Oakdale Lake closed due to algae bloom

By DIANE VALDEN

LIVINGSTON—Livingston resident Edmund W. Metz, 58, is dead as a result of a fire police say was deliberately set in his house, shortly after 1 p.m. Friday, June 7.

Columbia County 911 dispatched Livingston firefighters and Northern Dutchess Paramedics to the scene of a house fire at 2879 Route 9, near the intersection of Cold Spring Road at 1:11 p.m.

The initial report indicated two people (the victim and the suspect) were trapped inside, according to State Police Troop K Public Information Officer Aaron J. Hicks.

WNYT.com reported that Livingston Fire Chief Paul Jahns said there was heavy fire at the structure, which was a secondary residence on the property that was being rented out. The fire was extinguished in about 15 minutes. One male, Mr. Metz was found dead inside. Trooper Hicks said that the fire prevented Mr. Metz from escaping and he died as a result of the fire.

A 15-year-old female was arrested a short time later for allegedly starting the blaze that killed Mr. Metz. She was not identified due to her age, but WTEN reported that she is a relative of Mr. Metz.

She was charged with second degree murder (depraved indifference to human life) and first degree arson, both class A-1 felonies.

The owners of the property, who live in the main house on the same lot, were home at the time of the fire, according to WTEN. They said that Mr. Metz rented the house for years and lived there alone.

The fire gutted the small gray house, which is still standing, encircled by yellow crime scene tape.

The fifteen-year-old suspect was arraigned before Columbia County Judge Michael Howard and was sent to the Columbia County Jail.

Police have not yet determined a motive, saying it remains under investigation.

Mr. Metz was a technician and mechanic at the Fort Orange Paper Company, according to his obituary which appears on page 23 of this issue.

Firefighters from Clermont, Taghkanic, Germantown, Greenport, Claverack and Ancram responded to provide mutual aid while Tivoli and Milan stood by. Columbia County Fire Coordinators, State Police and National Grid assisted on scene. The County Cause and Origin Team and state Office of Fire Prevention and Control were called to the scene along with Coroner Robert Donaghue. Firefighters were back in service at 5:46 p.m.

Greenport

Four people were injured in a three vehicle crash at Route 23 and Middle Road, June 9 at 2:16 p.m. Greenport firefighters and Greenport Rescue initially responded.

According to State Police Troop K Public Information Officer Aaron J. Hicks, a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Riyah Small, 46, of Amsterdam was traveling westbound when it entered the eastbound lane and struck a 2017 Honda CRV operated by Gianna Quinci, 38, of Freehold.

It is believed the Equinox rolled over and hit a third vehicle, a 2016 Subaru Forester operated by Kirstin Hoose, 44, of Ravena, but the final report is still pending.

A passenger in the Equinox, an eight-year-old boy, was flown to the Albany Medical Center by Life Net helicopter. His injuries were non-life-threatening.

Greenport Rescue, Northern Dutchess Paramedics and Catskill EMS transported the vehicle operators to AMC for minor injuries. An investigation is still ongoing.

Hudson

A 12-year-old student in the Hudson City School District Junior High School raised serious concern when they reportedly expressed aspirations to become a school shooter June 11 at 9:30 a.m., according to a press release from Hudson Police.

HPD detectives initiated an investigation at the school.

A list of firearms was discovered in the notes section of the student’s phone. The student, however, denied making any threats. As a precautionary measure, the student was removed from school and taken to undergo a comprehensive mental health evaluation.

HPD is actively collaborating with the Hudson City School District, State Police and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to address this situation with the utmost priority to ensure the safety of the community. Anyone with information regarding this or similar incidents is asked to contact HPD at 518-828-3388.

To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com

Sheriff hosts conversations in New Lebanon, Canaan

NEW LEBANON—Columbia County Sheriff Donald J. Krapf is holding a “Coffee and Conversation” event at New Lebanon Town Hall, 14755 NY-22, from 6 to 7 p.m., June 25.

Another “Coffee and Conversation” will take place at Canaan Town Hall, 1647 County Route 5, July 31, 2024 from 6 to 7 p.m. These informal forums are open to the public and will be an opportunity for county residents to ask questions, meet with their neighbors and discuss community issues. Complimentary coffee and snacks will be available.