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The The Daily Daily Mail Mail Copyright 2019, Columbia-Greene Media Volume 227, No. 150
All Rights Reserved
Racer mourned Lebanon Valley star killed in Chatham ATV crash, A3
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2019
n WEATHER FORECAST FOR HUDSON/CA TODAY TONIGHT THU
Cairo highway chief vindicated By Sarah Trafton Columbia-Greene Media
A shower and t-storm around
A t-storm in the evening
Mostly sunny and less humid
HIGH 80
LOW 64
85 58
Complete weather, A2
n SPORTS
CAIRO — Town Highway Superintendent Bob Hempstead will not face disciplinary action or criminal charges for using town funds to patch county roads without a written agreement, town officials said after an executive session. Dozens of community members turned out Monday to support Hempstead as the town board decided whether he was at fault for performing work on county roads. The board went into a
lengthy executive session to discuss what action, if any, it would take on the matter. “Mr. Hempstead did not engage in any inappropriate behavior and the matter is closed,” Town Supervisor Daniel Benoit said when the meeting resumed. The board will continue to look into the peripheral issues, Benoit said. A formal complaint was lodged against Hempstead about using town funds to patch county roads without a written agreement earlier this
month, Benoit said Monday. Additionally, a complaint was made on social media. On July 17, Benoit said the town board was investigating the matter and that the results of the investigation would determine if Hempstead would be held liable for the funds or whether he would face criminal charges. “The board didn’t meet on this until tonight,” Councilman Dan Joyce said Monday. “I don’t want people in the See CHIEF A8
SARAH TRAFTON/COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA
Cairo Highway Superintendent Bob Hempstead speaks to the town board and community members about shared services on Monday night.
Cuomo bans bump stocks, extends waiting periods Basketball League
By Melanie Lekocevic Columbia-Greene Media
Alone at the top: Hudson girls remain unbeaten PAGE B1
n NATION
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Software expert charged
ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday signed legislation banning bump stocks and extending the waiting period for some gun purchases. The new law prohibits the possession, manufacture, transport and sale of bump stocks and similar devices that speed up the firing rate of guns. It also establishes a waiting period of up to 30 days for individuals who are not immediately approved to purchase a firearm. “By signing these measures into law we are strengthening our nation-leading gun laws
— banning devices whose sole purpose is to create the most bloodshed in the shortest timeframe and providing law enforcement the tools they need to stop firearms from falling into dangerous hands,” Cuomo said in a statement. Gun dealers are required under federal law to conduct a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for any buyer looking to purchase a firearm. The background check results in one of three possible notifications — “proceed,” “denied” or “delayed.” For those buyers who receive a “delayed” response, the dealer See BAN A8
Capital One data breach affects 100 million people PAGE A2
n LOCAL
n How do your gardens grow? Prize winners announced in Athens garden contest PAGE A6
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WENDY CARLSON/THE NEW YORK TIMES
LUKE SHARRETT/THE NEW YORK TIMES
Smith & Wesson AR-15 rifles for sale at a gun show in Colorado. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation banning bump stocks, which are used to speed up the firing rate of firearms.
New gun control legislation signed by the governor Tuesday is drawing a mixed reaction.
Parents question background of new superintendent By Sarah Trafton Columbia-Greene Media
CAIRO — Parents questioned the Cairo-Durham Board of Education’s choice of superintendent at a special meeting Monday night. The board named Michael Wetherbee as the new school district superintendent on Monday. Wetherbee is a 13-year veteran of superintendency. Cairo-Durham Board President Stephen Brandow said the board is excited to welcome Wetherbee to the district. “The experience and skills Mr. Wetherbee bring to our district will support and continue to grow our tradition of fostering innovation and supporting diverse life-long learners who positively impact the world,” Brandow said in a prepared statement.
FILE PHOTO
In this March 19, 2019 file photo, dozens of parents, students, alumni and staff members voiced their concerns about Cairo-Durham District Superintendent Anthony Taibi’s resignation. Parents on Monday turned out to question the board of education’s process for selecting Michael Wetherbee as the new district superintendent. The school board introduced Wetherbee at Monday’s meeting.
Wetherbee has 23 years of educational experience, 19 of those focused
on district leadership. He has been a school psychologist, director of pupil
personnel services, school business administrator and superintendent. Wetherbee will start the new position Aug. 5. He served as superintendent for 12 years in the WaylandCohocton Central School District in Livingston County. Wetherbee’s appointment comes after community outrage in March when former Superintendent Anthony Taibi resigned after being with the district for 12 years. Residents expressed their concern with the board’s vetting process due to the circumstances surrounding Wetherbee’s resignation from Wayland-Cohocton. Wetherbee, who attended Monday’s meeting, did not publicly address parental concerns and had no comment See CHOICE A8
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