The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Sheriff’s Office Celebrates Retiree

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Courtesy of the RCSO
The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Corrections Bureau recently announced the retirement of Correctional Officer Bobby Patrick, who gave over 23 years of dedicated service to the people of Rensselaer County.

Over the span of Officer Patrick’s career, which began on January 5, 2001, he served as a positive role model to all staff, adding his positive sense of humor, strength, and guidance. Early in his career, Officer Patrick was a member of the Honor Guard and was an auxiliary transport officer. Officer Patrick was always professional and responded to multiple calls for help where he assisted his fellow officers and supervisors, and performed his duties to the best of his abilities.

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Petersburgh Town Board Highlights

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by Denise Wright
Even though it was Presidents' Day, the Petersburgh Town Board was hard at work at their February 20 meeting, preparing for the 2023 year concerning town events and building upgrades. 

Supervisor Katie Murray talked about a letter from Assemblyman Scott Bendett asking municipalities in his district if they had any ideas for potential legislative projects. One member of the Board mentioned that a possible plan might be a green project similar to the library construction grant but for small rural communities to be able to convert town buildings to green energy. 

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Grafton Highway Department Getting Much Needed Upgrades

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by Chris Tergliafera
The Grafton Highway Department will be seeing some much needed upgrades, with potentially more on the way. At the Monday, February 13th regular meeting of the town board, two resolutions were passed approving the purchase of previously used, but far newer equipment than what the department is currently using. Resolution 33 approved the purchase of a 2012 roller for $33.343, to replace the current unit, which is from 1974. Resolution 36 approved the purchase of a Buffalo Turbine Mega Blower for $13,695, replacing the current blower that is also from the 1970’s. Highway Department Supervisor Jarod Bouchard explained that the upgrades have been a long time coming, as the current machinery is so old, if a replacement part is needed, it has to be made in house, which is extremely time consuming, and cuts into time that could be used for other department duties. 

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New Lebanon Town Board Highlights

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by Chris Tergliafera
The board passed a resolution to rename the Music in the Park series to the Doug Banker Memorial Music in the Park Concert Series.

Pavilion Kitchen Renovations Bids
No bids were received for the pavilion kitchen renovation project. Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling reached out to five local contractors, four of which were too busy to take on the project, and one said they were interested but couldn’t get a bid in on time. The project will go back out to bid with bids due by 3 pm on Tuesday, February 28th. 

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Air Quality Monitoring Supported by Local Officials

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Courtesy of Rensselaer County
Local officials have joined Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin’s call for air monitoring in county and upstate following a train derailment in Ohio and release of hazardous materials.

On Tuesday, County Executive McLaughlin publicly called for the federal Environmental Protection Agency to conduct air monitoring in Rensselaer County and upstate to ensure public health and safety. The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio caused the release of hazardous chemicals being transported by the train, and McLaughlin said he is concerned about prevailing winds carrying harmful contaminants to the east and upstate New York.

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Charles T. Cinney – Obituary

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Berlin – Charles T. Cinney, 83, passed away peacefully after a long illness on February 17th, 2023 with loved ones at his side. Born on July 21st, 1939, he was the son of the late Mary and George Richmond of Petersburgh, NY.

Charlie was educated in Petersburgh and Hoosick Falls Schools. He was a lifelong Berlin resident who was employed for over 30 years at WJ Cowee in Berlin and later at the Berlin Central School District for over 20 years in the transportation department as a bus driver and mail carrier. [Read more…] about Charles T. Cinney – Obituary

38th Annual Ice Fishing Contest

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Courtesy of GLSP
After being rescheduled multiple times due to unseasonably warm temperatures and soft ice, the 38th Annual Ice Fishing Contest at Grafton Lakes State Park was finally able to take place on Saturday, February 11th. It was a beautiful day to be out on the ice, and we’re happy that so many people came out to participate.

Thank you to all of the contestants and volunteers who made this event possible. Special thanks to those who brought items for our food drive. 

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Idol Finalists Shine

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Submitted by BCS Communications
Ten Berlin Middle/High School (BMHS) Mountaineers recently competed for the title of 2023 Berlin Idol. The evening, organized by the BMHS Music Department’s Ms. Eliashuk and Mrs. Gould, was hosted by students Curt Hurd and Xavier Lamica. The guest judges for the competition were Ms. Honsinger, Mr. Gould, and Mr. Covell. 

The singers sang their first-round songs in front of the judges and three finalists were chosen to sing their second selections. The audience then voted for the winner. 

The finalists were Norah Smerdon, Maddie Rontey, Kenny Bull, Clair Schaaphok, Tyler Lumpkin, Maddy Vars, Bella Ray, Lily Mumford, Nate Goodermote, Kiley Quetti, and Alaina Gardner.

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$7.6 Million to Improve Animal Shelters

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Submitted by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced $7.6 million is available to support animal shelters and humane societies in making critical upgrades. This is the fifth round of funding for New York State's Companion Animal Capital Fund, the first state-funded program in the nation to provide for shelter improvement projects. Funded projects will enhance animal care and help to ensure adoptions for New York's dogs and cats.

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