The Roxbury Arts Group Announces 2026 Delaware County Arts Grant Cycle $175,000 for Arts Projects and Programs

ROXBURY — The Roxbury Arts Grant announces $175,000 in funding available for the 2026 Delaware County Arts Grant cycle. An additional $40,000 for organizational support has also been received.  This grant program is made possible by funding from the New York State Council on the Arts. 

The Roxbury Arts Group is proud to administer the Delaware County Arts Grant, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, in Delaware County. Funds from this re-grant program are used to support projects in three areas: Community Arts, Creative Learning, and Individual Artist. Applicants to this grant can now receive up to $7,500 of funding.

Community Arts grants are central to RAG’s mission, fostering arts and cultural projects and enhancing the cultural vibrancy of Delaware County communities. Community Arts Awards are $1,500-$7,500.

Creative Learning grants play a crucial role in integrating arts into education. These grants support skills-based, arts education programs—with an emphasis on quality creative processes—at Delaware County public schools, after-school programs, and community-based centers. Creative Learning Awards are $1,500-$7,500.

Individual Artist grants focus on the "live and work" philosophy, and invest directly in local artists who reflect and enhance community life and culture. Applicants must engage actively with the community, making their projects a collaborative effort with the community members they serve. Individual Arts Awards are $1,500-$5,000.

Our goals for the grant are to: make quality arts programming available to all Delaware County residents and visitors, assist in emerging arts organizations, support the artistic expression of Delaware County’s diverse cultural groups, and make arts programming accessible to under-served and minority communities. 

The Delaware County Arts Grant application opens on October 21, 2025 and closes January 16, 2026 at 4pm. Our guidelines and information session links are available on our website at roxburyartsgroup.org/grants. Attendance of an information session or a one-on-one session with the Creative Opportunities Coordinator is required for application. Please RSVP for your session of choice. Sessions begin in late September and go through mid-December. Only those registered for the Zoom information sessions will be allowed to attend these sessions.

In Person Sessions:

Saturday, September 27, 2p, Roxbury Arts Center, Roxbury, NY

Friday, October 24, 5p, Headwaters Arts Center, Stamford, NY

Friday, November 21, 6p, Bushel Collective, Delhi, NY

Online Zoom Sessions:

Tuesday, September 30, 2p                                           

Thursday, October 9, 12p        

Tuesday, October 21, 4p                                                                      

Wednesday, October 29, 4p                                      

Saturday, November 1, 2p   (this session is for Individual Artist Grants only)

Saturday, November 15, 12p       

Friday, December 5, 2p

Thursday, December 11, 5p       

Wednesday, December 17, 12p

Friday, January 9, 2026, 12p

For more information about grant categories, guidelines, and eligibility, or to RSVP for a session, visit roxburyartsgroup.org, email community@roxburyartsgroup.org or call 607-326-7908.

The Delaware County Arts Grants is a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered in Delaware County by the Roxbury Arts Group. 

About the New York State Council on the Arts

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, to support thousands of organizations and hundreds of artists across the state. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

 

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District Attorney Outreach Program From the Courtroom to the Classroom: Helping Students Know the Law and Know Their Rights

DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith Launches New Outreach Program for High School Students and Parents

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced the launch of a new Outreach Program aimed at high school students and their parents.

The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office—working in partnership with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, village and town police departments, Safe Against Violence, and local school districts—has created this initiative to increase awareness, education, and prevention around sexual assault and related sex crimes.

As part of the program, prosecutors and law enforcement officers will not only meet with parents to provide resources and information but will also visit schools to speak directly with high school students. These sessions will focus on educating young people about the law on sexual assault and sex crimes, the rights of victims, and the legal processes that follow. The goal is to empower students with knowledge, help them recognize unlawful conduct, and encourage timely reporting of offenses.

Assistant District Attorney Rachael Collins emphasized that this proactive approach would strengthen community safety, build trust with students and families, and reinforce the county’s commitment to protecting children and young people from sexual violence.

“Too many students don’t realize that what has happened to them—or to a friend—may in fact be a crime,” said ADA Collins. “We want young people to know the law, know their rights, and know that we are here to help.”

Program Highlights

• Separate educational sessions for girls, boys, and parents to address different needs and concerns.

• Presentations by Assistant District Attorneys, investigators, law enforcement officers, and Safe Against Violence staff, the same professionals who handle these cases in Delaware County courts.

• Coverage of key topics, including recognizing grooming and coercion, laws concerning internet use and the transmission of images, how and where to report abuse, and what to expect when a case enters the justice system.

• Resources for students and parents, including contact information and support services.

• Interactive discussions and small-group settings to allow for open dialogue and questions.

The program is grounded in research demonstrating that education and prevention initiatives reduce sexual violence and increase reporting. While New York State law (Erin’s Law) mandates prevention education through 8th grade, there is no requirement for high school programs—leaving older teens without critical knowledge. This initiative seeks to fill that gap.

“This program is different because it’s local and personal,” said District Attorney Smith. “Students and parents will meet the actual prosecutors and investigators who work these cases in our county. Building that trust and familiarity is key. These are some of the most serious cases we prosecute, and we want families to know we take them very seriously. This program is one more way we are working to make Delaware County safer for kids.”

Anticipated Benefits

• Stronger trust between students, parents, and the justice system.

• Increased reporting of abuse and stronger prosecutions.

• Empowerment of students to advocate for themselves and others.

• Greater recognition of boys as potential victims, reducing stigma.

• Safer communities through early education and prevention.

The pilot program will launch at select schools this year, with plans to expand county-wide following evaluation and feedback.

Shawn J. Smith 

District Attorney 

Delaware County 

 

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Delaware County District Attorney Shout-Out - CPS Supervisor Ashley Dolph

 

District Attorney Shawn Smith and the Delaware County District Attorney’s office want to recognize Child Protective Services Supervisor Ashley Dolph for her outstanding and dedicated service to Delaware County.

Ashley is the case Supervisor Grade B Over the Child Protective Services Unit at DSS. She began her career at DSS in 2009 as Caseworker before becoming a Senior Caseworker and then moving into her current role in 2020.

Ashley is a long-time member of the Delaware County Multi-Disciplinary Team. She is always willing to help and contribute suggestions and ideas. Colleagues describe Dolph as helpful, smart and a confident decision maker who trusts and empowers her team.  

In her time at DSS and as a member of the MDT, Ashley has contributed to protecting the wellbeing of countless children and families. Thank you for all that you do and for your years of service to Delaware County!

 

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SUNY Delhi Celebrates Successful Launch of ASAP|ACE Student Success Programs

DELHI — SUNY Delhi celebrated the successful launch of SUNY ASAP|ACE, a transformative student retention and degree completion program, at a campus event with special guest Dr. Casey O'Brien, SUNY Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Transformational Initiatives. Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) for students enrolled in associate programs and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) for students enrolled in baccalaureate programs provide financial resources and wraparound supports to remove barriers to full-time study, help students gain and maintain academic momentum, and create a connected community among students.

SUNY Delhi is one of only a handful of campuses offering both ASAP and ACE. The campus welcomed an initial cohort of 150 students this fall to participate in the programs.

"We are thrilled to be part of the ASAP|ACE SUNY family and appreciate the support from the state and SUNY to help it reach its full potential," said Dr. Mary Bonderoff, SUNY Delhi President. "This powerful initiative allows us to remove many of the obstacles that can stand in the way of degree completion, and it is already proving to be a positive opportunity for our students."

"The evidence is clear: with these programs, students complete more credits and are retained at higher rates," Dr. O'Brien noted. "Behind the numbers are real families and students' lives being transformed. We recognize SUNY Delhi's leadership and Delhi's ASAP|ACE team in making this campus a model for what's possible when students are given the resources and encouragement they deserve."

"SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and our expansion of the proven ASAP and ACE programs across our system ensures our students are on track to complete their degree on time and pursue their aspirations," SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. previously stated. "I applaud Governor Hochul and state leaders for their continued support of SUNY, and I thank the SUNY Delhi administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success."

"We've hit the ground running, and in five weeks, we've already received great feedback from students," said SUNY Delhi ASAP|ACE Director Laura Pehrsson. "All 150 students in our initial cohort are engaging in meetings and workshops - we're truly building a community and are so excited to see the program grow as more students participate in it. We are thankful to SUNY and our campus leadership for the support in launching this amazing initiative."

ASAP|ACE is made possible through recurring state funding supported by Governor Kathy Hochul, the state legislature, and SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr., allowing SUNY to expand the programs to 34 campuses to serve over 7,000 students across the state. Preliminary outcomes data across current ASAP|ACE partner campuses demonstrate that participating students have higher credit completion and persistence rates than similar non-ASAP|ACE students.

 

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SUNY Delhi Launches Fully Online Criminal Justice Bachelor's Program

DELHI — SUNY Delhi announces the launch of a fully online, direct-entry Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, expanding access for students seeking a four-year degree without relocating. Enrollment is now open for Spring and Fall 2026 semesters.

The new program allows students to enter directly into a four-year online bachelor's degree program without transferring in with an associate degree. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program is ideal for recent high school graduates, working professionals, and others who want to balance education with career or personal commitments.

"This new online program helps us meet our students where they are in their lives and careers, offering the flexibility they need to complete a degree and pursue or advance careers in policing, law, corrections, social services, security, and more," said Dr. Simon Purdy, Professor of Criminal Justice at SUNY Delhi. "Because our online classes are taught by the same experienced faculty as our campus program, students receive the same quality education in whichever format best suits their needs."

The online degree mirrors SUNY Delhi's existing on-campus Criminal Justice program, allowing students to study fully online or take a combination of online and on-campus courses. The format provides students with the ability to adapt the educational experience to their individual circumstances.

Program highlights:

Courses taught by instructors with extensive experience in the field, such as practicing attorneys, current and former law enforcement officers, and criminal justice researchers

Option to study fully online or blend online and on-campus coursework

Pathways to graduate study, including SUNY Delhi's online master's program in Criminal Justice

Exclusive 3+3 law school partnerships with Albany Law School and Western New England School of Law, enabling students to earn both a bachelor's and juris doctor degree in six years with an accelerated timeline

"SUNY Delhi is dedicated to providing innovative academic opportunities that open doors for students from all backgrounds," said Dr. Mary Bonderoff, President of SUNY Delhi. "This new online bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice expands our reach and ensures students can pursue a high-quality SUNY Delhi education while preparing for meaningful careers that serve our communities."

 

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Supervisors Thanked For Recognition of National 4-H Week - Youth Hunting Law Passed

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - In September, Delaware County supervisors voted to recognize the week of October 5 through 11th as National 4-H Week. This year's national 4-H Week theme is "Beyond Ready." The theme “reminds us that 4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change and equips young people with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today,” the resolution states.

To thank the board, Corrine Tompkins, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) 4-H program manager and camp administrator, attended the October 8 meeting of supervisors. "We are very grateful that you passed that resolution to celebrate this week with us," she said. CCE has been running campaigns all week, said Tompkins, adding today is Go-Good for 4-H Day, to honor the community service that the program has done.

4-H participant Maria Collins highlighted the program's technique in helping individuals advance communication and social skills. Collins has been a member of the Country Bumpkins 4-H Club for four years and is now a freshman in high school. "4-H has taught me great communication and social skills that I use on a daily basis, whether at school or at the Delaware County Fair," she said, "I am also a class representative, and these communication and social skills help me advocate for what my classmates need," Collins added that 4-H has taught her how to respect and navigate differences in learning and social situations. "4-H teaches that everybody should be treated with respect and that us 4-H'ers should do our best to include everyone."

"We have, in my opinion, the best 4-H camp and we have an amazing 4-H program," said Shelly Johnson-Bennett, Delaware County planning department director.

Youth Hunting

One Harpersfield resident spoke during the public hearing regarding the youth hunting legislation, which was proposed by supervisors in September. The seasoned hunter said the local law, formerly a PILOT program, is greatly successful. "We need to teach the kids young, so they are responsible gun handlers and gun owners and good stewards of our natural resources," he said.

Following the public hearing, supervisors unanimously approved the legislation. The local law permits licensed youth hunters aged 12 and 13 to hunt with a firearm or crossbow during the appropriate season, provided they are accompanied by an adult licensed hunter who is at least 21 years old.

Other Business

The board adopted the 2026 equalization rates for the county tax levy. The following rates were adopted: Andes, 70; Bovina, 13.25; Colchester, 2.10; Davenport, 47.50; Delhi, 32; Deposit, 3.55; Franklin, 67; Hamden, 100; Hancock, 8; Harpersfield, 16; Kortright, 57.75; Masonville, 63; Meredith, 57.75; Middletown, 59; Roxbury, 99; Sidney, 50; Stamford, 15.18; Tompkins, 2.44; and Walton, 100.

The Sheriff's Office received $11,729 in grant funds to participate in the Police Traffic Services Program. The program's goal is to increase seatbelt usage and reduce dangerous driving through the implementation of checkpoints.

Opioid settlement funds were used to purchase a $5,699 vein visualization system for the Department of Mental Health.

The Solid Waste budget was deemed insufficient, and $250,000 was transferred from unappropriated funds for disposal of leachate, propane gas, and other supplies.

Now that the project is complete, the contract for the reconstruction of landfill cell number one was decreased by $6,818.50 after final calculations were made.

Supervisor Chair and Bovina Supervisor Tina Molè, as well as Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield, were absent from the meeting. Vice Chair and Meredith Supervisor James Ellis filled in for Molè.

The next regular Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 22.

 

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PLEA ON CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CASE

DELHI – District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that on September 30, Taylor Church, 38, of Bainbridge, appeared before the Honorable John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, and plead guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree, a Class D Felony. After pleading guilty, the court adjourned the matter until October 28th for sentencing.

On January 3, 2025, New York State Trooper Matthew Vogel conducted a routine traffic stop after noticing a vehicle with no license plate lamps.  The vehicle also had license plates that weren’t registered to that vehicle.  After pulling over the vehicle and interviewing the driver and Church, a passenger, a search of the vehicle was conducted and Trooper Vogel seized heroin, cocaine, a scale, and ammunition from the vehicle.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith commended the New York State Troopers for their thorough investigation. Smith stated, “Thanks to the thorough investigation of the New York State Police, this routine traffic stop led to the arrest and conviction of two individuals responsible for selling drugs in our community.”

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

 

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Twilight Lantern Tours of 1797 Judge Gideon Frisbee House Oct. 18 & 25

DELHI — As darkness descends, the air cools and leaves crinkle underfoot. It's starting to feel spooky out there. There is no better way to celebrate the coming of the Halloween season than with a trip to the Delaware County Historical Association on Route 10, just 2 miles outside of Delhi.

This October, on two evenings, Saturday 18th and Saturday 25th, 2025 the historic Gideon Frisbee House will be open for a special Twilight Lantern Tour where guests can learn about the more eerie elements of the house, including the "coffin door," the "break-neck" rear stairway, and the narrow room in which a "presence" is said to lurk. The historic Frisbee family cemetery will also be open for guests to explore.

The lantern tours will be led by DCHA’s inimitable Samantha Misa, who will be attired in costume and on hand to answer any questions guests may have about the house. A brief preview of what guests may expect to encounter can be seen at:

https://video.wskg.org/video/haunted-history-frisbee-house/

Light refreshments will be available free of charge. Tours leave promptly each evening at 5pm and 6pm. Cost: adults $10, kids 12 and under free. Tours are limited to 8 people each.

Reservations are required by October 16th and October 23rd, 2025 respectively. Spaces fill up fast!! Please call DCHA at: (607)746-3849 or email: dchadelhi@gmail.com to register.

 

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SK Trap Scores

 

 

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Obituary - Barbara V. Mueller

Barbara V. Mueller, passed peacefully to meet her savior Jesus in the presence of her family and her dear caretaker Trish.  It happened that this patriot came to the end of her 90 years on September 11th, Patriot Day.  She had the great privilege of being cared for in her Roxbury, NY home by her son, Eric.  These later years were challenging, especially after she lost Richard.  Family and friends enjoyed a 90-year celebration in September of last year that included a private Bag Piping concert at Kirkside.

Barbara, “Babs” was born Barbara Drake Van Houten on September 28, 1934, in Belleville New Jersey to Katherine Davenport Drake and Edwin Van Houten. Barbara graduated from Drew University with a degree in Chemistry and made a career at the Lakehurst Naval Air Base Test facility as a mathematician and logistics engineer.  She was honored for being the first female civilian to stay on the aircraft carrier US Independence.  She retired in 1994 and came to Roxbury with her dear partner, the late Richard Ramga.  Together they enjoyed many good years establishing a home and loving the community.  They shared a love for skiing at Plattekill, where she ended her skiing career at the age of 83. She had a deep love for music and enjoyed her grandchildren’s performances.  She spent some years following Andre Bocelli concerts with her good friends Doris and Grace. She continued her love for music by attending yearly Festival of the Voice Concerts with her daughter Nadine.  In her last hours she listened to Bocelli recordings. 

Barbara D Van Houten was married to the late Edward C Mueller of Spring Lake, NJ in 1957.  They raised their family on the Jersey shore in Brick Town.  Barbara enjoyed some years sharing running with her 2 sons in her forties and won several races and completed the Princeton half marathon. Barbara is survived by her children, John Hollister, Nyla Mueller, Nadine McCarthy, Eric Mueller and Craig Mueller.  She dearly loved her 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; she recognized this abundance as she was an only child.

There will be a Memorial Celebration of her life at noon on December 27, 2025, at the Roxbury United Methodist Church.  Refreshments following. RSVP Nadine McCarthy 434 409 5938.  

 

 

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF HALCOTT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing on the preliminary budget of the Town of Halcott will be held on October 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Town of Halcott Grange Hall, Halcott Center, N.Y.  Regular Town Board meeting to follow. A copy of the preliminary budget is available at the town clerk’s office where it may be inspected. The proposed salaries are Town Board Member $1,100.00, Town Supervisor $5,000.00, Town Clerk $6,000.00, Highway Superintendent $70,000.00.

By order of the Town Board

Dated September 30, 2025

Patricia Warfield Town Clerk

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H-T Girls Varsity Lose to the Rockland Wolves Monday

H-T Girls Varsity Lose to the Rockland Wolves Monday

Photos by Max Oppen

HUNTER — H-T Girls Varsity lost to the Rockland Wolves from Sullivan County 1-0 in a non-league game at home on September 29. Rockland’s #19 Kelsey Ryder scored in the last five minutes, and this was the first time both teams played each other. 

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