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News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – March 20, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena:  Coeymans Herald – March 19, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

GALLERY: Academy students dance for a good cause  

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaMarch 27, 2025 The Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts, 957 Route 82, West Taghkanic, held a dance recital on March 21 to […]

Hudson shows support for Ukraine with a rally and march

BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaMarch 26, 2025 HUDSON–A rally to show support for Ukraine was held on Saturday afternoon, March 22. A group of more than 200 people […]

Indulge that sweet tooth: Crosstown Maple showcases syrup production

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — Got a sweet tooth? Then Crosstown Maple on New York’s Maple Weekend is the place for you. Crosstown Maple on Blodgett […]

Get a look inside historic buildings in 45th annual Tour of Homes

ATHENS — On Saturday, June 7, the Greene County Historical Society will hold the 45th annual Tour of Homes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This year’s tour focuses on the village […]

Delgado, Hinchey and Barrett attend rally in Hudson

By DAVID LEE HUDSON–The Columbia County chapter of Indivisible held a rally on Sunday, March 16 to protest federal budget cuts. Headliner for the rally was Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado […]

AARP NY: Scams cost older NYers $23K per hour

ALBANY – With thousands of older New Yorkers losing more than $200 million a year to scams, AARP New York is calling on legislative leaders to join Gov. Kathy Hochul […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, March 27, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Joan A. Bellanger (1937 – 2025)

STUYVESANT—March 7, 2025, at the age of 87, Joan Ann Bellanger entered into the glorious presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at her home in Stuyvesant. In her […]

Jason M. Smith (1978 – 2025)

HAMPTON—Jason Micheal Smith, 46, of Hampton, formerly of Hudson, died Sunday, March 9, 2025 in Hampton. Born October 7, 1978, he was the son of the late Kenneth F. and […]

Paul H. Ford, Jr. (1941 – 2025)

CHATHAM—It is with profound sadness that his family shares the passing of Paul Henry Ford, Jr., 84, of Chatham. He was surrounded by his loving family when he went to […]

Barbara B. Williams (1948 – 2025)

HUDSON—Barbara Biondi Williams passed away March 8, 2025 with her loving husband by her side. Born October 26, 1948 in Albany, she was the daughter of Theodore and Peggy (Amodea) […]

Ernest W. Viebrock (1941 – 2025)

ALBANY—Ernest W. Viebrock, 84, of Ancramdale passed away suddenly at Albany Medical Center March 8, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 20, 1941 in Yonkers, the […]

Gail N. Howes (1942 – 2025)

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA—Gail Nancy Howes passed peacefully March 12, 2025 at Fairview Hospital, Great Barrington, MA. She was surrounded by her loving family. She will be deeply missed by all […]

Martin H. Clough (1935 – 2025)

PHILMONT—Martin “Marty” H. Clough, 90, of Philmont died peacefully at home in the company of his loving family, Friday March 7, 2025. Born in Hudson March 2, 1935, he was […]

Rory P. Callahan (1949 – 2025)

HUDSON—Rory Peter Callahan, 75, a resident of Claverack, passed away at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, after a brief illness, February 18, 2025. He was born in Suffern and raised in […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The one-room schoolhouse

By NANCY JANE KERN THE TELEVISION SHOW “Little House on the Prairie” has a good rendition of a luxurious rural schoolhouse. It is a point of reference and always reminds […]

Village plans public hearing on cell tower plan

By EMILIA TEASDALEVALATIE—The Village Board and the Village Planning Board held a joint meeting on Monday, March 10 with representatives from the engineering firm Tectonic about plans for a Verizon […]

A March of Milestones: Birthdays at Unbridled Sanctuary

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media As the buds of spring begin to unfold, marking a season of renewal and new beginnings, so too does a remarkable celebration […]

College & Military Corner

The following local students earned inclusion on the fall 2024 dean’s list at SUNY Cortland: Makenna Deitz of Ravena, an adolescence education: social studies major; Aidan Lochner of Ravena, a [...]

The Retired Investor: U.S. dominance of global markets

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media It has been a great run. For 15 years, the U.S. stock market has been the envy of the world. Led by […]

Positively Speaking: Say less

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media We’ve all had that moment—the instant regret of saying something we wish we could take back. Maybe it was in a business […]

History talk: Women patriots

COXSACKIE — The Bronck Museum announced this year’s Olga Santora Women’s History Lecture, “Growing Discontented: Women Patriots and the Political Rhetoric of the Founding Era,” presented by Dr. Lawrence Howard. […]

RCS CBA honors Guinevere Gorman of Grace Roofing

RAVENA – The RCS Community Business Association is proud to introduce She Means Business!, a new annual event recognizing and celebrating women who exemplify leadership, success in business, and deep […]

Living on Purpose: God is transmitting but are we dialed in?

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media As followers of Christ, we have the opportunity to become as close to God as we desire, and the result is […]

Social Security Matters: Can I avoid paying the Medicare premium?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: Is there any way I can get out of paying the $185 I am told will be taken out of […]

Building inspector accused of official misconduct

By DIANE VALDEN GREENPORT—State Police arrested Cory M. Birk, 38, of Catskill on four counts of official misconduct and four counts of petit larceny, March 7. On May 22, 2024, […]

Heavy discussion occurs on several New Lebanon issues

By DOUG La ROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–The New Lebanon Town Board meet twice during the month of March, with each meeting considering a very important topic. The […]

County board talks preparing for federal cuts

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Federal funding losses, student and youth programs, 11 Warren Street, artificial intelligence, a resource directory, and county taxes received attention at the Columbia County Board of Supervisors […]

Police: Round Top man arrested after 10-hour standoff

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CAIRO — A Round Top man was arrested early Saturday following what police called a 10-hour standoff at a home on Blackhead Mountain […]

Event: Greene County Animal Alliance pancake breakfast

CAIRO — The Greene County Animal Alliance will hold its second annual pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 23, from 8:30-11 a.m. at Old Factory Brewing at 628 Main St. in […]

Playgroups at FRC: Not just for children

By DEBORAH E. LANS VALATIE–A visit to the The Family Resource Centers of Columbia County (FRC) playgroup in Valatie comes with joy and learning. The joy is sparked by watching […]

Comments about lake access keep flowing

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE LAKE—When Copake Councilmember Stanley “Stosh” Gansowski renewed his call in January for the reconsideration of creating an opening in the guardrail at the southeast end of […]

Obituary: Florence M. Traver

The passing of Florence M. Traver on Thursday, March 20, 2025, is announced with heavy hearts. Florence was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She dedicated her life to […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Whittling Away: Heroes

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I was watching television last week when a catchphrase uttered by someone I didn’t recognize stuck in my head.  As I said […]

State budget, Albany investment take center stage

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY — New York state’s 2025 budget and a historic investment in downtown Albany were the focus of a recent Capital Region Chamber […]

Cabin Fever fundraiser packs the house to aid cancer patients

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE — It’s only the second year for the Cabin Fever fundraiser, but both years organizers have far exceeded their original goals. The […]

Aging with Grace: Ramblings from post-op recovery

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media I added yet another challenge this winter to an already trying few months. Recovery from surgery is difficult the older we get, […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – March 13, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – March 12, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors* *No issue for this date. The […]

Rita C. Zarek (1933 – 2025)

GHENT—Rita C. Zarek passed away March 8, 2025 at the Ghent Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born July 14, 1933 in Corona, NY, she was the daughter of the late Paul […]

Bonnie McAlister (1953 – 2025)

POUGHKEEPSIE—Bonnie McAlister, 71, of Germantown passed away at Vassar Hospital, March 6, 2025. She was born in Beacon, June 9, 1953 to Noel and Thelma Murry. She was raised in […]

David A. Bornt, Jr. (1982 – 2025)

VALATIE—David A. Bornt, Jr., 43, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly March 3, 2025. Born January 18, 1982 in Troy, he was the beloved son of David A. Bornt, Sr. and […]

Samuel C. Wright, III (1968 – 2025)

POTSDAM—Samuel C. Wright, III, 57, of Claverack passed away March 5, 2025 at Canton Potsdam Hospital, after being hospitalized while on an ice fishing trip with friends. He was born […]

Dylan T. Anderson (2005 – 2025)

ALBANY—Dylan Thomas Anderson, 19, of Ancram passed away peacefully March 4, 2025 at Albany Medical Center. He was born in Albany, August 29, 2005, the only son of Arnold T. […]

Ryan J. Meagher (1981 – 2025)

ELIZAVILLE—Ryan Jay Meagher, 43, a lifelong area resident passed away unexpectedly February 19, 2025 at his home in Elizaville. Born August 1, 1981 in Poughkeepsie, he graduated from Red Hook […]

Marcia Crisp (1938 – 2025)

WRENTHAM, MA—Marcia Crisp (nee MacDonald), 87, passed away peacefully February 28, 2025, in Wrentham, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by the love of her life, husband Fred Crisp, who passed away […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Our smaller crow

By NANCY JANE KERN MOST PEOPLE DO not realize we have two species of crows in our county. Our most common, usual crow is our American crow at 19” long, […]

David A. Smith (1948 – 2025)

KINDERHOOK—It is with endless sadness that his family announces that David Alan Smith, 76, of the Town of Kinderhook passed away unexpectedly March 4, 2025. He graduated from SUNY Albany […]

Jean T. Smith (1931 – 2025)

PHILMONT—Jean T. Smith, 93, of Kinderhook passed away peacefully February 28, 2025 at Pine Haven Nursing Home. Born May 29, 1931 in Vermont, she was the cherished daughter of the […]

Judge rules tax breaks on wind and solar projects are unconstitutional

By PATSY NICOSIA Times-Journal/Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY–Monday, March 3, in state Supreme Court, Sullivan County Judge James Farrell ruled that the state law that taxes wind and solar at […]

Spartan Strong News: Anthony Zhang is National Merit Scholarship finalist

GREENVILLE — Greenville High School senior Anthony Zhang is a finalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, a distinction that places him in a group of more than 15,000 […]

Coeymans Hollow, mutual aid battle brush fire

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — A brush fire on Tompkins Road drew a response from five local fire companies. There were no injuries in the […]

Soft Paws: Dog nutrition

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media Just a quick note to kick off this week’s column — the CGHS/SPCA food bank, which provides nearly 50,000 pounds of free […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, March 20, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Cause of fatal Kinderhook crash unknown

By DIANE VALDEN KINDERHOOK—A Kinderhook man was killed in a one-car accident on County Route 28, March 4 at 10:03 a.m. Columbia County 911 dispatched Niverville firefighters, Valatie Rescue and […]

Village elections March 18: New trustees run in Kinderhook

By EMILIA TEASDALE GHENT—The four villages in the county will hold elections on Tuesday, March 18. In three of the villages, Chatham, Valatie and Philmont, incumbent candidates are running unopposed. […]

Immigrants by the numbers

First in a series By Deborah E. Lans For Capital Region Independent Media In 1958, in “A Nation of Immigrants,” John F. Kennedy wrote: “Since 1607, when the first English […]

Obituary: Linda Carley Rippel

CAIRO – Linda Carley Rippel passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, surrounded by her family. Linda was born in Ketchikan, Alaska. The family moved to Greenville, and she was […]

Positively Speaking: Remember the Alamo!

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media My dad was obsessed with the Battle of the Alamo, which fell in the early morning hours of March 6, 1836—189 years […]

GOOD NEWS!: Community celebrates the Emerald Isle for St. Patrick’s Day

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media EAST DURHAM — The streets were lined with revelers Sunday afternoon for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in East Durham. This was […]

Town council votes on $17M state grant for power substation

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — The town council voted by a 3-2 margin in favor of a resolution aimed at moving forward with a $17 million […]

Hudson First Ward Supervisor hosts town hall for community

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Issues pertaining to Hudson’s waterfront, sites near it, 11 Warren Street, all of Hudson and Columbia County arose during a town hall/community conversation for Hudson’s First Ward […]

Living on Purpose: Staff Sgt. Reckless – No greater love

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media This is a true story about a war hero named Reckless who served in numerous combat operations during the Korean War. […]

Social Security Matters: Did we make a mistake starting my wife’s Social Security now?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I hope we haven’t made a mistake! My wife just applied for her Social Security benefit. She was born in May […]

LOCAL HISTORY: Kinderhook’s overlooked State Farm for Women buildings

By RUSS IMMARIGEON STARTING ABOUT 1903, the New York City-based Women’s Prison Association, which has thrived now for 180 years since its founding in 1845, initiated a 10-year campaign to […]

ICC looks at deficit as it plans for new budget

By EMILIA TEASDALE KINDERHOOK—At their regular meeting on March 4, Superintendent Marie Digirolamo told the Ichabod Crane Board of Education that the district is facing “staggering increases in our health […]

Catskill, Athens awarded $14.5M by NYS

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media The villages of Catskill and Athens were awarded a combined $14.5 million from New York state to revitalize their downtown areas and encourage […]

Supervisor’s Message: State of the Town — Coeymans’ strategic plan for sustainable growth

Submitted by Stephen Donnelly For Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS – At the recent State of the Town address, I outlined my commitment to aligning Coeymans with its history, comprehensive […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Whittling Away: Changing priorities

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media As I sink slowly into the seas of antiquity, I find frequently that things of importance to me shift up and down […]

Spartan Strong News: Underground Spirit Week

GREENVILLE — A group of faculty and staff at the elementary school organized a secret “Underground Spirit Week” recently, where the adults embraced themed dress-up days while the students had […]

Highway Department navigates road salt challenges

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS – A mix of supply chain issues, quality concerns, and price fluctuations has made road salt management a critical challenge for highway […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – March 6, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – March 5, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

THROUGH THE WOODS: The Blackbirds Are Back

By NANCY JANE KERN THE VERNAL EQUINOX marks the official start of spring and will happen on March 20, 2025. Can it only be two weeks away? We are enjoying […]

GALLERY: Warm nights mean short maple syrup season 

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaMarch 13, 2025 At the Farm at Miller’s Crossing in Claverack, the cold late winter weather has made for a relatively short maple […]

GALLERY: Maple syrup flows for now 

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaMarch 6, 2025 CHATHAM–Marian Day has a backyard operation to make syrup for her family use. She has 3 taps in the sugar […]

Cleland J. Wynkoop (1944 – 2025)

HUDSON—Cleland J. Wynkoop, 80, of Stuyvesant passed away at Columbia Memorial Hospital after a brief illness February 15, 2025. Born in West Haven, CT, he was the son of the […]

Richard A. McDonald (1943 – 2025)

KINDERHOOK—It is with great sadness that his family announces the passing of Richard A. McDonald, age 81, who died peacefully Saturday, February 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He […]

Thomas M. Davis (1949 – 2025)

STOCKPORT—It is with heavy hearts that his family announces the passing of Thomas M. Davis, Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the age of 75. A loving and devoted husband, father, […]

Philomena VanDeCarr (1943 – 2025)

HUDSON—Philomena “Dolly” VanDeCarr was born December 19, 1943 and died February 22, 2025. She was predeceased by her parents, Partemio and Luisa Cacchillo, and by her brother, Anthony. Married September […]

Irene Viebrock (1934 – 2025)

CLAVERACK—Irene Viebrock (nee Bauer), 90, of Claverack and long-time resident of Columbia County, died peacefully at home Wednesday, February 19, 2025. She was the daughter of Helene (Milchert) and Adolf […]

Arlene M. Hogan (1927 – 2025)

HUDSON—Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Arlene M. Hogan, age 97, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family February 9, 2025. She was born June 2, 1927 and […]

Sandra A.W. Kratt (1947 – 2025)

GHENT—Sandra Ann (Wagar) Kratt, 77, passed away February 22 surrounded by her loving family. Born October 11, 1947 in Chatham, she was the youngest daughter of the late Frances (Mesick) […]

Robert O. Richardson (1938 – 2025)

CHATHAM—Robert Osborne Richardson died February 21, 2025. “Bob” was born December 20, 1938 to Frank A. and Catherine Osborne Richardson of Rockville Centre, Pulaski, Hillsdale and Kinderhook. He graduated from […]

Kimberly R. Hartley (1965 – 2025)

ALBANY—Kimberly Rose Hartley, 59, of Claverack passed away February 13, 2025 in Albany. Born June 29, 1965 in Charleston, SC, she was the beloved daughter of the late Richard L. […]

Violanda Cordato (1937 – 2025)

GREENPORT—Violanda Cordato of Greenport, age 87, passed away February 16, 2025. She was born November 10, 1937 in Castlevetere sul Calore, Avellino Campania Italy, to Vincenzo Doto and Maria Grazie […]

Meghan S. Herchenroder (1987 – 2025)

STUYVESANT—Meghan Sue Herchenroder, 37, of Stuyvesant passed away peacefully at home, February 17, 2025. Born June 15, 1987 in Hudson, she was the beloved daughter of William Herchenroder, Sr., and […]

Betty J. Doty (1946 – 2025)

HUDSON—Betty Jane Doty of Hudson passed away peacefully February 7, 2025 at the age of 78. She was born March 27, 1946 in Stephentown, to Harvey Roberts and Gladys Jones. […]

Denise F. Hamm (1936 – 2025)

ANCRAM—Denise “Sis” Hamm of Ancram passed away peacefully February 16, 2025. She was born June 29, 1936 in the Bronx, to Frank and Helen (Hofler) Jones. She graduated in 1954 […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Amber the cat

By NANCY JANE KERN FOR WHATEVER REASON Amber the cat wandered from a neighboring farm and picked our farm to live. Fortunately for us, her owner said we could keep […]

LOCAL HISTORY: Exploring the Hudson Area Library History Room Archives

By BRENDA SHUFELT, History Room Coordinator THE HUDSON AREA LIBRARY History Room has monthly local history talks you’ve probably read about in this newspaper but also offers free research services. […]

Crandell Theatre renovations are underway

Photos and text by DAVID LEE CHATHAM–In late 2024, the Crandell Theatre, 48 Main Street, temporarily closed to begin a major renovation and restoration project. According the non-profit theater’s website, […]

Spartan Strong News: National Junior Honor Society inducts new members

GREENVILLE — Greenville Middle School recently welcomed 19 new members into the Greenville Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Congratulations to the following new members: Aubrey A., Kaitly, A., […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: Frosty days in Oak Hill and Vicinity

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media Wintry weather may not be done with us just yet, so let’s take a few minutes to think about winter weather […]

Police escort for AWB fifth grader

SELKIRK — A.W. Becker 5th grader Kevin from Ms. Palas’s class chose a police escort to school as his prize for being one of the top fundraisers for the A.W. […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, March 13, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Statewide burn ban begins March 15

As winter starts to loosen its grip, New Yorkers are looking forward to spring’s warmer temperatures. However, warmer weather brings with it an increased risk of fires. As the snow […]

Time to register for RCS spring sports

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — Now that winter sports are in the books, it’s time to sign up for the spring sports season. RCS offers the […]

The Retired Investor: Veterans take it on the chin in DOGE bloodbath

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media They love their country. As such, it is no surprise that many veterans would want to continue to serve their nation after […]

Positively Speaking: It’s not about you

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media We’ve all been there. You’re just minding your business, maybe running errands or sipping coffee, when—BAM—someone snaps at you like you personally […]

State of Emergency declared due to high fire risk

HUDSON—Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell declared a State of Emergency for the county beginning at 4 p.m. March 11, banning all outside burning. The ban continues through […]

Caregiver charged with stealing from elderly victim

By DIANE VALDEN HUDSON—On February 25, State Police investigators from the Livingston barracks arrested two people for allegedly stealing more than $2,220 from an elderly victim’s bank account and $690 […]

Craig A. Fuss (1976 – 2025)

NASSAU—Craig A. Fuss, born September 23, 1976, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Nassau, February 22, 2025. He was predeceased by Ralph Fuss, Sr., Nancy Fuss (Rivenburg) and Ralph […]

Henry G. Reimer (1934 – 2025)

VALATIE—Henry “Hank” Gustav Reimer, 90, of Valatie passed away February 24, 2025 in his home. He was born in Jamaica, Queens to Gustav and Bertha (Becker) Reimer, October 10, 1934. […]

Gina M. Hedges (1955 – 2025)

ELIZAVILLE—Gina (Miller) Hedges, 69, a longtime resident of Elizaville, succumbed suddenly February 25, 2025. Born September 2, 1955 in Manhattan, she was the daughter of the late Peter J. and […]

Louis Negri (1947 – 2025)

ALBANY—Louis R. Negri, 77, of Hillsdale passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital February 21, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born in North Canaan, CT, May 5, 1947 to […]

Victor L. DelPozzo (1936 – 2025)

GERMANTOWN—Victor L. DelPozzo, 88, passed away peacefully at home February 27, 2025. Born May 20, 1936 in Yonkers to Caroline and Carmine DelPozzo, “Vic” moved to Germantown in 1948 with […]

Kevin G. Herber (1962 – 2025)

ALBANY—Kevin G. Herber, 63, passed away peacefully February 22, 2025 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his daughters and his family. He was born in Hudson to the late John […]

David K. Wilson (1952 – 2025)

EAST CHATHAM—David Kelly Wilson of East Chatham passed away February 27, 2025 after a short but courageous battle with an unexpected illness. He was only 73 years old, and his […]

Phyllis Mottoshiski (1935 – 2025)

HUDSON—Phyllis Mottoshiski, 90, of Stottville died peacefully Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Born in Tivoli, January 30, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Harold and […]

John K. Fanning (1944 – 2025)

NORTH CHATHAM—John Kevin Fanning, 80, passed away February 27, 2025 at his home in North Chatham after a long fight against leukemia. He was surrounded by his wife and family. […]

Richard D. Losaw (1943 – 2025)

PHILMONT—Richard D. Losaw, 81, of Philmont, formerly of Pittsfield, MA, died peacefully Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Pittsfield, MA, April 13, […]

Philip E. Hazelton (1985 – 2025)

HUDSON—Philip E. Hazelton, 39, of Hudson passed away peacefully February 16, 2025 at his residence. He was born February 25, 1985 in Catskill, the son of the late George and […]

Kenneth E. Heath (1936 – 2025)

GHENT—Kenneth E. Heath, 88, died Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Ghent Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Born in Hartford, CT, October 30, 1936, he was the son of the late […]

GOOD NEWS!: Young thespians showcase ‘Mean Girls’ on RCS stage

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — More than 60 RCS students sang, danced, built props and scenery, and poured their hearts into this year’s musical theater production […]

Greene County Women’s League gears up for 2nd annual Cabin Fever fundraiser

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE — The Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid (GCWL) is preparing for its second annual Cabin Fever fundraiser on March 15 […]

Living on Purpose: Love that cares enough to get involved

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media We do not have to look very far to find someone that is struggling. Many are suffering from a crisis of […]

Social Security Matters: Should I wait until age 70 to claim Social Security? 

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I am a married woman, at my full retirement age, and the primary earner in my marriage. How do I […]

HHA’s Dodson and Black speak on importance of housing issues

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–A new manager, a new commissioner, and a graduation speech by Executive Director Jeffrey Dodson highlighted the Hudson Housing Authority (HHA) Board of Commissioners meetings in January […]

Meeting goes on after supervisor suddenly departs

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—Though the evening was peppered with heated remarks and the Town Supervisor walked out, board members were still able to adopt several notable resolutions at the February […]

County African American Archives looks into local history

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY KINDERHOOK–The Kinderhook Library hosted the African American Archives of Columbia County (AAACC) for an information session about the organization on Sunday, February 23. The three founders […]

Board of ed hashing out school budget

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — The district and the board of education are hashing out the preliminary school budget for the 2025-26 school year. The preliminary […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

ReFurnishings event supports families in crisis

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — Justice for Orphans is launching the ReFurnishings Thrift & Flip Challenge, a unique event that combines creativity, sustainability, and community engagement […]

Whittling Away: Organic and free-range

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I was in the supermarket the other day, making my daily visit, pushing the cart that they seem to reserve just for […]

Immigrants: Preparing for the worst, with help

By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–Imagine this: you are an unauthorized resident of the United States living in Hudson. Fleeing gang violence and crushing poverty in El Salvador, you fled to […]

GALLERY: Crandell Theatre renovations are underway

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaMarch 6, 2025 CHATHAM–In late 2024, the Crandell Theatre, 48 Main Street, temporarily closed to begin a major renovation and restoration project. According […]

Library talk looks at the Roosevelts, race and civil rights

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY THE COLUMBIA COUNTY Libraries Association sponsored the webinar “The Roosevelts, Race, and Civil Rights” via Zoom February 10. Jeff Urbin, educator at the FDR Presidential Library […]

Aging with Grace: Teaching empathy

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media  Raising kids must have been pretty tough on our parents back in the ‘50s. We were a tough bunch. Parents faced the […]

Small-town life: Supporting our own in times of tragedy

Breakfast fundraiser for Arnold family planned for Saturday By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — When tragedy strikes in a small town, that’s oftentimes when the community steps […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – February 27, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – February 26, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

GALLERY: Hudson Oakdale Plunge brings community together to raise record funds

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaMarch 1, 2025 The eighth edition of the Hudson Oakdale Plunge was held on Saturday, March 1. Proceeds from the event benefit the […]

McHugh running for town supervisor

Republicans pick slate of candidates By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — Former Town Supervisor George McHugh will be on the ballot for town supervisor in November. The […]

Obituary: Virgil J. Meliti Sr.

Virgil J. Meliti Sr., 101, of Selkirk, passed away on Feb. 26, 2025, at his home. Born on June 1, 1923, and raised in Croton, New York, Virgil James Meliti […]

County passes law expanding tax breaks for first responders

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–On February 12, the Columbia County Board of Supervisors passed a local law extending the county property tax reduction for emergency service workers to those serving outside […]

Soft Paws: A lifeline for pets and their people: The Grubin Clinic

By Guest Columnist Ron Perez For Capital Region Independent Media For countless families, a pet is more than just an animal—they are a cherished companion, a source of unconditional love, […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, March 6, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Obituary: Mabel Klenk

Mabel Klenk, 100 years old, a lifetime resident of Ravena, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 31, 2025. Mabel was a loving mother to Susan Ferber, Kathy Durkin and […]

Corrections officers strike for safer work conditions

By MELANIE LEKOCEVIC and EJ CONZOLA Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE—Corrections officers at prisons around the state continued striking all last week and through the weekend, and returned to the […]

County extends contracts for shuttle providers

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Columbia County’s bus service is slated to continue and perhaps expand this year, though the future of some service is uncertain starting next year. On February 12, […]

Horses of Unbridled: The sweet life of Baby Dolce

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Readers, This week’s column is extra special, as we welcome our youngest guest to share her story. While she may be […]

Ravena, Coeymans officials hold first joint meeting of 2025

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — Officials from the village of Ravena and the town of Coeymans gathered recently for their first joint meeting of 2025 at […]

The Retired Investor: Could federal asset sales be a solution to our debt problem?

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media At last count, the federal government owned 28% of the total land in the U.S., and under the surface of that real […]

Positively Speaking: Rejected, ridiculed, right

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media I love stories about people who saw the world differently—people who challenged everything society told them was true. These are the people […]

Olympiad team has strong showing in regionals

By Jim Hutchins Courtesy of Greenville Central School District GREENVILLE — After months of preparation and practice, the Greenville Middle School Olympiad team competed in the Regional Olympiad competition on […]

Acomb makes it to second day of state competition

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — RCS sophomore Jayden Acomb headed to the state wrestling tournament and made it to the second day of competition. While a […]

Living on Purpose: Lord forgive me and I will be clean

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media God’s love and His provision of eternal salvation is the greatest peace and security we could ever hope for. We heard […]

Social Security Matters: Can I get extra Social Security for my military service? 

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: Please help. I served from 1964 to 1966 in the U.S. Army. I have been trying to contact Social Security […]

State threatens jobs of striking correctional officers

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE — Thousands of correctional officers at prisons around New York have been on strike for weeks protesting working conditions at state prisons, […]

NAMI and ARTLife717: Help for those with mental health disorders and their families

By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–The truth is that no one is untouched by mental health disorders. Some are more serious than others, and some are manifested by substance use disorders. […]

Hecate’s latest solar permit application needs more work

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—It’s back to the drawing board for Hecate Energy as its latest permit application for a smaller, yet still controversial industrial-scale solar project was found deficient in […]

Despite tentative deal, strikers remain on picket line Friday

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE — The state announced a tentative deal with the corrections officers’ union to end the strike at state prison facilities, but as […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

GOOD NEWS!: Hundreds celebrate winter at Lawson Lake festival

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — Like ice? Then Lawson Lake was the place to be this weekend for the annual Winter Festival. Hundreds from around […]

Whittling Away: A new field of work

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media Watching the news over the past few weeks has me wondering if I followed the wrong career path during my working days.  […]

Task force shares findings on cell phone policy at ICC

By EMILIA TEASDALEKINDERHOOK—The Ichabod Crane School District held the first of two forums on safe and responsible cell phone use for students on February 13. About 15 people attended the […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Will they survive?

By NANCY JANE KERN IN 1942 COLUMBIA naturalist Alan Devoe gave a grim description of this month of winter in his book “Lives Around Us.” He wrote, “February, none but the […]

C-D athlete makes Mustang history with 1,000 career points

CAIRO – Mackenzie Sherburne, a Cairo-Durham High School senior, scored her 1,000th career point on Monday, Feb. 3, during the girls’ varsity basketball game versus Hunter-Tannersville. Sherburne is the first girl […]

The Underground Railroad: Stories of freedom

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — As Black History Month draws to a close, the RCS Community Library hosted a history talk celebrating the achievements of the […]

Aging with Grace: The metaphor of the dishwasher

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media OK, I know what you’re thinking already. Honestly, I really never saw this one coming. So one day, purely as a result […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – February 13,  1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: of the congregation who had arranged a party in celebration of their pastor’s birthday. Fifty guests were present, and […]

Boys’ basketball loses a close one in sectionals

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens boys’ basketball team lost a heartbreaker Wednesday against Ichabod Crane in the first round of Section 2 sectionals. The […]

LOCAL HISTORY: The presidency and more of Van Buren

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY Continued from ‘Van Buren, new book looks at his history’ FROM DAY 1, Martin Van Buren’s presidency was fraught with economic crises fomenting the Panic of […]

Riders make it to quarterfinals after close win

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media The Ichabod Crane Riders boys’ basketball team won a close one Wednesday against Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk in the first round of Section 2 sectionals. The […]

DEC releases hunting safety statistics for 2024

ALBANY — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced another safe year of hunting seasons, with the 2024 season being the second safest on […]

Obituary: Barry W. Cooke, Jr.

PRESTON HOLLOW – Barry W. Cooke, Jr., 55, passed away on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at Albany Medical Center Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Cobleskill on Nov. 20, […]

Soft Paws: Exploring animal adoption

By Guest Columnist Aaron Clause For Capital Region Independent Media Let’s dive a little deeper into the world of animal adoption this week! The economics of adoption prove it to […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Feb. 27, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. No registration is required. Friday, […]

Leni Bierbaum (1943 – 2025)

ALBANY—Leni Bierbaum, 81, of Germantown passed away February 8, 2025 at Albany Medical Center. She was born in Hamburg, Germany, March 11, 1943 to the late Hans and Minna Pein. […]

Lucy I. Rifenburgh (1931 – 2025)

RHINEBECK—Lucy I. Rifenburgh, 94, passed away peacefully February 7, 2025 at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck. Born February 4, 1931 in Hudson, she was a cherished daughter of the late […]

Alice B. Thompson (1938 – 2025)

ALBANY—Alice B. Thompson, aged 86, passed peacefully away February 9 at Albany Medical Center, after complications from a medical procedure. She is survived by: many loving friends; her cousins, Doretha […]

Joan M. Phelps (1939 – 2025)

NEW LEBANON—It has been said that a life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives. It is with deep sorrow that her family announces the […]

Robert M. Fisher (1943 – 2025)

CLAVERACK—Robert M. Fisher, 81, longtime Claverack resident passed away February 10, 2025 at his residence. He was born September 3, 1943 in Hudson to the late Irving and Evelyn (Dietz) […]

Renee L. Gravlin (1956 – 2025)

HUDSON—Renee L. Gravlin, 68, of Greenport died Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Laura Wolfersteig. She graduated from Hudson […]

Ulla-Britta Neufeld (1943 – 2025)

PHILMONT—Ulla-Britta Neufeld, 81, of Germantown died peacefully Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born August 8, 1943 in Stockholm, Sweden, she was the daughter […]

Cynthia Hosier (1962 – 2025)

HUDSON—Cynthia M. Hosier, 63, of Hudson died at home Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Born in Sharon, CT, January 23, 1962, she was the daughter of Gladys (Angier) Hosier and the […]

Harry A. Munson (1946 – 2025)

STUYVESANT—Harry “Gus” Augustus Munson, 78, of Stuyvesant passed away surrounded by his loved ones, February 11, 2025. He was born in Westport to Harry and Ruth (Moore) Munson August 29, […]

Eugenia P. Kolesnikoff (1934 – 2025)

CLIFTON PARK—Eugenia “Gena” (Penock) Kolesnikoff, age 90, passed away February 12, 2025. She was born July 21, 1934, St. Mary’s Hospital Brooklyn, to Anthony and Pruzina Penock (nee Astoshonak). Her […]

Kevin K. Oakes (1995 – 2025)

GHENT—Kevin Kermit Oakes, 29, of Ghent passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 9, 2025, his soul enveloped in the arms of his family. He was born June 19, 1995 to Kermit […]

Raymond J. Ponkos, Sr. (1931 – 2025)

STUYVESANT—Raymond J. Ponkos, Sr., 93, of Stuyvesant passed away February 2, 2025. Born April 1, 1931 in Hudson, he was the son of Thomas Ponkos and Anna Petro Ponkos. “Ray” […]

Raymond T. Chuley (1935 – 2025)

VALATIE—Raymond T. Chuley, 89, passed away peacefully February 9, 2025. He was born in Valatie, September 12, 1935 to John Chuley and Carrie (Edwards) Chuley. He attended school in Albany […]

Cynthia E.S. Lill (1937 – 2025)

VALATIE—Cynthia “Diddy” Elizabeth Scoville Lill of Valatie passed away February 12, 2025 at home after a brief illness. She was born in Orangeburg, SC, to Sarah “Sally” Van Alstyne (Abraham) […]

Georgia E. Daniell (1935 – 2025)

HUDSON—Georgia E. “Dolly” Daniell died February 9, 2025. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1953. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and was one of Jehovah’s witnesses. She […]

Leslie J. Astarita (1946 – 2025)

VALATIE—Leslie J. Astarita of Valatie, NY, and Dumont, NJ, passed away peacefully February 7, 2025. She is survived by her loving children: Robert, Patrick, Anne, Frank, Mary, Christopher and Tracy; […]

Rose M. Rogers (1927 – 2025)

PHILMONT—Rose Mary Rogers, 97, of Craryville died peacefully Monday, February 10, 2025 at Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born October 9, 1927 in Claverack, the daughter of the […]

Gary C. Baker (1952 – 2025)

Gary Charles Baker HUDSON—Gary Charles Baker, 72, of Philmont died peacefully Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Columbia Memorial Hospital following a long illness. Born in Hudson, October 23, 1952, he […]

Tague on strikers: ‘We have their backs’

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE — As the corrections officers’ strike at 25 prisons around New York state entered its second week Monday, several elected officials turned […]

PHOTO GALLERY: Science Olympiad team takes 3rd in regionals

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Middle School Science Olympiad team ended their season with an impressive third-place finish at the regional competition. Several students also earned medals in their respective events. […]

The Retired Investor: A different view on interest rates

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Scott Bessent, the nation’s new Treasury secretary, is a product of the investment world. His private sector background brings to the government […]

Positively Speaking: Dr. Bhaumik’s success

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media I was recently invited to a Super Bowl party in LA, so I figured—why not? I flew out, rented a car, and […]

Hillsdale man indicted on 66 counts of sexual abuse

By DIANE VALDEN HILLSDALE—A 77-year-old Hillsdale man was indicted by a Columbia County grand jury February 14 on 66 counts relating to sexual assaults stemming from alleged incidents dating back […]

The Millay Society and a local farm conserve 600 acres

By DEBORAH E. LANS AUSTERLITZ–In late January Scenic Hudson Land Trust and its partners entered into conservation easements that will permanently protect more than 600 acres in the county at […]

GALLERY: Land Conservancy moves inside for workshop

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaFebruary 25, 2025 The Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) hosted an archery workshop at the New Lebanon Junior-Senior High School on Friday, February 21. […]

Merged swim and dive team sends Sulik to states, breaks school records

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The newly merged RCS and Greenville boys’ swim and dive team — known as RCSG — competed at the Section 2 […]

Acomb qualifies for states 2nd year in a row

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — He’s done it again — RCS wrestler Jayden Acomb placed second in sectionals and qualified to compete in the state tournament […]

Living on Purpose: Understanding is not necessary to appreciate

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media The vast complexity of the human mind has fascinated mankind since the beginning. As our divine book of instruction, the Bible […]

Social Security Matters: Claiming Social Security with a Health Savings Account

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I have reached my full retirement age (66 plus 8 months) and plan to apply for Social Security this month, […]

Changes to New Lebanon Town codes debated

By DOUG LaROCQUE NYVT Media NEW LEBANON – Some proposed changes to the town codes along with water and sewer for the so-called downtown area were the most prominent points […]

Two new housing studies report an entrenched crisis

By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–The housing crisis is not improving. Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress President Adam Bosch summed up the situation by noting that the American Dream of “Homeownership […]

Children’s advocacy group expanding services

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — The Ravena Village Board met earlier this month to discuss community updates, including the expansion of St. Catherine’s Center for Children’s […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

College & Military Corner

Eli Larson, of Earlton and a SUNY Canton Mechatronics Technology major, received the Phi Theta Kappa Endowed Scholarship. Hailey Allen, of Freehold and assigned to the Company B, Recruiting and [...]

Whittling Away: Television

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I was driving through our little hamlet the other day and suddenly a strange feeling that something was missing, something that used […]

Balloon test set to soar for proposed cell tower

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—A 150-foot tall “wireless telecommunications facility,” also known as a cell tower is proposed on property at 6534 State Route 22 near the Columbia/Dutchess County line. Anyone […]

GALLERY: Canaan Conservation Club ice fishing derby

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaFebruary 20, 2025 The Canaan Conservation Club held its annual “Hardwater Fishing Derby” on Queechy Lake Saturday, February 15. The ice was about […]

Board moves forward with designs for 11 Warren Street

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Eleven Warren Street, concern for people at risk for losing public assistance, a conservation area in Ghent, buses, opioid settlement funds, tax reductions for emergency workers, Columbia-Greene […]

County’s Winter Festival comes to Lawson Lake

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — Get ready to bundle up and head to Lawson Lake for a day of winter fun. The annual Winter Festival, […]

Prison strike enters fourth day

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE — The wildcat strike by corrections officers in the Coxsackie and Greene correctional facilities entered its third day Thursday. The strike was […]

Six guards charged with murder in beating death of Marcy inmate

By Doug La RocqueCapital Region Independent Media UTICA – An Oneida County Grand Jury has charged six corrections officers with 2nd degree murder in the beating death of Marcy Correctional Facility […]

Be A Better Gardener: Freedom from deadheading

By Thomas Christopher For Capital Region Independent Media One thing I’ve always valued about gardening is the strength of its traditions. This has given the craft a continuity that can […]

Obituary: Ronnie G. Williams

VALATIE—With deep sadness and broken hearts, the children of Ronnie Gene Williams announce his passing February 2, 2025 at the age of 74. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, […]

Obituary: Lois Sears (1944 – 2025)

ALBANY—Lois J. (Van Natten) Sears, 80, of Valatie passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at St. Peter’s Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Cobleskill, February 17, 1944, she was […]

Obituary: Jon B. Puckett (1954 – 2025)

PHILMONT—Jon B. Puckett, 70, of Philmont passed away unexpectedly at his home, January 26, 2025. He was born and raised in Hudson and lived and worked locally all of his […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – February 6, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – February 5, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Obituary: Robert Fonck (1940 – 2025)

HUDSON—On February 3, 2025, the world sadly bid farewell to Robert Fonck of Hudson at the age of 84. Born May 5, 1940, he grew up in Great Neck, Long […]

Obituary: Carolyn A. Bush (1941 – 2025)

RENSSELAER—Carolyn Ann Bush, 83, of Rensselaer passed into the arms of her Savior, February 1, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Bush is survived by: her son, Daniel (Iliana) Rockefeller; three […]

Obituary: Donald E. Price (1949 – 2025)

ALBANY—Donald Edgar Price, 75, of Elizaville died Friday, February 7, 2025 at Albany Medical Center. Born in Catskill, August 12, 1949, he was the son of the late Kenneth Edgar […]

Obituary: Stash Wojeski (1967 – 2025)

ALBANY—Stash Wojeski departed peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, February 5, 2025. Raised in East Greenbush, he graduated in 1985 from Columbia High School. He began a life with his […]

Obituary: Donald R. Farrell (1944 – 2025)

GHENT—Donald R. Farrell, 80, of Ghent passed away peacefully at home February 4, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born November 15, 1944 in Brooklyn to the late Bernard […]

THROUGH TE WOODS: The 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count

By NANCY JANE KERN FEBRUARY 14–17, 2025 is the Great Backyard Bird Count, the joint project of the National Audubon Society and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Consider participating and start […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Love is in the air

By NANCY JANE KERN THIS WEEK we celebrate Valentine’s Day which gets its name from several Christian men named Valentine who were martyred by the Romans about 250 AD, and […]

Obituary: John J. Winkler (1931 – 2025)

GHENT—John Joseph Winkler, age 93, of Ghent passed away peacefully at his home February 4, 2025. He was born July 9, 1931 in Albany, to the late Joseph and Rose […]

Obituary: Barbara Thornton (1949 – 2025)

VALATIE—Barbara Thornton, 78, of Valatie passed away peacefully at home January 29, 2025. Born October 17, 1949, in Hudson, she was the daughter of Francis and Frances (Moy) Tauckus. She […]

Obituary: MaryLin R. Sammaciccia (1961 – 2025)

GHENT—MaryLin Rose Sammaciccia, 63, died peacefully January 30 at Ghent Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born September 14, 1961, and grew up in Brooklyn. She was the daughter of […]

Obituary: Anita C.S. Hinkel (1927 – 2025)

STUYVESANT—It is with great sadness her children announce the passing of their beloved mother, Anita C. (Sweet) Hinkel, 97, Monday, February 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born in Troy, […]

Obituary: Robert F. Sutherland (1948 – 2025)

PITTSFIELD, MA—Robert “Bob” F. Sutherland of New Lebanon died January 30, 2025 at a nursing home in Pittsfield, MA. He was born August 3, 1948 to Louise and Richard Sutherland […]

Aging with Grace: Past life and age regression therapy

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media I recently continued my hypnotherapy studies with world renowned educator Paul Aurand, MHt, in the areas of Age and Past life regression […]

Obituary: Susan L. Moore

March 2, 1954 – Jan. 31, 2025 RAVENA — Susan L. Moore, 70, formerly of Ravena, passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Advent Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida. Susan […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Feb. 20, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Hochul may deploy National Guard if prison wildcat strikes don’t end

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged Tuesday to deploy the National Guard if wildcat strikes at two dozen prisons around New York state […]

LOCAL HISTORY: Martin Van Buren, new book looks at his story

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY WHEN COLUMBIA COUNTY resident James Bradley penned the book “Martin Van Buren: America’s First Politician” his goal was to write the “most definitive work” about the […]

Columbia Memorial Health reaches agreement with union

By Emilia Teasdale Capital Region Independent Media HUDSON – Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) announced it has reached an agreement with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East on a new four-year contract. […]

Columbia Memorial Health reaches agreement with 1199SEIU

By EMILIA TEASDALE HUDSON – Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) announced February 5 it has reached an agreement with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East on a new four-year contract. A press […]

With staged car crashes on the rise, be a defensive driver

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) cautions New York drivers to be aware of a rise in staged crashes and car insurance fraud. The DMV also reminds […]

Country Wine & Spirits: New business brings fresh energy to Ravena

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — A new business has joined the growing local economy as Country Wine and Spirits officially opened its doors. Located in the […]

Positively Speaking: Input = Output

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Life isn’t just a straight path—it’s a series of bizarre, sometimes embarrassing, and unpredictable phases. And when you think about it, every […]

Davis named Most Outstanding Wrestler at JV tournament

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — Wrestler Gabe Davis was named Most Outstanding Wrestler, or MOW, in the Bethlehem JV Duals Tournament earlier this month. Davis competes in the 285-pound weight class. Special thanks […]

Cabin Fever 2025 fundraiser to aid cancer patients

CATSKILL — The Greene County Women’s League (GCWL) will present its second annual Cabin Fever 2025 fundraiser to aid cancer patients living in Greene County on Saturday, March 15, from […]

Living on Purpose: God always answers our prayers

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media I receive questions about God and the Bible, and one of the more frequent is whether God really listens and answers […]

Social Security Matters: Why was Social Security money moved to the general Treasury? 

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: Why were the Social Security funds moved from the Social Security account to the General Fund with the government? Is […]

Virtual open house on Shepherd’s Run set for February 19

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—Hecate Energy has sent out a letter to neighbors and residents of Copake inviting them to a virtual meeting about the controversial Shepherd’s Run solar facility project […]

New Lebanon School Board talks budget proposals

By DOUG La ROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–The good news is the school district is not facing quite as dire a situation this year as they did during […]

Community unites to support Coeymans officer after house fire

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — A fire destroyed the home of Sergeant Kelly Arnold in the Coeymans Police Department, and now the community is pulling together […]

Kinderhook board learns that justice grinds smoothly

By EMILIA TEASDALE VALATIE—The Kinderhook Town Board heard from Town Justice David Kolb at their regular meeting on February 3. Mr. Kolb was elected to the position in 2024 and […]

Ravens turn out 5 state qualifier wrestlers, four alternates

By Gina Pelletier and Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — Five Ravens wrestlers will head to the state qualifier tournament on Saturday, with four athletes named as alternates. […]

Immigrants by the numbers

Part 2 in a series By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–In 1958, in “A Nation of Immigrants,” John F. Kennedy wrote: “Since 1607, when the first English settlers reached the New […]

Ravens honor three on Senior Night

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS girls’ basketball team honored three players on Senior Night on Tuesday. Danielle DeLuke, Meadow Rabideau and Kendall Bullock are […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Horses of Unbridled: Touching My Toes and the billions that couldn’t buy care

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media On a frozen February morning in 2019, I stood at the edge of what was once the iconic Clermont Farm in New […]

Whittling Away: Cash

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I wish they’d stop messing around with our money. I’m not referring to how the government spends the stuff or to the […]

Well-known face fills vacancy on Copake Town Board

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—Copake Councilmember Jeffrey Judd resigned from the Town Board effective in January. Former Councilmember Linda Gabaccia has been appointed to fill the remainder of his term. Mr. […]

Port preps final section of $1.7B bridge for transport to NJ

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — The Port of Coeymans prepared the third and final section of a bridge Wednesday for transport down the Hudson River. The […]

2025 Free Fishing Days

Mark your calendars for this year’s six free fishing days, including this weekend: On these days anyone can freshwater fish in New York without a fishing license, so it’s the […]

College & Military Corner

Eli Larson, of Earlton and a SUNY Canton Mechatronics Technology major, received the Phi Theta Kappa Endowed Scholarship. Hailey Allen, of Freehold and assigned to the Company B, Recruiting and [...]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – February 6, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – February 5, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Obituary: Roberta Ellen Ingalls

Cheyenne, WY — Roberta Ellen Ingalls, 83, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at her home in Cheyenne. Roberta graduated from Greenville Central High School in 1959 and then […]

Aging With Grace: Making arrangements

By Pat Larsen with guest columnist Bob Gaus For Capital Region Independent Media I don’t know about you, but my first reaction to these two simple words was … “not […]

Collins family expands entrepreneurial legacy with Capitaland Filter

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — The Collins family, a well-known entrepreneurial family behind the multi-generational Collins & Son, Inc., has added a new venture to their […]

GALLERY: A grand hill for sledding  

DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaFebruary 12, 2025 Saturday, February 8, the conditions were just about perfect for sledding on the hill next to the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at […]

Shake a leg at square dance fundraiser

NEW LEBANON–The Friends of the New Lebanon Railroad Station, Inc is having a Country/Square dance fundraiser at the community hall of the Catholic Church, Route 20, February 15 from 3 […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Feb. 13, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Crews make quick work of derailed train car cleanup

By DIANE VALDEN CHATHAM—It took several hours to clear an empty CSX freight train car that derailed in the Village of Chatham January 30 at 7:21 p.m., according to Village […]

GALLERY: The cows come home with a little help 

DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaFebruary 11, 2025 On the afternoon of February 8, under low clouds and with a fresh layer of snow, Hayden White, his mom Andria and […]

Spartan Strong News: Vocabulary strategies

GREENVILLE — The average person takes approximately 35 exposures to learn new vocabulary. Research shows that vocabulary words are more effectively retained when using specific techniques, like learning words through […]

Acomb’s winning streak continues

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — Jayden Acomb’s winning streak on the wrestling mat continued at the King Bison Invitational when he took first place in his […]

The Retired Investor: Trump and the China trade

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media It was supposed to be Agamemnon. Sixty percent-plus tariffs on all Chinese products imported into the U.S. levied on Day One. What […]

Positively Speaking: Control yourself

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Life doesn’t always give us the outcomes we hope for. In those moments, it’s easy to let your emotions take control. But […]

Pups that survived plane crash find forever homes

By Patsy Nicosia Capital Region Independent Media With hugs and kisses, tail wags, treats, and plenty of cameras and balloons, the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley celebrated the adoption of […]

Ravens honor basketball, cheer seniors

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens on Friday honored two boys’ basketball players and one cheerleader on Senior Night. There are two graduating seniors on […]

JV hoops win back-to-back at home

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS junior varsity boys’ basketball team won back-to-back games on their home court last week. On Feb. 4, the team […]

Living on Purpose: Having a covenant relationship with God

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media The Almighty is always faithful, He never fails, and if we take a closer look throughout our past, we notice that […]

Social Security Matters: Social Security benefits and multiple ex-spouses

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: If a financially well-off individual had multiple ex-spouses, could it happen that the multiple ex-spouses could each be collecting Social […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Growing up with horses

By NANCY JANE KERN MOST GENERATIONS LIVE through a cultural transition or world change of sorts. My parents saw the wonder of flight when Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart took the […]

Group forms to support dirt roads in Hillsdale

By DAVID LEE HILLSDALE–The Taghkanic Creek Old Road Society convened at the intersection of Rodman Road and Appletree Lane on Saturday, February 1, to make a show of support for […]

‘Pin-up’ dogs featured on new bulletin board

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—If you are dog living in Ancram and you have no license, now is the time to get one. You’ll probably need some help from your human. […]

Silence is the sound of fear among local immigrants

First in a series By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–In November, when The Columbia Paper first decided to write about our local immigrant population, our primary goal was to speak to […]

Sara Black joins Hudson Housing Authority board

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–An additional commissioner and planned additional land highlighted the Hudson Housing Authority (HHA) Board of Commissioners meeting January 21. The HHA runs the 135-unit income-restricted Bliss Tower […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Bethlehem State of Town eyes four key issues

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media BETHLEHEM — Four key issues were the focus of the annual State of the Town address delivered by Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven […]

Whittling Away: Doctors’ offices

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media As I age gracefully and mature into the full bloom of senior adulthood, I find that my circle of friends and acquaintances […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: The Cheritrees, Part II

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media I ended the last Oak Hill and Vicinity column by saying next I would share the story of the Cheritree familyduring […]

Volunteer forum looks to get younger students involved in community

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — How can the community get younger people — and some of the youngest students — more involved in their community? That […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – January 30, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – January 29, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

GALLERY: Perfect Ski Conditions Draw Crowds to Catamount

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaFebruary 1, 2025 The weather was fine for skiing on Saturday and the crowds were out at Catamount. It was not too warm […]

GALLERY: Ice hockey at Copake Memorial Park January 25, 2025

PHOTOS BY DAVID LEE Capital Region Independent MediaJanuary 25, 2025 The ice was hard and the competition fierce for this pick-up hockey game between friends on the skating rink at […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: What lives in an old barn?

By NANCY JANE KERN A BARN IS expected to house animals like cows, sheep or horses. Animals are protected by their combined heat in winter, a roof that gives shade […]

EDITORIAL: The LOCAL Act: A Win-Win for Main Streets and Local Newsrooms

THE EMPIRE STATE LOCAL NEWS COALITION SMALL BUSINESSES ARE the heartbeat of our communities. They are the corner stores, family-owned restaurants, and local service providers that fuel our neighborhoods, create […]

Local movie house hosts screening of Burns film

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY THE MILLERTON MOVIEHOUSE hosted a special screening of the film “Millers in Marriage” written and directed by Edward Burns, Saturday, December 21. The film had its […]

Donnelly releases 2025 budget message

By Town Supervisor Stephen Donnelly EDITOR’S NOTE: Town Supervisor Stephen Donnelly released the annual budget message for the town. Below is his message in its entirety. It is the duty […]

Hinchey sets priorities for this year

By Deborah E. Lans For Capital Region Independent Media It’s a new year, and state legislators have set their priorities for the coming months. State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, represents […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Feb. 6, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

The Ruins at Sassafras Museum: A creative restoration of Shaker history and spirit

By MARLENE McTIGUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON—On a winding road up Mount Lebanon a remarkable piece of history has been brought back to life with flair, imagination, and […]

Germantown man killed in head-on crash

By DIANE VALDEN RED HOOK—Village of Red Hook Police patrols were dispatched by Dutchess County 911 for a report of a two-car head-on crash on State Route 9G just south […]

Forum eyes cellphone ban in schools

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — Should cellphones and other internet-connected devices be allowed in schools? In response to a state proposal to ban the devices in […]

Officials consider merits of Fast NY grant

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS—The town of Coeymans has been awarded $17 million through New York state’s Fast NY-Track program to enhance electrical infrastructure and support shovel-ready […]

The Retired Investor: Food prices are climbing again

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Eggs, fruit, vegetables, chocolate, cereal, and all kinds of protein—wherever you look—prices are rising faster at grocery stores than anyone may have […]

Positively Speaking: Walt Disney

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Many people feel they can’t have the life they want because of their past limitations or failures. Maybe your family wasn’t there […]

Wrestlers honor seniors on their night

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS wrestling team honored its graduating seniors on Senior Night during a tri-meet against Lansingburgh and Maple Hill. This year’s […]

Spartan Strong News: Capital project update

GREENVILLE — Significant progress has been made on the capital project since the district’s last update in November. The project remains on track for completion in September of this year.  […]

Living on Purpose: God’s love is waiting for our love

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media No matter what the negative naysayers declare about the absence of the love of God, do not allow these dark imaginations […]

Social Security Matters: When to claim Social Security and taxation of benefits

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I am 65 and currently working full-time. Can I apply for and start receiving my Social Security benefit? I’d expect […]

Our local legislators set their priorities for this year

By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–It’s a new year, and The Columbia Paper spoke with local representatives in Albany about their legislative goals for the year. Agriculture, affordable housing, the environment […]

VIDEO: Interview with Kurt Angle

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Ravens score season high but it’s not enough

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The boys’ basketball team scored a season high Monday against Troy but it wasn’t enough. The Ravens put 60 points on […]

Clermont looks at Livingstons’ history with slavery

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY THE CLERMONT STATE Historic Site is hosting a special exhibit “Redefining The Family: The Livingstons and the Institution of Slavery in Early America,” for the next […]

New Leb Board says build or return the money

By DOUG La ROCQUE NEW LEBANON–That was the not-so-subtle message the New Lebanon Town Board sent to the firm that once sought to build a non-for-profit wellness pharmacy at the […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Horses of Unbridled: Valentine’s Day ledger: Racing’s debt to a dark brown mare

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media In the early morning hours at Unbridled Sanctuary, when the world is still quiet and the frost makes diamonds of the grass, […]

RCS launches new superintendent search

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Board of Education launched its search for a new superintendent at its Jan. 22 meeting. The board announced in […]

Whittling Away: Snacks

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I paused the other day during my mid-morning energy booster time, and had a little ponder about my snack.  It occurred to […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Snowflakes

By NANCY JANE KERN “Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity; so that not a snowflake escapes its fashioning hand.” –Henry David Thoreau LAST NIGHT THE DAMP CHILL […]

Wanted man surrenders at Livingston barracks

By DIANE VALDEN LIVINGSTON—Wanted man William M. Metz, 34, of Claverack turned himself in at the State Police Livingston barracks January 18. Investigators charged Mr. Metz with first degree gang […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: Cheritrees in Oak Hill

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media After the Dewitts, the Cheritrees are arguably the most prominent early family in Oak Hill and yet little has been published […]

District mulls budget, tax cap for 2025-26 school year

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — While the numbers are preliminary and not yet finalized, the RCS school district may be looking at a tax cap in […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – January 23, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – January 22, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Report: First local ICE raid alleged in Cairo

By Deborah E. Lans Capital Region Independent Media CAIRO — An alleged early morning worksite raid in the Greene County town of Cairo on Jan. 28 resulted in the detention […]

Salvatore announces candidacy for county sheriff

ELECTION 2025 GHENT–Undersheriff Jackie Salvatore, a Hudson native with over 30 distinguished years of law enforcement leadership, announces her candidacy for Columbia County Sheriff. With a proven record of innovation, […]

Canaan has a full house at organizational meeting

By PETER FLIERL CANAAN–The 2025 organizational meeting of the Canaan Town Board on January 13, presided over by Supervisor Brenda Adams, began with a public hearing on Public Law No. […]

County Housing Task Force meets

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Demographic trends, whom to focus on housing for, and proposed state housing assistance programs highlighted the Columbia County Housing Task Force meeting January 9. Task Force leader […]

Ice boaters sail down frosty Hudson River

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media ATHENS — With temperatures hovering around freezing, it’s a great time to head out on the water, right? That’s what dozens of ice […]

Soft Paws: Displaced pets during disasters

By Guest Columnist Aaron Clause For Capital Region Independent Media Charlene put out an APB to me regarding the need for readiness and preparation in the wake of the animal […]

HS FIRST team wins Motivate Award

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS High School FIRST Tech Challenge Team won the Motivate Award and took 17th out of 26 at the qualifier tournament in Utica. The team’s autonomous score […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Jan. 30, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. No registration […]

Greenville to host Relay for Life

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — The Greenville Faculty Association from the school district will host the 2025 Relay for Life walkathon for Greene and Columbia counties. […]

Hillsdale’s sewer will get repairs with help from state grants

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY HILLSDALE–At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 14, the Town Board approved spending $4,000 to conduct a boundary survey at 2728 US 23, site of the […]

Ravena Grange’s ‘Words for Thirds’ campaign celebrates 20 years

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — The Ravena Grange celebrated a significant milestone last week, marking the 20th year of its “Words for Thirds” campaign. The initiative, […]

The Retired Investor: Economic growth versus government efficiency

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media We grew up with tales of $500 toilet seats and bridges to nowhere when describing the abuses of government spending. In a […]

Positively Speaking: Eight days a week

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Sometimes, life feels so busy I dream of having one more day in the week. How great would that be? Eight days […]

Child care update: An innovative solution hits a wall

By DEBORAH E. LANS CRARYVILLE–As birth rates and school enrollment decline in Columbia County, school closures have occurred and school consolidation becomes a greater possibility. At Taconic Hills Central School […]

Legislators introduce LOCAL Act to support small business advertising in local media

State Sen. Monica R. Martinez and Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, with support from the Empire State Local News Coalition, introduced legislation to establish a new tax credit for small businesses that advertise […]

Acomb takes 1st place in Schenectady Invitational

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — Jayden Acomb took first place in the 131-pound weight class in the annual Schenectady Invitational. Acomb defeated five straight opponents, from […]

Living on Purpose: Making God’s will our highest priority

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media Are you confident that God is watching you, listening to your words, and searching your heart during times of difficulty or […]

Social Security Matters: Investing Social Security money in the stock market?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty:  For most folks collecting Social Security, you get back what you put in within three to five years, so for […]

RCS inches past LaSalle to become Colonial Council champions

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Ravens inched past the LaSalle Cadets in a dual meet 36-34 to become the Colonial Council champions. Coming up […]

RCS Athletic Hall of Fame inducts 15

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The gym stands were packed Saturday afternoon as the RCS Athletic Hall of Fame inducted 15 former athletes into its Class […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Whittling Away: Typical winter day

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media The recent cold weather would probably be the main topic of conversation if I could find someone to discuss it with. Everyone […]

Forum: Uniting and empowering the community through volunteerism

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS school district invites everyone in the community to a public forum on volunteerism on Monday, Jan. 27, at the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School library. In partnership with […]

Supporters rally to Crocco’s defense

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—What started out as a proposal to replace Planning Board Chairman Joe Crocco turned into a substantial show of support in favor of his reappointment. At the […]

Be A Better Gardener: New developments in biostimulants

By Thomas Christopher For Capital Region Independent Media I’ve been gardening for more than half a century, long enough to be skeptical about the latest horticultural miracle cures. Generally, I […]

‘Understanding Herman’ exhibit opens at RCS Community Library

RAVENA – “Understanding Herman,” an evocative photography exhibit by journalist and photographer Marlene McTigue, is now on display at the RCS Community Library. Presented by Old-School Naturalist, the exhibit runs […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – January 16, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – January 15, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Horses of UNBRIDLED

Horses of UNBRIDLED With Susan Kayne

THROUGH THE WOODS: Those *$%#! squirrels

By NANCY JANE KERN ABOUT THIRTY-FIVE years ago we were hard at work in our labs in Schenectady when all the generators kicked in and we knew there was a […]

School Board appoints new Chatham Public Library director

CHATHAM–The Chatham Board of Education has appointed Hanna Bachrach as Chatham Public Library’s new director. Following a months-long search, the board made Ms. Bachrach’s appointment official at its January 7 […]

Chatham and Ichabod Crane football programs combine

By EMILIA TEASDALE KINDERHOOK—The Ichabod Crane Central School District and the Chatham Central School District will be combining their football programs into a single, shared program starting in the fall […]

Human skeletal remains identified as missing man

By DIANE VALDEN HUDSON—Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin announced that skeletal remains found in the City of Hudson the morning of December 9 were identified as those of Robert J. […]

Tague still in running for Stefanik’s seat

By Patsy Nicosia Capital Region Independent Media With the presidential inauguration earlier this week, the biggest question in the 21st Congressional District remains who will be the local representative in […]

Obituary: Ethel Mae Covenhoven Johannesen

Ethel (Skip) Mae Covenhoven Johannesen entered into eternal life on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at 98 years. She was a lifelong resident of Greene County, and a graduate of Greenville […]

Horses of Unbridled: ‘The Art of US’: Where photography meets purpose

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media In the historic Hannay Community Room of Westerlo Public Library, a powerful narrative unfolds through the lens of photographer Ron Klein. This […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Jan. 23, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Ravena Knights of Columbus hold National Spaghetti Day Supper

RAVENA – The Knights of Columbus of Ravena, NY – Mother McAuley Council 3424 – held its first National Spaghetti Day supper in January. The Knights of Columbus held a […]

Rotary scholar’s Peace Boat journey brings global issues home

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — Liana Lekocevic, the recipient of an inaugural Greenville Rotary Club scholarship in 2024, recently returned from a transformative journey aboard the […]

The Retired Investor: IRS boosts incentives for savers in 2025 but not nearly enough

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Saving for retirement will get a little more attractive next year. Given the dire state of savings in this country, anything that […]

Positively Speaking: The coral castle

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media I’ve always been a person who loves to travel. Over the years, I’ve taken dozens of road trips, spanning almost every state. […]

Girls’ basketball wins big at home

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The girls’ basketball team had a big win at home Saturday afternoon right before the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The […]

Boys’ hoops fall short 59-49 on home court

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS boys’ basketball team fell to the Ichabod Crane Riders by a score of 59-49 Saturday afternoon. The team played […]

Living on Purpose: Becoming what God knew you could be

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media A brand-new year is here and I’m excited to see what the Lord has for us! Keeping Christ at the center […]

Social Security Matters: I use only VA health care — can I get back Medicare taxes paid?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I’m 72 years old with 20 years of military service. I am retired collecting Social Security, my military pension, and […]

Kinderhook Town reorganizes for 2025

By EMILIA TEASDALE VALATIE—The Kinderhook Town board held its organizational meeting and first meeting of 2025 on January 6. The board made several appointments to committees during the organizational meeting, […]

County board ends the year with pay and term increases

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Columbia County Board of Supervisors raised the salaries of several county personnel, lengthened the terms of Election Commissioners, and appointed individuals to various county and organizational […]

Housing news: A first, grants and more

By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–Columbia County greeted the new year with positive steps toward addressing the affordable housing crisis that it, like most of the nation, faces. The county became […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Aging With Grace: Dreaming

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media “Dreaming”: There are so many possibilities inherent in this eight-letter word. I might conjure up something that I greatly fantasized about when […]

Eagle Scout project puts food scraps to good use

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media SELKIRK – The town of Bethlehem officially opened its new food scraps composting shed at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December, marking a significant […]

Whittling Away: Sidekicks

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I was sitting quietly the other day having a pleasant little ponder, something I try to fit into my busy schedule daily. […]

Hecate is back with a new solar facility application

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—After having its original permit application for a 60 megawatt (MW) solar facility denied in February 2024, Hecate Energy is back with another application, this one for […]

County celebrates Hanukkah with public menorah lighting

HUDSON—Columbia County’s public menorah lighting Sunday, December 29 was a vibrant and memorable celebration, marking the community’s enduring Jewish pride and the spirit of Hanukkah, according to a press release. […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Eastern screech-owl

By NANCY JANE KERN OUR EASTERN SCREECH-0WL is an adorable little bird, about 7-10” long, and easy to overlook. I was driving past a frozen marsh a few years ago […]

DEC lifts drought watch statewide

GHENT—The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) updated drought conditions across the state, returning all 62 New York counties to “Normal” status, January 3. Back in November Columbia […]

Build it and they will walk in New Lebanon

By PETER FLIERL NEW LEBANON–Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling and Don Adams from Creighton Manning led the first of two public hearings on proposed sidewalks on the north and south side […]

DiNapoli releases report on nonprofit industry

ALBANY — State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report that showed nonprofit organizations in 2022 provided 1.3 million jobs to New Yorkers, just over 1 in 6 private sector […]

Unbridled: 50 birthdays, all under one roof

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media WESTERLO — January 1 was a big day at Unbridled Sanctuary — all 50 or so Thoroughbreds who call Unbridled home celebrated their […]

Soft Paws: Service dogs versus emotional support animals

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media We are so grateful for the selfless acts of giving on behalf of our companion animals at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA. Our […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – January 9, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – January 8, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors Wm. J. Cox in Coeymans Hollow […]

RCS: New platform to ease communication

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — New technology changes are coming to the RCS Central School District. At the board of education’s Jan. 8 meeting, District Superintendent […]

Search is on for community’s Top 5ive Changemakers

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — The contributions of local individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations that make our community thrive are countless, from those helping to feed […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: Hometown Heroes Banner program

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media The town of Durham is proud to announce the start of the Hometown Heroes Banner program recognizing servicemen and servicewomen from […]

CCL hosts talk on climate change and farmers

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY HUDSON–The NY Greater Capital Region chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby sponsored “How Do Local Farmers Regard Climate Change?” at the Hudson Area Library on Wednesday, December […]

Now in Hudson: Oxford House, a model for recovery

By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–There are 4,400 Oxford Houses in the U.S. and one opened in November 2024 in Hudson. The houses follow a model that provides safe and supportive […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Jan. 16, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Arts & Entertainment: The Ruins at Sassafras Museum: A creative restoration of Shaker history and spirit

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON — On a winding road up Mount Lebanon in New Lebanon, Columbia County, a remarkable piece of history has been brought […]

The Retired Investor: The billionaire Trump team

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Recently, billionaire Stephen Feinberg of the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management was selected to fill the number two spot at the […]

Positively Speaking: A New Year’s victory

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media After their stunning victory on Christmas morning in 1776, General George Washington and his army held Trenton, aware that the British would […]

RCS, Greenville join forces for merged swim, dive teams

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — RCS and Greenville high schools have joined forces to merge into the RCSG Swimming and Diving Team. The merger enables students […]

Two dozen teams compete in annual Jamie Mormile Tournament

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — More than two dozen teams and their fans crowded into the two gymnasiums at RCS High School last weekend for the […]

Living on Purpose: Understanding why Jesus came to earth

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media The author of this story is unknown and it has been told by many people throughout the years. The gentleman to […]

Social Security Matters: Can my wife claim her SS now and get half my benefit later? 

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: My wife will reach her full Social Security benefit at 66.5 years of age, which is just under two years […]

Hudson Housing Authority scales down construction vision

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Hudson Housing Authority (HHA) and its redevelopment partners are working on a modified proposal for building new housing, according to a diagram of the latest idea […]

Two board chair appointments put on hold

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—The Town Board decided not to reappoint the chairmen of town’s Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals at its 2025 organizational meeting, January 2. All […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Gospel concert to support Pittsfield church’s ‘Feed Thy Neighbor’ food program  

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Since its start six years ago, Pittsfield-based Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church’s Feed Thy Neighbor food program continues to package and deliver over 400 meals each Saturday to […]

MY VIEW: Newspapers reach strongest supporters of growth

By PETER W. WAGNER, publisher, nwestiowa.com MANY OF TODAY’S metro newspapers are facing serious circulation problems they created for themselves. Owned and managed by profit conscious investment groups, most large […]

County unveils initiatives to combat opioid crisis

ALBANY — Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and the Albany County Legislature last week announced the county is investing over $1.5 million in opioid settlement funds into a series […]

Whittling Away: A poetic day in winter

By Dick Brooks Capital Region Independent Media I awoke to find that the weatherman had sprinkled an inch or so of fluff over my backyard and yes, I’m holding him […]

Search is on for community’s Top 5ive Changemakers

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The contributions of local individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations that make our community thrive are countless, from those helping to feed […]

Aging With Grace: Finally, identifying what YOU love

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Spoiler alert… you’re going to be left in some thoughtful contemplation as you read this.  Just the concept of this topic put […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – January 2, 1925 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – January 1, 1890 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

County board approves replacement of Stuyvesant bridge

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Columbia County Board of Supervisors voted to proceed with replacing the historic one-lane Stuyvesant Falls Bridge with a two-lane structure, by submitting the construction plan to […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The geese are flying

By NANCY JANE KERN IT HAS BEEN A WARM FALL and it is late this year to look for ducks and geese passing through our area on their way south. If […]

Deal struck to keep some Big Lots stores

By DOUG LAROCQUE NYVT Media GREENVILLE–Big Lots, Inc., has announced an agreement to sell hundreds of its stores to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners of Boston, enabling the transfer of between […]

City man charged with rape of a child

By DIANE VALDEN HUDSON—Hudson Police arrested Michael A. Davey, 39, of Hudson on six separate counts of first degree rape (a child less than 11 years old), a class B […]

Austerlitz Town Board looks forward at December meeting

By PETER FLIERL AUSTERLITZ–Supervisor Robert Lagonia opened the monthly meeting of the Austerlitz Town Board December 19, noting the coming availability of balloon pictures of the proposed new Verizon cell […]

Village receives funds for water treatment

By EMILIA TEASDALEVALATIE—At their December 10 meeting, the Village Board passed a motion to hire Weston & Sampson Architects as consultant for the design of a new PFAS treatment facility […]

Event: History of Golden Age radio

RAVENA — On Sunday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m., the Ravena Coeymans Historical Society will present its first 2025 program. Join in as speaker Ron Gabriele relates the program, “The […]

Obituary: Stanley Ernest McCafferty

GREENVILLE – Stanley Ernest McCafferty, 77, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, to be with his Lord Jesus, surrounded by his family, following a courageous […]

Soft Paws: A love of all God’s creatures

By Guest Columnist Aaron Clause For Capital Region Independent Media As anyone who tunes in regularly to Charlene Marchand’s Soft Paws column is well aware, it is quite obvious, from […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Jan. 9, from 4-5 p.m. The library will supply materials and ideas for kids to unwind and get creative after school. There is no specific project or goal; instead, […]

Ravens take 2nd place in Lewis Johnson Memorial Duals

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Ravens took second place in the annual Lewis Johnson Memorial Duals on their home mat, and Aiden Forster won […]

The Retired Investor: Trump’s 21st century mercantilism

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media January 20th is just around the corner. It is Day One in the tariff wars that our next president is intent on […]

Positively Speaking: A truce

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media During the first Christmas of World War I, something extraordinary happened. Amid the mud, barbed wire, and endless gunfire of the Western […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

It’s time for New Year’s resolutions

By Catherine M. Oliverio For Capital Region Independent Media So, what is your New Year’s resolution? There are so many to choose from. The most common resolution is to lose […]

Living on Purpose: Are we dedicating or hesitating?

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media I attempt to keep my eyes and ears open to learn about the Holy Spirit and human behavior. In my spiritual […]

Social Security Matters: Can I get survivor benefits while still working?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I lost my wife several years ago and I qualified for Social Security spousal benefits. Unfortunately, because of my income, […]

Author hopes to bring 8th president into the spotlight

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 marked the 242nd birthday of President Martin Van Buren, a Kinderhook native and lifetime resident. The Friends of Lindenwald, the estate purchased by […]

YMCA polar plunge: Come on in, the water’s fine

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media EARLTON — It’s January, the temperature is a toasty 27 degrees and there’s ice floating in the water — it’s the perfect time […]

Tierra Farm spearheads hurricane relief effort

By MELANIE LEKOCEVIC Capital Region Independent Media VALATIE—When Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast in late September, countless families, communities and businesses were devastated. One local company has done its part […]

Bethlehem: Setting the standard for conservation in the Capital District

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media BETHLEHEM – In a bold step toward environmental sustainability and climate resilience, the town of Bethlehem is establishing itself as a leader in […]

Horses of Unbridled: A thousand years of grace: The New Year’s tradition we need to talk about

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media As the world celebrates the dawn of 2025 with champagne and fireworks, a quiet ceremony of a different kind unfolds at Unbridled […]

Whittling Away: Creative resolutions

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media Already a new year is here, seems like just yesterday we were saying goodbye to 2023.  I remember as a small child […]

Home for the holidays? Eviction assistance programs

By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–Evictions in the county shot up post-pandemic, along with the dramatic rise in rental and homeownership costs and the consequent unaffordability of housing for many residents. […]

Grant to help rebuild Alcove chimney capital

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media ALCOVE — Since 1848, the chimney that soars above the Valley Paper Mill Park just off Route 143 in Alcove has stood sentry […]

Obituary: Patrick F. Fallon

Patrick F. Fallon, 86 years old, most recently of Greenville, NY, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his loved […]

Aging with Grace: Our ‘children’ by marriage

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Honestly, using the suffix, “in-law” was never appealing to me after I was married. I know, I know, it was the common […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Saturday, Jan. 4, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join in for the library’s Saturday Fun for Families monthly event. This month, participants will learn how animals adjust to the winter season. The […]

Tierra Farm spearheads hurricane relief effort

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media VALATIE — When Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast in late September, countless families, communities and businesses were devastated. One local company has done […]

Top stories countdown of 2024

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media As 2024 winds down to a close, it’s time to take a look back and see what some of the top issues and […]

Top stories countdown of 2024

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media As 2024 winds down to a close, it’s time to take a look back and see what some of the top issues and […]

Whittling Away: Guilt

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media There are just some things that you do in life that you’re not proud of, things that live in your consciousness and […]

Social Security Matters: Have I saved Social Security money by claiming at 62?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I had to start collecting Social Security at 62, and I am 75 now. I believe that in the last […]

VIDEO: The Columbia Paper Journalism Fund supported through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Click here to visit the Columbia Paper Journalism Fund. The Columbia Paper Journalism Fund The fund supports local reporting on education, economic development, the arts, the environment and health care, […]

Spending holidays with the herd

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — As 2024 comes to a close, Unbridled Sanctuary honored its sponsors, volunteers and others who serve the horses in its care […]

Barr: Hurricane Helene leaves trail of tragedy in western North Carolina

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media The small mountain communities of western North Carolina are still reeling in the wake of Hurricane Helene, a storm being called a “1,000-year […]

Living on Purpose: Things are not always the way they seem

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media For many years I’ve had the privilege to visit those in jails, prisons, hospitals, recovery centers and nursing homes, as I […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – December 19, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – December 18, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Video of inmate beating death prompts sharp rebuke from all

By Doug LaRocque NYVT Media The reaction to the release of a video of the beating death of 43-year-old state prison inmate Robert Brooks at the hands of prison guards […]

Holiday events December 2024

The annual Winter Walk parade in the Village of Valatie breezed down Main Street on December 14 under an almost full moon. Santa Claus is always the star. Photo by [...]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Christmas cookie time

By NANCY JANE KERN SOME YEARS AGO I received a shiny new KitchenAid stand mixer for Christmas, arriving in plenty of time to make Christmas cookies (I think this gift […]

Human skeletal remains not yet identified

By DIANE VALDEN HUDSON—Hudson Police still await DNA testing results on the human skeletal remains found in the city the morning of December 9, Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin told […]

The Samascott Farm lands: Committed to farming in perpetuity

By DEBORAH E. LANS KINDERHOOK–The Samascott family began farming in Columbia County four generations and more than 100 years ago. Through a transaction that closed in November, the family committed […]

How smart are smart meters?

PHILMONT—Drop by and learn about smart meters, digital devices that measure electricity or gas usage and send the information to the energy supplier automatically, at an Open House at 113 […]

Thruway plane landing

By Doug LaRocque A small plane had made an emergency landing on the NYS Thruway near Albany’s exit 23. There were three people on board but state police say none […]

Arts & Entertainment: Brandon Graving: A visionary artist shaping the boundaries of printmaking

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media Brandon Graving, a master printmaker and sculptor, has spent decades redefining the boundaries of traditional art forms, creating works that are as visually […]

Whittling Away: One-stop shopping

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media Winter’s just about here. After consulting the two weather experts that I trust—The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the woolly bear caterpillar—I decided […]

RCS superintendent’s contract won’t be renewed

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Board of Education announced on its website that District Superintendent Dr. Brian Bailey’s contract has concluded and will not […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – December 12, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – December 11, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

County passes a $179.9M budget with 2.9% tax levy increase

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Columbia County Board of Supervisors adopted the county’s budget for 2025 at its full board meeting December 11. The budget appropriates $179.9 million and calls for […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Not a creature was stirring…

By NANCY JANE KERN “TWAS THE NIGHT before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.” Anyone who has lived in the country […]

VIDEO: Time capsule from 1887 opened in Cobleskill

Warren Dews Jr. and Bruce Tryon of Capital Region Independent Media’s Times-Journal are live from Cobleskill, NY as the town works to uncover history: A time capsule, sealed away in […]

Spartan Strong News: Winter weather and safety reminders

By District Superintendent Michael Bennett For Capital Region Independent Media As winter approaches, I wanted to provide a reminder of winter weather practices, as well as an update on our […]

When three became one: Historical society looks at RCS consolidation

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — What is now commonplace in the local area — the RCS acronym for the school district — was once a hotly […]

Aging with Grace: The gift of ‘presence’

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Old habits die hard, especially at the holidays. Gift giving is definitely something that has become a comfortable tradition. But what if… […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Dec. 19, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Spartan Strong News: Everyday Hero award

GREENVILLE — The Everyday Hero award will be given to one student in every grade at the elementary school each month. These students exemplify expected and positive behaviors at school; […]

Ravens win tri-meet as wrestling season gets underway

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Ravens took to the mat again as the 2024-25 wrestling season got underway. The team faced off against Tamarac […]

The Retired Investor: The future of weight loss

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media More than 40% of Americans are now classified as obese while 75% of adults are either overweight or obese. A new group […]

Positively Speaking: Dream of holidays

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media As the holiday season heats up and the smell of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie fills the air, it’s easy to get […]

Survey crew discovers human remains in Hudson

By DIANE VALDEN HUDSON—The morning of December 9 at 11:18 a.m. the Hudson Police Department (HPD) received a call transferred from the New York State Police reporting that a survey […]

Town Board holds last meeting of year, hears from local rescue squad

By EMILIA TEASDALE VALATIE—The Kinderhook Town Board heard presentations about the local rescue squad, well water testing for residents, the upcoming public meeting on the Comprehensive Plan update and a […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Tales from a winter meadow: Under the crimson silhouettes

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media Against the white canvas of December, six silhouettes dot the western meadow of Unbridled, their bright holiday blankets splashing crimson against the […]

Modified volleyball team celebrates undefeated season under new coach

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — It was a banner year for the RCS girls’ modified volleyball team, which finished with an impressive 13-0 undefeated season under […]

Tough week for RCS basketball

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — It was a tough week for the RCS varsity basketball teams. Last Tuesday, the girls’ team trailed most of the game […]

Living on Purpose: Making the decision to live God’s way

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media Many are convinced that this life has been given to them to do whatever they want and technically it’s true that […]

Social Security Matters: How does IRMAA affect Social Security taxes?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media  Dear Rusty: In a recent article about Medicare’s “Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount” (IRMAA) and how IRMAA affects Social Security taxes, you described […]

Reentry after incarceration: A fresh start or a journey laden with baggage?

Tenth in a series about the justice system By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–Every year, more than 185,000 individuals are released from incarceration in New York. Indeed, it is axiomatic that […]

Potential bridge project may hold hope for ‘spur’

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—The key to unlocking a possible connecting pathway or a “spur” from the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to the Copake hamlet seems to hinge on a future […]

Ruth Tompkins is Greenville’s own centenarian

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — When Greenville resident Ruth Tompkins was born, Calvin Coolidge was president. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and […]

Trolley Station donated to the North Chatham Free Library

NORTH CHATHAM–Longtime resident and former president of North Chatham Historical Society (NCHS) George Vollmuth donated the Trolley Station to the North Chatham Free Library (NCFL) in September. For 75 years, […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The darkening days

By NANCY JANE KERN THE NUMBER of hours of sunlight per day is noticeably decreasing in our Earth’s northern hemisphere. If the weather outdoors remains tolerable, I like to be […]

A very special visit with Santa

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — This may be Santa Claus’ most hectic time of year, but he’s never too busy for the kids of Coeymans […]

Whittling Away: Squirrels

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I was getting the bird feeders ready to put up for another winter and just for a fleeting moment I thought about […]

Passenger thrown from vehicle, dies at hospital

By DIANE VALDEN CANAAN—A Massachusetts woman, who was thrown from a vehicle during a Thanksgiving Day crash at 2240 State Route 295, later died at a hospital. Columbia County 911 […]

Ordman heads Climate Smart in Austerlitz

By PETER FLIERL AUSTERLITZ–Austerlitz Town Board member Cara Humphrey introduced Nancy Ordman to the board and those in attendance at the Town Board meeting on November 21 as the nominee […]

New Lebanon approves budget, closes on community center

By DOUG LA ROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–Following a public hearing at which there was no comment, the New Lebanon Town Board gave its unanimous approval to the […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: Early Oak Hill

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media Beginning in the early 19th century, Oak Hill grew into a vigorous industrial hamlet.  Although the area had served as a […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – December 5, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – December 3, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Tierra Farm spearheads hurricane relief effort

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media VALATIE — When Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast in late September, countless families, communities and businesses were devastated. One local company has done […]

RAVENS REPORT: Superintendent’s Message: New security position under consideration

By Dr. Brian Bailey RCS District Superintendent As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff and visitors, we are exploring the […]

Aging with Grace: The re-gifting of Christmas Past

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media The task always seems quite tedious at the onset. It begins with the arduous task of setting out to choose the perfect […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Dec. 12, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. No registration is required. Thursday, […]

Season’s Greetings from Long Energy: Reflecting on a Year of Service

As the year comes to a close, we at Long Energy take a moment to reflect on the past twelve months. Our journey has been filled with challenges and achievements. […]

RAVENS REPORT: RCS teacher named Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — Brandon Herwick, RCS physical education teacher, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award by the New York State Association […]

Obituary: Leland K. Brown

Leland K. Brown, age 93, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. He was born in the family farmhouse in Norton Hill on April 28, 1931, […]

The Retired Investor: The cost of college pulls students south

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media As the cost to attend several Ivy League colleges approaches $90,000 per year, applications to obtain a college degree below the Mason-Dixon […]

Positively Speaking: The ego

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media I was conversing with a friend recently and we found ourselves in a back-and-forth about ego. She thought focusing too much on […]

New Baltimore awarded $1.4M to repair Route 144

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media NEW BALTIMORE — Seventy municipalities across the state will share in $100 million in state funding for road repairs due to extreme weather […]

Christmas parade celebrates the season

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — Though temperatures were frosty, residents turned out by the hundreds to see the annual Christmas parade march from Coeymans Landing up […]

Living on Purpose: Taking a moment to appreciate our blessings

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media The year has flown by and now Thanksgiving has come and gone. I hope you had a meaningful Thanksgiving with family […]

Social Security Matters: Am I entitled to more Social Security from my ex-husbands?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media  Dear Rusty: I am 76 years old and a retired high school counselor/teacher. I was married to my first husband from 1968 […]

Stuyvesant bridge plan moves forward

By EMILIA TEASDALE STUYVESANT—A motion to move forward with the replacement of the single lane bridge to a two lane bridge in Stuyvesant Falls was carried unanimously at the county […]

Coming to Greenport: A Wellness Hub and more mental health services

By DEBORAH E. LANS GREENPORT–It started with the murder of George Floyd. Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson wanted something good to come of the tragedy. In June 2020 he issued an […]

Horses of Unbridled: When bonds build bridges: The journey of Angel, Heaven and Red

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media  A few weeks ago, I shared the story of Captured Angel, a Thoroughbred whose early life traced the stark contrast between racing’s […]

Junior Grange celebrates year of crafting and competition

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — The Ravena Junior Grange No. 663 has had an eventful year, with its young members busily engaging in various craft projects […]

Whittling Away: Mostly milk

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media It hit me in the supermarket the other day — no, it wasn’t the cart piled high with baked goods being propelled […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Obituary: Gail F. La Plante

MEDUSA – Gail F. La Plante, 87, passed away on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital. Gail was born in Brooklyn on Jan. 4, 1937, a daughter of […]

Historical Society to hold Holiday Open House 

RAVENA — The Ravena Coeymans Historical Society will hold a holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1-3:30 p.m. in its museum, located in the rear entrance of the Ravena […]

Aging With Grace: A letter to Santa

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Santa, OK, I’ll admit, Santa, that this may be a little unexpected given the fact that this letter is coming from […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – November 28, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – November 27, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Village, town gearing up to launch holiday season

Massive parade set for Saturday By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — The village and town are gearing up for one of the community’s biggest bashes of the […]

County’s bond rating upgraded to second highest

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CATSKILL — Greene County’s bond rating was upgraded to the second highest rating on the scale, reflecting an improved financial standing. The rating […]

Soft Paws: ‘Winterizing’ dogs for the outdoors

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media Greetings! We trust that our readers had a wonderful Thanksgiving with families and friends! Many articles are written at this time of […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Dec. 5, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

GOOD NEWS!: Greenville turns into Christmas Winter Wonderland

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — Santa and Mrs. Claus took time out from their busy schedules this time of year to pay a special visit to […]

Now passed, what does Prop 1 mean for NYS?

By Deborah E. Lans Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY — Concerned that future legislatures might tilt to the right, New York state legislators placed Proposition 1 on the statewide ballot […]

Bates Christian Church to hold annual Christmas program

PRESTON HOLLOW — The Bates Christian Church will once again have its annual Christmas service, this year on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. at 1 Bates Church Road in […]

Positively Speaking: The fight for freedom

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media We recently wrapped up another election season and opened the latest chapter in our nation’s history. The act of voting, an honor […]

Discover RCS looking to take it to the next level

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — The Discover RCS program is looking to take its game — and the community — to the next level. The program […]

Living on Purpose: Living peaceably, grounded in godliness

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media With the Republican victory over the Democrats, many are reflecting on the direction of the United States. For the Trump side, […]

Social Security Matters: When should my wife claim Social Security benefits?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I turned 64 in July and my wife turned 62 in August. My wife has not worked for approximately 15 […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The Big Oyster

By NANCY JANE KERN A FEW YEARS ago, I read “The Big Oyster: A Molluscular History of New York” by Mark Kurlansky and found it a wonderful, easy-to-read book with […]

Of homelessness and motels in this county and its neighbors

By DEBORAH E LANS HUDSON–What does it mean to be homeless in Columbia County? If you are not living on the streets, in a park or with relatives, it means […]

A visit to Prattsville: The Zadock Pratt Museum

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media PRATTSVILLE—Tucked into the northernmost peaks of the Catskills, in the far western corner of Greene County, lies the picturesque town of Prattsville, NY. […]

Ruck March honors veterans, supports local groups

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media VOORHEESVILLE — Voorheesville recently hosted the third annual Ruck March, drawing residents, veterans and supporters together to raise funds and gather supplies for […]

Whittling Away: Football

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media It’s now officially autumn.  The signs are easy to spot even if you don’t have a calendar — leaves are falling, the […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – November 21, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – November 20, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Columbia County man charged in gun store burglary

COLONIE—A New Lebanon man was among four people arrested in connection with a burglary at a Colonie gun store last week. Colonie Police received a burglar alarm from New York […]

County works on Sanitary Code to meet challenges

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Columbia County is developing a Sanitary Code, the County Health Department announced at the Board of Supervisors Health and Human Services Committee meeting November 19, where Demba […]

GOOD NEWS!: Hundreds get free holiday meals during area’s first mass distribution event

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE — The village of Coxsackie played host to the area’s first mass holiday food distribution event the weekend before Thanksgiving. Working in […]

Greene Columbia Community Organizations Active in Disaster appoints Max Sanchez chairman

HUDSON–Greene Columbia – Community Organizations Active in Disaster (GC-COAD) announces the appointment of a new chairperson who will lead its coalition to the next level in ongoing preparation for support […]

Who will run for Stefanik’s seat?

By DOUG LA ROCQUE NYVT Media GRANVILLE–It’s often said politics makes strange bedfellows, but when it comes to running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, it can […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The clothesline

By NANCY JANE KERN IF YOU RIDE around the countryside nowadays something is missing, the clothesline. We didn’t think much about it; everyone used one. Old photographs of tenements in […]

Vine-cutting ceremony marks opening of Selkirk community forest

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media SELKIRK — The town of Bethlehem recently celebrated the acquisition of its first-ever Community Forest with a vine-cutting ceremony. The event took place […]

Tips for a safe Thanksgiving feast

With Thanksgiving approaching, the New York State Departments of Health and Agriculture and Markets are providing food safety tips to help prevent foodborne illness and ensure a safe and enjoyable […]

Aging with Grace: Sunrise and sunset

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Basically, I’m a morning person. I love being outdoors early, attending to my plants, pruning, watering and admiring the landscape at 5 […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Nov. 28, to Friday, Nov. 29 The RCS Community Library will be closed for Thanksgiving recess. Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 10-11 a.m. Romp and Read will help get the […]

Hudson’s backpack program addresses food insecurity issues

By KAYLEE MILLER HUDSON–The Hudson City School District held a Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, November 6. Thomas Orbinski, the student representative on the board, spoke at the meeting. […]

Domestic violence: Ever-present but met with new resources

Ninth in a series about aspects of the justice system By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–As Hudson Chief of Police Mishanda Franklin says, “Domestic violence is always with us.” Both nationally […]

ENTERTAINMENT: Misty Blues returns to Spencertown Academy

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY MISTY BLUES, led by vocalist Gina Coleman, rocked out the capacity audience at Spencertown Academy Arts Center (SAAC), Saturday night, October 12. The program was produced […]

Pilot dies in plane crash, two dogs on board survive

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media WINDHAM — The pilot of the small-engine plane that crashed in a remote location in Windham died from his injuries, according to the […]

GOOD NEWS!: Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family offers a season of thanks

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — No one should have to choose between paying rent and feeding their family a nutritious Thanksgiving meal. Capital Region Independent Media, […]

GOOD NEWS!: Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family offers a season of thanks

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — No one should have to choose between paying rent and feeding their family a nutritious Thanksgiving meal. Capital Region Independent Media, […]

The Retired Investor: Jailhouse stocks

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Investors appear to be “dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock” ever since the election of President-elect Donald Trump. Private prison stocks have roared […]

Positively Speaking: Marfa Lights

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Well, I know I said last week that my spooky series was done, but with many requests for one more, I said, […]

Three arrested on weapons charges in Coeymans

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — Three individuals were arrested and charged with illegal possession of a weapon on the Thruway in the town of Coeymans. State […]

Plane crashes in Windham

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media WINDHAM — A plane crashed in a remote location of Windham on Sunday evening. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash […]

Living on Purpose: Respecting and appreciating our military

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media President Ronald Reagan in a radio address to the nation in 1983 is quoted, “Veterans know better than anyone else the […]

Social Security Matters: Older veteran asks about special credit for military service

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I served in the U.S. Army from January 1958 to February 1961. What increase should I receive for those years […]

Board opts for road markings to start intersection upgrade

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—The Town Board voted to take some preliminary steps to make improvements to the problematic hamlet intersection of County Route 7 and State Route 82. But whether […]

Rain expected to dampen regional wildfires

By DIANE VALDEN HUDSON—With rain, and in higher elevations snow predicted to start early Thursday, November 21 and continue through Friday, some relief from the current drought is finally expected. […]

County Board passes occupancy tax, raises tipping fee

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Columbia County Board of Supervisors imposed a short term occupancy tax, increased a solid waste tipping fee, released more money for emergency repair of a bridge […]

Child Development class offers real-world experience

GREENVILLE — High school students who elect to take teacher Jamie Pecylak’s Child Development class have the unique opportunity to explore careers in human services through hands-on learning. The course […]

Whittling Away: Send me in, Coach

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I could have been in the Olympics if I’d wanted to be. The amazing thing to me is how many of my […]

Barr, of TCI of NY, aids in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS – Last Thursday morning, John Barr, a volunteer from TCI of NY, packed his bag and headed for North Carolina with a […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – November 14, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – November 13, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Veterans Day observed in Hudson

By DAVID LEE HUDSON—The Hudson Veterans Day observances began at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 11, with the placing of a wreath at the veterans monument in the 7th Street […]

Capital project update

GREENVILLE — Exciting progress is underway across campus! The district is one step closer to improved learning spaces for students and staff.  MS AND HS ART ROOMS  Renovations are progressing […]

Soft Paws: Purebred vs. mixed breed, Part 2

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media Health of purebred and mixed breeds, continued… With great frequency, questions come up not only in my classes, but with phone consults […]

Obituary: Frances ‘Blondie’ Neri

RAVENA – Frances Jean Wilsey Neri, affectionately known as Blondie to all who knew her, died peacefully at home on Oct. 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.   She […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Nov. 21, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Municipal policy options addressed in Gallatin

GALLATIN—Christine Vanderlan of the Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell University will give a presentation to the Town Board about Municipal Policy Options at the Gallatin Town Hall, Tuesday, November […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Smoky skies again

By NANCY JANE KERN OVER THE WEEKEND the morning fog was a strange, ash gray, and came across the field in waves and wisps. It was reminiscent of the bluish […]

Fall fishing opportunities abound

The warm, sunny days were here and gone and when ice fishing season begins remains to be seen. The good news is there’s still good fishing to be had for […]

ENTERTAINMENT: Barrington Stage Company closes its season with ‘Primary Trust’

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY THE BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY closed its 30th anniversary season with “Primary Trust,” the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner, on October 13. Stylistically, the play written […]

Drought warning issued for Greene County

The state Department of Environmental Conservation issued a heightened Drought Warning for Greene County, along with much of the Catskill, Hudson Valley and New York City regions. The rest of […]

Fire risk remains elevated, drought drags on

By DIANE VALDEN GHENT—The continued lack of precipitation has prompted the National Weather Service in Albany to issue a Special Weather Statement this week. The statement applies to all of […]

The Retired Investor: The Trump trades

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Now that the election is over and a clear winner has emerged, it is time to take a closer look at how […]

Positively Speaking: Skinwalker Ranch

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media I’m wrapping up my spooky series with a tale that fits perfectly into the Strange, Dark, and Mysterious. We’ve explored unsettling phenomena […]

Warm Wishes and Energy-Saving Tips: Celebrate the Holidays with Long Energy

As the holiday season approaches, Long Energy extends warm wishes and season’s greetings to all staff and customers. The joy of coming together with friends and family during this magical […]

Warm Wishes and Energy-Saving Tips: Celebrate the Holidays with Long Energy

As the holiday season approaches, Long Energy extends warm wishes and season’s greetings to all staff and customers. The joy of coming together with friends and family during this magical […]

Habitat for Humanity is accepting homeownership applications

HUDSON–Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity (CGHFH), a non-profit organization committed to providing homeownership opportunities for average and lower income residents, will be accepting applications for its homeownership program through November 30. […]

Arts & Entertainment: $4M raised for Divided Sky Foundation as Phish returns to Albany

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media On the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 25, as fans began to gather for Phish’s highly anticipated three-night run at Albany’s MVP Arena, a […]

Local volunteers deployed to fight downstate wildfires

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — Firefighters from several local fire companies were deployed downstate last week to fight the spreading wildfires in Orange County. The Ravena […]

Living on Purpose: What is in the well comes up in the bucket

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media It’s a spiritual revelation to comprehend that words have tremendous power but where there is privilege there is also accountability. Communication […]

Social Security Matters: Working septuagenarian asks about disability benefits

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I retired at my full retirement age, am now 79 and will be 80 in December. I have been working […]

Ravens fall short in championship game

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Ravens fell short in Saturday’s Section 2 Class B championship game against the Glens Falls Black Bears. The game […]

Prop 1 passed handily, embedding anti-discrimination law in the state constitution

By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–Concerned that future legislatures might tilt to the right, New York State legislators placed Proposition 1 on the statewide ballot this year. The proposition passed with […]

Kinderhook opens door to state housing funds

By EMILIA TEASDALE VALATIE—At their regular meeting on November 4, the Kinderhook Town Board passed a Pro-Housing Communities Resolution. Passing the resolution is part of the board’s plan to be […]

A legacy of love: The story of Celeste, Seared and Peggy

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media In the golden light of a Carolina morning, three mares stand beneath an ancient oak, their presence so harmonious it recalls George […]

Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family: A Thanksgiving tradition of giving

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media As Thanksgiving approaches, the Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family program, initiated by Capital Region Independent Media (CRIM), is once again bringing comfort […]

Historic church launches steeple restoration project

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media NEW BALTIMORE — A landmark in the heart of New Baltimore since 1833, the New Baltimore Reformed Church has announced a major initiative […]

Whittling Away: It’s a mental thing

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I’ve noticed a rather unique thing that happens as you age, in my case, gracefully. Your mind picks a pleasant spot and […]

Help celebrate Ruth Tompkins’ 100th birthday

GREENVILLE — Ruth Tompkins and her family are inviting the community to drop in for a quick visit to congratulate Ruth on her 100th birthday. Tompkins currently lives in Greenville […]

EDITORIAL: Why local newspapers hold trust while national media slips

By DEAN RIDINGS, CEO, America’s Newspapers THE RECENT DECISION by The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times to skip endorsing a presidential candidate has put the issue of media trust in the spotlight — […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Nature’s winter pantry

By NANCY JANE KERN TRIPS AROUND THE COUNTY give a rough survey of food sources for birds and animals, and so far, things look pretty good this year. During tough […]

ENTERTAINMENT: Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts: Shaping community and aspiring dancers

By MARLENE McTIGUE Capital Region Independent Media JUST OFF THE western side of the Taconic Parkway, nestled between the rolling hills of far eastern Columbia County and the black snake […]

Drought makes Shaker Mill blaze difficult to combat

By DIANE VALDEN NEW LEBANON—A fire in the old stone Shaker Mill at 40 Cherry Lane severely damaged upper floors and the roof of the structure, November 4. Columbia County […]

District eyes after-hours security at HS, MS

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS school district is considering hiring a retired police officer or other security employee to monitor the high school and […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – November 7, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – November 6, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Molinaro concedes 19th Congressional District race

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media U.S. Rep. Marcus Molinaro, R-19, conceded the race for his re-election one week after the results were tallied. Molinaro made a concession speech […]

Local firefighters helping with downstate wildfires

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — Volunteers with several local fire departments are heading downstate this morning to help with the wildfires that are still burning in […]

Obituary: Donna Lockwood Jennings

GREENVILLE – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donna Lockwood Jennings on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.  A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Donna worked for New York State […]

Aging with Grace: ‘She asked to touch my face’

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Quite accidentally, I happened upon some folded notebook pages tucked into one of my favorite cookbooks that many years ago had been […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Nov. 14, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Collection to brighten troops’ holidays

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — The holiday season can be difficult for military members serving overseas, far from family and friends, but a local group is […]

The Retired Investor: Betting on elections comes of age

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen. This year’s presidential election entered the world of online betting. That’s right, presidents have now entered […]

Positively Speaking: ‘Missing 411’

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Well, if you read my column last week, you’ll know that I decided to venture into the Strange, Dark, and Mysterious—a bit […]

Westerlo honors Hometown Heroes in closing ceremony

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media WESTERLO — A week before Veterans Day, the town of Westerlo held its closing ceremony for its seventh annual Hometown Heroes program on […]

Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family: A Thanksgiving tradition of giving in our communities

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media As Thanksgiving approaches, the Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family program, initiated by Capital Region Independent Media (CRIM), is once again bringing comfort […]

Living on Purpose: God’s light allows us to see His desires

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media For those who pay no attention to national and social politics, this election passed by like every other day and hardly […]

Social Security Matters: Why does the government ‘raid’ Social Security?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: The Social Security program is funded by employees and their employers. The federal government does not contribute to the program, […]

RCS headed for championship rematch with Glens Falls

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — RCS has done it again… the Ravens are headed to the Class B Section 2 championship. It will be a rematch […]

City and Spark have plans for Charles Williams Park

By DAVID LEE HUDSON–Working in Collaboration with the City of Hudson, the Spark of Hudson held a fall festival in the Charles Williams Park at 246 Mill Street on Saturday, […]

Time to register for RCS winter sports

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — With the regular season over for fall sports, it’s time to register for the winter sports season at RCS. Junior varsity and varsity registration will run through Nov. […]

Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family: A Thanksgiving tradition of giving

By MARLENE McTIGUE Capital Region Independent Media GHENT–As Thanksgiving approaches, the Feed Your Mind, Feed a Family program, initiated by Capital Region Independent Media (CRIM), is once again bringing comfort […]

The state of local child care: An update

By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–The French have an expression that applies with unfortunate accuracy to child care: the more things change, the more they stay the same. While the state […]

Honoring the nation’s veterans

Each November, millions of people recognize the service and sacrifice of military veterans on Veterans Day. Initially commemorated as Armistice Day but renamed Veterans Day in the United States in […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: History of the DeWitt Hotel

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media Since a number of buildings on the main street of Oak Hill are listed on the State and National Registers of […]

Event: Historic preservation in times of political and social division

RAVENA — On Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m., the Ravena Coeymans Historical Society will present a program featuring Dr. Patricia West McKay. Dr. West will reflect on a lifelong study of […]

Whittling Away: A joy forever

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media Long ago, when both the Earth and I were young, simple things entertained, amused and occupied me. The Earth and I are […]

Obituary: Cecile Owens Plattner

Cecile Owens Plattner, age 67, of Greenville, NY, died peacefully of cancer on Nov. 3, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY, surrounded by her family.  Cecile was born […]

GOOD NEWS!: Breast cancer walk raises awareness and funds cutting-edge research

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — Dozens turned out to VFW Post 9594 last weekend for the fourth annual breast cancer walk to show their support for […]

Be A Better Gardener: Back to the future

By Thomas Christopher For Capital Region Independent Media Three thousand years ago, farmers in China nurtured their soil with a technique I am just now exploring. Those ancient farmers understood, […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – October 31, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – October 30, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

BOE releases unofficial election results for the county

By EMILIA TEASDALE GHENT—The Columbia County Board of Elections had unofficial vote totals late Tuesday night, November 5, posted on their website (elections.columbiacountyny.com). In the county race for the 19th […]

Fahy is Coeymans’ new state senator

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — Election Day brought Coeymans a new state senator. Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy was elected to fill the seat vacated by state Sen. […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: A Halloween Tale

By NANCY JANE KERN IT WAS LATE OCTOBER and good weather to do a final cleanup of the old rural cemetery before the winter snows began. The secluded little cemetery […]

Riley ousts Molinaro, state officials win re-election

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — Election Day saw Greenville’s state officials re-elected, but Democratic challenger Josh Riley defeated Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Marcus Molinaro for the […]

Hudson man charged with multiple counts of sex abuse

By DIANE VALDEN HUDSON—Wednesday, October 23, Hudson Police arrested Cristobal Orlando Ascencio-Chacon, 34, of Hudson on four separate counts of first degree sexual abuse of a child less than 11 […]

Soft Paws: Pure breeds versus mixed breeds

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media As I became more involved with the intervention and training of shelter dogs in the 1970s and ‘80s, with a significant increase […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Nov. 7, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Election results – Albany County

EDITOR’S NOTE: All results are unofficial at this time. An “X” next to a candidate’s name indicates a projected winner. U.S. SENATE:  (with 11,531 of 13,357 districts reporting) X Kirsten […]

Election results – Greene County

EDITOR’S NOTE: All election results are unofficial at this time. An “X” next to a candidate’s name indicates a projected winner. U.S. SENATE: (with 11,531 of 13,357 districts reporting) X […]

Pet supply mission hampered by local suspicion and misinformation

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated areas of western North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky, families and communities […]

Columbia County announces burn ban

HUDSON—Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell announced in a November 5 press release that a countywide burn ban has been declared and is to take effect immediately. This […]

The Retired Investor: Natural diamonds take a back seat to lab-grown stones

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media There was a day when a man’s love for his bride was measured by the clarity and size of a diamond ring. […]

Danger of fire is ‘High’ here

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—Recent weather conditions marked by drought, low humidity, warm temperatures and wind have prompted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to rate the Hudson […]

New Lebanon purchases former firehouse for community center

By DOUG LA ROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–For nearly a year the New Lebanon Town Board has been debating the purchase of the former Lebanon Valley Protective Association […]

Positively Speaking: Blood rain

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media While I focus on the positive, I’m a fan of the Strange, Dark, and Mysterious. Who doesn’t love a good mystery? I’m […]

K’hook Town budget proposal nudges $3 million

By EMILIA TEASDALE VALATIE—The Kinderhook Town Board adopted the preliminary 2025 budget at their regular meeting on October 1. As posted on the town’s website (www.kinderhook-ny.gov) the budget is about […]

Greene County placed under drought watch

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media Greene County is one of 15 New York counties placed on a drought watch list Monday. The New York State Department of Environmental […]

Crandell unveils major upgrades, closes for year

By DAVID LEECHATHAM–FilmColumbia has just concluded its 24th annual film festival on Sunday, October 27 and now its home screen at the Crandell Theatre on Main Street in the village […]

Hudson gives HHA extension on holding land

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Hudson Housing Authority (HHA) received an extension from the Hudson Community Development and Planning Agency (HCDPA) to December 31 for paying to hold specific city-owned properties for […]

RCS offense unstoppable in quarterfinal against Gloversville

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens continued their winning ways on the gridiron Friday night when they defeated Gloversville 56-21. Playing in the Sectionals game […]

Greene County honors 103-year-old WWII veteran

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CATSKILL — Greene County honored 103-year-old World War II veteran and Freehold resident Stanley Maltzman at this year’s Veteran of the Year ceremony […]

Living on Purpose: We pray, we vote, and leave the rest to God

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media To be honest, I do not like politics, but at the same time I believe it’s my duty and opportunity to […]

Social Security Matters: Taxation of Social Security benefits

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty:  I am past my Social Security full retirement age and I am still working. I am married and we file […]

Morningstar looks forward to continue serving Copake

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—Federal and state political races have seized voter attention this election year—big time. And while there are no local contests on the ballot in 2024, there is […]

Whittling Away: Flipper

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media It’s out there, waiting, hiding in the pack, looking like all the others. It knows when I’m coming and somehow it works […]

DAY ONE—a childcare trifecta

By DEBORAH E. LANS POUGHKEEPSIE–Can you imagine a workplace that has had zero turnover in its existence? Where every “worker” glows when describing the job? That has a profoundly important […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

College & Military Corner

Shawn Rose, of Cairo, assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, was promoted Sept. 5 to the rank of staff sergeant in the New York Army National Guard. [...]

DEC encourages NYers to help protect bats during ‘Bat Week’

ALBANY — To raise awareness about the critical role of bats in the environment during internationally recognized Bat Week, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar […]

Toys for Tots: A helping hand for the holidays

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS—Riverview Missionary Baptist Church is once again operating its annual Toys for Tots campaign, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers like Rosa […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The woodpile

By NANCY JANE KERN IT SEEMED LIKE A HUGE part of our lives revolved around the woodpile. As a neighbor once remarked, he never knew anyone who worked harder than […]

ENTERTAINMENT: Discovering the Norman Rockwell Museum: A cultural gem in Stockbridge, MA

By MARLENE McTIGUE AT THE VERY western edge of the Berkshires, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA, stands as a testament to the power of art in shaping American […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – October 24, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – October 23, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

RCS extends interim HS assistant principal appointment

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS School District announced Thursday that John Thorson, retired principal from Chatham, will continue to serve as the interim high school assistant principal through June 30, 2025. […]

Women-owned dispensary to open Greene County’s first cannabis store

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE—Greene County is preparing to welcome its first recreational cannabis dispensary this fall, marking a historic moment for the area’s business landscape and […]

AG issues guidance for voters

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James issued guidance reminding New Yorkers of their voting rights and key election information for the November 2024 general election. James highlighted […]

Annual cemetery tour explores the history of the city

By DAVID LEE HUDSON–A tour of the historic Cedar Park Cemetery was conducted on Sunday, October 20. Organized through the Hudson Area Library, the tour has been an annual event […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Oct. 31, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Is our family court in crisis?

Eighth in a series on justice By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–In February 2024 the state Senate issued a report headed “The Crisis in New York’s Family Courts.” It was just […]

High schoolers put cooking skills to the test

GREENVILLE — Students in Greenville High School recently put their cooking skills to the test in an Iron Chef competition. Four teams in each of teacher Jamie Pecylak’s Family and […]

The Retired Investor: Natural diamonds take a back seat to lab-grown stones

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media There was a day when a man’s love for his bride was measured by the clarity and size of a diamond ring. […]

Election rundown: Federal, state, county races up for grabs

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — The presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has been dominating the spotlight, but there are […]

Positively Speaking: Blood rain

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media While I focus on the positive, I’m a fan of the Strange, Dark, and Mysterious. Who doesn’t love a good mystery? I’m […]

Passenger dead, driver charged with manslaughter

By DIANE VALDEN NEW BALTIMORE—A Hudson man was killed in a one-vehicle crash and the driver, also from Hudson, faces charges. A Greene County Sheriff’s Office press release reports that […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

GALLERY: Phish fan photos

Phish fans from far and wide converged upon Albany this past weekend for a 3-night run at the MVP Arena. The energy was palpable as enthusiasts mingled both inside and […]

Ravens are 2024 Reinfurt Division champs

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens became the Reinfurt Division champions on Friday with a huge win over the Green Tech Eagles by a score […]

Girls’ volleyball celebrates Senior Night

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens girls’ volleyball team celebrated Senior Night on Wednesday. There are two graduating seniors on the team — Talia Jones […]

Social Security Matters: Signing up for Social Security and Medicare Part B at 70

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I just turned 69 years old in August 2024 and am still working full-time. I signed up for Medicare Part […]

Fuel truck rollover forces Thruway closure

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CATSKILL — A fuel truck rollover on the New York State Thruway has forced the closure of all southbound lanes between exits 20 […]

Living on Purpose: Oh, how we ignore our need to change

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media Transformation is a word used to explain what happens when someone is saved. It’s the theme of the Christian faith, but […]

New warming center opens in Hudson

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–A warming center with beds and meals opened in Hudson, October 17, as the Blanche Hotaling Memorial Mission. Located in the First Reformed Church of Hudson on […]

Residents’ input sought on crossroads study findings

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—The results of the much anticipated engineer’s evaluation and traffic study of the notoriously scary County Route 7 / State Route 82 intersection are in, now it’s […]

Election rundown: Federal, state, local races up for grabs

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — The presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has been dominating the spotlight, but there are […]

Barrett and Krakower run in 106th AD

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY GHENT–The 106th Assembly District (AD) race features two long-serving office holders: the incumbent Democrat Didi Barrett with 12 years in the Assembly and the challenger, Republican […]

Horses of Unbridled: The unbreakable bond: A tale of three mares

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media Unbridled exists as a sanctuary where horses find solace, companionship, and understanding. Each week, as we delve into the lives of the […]

Innovation Station’s Puzzled Pints returns

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — After a successful debut last year, Ravena Innovation Station’s Puzzled Pints program has returned, offering locals a fun and mentally stimulating […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Witch Hazel

By NANCY JANE KERN ROAMING THE WOODS in October is glorious and anticipatory. Several migrating yellow-rumped warblers were snacking on still available insects and the numerous poison ivy berries. Toward the […]

Taghkanic men charged with possessing child pornography

By DIANE VALDEN TAGHKANIC—State Police from the Livingston barracks in conjunction with the State Police Computer Crimes Unit arrested two Taghkanic men for possession of child pornography, October 9. Following […]

Whittling Away: Shopping

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I think I’m finally catching on to this shopping thing.  I had the disadvantage of having been born male, and shopping doesn’t […]

Election: Hinchey, Sheehan vie for 41st Senate District

By Lorna Cherot Littleway For Capital Region Independent Media Democratic incumbent state Sen. Michelle Hinchey is seeking re-election in the 41st Senate District against Republican challenger Pat Sheehan. The 41st […]

Aging with Grace: Boomer-proof

By Pat Larsen Capital Region Independent Media OK, we’re getting older and stuff just isn’t so easy to open anymore. Is it?  Acknowledging this is a sign of maturity. Or maybe […]

Board looks at declining population in town and county

By PETER FLIERL CANAAN–Canaan Town Supervisor Brenda Adams turned the Town Board meeting Monday, October 14, over to Chris Brown, Housing Development coordinator with Columbia County Housing Task Force. Mr. […]

County Board makes plans for ARPA funds

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Student internships, animal welfare, a historic bridge marker, and ARPA received attention at the Columbia County Board of Supervisors meetings September 11 and October 9. ARPA (the […]

County broadband funding to expand service in Coeymans

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — Albany County has allocated $2.9 million to expand broadband access to unserved areas of the county, and there is a possibility […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – October 17, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – October 16, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Cat rescued in Coeymans Hollow blaze

COEYMANS HOLLOW — Two cats perished in a structure fire in a home on Starr Road but a third was rescued, received oxygen and made a full recovery. On Wednesday, […]

Trunk or Treat coming to Ellis Elementary

GREENVILLE — Trunk or Treat is back for another year at Scott M. Ellis Elementary School, thanks to the Ellis PTA! The event will be on Friday, Oct. 25, from […]

Horror in the Hollow takes over Joralemon Park

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — With creaks and groans and screams that pierced the night, the community gathered at Joralemon Park on Saturday for the […]

Soft Paws: Cruelty investigator honored with Bilinski Award

By Guest Columnist Ron Perez For Capital Region Independent Media In 1994, Dr. Jerry Bilinski began an unending commitment to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA) during his tenure with us. […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Oct. 24, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Council supports Good Cause Eviction law for city

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Hudson City Common Council passed a Good Cause Eviction law (GCE) at its meeting October 15. Under GCE, landlords cannot end a tenancy without a legal […]

Event: Murder, mystery and a ghost story at the Pratt Museum

PRATTSVILLE—On Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1-3 p.m., Greene County Historian Jonathan Palmer will thrill and chill his audience with the second in the Pratt Museum’s second annual Harvest Lecture & […]

District: RCS operating under severe bus driver shortage

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS school district is continuing to operate under a severe bus driver shortage. The district is eight to ten drivers short of being fully staffed, which is […]

The Retired Investor: Back to the future in nuclear energy

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media In the 1950s, nuclear was deemed the energy of the future. Unfortunately, the world’s ardor for replacing fossil fuels with clean atomic […]

Positively Speaking: Manifestation

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Manifestation—does it truly work? For decades, this concept has captured significant attention, especially in the pages of popular self-help books like “The […]

Bendett and Pierce run in the 107th

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY GHENT–Early voting for the general elections start Saturday, October 26 and runs continuously to Sunday, November 3. Columbia County polls will be open in Hudson at […]

Quack quack! The ducks are back

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — The ducks are back in Greenville. After a years-long hiatus, local business owner Gared Wilkie from Community Partners of Greenville is […]

Living on Purpose: The dynamic relationship between love and prayer

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media Last Sunday, I was asked to bring the morning sermon for a wonderful church in the country called Mt. Lebanon Methodist. […]

SPORTS: Strikers head to Iceland for soccer tournament

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY THE STATELINE STRIKERS, a women’s soccer team, are Iceland bound for a one-day championship tournament November 9. Five women’s teams – four from the USA — […]

Girls’ soccer wins three in a row, celebrates Senior Night

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The girls’ varsity soccer team enjoyed a three-game winning streak last week and celebrated Senior Night on their home field Thursday. […]

LOCAL HISTORY: The Skeleton in the Well: An Austerlitz mystery on Fire Hill Road

By TOM MORELAND BACK IN THE 1830s-1840s the Woolsey gang roamed the Austerlitz hills, engaging in horse thieving, counterfeiting and burglary. Their leading spirit, Ambrose F. Woolsey, lived on what […]

Ravens pick up 5th win of season

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens easily picked up their fifth win of the season on the gridiron Friday night, defeating the Cohoes Tigers 34-7. […]

Social Security Matters: Retroactive Social Security benefits

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media  Dear Rusty: Both my wife and I are 67 1/2, i.e., past our full retirement age of 66 years and six months. […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Our beautiful fall flowers

By NANCY JANE KERN It is now fall and beautiful wildflowers are a nice addition to the colorful leaves and part of the last flash of color before the snow […]

Slate’s work archived at Washington University

By ANDREA DEGENER ST LOUIS, MO–The Dowd Illustration Research Archive (DIRA) at Washington University (WashU) has acquired the archive of Barbara Slate, a renowned comic artist, teacher, writer and columnist […]

In the line of duty

At this year’s New York State Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony, held inside the Empire State Convention Center in Albany, Ancram Volunteer Firefighter Stewart “Stewie” Guy Hunt was among those [...]

Chatham School Board honors employees’ life-saving actions

CHATHAM–The Chatham Board of Education recently honored Chatham Middle School Nurse Kate Juliano, Assistant Principal Michael Stead, Teacher Aide Michael Zwingelberg, and Assistant Supervisor of Transportation Steve Oleynek for their […]

Fatal crash leaves one man dead, driver facing charges

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media NEW BALTIMORE — A one-car motor vehicle crash in the town of New Baltimore on Thursday left one man dead and the driver […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed areinnocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended ordismissed. STATE POLICE

Horses of Unbridled: Mabel’s tale: A journey through darkness into light

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Readers, This week, I have the privilege of sharing a story that has profoundly touched my heart and, I believe, will […]

Three hurt in two-vehicle crash in Copake

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—Three people were hurt in a two-vehicle crash at 159 Yonderview Road, September 27 at 4:52 p.m. Hillsdale firefighters, the Community Rescue Squad and the Columbia County […]

Small tax break proposed in New Lebanon

By DOUG LA ROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling has put forth the 2025 tentative town budget. It contains a 0.47 cut in the amount of […]

New Baltimore targets cat overpopulation with spay-neuter clinic

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media NEW BALTIMORE — Area residents gathered last Saturday at the town hall for a reduced-cost spay and neuter clinic for cats, organized by […]

Animal Abuser Registry passed by board, EATS still a concern

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–On September 11 the Columbia County Board of Supervisors both authorized the Sheriff’s Office to establish an Animal Abuser Registry for protecting companion animals and urged US […]

Whittling Away: Seasons

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media Pumpkins are starting to make their annual appearance on front doorsteps. Fog coats the yard in the morning. Leaves are starting their […]

Durham unveils playground, park renovations

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media DURHAM — Looking for something to do in Durham over the weekend or after school? Check out the newly renovated park and playground […]

History program: Slavery in New York

COXSACKIE — The Greene County Historical Society will hold a presentation and book signing by author Debra Bruno on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., in the reading room of […]

Thrills and chills await on Haunted Hayride

COEYMANS HOLLOW — Strange happenings are going on at the Jorlameon Park in Coeymans Hollow.  Sightings have been reported by local residents and passersby to the local police about strange lights, […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – October 10, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – October 9, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Arts & Entertainment: Hubbard Hall: Theater that changes lives

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media CAMBRIDGE — The story of Hubbard Hall Project and its new executive director, Erin Harrington, is one of resilience, passion for the arts […]

Aging With Grace: Elections in the home stretch

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Here we are folks, in the home stretch, just a couple of weeks away from this year’s all-important election cycle. I’m guessing […]

McCoy releases 2025 Executive Budget

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY — Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy last week released the Executive Budget for fiscal year 2025. The $847 million proposal represents a […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Oct. 17, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

Ravena man charged with possessing child pornography

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — A Ravena man was arrested Friday and faces charges of possessing images of child sexual exploitation, New York State Police said […]

Molinaro, Riley face off in rematch

By Lorna Cherot Littleway Capital Region Independent Media The 2024 general election for the recently reconfigured 19th Congressional District is a rematch between Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro and […]

The Retired Investor: Economic storm clouds could be just around the corner

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media The U.S. economy continues to grow, fueled by generous fiscal spending in an election year, robust corporate earnings, and a consumer willing […]

Positively Speaking: The griper

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media If you like to gripe, you’ll say about me, “He’s just writing this column to complain about people who like to gripe! […]

Lord’s Acre Auction and Fair marks 69th year

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media     COEYMANS HOLLOW — For some, the Lord’s Acre Auction and Fair has become a family tradition passed down through the generations. The auction, […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Living on Purpose: Embracing the sacred institution of marriage

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media Many will disagree, but a happy and successful marriage is based on a personal relationship with Christ. And why is this? […]

Social Security Matters: Will my wife’s survivor benefit be less if she claims her Social Security early?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media  Dear Rusty: I claimed Social Security at 70. My wife claimed her own SS at 62, and her earnings were significantly lower […]

Hinchey and Sheehan run in 41st Senate District

ELECTION 2024 By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY GHENT–The Democratic incumbent Michelle Hinchey seeks re-election in the 41st Senate District against Republican challenger Pat Sheehan. Early voting starts Saturday, October 26 and […]

After back-to-back wins, girls’ soccer drops a pair

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — After two shutout wins in the first week of October, the RCS girls’ varsity soccer team dropped a pair to the […]

Ravens win big on the road, 34-7

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens took their show on the road Friday night and came away with a big win, 34-7. RCS was in […]

Event: Bronck Museum to celebrate 400th anniversary of Dutch settlement of NY

COXSACKIE — Four centuries ago, the Bogardus, Conyn, deWandelear, Van Bergen, Van Buren, Winnie, Bronck and many other Dutch families were active participants in establishing the Dutch colony of New […]

GOOD NEWS!: Local pastors honored for community service, pastoral leadership

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media The Rev. Dr. Roxanne Jones Booth and the Rev. Antonio Booth, former leaders at Riverview Missionary Baptist Church in Coeymans, have been recognized […]

Whittling Away: The battle against bottle tops

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I’m going out to my shop this morning and put together a toolbox to keep in the kitchen.  The time has come […]

Is our driving going downhill?

Seventh in a series about justice By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–A June 2024 study by the State Comptroller’s office reported that “Since 2019, motor vehicle fatalities in New York State […]

Chatham appoints Bordell as director of innovation, curriculum, and assessment

CHATHAM–The Board of Education has appointed Terry Bordell as Chatham Central School District’s new director of innovation, curriculum, and assessment, starting November 12. Earlier in his career, Mr. Bordell was […]

Human trafficking—a bigger problem than you think

By DOUG LAROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media EAST GREENBUSH—If you were to ask many residents of the rural portions of the Capital Region, they might well tell you human trafficking […]

District hosts School Safety Night

GREENVILLE — Michael Bennett, Superintendent of Schools, hosted the third annual School Safety Night on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Eight members of the school community were in attendance. Bennett shared that […]

Open house seeks to recruit local heroes

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — Local firefighters and area crafters joined forces Saturday to showcase their work and draw more volunteers to their cause. The […]

Aging with Grace: Sharing the generational bridge

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Here we are, the generation called “Baby Boomers,” still walking this earth with our families, friends and kids known as the Gen […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – October 3, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – October 2, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Obituary: Barbara MacCalla-Dews

Barbara MacCalla-Dews, of the Bronx, passed away and leaves behind a loving family. She will never be forgotten. The funeral will be held at Refuge Temple Annex, 716 E. 233rd […]

Ravena resident leads relief effort to help storm victims

By Marlene McTigue For Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA – Shawn Plante, a Ravena resident, is spearheading a crucial relief effort to assist both people and animals affected by recent […]

Soft Paws: Feline friends

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media Though it seems as if we’ve neglected our feline friends in this column, they certainly have not been neglected at our Columbia-Greene […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Have too much yarn, fabric or other craft supplies collecting dust and taking up space? Give your unused supplies a new […]

Historic tax credit for newspaper, broadcast media spurs resurgence of local journalism

Earlier this year, Capital Region Independent Media—which publishes the Ravena News-Herald, The Columbia Paper and the Greenville Pioneer—joined over 200 other local newspapers in New York state to launch the […]

Obituary: Sally Ann Bogardus

Sally Ann Bogardus, 65, passed away on Sept. 14, 2024, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Prior to living in Nova Scotia with her family, Sally resided in Greenville, NY. Sally held a B.F.A. […]

The Retired Investor: My economic outlook into 2025

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media On the back of the recent half-point cut in interest rates by the Federal Reserve Bank, equities and many commodities rallied anticipating […]

Positively Speaking: Peace Pilgrim

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media It’s easy to feel like everything is falling apart these days. The economy is uncertain, with prices climbing and jobs becoming more […]

Roe Jan School has new optimistic broker

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—Those familiar with the old Roeliff Jansen School building at 9065 Route 22, often lament that it has been vacant and left to decay for the past […]

Hearing Aid “Beta-Test” Offered in Capital District

Trial set through November 10  Participants in a hearing aid trial will have the chance to wear hearing instruments with artificial intelligence from two different laboratories during a two-week period […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Oak Hill & Vicinity: Durham United Methodist Church over the years

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media Churches, like the houses we live in, need repairs over the years. The Durham United Methodist Church, built in 1895, is […]

Living on Purpose: There are some things God cannot do

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media When we think about God being The Almighty, we see Him as having infinite power and authority in heaven and earth, […]

Social Security Matters: Veteran asks about special credits for military service

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty:  I just learned that if I served in the military during an active-duty period, I could get extra earnings for […]

Molinaro and Riley run for 19th Congressional District

2024 ELECTION BAR By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY GHENT–The 2024 general election for the recently reconfigured 19th Congressional District is a rematch of the 2022 midterm open seat election when the […]

November’s ballot proposition 1: New York’s ERA

ELECTION 2024 By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–There is only one proposition on the all the county’s ballots this November: a state constitutional amendment that would broaden equality protections in New […]

EDITORIAL: Capital Region Independent Media advocates for local journalism in Washington

By MARLENE MCTIGUE Capital Region Independent Media WASHINGTON DC–At a crucial moment for local journalism, Warren Dews Jr., publisher and vice president of Capital Region Independent Media, visited the nation’s […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Fall mushrooms

By NANCY JANE KERN ONE OF OUR 1950s neighbors had an Italian father-in-law who collected and ate wild mushrooms. He had done this in his homeland and continued the practice […]

Girls’ soccer season at 8-2 after big win vs. Lansingburgh

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The girls’ varsity soccer team stands at an 8-2 record on the season after a big win on the road Friday […]

RCS comes up short against Fonda-Fultonville

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens lost a home game on the gridiron to the Fonda-Fultonville Valley Hawks 21-7 Friday night. On the first possession […]

Boys’ soccer drops a home game to Mohonasen

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens’ boys’ soccer team dropped a home game to Mohonasen on Wednesday. The 0-6 loss put the team’s record at […]

Horses of Unbridled: NY rescues, sanctuaries unite to lobby for equine protections

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media In a powerful demonstration of unity, representatives from New York’s equine rescues and sanctuaries recently converged on Washington DC to advocate for […]

Event: Bronck Museum’s Heritage Craft Fair

COXSACKIE — On Sunday, Oct. 6, celebrate the fall season in the Hudson Valley at the Bronck Museum’s Heritage Craft Fair from 12-4 p.m. On porches, nestled beside the barns […]

Thruway letter-writing campaign gains momentum

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA—The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (RCS) community is rallying behind a grassroots letter-writing campaign to address escalating truck traffic, which continues to disrupt daily life along […]

Firefighters help fellow firefighters

MILAN—The Milan Volunteer Fire Department will hold a pancake breakfast at the Milan Town Hall, 20 Wilcox Circle off Route 199, half a mile west of the Taconic State Parkway, […]

Whittling Away: Cameras

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I was going through my desk the other day and came across a packet of negatives. The long strips that had five […]

Bill signed into law for EMS reimbursement for treatment-in-place

By MELANIE LEKOCEVIC Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY—Legislation signed into law September 18 will reimburse EMS for providing treatment-in-place for patients with Medicaid coverage. The legislation was championed by state […]

Suspect intercepted allegedly on way to commit murder

By DIANE VALDEN GREENPORT—State Police responded to a Columbia County 911 broadcast for a man allegedly traveling though Columbia County with the intent to murder his estranged wife’s romantic partner, […]

Public weighs in on plans and history of Bliss site

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Hudson Housing Authority (HHA) should include something acknowledging the “long history” of “this neighborhood” when it redevelops its property, Reverend Edward Cross said during an open […]

New Lebanon votes to purchase former firehouse for community center

By DOUG LAROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–It was late last year when the former New Lebanon Town Board voted to enter into a contract with the Lebanon Valley […]

Interfaith Blessing of the Animals

HUDSON — The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA is hosting an interfaith blessing of the animals in honor of the feast of St. Francis (patron saint of all animals) on Sunday, Oct. […]

Walkers build awareness of high veteran suicide rates

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — Each day, 22 veterans take their own lives. The statistics for active military servicemembers are just as grim — according to […]

Be A Better Gardener: For ‘peat’s’ sake

By Thomas Christopher For Capital Region Independent Media It must be 20 years since I first encountered arguments against the use of peat by gardeners. Their point was that peat […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – September 26, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – September 25, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Share your World War II stories with students

GREENVILLE — Kylie Conley, the MS/HS Library media specialist, is collaborating with English teachers Michael Morelli and Melissa Palmer to bring personal stories of World War II from community members […]

Library celebrates Banned Books Week with unique display

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA—The week of Sept. 22-28 marked “Banned Books Week,” an annual event that underscores the importance of free and open access to information, […]

Soft Paws: If you care, leave them there

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media With the onset of good weather (finally), our properties are abuzz with deer grazing, birds and small mammals nest building, and hunts […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Have too much yarn, fabric or other craft supplies collecting dust and taking up space? Give your unused supplies a new […]

Capital Region Independent Media acquires Times-Journal in Cobleskill

COBLESKILL – Capital Region Independent Media (CRIM) is proud to welcome the Cobleskill Times-Journal into its family of newspapers. CRIM President Mark Vinciguerra announced the sale on Oct.1 The paper […]

PHOTO GALLERY: Homecoming 2024

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK – The RCS Ravens took to the field Friday night for the annual homecoming game and came away with a 42-8 win. At halftime, RCS honored all of the […]

The Retired Investor: Deals are coming back in some consumer areas

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Consumers have been bludgeoned for years by higher prices. In this era of inflation, discounts disappeared as prices of everyday items climbed […]

Positively Speaking: The staircase of Loretto

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media We’ve all had those moments in life when we turn to prayer. Whether it’s a whispered plea in a crisis, a silent […]

Worse than death or divorce: The impact of incarceration on families

By DEBORAH E. LANS Sixth in a series GHENT–The effects of incarceration reach far beyond the incarcerated person, to his family and community. Even witnessing the arrest of a parent […]

Accidental lockdown, taxes dominate school board discussions

By DOUG LAROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–Following the monthly reports from school administrators at the Board of Education meeting on September 11, concern was expressed about a lack […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The power of the Sun

By NANCY JANE KERN THERE IS A LARGE MARSH not far from my house and I often go there throughout the seasons to see what is happening. The nights have […]

GOOD NEWS!: 18th annual Greenville Day lights up town park

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media GREENVILLE — By 2 p.m., a line of cars was waiting patiently to get into Vanderbilt Park on Saturday for the 18th annual […]

Morrissey appointed director of Special Education

BETHLEHEM — The Bethlehem Central School District’s Student Support Services Department, which includes special education, began the 2024-25 school year with some new faces, and some familiar faces in new […]

Living on Purpose: Loving God with all that we are

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media In Luke 10:27 and Mark 12:30, we notice that both passages use a fourfold description to explain how we are to […]

Social Security Matters: Should my husband file and then suspend his benefits?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty:  My financial advisor used a computer program which told my husband to take his SS at age 68, then suspend […]

Ravens win blowout homecoming game 42-8

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens won a blowout 42-8 in Friday night’s homecoming game against the Broadalbin-Perth Patriots. The win brings the team’s season […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Onesquethaw Reformed Church celebrates 200 years of faith and community

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media FEURA BUSH—The Onesquethaw Reformed Church marked a significant milestone on Sept. 14, as it celebrated its 200th anniversary with a day of worship, […]

Whittling Away: A hairy situation

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media An all-day rain put a crimp in the fun activities I had planned for today, mostly weed whacking and mowing.  Telly, my […]

New HHA plan could mean shorter buildings

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Hudson Housing Authority’s (HHA) redevelopment partner acknowledged they could alleviate concerns about the cost of proposed new construction by lowering building heights, reducing the number of […]

LOCAL ART: ‘Native Prospects’ on view at Thomas Cole site

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY THE THOMAS COLE National Historic Site hosts the exhibit, “Native Prospects: Indigeneity and Landscape” in the New Studio. The exhibit is presented in partnership with the […]

ENTERTAINMENT: “What, Me Worry?” a dive into MAD Magazine’s legacy

By MARLENE McTIGUE THE “WHAT, ME WORRY?” exhibit at the Norman Rockwell Museum offers an insightful look into the irreverent world of MAD magazine, a publication that has been a […]

Hillsdale man dies in officer-involved shooting

By DIANE VALDEN SARATOGA SPRINGS—On September 11 at about 3 p.m., State Police in Troop K at SP Livingston received a call from concerned family members of James A. Dellea, […]

Ribbon is cut on Learning Garden Childcare Center

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media SLINGERLANDS — Community leaders, including U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko and Assemblywoman Pat Fahy, gathered recently to celebrate the opening of the Learning Garden […]

Capital Region Independent Media advocates for local journalism

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media At a crucial moment for local journalism, Warren Dews Jr., publisher and vice president of Capital Region Independent Media, visited the nation’s capital […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: The Burhans House in Cooksburg

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media It is sad to say goodbye to someone you have appreciated for years. That feeling can apply to houses as well […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – September 19, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – September 18, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Girls’ soccer takes first loss of the season

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Schalmont Sabres snapped the RCS Ravens’ six-game winning streak Tuesday. After starting off the season unbeaten over the first six […]

Ballot Proposition 1: New York’s ERA

By Deborah E. Lans Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY—There is only one proposition on the ballot this November: a state constitutional amendment that would broaden equality protections in New York.  […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Sept. 26, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

County Supervisors designate September as Recovery Month

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Recent developments in Columbia County’s confronting substance abuse — both vaping and opioid — include funds from a lawsuit against Juul, two County proclamations, and abuse-discouraging education. […]

Event: GNH Lumber & Home to host contractor event featuring top industry suppliers

WINDHAM — GNH Lumber & Home will host a special contractor event on Friday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their Windham location. This exclusive event will […]

Voter registration efforts taking place across Capital Region

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA—In a concentrated effort to ensure that every eligible voter is prepared for this year’s pivotal elections, the League of Women Voters (LWV) […]

The Retired Investor: Fewer babies threaten future U.S. economic growth

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media The fertility rate in the United States has fallen by 3% since 2022. That is a historic low and marks the second […]

Positively Speaking: Ode to coffee

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media When I was 15 or 16, I had some friends over for a sleepover, and we were determined to stay up all […]

Kinderhook solar plan expects cheaper power

By EMILIA TEASDALE VALATIE—The Kinderhook Town Board has agreed to work with Puresky Energy to have the town’s municipal building be part of the company’s community solar program. At the […]

New Lebanon votes to purchase former firehouse for community center

By DOUG LAROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–It was late last year when the former New Lebanon Town Board voted to enter into a contract with the Lebanon Valley […]

Greenville Day 2024 Festival comes to Vanderbilt Park

GREENVILLE — Looking for entertainment in September? Come to the 18th annual Greenville Day, a family-friendly outdoor gathering with games, rides, food, fun and fireworks on Sept. 27, from 4 […]

The Little Red Schoolhouse final open house Sept. 29

COEYMANS HOLLOW — The Little Red Schoolhouse Historical Society will hold its final all open house on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 2-4 pm. The schoolhouse is located on Route 143 […]

Living on Purpose: Good deeds are not a substitute for love

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media I was reading an article the other day about how most people are confident that just being nice secures them a […]

Social Security Matters: Widow’s benefits vs. benefits from ex-spouse

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: In November I will be 60 and eligible for widow’s benefits. My late husband’s Social Security was approximately $2,300 when […]

College in prison continued: A no-brainer?

Fifth in a series By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–As Brian Fischer, former commissioner of the state’s Department of Corrections (DOC), says, virtually everyone incarcerated in a state facility will be […]

Ravens coast to win after big 1st quarter

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens coasted to a victory Friday night after scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter. The team was on the […]

Engineer to evaluate spur options for rail trail

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—The idea of creating a spur from the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to connect with the hamlet of Copake has been considered as part of a larger […]

Girls’ soccer makes it six in a row

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS girls’ soccer team made it six wins in a row Thursday in a season where they remain undefeated . […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Horses of Unbridled: From forgotten fields to forever home: DiDi’s path to peace

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media Day after day, in the heart of our community, Unbridled Sanctuary writes new chapters of rescue, recovery, and second chances for Thoroughbreds […]

Whittling Away: Aging

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media All in all, I’m pretty comfortable with myself and my life. I had the wisdom to pick a lovely, talented life partner […]

Bill signed into law for EMS reimbursement for treatment-in-place

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY — Legislation signed into law Sept. 18 will reimburse EMS for providing treatment-in-place for patients with Medicaid coverage. The legislation was championed […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The Scent of Rain

By NANCY JANE KERN THIS SEASON IS AN AMAZING MIX of beauty and change. Something we rarely consider is one of our traditional senses, smell. Growing up, our farm families […]

ENTERTAINMENT: There are some new players in town

By DAVID LEE THERE IS A new theater group in the area. It is called the Columbia County Players Theatre. Its mission, to use the potent social tool of communal […]

LOCAL HISTORY: The political lift to create GCS

By THOMAS SHANNON THIS SEPTEMBER MARKS 100 years since students first attended Germantown Central School. The path to creating a centralized public high school in Germantown was a long one. […]

Do you know how to spot a scam?

WEST TAGHKANIC—Taghkanic Senior Network, a newly-formed committee for the Town of Taghkanic, presents NY FRAUD WATCH with Alexandria Douglas-Bartolone, MPA, sponsored by AARP Speaker’s Bureau, at the Taghkanic Firehouse, 631 […]

Staff voice concerns about patient care quality at CMH

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The CEO of Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) says, “We’re a center for excellence,” according to Robin Johnson, an operating room nurse at the hospital, at a meeting […]

Board approves C-GCC’s new budget with some increases

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON—The Columbia County Board of Supervisors approved the 2024-25 Columbia-Greene Community College (C-GCC) operating budget, at its monthly full board meeting August 14. The total budget for […]

First signs of colorful fall foliage emerging across upstate NY

New York state’s 2024 fall foliage season is underway, with the first signs of the spectacular seasonal colors to come appearing in several upstate New York regions. The Adirondacks, Catskills, […]

Mosher Park splash pad nears completion

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA—Excitement continues to build in the village of Ravena as the long-anticipated splash pad at Mosher Park nears completion.  The project, championed by […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – September 12, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – September 11, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Girls’ soccer continues dominance with 5th straight win

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS varsity girls’ soccer team continued its dominance Tuesday with a 4-0 shutout over Troy. The Ravens headed out on […]

Man killed in fatal North Bethlehem crash

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media BETHLEHEM — A 37-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in North Bethlehem early Wednesday morning, according to the Bethlehem Police Department. […]

Arts & Entertainment: History and quiet contemplation at America’s first Shaker settlement

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media It may surprise you to learn that just across from bustling Albany International Airport, tucked into a quiet, wooded corner there is a […]

NY’s largest offshore wind project components being built in Coeymans

Construction of foundation components reaches 50% completion milestone By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — New York state’s largest offshore wind project will be off the coast of […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Sept. 19 to Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Have too much yarn, fabric or other craft supplies collecting dust and taking up space? Give your unused […]

Early big-game hunting seasons are open

ALBANY — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the start of early hunting seasons for deer and bear in certain regions of New York state. […]

The Retired Investor: Precious metals normally fall in September

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media As one of the best-performing areas of the financial markets this year, gold and silver have been added to many investors’ portfolios. […]

Positively Speaking: What do you believe?

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media I believe in the power of positivity, something my father instilled in me from a young age. He taught me that our […]

Girls’ volleyball comes up with third win of season

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The Ravens’ girls’ volleyball team came up with their third win of the season in a home match Monday. RCS skated […]

Prisons: Schools for crime or schools for citizenship?

Fourth in a series By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–When the three-man debate team from Eastern New York Correctional Facility in the Catskills beat a team from Harvard in 2015, people […]

Panel decries employee issues at CMH

By Jeanette Wolfberg Capital Region Independent Media HUDSON—Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) employees explained their demands for higher wages and affordable health insurance, while depicting people leaving for higher paying jobs, […]

Living on Purpose: Your faithfulness and hard work is appreciated

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media As fall arrives, we thank God for our blessings and will soon see the return of colorful leaves on trees, football […]

Girls’ varsity soccer undefeated so far this season

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS varsity girls’ soccer team is undefeated so far this season with a 4-0 record, and the team has only […]

Social Security Matters: Husband upset about his wife’s survivor benefit

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: This is a matter that I find particularly irksome. My wife – a retired teacher – was told that, should […]

Ravens defeat Riders in a rout 45-0

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — The RCS Ravens defeated the Ichabod Crane Riders in a 45-0 rout on their home field Friday night. In front of […]

Officials push for changes to EMS reimbursement for treatment-in-place

By MELANIE LEKOCEVIC Capital Region Independent Media GREENPORT— Elected officials, EMS and other first responders are pushing for the governor to sign legislation that would reimburse emergency services for on-scene […]

RCS boys’ soccer takes 0-3 loss at home

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — In their first home game of the season Thursday, the RCS Ravens’ boys’ soccer team took a 0-3 loss against the […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Whittling Away: Bike riding

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media Driving home the other day, I passed a couple of old poops on bicycles, no spandex outfits or fancy cycling shoes, shorts […]

Baron speaks at academy’s Book Festival

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY MARTIN BARON, RETIRED managing editor of the Washington Post (WP) newspaper, was among several authors hosted at the weekend long 19th Annual Book Festival, August 30 […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: West Winds

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media There is a new restaurant in Oak Hill and Vicinity, actually in Preston Hollow. It is in the well-loved building where […]

Local writer publishes first book

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media DURHAM — Greenville Pioneer columnist Pat Larsen has published her first book, a compilation of her monthly columns over the years. The book, […]

OUR VIEW: Higher taxpayer cost for lower reach

By Mark Vinciguerra Capital Region Independent Media It is an obligation for town leadership to provide the most cost-effective services for taxpayers as possible, but that is not happening in […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – September 5, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – September 4, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Greene remembers: County salutes the 9/11 fallen

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CAIRO — It’s been 23 years since terrorist attacks toppled the two buildings of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, a […]

Soft Paws: The work of dog control officers

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media Each year, Aaron Clause, our CGHS/SPCA administrative assistant to our CEO Ron Perez, and I print a list of current dog control […]

Horse owners urged to vaccinate their animals against EEE, West Nile Virus

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media Horse owners across New York are being urged to vaccinate their horses against two viruses that have been identified in the state. Eastern […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Sept. 12, from 10-11 a.m. Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. […]

New Leb moves ahead with the community center purchase

By DOUG LAROCQUE, Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–The town’s community center opened in December 2023 in the former Lebanon Vallery Protective Association (LVPA) firehouse on U.S. Route 20 at […]

Officials push for changes to EMS reimbursement for treatment-in-place

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media HUDSON — Elected officials, EMS and other first responders are pushing for the governor to sign legislation that would reimburse emergency services for […]

Students, teachers back in the classroom for a new school year

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — They’re back at it again — students, teachers and staff were back in school beginning Thursday for the first day of […]

The Retired Investor: How the U.S. can manage its increasing debt load

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media U.S. deficits at $35.225 trillion are going through the roof and interest payments on our debt load account for an increasing share […]

Positively Speaking: Praise in public

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Few things sting as profoundly as the sharp edge of embarrassment. It’s the sinking feeling of all eyes on you for the […]

The show must go on: Downpour doesn’t stop dress parade

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CAIRO — A heavy and sustained downpour didn’t dampen spirits for the 136th annual dress parade last weekend hosted by the Greene County […]

Deputies rescue man from burning structure

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—A sleeping man likely owes his life to the actions of two Sheriff’s deputies, who woke him up and got him out of a burning building. According […]

County honors sports teams, approves STR management company

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Columbia County Board of Supervisors acted regarding high school sports achievements, short term rentals, 11 Warren Street, firefighting education, Columbia-Greene Community College (CGCC), and student loan […]

Living on Purpose: Investing our abilities into God’s kingdom

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media As a freelance faith columnist and Christian author, I’m honored to have the opportunity to provide thoughts and ideas to relay […]

Two arrested after public disturbance

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — A disturbance on Main Street this weekend led to two arrests and a crowd of about 20 people who attempted to […]

Social Security Matters: Advice on when to claim Social Security

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I could use some advice on whether or not I should start collecting my Social Security benefits now. I am […]

RCS teams launch a new fall season

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — Local athletes took to the field and the court Thursday for the first time as the Ravens. The new team name […]

Climate news update: Youth grants, county projects and the Climate Carnival

By DEBORAH E. LANS CHATHAM–It is a truism that the effects of climate change will fall most heavily on the youth of today and tomorrow. Recognizing that there are young […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The hummers are still at war!

By NANCY JANE KERN Two male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in my yard fought over the sugar water feeder in May. The females do not have the red throat and are mostly […]

Police blotter

Editor’s note: A charge is not a conviction. All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges can be amended or dismissed. STATE POLICE

Bronck Museum hosts concert, Sept. 7

COXSACKIE — On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Bronck Museum will welcome LACE and Running the River band for musical performances in the Meadow Ridge Heritage Barn. LACE is an ever-evolving […]

Whittling Away: Moms

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media Recently I had the pleasure of talking to a group of young folks and the subject of parental jobs came up and […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – August 29, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald –August 28, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Paul Czajka, 70, former DA and judge dies

By DIANE VALDEN NEW YORK CITY—Retired longtime Columbia County public servant Paul Czajka died Tuesday evening, September 3 at Columbia Presbyterian in New York City, where he had been hospitalized […]

Man, who allegedly fled, charged in domestic dispute

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—David A. Grant, Jr., 38, of State Route 23, Craryville was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, two counts of endangering the welfare of […]

New Lebanon CSD names interim superintendent

By DOUG LAROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–At a recent school board meeting, Christopher Harper was appointed the interim school superintendent, replacing Andrew Kourt, who is leaving September 1 […]

A tale of hooves and hope: Unbridled Sanctuary celebrates 20 years 

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Readers, This week’s column is extra special. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of US this year—Unbridled Sanctuary—I’m handing over the […]

School safety program expansion funded by ticket revenues

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media BETHLEHEM—Albany County Executive Dan McCoy held a press conference Thursday at Bethlehem High School, where he highlighted the ongoing success and future plans […]

RCS Community Library

Friday, Sept. 6, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. This gentle yoga class, taught by local instructor Kelley Curran of Well & Kell, is for folks ages 50 and up. No experience or […]

The Ravens: RCS starts school year with a new team name

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — This is the first week of a new school year and there are plenty of changes in store for students in […]

Obituary: Rodney H. Haley

GREENVILLE—Rodney H. Haley, 59, passed unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Rodney loved his job as a chief lock operator for the NYS Canal Corp. He […]

The Retired Investor: Taxing Social Security benefits hurts seniors

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media In this election season of competing promises, one idea stands out as a good way of redistributing income from the haves to […]

Positively Speaking: The closer

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media When I was young I spent a lot of time at my dad’s office. He started as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman. […]

Pinning ceremony honors Vietnam veterans

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CATSKILL — It may be 50 years later, but the feelings today are as potent as they were decades ago for those who […]

Event: Roast beef dinner, Sept. 7

COEYMANS HOLLOW — The Ravena Grange will hold a roast beef dinner on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 4-6 p.m. The menu includes roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, cabbage kraut […]