The Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church Hosts Open House

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — The Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church invites the community to an Open House celebrating its newly renovated spaces on February 24th from 5:30 to 7pm. 
 
Offering a first look at the refreshed Common Room and updated facilities now available for rentals, partnerships, and community use.
 
With construction complete and the curtains finally down, the Open House will showcase flexible, welcoming spaces designed to support a wide range of activities, including meetings, classes, performances, rehearsals, nonprofit programming, and community gatherings. 
 
The event is open to the public, with special interest for artists, educators, musicians, nonprofits, and community organizers seeking accessible and adaptable space in downtown Pittsfield.
 
"This renovation marks an exciting new chapter for The Common Room," said Ingrid Kildiss-Hall, who helps run the space. "We're eager to welcome the community back in, share what's possible here now, and begin new partnerships that help this space serve the common good."
 
Guests are invited to tour the updated facilities, learn more about rental opportunities and community collaborations, and enjoy light snacks and beverages in an informal, welcoming setting.
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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the  POST Commission. 

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission. 

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted.  On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April. 

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday. 

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.  

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads. 

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline." 

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