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Submitted by HFCS Communications
With the new Agriculture program at Hoosick Falls, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) club restarted for the first time in decades during the 2021-22 school year. The new program has afforded students the opportunity to compete against other schools in a handful of academic events, including public speaking and presenting about careers in agriculture. Hoosick Falls competed at three events this year: sub-state, regionals and states, with each round a qualifier into the next. [Read more…] about Haynes Wins State Championship

The Tuesday, June 28 primary election saw Democrats and current New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado win their primaries, receiving 4,015 and 4,336 votes respectively. Lee Zeldin claimed 2,351 votes on the Republican Gubernatorial ballot, over 30% more than second place finisher Harry Wilson. The race for County Court Judge saw the same two names on the ballot for both the Conservative and Working Families Parties. Debra Young won the Conservative primary by a margin of 1,047 to 413 over George Burke III, while Burke defeated Young in the Primary for the Working Families Party by a margin of 438 to 272. These results are unofficial until they are certified by the County Board.

by Doug La Rocque

According to a majority of Justices, New York State’s law that placed strict limitations on who can carry a concealed weapon, violate both the second and 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The vote was 6 to 3 and represents the Court’s conservative versus liberal ideological makeup. The decision finds in favor of Rensselaer County residents Robert Nash and Brandon Koch. The law they challenged generally prohibited conceal-cary permits unless the applicant could demonstrate a heighten risk that would necessitate the possession of a weapon outside of the home.

Writing for the majority, Justice Clarence Thomas concluded “that the plain text of the Second Amendment protects Koch’s and Nash’s proposed course of conduct- carrying handguns publicly for self-defense. Nothing in the Second Amendment’s text draws a home/public distinction with respect to the right to keep and bear arms, and the definition of ‘bear’ naturally encompassing public carry. Moreover, the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation, and confrontation can surely take place outside of the home.”

What They Are Saying

Reaction to the Thursday morning decision was swift, and basically split down political lines. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said “this decision isn’t just reckless, it’s reprehensible.” She also claimed “It isn’t what New Yorkers want.” Governor Hochul indicated at a morning press conference the state would, in her words, “seek a legislative fix to ameliorate its impact.”

Another lawmaker chastising the ruling was New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who called the ruling “not just irresponsible, it is downright dangerous.”

There are those who support the ruling, one being 21st District Congresswomen Elise Stefanik who released a statement that says in part “today’s Supreme Court ruling upholds the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and correctly declares New York’s shameful attempt to shred Second Amendment rights of New Yorkers unconstitutional.”

Ruling Has Major Impact.

The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is considered by many to be in most impactful considering gun rights in over a decade and will most likely affect laws currently on the books in many other states as well.

by Doug La Rocque
There were many resolutions but not too much other business at the May 12 Brunswick Town Council meeting. Of primary interest was the adoption of two local laws that extend the eligibility of senior citizens and disabled homeowners for tax exemptions. Both were approved. The Councilors also effected changes to the February Water and Sewer Rolls due to some errors and corrections.

Summer means road work, and Brunswick is no different. A resolution detailing the 2022 Highway Plan which designates which roads will be paved, resurfaced or otherwise improved was agreed to as was the purchase of a 2021 trailer mount asphalt hot box reclaimer. The cost was placed at $34,950.

On Sunday, June 5, from 8 am to 1 pm, the Columbia County Fire Training Center, 50 Grandetti Drive, Ghent, will be holding a Columbia County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Residents with large quantities must contact the administrative office at 518-828-2737 prior to participating. There is no charge for Columbia County residents. Proof of residency will be required.