POLICE PROBE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST EX-TEACHER’S AIDE

Saranac Lake Police and the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office are investigating allegations of child molestation against a former teacher’s aide in the Saranac Lake Central School District.

But there are questions being raised about whether the case against 30 year-old Seth Kilburn of Saranac Lake can be upheld.

Kilburn was arrested earlier this month and charged with two counts each of forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.  At the time of his arrest police only said that Kilburn allegedly subjected a child under 17 to forcible touching on two different occasions.

But police revealed Friday that the incidents allegedly occurred at the Saranac Lake Middle School, where Kilburn worked with special education students.

And, according to Chief Assistant Franklin County District Attorney Jack Delehanty, the case has expanded after two more allegations involving other children surfaced.  Police are asking anyone who may have additional information to contact the District Attorney’s Office in Tupper Lake.

Saranac Lake School Superintendent Scott Amo says Kilburn is no longer employed by the district.  He sent a letter February 28, just days before his arrest, saying he was resigning his position to take a new job.

Amo says he was “stunned” when he heard of the allegations against the former teacher’s assistant.  “Having that kind of claim made is obviously very disturbing to me and would be to any superintendent,” he said.

Asked if the district subsequently tried to contact the parents of any of the students Kilburn worked with, Amo said they prepared a letter informing middle school parents of the allegations but it was never sent.  

“We talked about whether or not there was a responsibility for us to alert the general public,” Amo said. “But we had no idea what the outcome would be of the investigation.  And we didn’t want to compromise that investigation. I did what I thought was the right thing to do at that time.”

Amo also said he also withheld sending the letter because of “uncertainty from village police as to whether the results of the investigation were going to be upheld.”

Asked if the department had any uncertainty about the case against Kilburn, Acting Police Chief Dick Depuy would only say that “sex crimes are very hard to prove and very hard to defend against.”

Jack Delehanty, the Assistant DA, echoed the chief’s coments.  He also said “there’s a level of discomfort when you don’t have as much information as you think you could use.”  That’s why they’re seeking additional information from the public, he said.

No additional charges have been filed since Kilburn’s arrest March 5.

He’s free on bail and is scheduled to appear in village court tonight.

TOWNS, VILLAGE REACH CONSENSUS ON 2008 FIRE CONTRACT

A fire advisory board, made up of representatives of the Village of Saranac Lake and six area towns, has reached agreement on the formula for 2008 fire and rescue contracts.

Harrietstown Supervisor Larry Miller said Thursday that the Town of Brighton has now agreed to the percentage-based formula, joining the Towns of Harrietstown, Franklin, Santa Clara, North Elba, St. Armand and the Village of Saranac Lake, which had already signed off on the plan.

The formula will require the village to pay 50 percent of the fire department budget while the Town of Harrietstown picks up 25 percent.  The remaining five towns will pay anywhere between 4.4 and 6.2 percent. 

The dollar figures each municipality will pay in 2008 are not yet known because the village is still putting together the budget for the next fiscal year.  But the current fire and rescue budget totals roughly $524,000.

The fire advisory board, which includes representatives of the village, towns and the Saranac Lake Fire Department, was formed earlier this year after a dispute over the formula for fire and rescue service contracts.  The board’s first goal was to come up with a formula agreeable to all parties.  Meetings have been taking place weekly.

Miller said the agreement reached last week, even though its only a one year deal, proves the concept of a fire advisory board can work to everyone’s benefit.  “I think there was give and take on everybody’s part,” he said.  “We met the goal and I’m really pleased this board seems to be working.”

The formula will be brought before the village board for approval at its meeting tonight.  Trustee John McEneany, the village representative on the fire advisory board, has said he wants the village to pay less than the 50 percent share of the fire department budget.  But a majority of the village board – Mayor Tom Michael and Trustees Susan Waters and Christy Fontana – said at their March 12 meeting that they’d agree to the 50 percent share for 2008.

Miller said the fire advisory board will meet again March 28.  Representatives of the fire department will be discussing the specifics of their budget.

POLICE INVESTIGATING STRING OF BURGLARIES

Saranac Lake Police are investigating a string of burglaries at area businesses sometime between Thursday night and early Friday morning. 

There were a total of four reported break-ins at various businesses with small amounts of cash taken.

Police are asking for any information from area residents that would lead to the apprehension of person or persons responsible for the break-ins.

LIBRARY SEEKS $121,000 FROM SCHOOL TAXPAYERS

The Saranac Lake Free Library is asking for an $8000 in increase in funding when Saranac Lake Central School District taxpayers go to the polls in May.

The library is seeking a total of $120,320 this year.  Last year, the voters approved a $112,000 allocation. 

Jan Kibben, president of the library’s board, said this year’s funding, if it’s approved, will help pay for the hiring of a part-time children’s librarian – something that’s been part of their five year plan.

The library is also facing increased maintenance and other costs, Kibben said.  “We’re just asking for the taxpayer contribution to help with some inflationary costs as well as the children’s librarian.  We tried to keep our requests as low as we possibly could knowing the strain on the taxpayers at this time.”

The total request from the library has increased $33,000 since the 2004-2005 school year, when an $87,000 allocation was approved by the voters. 

Kibben said she’s optimistic the taxpayers will come through for the library again. “We service a very large population with a very reasonable budget,” she said.  “They’re welcome to call us with any questions about the budget.  But we’re a good value and I think the taxpayers see that.”

The library’s funding request came up at Wednesday’s Saranac Lake School Board meeting.

Board member Cliff Donaldson, repeating statements he’s made in the past, said he thinks the board has a responsibility to ask more questions about how the funding was used last year and will be used this year.  “I don’t want generalities,” he said.  “I want to know how the money was spent.”

President Miles Van Nortwick suggested library officials meet with the school board and provide that information.

Kibben noted that according to their charter they’re not required to report to the school board.  But they are allowed to ask for funding on the school ballot. “They collect the tax and they give it to us, but they’re not in a regulatory-type situation,” she said.

However, Kibben said, they met with the school board last year to discuss the funding request and will be willing to do so again this year.

H-TOWN MOVES AHEAD WITH TOWN HALL PROJECT

The Town of Harrietstown Board is moving ahead with a series of repairs to the town hall.

Town officials say there are leaks and structural problems in the boiler room located underneath the front steps and sidewalk of the building.  The problems forced the town to close the alley next to the town hall to vehicle traffic.  “A lot of work needs to be done,” Supervisor Larry Miller said at Thursday’s town board meeting.

Joe Garso of Northwoods Engineers outlined the bids the town received for general contractor on the project.

They ranged anywhere from $56,000 to as much as $104,000, prompting some concern from the board that there may have been a problem with interpreting the bid specifications. 

The lowest bid came from JFP Enterprises of Plattsburgh.  Garso said he contacted the company and was assured that they covered all aspects of the project with their bid. 

Miller said he wanted to run it by the town attorney to be safe.

The board approved the contract with JFP pending the review of the attorney.  Separate contracts for plumbing and electrical, at $2400 and $1675, respectively were also approved.

In other business, the town board discussed a proposed lease agreement with Franklin County for the DMV office in the town hall.  The county clerk is requesting the same amount - $150 a month.

There was talk of increasing the county’s rent, but Councilman Howard Riley reminded fellow board members how long it took to get the local DMV office.  “It’s a service,” he said.  “We want to keep them here, so I can’t see raising it.”

Supervisor Miller, however, said he was in favor of increasing the county’s rent.  He cited the increasing price of fuel oil and the expense of keeping the town hall operating.  “It should go up $50-75 to help subsidize the operation of the building,” he said.

But Miller ultimately agreed to keep the rent at $150 per month as long as the board seriously considers an increase next year. 

NCCC ENROLLMENT CONTINUES TO SURGE

Officials at North Country Community College say enrollment at the college increased again this spring, marking North Country’s 14th consecutive semester of enrollment growth.

Ed Trathen, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, reported at last week’s meeting of the college Board of Trustees that a total of 1273 students were enrolled at all three campuses this spring.  That’s an increase of 67 students or 5.6 percent compared to the spring of 2006.

“The ball keeps rolling in a positive direction,” Trathen said.

In addition to the spring enrollment growth, Trathen said they’re five percent ahead in admission applications for the fall semester.  He said he’s confident the college will see a 15th consecutive semester of enrollment growth.

In other business from last week’s meeting, North Country President Dr. Gail Rogers Rice said a $2.4 million donation that the college foundation received in November has cleared the state tax process.  It’s now in the hands of the IRS.  “We’re hopeful,” she said.

The unrestricted, anonymous cash donation is the largest in the college’s history.  Its also one of the largest unrestricted cash donations in the history of the SUNY system.

POLICE REPORT

A Tupper Lake man suffered minor injuries after crashing his motorcycle on Main Street in Tupper Lake early Saturday morning.  Village police say 47 year-old Ronald J. Beaudette was traveling northwest on Main Street near the intersection with Washington Street when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed off the road.  Beaudette suffered contusions, scrapes and abrasions but was not transported to the hospital.  He was charged with speed not reasonable and prudent.

Tupper Lake Village Police issued a criminal summons to a 17 year-old female from Tupper Lake at 3:20 p.m. Saturday.  The teenager, whose name was not released, was charged with third-degree assault stemming from an altercation with another person on Friday.  She’s scheduled to appear in village court at a later date.

State Police in Ray Brook charged 25 year-old Brett A. Kilroy of Saranac Lake with third-degree assault.  Police say the charge stems from a domestic incident.  Kilroy was arraigned and released to appear in Harrietstown Town Court at a later date. 

State Police in Ray Brook charged 26 year-old Stephen A. King of Saranac Lake with unlawful possession of marijuana on Thursday following a vehicle and traffic stop on State Route 86 in the Town of North Elba.  He was given an appearance ticket for North Elba Town Court.

State Police in Ray Brook also made several arrests at the Lake Placid Olympic Center this weekend during the snoe.down Winter Music Festival.  22 year-old Daniel W. Primmer of Ryegate, Vermont was charged with resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana.  25 year-old Marc D. Merrihew of Albany was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.  And 20 year-old Calvin K. Wanner of New Jersey was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.  All of the suspects were given April 10 appearance tickets for Lake Placid Village Court.

State Police arrested three more people en route to the snoe.down Winter Music Festival on Friday and charged them with drug possession.  18 year-old Michael Carlson of Merrimack, New Hampshire, 18 year-old Anthony Kim of Tyngsboro, Mass., and 18 year-old Tanya Deveau of Milford, New Hampshire were all arrested on their way to the Lake Placid event.  The three teens were charged with felony criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of marijuana. They were arraigned in the Town of Westport Court and held overnight in jail on $10,000 bail each.

Saranac Lake Police charged 33 year-old David N. Brewer of Lake Placid with unlawful possession of marijuana, having an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle and no front license plate at 4:10 p.m. Friday.  Brewer was stopped for a vehicle and traffic infraction and was allegedly found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana.  He was processed and released to appear in village court at a later date.

Saranac Lake Police arrested 38 year-old John A. Seemueller of Saranac Lake at 5:45 p.m. Sunday following a complaint from a local business.  Police say Seemueller allegedly used consumable items in the store rendering them un-sellable.  He was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.  Seemueller was processed, arraigned in village court and remanded to the Franklin County Jail in lieu of bail. 

Saranac Lake Police charged 28 year-old Desiree K. St. Amand of Saranac Lake with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment at 1:28 p.m. Saturday.  Police say she was arrested following a police investigation into a reported domestic dispute.  St. Amand had allegedly subjected another person to physical contact and smashed the property of the same person.  She was processed at the police station, arraigned in village court and released of her own recognizance.

Lake Placid Police charged 27 year-old Stephen C. Lipman of Michigan with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child at 7:19 p.m. Sunday.  Police say he was allegedly observed providing alcohol to 19 year-old Dylan M. Whitbeck of Lakeview, NY.  Lipman was released on cash bail to appear in village court at a later date.  Whitbeck was charged with underage possession of alcohol.  He was released on bail pending a future court date.

21 year-old Darren M. Maxwell of Clarence, NY was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana at 4:45 a.m. Sunday.  Lake Placid Police responded to a noise complaint and allegedly found Maxwell in possession of marijuana and cocaine.  He was released on bail.

19 year-old Erich W. Cominsky of East Amherst, NY was arrested by Lake Placid Police at 4:05 a.m. Sunday.  Police responded to a noise complaint and allegedly found Cominsky in possession of a forged instrument and marijuana.  He was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and unlawful possession of marijuana.  Cominsky was released on cash bail.

Lake Placid Police charged a teenage youthful offender from Lakeview, NY with unlawful possession of marijuana at 1:28 a.m. Sunday.  The 18 year-old male was stopped for vehicle and traffic infractions and allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana.  He was released on cash bail.

27 year-old Joseph A. Perrucci of Easton, PA was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance at 9:40 p.m. Saturday.  He was allegedly found in possession of LSD at the Olympic Center. He was released on cash bail pending a future court date.

Lake Placid Police charged an 18 year-old youthful offender from Tunhannock, PA with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana at 9:02 p.m. Saturday night.  Police say the teen was allegedly found with the drugs at the Olympic Center.  He was released on bail.

22 year-old Joseph P. Seguna of Hicksville, NY was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest at 8:49 p.m. Saturday.  Lake Placid Police say Seguna was found in possession of 22 strips of LSD at the Olympic Center.  He also allegedly resisted arrest.  Seguna was set to the Essex County Jail on $1000 cash bail.

Lake Placid Police charged 25 year-old Richard A. Stewart Jr. of Ballston Lake, NY with unlawful possession of marijuana at 7:15 p.m. Saturday.  Police were alerted to the smell of marijuana near Stewart’s vehicle and allegedly found him in possession of a glass smoking device.  He was released on cash bail pending a future court date.

Lake Placid Police arrested 21 year-old Christopher M. Amaturo of Kings Park, New York at 6:40 p.m. Saturday and charged him with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at the Olympic Center after allegedly being found in possession of an ecstasy tablet and marijuana. Armaturo was released on $40 bail to appear in village court April 11.

A New City, New York woman was arrested by Lake Placid Police at 11:11 p.m. Friday night and charged with driving while intoxicated. 44 year-old Virginia M. Lacavalla was stopped for vehicle and traffic violations and allegedly found to be intoxicated. Lacavalla was released on cash bail to appear in court at a later date.

25 year-old Adam S. Abelson of Trumansburg, New York was arrested by Lake Placid Police at 9:10 p.m. Friday night at the Olympic Center and charged with alleged unlawful possession of marijuana. Abelson was released of his own recognizance to appear in village court April 11.

Lake Placid Police arrested 25 year-old Moira C. Bieg of Audubon, New Jersey at 8:20 p.m. Friday night and charged her with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. She was allegedly found in possession of a narcotic prescription at the Olympic Center. Bieg was released on $100 cash bail to appear in village court on April 11.

22 year-old Chad P. Bradway of Bondsville, Massachusetts was arrested by Lake Placid Police at 7:50 p.m. Friday night and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was allegedly found in possession of the drug at the Olympic Center. Bradway was released to appear in village court on April 11.

Lake Placid Police arrested a 22-year-old of Saratoga Springs at 7:10 p.m. Friday and charged her with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at the Olympic Center. She was released of her own recognizance to appear in court April 11.

Lake Placid Police arrested 24 year-old Stephanie M. Sposato of Cicero, New York at 6:45 p.m. Friday night and charged her with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. She was allegedly found in possession of cocaine at the Olympic Center.  Sposato was released on $100 cash bail to appear in court on April 10.

An Ithaca man was arrested at 6:25 p.m. Friday and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. 29 year-old Wesley A. Tice was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at the Olympic Center. Tice was released to appear in court April 11.

24 year-old Brian P. McAlpine of Denver, Colorado was arrested at 6:20 p.m. Friday and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after Lake Placid Police found him allegedly in possession of cocaine at the Olympic Center. McAlpine was released on $200 cash bail to return to village court on April 10.