Friday, November 13, 2026

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JOHN BREASTED: The Great Barrington Selectboard’s credibility gap

Transparency does not require officials to reveal legal strategy. It does require them to tell voters when the town has been sued.

Plastic water bottle ban based on misinformation

In her letter to the editor Tara White writes: "When you consider the vote to ban only water bottles, consider what you may be taking away from others."

With bylaw GB Selectboard seeks oversight on marijuana growing sites

In their letter to the editor Great Barrington Selectboard members Ed Abrahams and Sean Stanton write: "The Selectboard would like to be able to examine each proposed cultivation site on a case-by-case basis, giving neighbors a chance to weigh in."

Bottled-water ban should focus on all plastics, not just water bottles

In a letter to the editor, Janis Bosworth Graham-Jones writes, "The single, most effective thing a consumer can do to reduce plastic pollution of our environment is to ensure that any used plastic container enters the recycling chain directly from their hand.​"

Women’s Prison Project provides books to prisoners

In her letter to the editor, Susie Kaufman writes: “I was stunned to learn that New York State -- and no doubt other states -- are severely restricting access to books for incarcerated persons.”

Burke would bring much-needed new blood to GB Selectboard

In a letter to the editor, Eunice Agar writes, 'It is time for for those of us who are older to move over and give the young people who are raising families and doing most of the work in society a chance to run things.'

Wood’s local political experience good for Sheffield

In a letter to the editor, Binney Meigs and Katie Woodhouse write, "The Berkshires, and specifically Sheffield, are fortunate to have Rene Wood as a neighbor and a valued public servant."

Rene Wood’s devotion to Sheffield makes her ideal candidate for selectman

In a letter to the editor, Rita Vrhel writes, 'Her knowledge of Sheffield and regional needs is extensive. Her connections are deep as is her love for Sheffield.'

Don’t miss Joan Ackermann’s ‘QUERTY’

In his letter to the editor, John Jones writes: “I advise all not to deprive your verbal senses and to get a ticket before the May 19th closing at Mixed Company.”

COMMENTARY: Dental bill extracted from committee – at last

It has become a well-established fact by now that good dental health is a necessary and  contributing factor to good overall health.

Water bottle ban to help environment without burdening merchants

In her letter to the editor, Jennifer Clark writes, "We have had a positive response from our business community, with endorsements from 30+ retailers from Guido’s to Soco to Domaney’s."

SOUL SUPPORT: Small Things…A Mindful Practice

Anything we give our full attention to is worthwhile…no matter how small.

POEM: Portrait of POTUS at Play

Trump tees off.

Close enounters in Sheffield – of the municipal kind  

The only thing could have saved the monument from the opprobrium that rained down so universally upon it: If it had been as cute as ET.

LEONARD QUART: A day in Central Park

I like the way the city and Central Park interact — the feeling that one can find both seclusion and peace as well as communal excitement.

Plastic water bottle ban would be too much of a burden

Our town is changing and not always for the good. If we are not vigilant, we will destroy our community from within.

Berkshire Flyer will strengthen Berkshires’ economy

In their letter to the editor, Cortney Dupont and Sandra Carroll write, "The Berkshire Flyer is nothing less than an investment in our future, as to build an infrastructure for growth is certainly a prerequisite for growth to take hold."