The Columbia Paper

Ghent barns go up in flames

June 8, 2009 by DIANE VALDEN

GHENT–Wind-driven flames claimed three structures, multiple vehicles and some piglets and chickens on the Dykeman Farm, 104 Quinn Lane, the night of May 31.

County 911 dispatched Ghent firefighters and the Chatham Rescue Squad to the scene at 9:06 p.m.

A neighbor on County Route 22 reported the fire after seeing smoke that the neighbor initially thought was coming from a building at Art Omi, about a quarter mile away from the Dykeman place through the woods, according to Ghent Fire Chief Dan Lamarre.

S’port PD ‘buckles down on those not buckled up’

May 9, 2009 by STAFF

STOCKPORT–Stockport Police will join with state and local law enforcement agencies in a national “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign May 18 through 31.
   Police Officers will ticket unbelted vehicle occupants day and night.
   Stockport Police Chief Michael Winnie said in a press release that his department will ticket all drivers and passengers to make sure that they know seatbelt laws should be taken seriously. He added that regular seatbelt use is the single most important and effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.
   When worn properly, seatbelts have been proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45%.
   “Seat belts clearly save lives. But, unfortunately too many folks still need a tough reminder, so we will be out there buckling down on those not buckled up. Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, but not wearing it will. So unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse, your life, please remember to buckle up. Don’t forget, Click It or Ticket isn’t just a slogan, it’s a promise!” the chief said in the release.
   For more information visit www.SafeNY.com

Police ask for witnesses to fatal accident

May 5, 2009 by DIANE VALDEN

LIVINGSTON—A bicyclist was killed when he crossed in front of an oncoming pickup truck on Route 82, just south of the Bells Pond intersection April 30 at 2:55 p.m.

According to Livingston State Police Senior Investigator Gary Mazzacano, John Reale, 60, of Ancram was driving a Toyota pickup truck southeast through the intersection traffic light from Routes 9/23 to Route 82, when he glanced at his gas gage to see if he needed gas, then looked back at the road in front of him to see James McKenna, 39, of Livingston, riding a bicycle across the road right in front of him.

Driver says sleeping caused Stockport accident

April 1, 2009 by DIANE VALDEN

STOCKPORT—One driver was hurt and the other charged following a two-vehicle crash on Route 9 at the Philo Road intersection, March 30 at 5:13 p.m.
Nancy Martin, 54, of Valatie, was driving a 2002 Dodge pickup truck north on Route 9 when she saw a 2001 Honda cross the centerline into her lane. Ms. Martin attempted to avoid the Honda, driven by David Keil, 38, of Hudson, but was unsuccessful.
Mr. Keil told Sergeant Michael Merante, who investigated the crash, that he fell asleep behind the wheel.
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Captain Davi completes national program

March 25, 2009 by STAFF

GREENPORT—Captain John W. Davi, correction division commander and jail administrator for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, earned a certificate for completing a national jail-training program.
Captain Davi was one of only 26 applicants out of 170 nationwide, to attend the U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Jail Administration Training Program, according to a press release from Sheriff David W. Harrison, Jr. The weeklong training was held in Denver, Colo., at the National Institute of Correction Training Academy during the week of March 9.
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