Pine Plains softball improves to 2-0

PINE PLAINS — The Bombers varsity softball team dominated the diamond last Thursday, April 15, shutting out Spackenkill 9-0.

It was Stissing Mountain High School’s second game of the season, and their first divisional match.

Bombers coach Les Funk said his team this year is a mix of returning players (including three named to the All-League team last season) and first-year varsity athletes.

“There’s still a bit of inexperience that shows up once in a while,� he said, “and the rest of the season will be about how quickly we can take care of that kind of stuff. Skill-wise the younger kids can do it, it’s just a matter of coming together.�

The Bombers caught a bit of a break with last weekend’s rain-out of the annual Philip Amelio Memorial Tournament. Pine Plains would have faced Rhinebeck, a tough opponent, very early on in the season. Now, with the tournament rescheduled for the beginning of May, the girls will have a few more matches under their belts before they step up to the plate.

Last year the softball team went 14-6. They lost two of their best players this season, Sara Woodward and Jessalyn Sweeney, but have four returning seniors with starting experience.

The Bombers played a few games earlier this week, after this paper’s deadline, and will compete in a tournament in Red Hook this weekend.

“They’ve got eight very good teams over there,� Funk said. “But they’re all non-league, so it will be good for the competition and our kids will see some real good teams.�

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less