By Doug La Rocque
It was more than five years ago the Brunswick Planning Board approved the Aldi store on property next to Planet Fitness on Hoosick Road. The project ran into a snag when the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) refused to place a traffic light at the intersection of Hoosick Road and Lord Avenue. That signal was a demand by Aldi, who refused to spend a dime on construction without it. So there the project sat with neither side willing to budge. The time frame on the Planning Board’s approval ran out, and the project was dead in the water, or so it seemed. [Read more…] about Brunswick’s Aldi Opening Date Targeted
Local News
Free Tax Filing at HACA
For the 18th year, HACA, 26 John St, will assist taxpayers with free income tax preparation and e-filing through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is a free, IRS sponsored program to help low and middle-income workers have their federal and state personal income taxes prepared and filed electronically at no cost.
Tax preparers will meet clients at their cars in the parking lot to collect their information and documents. Upon completion, clients will be contacted to pick them up and sign the required forms for E-filing.
Appointments can be made by calling 2-1-1 from New York, or 888-367-3211 from any area, beginning Monday, January 17. [Read more…] about Free Tax Filing at HACA
Hoosick Falls Water Source Update
Board Settles PFOA Legal Representation Lawsuit
By Doug La Rocque
In December of 2021 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued what is called a Record of Decision that required Saint Gobain and Honeywell to drill two new wells and pipe the clean water to the Village’s pumping station. At the Tuesday, January 10 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Environmental Attorney Dave Engel presented the Board with an update as to the progress of the work. [Read more…] about Hoosick Falls Water Source Update
Inmate Charged After Attacking Correctional Officer
Submitted by the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department
An inmate at the Rensselaer County Jail has been charged with attempted murder of a correctional officer after an unprovoked incident at the jail on the evening of January 4th.
Matthew W. Fluty, formerly of Brookview Ave in Troy, is alleged to have maliciously attacked an unsuspecting officer, taking his two-way radio, preventing the officer from calling for help. The unidentified officer who was performing his lawful duties at the time of the incident was beaten, overpowered, and strangled into unconsciousness. Fluty left the officer helpless on the upper-level floor of the housing unit containing more than 30 other inmates. Fortunately, the officer’s radio had alerted the facility’s Control Room and help responded almost immediately. Fluty has been charged with: [Read more…] about Inmate Charged After Attacking Correctional Officer
Patricia E. Pitt – Obituary
Hoosick Falls – Patricia Ellen “Patsy” Pitt, 60, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at her residence on Richmond Avenue in Hoosick Falls. She resided there with her fiancé, Bob Nichol.
Patsy was born on January 2, 1963, in Bennington, VT, daughter of the late R. Edward and Patricia (Mahar) Carknard. She graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School, class of 1981. Patsy was employed at Rosenberg Construction in Hoosick Falls as a secretary until retiring. While in high school she was an accomplished athlete. Patsy enjoyed golfing, playing pitch, dancing to the jukebox, breakfast at Jean’s Diner, and spending time with her family and many dear friends. [Read more…] about Patricia E. Pitt – Obituary
January 13, 2023 Edition
View this week’s entire newspaper by tapping or clicking on the image: [Read more…] about January 13, 2023 Edition
Stewart’s Holiday Match Raises Over $2 Million
Submitted by Stewart’s Shops
The 2022 Holiday Match Program has raised over $2 million for local children’s organizations. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Stewart’s customers impressively donated $1,011,281 to the program and Stewart’s Shops doubled their donations. There are no administrative costs and 100% of the funds benefit local, nonprofit children’s organizations.
“We are continually amazed by the generosity of our customers. We are proud to double their gifts allowing us to share more with our communities. These gifts have the power to accelerate progress where it’s needed most and support projects and services that can fuel real change in our communities,” related Jennifer Frame, Stewart’s Shops Director of Corporate Philanthropy. [Read more…] about Stewart’s Holiday Match Raises Over $2 Million
Bourgault Sworn in as Sergeant
Courtesy of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department
On December 21, at the Public Safety Building in Troy, a formal swearing-in ceremony was held for the promotion of Deputy Kyle Bourgault to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Bourgault was sworn in by Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo, with family, friends, and colleagues in attendance.
Throughout his career, which began in 2008, Sergeant Bourgault has established a track record of professionalism and dedication. His many responsibilities include serving as the Public Information Officer since January of 2020, the Pistol Permit Background Investigator since 2016, and being a positive representative for the Sheriff’s Office in many community events throughout the years.
We wish to congratulate Sergeant Bourgault on his promotion and acknowledge his past performances and proven leadership, as well as his dedication and commitment to the citizens of Rensselaer County and to the Sheriff’s Office. [Read more…] about Bourgault Sworn in as Sergeant
Continuing Climate Success
Submitted by CSC Chair Steve Powers
Small but mighty New Lebanon continues to power its way toward achieving maximum climate change mitigation and resilience. It is the first in its region to achieve 5000 points in New York State Energy Research and Development Administration’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities program resulting in a $70,000 grant for energy upgrades.
The Town, with a population of 2305 people, was also the first in Columbia County to achieve Bronze Certification from the Climate Smart Communities program, which awards points for the completion of tasks taken to meet the challenges posed by climate change.
The Town Board has voted to use the latest grant for [Read more…] about Continuing Climate Success
County Announces Agreement with Employee Union
Submitted by the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
Rensselaer County has reached an agreement on a contract with the bargaining unit representing the largest group of County employees. The agreement, reached after collective bargaining, will provide long-term stability and support the County’s mission to provide services to those who live and work in Rensselaer County.
The four-year agreement will run through 2026, and provide salary adjustments both sides termed fair, along with stipend payments to employees.
The agreement is the first to be reached with UPSEU following the pandemic, where County employees were recognized for outstanding and valuable service during COVID-19.
“This is a fair agreement, reached after productive negotiations, and is a long-term agreement that ensures stability and continuity of services as provided by our partners in public service, the hardworking men and women who serve the County and its residents,” said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
The agreement will be sent to UPSEU members for ratification, and subsequently to the Rensselaer County Legislature for consideration in the coming weeks.