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:
Christina Michelle Pulver
Christina Michelle Pulver, 53, passed away peacefully, January 30, 2026. She was surrounded by love and leaves a legacy of faith, joy, and deep devotion to family. A radiant presence in every life she touched, Christina will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the light she brought into every room. Christina was born on…
Marie Theresa Rush
Marie Theresa Rush (née Dullea) of Norwood, NJ, born April 12, 1944, passed peacefully on January 28, 2026. She was the younger of two sisters; her sister Frances preceded her in death. She was the daughter of Francis and Ed Dullea, formerly of New Milford, NJ. At a young age, Marie found love with her…
Rockland County Legislature Debates ICE Law for County, Officials Argue
New City, NY – A contentious immigration bill under consideration in the Rockland County Legislature is igniting fierce debate among local officials and residents. The proposed legislation, titled the Our Safety and Dignity for All Act, seeks to limit the extent to which county agencies and employees can cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
Continue Reading Rockland County Legislature Debates ICE Law for County, Officials Argue
Officials Issue 51 Code Violations, $42K in Fines at Spring Valley Property Tied to Child Death
Rockland County, NY — Rockland County officials have issued 51 building and safety violations and assessed approximately $42,000 in penalties against the owner of a Spring Valley property following an inspection prompted by a police response to a child’s death at the residence. The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes said the violations were…
Clarkstown to extend property tax relief to police auxiliary volunteers
NEW CITY, NY— Clarkstown officials are moving forward with a plan to extend property tax relief to police auxiliary volunteers, a step that would make the town the first in Rockland County to offer such a benefit. Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Clarkstown Town Board authorized the measure following the enactment of new state…
Continue Reading Clarkstown to extend property tax relief to police auxiliary volunteers
Dolores Accardi
Dolores Accardi (nee DelNegro), 92, of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Alfred. Loving mother of John. Cherished grandmother of Yvonne and husband Daniel, Anthony and wife Theresa, Jonathan and wife Dominique, Anna and Nicholas and great-grandmother of Penelope, Gabriella, Anthony Jr., Joseph and Jonathan Jr. Dear…
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.