By Jay Braman Jr.
The “Officer in Charge” of the Shandaken Police Department, Mount Tremper resident Jack Schlegel, died last Wed­nesday, June 11 at the age of 90.

By Brian Sweeney
The Catskill Recreation Center in Arkville officially opened its doors on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony 11 months after ground was broken for the project.
Margaretville Boy Scouts were among the first swimmers in the pool at Saturday’s grand opening of the Catskill Recreation Center. The indoor pool and exercise facility is now open for business. More than 100 community residents had signed up for membership by Monday. — Photos by Dick Sanford

The Margaretville Central School District has named Michael Joseph Conroy as the valedictorian for the Class of 2014 and James Warner as its salutatorian.
Valedictorian Michael Joseph Conroy will graduate from Margaretville Central School with an Advanced Regents degree with Honors mastery in math and science, and from ONC BOCES having completed the New Visions Health Care Professions Program.

By Jay Braman Jr.
The City of New York has long been in the land-buying business in the Catskills, but its real estate options expanded last month when it earmarked millions of dollars to buy homes and businesses, in some cases in the middle of hamlets and villages, that fall victim to frequent flooding.

By Jay Braman Jr.
James McGrath, a 34-year veteran of the Shandaken Police Department and its longtime chief, will retire from that position next month.
The news was sent to the town board in a letter from McGrath, who said he would still be available to help the department.
“The decision to retire has not been an easy one, but I feel it is time for me to move on,” McGrath wrote.

Arkville — The Catskill Recreation Center in Arkville will hold a public Grand Opening ceremony on Saturday, June 7 starting with a ribbon cutting at noon.
The centerpiece of the Catskill Recreation Center (CRC), which is located a 651 County Route 38, is an Olympic-sized pool. The membership-based facility is open for community use and also features a separate pool area for general enjoyment. Following the dedication, the “First Jump into the Pool” will take place at 1 p.m.

By Cheryl Petersen
Echoing an event that occurred 217 years ago, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors met at the Delaware County Historical Association’s (DCHA), Frisbee House, outside Delhi for their May 28 regular meeting.
DCHA Director Tim Duerden welcomed the supervisors back. The board handled matters of a bed tax and landfill actions.

20-YEAR-CELEBRATION — Mountainside Residential Care Center in Margaretville celebrated its 20th anniversary on May 17. A large crowd turned out to mark the occasion. Refreshments, live music and review of Mountainside’s success were all part of the festivities. Above, Administrator Philip Mehl addresses the audience. — Contributed photos.

Top graduates for the Class of 2014 have been announed at Andes and Roxbury central Schools.

Andes Central School
Andes Central School has announced that Josephine DeSanto is this year’s Valedictorian and Jonathan Andrews is the Salutatorian.
Josephine DeSanto

By Cheryl Petersen
With a special appearance by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, the Dela­ware County Democratic Din­ner afforded a lively evening for the party faithful from around the county Saturday evening. The line-up of speakers included Stephen Hodge, Democrat of the Year, and keynote speaker, Democratic Congressional candidate, Sean Eldridge.
Stephen and Lois Hodge at the Democratic Dinner. — Photo by Cheryl Petersen