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NYS Lt. Governor Arrested
According to the New York Times and WNBC in New York City, Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin has been arrested on campaign finance fraud-related charges and is expected to appear in Manhattan Federal Court later today
Uncle Sam Parking Garage Coming Down
A long time stable in Troy, now closed because it has fallen into disrepair , the Uncle Same Parking Garage is slated to be torn down within the next couple of months, according to City Council President Carmella Mantello. Large concrete portions of the structure starting falling down when the garage was used by the NYS Labor Department for parking when they had offices in the Troy Atrium.
Ms. Mantello does not have a problem with the structure being demolished, what concerns her is that it becomes just a large hole in the ground in the middle of the city. The Council President tells The Eastwick Press “I have requested the planning commission (director) ensure landscaping, trees and that the location is clean and safe while they put together their plans to redevelop the site. Also I don’t want it to sit idle and a hole at the gateway of the city and the bond should be the developer present a plan before the planning commission within one year.”
Security Incident at Ichabod Crane Schools
Sheriff Donald Krapf reports that the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office handled a school incident at the Ichabod Crane Central School (Kinderhook) on April 6th at about 11:30 am.
A group of students reported a social media post that was a cause for concern and the school resource Deputy was immediately notified by school administrative staff. Once the post was viewed by the school resource Deputy, protocols were put in place for a Lock Out in the primary and Middle Schools and Shelter in Place for the high school. Law Enforcement was able to quickly identify the source of the media post and conduct a thorough investigation which allowed the school to be reopened shortly after the regular daily dismissal.
A sixteen year old was arrested and charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident in the Third degree (A Misdemeanor).
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New York State Police, and the Albany Police Department. Several canines were brought in from each agency to sweep the school in an abundance of caution to ensure there was no threat.
“I credit the quick and successful resolution of this incident to the dedication and hard work of the men and woman of the Sheriff’s Office and the multiple agencies that responded. I would also like to thank the school district staff and students for their patience, and cooperation which assisted greatly in allowing Law Enforcement to ensure the safety of the campus.” states Sheriff Krapf.
Submitted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office
Stephentown Annual Easter Party
The Easter Party is back on Saturday, April 16 at 1 pm at the Stephentown Memorial Library. Join the festivities for games, candy crafts and a visit with the Easter Bunny, who will be escorted to the Library by the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department.
New Lebanon Clean Up Day
It’s been a difficult year, but here is spring again, right on schedule, so some of us residents of New Lebanon are planning to show our gratitude on April 23, the Saturday after Earth Day.
Bring your family and meet with us at the Pavilion at Shatford Park at 10:00 am. We will assign you and your family to a team and provide the equipment you will need for an hour of safely picking up litter along a predetermined route.
Refreshments back in the Park will follow.
Bring your own gloves and reflective vests if you have them. If you don’t, we will supply them.
Let us know you plan to join us by contacting Bob Gilson at nlcac.gilson@gmail.com.
Monday Fires Destroy Two Buildings
by Doug La Rocque
Stephentown firefighters were called out on Monday evening, April 4, to battle flames at an unoccupied structure at 345 West Road. The first units on the scene reported the building to be fully engulfed in flames and called for mutual aid from Berlin and Lebanon Valley, while the Hancock Fire Department was placed on standby. According to Sidewinder Photography on the scene, firefighters had to lay a significant amount of hose from the water source to battle the flames. [Read more…] about Monday Fires Destroy Two Buildings
Mrs. Kent Honored as Principal of the Year
Submitted by BCS Communications
Congratulations to Berlin Elementary School Principal Mrs. Tracy Kent, who was awarded the 2022 Principal of the Year honor by the Greater Capital Region Principal Center and the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA).
The Principal of the Year award recognizes a principal for exemplary leadership qualities (highlighted by the unique challenges of the pandemic) who has made a difference in the lives of their students.
Tracy Kent has been in the field of education for 29 years. For 18 of those years Tracy was a classroom teacher. She transitioned into administration 11 years ago and has spent the last eight years as the principal of Berlin Elementary School. [Read more…] about Mrs. Kent Honored as Principal of the Year
Former Fire Chief Sentenced for Arson
Submitted by the Rensselaer County District Attorneys Office
Former Schaghticoke Fire Chief Matthew Woelfersheim pled guilty in Rensselaer County Court before the Honorable Jennifer G. Sober to one count of Arson in the Second Degree (class B felony), one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (class E felony), one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree and one count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (misdemeanor). [Read more…] about Former Fire Chief Sentenced for Arson
Troy Winter Lighting Festival
The Arts Center of the Capital Region, the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Troy BID are thrilled to announce Troy Glo, a dazzling new winter lighting festival opening the night of the 40th annual Victorian Stroll. The size and sophistication of the artwork is expected to draw an estimated 25,000 visitors from the Capital Region and beyond over the course of a month. Creative development for Troy Glo will be managed by The Arts Center of the Capital Region.
The Arts Center is seeking artists to design temporary public light art installations at various locations in Downtown Troy. With creative and artistic support from an experienced artist and curator, a team of five artists will be commissioned to design a series of temporary light art pieces throughout the Downtown shopping and dining district. [Read more…] about Troy Winter Lighting Festival