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Saturday,ÊNo vemberÊ14,Ê2015
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www.SunCommunityNews.com
In SCHOOLS | pg. 3
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Helping the hungry
Indian Lk. middle schoolers give back
In OPINION | pg. 4
Live United
Annual fundraising underway
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In COUNTY | pg. 10
Budget season
County brings out tentative plan
Garnet Lake Road Bridge in jeopardy By Christina Scanlon
christina@suncommunitynews.com
JOHNSBURG — The Garnet Lake Road Bridge could fail at any moment and at least $750,000 is needed for repairs to it and three other bridges, according to an engineering report delivered to town officials last week. The Garnet Lake Road Bridge, which has now been restricted to one lane of traffic, will likely be replaced by a temporary bridge structure to get through the winter, said Highway Superintendent Daniel Hitchcock. Fears of collapse from the weight of emergency equipment or snow plows were cited in the report conducted by Cedarwood Engineering Services, LLC. “We believe the bridge in its current condition is a substantial hazard to motorists utilizing the roadway,” read the letter dated Nov. 4. It continued, “The superstructure’s current
steel beams have failed and are beginning to deflect (bend) downwards toward the water, an indication of impending collapse.” The report estimates the cost to be around $350,000 to replace. Hitchcock has been in contact with Warren County officials to secure a temporary bridge structure to be installed as soon as possible. Footings would need to be poured, which could take place despite the dropping temperatures. “They can be poured in winter,” he said. An engineer’s drawings will need to first be approved, but those are currently in the works. Hitchcock said footings used for a similar project a few years ago may be able to be reused. An easement or permission from property owners adjacent to the bridge would need to be worked out, as the temporary solution will >> Story Continued | pg. 3
The Garnet Lake Road Bridge has been deemed a “substantial hazard” and must be replaced immediately, according to contractors.
Rathbun, Clawson elected in Indian Lake By Christina Scanlon
christina@suncommunitynews.com
INDIAN LAKE — Democrat John “Jack” Valentine failed to earn a second four-year term on the town board last week. The 164 ballots cast his way were no match for the two prevailing candidates, Democrat incumbent John Rathbun with 307 votes and Republican newcomer Richard Clawson with 255. Valentine called the loss “resounding,” when reached by phone last week for comment, adding he was still trying to take it all in. “There’s a level of disappointment for sure, but to analyze it, I’m just not sure what it means,” he said. Valentine said he felt he’d been moving the community forward Rathbun will return for his fourth four-year term. “The reason I wanted to run again was to follow through with the recent grants awards,” he said, noting state funding for the Lake Abanakee Dam, as well as a $300,000 grant to purchase the Townsend property on West Main Street. Clawson, when reached by phone Monday, said the Townsend project was, in part, a cause for running, but for the opposite reason. “I wasn’t in favor of it,” he said. Keeping taxes low and helping to bring a market back into the town are at the top of his goals for his new job.
Police were called to an early morning incident where shots were fired on Thunderbird Road in Bolton Nov. 10. Photo by Christina Scanlon
Two dead in Bolton shooting By Christina Scanlon
christina@suncommunitynews.com
BOLTON — A Bolton couple is dead after what police are calling a murder-suicide in their Thunderbird Road home. David J. Barnes is believed to have shot and killed his wife, Kimberly D. Barnes, before turning the weapon on himself shortly before
8 a.m. Tuesday, according to Warren County Sheriff Bud York. Neighbors confirmed the identity of the pair to Sun Community News at the scene. The county’s forensics investigation van arrived about 1:30 p.m. on the dead end street just a short distance from Route 9N. Investigation was expected to last into the evening. >> Story Continued | pg. 3