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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 […]

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 […]

Living on Purpose: Hearing is one thing, obeying is another

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media Having the opportunity to be engaged in a constant dialogue with Christ is more than just a hope. It can happen […]

Social Security Matters: Retiree asks about his Social Security

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty:  I retired with a (gross) $4,600 per month Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuity from the U.S. Postal Service in […]

CMH employees get down to the issues

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) employees explained their demands for higher wages and affordable health insurance, while depicting people leaving for more remunerative jobs, and temporary contractors replacing […]

County’s drug treatment court; an alternative to incarceration

Third in a series By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–Numerous studies have concluded that incarceration has little effect on crime in general and indeed may increase an individual’s risk of engaging […]

Aging with Grace: The gifts of aging

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Old age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have […]

Neighboring mayor: Infrastructure grants are out there

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE — Has a nearby local community found the secret sauce to securing infrastructure funding? Neighboring Coxsackie has emerged as a model of […]

Whittling Away: Imagination

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media Is there anything better than a large mug of coffee first thing in the morning? The Queen, who arises early, not requiring […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: Siebert’s Fair View farm in Medusa

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media I love the stories of the boarding houses in Oak Hill and Vicinity. I’ve told many of them, but there are […]

Preparing little ones for the journey ahead

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA—As the new school year approaches, the RCS Community Library is taking creative steps to ensure that local children feel comfortable and excited […]

Be A Better Gardener: Invasive earthworms

By Thomas Christopher For Capital Region Independent Media Even before I started gardening as a teenager in my New York suburb, I had been taught to regard earthworms with an […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – August 22, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: The News-Herald article listed how Ernest L. Haight had given a “great deal for the public good”: One […]

Priest shortage forcing a new look at Catholic Masses

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COXSACKIE— A shortage of priests in the local diocese is forcing Catholic church leaders to take a fresh look at how to conduct […]

Soft Paws: Nutrition for dogs

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media A few years ago, a number of my colleagues attended a canine nutritional conference sponsored by the Ladies Kennel Club of Long […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Aug. 29, 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. […]

How the widow of a Civil War general helped build B-29 bombers in WWII

RAVENA—On Sunday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m., the Ravena Coeymans Historical Society will present its first program of the fall season. Ron Gabriele will present a fascinating account of an […]

The Retired Investor: Presidents have a long history of Fed bashing

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Many on Wall Street are horrified that a presidential candidate might want to erode the independence of the Fed. Some have even […]

Positively Speaking: We don’t have forever

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media I recently lost a close friend. His death was unexpected and came out of nowhere. Having known him since the fifth grade, […]

EDITORIAL: What Google’s monopoly ruling means for local newspapers

By DEAN RIDINGS, CEO | AMERICA’S NEWSPAPERS NOT THAT MANY years ago, the best way you could find out about businesses in town would be through your local newspaper. Your […]

Superintendent’s Message: Transportation challenges

By Superintendent Michael Bennett Greenville Central School District I wanted to make you aware of a challenge we’ve been facing and how it may impact the school year. Despite our […]

Living on Purpose: To the ones who stand out in a good way

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media Have you ever known someone that you admired because of who they were? There is something special and refreshing to witness […]

Social Security Matters: Does some of my monthly payment include repayment of my contributions?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty:  I have a question about my Social Security benefits. Would I be correct to assume that part of the monthly […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: When to harvest a field

By NANCY JANE KERN THIS WAS A HOT TOPIC GROWING UP and still is. Farmers must feed livestock and can only harvest in warm weather. Unfortunately, it is the same […]

GOOD NEWS!: From horse rides to bungee jumping, Friendship Festival doesn’t disappoint

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — The annual Friendship Festival launched just after noon Saturday with a parade through the village and offered everything from puppies to […]

THEATER REVIEW: ‘The Islanders’ is a masterful production

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY CARY CRIM’S PLAY “The Islanders” is a poignant two-hander that poses the question: Can two broken people help each other heal? “The Islanders” receives its world […]

Fire officials aid families after devastating blaze

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — Fire officials from three different organizations gave a helping hand to two local families who lost their home and everything […]

Be A Better Gardener: The dog days of summer are over

by Thomas Christopher For Capital Region Independent Media “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” We have reached the end of the dog days of […]

Whittling Away: Things I Don’t Know

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I have finally reached the age where I now realize how little I know.  The younger me was an expert in all […]

Obituary: Charlotte Guarini

Charlotte Guarini, age 83 years, of Coxsackie, NY, passed away on Aug. 7, 2024, at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, N.Y. She was born on Oct. 13, 1940, in Norton Hill, […]

Friendship Festival to return to Mosher Park

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA—The village of Ravena, the town of Coeymans, and numerous local businesses will come together on Saturday, Aug. 24, to host the annual […]

Soft Paws: Welcoming a new dog into your home

By Charlene Marchand For Capital Region Independent Media There are some messages that bear repeating, repeating, repeating, and here comes one of them. Those who know me well are acutely […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – August 15, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – August 14, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Motorcyclist killed in collision with tree

By DIANE VALDEN KINDERHOOK—A Schenectady County man was killed in a motorcycle crash off County Route 28 near Apple Tree Court August 11 at 5:16 p.m. A State Police investigation […]

Aging with Grace: Finding your own way to wellness

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media One of the key tools I often use to facilitate opening a dialogue between my clients and myself is determining the way […]

County unveils first fully renewable energy-powered highway garage

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS—Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy, along with County Comptroller Susan Rizzo and members of county Department of Public Works (DPW), officially unveiled the […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Aug. 22, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Just in time to help calm those first day of school jitters! Help acclimate your little one to their new commute by joining in […]

State has questions about funding gap for Bliss plan

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Hudson Housing Authority (HHA) has begun to receive feedback from the state on its proposed redevelopment plan and is looking for a housing consultant, HHA Executive […]

The Retired Investor: Labor unions could be the key to elections

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Over the past few years, labor unions have experienced a renaissance in interest and activity. As a result, unions have begun to […]

Hannacroix woman killed in fatal car crash

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media SELKIRK — A Hannacroix woman was killed Monday evening in a car crash on River Road in Selkirk. Colleen M. Selkirk, 60, of […]

Positively Speaking: Consistency

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Pursuing a dream can be very challenging. If you’re like most people, unless you have financial backing, you’re probably juggling a day […]

Short-term rentals, universal pre-K focus of Hinchey town hall

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CATSKILL — State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, held a town hall meeting this month at Subversive Malting & Brewing in Catskill. Hinchey has […]

Discovery Camp: The forces that move us

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA —Students from the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District’s (RCS) Summer Discovery Camp were treated recently to a unique hands-on STEM experience at Holcim […]

Living on Purpose: You are the caretaker of your mind

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media I read a book years ago by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale called, “The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking,” and I recommend […]

Social Security Matters: Will my wife get a spousal benefit from me?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media  Dear Rusty:  I will be turning 70 (yikes) this coming November. I will begin taking my Social Security benefit at that time. […]

Hecate still committed, but no application filed

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—In his August 10 update on the status of Hecate Energy’s controversial industrial-sized Shepherd’s Run Solar Project, Copake Supervisor Richard Wolf wondered why “the developer still has […]

Hudson’s mental health court: An exit ramp on the highway to prison

By DEBORAH E. LANS Second in a series HUDSON–This court feels different. The judge enters without pomp and opens the session by introducing herself and explaining some of what is […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Switchel

By NANCY JANE KERN EVERY ABLE-BODIED PERSON should have to work one day in a mid-August, old-time, blazing hot hay field. I thought I had it bad stacking hay bales […]

THEATER REVIEW: Mac-Haydn’s “All Shook Up” is a blast

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY IF YOU WANT to have rousing fun at the theater get over to the Mac-Haydn and see “All Shook Up” because the show is a blast. […]

Air quality alert issued

ALBANY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Albany has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulates in the air. The alert is in effect […]

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

Albany County designated a ‘Purple Heart County’

In honor of National Purple Heart Day, members of the Albany County Executive’s Office, Albany County Legislature, the Albany County Veterans Service Bureau, and the Albany County Department of Public […]

Whittling Away: Recliners

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I’ve been writing this missive for 25 years as of this month. With over a thousand columns behind me, there are times […]

Police reform panel sets process for filing citizen complaints

HUDSON—The Citizen Review Panel for Police Reform has completed the process of developing policies and procedures for filing a complaint against a police agency in Columbia County, Columbia County Board […]

Summer fun winds down in Hudson

By DAVID LEE HUDSON–The Hudson Department of Youth runs a six-week summer camp for kids from July 8 to August 16 at Oakdale Park. The camp is free, and the […]

Local nonprofits receive donations to support community initiatives

CHATHAM–Representatives from local non-profit organizations were presented with donations to fund a wide-variety of community projects from the Bank of Greene County’s Charitable Foundation at the bank’s Chatham branch. These […]

Oak Hill and Vicinity: Postcards

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media How many of you collect antique local postcards? If you don’t, you might want to consider taking it up as a […]

GOOD NEWS!: First responders honored for service and volunteerism

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media BETHLEHEM — Area first responders were honored during the annual National Night Out last Tuesday hosted by the Bethlehem Police Department. Fire departments, […]

Be A Better Gardener: Listen to your plants

By Thomas Christopher For Capital Region Independent Media There’s a persistent belief that talking to your plants benefits them. Supposedly, the vibrations of the sound waves enhance their growth. I […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald –August 8, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – August 7, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Obituary: Pauline Stanger

Pauline Stanger, 90, of Greenville, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. She was born on Nov. 10, 1933, to the late Frank and Daisy […]

Labor of love: Unbridled marks 20 years of saving equines

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media WESTERLO — It was back in 2004 that the idea for a sanctuary for retired racehorses was first born when Thoroughbred Stalwart Member […]

State completes $3.2M bridge replacement project

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — The state Department of Transportation completed a $3.2 million construction project that replaced the Route 144 bridge over the Hannacrois Creek. […]

Aging with Grace: What IF…?

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media I’m sure if you follow my columns, you already can hear the rant coming about something or other. Goodness knows, there’s lots […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Aug. 15, 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. […]

Oakdale Lake closed due to algae bloom

HUDSON—Oakdale Lake Beach in the City of Hudson has been closed due to the presence of a blue-green algae bloom according to an announcement from the Columbia County Department of […]

Goode makes All American soccer team

Melbourne, FL– The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) announced the rosters for the two All American Teams set to compete in the SuperCup NI 2024. Greenville resident Areanna Goode […]

No job losses anticipated after sale of two Carver divisions

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — Carver Companies has sold its mining and trucking divisions to Heidelberg Materials North America. The company, based in Irving, Texas, purchased […]

Positively Speaking: Presidential bravery

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media Throughout American history, several presidents have faced the terrifying threat of assassination, yet many of their responses were marked by extraordinary bravery […]

The Retired Investor: The return of the 60/40 portfolio

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Most people think of stocks when financial markets are mentioned. That is where the action is and where the big money is […]

Housing update: New study, old problems, some solutions

Another in the continuing series on housing in the area By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–In July, Pattern for Progress released its annual analysis of rental housing affordability throughout the Hudson […]

Oak Hill Day highlights town’s history

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media OAK HILL — For a small community, Oak Hill is chock full of history. That history was celebrated during Oak Hill Day, 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

New town hall closing set for mid-September

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — The town is expected to close on the purchase of a new town hall building in mid-September. Contracts are being finalized […]

Social Security Matters: Does Congress pay into Social Security?

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: I’ve been told that members of Congress do not have Social Security deducted from their pay, and that their retirement […]

Living on Purpose: Focus on the invisible, not the impossible

By William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media Stop for a moment and closely observe this trial you’ve been going through. When you are wounded and perplexed, it seems all […]

Town intensifies steps to prepare for unwelcome climate change

By EMILIA TEASDALE VALATIE—The Kinderhook Town Board adopted a Local Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP) at their meeting on August 5. The motion passed says that the town’s […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The root cellar

By NANCY JANE KERN CAVES WERE ONE OF THE FIRST PLACES early man may have learned that food and drink could be cooled and stored for longer periods. About 10 […]

LIBRARY EVENTS: The library gets a visit from local raptors

By LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY HUDSON–About 100 people, mostly children, attended the Owl and Raptors program at the Hudson Library, 51 N 5th Street, Wednesday, July 24. The presenters were Annie […]

Ceremony honors those buried on correctional facility grounds

HUDSON—A memorial ceremony was held July 22 on the grounds of the Hudson Correctional Facility to honor the women and children buried in a long-overlooked cemetery on the site. This […]

LOCAL HISTORY: History of Whaling exhibit to open in spring 2025

By RICHARD BAZELOW Continuation from “A log book’s story, voyage of the whale ship” column on July 25. THE CITY OF HUDSON was started with whaling families and investors from […]

Employer charged with putting ‘disguised’ camera under worker’s desk

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media SELKIRK — A Wynantskill man has been charged with unlawful surveillance after police allege he put a “disguised” camera under the desk of […]

Whittling Away: Commercials

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I like commercials on television. Some of them are more entertaining than the shows they are liberally sprinkled throughout.  I will admit […]

Claverack man perishes in Catskill bridge crash

By DIANE VALDEN CATSKILL—A Columbia County man was killed in a fiery single-vehicle crash on State Route 9W, July 24 at 11 p.m., Troopers from the State Police barracks in […]

Be A Better Gardener: Native annuals

By Thomas Christopher For Capital Region Independent Media In a recent column I discussed the unique aesthetic potential of annual flowers. Today I want to share the equally unique benefits […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – August 1, 1924 – F. E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – July 31, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

What should they say? Minutes draw scruitiny

By DIANE VALDEN ANCRAM—Approval of the minutes of the previous board meeting is usually one of the first items dealt with on any board meeting agenda and probably the most […]

The Village of Kinderhook welcomes new firetruck

By KAYLEE MILLER KINDERHOOK–The Village of Kinderhook’s Palmer Engine and Hose Company #1 has purchased a new customized fire truck. The Village Board passed a resolution two years ago approving […]

Board asks OSHA for more time to review updates

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–The Columbia County Board of Supervisors tabled a proposal to create an animal abuser registry, adopted a policy for surveillance cameras, and requested OSHA (the Occupational Safety […]

Real Estate Roundup: NAR ruling: No co-broke listings on MLS in New York

By Debra Danner For Capital Region Independent Media In the world of real estate, staying informed about industry regulations is crucial. Recently, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) implemented a […]

Events: RCS Community Library

Thursday, Aug. 8, 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. […]

Former Save-A-Lot distribution center sold for $20.5M

COXSACKIE— The former Save-A-Lot distribution center in Greene County sold for $20.5 million and will be upgraded and rebranded to attract industrial tenants that want access to the state’s Hudson […]

RCS fall 2024 sports registration

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — It may be hard to believe, but it’s already time for students to register for the fall 2024 sports season at RCS. The district’s Athletics Department has announced […]

Social Security Matters: Self-employed and not enough credits for Social Security

By Russell Gloor For Capital Region Independent Media Dear Rusty: For a 30-year period, I was making a living as an independent contractor and freelancer. I was working on behalf […]

Living on Purpose: The church equips Christians for ministry

By Dr. William Holland For Capital Region Independent Media I’ve been in church all my life and I know people who believe that attending an assembly fulfills the majority of […]

Horses of Unbridled: From racetrack to refuge

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media In the world of horse racing, where glory is fleeting and careers are short, what becomes of the equine athletes once the […]

Positively Speaking: Finding opportunities

By Toby Moore For Capital Region Independent Media How do some people find and seize great opportunities? Throughout history, individuals have achieved monumental success by recognizing and acting on unique […]

Images of justice: Introduction to a series

By DEBORAH E. LANS First in a series GHENT–The social scientist David Canter says that “to know a society, know its crime.” To think “of crime as generated by abnormal […]

LOCAL HISTORY: Theater continues improvements to building and programming

By KAYLEE MILLER THE VALATIE COMMUNITY THEATER has been with the community for 20 years now; throughout the theater’s time it has gone from a movie theater to what it […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: A wild turkey haven

By NANCY JANE KERN BEYOND THE LARGE WHITE PINE TREE trooped a rafter of two wild turkey hens with their young poults. They walked with purpose straight to the dusty […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: Those Darn Woodchucks

By NANCY JANE KERN IT WAS UNNERVING TO HOLD my great-great-grandmother’s rib. I looked at the hole the woodchuck dug into the family cemetery plot and suddenly knew how Hamlet […]

LOCAL HISTORY–A log book’s story, voyage of the whale ship: The George Clinton of Hudson 1834 -1838

By RICHARD BAZELOW WHEN YOU HEAR the words “golden age of American whaling” there is an air of romanticism about them. Advertisements in 19th century newspapers, or stories passed from […]

Woman pulled from Queechy Lake dies

By DIANE VALDEN CANAAN—A 71-year-old New Lebanon woman, her name not released by authorities, died, possibly as a result of drowning in Queechy Lake last week. Columbia 911 dispatched Canaan […]

Tague, Tweed to face off for 102nd Assembly seat

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — After a drawn-out process to determine the winner of the Democratic primary in the 102nd Assembly District, Janet Tweed was named […]

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

Ravena Innovation Station awarded $10,000 grant from KeyBank Foundation

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA – The Ravena Innovation Station has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation to support crucial technology upgrades and improvements. […]

Aging with Grace: Kids in the kitchen

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media After the great responses to the column “Guy in the Kitchen,” it became evident that sharing the next chapter, “Kids in the […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – July 25, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – July 24, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Fundraiser supports Discover RCS

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA — Members of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Community Business Association on July 18 hosted a Frese’s Bakery & Catering chicken and rib barbecue dinner […]

Event: 15th annual Golf Tournament

GREENVILLE — The Greenville Athletic Association is hosting its 15th Annual Golf Tournament to support the athletic programs within the Greenville Central School District. The four-person scramble tournament, hosted at […]

College & Military Corner

Ravena resident Sarah Franchini was named to Wofford College’s spring 2024 dean’s list. Two Selkirk students, Erica Ganns and Erika Lehtinen, earned President’s List Honors at SUNY Canton during the [...]

Obituary: Donald ‘Donnie’ Berkhofer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald “Donnie” Berkhofer, age 89, of Hannacroix, who peacefully departed this life on Friday, July 26, 2024, at his […]

Ongoing topics dominate New Lebanon Town Board

By DOUG LAROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media NEW LEBANON–The future of the community center, walkable downtown and the Shaker Historical Preservation district were the major topics under discussion at the […]

Copake’s picnic says ‘welcome home’

By DIANE VALDEN COPAKE—Hundreds of new, old and never been residents flocked to Copake Memorial Park, 305 Mountain View Road, July 13 for the town’s bicentennial “Come Home to Copake […]

Phase 1 of capital project set to finish before school starts

Since Greenville’s capital project was passed in December of 2022, district administrators have been working with an engineering firm to solidify plans for the project and determine a timeline for […]

Carver Companies sells mining, trucking division

COEYMANS — Carver Companies on Monday announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement in which Heidelberg Materials North America will acquire Carver Sand and Gravel, the largest […]

The Retired Investor: Tax-deferred savings accounts set for some changes

By Bill Schmick For Capital Region Independent Media Starting Sept. 23, there is good news for savers who want a fair shake when looking for investment advice. Let’s hope that […]

Event: Unbridled Sanctuary celebrates 20-year legacy of love

WESTERLO – As the thundering hooves echo through Saratoga Race Course this season, just an hour south, Unbridled Sanctuary marks a poignant 20-year milestone in equine protection. The Sanctuary’s story […]

Fire destroys home on Lawson Lake Road

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — An early morning fire on Monday destroyed a home at 53 Lawson Lake Road. Members of the Coeymans Hollow Volunteer […]

Local youth showcase agricultural skills

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CAIRO — From cows to alpacas to chickens and ducks, local youth showcased their agricultural skills in the annual Greene County Youth Fair […]

Board sends animal abuser registry back to committee

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON—On July 10, The Columbia County Board of Supervisors voted down a local law that would have established an online animal abuser registry, sending it back to […]

A mighty oak, sycamore and even an elm grow here

By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–Did you know that Big Tree Hunters roam the forests and fields of Columbia, Greene and neighboring counties in search of great old trees? Moreover, they […]

Former Community Care building eyed for town hall

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS — The town is considering purchasing the former Community Care building on Route 9W for conversion into a new town hall. The […]

Horses of Unbridled: Celebrating farriers at Unbridled Sanctuary

By Susan Kayne For Capital Region Independent Media In the world of equine care, there are many professionals whose contributions are readily apparent—veterinarians, trainers, chiropractors, acupuncturists, dental practitioners, grooms, stable […]

Whittling Away: The passage of time

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media I admit to getting older but I’m still waiting for the getting wiser part to kick in.  I often ponder about 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

Burglary suspect nabbed after six hour ATV pursuit

By DIANE VALDEN KINDERHOOK—State Police (SP) and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested Corey Hinz, 35, of Stuyvesant following an extended pursuit in the Town of Kinderhook, July 9. […]

Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Catskill Mountain House

By Jonathan Palmer, Greene County Historian Reprinted with permission It was with great pleasure that I had the opportunity at the beginning of June to join the Greenville Local History […]

Aging with Grace: Finders keepers

By Pat Larsen Capital Region Independent Media It seems that collecting antiques has become increasingly more popular as of late. Younger Baby Boomers with disposable income and with a keen eye for […]

GOOD NEWS!: Community garden seeks to relieve food insecurity

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media COEYMANS HOLLOW — Combining the great outdoors with the prospect of fresh food and a love of community — how can you go […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – July 18, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – July 17, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Obituary: Peter J. Sorell, Jr.

Peter J. Sorell, Jr., 74, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday evening, July 19, 2024, with his family at his side. Peter was born in Albany on March […]

Events: RCS Community Library

RAVENA – Here are upcoming programs at the RCS Community Library. The library is located at 95 Main St. in the village. Thursday, July 25, from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Join with […]

Youth Fair opens Thursday

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CAIRO — Looking for a fun — and free — time with the kids? The Greene County Youth Fair opens Thursday and is […]

History program: Going ‘upstate’

COXSACKIE — Join history enthusiast Lex Grey and special guests for a summer vacation through the ages on Sunday, July 28, at 2 p.m. The Catskill resort experience has been […]

Arts & Entertainment: The magic of Tanglewood

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media If you haven’t had the experience yet, you really should know, just over the river and through the woods a bit, there is […]

Committee launched to plan 250th anniversary

ALBANY — Albany County last week officially launched the “USA-250” Commission with the ceremonial swearing in of its members. The committee announced plans to help prepare the county for the […]

New criteria for HS diploma proposed

By Sara Foss Reprinted with permission ALBANY—New York students would no longer be required to pass a certain number of state Regents’ exams to earn a high school diploma under […]

Company works with people to help resolve conflicts

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG CATSKILL–Common Ground Dispute Resolution, Inc. helps people in adversarial situations come to solutions. It serves Columbia and Greene counties and has its main office in Catskill. It […]

Valatie permits new housing where empty factory collapsed

By EMILIA TEASDALE VALATIE—The Planning Board received two rounds of applause from residents attending the meeting on July 2 when the board approved a subdivision for St. Luke’s Church parsonage […]

Officials react to Biden’s exit

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media ALBANY – After the news broke Sunday that President Joe Biden was exiting the 2024 presidential race, reactions from local and state officials […]

Celebrating “old-fashioned,” community values: The CARTS program

By DEBORAH E. LANS HUDSON–In his memoir “The Flag, The Cross, and The Station Wagon” environmentalist and Third Act founder Bill McKibben says that during his lifetime he has seen […]

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

Letter to the Editor: Seeking information

I write the Grandma Mackey’s Diary for the Greenville Pioneer. Well, I don’t write it, I transcribe it from my great-grandmother’s (Grace Mackey) diaries. My great aunt, Gene Mackey Smith, […]

A facelift for Mosher Park facilities

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA—Improvements at Ravena’s Mosher Park are underway thanks in part to a $19,000 grant from the Albany County Legislature. Mosher Park is one […]

Event: Community Gardens open house

COEYMANS HOLLOW — The Community Gardens at Trinity United Methodist Church will hold an open house on July 20, from 5-7 p.m.  Tour the vegetable gardens open for public use, learn […]

Stuyvesant firefighters welcome all to 99th convention

By DIANE VALDEN STUYVESANT—The 99th annual Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association Convention brings firefighters and the public together when festivities kick-off on the home grounds of this year’s host, Stuyvesant […]

THROUGH THE WOODS: The Coyote

By NANCY JANE KERN    COYOTES ARE OFTEN HEARD AT NIGHT and the eerie yips, barks, and howls send instantaneous shivers down the spine. There were a few glimpses of them […]

Great horned owl rescued and released

GREENVILLE — A great horned owl trapped in netting at a soccer field in Greenville has been released back into the wild. On June 26, Environmental Conservation Officer Lucas Palmateer […]

Oak Hill & Vicinity: Baseball in Oak Hill

By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media “There was no question as to what was the most popular sport [in Oak Hill and Vicinity in the early decades […]

GOOD NEWS!: Eagle Scout awarded environmental conservation scholarship

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media SELKIRK — Some people are gloriously fortunate enough to know their life’s passion from an early age. The even more fortunate among us […]

Whittling Away: Old men and old dogs

By Dick Brooks For Capital Region Independent Media There is a special bond that develops between old men and old dogs.  It’s different than the bond between kids and puppies […]

WWII veteran: Never forget the fallen

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media CAIRO — World War II veteran Ralph Osterhoudt has one message — never forget. Never forget the horrors of World War II, never […]

Aging with Grace: Sweet notes of summer

By Pat Larsen For Capital Region Independent Media Summer 2024 is now upon us. Depending on what age you are, the bearing down of this season will conjure up an […]

Obituary: Lorraine F. Giannone

Lorraine F. Giannone, 73, passed away suddenly at her daughter’s residence on Friday, July 5, 2024. Lorraine was born in Brooklyn on Aug. 9, 1950, a daughter of the late […]

News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – July 4, 1924 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher Coeymans: Ravena: Coeymans Herald – July 3, 1889 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

Business group hosts chicken and rib BBQ to benefit DiscoverRCS

RAVENA — The RCS Community Business Association will host a chicken and rib barbecue on July 18, from 3-7 p.m., in the National Bank of Coxsackie parking lot at Faith […]

Hundreds still without electricity after powerful storm

By Melanie Lekocevic Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS — Hundreds of households in Ravena and Coeymans are still without power following a powerful thunderstorm that struck the area Tuesday afternoon. […]

Drag racer killed in flip over speedway wall

By DIANE VALDEN NEW LEBANON—State Police responded to the Lebanon Valley Speedway for a fatal crash, July 7 at 12:30 p.m. During a Top Sportsman National Hot Road Association (NHRA) […]

Parks and Rec offers local summer programming

By Marlene McTigue Capital Region Independent Media RAVENA-COEYMANS — Once again this summer the Albany County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering free programs to local kids here in […]

HHA board and tenants meet about state of grant

By JEANETTE WOLFBERG HUDSON–As the Hudson Housing Authority (HHA) awaits feedback on a proposal to redevelop its property, the opportunities for and challenges facing the people living now in its […]

Churchtown Fire Company looks for what’s next

By DAVID LEE CHURCHTOWN—The Churchtown Fire Company no longer responds to medical or firematic calls, effective July 1. The territory typically covered by the company is now the responsibility of […]

An update on migration shows softening trends

By DEBORAH E. LANS GHENT–Within weeks after issuing its “Money Migration” report, non-profit Pattern for Progress released “Moving In, Moving Out 2024,” an analysis of population shifts in the nine […]