 10 months old when he died from complications with respiratory illness, strep, and pneumonia, and the jury determined that the tragedy was a result of neglect. 

On Thursday, Judge Tracy Duncan continued the hearing for sentence imposition to Thursday, April 2, at 11 a.m. She explained that the Berkshire Superior Court wants to know the plan for the family's four children, two of whom have high needs, before their parents are sentenced.  

The commonwealth is requesting five years in prison and three years of probation for both defendants.

Evidence presented at trial showed that the child died after the defendants failed to seek medical treatment despite clear and obvious signs that he required care. The medical examiner determined that the child died from complications of a strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema, a condition in which pus accumulates in the lungs and chest wall. 

Attorneys representing the couple have asked for probation and for staggered prison sentences if they are incarcerated. 

The court heard from Kristoff's birth mother, Kayla Zenopoulos, who said her heart breaks for everybody, and his grandfather, who lovingly described the baby's favorite foods, toys, and songs before his life was tragically cut short. 

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