25th Annual Berkshire Robotics Challenge Set for March 14 in Dalton

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DALTON, Mass. — The Berkshire Innovation Center will host the 25th annual Berkshire Robotics Challenge on Saturday, March 14, at Wahconah Regional High School. The event, which is free and open to the public, features 25 teams comprising more than 250 students from throughout Berkshire County.
 
This year's theme, "UNEARTHED," focuses on archaeology. Participating students will use programmable robots to complete missions designed to simulate uncovering historical artifacts and innovations.
 
The program begins at 8:55 a.m. with a keynote address by Dr. Antonia Foias, Parish Professor of Anthropology at Williams College. Competition rounds are scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and noon. Following the initial rounds, the top eight point-scorers will advance to the "Great Eight Playoff" at 12:35 p.m.
 
An awards ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Honors will be presented in several categories, including:
 
Performance Awards: Challenge Champion, First Runner Up, and Semi-Finalists.
 
Design & Technical Awards: Best Mechanical Design, Most Innovative Design, Best Programming, and Best Research Project.
 
Special Recognition: Sportsmanship, Team Spirit, "Comeback Kids," and "Against All Odds" awards.
 
The Berkshire Innovation Center serves as both the host and primary sponsor for the annual competition.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Bell, Ogle Win at May Day Race in Dalton

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DALTON, Mass. -- Stefan Ogle was the top male 5-kilometer finisher and Lindley Bell the top female 5K finisher at the 2026 Community Recreation Association May Day Races on Sunday at Nessacus Middle School.
 
Ogle’s winning 5K time was 19 minutes, 7 seconds, Brady Payson was second in 19:41, and Lake Kittler third in 19:43. Bell’s winning women’s time was 23:56, followed by Kristy MacWilliams in 24:22 and Chelsea Smith in 29:20.
 
Girls led the Splatter Sprint mile race, with Payton Anastasio, age 11, the top overall finisher in in 8:07, 12-year-old Breelin Touponce second in 8:44 and 11-year-old Brooklyn Renderer third in 8:45. The top three boys were Jace Esposito in 8:54, Michael Londergan in 10:15 and Samuel King in 10:38.
 
In the kids’ Obstacles & Popsicles half-mile race for ages 6-8, 7-year-old Henry King was first in 4:00, 8-year-old Jake Vosburgh finished second in 4:01, while 7-year-old Maisey Reed was third in 4:31. Evan Vreeland was third among the boys in 4:41, while Cecelia Polson was the second-place girl in 4:37 and Harper Phelps was third in 4:40.
 
In the 5-and-under race, Jack Barbour was first among the boys in 4:38, Jackson Lavierdiere was second in 5:05, and Mae Cimini third in 5:10. Kennedy Phelps was the top girl in 5:14, while Laura Vosburgh was second in 5:57 and Olivia Shea third 5:58. 
 
5K Race
1. Stefan Ogle, 19:07. 2. Brady Payson, 19:41. 3. Lake Kittler, 19:43. 4. Brian Ducey, 19:46. 5. Chaz Mahar, 21:35. 6. Philip Malm, 21:50. 7. Benjamin Ward, 22:48. 8. Bret Matthews, 23:11. 9. Robert King, 23:28. 10. Noah Aldrich, 23:50.
 
Kids' Splatter Sprint 1 Mile Race
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