The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Eastwick Press

Masks Stay On for Schools, Off for Others

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by Doug La Rocque

Speaking at the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 9, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she would let the mask mandate on businesses expire as planned on Thursday, February 10. These businesses could, if they wish, continue to require masks if that is what they are more comfortable with. She said she would extend the mask mandate for schools, shelters, jails, nursing homes, childcare centers and public transportation for now.

In her announcement, the Governor said she would re-evaluate masks in schools in March, when she has a chance to look at the metrics of COVID-19 (infection rates are now down 93% since the start of the year) and develop “some clear guidance” for schools as to how to deal with COVID-19 situations when the masks do come off. She also stated she “feels compelled” to continue to protect the most vulnerable of our population as an explanation as to why the mask mandate will continue in senior related facilities, child care centers and because of the “closeness” of people in mass transportation. [Read more…] about Masks Stay On for Schools, Off for Others

Hoosick Falls Trustees Meeting

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Parking, Cops and Cats Center Stage at Trustees Meeting

by Doug La Rocque

In October of last year, the Hoosick Falls Village Board passed a local law amending the parking rules in the Village, and in particular at the Church Street parking lot. Twelve spaces close to the Tri-State Federal Credit Union became 2-hour parking, while others were limited to all day but not overnight, with the rest dedicated as 24-hour spots. The Board has been getting feedback since that this may have had unintended consequences, especially when snow emergencies are called. A number of possible solutions were bandied about but the Trustees were not ready to act on any particular solution at the Tuesday, February 8 meeting.  [Read more…] about Hoosick Falls Trustees Meeting

Assistance With PFOA Claim Forms in Petersburgh

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On Friday, March 4, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, March 5, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, Steve Schwarz and his legal team will be at the Petersburgh Town Hall, 65 Main St., to help residents fill out their PFOA claim forms and answer questions. 

Appointments can be scheduled by calling Emma Duggan at 212-558-5677. People without appointments will still be seen, but those with appointments will get first priority. [Read more…] about Assistance With PFOA Claim Forms in Petersburgh

Schodack Planning Board Highlights 

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by Denise Wright

The Schodack Planning Board was busy at their February 7 meeting. The Board approved a positive Zoning Board recommendation for a variance for a garage on a property on Maple Hill Road. 

Schodack Golf’s 12-lot proposed subdivision on Schuurman Road was discussed, and had their negative declaration was approved under SEQRA. The highlight of the conversation focused on water for the project. The first element was the potential 900’ extension of the water district. The second was the drainage on some of the proposed lots. The presenter discussed the possibility of dry wells and footing drains being installed on the lots. Vegetation on the lots and swales being impacted were concerns. [Read more…] about Schodack Planning Board Highlights 

Brunswick Planning Board Meeting

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Dish Wireless Proposal Ready to Move Forward

by Doug La Rocque

It was a small agenda and a very quick meeting for the Brunswick Planning Board on Thursday, February 3.

First up was a proposal by Dish Wireless to add an antenna array to an existing cell tower located at 809 Hoosick Road. At a previous meeting, the Board expressed concern over [Read more…] about Brunswick Planning Board Meeting

Matthew J. Larabee – Obituary

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New Lebanon – Matthew J. Larabee, 55, passed away at Berkshire Medical Center on Monday, February 7, 2022 surrounded by loved ones after suffering a cardiac event. Matthew was born on August 21, 1966 in Pittsfield, MA to Malcolm and Susan (Miller) Larabee. He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Pittsfield, and a lifelong employee in the family business, Larabee Fuel, Co. Inc. of New Lebanon.

Matthew had a passion for helping others, which started in childhood, collecting funds for The Muscular Dystrophy Association. This developed into an annual carnival-style fundraising event, which was enjoyed by all. Matthew presented his donation yearly on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. 

Matthew joined the local volunteer fire department as a young teen, and was serving as Chief of the Lebanon Valley Protective Association at the time of his death, a role which he cherished. [Read more…] about Matthew J. Larabee – Obituary

Paul O. Stewart – Obituary

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Grafton – Paul O. Stewart, 54, of Kautz Hollow Road, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family after a fierce battle with cancer. Born in Dover, NJ, Paul was the son of the late Clegg and RoseAnn Lepre Stewart and the beloved husband of Beverly Blevins Stewart. Paul graduated from Lenape Valley Regional High School in New Jersey and the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. He had worked for the Peterson & Sons Tree Service in Stanhope, NJ and in the late 1990’s he and his family moved to Grafton. Paul worked for Edelmann Sales, the Pittstown Highway Dept. and at the time of his illness had been a delivery driver for Legenbauer Gas & Oil in Averill Park. Paul enjoyed waking up with the birds to watch the sunrise. He loved the outdoors, tapping trees and making maple syrup, fishing, riding motorcycles in every possible environment, growing flowers and vegetables in his garden and spending time with his beloved dogs Dickson, BB and Piggins. [Read more…] about Paul O. Stewart – Obituary

Democrats Call for McLaughlin Resignation

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On February 8, the Rensselaer County Minority Office filed a legislative resolution calling for Steve McLaughlin to  resign from his position as Rensselaer County Executive.  

In December, McLaughlin was indicted by a County grand jury with grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing, allegedly stealing $5,000 from his campaign account in 2017 and paying a former female member of his NYS Assembly staff.

While McLaughlin continues to claim his innocence and his defense attorney Ben Hill is preparing a motion to dismiss the indictment for a lack of sufficient evidence, the State Attorney General’s Office told Rensselaer County Court Judge Jennifer Sober that the Attorney General’s case is ready for trial.  [Read more…] about Democrats Call for McLaughlin Resignation

Governor Hochul Lifts Mask Mandates for Some, Continues for Schools

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On Wednesday morning, February 9 New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the mask mandate for stores, offices and restaurants would be lifted as of February 10, the date her previous order was slated to expire. The governor did say the mandate will continue for nursing homes, public transportation and schools.

As far as schools are concerned, Governor Hochul has said her administration will continue to evaluate the overall progress of COVID-19 and look to prepare clear guidelines for schools to follow when the mask mandate is lifted. She indicated the mandate will be re-evaluated in March.

The Eastwick Press will have a full report in this week’s paper.