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:
CHPE Pipeline Provides Roadwork Updates, Thanks Community for Patience
The following is a comprehensive update from the Champlain Hudson Power Express line, which is in the process of installing a 339-mile clean energy pipeline from Canada to New York City, including through several Rockland Towns: Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangeburg and Stony Point. Thank you for your patience as work on the Champlain Hudson Power Express…
Continue Reading CHPE Pipeline Provides Roadwork Updates, Thanks Community for Patience
Catherine Nielsen Mays
Catherine Nielsen Mays November 4, 1953 – July 25, 2025 Catherine “Katie” Nielsen-Mays of Middletown, NY passed away at the age of 71 onJuly 25, 2025 in Monsey, NY after a long battle with cancer. Katie is survived by her daughters Kellyann Nielsen-Carney, Amy Nielsen-Lauer, andMelisa Nielsen as well as her grandchildren Richard Wilson, Brian…
Downed Utility Pole and Brush Fire Shuts Down Route 9W in Haverstraw
By Kim Anderson Haverstraw, NY — A stretch of Route 9W in Haverstraw has been shut down after a utility pole was knocked down, sparking a brush fire and necessitating emergency repairs late Friday afternoon. Authorities say the northbound lanes of Route 9W were closed at Route 304 around 3 p.m., with traffic blocked through…
Continue Reading Downed Utility Pole and Brush Fire Shuts Down Route 9W in Haverstraw
Pomona Couple Arrested After Illegal Daycare Operation Shut Down the Month in Clarkstown
New City, NY — A husband and wife from Pomona have been charged with endangering the welfare of children following the police investigation that uncovered an unlicensed and hazardous daycare facility in Clarkstown. On July 7, 2025, at around 9:00 AM, Clarkstown Police, in coordination with the Town’s Building Department, executed a search warrant at…
Mary Angeline Scaringe
Mary Angeline Scaringe (née Pensiero), lovingly known as “Angie,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Orangeburg, New York, on July 23, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on October 5, 1927, in the coalmining town of McDonaldton, Pennsylvania, Angie lived a life devoted to family and an open door to…
Rockland Landlord, Contractors Fined More Than $20k for Unlawful Construction Practices
New City, NY – A joint investigation by the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC) and the Office of Consumer Protection has led to a significant crackdown on illegal construction activities, resulting in more than $20,000 in penalties for a local landlord and contractors. The investigation, which targeted unauthorized work at a property…
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.