No Drought Conditions In Berkshire County

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BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Western Region has returned to Normal Conditions. 
 
Drought levels remain unchanged throughout the rest of the Commonwealth with the Cape Cod and Islands Regions, and Millers Basin at a Level 2–Significant  Drought; the Northeast, Central and Connecticut River Valley Regions at a Level 1–Mild Drought; and the Southeast Region at Normal Conditions.  
 
Drought is a look back on conditions over a period of time. Despite some improvements, drought conditions have continued in most of Massachusetts.  
 
During November, Massachusetts received rainfall ranging from 3 to 5 inches, with the Cape and Islands Regions seeing the highest totals. However, when looking back over the past 3 to 6 months, many areas still show deficits in precipitation. The forecasted rainfall is anticipated to bring relief to some regions of the state. 
 
The current drought, which began in 2024, has had significant impacts on the natural environment, including
 the drying of streams in nearly all regions, lower water levels in lakes and ponds, resulting in exposed banks, and impeding fish passage out to the ocean. Watering restrictions were implemented over the summer, and the local water supplies are currently stable. 
 
 The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected and analyzed data from August 2024 through November 2025. 
 
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to assist communities in
managing their water systems. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions. 

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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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