Montgomery County Now - Made of Something Stronger

Episode 49:Feeding Hope: Jackie Lape and the Heart of Helping Hands

Feeding Hope: Jackie Lape and the Heart of Helping Hand After a few months away from the podcast, Montgomery County Now returns with a powerful update from Sheriff Jeff Smith on a very busy start to 2026 and an inspiring conversation with Jackie Lape, manager of Helping Hands Food Pantry in St. Johnsville. This episode highlights public safety, community support, and the people quietly doing life-changing work across Montgomery County.   Jackie Lape Manager, Helping Hands Food Pantry 📍 61 Monroe Street, St. Johnsville

Episode 48 - Building Hope: Dan Roth, Dutch Hollow, and the Spirit of the Season

Episode 48 – Building Hope: Dan Roth, Dutch Hollow, and the Spirit of the Season   Recorded: November 18, 2025 Guest: Dan Roth, Principal of Dan Van LLC       Episode Overview   In this holiday-season edition of Montgomery County Now, Sheriff Jeff Smith brings listeners essential winter safety reminders, community updates, and an inspiring conversation with Air Force veteran and local developer Dan Roth. From housing challenges to economic revitalization, Dan shares the story behind Dutch Hollow Apartments and his new development, Maple Hollow. The episode closes with a roundup of November and December’s biggest community events.       County Updates & Highlights     Winter Weather Safety   * Upstate NY weather shifts quickly; expect sudden snow, wind, and freezing rain. * Slow down, plan ahead, and travel with caution.     Years of Service Awards   * Staff recognized for 1–30 years of service in the Sheriff’s Office. * A community reminder to thank officers and county workers for their dedication.     Hunting Season Reminders   * Firearm safety and legal regulations emphasized. * Tips include weather prep, trigger discipline, knowing your target and beyond, and honoring trespass and distance laws.     No Shame November   * Annual facial-hair fundraiser benefiting local causes. * Donations already made to Santa’s Sled and Hunter’s Elves at Albany Med.     Scam Prevention   * Never share personal information unless you initiated the contact. * Delete suspicious texts, emails, and calls. * When in doubt, call the Sheriff’s Office.     Honoring Veterans   * Multiple ceremonies attended throughout the county. * “Every day is Veterans Day” at the Sheriff’s Office.     Accreditation Progress   * 911 Dispatch Division newly accredited. * EMS, Civil, and Patrol Divisions already accredited. * Jail accreditation currently underway.     Major Projects at the Sheriff’s Office   * EMS house and garage under construction (USDA/BABA compliant). * Cold-storage building installation. * Verizon cell tower being built on-site, adding county revenue. * Visitors warned of heavy truck and contractor traffic on campus.       Featured Guest: Dan Roth (Dan Van LLC)     About Dan   * Air Force veteran (2001–2019). * Owner and principal of Dan Van LLC. * Developer of the new Dutch Hollow active‑adult apartments in the Town of Amsterdam.     The Dutch Hollow Project   * 40-unit, 55+ active adult community located near Aldi/Burger King. * Units include: *   * Private garage * Private entrance * Patio or deck * Two bedrooms, one bath * Full appliances * Internet and cable * $1,650/month (market rate) * Built to be: *   * Energy efficient (triple-pane windows, spray foam insulation, ERV systems) * Locally sourced — 90% of materials and labor from Fulton & Montgomery Counties * Affordable for seniors while helping younger families purchase existing homes * A catalyst for school district stabilization, as families move into newly available housing     Community Impact   * Residents forming new friendships and social groups. * Older adults downsizing → younger families accessing homes → increased school enrollment. * Dutch Hollow becoming a model for sustainable, local-first development.     Maple Hollow Project (Announced)   * New development underway off Maple Avenue. * Will not be age-restricted. * Mirrors Dutch Hollow’s design philosophy: *   * Private garages * Private entryways * Green space * Energy-efficient technologies * Infrastructure and environmental surveys currently in progress.     Building With Purpose   * Dan credits the military with instilling discipline, planning, and determination. * Emphasis on: *   * Supporting local trades * Creating dignified, affordable, energy-efficient housing * Leaving Montgomery County better than he found it       Community Events (Holiday Season 2025)     November 28 – Amsterdam Tree Lighting   * South Side, City of Amsterdam * 4 PM at the Gateway Bridge entrance     November 29 – Salvation Army Toy Drive   * Starts at FMCC, ends at Fulton County Sheriff’s Office * Unwrapped toys accepted in the Sheriff’s Office lobby     December 5 – Light Up the Night (Village of Fonda)   * 6–8 PM at Annex Building & Village Park * Holiday displays, decorated vehicles, and community activities     December 6 – Canajoharie Elves Day Out   * Beginning at 11 AM * Holiday events throughout the Village of Canajoharie     December 6 – Tractor Light Parade & Farm-to-Table Tour   * Fonda Fairgrounds * 2–5:30 PM * Tractor parade, local vendors, and family activities     December 13 – Fort Plain Lights Parade   * 6 PM in the Village of Fort Plain * Festive lights and Santa’s park arrival     Sheriff’s Office: Shop With a Cop   * 20 youth across the county receive $125 each * Gift shopping at Walmart, Town of Amsterdam * A beloved annual tradition supporting local families       Closing Message   Sheriff Smith reminds listeners to:   * Leave early * Drive slowly * Show empathy * Be respectful * Take care of one another during the holiday season   For emergencies: 911 For non-emergencies: 518-853-5500   The Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. The next episode will return in early 2026.

Episode 47 : “Bobby Stewart: The Local Legend Who Shaped Mike Tyson”

EPISODE 47 September 30, 2025 OVERVIEW: “From the Ring to the Record Books: The Bobby Stewart Story” 🥊🏆 He trained with champs, mentored Mike Tyson, and never took a shortcut—this is the untold story of Montgomery County’s own boxing legend, Bobby Stewart. In this powerful comeback episode of Montgomery County Now, Sheriff Jeff Smith shares recent community highlights before sitting down with one of the county’s most fascinating icons. From bootleg fights in the YMCA boiler room to shaping one of the greatest fighters in history, Bobby’s story is one of grit, purpose, and hometown pride. OLD NEWS: Stay current on our Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/nymcso] * 🎥 Video Series Recap: * Farm to Table Tour [https://www.youtube.com/@MontgomerySheriff] * FMCC College Feature [https://www.youtube.com/@MontgomerySheriff] * Fonda Fair 2025 Behind the Scenes [https://www.youtube.com/@MontgomerySheriff] * Sheriff’s Open House [https://www.youtube.com/@MontgomerySheriff] – over 100 people toured the correctional facility * 🎨 Coloring station, equipment displays, AI demos by Chris Dancy, and full 911 center tours * ☕ Coffee with a Cop continues this week at Stewart’s in Fonda & Palatine Bridge * 🎉 Senior Picnic Success – Sheriff Jeff tried his hand at being a Bingo caller * 🎀 Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts on Sale – Proceeds benefit local residents * ✂️ Public Defender’s Office Ribbon Cutting – Newly renovated office at the Old Courthouse * 🎖️ Sheriff’s Week Celebrated – Honoring our 911, civil, EMS, and corrections teams * 🚜 Fall Driving Reminders – Watch for wet leaves, farm traffic, and school buses * 🐄 Sunday on the Farm at Bellinger's – County presence and happy attendees * 🎖️ Honor Guard at Public Defender Ribbon Cutting, Fonda 200 Parade, and 9/11 Memorial GUESTS: Bobby Stewart Boxing Champion, Tryon Instructor, Tyson Mentor Highlights: * Grew up in Amsterdam, started boxing secretly at the YMCA * Won the 1974 National Golden Gloves title – the highest honor in amateur boxing at the time * Turned pro and amassed a 13-3 record (with 10 knockouts) * Later became a staff member at Tryon Juvenile Center, where he met Mike Tyson * Mentored Tyson, trained with him, and eventually introduced him to Cus D’Amato * Helped shape Tyson’s early discipline, work ethic, and foundational skills * Recalls sparring with Tyson at 13: “That jab was the hardest I’ve ever been hit.” * Still in touch with Tyson and was recently featured in a Netflix docuseries Sheriff’s Reflection: “There’s no Tyson without Stewart. A local hero who made a national impact.” UPCOMING EVENTS: 🔗 Events Calendar [https://montgomerycountysheriffny.com/events] * 🚒 October 5 – Glenn Fire Department Open House & Engine Wet-Down Ceremony * 🎃 October Events – Trunk or Treats, parades, fall festivals * 🍎 Apple Picking Season – Visit Bellinger’s, Sand Flats Orchard, and more * 🍁 Leaf Peeping – Explore the country roads for peak fall color * 🎓 Homecoming Weeks * Canajoharie & Fonda-Fultonville – This week * Amsterdam – October 11 (Parade + Game) * 🚤 October 12–13 – Seneca Chief Bicentennial Erie Canal Voyage * Dignitaries on board, escorted by our Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit RESOURCES: * 📲 Get Real-Time Updates: Download Our App [https://apps.myocv.com/share/a63812072] * 🚨 Emergency? Dial 911 * 📞 Non-Emergency? Call (518) 853-5500

Episode 44- Firecrackers and Textbooks - Sheriff Smith Goes Back To School

OVERVIEW: “What Do Fireworks and Textbooks Have in Common? 🎆📚” From explosions on the Fourth to enlightening futures at FMCC, this episode of Montgomery County Now brings the boom and the brainpower. Sheriff Jeff Smith shares summer safety reminders, recent incidents across the county, and exciting updates from the Sheriff’s Office. Then, we take a front-row seat on a tour of Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC) [https://www.fmcc.edu] with its president, discovering why it's one of the county’s most valuable educational treasures. OLD NEWS: Sheriff's Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/nymcso] * 🚨 Extreme Weather: First official heatwave hit the county—multiple EMS calls, but no fatalities * 🚗 Traffic Incidents: Major accidents in Fultonville, Charleston (38 tons of lime spill), and a truck into a house * 💥 House Explosion: Propane tank explosion in Minden/Canajoharie—victim seriously burned but recovering * 🎓 Training Updates: * Investigator Cody Fabian graduates FBI Crisis Negotiation Training * CPR recertification for all dispatchers and deputies * Marine Unit out patrolling rivers due to high-speed complaints * 🚤 Boater Reminders: Speed limits enforced—No Wake Zones and 5–10 mph restrictions stressed * 💰 Grants at Work: Two fully grant-funded patrol vehicles added—no local match funds required * 👮‍♀️ Community Outreach: * Graduation & prom season passed safely * Ongoing child safety ID events and demonstrations * Partnership with Kyla’s Care Packages—deputies now carrying support kits for those in need * 🛍️ Crime Updates: Continued arrests for welfare fraud, retail theft, domestic disturbances * 🧯 Holiday Advisory: Fireworks safety reminder for pets, veterans with PTSD, and community peace GUESTS: Dr. Greg Truckenmiller President, Fulton-Montgomery Community College [https://www.fmcc.edu] Highlights: * Full facility tour of FMCC with Sheriff Jeff Smith * Emphasis on FMCC’s impact and importance in county development * FMCC praised as a "gem" of Montgomery County with programs that prepare youth for brighter futures * Sheriff encourages families to visit and consider FMCC for education and training UPCOMING EVENTS: 🔗 Full Events Calendar [https://montgomerycountysheriffny.com/events] * July 4 – Independence Day * County-wide celebrations — fireworks, parades, BBQs * Reminder: Be respectful of neighbors, pets, and veterans. Use fireworks safely and legally * July 8 – Montgomery County Youth Day * 📍 Annex Building Field, Park Street, Village of Fonda * 🎈 1,000–1,500 kids expected * Activities: Safe child IDs, bounce houses, educational demos, giveaways * 🎉 Free & open to the public * 👏 Special thanks to Brenda Rabbit, Youth Bureau Director RESOURCES: * 📲 Download Our App for real-time updates: Get the APP [https://apps.myocv.com/share/a63812072] * 🚨 Emergency? Dial 911 * 📞 Non-Emergency? Call us at (518) 853-5500

Episode 43 - “From Moo to Millions: How Montgomery is Attracting Big Business”

EPISODE 24 June 10, 2025 OVERVIEW: "Amazon Eyes Montgomery County + 750 Jobs? What the Sheriff and Ken Rose Just Revealed!" From chocolate milk to multi-million dollar investments—this episode of Montgomery County Now covers it all. Sheriff Jeff Smith shares updates from the Sheriff's Office, gives a big shout-out to recent community efforts, and sits down with Director of Economic Development Ken Rose to discuss a potential Amazon distribution center, housing developments, and revitalization efforts across the county. OLD NEWS: Follow for real-time community stories → Montgomery County Sheriff on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nymcso] * International Firefighters Day Honored * Correction Officer Week Recognized * MADD Event at OESJ with State and Local Police * Mental Health Awareness Month Acknowledged * Multiple Arrests for Welfare Fraud, DWIs, and More * 911 Center Faced Outages—All Services Restored * Safe Return of Runaway Juveniles * Blue Friday Law Enforcement Memorial Attended * Operation Safe Stop Enforced on County School Buses * Emergency Preparedness Trainings Held Across County * Civil Office Earns Accreditation from NYS Sheriff's Association * Correctional Facility Cleanup Crew Aids Earth Day Trash Pickup * Venison Delivery to Veterans & Seniors across Counties * EMS Staff Awarded for Life-Saving Response in Fonda * Boater Safety Course Conducted (New Law in Effect) * Officer Bill Blair Retires After 27 Years of Service GUESTS: Ken Rose Director, Montgomery County Economic Development Highlights: * Discussed Montgomery County Business Development Center’s evolving mission * Shared the 3.2M sq. ft. proposed Amazon Distribution Center [https://montgomerycountysheriffny.com/events] in Town of Florida (750+ jobs, $300M investment) * Explained growth in the 5S Corridor: Target, Dollar General, Beechnut, Alpenhaus * New Dollar General Refrigeration Center: 163,000 sq. ft., $75M project, 150 jobs * Addressed housing initiatives: Echo Flats (Amsterdam), Dutch Hollow (Golf Course Rd) * Previewed redevelopment efforts at the old Beech-Nut site in Canajoharie * Highlighted potential new daycare in the Nelliston school building * Stressed need for sewer/water infrastructure and collaborative grant work with municipalities UPCOMING EVENTS: View full event list: Montgomery County Events [https://montgomerycountysheriffny.com/events] * May 17 – 250-Year Celebration of Freedom * Saint Kateri Shrine, State Hwy 5, Town of Mohawk * May 18 – Opening Day at Fort Klock * 10 AM–4 PM, St. Johnsville * May 25 – Tribes Hill Fire Department Annual Breakfast + Memorial Day Parade * Breakfast in morning, Parade after, Tribes Hill * May 25 – Memorial Day Ceremony * 2 PM, Town of Florida Memorial Site * May 26 – Memorial Day County-Wide Parades * Locations: St. Johnsville, Fonda-Fultonville, Glen, Hagaman, Charleston (4 PM) RESOURCES: * 📱 Download Our App for real-time updates: Get the APP [https://apps.myocv.com/share/a63812072] * 🚨 Emergency? Dial 911 for immediate assistance. * 📞 Need Support? Call us at (518) 853-5500 for non-emergency help