The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Rensselaer County

Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp

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Courtesy of the RCSD
The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp.

​The Summer Camp is for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who, because of economic reasons, would not have an opportunity to attend a summer camp or enjoy a summer vacation. Campers must be up-to-date on immunizations and have received a medical physical after May 1, 2022. This year’s camp session runs from Sunday, July 23 through Saturday, July 29.

​Detailed information about the camp may be found on the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute website, www.sheriffsinstitute.org.

​Applications may be obtained by contacting the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office at 518-266-1903. Qualified campers will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for submissions is March 30.

Steve McLaughlin Found Not Guilty

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With jury selection taking place Monday, January 23, the criminal trial of Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin began on Tuesday, January 24. McLaughlin was indicted in December 2021 on charges of third degree grand larceny and first degree offering a false instrument for filing, relating to a $5,000 withdrawal from his campaign funds in 2017 that he allegedly used to pay an aide. The defense stated the funds in question were used legitimately to pay a consulting firm.

On Wednesday, January 25, after deliberating for about an hour, the jury found McLaughlin not guilty on all charges. 

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Emergency Services Training Complex Officially Opens

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Submitted by Rensselaer County
The new Rensselaer County Emergency Services Training Complex on Macha Lane in North Greenbush is open and ready for use as of Thursday, January 19. 

Construction of a new training complex has been a priority for County Executive Steve McLaughlin and members of the County Legislature, and has received strong support from members of the emergency services community. The new complex replaces the former training center, at the same location, that was closed several years ago due to use and age.

The new complex features responsive training devices and systems, live fire displays, digital fire displays, various combustible displays and exercises, a state of the art control system, and a smoke maze to ensure emergency responders have the training and skills they need to protect and serve the residents of Rensselaer County.

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State of the County Address

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Submitted by the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
On Thursday, January 14, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin gave an energetic and optimistic State of the County address to the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, noting the County’s success in reducing taxes, supporting job creation and investment, modernization of County facilities and services, and protection of quality of life.

McLaughlin said Rensselaer County is being recognized across the State for effective fiscal policies that have lowered County property taxes by over 25 percent in the past five years, along with improving the scope of County facilities through the Reimagine Rensselaer plan.

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Stefanik to Open Flagship District Office in Rensselaer County

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Submitted by the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin

The new Rensselaer County offices at 99 Troy Road in East Greenbush will also include the flagship office for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. 

The offices for Congresswoman Stefanik are the first congressional offices to be opened in Rensselaer County in recent memory. Former Congressman Jerry Solomon maintained offices in East Greenbush in the 1980s and former Congressman Michael McNulty operated an office in downtown Troy two decades ago.

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Bourgault Sworn in as Sergeant

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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.

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County Announces Agreement with Employee Union

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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.