Today’s Sponsor:
This Week’s Key News Stories:
Sponsors:
- IVY Rehab Physical Therapy – West Haverstraw, NY | Contact: 845-579-5677
- Dana Pest Control – Family-owned for over 40 years | Contact: 845-786-5226 | Website: danapestcontrol.com
Top Stories:
Stony Point Seals Polar Plunge:
The 26th annual event raised funds for children with serious medical conditions, despite harsh weather conditions with 5 inches of fresh snow. Beneficiaries included Alexander, Jade, Noel, and Elizabeth.
Future interviews are planned with founders John Fox and Michael Leyden.
Tourism Grants:
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Economic Development Director Jenna Nazario announced $316,000 in tourism grants to 30 organizations.
Tourism brought in over $556 million in 2023, reducing the average household tax burden by $613.
Housing Plans Public Input:
Rockland County is seeking public input on housing and community development, with a survey open through March 15.
Fire Safety Concerns:
Ed Day condemned the Rockland County Mazzilli ACMA’s petition to become an independent fire company due to safety concerns.
MTA and Congestion Pricing:
Ed Day criticized the MTA’s congestion pricing, citing inequitable investment in Rockland’s transit services.
Orange County’s legislation to withdraw from the MTA could influence Rockland’s future decisions.
New Community Relations Director:
Yvette Nunez Arias was appointed as the new Director of Community Relations, focusing on enhancing ties between government and local communities.
Black History Month Celebration:- Scheduled for February 21, 2025, at the Lewis Kurtz Center in Spring Valley, hosted by the NAACP and Tappan Zee Lodge #79.
Weather:
- Tuesday: Evening snow flurries.
- Wednesday: Cloudy, high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
- Thursday: Rain, high of 44°F, low of 26°F.
- Friday: Cloudy, high of 33°F, low of 19°F.
- Saturday: Possible snow flurries (1-3 inches), high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
- Sunday: Rain, high of 41°F, low of 21°F.
Interviews:
John Ross (Rocklanders for Alternatives to Driving – RAD):
- Advocate for improved public transportation, better sidewalks, and bike lanes in Rockland County.
- Discussed the implications of Orange County’s potential withdrawal from the MTA and its possible impact on Rockland.
- Emphasized the need for more reliable bus services and potential transit-oriented developments like those proposed near the Shops at Nanuet.
Tina Dawn (Life Force Self-Defense):
- A registered nurse turned self-defense instructor with a 5th-degree black belt.
- Shared her personal journey into self-defense after a stalking incident.
- Emphasized the importance of women learning self-defense to build confidence and safety awareness.
- Offers classes focused on practical, real-life self-defense techniques, encouraging women of all fitness levels to participate.
More stories:
Pomona Woman Sentenced to State Prison for Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident
Rockland County, NY – Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh, II, announced that 26-year-old Rosana DiPaola of Pomona, New York, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison following her guilty plea in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident. The incident occurred on January 26, 2024, when DiPaola struck 73-year-old pedestrian Daniel…
Continue Reading Pomona Woman Sentenced to State Prison for Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident
Little Free Library Dedicated to Raise Mental Health Awareness
New City, NY – In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the Town of Clarkstown and local mental health organizations came together to dedicate a new Little Free Library at Town Hall in memory of Lauren McKenna, a local resident who lost her life to an overdose. This new library serves as a powerful…
Continue Reading Little Free Library Dedicated to Raise Mental Health Awareness
Radio Silence: WRCR Ends Broadcasting Era
Sale to WABC’s Parent Corp Marks the End of Local Radio in Rockland County Garnerville, NY — In a shift that has stunned Rockland County listeners, WRCR 1700 AM has gone dark this week, ceasing its locally beloved programming and beginning a simulcast of WABC Radio content. The change follows the station’s sale to Red…
Legislature Honors Nurses for Outstanding Service
Rockland County, NY – In celebration of National Nurses Week, the Rockland County Legislature recently honored three local nurses for their outstanding contributions to healthcare and community service. Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul, a nurse with more than 30 years of experience, presented Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) to Glenn Albin, Gaelle Duvivier, and Mary Laiju…
Continue Reading Legislature Honors Nurses for Outstanding Service
Ramapo Search Results in Discovery of 14-Year-Old with Ghost Gun, Production Equipment
Ramapo, NY – A five-month investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force led to the discovery of a loaded ghost gun and additional gun production equipment at a residence in Ramapo on April 29, 2025. Authorities executed a search warrant at the home, uncovering a 14-year-old minor in possession of the…
County Approves Training Equipment for Volunteer Firefighters
New City, NY – Rockland County’s volunteer firefighters are set to receive enhanced training tools to help them recognize and respond to two of the most dangerous fire hazards they may face—flashovers and backdrafts—following a unanimous vote by the Rockland County Legislature. The approval grants $104,000 for the purchase of new flashover and backdraft simulators…
Continue Reading County Approves Training Equipment for Volunteer Firefighters
This Week’s Featured Event:
Whiskey Crossing & Line Dancing at the Patriot Lounge
Nashville recording artist Whiskey Crossing is currently signed with Perry Music Group of Nashville for distribution. Whiskey Crossing is an upbeat high energy country act that is sure to bring the heat and excitement to any stage. Bringing down the house with a sing-along set with original country covers from the 90s to today as well as original music that is available for streaming worldwide. LEARN MORE
Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.