The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Eastwick Press

Spring Brush Burn Ban

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning began March 16th and runs through May 14th. DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires each spring. Warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.

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Stephentown Board Highlights

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by Denise Wright
The Stephentown Board’s St. Patrick’s Day meeting began with a moment of silence to honor former town board member Gerry Robinson. Robinson focused on “improving local service opportunities, protecting Stephentown's unique rural environment, and increasing local jobs and amenities by encouraging economic development appropriate to the size, atmosphere, and well-being of our community.”

After the board approved the audit of claims and February minutes, the transfer station reported that a total of $5,581 was brought in for February. The new electronic containers have been updated at the transfer station and are now in place for residents.

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Petersburgh Town Board Highlights

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by Denise Wright
The March 17th meeting of the Petersburgh Town Board was full of awards, resolutions, and vivid discussion.

After approving the February 17th minutes, the department reports were given. The highway department reported that the town truck had been received. Finalizing information about the vehicle is in the works. The town has still not received another salt delivery, but it still has some in case a storm arises. The ambulance arrived a month ago and is working fine. The older one may be sold, but that is still under investigation.

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Five Arrested in Drug Bust Following Early Morning Raid

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Jeffrey Belschwinder of Sidewinder Photography
A multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of five individuals early Friday morning after law enforcement executed a search warrant at 99 Johnston Avenue in Cohoes. Members of the Cohoes Police Department, in collaboration with the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit seized a significant quantity of illegal narcotics, cash, and drug paraphernalia during the operation. Authorities confiscated 12.1 grams of cocaine, 6.9 grams of fentanyl, 17.2 grams of pressed Adderall, 3.1 grams of pressed oxycodone, along with $4,591 in U.S. currency, a scale, and packaging materials.

The investigation resulted in the arrests of five individuals, all facing multiple drug-related charges. Keijon A. Williams, 28, of Cohoes, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree with intent to sell (Class B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Narcotic Drug in the 4th Degree (Class C Felony), and two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) for possessing packaging materials and scales.

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Man Arrested on 30 Charges Following Major Drug and Weapons Seizure

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East Greenbush
Jeffrey Belschwinder of Sidewinder Photography
A joint investigation by the East Greenbush Police Department and the New York State Police has led to the arrest of Reynaldo Gonzalez, 48, of East Greenbush, on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

Authorities executed multiple search warrants on locations associated with Gonzalez, resulting in the discovery of a significant cache of illegal firearms, drugs, and other contraband. Law enforcement recovered eight illegal handguns, two shotguns, and two rifles—one of which was an AR-15. Also seized were extended magazines, a bulletproof vest, and various types of ammunition.

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Wildcats Compete at the New York State Indoor Track Championships 

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Hoosick Falls CSD Indoor Track

Submitted by HFCSD Communications
The Wildcats put forth a great effort at the New York State Indoor Track Championships on March 8th. The girls 4x400, consisting of Emma Waugh, Mihaly Blake, Ava Salvsevold, and Erin Conety, had a huge upset in their race. Going in as the underdogs, the girls won their heat and broke their own school record by 10 seconds with a time of 4:27.28. They finished 16th in the small school division! Following the girls, Michael Plusch put forth a strong effort in the Pole Vault, but unfortunately, no-heighted. The boys came back in the 4x200, consisting of Sam Fauler, Michael Plusch, Rich Stifter, and Jack Roseberger, with a new school record time of 1:36.26. They finished 20th in the small school division.

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Winter Scholar Athletes and Varsity Teams

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Brunswick CSD

Submitted by Brunswick CSD Communications

Brunswick CSD is proud to announce its winter Scholar Athlete sports teams for the 2024-2025 season. The school fielded seven varsity teams, including Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Boys Wrestling, Competitive Cheerleading, Unified Bowling, Boys Indoor Track, and Girls Indoor Track.

In addition to the exciting lineup of winter sports, Brunswick CSD is pleased to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of its student-athletes. A total of 66 varsity athletes have achieved an average grade of 90 or above. These scholar-athletes exemplify dedication both in their chosen sports and in their academic pursuits.

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Ronald D. Kaczor — Obituary

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Berlin – Ronald D. “Ron” Kaczor, 82, of Berlin, NY, passed away peacefully at his beloved home on Dyken Pond on Monday, March 10, 2025, of natural causes.

Born on May 28, 1942, in Amsterdam, NY, Ron was the son of the late John M. Kaczor and Josephine Kaminski Kaczor. He grew up in Amsterdam and then in Mayfield, alongside his siblings, while cherishing childhood memories and lifelong friendships in the community he called home.

After graduating from Mayfield High School in 1960, Ron proudly entered the U.S. Navy the very next day, serving four years with the esteemed Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seven. His time in the service, including during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis, was a source of lifelong pride, particularly the memory of enduring several days in a foxhole during that historic standoff. [Read more…] about Ronald D. Kaczor — Obituary