The Daily Mail Copyright 2021, Columbia-Greene Media Volume 230, No. 24
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022
3 prison officers hurt in brawl By Bill Williams Columbia-Greene Media
COXSACKIE — Three corrections officers who came to the aid of a female sergeant during a brawl at Greene Correctional Facility in Coxsackie were taken to the hospital after they were attacked by two inmates, James Miller, director of public relations at New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, said Thursday. The three injured officers were treated at Albany Medical Center and released, Miller said.
The incident occurred on Jan. 21, Miller said. A female sergeant was escorting an inmate from the inmate reception area to a Special Housing Unit. The inmate was in an agitated state and during the escort grabbed the sergeant’s jacket, Miller said. Two other officers who were present during the incident grabbed the inmate in a body hold and forced him out of the reception room and onto the floor. While on the floor and attempting to get control of the inmate, the officer was attacked by another inmate who
jumped on his back, Miller said. A third officer came to assist and grabbed the second inmate in a body hold and pulled him off the officer’s back and onto the ground. After a brief struggle, both inmates were restrained and became compliant once handcuffs were applied to them, Miller said. Both inmates were removed from the area and were placed in the Special Housing Unit of the medium-security prison pending disciplinary charges.
FILE PHOTO
Greene Correctional Facility in Coxsackie.
See BRAWL A2
Scenic Hudson acquires land for recreation center By Ted Remsnyder Columbia-Greene Media
ATHENS — An environmental group has acquired six acres of waterfront land in the Village of Athens. Scenic Hudson announced Wednesday that the organization had reached a deal to procure a parcel of land that includes 1,000 feet of river frontage and an 8,000-squarefoot warehouse that the organization plans to develop into a waterfront recreation area for the public to utilize.
Seth McKee, executive director of the Scenic Hudson Land Trust and Land Programs, said Thursday that the group has been interested in acquiring the land for the last 18 months after opposing an earlier plan to convert the waterfront land into a construction and demolition debris transfer facility. “Our vision is to expand the public enjoyment of this very special stretch of the Hudson River,” he said. “There’s tremendous opportunities for boating, birdwatching, fishing,
lots of different recreation where people can really appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife in the area.” McKee said he couldn’t specify a timeline for when the land would be developed. The group purchased the land from a private owner for an undisclosed price. “We want to engage in a process working with the community to determine what makes the most sense for specific uses See CENTER A2
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
The Scenic Hudson environmental group has reached a deal to acquire six acres of waterfront property in the Village of Athens.
Legislature confirms Lucas as Catskill rep By Ted Remsnyder Columbia-Greene Media
TED REMSNYDER/COLUMBIA-GREENE MEDIA
Jay Lucas was confirmed as the newest member of the Greene County Legislature during Wednesday’s special legislature meeting.
n FORECAST FOR HUDSON/CA
n WEATHER page A2 TODAY TONIGHT
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Partly sunny and cold
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CATSKILL — Jay Lucas, who served for nearly four decades with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, was confirmed as the newest member of the Greene County Legislature during a special meeting Wednesday night. Lucas, who was nominated by the Catskill Republican Committee, was unanimously approved by the Legislature on Wednesday to fill the District 1 seat left vacant when Legislator Jack Keller died Dec. 30.
Lucas retired from his position as a Greene County Sheriff’s deputy on Tuesday so he could accept the appointment to the legislature. “I’m very happy,” Lucas said after his first meeting. “It was very hard to give up my position as a sheriff’s deputy after 36 years. That was hard but it’s a new beginning serving the Town of Catskill and people of Greene County.” While Keller was only four days away from beginning his second three-year term on the board at the time of his death, Lucas will serve until the end
n STATE
SPORTS Breaks school record Bryn Fitzmaurice hit seven 3-pointers to break all-time 3-point record. PAGE B1
n INDEX
Hold the lines? Redistricting maps sent to governor for decision PAGE A6
Region A3 Opinion A4 Local A5 State/Nation A6 ObituariesA6 Sports B1 Classified B4 Comics/Advice B7-B8
On the web www.HudsonValley360.com
of 2022 and a special election will be held in November to determine if Lucas or another candidate will serve out the final two years of Keller’s unexpired term. Lucas, 67, said during the meeting that he hoped his second retirement from the law enforcement agency lasts longer than his first, as he originally retired from the sheriff’s department in 2012 but returned six days later. “I thought it was time and they asked me to come back See LUCAS A2
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