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:
STEVE LIEBERMAN RETIRES AFTER FOUR DECADES OF LOCAL JOURNALISM
Steve Lieberman New City, NY – After 41 years of dedicated reporting, Steve Lieberman, one of Rockland County’s most respected journalists, has retired from The Journal News/lohud. His departure marks the end of an era in local journalism and leaves behind a legacy of principled reporting, unwavering dedication, and an unmatched knowledge of the county…
Continue Reading STEVE LIEBERMAN RETIRES AFTER FOUR DECADES OF LOCAL JOURNALISM
Stony Point Officials Ask CHPE: Pay $5 Million for Struggling Retailers
By Kim Anderson Stony Point, NY — What was once anticipated as a carefully coordinated power project for New York City, has spiraled into an economic crisis for small businesses along Route 9W, as the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) pipeline installation on Route 9W continues to grind through Stony Point and Haverstraw. Frustration was…
Continue Reading Stony Point Officials Ask CHPE: Pay $5 Million for Struggling Retailers
[EXCLUSIVE] Stony Point Library Finds New Home in Historic Schoolhouse on West Main Street
Image of 117 Main Street courtesy of the Googles. STONY POINT, NY – After nearly a decade of community debate and planning, Rose Memorial Library’s quest for more room to serve a 14,000-resident community has finally landed on a solution. The historic library is now preparing to move into a new, larger home at the…
Woodland Drive Closure Scheduled for Force Main Work, Detours in Place Sept 8–12th
Suffern, NY – – Motorists in Suffern should plan ahead as Woodland Drive will be closed to through traffic from Route 59 to Vista Way starting on or about Monday, September 8, 2025, with work expected to continue through Friday, September 12. The closure comes as ARCO Management, on behalf of Brookfield Properties, performs essential…
Continue Reading Woodland Drive Closure Scheduled for Force Main Work, Detours in Place Sept 8–12th
Boulders Season Ends in Heartbreak
Québec City, QC – The New York Boulders’ playoff run came to a disappointing end Friday night as the three-time defending Frontier League champions, the Québec Capitales, completed a Wild Card Round sweep with a 4-0 victory at Stade Canac. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the seventh inning, when Québec’s third baseman…
Stony Point Man Arrested Following Single-Vehicle Crash in Tomkins Cove
Tomkins Cove, NY – A 50-year-old Stony Point man was arrested on multiple charges after a single-vehicle crash on North Liberty Drive near Elm Avenue. According to the Stony Point Police Department, officers responded at approximately 6:45 PM to several calls reporting a damaged vehicle. Upon arrival, they found a black SUV on the northbound…
Continue Reading Stony Point Man Arrested Following Single-Vehicle Crash in Tomkins Cove
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.