Some of the stories that made the news Fri., Feb. 5 through Sun., Feb. 7

Mid-Hudson News Network reported U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney has endorsed Zephyr Teachout for the Democratic nomination to succeed Kinderhook Republican Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional District. “Zephyr Teachout knows how to get along with people,” Maloney said, during a media event held Fri., Feb. 5, in New Paltz. Town of Livingston Councilman Will Yandik announced last week that he would challenge Teachout in the June primary election. He was endorsed by the Columbia County Democratic Committee last weekend. The 19th Congressional District includes all of Ulster, Greene and Columbia counties, most of Dutchess County and some or all of seven other counties.

The Daily Freeman reported the state Department of Environmental Conservation is warning that iced over bodies of water may not be safe to walk on due to the late start of winter and the recent warm temperatures and rain. According to a statement released by the DEC, ice is not as thick as it typically would be in early February. Large water bodies remain completely open or only have ice in shallow bays, even in the Adirondacks and the surrounding North Country. Authorities advise anyone planning recreational activities on ice to refrain from using motor vehicles on the ice and to check ice thickness near the shore before venturing further out. People should also carry spikes, flotation devices and a throw line for self-rescue, the DEC said.

Diane Valden reported in the Columbia Paper on the many pending court cases against Salvatore Cascino. The 76-year-old Westchester County resident owns a 300-acre property along the east side of Route 22 in Copake, where he has 18 years of violations of federal, state and town laws for illegal dumping, building and excavating. Since Feb. 5, 2014 the town of Copake has been awaiting a decision from Acting State Supreme Court Judge Jonathan Nichols on two contempt of court charges. A judge directed Cascino to remove a steel bridge, a stone wall and the illegal fill he dumped in and along the Noster Kill. Cascino was also ordered to restore other work on his property, as he never got the proper permits to make the changes. An attorney involved in the case said it is unclear why Nichols has not yet made a decision.

Katie Kocijanski reported in the Register-Star Greene County Legislator William Lawrence has proposed the county pass legislation to establish an animal abuse registry. Lawrence introduced the idea during a meeting of the Legislature's Public Safety Committee last week. The Cairo Republican said the county has had its share of animal abuse. He is basing the proposed Greene County legislation on the law passed in Ulster County, which, among other things, prevents abusers from adopting additional animals. Under the law, the definition of abuse varies, from something as minimal as leaving a dog unattended, outside, tied to a tree, to seriously injuring or killing an animal.

Audrey Matott reported in The Daily Mail Tammy J. Sutherland has been appointed superintendent of the Greenville Central School District, effective immediately. The appointment was made only a few months after long-time schools chief Cheryl Dudley retired. During that time Sutherland served as interim superintendent. She has been with the district for a total of 30 years, and previously served for more than a decade as Assistant Superintendent for Business. In a statement released following the meeting, Thu., Feb. 4, the Board of Education expressed confidence in Sutherland's qualifications and her dedication to the district. The board opted out of conducting an outside search because it concluded Sutherland was the best candidate for the district's top spot. The board said her “...combined integrity, dedication and experience, as well as her demonstrated leadership" would serve the community well.

Michael Ryan reported in the Windham Journal Lexington is moving forward with its new wastewater treatment system. The Lexington Hotel last week was the first building to get fitted for the system. However, the connection to the finished pipeline will not be made until spring, pending approvals from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. The department is funding the $9.1 million project. The new system will eventually link 47 residences and businesses within the hamlet. Work on the operations facility, located along Route 42, must be completed. That building contains control panels and computers for the leach field pods and filtration units, a lab area, pumps, a backup generator and storage space.