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Columbia County, NY

Psychologist Sexually Abused Numerous Teens At NY Juvenile Lockup For Years, Police Say Psychologist Sexually Abused Numerous Teens At NY Juvenile Lockup For Years, Police Say
Psychologist Sexually Abused Numerous Teens At NY Juvenile Lockup For Years, Police Say A state psychologist is accused of sexually abusing numerous underage victims at a New York State juvenile detention center going back years. Maya Hayes, of Albany, was arrested Friday, April 12, following a New York State Police investigation into allegations of abuse at Columbia County’s Brookwood Secure Center, located in the town of Claverack. According to police, the 62-year-old sexually assaulted numerous victims at the facility over several years while employed as a clinician. No other details about the alleged abuse were made public.  Hayes' arrest followed a grand jury indic…
Thousands Of Dollars Seized After Drug House Shut Down In Region Thousands Of Dollars Seized After Drug House Shut Down In Region
Thousands Of Dollars Seized After Drug House Shut Down In Region A convicted felon is back behind bars after police in the region allegedly seized numerous illegal drugs and weapons from his home. Columbia County resident Anthony Servider, age 50, of the Town of Greenport, was arrested Thursday, March 28, following a search of his Joslen Boulevard residence. Inside, officers found more than 250 grams of ecstasy, over 132 grams of ketamine, and more than 16 grams of MDA, according to New York State Police, which partnered with the Hudson Police Department on the case. They also uncovered over 11 grams of LSD, a large amount of psilocybin mushrooms, as w…
Solar Eclipse: How NYers Can Keep Furry Friends Safe During 'Astronomy Event Of Decade' Solar Eclipse: How NYers Can Keep Furry Friends Safe During 'Astronomy Event Of Decade'
Solar Eclipse: How NYers Can Keep Furry Friends Safe During 'Astronomy Event Of Decade' Ahead of the upcoming total solar eclipse – dubbed the astronomy event of the decade – pet owners should also be prepared. The total solar eclipse, slotted to occur on Monday, April 8, will follow a path of totality across just 15 states on the eastern side of the United States, including much of western and upstate New York. Between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. that day, the moon will pass between the sun and the earth, blocking out all light for a few minutes for those in the zone of totality – which includes Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Lake Placid, and Plattsburgh. Places farther away…
Capital Region Town Bookkeeper Tried Giving Himself Pay Raise, Police Say Capital Region Town Bookkeeper Tried Giving Himself Pay Raise, Police Say
Capital Region Town Bookkeeper Tried Giving Himself Pay Raise, Police Say A town employee in the region is facing charges after allegedly attempting to give himself an unauthorized pay raise. Columbia County resident Donald Pierro, age 70, of Hillsdale, was arrested Friday, March 22, on suspicion of attempted grand larceny and related charges. Greene County Sheriff’s officials said a Town of Athens employee contacted the agency on Monday, March 18, reporting a possible theft by Pierro, the bookkeeper to Town Supervisor Michael Pirrone. An investigation found that Pierro altered town payroll records in an attempt to benefit himself, deputies said.  Official…
Teen Accused Of Texting Threats To Girl In Region Teen Accused Of Texting Threats To Girl In Region
Teen Accused Of Texting Threats To Girl In Region A Massachusetts teen with a history of making bomb threats at a school has been taken into custody for allegedly texting threatening messages to a girl in New York. The incident began in Columbia County on Tuesday, March 5 when the Hudson Police Department received a report from a concerned mother and her juvenile daughter regarding disturbing physical threats received on the daughter's cell phone.  The unknown sender made threats to harm the 17-year-old and her friends, referencing a recent altercation on the school bus, the Hudson Police Department said. The girl received text messa…
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Now In Effect For Rockland County Severe Thunderstorm Watch Now In Effect For Rockland County
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Now In Effect For Rockland County As a potent system with scattered severe storms sweeps through, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has now been issued for much of the region. It's in effect until midnight Sunday, Aug. 13. The main threat is for damaging wind gusts and large hail, the National Weather Service said, adding that isolated tornadoes are possible, mainly north and west of New York City. In addition, storms will be capable of locally heavy rainfall which could lead to some urban, low lying and poor drainage flooding with isolated to scattered flash flooding possible. In New York, the watch co…
Separate Rounds Of Storms Knock Out Power In Hudson Valley Separate Rounds Of Storms Knock Out Power In Hudson Valley
Separate Rounds Of Storms Knock Out Power In Hudson Valley Only a few days after a freakish storm system brought historic flooding to the Hudson Valley, severe weather is unleashing more destruction, resulting in over 10,000 people being left without power as of late Friday morning, July 14. The outages were caused by several rounds of severe thunderstorms that arrived in the region on Thursday night, July 13, and continued into Friday, bringing downpours, gusty winds in excess of 55 miles per hour, and even one-inch hail in some cases, according to the National Weather Service.  Earlier Report - Line Of Severe Storms Sweeping Through Re…
Double-Fatal Crash: Fire Breaks Out After Tesla Crashes Into House In Region Double-Fatal Crash: Fire Breaks Out After Tesla Crashes Into House In Region
Double-Fatal Crash: Fire Breaks Out After Tesla Crashes Into House In Region Two people are dead after a Tesla crashed off the road and into a house in the region, causing a fire to break out. New York State Police released information on Wednesday, July 5 surrounding the crash that happened late last week in Columbia County, near the border of northwestern Dutchess County. A days-long investigation determined that the 2022 Tesla Model X was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Route 9 in the town of Livingston and left the roadway at about 1 a.m. on Thursday, June 29.  The vehicle struck a tree and then the residence before the fire started.&n…
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Rockland County Clinics 'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Rockland County Clinics
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Rockland County Clinics Health officials in New York are hoping that a new campaign encouraging residents to complete their mpox vaccine will help prevent another outbreak ahead of summer. The statewide campaign kicked off Monday, May 1, and includes digital ads on websites, posters in stores and communities, and social media posts, according to the New York State Department of Health (DOH). Earlier Report: NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Images center around two themes: “It takes two” and “Know the skin you’re in.” Mpox is a rare, viral infection that spreads thr…
Nextdoor App's 'Unauthorized' Letters To Neighbors Irk NY Woman Nextdoor App's 'Unauthorized' Letters To Neighbors Irk NY Woman
Nextdoor App's 'Unauthorized' Letters To Neighbors Irk NY Woman A New York woman is none too happy with the social media site Nextdoor after claiming the company “hacked” her name to advertise its services. Columbia County resident Celeste Alexander, of Ghent, recently discovered that Nextdoor has been sending out letters to her neighbors, inviting them to join the site, according to a post in the Facebook group Chatham New York Community Board. The letters appear to come directly from Alexander and are signed, “Your neighbor, Celeste Alexander.” They also mention what street she lives on. “I did not send letters and I didn’t authorize the use of m…
Students At Syracuse University, UAlbany Driving Home For Thanksgiving Killed In Head-On Crash Students At Syracuse University, UAlbany Driving Home For Thanksgiving Killed In Head-On Crash
Students At Syracuse University, UAlbany Driving Home For Thanksgiving Killed In Head-On Crash Two New York college students who were heading home for Thanksgiving were killed in a fiery crash that left a third person with life-threatening injuries. Emergency crews in Columbia County were called at around 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, with reports of a serious crash on State Route 9H in the town Ghent, near the Columbia County Airport. When deputies arrived, they found one of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said. The 19-year-old driver of the burning car, Michael Shepherd, of Brooklyn, was pulled out by deputies with the help of another drive…
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing)
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) This story has been updated. Republicans appeared poised to win in New York’s 19th Congressional District, with Marc Molinaro seemingly on track to defeat Democrat Josh Riley early Wednesday, Nov. 9.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley by 2.2 percentage points, 51 to 49 percent, as of early Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, with more than 95 percent of the votes in. The 19th Congressional District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. …
New Poll Released For Heated Race In Congressional District Representing Parts Of Region New Poll Released For Heated Race In Congressional District Representing Parts Of Region
New Poll Released For Heated Race In Congressional District Representing Parts Of Region As Election Day draws closer, new polling continues to show a close race in New York’s new 19th Congressional District. Democrat Josh Riley holds a slight edge over his Republican opponent, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, 48 to 43 percent, according to a Siena College poll released Friday, Nov. 4. Earlier Report: Siena Poll Sheds Light On Race In New Congressional District Covering Part Of Capital Region The results mirror a Siena College poll conducted in early October 2022 that showed Riley leading Molinaro by five percentage points, 46 to 41 percent. The 19th Congressional D…
This County In Region Now Leads State In Job Growth, Report Says This County In Region Now Leads State In Job Growth, Report Says
This County In Region Now Leads State In Job Growth, Report Says Those looking for work would do well to check out one New York county above all others. Sullivan County is leading the entire state - even New York City - in job growth, according to a new report from the state Department of Labor. Private-sector job growth in Sullivan County grew 9.1 percent year-over-year for September 2022, the report found. For comparison, New York City had a 6.8 percent job growth rate during the same period. Information services and the leisure and hospitality industries saw the most significant growth from the previous year at 100 percent and 32.5 percent, respect…
Man Killed After Being Struck By Dumpster Being Unloaded From Truck In Region Man Killed After Being Struck By Dumpster Being Unloaded From Truck In Region
Man Killed After Being Struck By Dumpster Being Unloaded From Truck In Region An employee of a dumpster company in the region was killed after the box came loose from a wench and landed on top of him. The incident took place in Columbia County around 11:20 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24 in the city of Hudson, on the 200 block of Long Alley. According to Hudson Police Chief Edward Moore, the victim, whose identity has not been released, was standing behind the truck directing the dumpster to be dumped when it became dislodged from a wench and cable system used to help lift the box and fell on top of the employee. First responders performed CPR, but the man was pronounced dead …
Brazen Black Bear Kills Miniature Donkey In Upstate NY Brazen Black Bear Kills Miniature Donkey In Upstate NY
Brazen Black Bear Kills Miniature Donkey In Upstate NY A New York woman is mourning the loss of her beloved pet donkey after the animal was killed by a bear. Columbia County resident Laura-Ann Camissa told News10 ABC in Albany that the attack happened sometime overnight Monday, Oct. 3, at her home in the town of Claverack, where she frequently takes in unwanted donkeys. She told the outlet that she last saw the miniature donkey, named Lucy, late Monday night in her pen that she shared with her companion, Ricky, and two other donkeys. Camissa made the horrifying discovery the next morning. Officials with the New York State Department of Envir…
NY Tenant Stabs Landlord During Argument Over TV Remote, Police Say NY Tenant Stabs Landlord During Argument Over TV Remote, Police Say
NY Tenant Stabs Landlord During Argument Over TV Remote, Police Say A New York man is behind bars, accused of stabbing his landlord during an argument over a TV remote, authorities said. Police in Columbia County were called at around 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, with reports of a stabbing in the city of Hudson, at a home near Columbia and North Second streets. An investigation revealed that 52-year-old Randy Shook stabbed his 66-year-old landlord during an argument over possession of a TV remote, Hudson Police said. The victim suffered a small laceration to his left forearm and was treated by medics. His injuries were not considered life threatening, police sa…
Poll Sheds Light On Highly Contested Race In New NY Congressional District Poll Sheds Light On Highly Contested Race In New NY Congressional District
Poll Sheds Light On Highly Contested Race In New NY Congressional District With just weeks left until Election Day, new polling shows that Democrat Josh Riley is leading his Republican opponent, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, in the highly contested race for New York’s new 19th Congressional District. The district covers several counties in the central portion of the state, including Sullivan, Greene, and Columbia counties. Riley holds a five-point lead there over Molinaro, 46 to 41 percent, according to a new Spectrum News/Siena College poll of likely voters. Among their parties, Riley garnered support from 83 percent of Democrats while 78 percent of …
Man, Woman From Hudson Valley Charged After Missing 14-Year-Old Killed In Crash Man, Woman From Hudson Valley Charged After Missing 14-Year-Old Killed In Crash
Man, Woman From Hudson Valley Charged After Missing 14-Year-Old Killed In Crash A man and a woman from a behavioral institute for young adults and children have been charged in connection with a crash that killed a missing 14-year-old boy. The crash took place in Columbia County on Friday, Sept. 23 in Clermont on Route 9. According to Trooper AJ Hicks, Romelo Cruze was killed after being hit by a vehicle. While the State Police were investigating the fatal crash, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health in in Dutchess County, located in Red Hook, reported that Cruze, a resident of their facility, was missing, Hicks said. Hicks said two staff members responsible for Cruze …
COVID-19: CDC Now Recommending Indoor Mask-Wearing In 9 NY Counties; Here's Rundown COVID-19: CDC Now Recommending Indoor Mask-Wearing In 9 NY Counties; Here's Rundown
Covid-19: CDC Now Recommending Indoor Mask-Wearing In 9 NY Counties; Here's Rundown The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending mask-wearing in some New York counties for the first time in months as a result of an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The CDC displays counties in orange, yellow, or green on a color-coded map shown in the image above to guide local residents and authorities: Counties shown in orange are where the CDC advises wearing masks indoors.  Counties shown in yellow are places in which those at high risk for severe disease should be cautious. In green counties, indoor masking is not necessary. These New York counties are in the “or…
Pair Of NY Eateries Among America's 10 Best New Restaurants, New Report Says Pair Of NY Eateries Among America's 10 Best New Restaurants, New Report Says
Pair Of NY Eateries Among America's 10 Best New Restaurants, New Report Says Two restaurants in New York are among the 10 best new eateries in the country, according to a roundup by Bon Appétit Magazine.  Columbia County’s Cafe Mutton, located in the City of Hudson, and Semma, in New York City “exemplify exactly how special a restaurant can be,” the outlet said. Cafe Mutton, which reviewers dubbed the country’s most uncompromising restaurant, was praised for its “decadent, unpretentious cooking” served in a “warm cottage-like” environment. Earlier Report: City Of Hudson Eatery Among 50 Nationwide To Make NY Times' List Of 'Restaurants We Love Most' Owner and che…
New Ranking Reveals Top 50 Restaurants Nationwide, Including 6 In NY State New Ranking Reveals Top 50 Restaurants Nationwide, Including 6 In NY State
New Ranking Reveals Top 50 Restaurants Nationwide, Including 6 In NY State Six eateries in New York are among 50 nationwide that The New York Times labels "restaurants we love most in 2022." The list was published on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Five of the six are in New York City: Bonnies: Cited for making Cantonese cuisine "seem new again, no easy trick." The restaurant is located in Brooklyn, on Manhattan Avenue. Little Mad: Located in Manhattan, on Madison Avenue, the Korean American eatery's prime galbi "may be one of New York City’s best new steak offerings," says The Times. The Musket Room: The restaurant, which opened in 2013 in lower Manhattan, "takes …
Husband, Wife Killed In Head-On Route 9W Crash Between Pickup Truck, Minivan Husband, Wife Killed In Head-On Route 9W Crash Between Pickup Truck, Minivan
Husband, Wife Killed In Head-On Route 9W Crash Between Pickup Truck, Minivan A husband and wife died together after their car was struck in a head-on crash in the region, authorities said. The Greene County incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, on State Route 9W in the town of New Baltimore, near State Route 144. When troopers arrived, they found 90-year-old Charles Woullard and his 76-year-old wife, Frances, both of the city of Hudson in Columbia County, dead at the scene. The 31-year-old driver of the second vehicle, William Steele, of Hannacroix in Greene County, was taken to Albany Medical Center and treated for non-life-threatening injur…
Morgan Taylor, Renowned Kids Musician, Cartoonist From Region Dies At Age 52 Morgan Taylor, Renowned Kids Musician, Cartoonist From Region Dies At Age 52
Morgan Taylor, Renowned Kids Musician, Cartoonist From Region Dies At Age 52 If you aren’t familiar with Morgan Taylor’s music, that’s okay given you most likely are not in the New York musician's target demographic. But chances are some kids you know have jammed out to the Columbia County singer, songwriter, and cartoonist’s work while watching his award-winning Gustafer Yellowgold video series, or at one of his many live performances around the country. The two-time Grammy nominee, who lived in Chatham with his wife and two sons, died Thursday, Aug. 11, at the age of 52 following a brief illness, according to his obituary. Born in Kettering, Ohio on Sept. 5, 19…
Oh, Deer: Hudson Valley Case Of Deadly Virus Is NY's First Of 2022 Oh, Deer: Hudson Valley Case Of Deadly Virus Is NY's First Of 2022
Oh, Deer: Hudson Valley Case Of Deadly Virus Is NY's First Of 2022 The first 2022 case of an often-fatal disease of deer has been confirmed in New York. A white-tailed deer in Dutchess County, in the hamlet of Dover Plains, died after contracting Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has just announced. The disease is not spread directly from deer to deer and humans cannot be infected by deer or bites from midges, small bugs often called "no-see-ums," who spread the virrus. The EHD virus was first confirmed in New York in 2007 with relatively small outbreaks in Albany, Rensselaer, and Niagar…
14-Year-Old Stabbed Over 'Ongoing issue' Between Teens In Region, Police Say 14-Year-Old Stabbed Over 'Ongoing issue' Between Teens In Region, Police Say
14-Year-Old Stabbed Over 'Ongoing issue' Between Teens In Region, Police Say A 14-year-old boy was stabbed during a fight with another teen over an "ongoing issue," authorities said. The attack took place in Columbia County around 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 17 in the city of Hudson. Officers responded to the Hudson Terrace Apartments on Front Street for a reported stabbing via 911, said City of Hudson Chief of Police L. Edward Moore. Responding officers located the injured victim, a 14-year-old male with a stab wound to his chest, the chief said. "Information gathered at this point indicates that the victim was engaged in a verbal argument with another juv…
Daytime Closures Scheduled On Taconic State Parkway In Region Daytime Closures Scheduled On Taconic State Parkway In Region
Daytime Closures Scheduled On Taconic State Parkway In Region Be ready for possible travel delays on the Taconic State Parkway in the coming days. Road crews in Columbia County will be closing both directions of the parkway between Chatham and Claverack beginning Tuesday, Aug. 16, the NY State Department of Transportation said. Full closures are planned from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. between I-90 and State Route 295 through Thursday, Aug. 18. Transportation officials said the closures will allow road crews to complete needed paving operations. Drivers were advised to follow posted detour signs, which will direct traffic onto Upper Caddy Street, Rock City Ro…
Grandfather Of 6-Year-Old Cancer Patient Killed In Motorcycle Crash In Hudson Valley Grandfather Of 6-Year-Old Cancer Patient Killed In Motorcycle Crash In Hudson Valley
Grandfather Of 6-Year-Old Cancer Patient Killed In Motorcycle Crash In Hudson Valley A Hudson Valley family already grappling with their 6-year-old daughter’s cancer diagnosis has been jolted by a new tragedy. Dutchess County resident Michael Manetta, age 54, was killed in a motorcycle crash in Columbia County on Sunday, July 31, New York State Police said. A preliminary investigation found that Manetta, of Red Hook, was riding his motorcycle on Route 7A in the town of Copake shortly before 11 a.m. when a driver cut him off while making a left turn. Manetta’s bike struck the back of the car, causing him to be ejected, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  I…
Hochul Names Congressman From Region To Serve As Lieutenant Governor Hochul Names Congressman From Region To Serve As Lieutenant Governor
Hochul Names Congressman From Region To Serve As Lieutenant Governor New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has a new top lieutenant in Albany. Congressman Antonio Delgado, who represents parts of the Catskills and Hudson Valley, has been tabbed to replace Hochul’s former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, who was arrested last month on bribery and fraud charges. Earlier story - Brian Benjamin Resigns As NY Lt. Governor After Arrest For Alleged Bribery, Fraud Scheme Delgado, an Afro-Latino, is the first person of color to represent Upstate New York in Congress and a member of both the Black and Hispanic Congressional caucuses, according to Hochul’s office. The 19th Congression…
Pediatric Doctor From Hudson Valley Nabbed For Sex Abuse Pediatric Doctor From Hudson Valley Nabbed For Sex Abuse
Pediatric Doctor From Hudson Valley Nabbed For Sex Abuse A Hudson Valley pediatric doctor has been charged in connection with alleged sexual abuse of children. Dutchess County resident Ibrahim Rabadi, age 63, of Red Hook, was arraigned on Tuesday, March 29 on a sealed indictment. The investigation into Rabadi, who practices in Columbia County in Hudson, and in Greene County in Catskill, began after two female victims reported separate incidents to police, said Hudson Police Chief Edward Moore.  The incidents are alleged to have occurred between 2018 and 2021 at Rabadi's office at 98 Green St. where he specializes in pediatric and adole…
Don't Fall For Them: State Police Issue Alert On Scams Asking For Large Sums Of Money Don't Fall For Them: State Police Issue Alert On Scams Asking For Large Sums Of Money
Don't Fall For Them: State Police Issue Alert On Scams Asking For Large Sums Of Money Police have issued an alert about recent scams targeting residents for large sums of money in New York State. In the past month, state police in Columbia County have been investigating reports of a scam where callers pretend that the victim's grandchild or relative has been arrested and a bail bondsman needs to be paid, New York State Police reported. Police said in certain cases, as much as $30,000 has been requested. In a recent incident, victims left $12,000 outside of their home to be picked up. Victims have also sent the money through the mail. State Police said scammers have also re…