Latest news with #BerkshireCounty
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Western Mass. man pleads guilty to slamming 6-year-old into wall
A North Adams man pleaded guilty to assaulting a 6-year-old child in 2022 in Berkshire County Superior Court on Thursday, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office announced Friday. Jesriel Morales, 37, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated assault and battery on a child with a deadly weapon and two counts of assault and battery, the district attorney's office said in a press release. During the incident, Morales slammed the child into a window and wall, hit them with a belt, slapped them and then forced them to kneel on dried rice, the district attorney's office said. A judge sentenced Morales to two and a half years in prison, two years probation and ordered that Morales have no contact with the victim, the district attorney's office said. 'Jesriel Morales preyed on one of the most innocent members of society. Today my thoughts are with the very young victim. I hope this conclusion provides them some peace and feeling of safety and security,' Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said in the release. Three Boston minors charged after threat sends Billerica High School into lockdown Man arrested in connection with threatening to shoot people at large party in Boston Mass. man who supplied gang with 'particularly dangerous' drugs began drinking, smoking at 13 How pink heart shaped fentanyl led to Mass. father's 18-year prison sentence Springfield man sentenced to life in prison for grisly homicide, carjacking Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mass. weather: Temperatures to heat up the first week of June
If you've been eagerly awaiting the start of summer, the wait is over! After a cool but sunny Sunday with highs across Massachusetts peaking in the mid 60s, the first week of June is expected to get progressively warmer as the days continue on, according to the National Weather Service. Skies are predicted to stay clear and sunny through Thursday while temperatures across the state increase, according to the weather service. Highs Monday are expected to reach the lower 70s, while Tuesday's peak temperatures are predicted to stretch into the upper 70s and low 80s. Wednesday's highs are predicted to reach the mid to upper 80s in many parts of Massachusetts, according to the weather service. The state is expected to experience the highest temperatures on Thursday, with cities such as Lowell and Springfield seeing highs in the low 90s. Temperatures are predicted to cool off on Friday and Saturday as showers return to Massachusetts, according to the weather service. Highs on these days are only predicted to reach the mid 80s and upper 70s, respectively. Overnight lows are predicted to increase steadily with daytime highs, going from the mid 40s Sunday night to the mid 60s Thursday night. Skies are expected to remain mostly clear at night. The northern lights may be visible in Mass. Sunday night Update: Flood advisory affecting Berkshire County until Saturday evening due to substantial downpours Update: Rip current statement issued for Dukes and Nantucket counties until Sunday evening Wind advisory affecting 5 Massachusetts counties until Saturday night – gusts up to 50 mph Street flooding possible in Mass. Saturday due to widespread showers, thunderstorms Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mass. man with history of domestic violence found guilty of rape and strangulation
A Massachusetts man with a history of domestic violence has been found guilty of rape and strangulation after a 2017 incident. Christopher King, 34, was found guilty after a jury trial Friday. He was found guilty of rape, suffocation or strangulation and assault and batter on a family or household member. King was found not guilty on a second count of rape. In 2017, King also plead guilty to assault and battery on a family or household member. 'I first want to commend the victim for her courage in coming forward and testifying during the trial. I also want to thank the jury. This is the second guilty verdict surrounding sexual assault in just two weeks,' said Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue in a press release. 'While rape is all to common, it is extremely difficult to prosecute. The CSI effect has resulted in juries expecting evidence that simply does not exist in the real world. Domestic and sexual violence are often misunderstood allowing many perpetrators to evade justice.' Shugrue said he has been using grant funds to send prosecutors and advocates to trainings on prosecuting cases of sexual assault and domestic violence. 'It is rewarding to see their hard work come to fruition in these guilty verdicts,' he wrote. King will be sentenced at 2 p.m. on May 28 at Berkshire Superior Court. Here's where to see fireworks this weekend in Massachusetts Compassionate teen killed in after-prom crash on Cape Cod hoped to become a nurse Find this tucked-away lounge at Boston Calling for free merchandise, games Harvard doctors' research articles must be restored after Trump admin sued Mass. man convicted in savage 1990 Springfield rape denied parole again Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Update: Quarter-sized hail and damaging winds predicted with thunderstorms in Berkshire County Saturday
An updated severe thunderstorm warning was released by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 5:52 p.m. in effect until 7 p.m. for Berkshire County. The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (1 inch). "At 5:52 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Saratoga Springs to Colonie, moving east at 35 mph," according to the weather service. "Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees." Locations impacted by the warning include Deans Corners, Shakers, Bleecker Stadium, Chiselville, Grangerville, North Hancock, Readsboro Falls, Cheshire Harbor, Northumberland, Cambridge, South Shaftsbury, Wayville, Middle Falls, Loudonville, Bromley Village, East Kansas, Arlington, Albany, Clifton Park Center and Cohoes. The weather service states, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building." Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away. To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning. Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's a clear indication of nearby lightning. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. It's important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety. When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it's prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain: Beware of rapid water flow: During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. Maintain safe driving distances: Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Reduce speed and drive cautiously: On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water. Visibility matters: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds and quarter-sized hail in Berkshire County Saturday
An updated severe thunderstorm warning was released by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 6:16 p.m. in effect until 7 p.m. for Berkshire County. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (1 inch) are likely. "At 6:16 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Pittsfield, moving east at 35 mph," according to the weather service. "Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees." Locations impacted by the warning include Victory Hill, Lanesborough, Windsor, Hinsdale, Becket, Washington, Lakewood, Berkshire, The Boulders, Coltsville, Dalton, Adams Junction, Yankee Orchards, East Windsor, Peru and Pittsfield. The weather service adds, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways." Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away. To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning. Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's a clear indication of nearby lightning. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you've found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors. Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety. When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it's prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain: Beware of swollen waterways: During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. Maintain safe driving distances: Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Slow down and stay cautious: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes. Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
