News in a Nutshell

Cuomo to introduce legislation against distracted driving

ALBANY -- Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that he will introduce legislation that will crack down on drivers caught using a portable electronic device.

Two girls nearly drown while swimming in Valatie

Two young girls almost drowned tonight while going for a swim in Valatie.

They apparently underestimated the current flowing under the Valatie Falls.

Joan Jett: Sues to halt album release

NEW YORK -- Joan Jett loves rock and roll, but not on a tribute album she says an ex-employee put together without her permission.

Got Plans?

Museum Passes!

Check out our museum passes available for checkout at the circulation desk!

• The Clark!

• The Hancock Shaker Village!

• Two passes to the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium!

Reorganization Feasibility Study

Community Advisory Committee Learns About Elementary School Programs

The Community Advisory Committee for the Reorganization Feasibility Study held its second meeting on Tuesday, May 24, learning firsthand about each district's Elementary School programs from teachers, principals and superintendents.

The 30 members of the committee met at the Maple Hill Middle School library for the meeting, where they reviewed data about each district's Elementary programs and asked questions of a panel.

Read more...

Schodack's New Business Official

Board of Education Appoints New Business Official

Monica Kim was appointed the district's new Director of Business and Support Services by the Board of Education at its June 2 meeting.

Monica Kim

Ms. Kim, who has worked in the Onteora Central School District in Boiceville, NY for the last five years, will succeed Sherri Fisher, who is leaving the district at the end of June for a position with the South Colonie School District.

"We are very excited to welcome Monica to Schodack," said Superintendent Robert Horan. "She's very energetic and enthusiastic. She has the same vision we do: we have to look at different ways to continue to provide enriched and enhanced opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the community."



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Today's Eye-Catching Articles

News in a Nutshell click on the headlines to read more

PEF releases Cuomo’s deal, union counteroffer

PEF President Kenneth Brynien 

In the adopted State Budget, Governor Cuomo identified the need for $450 million in “Labor Management Partnership Savings” or 9,800 employee layoffs.

PEF has tried to be reasonable and do our part to address the state’s fiscal needs while protecting our members from lasting financial harm.

Voided Green Card Winners Sue State Department

Would-be immigrants who were mistakenly told they would likely be given green cards are suing the State Department. 

Diversity Visa lottery, which selects about 50,000 people from countries with low immigration rates to come to the United States.

The group is also organizing online to get its message out with an 1,800-member Facebook group called "22,000 winners can't be ignored" and two Twitter accounts . The facebook page encourages its members to contact lawmakers and the State Department to complain about the voided result of the May diversity lottery drawing.

 

Hazy Hot and Humid...Summer, bring it on!

Today was a great summer-like day.  Humidity slowly creeped up but meteorologists say humidity will remain somewhat manageable overnight.  Lows will be in the low to middle 60s.

Wednesday is when a mid-summer hazy/hot/humid stretch begins.  

The record high for the day is 93, which we could reach by mid afternoon.  Highs will be in the low to middle 90s.  There is a risk of an isolated storm and if one does occur it could be strong.

I wonder if my lawn will dry up before the rain returns.

A Bridge Too Far?

Work begins on Dunn Memorial Bridge

Motorists who frequent the Dunn Memorial Bridge may have a tougher commute. Beginning Monday the massive $12 million construction project gets started.

Summer Technology Camp Offered

Maple Hill - Registration Deadline June 10

Schodack CSD is offering a Maple Hill Technology Camp this summer from June 27 to July 1. This camp is taught by MHHS technology teacher Kelsey Roman. It teaches real world, hands-on problem solving opportunities in a fun and safe learning environment. It is open to students who will enter grades 7-11 in the fall. 

For more information, visit www.schodack.k12.ny.us to download a brochure.  

The registration deadline is June 10

For Dads & Grads...Get Your Gift Cards HERE

Click here to purchase Gift Cards 

• ITunes Gift Card 

• SUBWAY Gift Card 

• The Home Depot Crate Gift Card

See more...

Out of The Darkness

"Well Em and I did it along with 2,000 others who walked the "out of the darkness walk" on Saturday for Suicide Prevention. It was an amazing journey that I will always remember," Kelli Carney

Read more...

Blotter

Flower Thief Caught on Camera

Caught on security cameras at Woodland Hill Montessori School, the thief struck early Sunday night.

Take a look.  If you recognize the suspect, please contact North Greenbush Police.

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• VideoSecu 540TVL Outdoor Day Night Vision Infrared Home Security Camera 1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD High Resolution with Free Power Supply 

• VideoSecu 540TVL Outdoor Day Night Vision Infrared Home Security Camera 1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD High Resolution with Free Power Supply 1I6

 

Blotter

SCHODACK -- Two men were arrested for burglary Thursday after they were spotted breaking into a Schodack Landing residence, State Police at Loudonville said.

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Marriage Equality = Human Rights

Clock ticking for Marriage Equality

It’s not unexpected for one of the Republican senators who is said to be “on the fence” when it comes to gay marriage to respond with “no comment” when asked about the issue.  But on Friday NewsChannel 13 got a similaranswer, from someone you’d least expect.

What's Happening at the Castleton Library

Click here...

Upcoming events at the Library

Freihofer's Community Walk

 Saturday, June 4th! 

 

With summer just around the corner, that means no more meals at school. More children and their families will turn to Bethany soup kitchen for breakfast, lunch an other necessities. With your support, they will not go hungry.

What can you do?

Afghan Girl

A Life Revealed

Her eyes have captivated the world since she appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. Now we read her story.

News Release

News Release - For Immediate Release - May 31, 2011.
Contact: Linda Underwood 732-4050

Democratic committees of East Greenbush, Nassau & Schodack to hold consolidation forum

What will Governor Cuomo’s consolidation plan mean to you and your
village, town and school district? Find out on Saturday, June 25, from
9:30 to 11 a.m. at the East Schodack Firehouse On Route 150.

Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day in Castleton click here to see more photos!

View this album on Windows Live SkyDrive.

Justice Paul Peter

Another Championship for the Wild Cats!

Boys Tennis Team Wins Section II Class B Championship

Congratulations to the boys tennis team for winning the Section II Class B championship by defeating Schuylerville 6-1.

This was the fifth straight Section II championship for the boys tennis program. Congratulations!  

Posted on Schodack's site 5/25/11.

Buzzing at Parker

The Parker School is now home to 10,000 Carniolan honey bees. In two weeks, the busy bees have been so productive that the school's new Bee Club has doubled the size of the hive.

Read more... 

Schodack Blotter

Schodack Blotter 

4/10-4/15, 2011

EG Teacher of the Year

Columbia High School chemistry teacher Diana Prout has been named 2011's Teacher of the Year by the East Greenbush Teachers Association.


Read more... 

Castleton Parade

Memorial Day Parade

The Village of Castleton-on-Hudson/Town of Schodack Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial Day.

Suicide Prevention

Walk for Suicide Prevention

See photos from the event ~ click here
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"You're Blowing It"

Albany Co. DA describes "You're Blowing It" campaign

From now on, if you're pulled over under suspicion of driving drunk and you refuse to blow into a breathalyzer, prosecutors will no longer be letting you plea to the lesser charge of driving while ability impaired.

Lucky timing for Detective Miller...

ALBANY -- Police Chief Steven Krokoff said he is revising internal policies as he released video on Wednesday that shows longtime department spokesman James Miller stumbling and struggling to keep his balance.

Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Chief-plans-changes-as-APD-shares-video-of-cop-s-1396253.php#ixzz1NVNlexqh

GOP: No Disaster Relief Without Budget Cuts

Joplin, Missouri Tornado

On Monday, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said that Congress would not approve funds for disaster relief without budget cuts elsewhere. "If there is support for a supplemental, it would be accompanied by support for having pay-fors to that supplemental," he said.

 

Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., said the move would ensure that there's enough money for victims of the Joplin tornado, as well as those suffering from flooding in the Mississippi Basin and from tornadoes that swept across Alabama last month.

Read more...

Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day Parade

The Village of Castleton-on-Hudson/Town of Schodack Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial Day.

Thanks Volunteers

Community Members Invited to Attend CES Volunteer Appreciation Day

Volunteers are invited to attend a breakfast in their honor on Wednesday, June 8 at 8:15 a.m. in the CES cafeteria for the annual CES Volunteer Appreciation Day. If you plan to attend, please let us know by filling out this form and returning it to the main office by May 31.

Posted on Schodack's site  5/19/11.

Blotter

Updated information from the Troy Record:
Payton McPhillips, age 18 of East Greenbush was arrested on drug relate charges. 

According to police, Payton McPhillips, 18, sold 1/8th of an ounce of cocaine on two separate occasions from his home. After executing a search warrant on Tuesday, police found 8.9 ounces of marijuana, three grams of cocaine, 48 pills of ecstasy, $1,245 in cash and various pieces of drug paraphernalia.

Fatal Texting and Driving (Huffington Post)

A Lapeer, Mich., man who police say caused a fatal crash while texting and driving has been sentenced to just one month in jail and 12 months of probation. It was the first case of its kind since the state passed a ban on texting while driving last August.

Simply a waste of Money

The owner of Simply Certificates, which provided gift certificates that could be used at dozens of Capital Region restaurants and merchants, said he is shutting down his company and will provide refunds to certificate holders.

The Arthritis Foundation of Northeastern NY

Hundreds of people gathered Sunday morning at the Crossings in Colonie to support a cure for arthritis.
 
The ‘Lets Move Together' event was held to raise money for the 300,000 people of the Capital Region with arthritis.

Those able to raise  $100 or more received a free t-shirt at the event.

The Budget Had Nothing To Do With It

AVERILL PARK, N.Y.-- The superintendent of Averill Park School District is set to leave her position to take a new job in Washington state.

Blotter

Schodack Blotter 

4/4-4/9/2011

Did I take your photo at the Stawberry Festival?

View photos from the 2011 Strawberry Festival at Maple Hill High School.

Girl Scout Gold Award

This Saturday, May 21st, from 5 - 7pm at the Castleton Volunteer Ambulance building there will be a Spaghetti Dinner benefit to improve the Varsity Softball Field which is part of a Girl Scout Gold Award.

Wanted

As seen on...


  Perp Patrol

 

EG student arrested

Payton McPhillips, age 18 of East Greenbush was arrested on drug related charges. McPhillips is a student at the Columbia High School in East Greenbush.

Weekend Plans

Check out What To Do

Girl Scouts Fund Raiser

Girl Scout Gold Award

This Saturday, May 21st, from 5 - 7pm at the Castleton Volunteer Ambulance building there will be a Spaghetti Dinner benefit to improve the Varsity Softball Field which is part of a Girl Scout Gold Award.

Rejected Budgets

Budgets rejected:

Averill Park

Berne-Knox-Westerlo

Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk

Ichabod Crane/Kinderhook

Rensselaer

East Greenbush Budget Passes

VOTING RESULTS

Proposition #1 - Budget: Passed
 
Proposition #2 - Walk-In Voter Registration: Passed
 
Candidates for the Board of Education: Kathleen Curtin, Mark Mann, and Alyssa Blostein were elected to serve on the Board of Education. Their terms will commence on July 1, 2011 and expire on June 30, 2014. Susan Garrigan-Piela was elected for a term commencing on May 18, 2011 and will expire on June 30, 2012.

Schodack Budget Passes

The Schodack Central School District's budget was approved tonight by a vote of 700 to 485.

A proposition to purchase two school buses was approved by a vote of 580 to 562.

The following three candidates were elected to three-year terms on the Board of Education:

    Andrew Fleck 742
    Paul Puccio 804
    Mary Yurista 759

Strawberry Festival Maple Hill High School

View photos from the 2011 Strawberry Festival at Maple Hill High School

Bill Dikant on FOX 23 New

Bill Dikant has talked about the dangers of drinking and driving for 30 years. When will we listen?

Union strikes back at NY over teacher evaluations

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The powerful New York State United Teachers union is severing its cooperative relationship with the state Education Department because it embraced Gov. Andrew Cuomo's teacher evaluation proposals.

School Budget Vote TODAY

 

School Budget Voting TODAY.

For more information read more...