GNH Lumber & Home Legacy of the Catskills

DEC lifts drought watch statewide

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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 County was under a state Department of Environmental Conservation drought watch and the Hudson Valley was at a “very high” fire danger risk. A statewide burn ban was in effect until November 30.

In cooperation with the State’s Drought Management Task Force, DEC updated drought status from “Drought Watch” to “Normal” statewide, including New York City, after assessing recent precipitation and elevated levels of ground and surface water. While statewide and regional hydrological conditions have notably improved, localized dry conditions may persist and despite encouraging hydrological conditions, New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water use and waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures.

“Recent precipitation and the vigilance of New Yorkers who heeded calls to conserve water resources have alleviated dry conditions across the state. DEC experts will continue to monitor conditions and work with New York City officials and localities across the state to identify any necessary steps and actions needed to help prevent additional shortages while New York State moves from a Drought Watch to Normal conditions,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said in a press release.

New York State encourages ongoing water conservation to ensure adequate supply for all emergency uses. To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use and follow these tips:

*Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants.

*Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.

*Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses and faucets.

*Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.

*Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly.

*Install water saving plumbing fixtures.

*Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold.

*Wash cars less frequently.

Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense for more tips on saving water indoors and outdoors. DEC has been a WaterSense partner since 2014.

Firefighters pull deer from icy water
Copake firefighters were dispatched January 6 at 12:12 p.m. for the cold water rescue of a young deer trapped in the ice at 159 Empire Road. After an initial safety and risk assessment, cold water rescue crews entered the water to move and guide the tired and frightened animal to the shoreline, according to the Copake Fire Company Facebook post. Air temperatures were in the 20s. “There is always a balance between the risk and reward when doing animal rescues but we know many in the community would appreciate our efforts to assist this animal with a positive outcome.” /Copake Fire Company #1 Facebook Post

Nielson takes command of Troop K

LIVINGSTON—New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James has appointed Major Mark A. Nielson, 51, of Gardiner, as the 38th Troop Commander of Troop K, according to a press release.

Major Nielson’s assignment as the Troop K commander was effective January 2. He replaces Major Kathryne M. Rohde, who was appointed to staff inspector-Professional Standards Bureau in Albany Headquarters.

Major Mark A. Nielson /Photo contributed

Major Nielson, a 22-year veteran of the New York State Police, also worked for the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff and the Town of Ulster Police Department as a police officer before joining the State Police in January 2002.

His first patrol assignment was Troop F, Zone 3, Ulster County.

In October 2007, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to Troop K (SP Cortlandt), until his transfer to Troop F in 2012. In 2013, he was appointed to station commander and assigned to SP Ellenville.

Major Nielson was promoted to lieutenant in February 2015 and assigned to various positions, including assistant zone commander at Troop F (SP Monroe) and SP Kingston, Zone 1 commander of the Special Investigation Unit.

In September 2019, Major Nielson was appointed to the rank of captain and assigned to the Professional Standards Bureau-Southern Region. In 2020, he was transferred to Troop F, where he served as the administrative captain and later the Zone 3 commander at SP Kingston. In October 2023, he was appointed major and assigned to Division Headquarters-Administration.

He grew up in New Paltz and graduated from the State University of New York at Ulster in 1994. He is married and has two grown children.

Major Nielson’s Troop K command covers four counties in the Hudson Valley, including Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester. Operating from 17 facilities, the men and women of Troop K provide service to 62 towns, 39 villages, and 9 cities.

Courthouse staff collects donations
Columbia County Courthouse staff collected non-perishables, hygiene items and monetary contributions as donations to the Hudson Salvation Army, 40 South Third Street, Hudson. Pictured (l-r) are Darcy Connor and Kimberly Jorgensen. Free lunch is provided by the Salvation Army Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They also provide a Senior Mobile service on Wednesdays. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations of non-perishables and hygiene items can be dropped off during those hours. For questions or to make a monetary donation payable to the Hudson Salvation Army, contact Darcy Connor at 518-822-1602. /Photo contributed

Many Christmas tree home fires occur in January

GHENT—More than one-third (36%) of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January. With this post-holiday fire hazard in mind, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly encourages everyone to dispose of Christmas trees promptly after the holiday season.

“As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they’re large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires,” Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA said in a press release.

According to NFPA data, Christmas tree fires don’t happen often, but when they do occur, they’re more likely to be serious. That’s in part because fresh Christmas trees dry out over time, making them more flammable the longer they’re in the home. A dried-out Christmas tree will burn much more quickly than a well-watered one.

Between 2018 and 2022, there was an estimated annual average of 155 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees, resulting in four civilian deaths, seven civilian injuries, and $15 million in direct property damage.

To safely dispose of a Christmas tree, NFPA recommends using the local community’s recycling program, if possible; trees should not be put in the garage or left outside. NFPA also offers these tips for safely removing lighting and decorations to ensure that they remain in good condition:

*Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet, as this can harm the wire and insulation of the cord, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire

*As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage, throwing out any sets that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires

*Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags or wrap them around a piece of cardboard

*Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets where they will not be damaged by water or dampness.

For more information visit www.nfpa.org.

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