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:
Taxi Driver Charged After Fare Dispute in New Square
New Square, NY: A taxi driver has been charged following an alleged assault that police say stemmed from a fare dispute in the Village of New Square, according to the Ramapo Police Department. The incident occurred on Ostereh Boulevard, where officers responded after receiving a report of an altercation between a taxi driver and a…
Continue Reading Taxi Driver Charged After Fare Dispute in New Square
Driver Rescued After Palisades Parkway Rollover
Stony Point, NY: A driver was rescued Tuesday morning after becoming trapped inside one of two vehicles involved in a rollover crash on the southbound Palisades Interstate Parkway in northern Rockland County, according to emergency officials. The crash occurred shortly before 7 a.m. between Exits 13 and 14 and prompted a multi-agency response. Emergency crews…
Continue Reading Driver Rescued After Palisades Parkway Rollover
Ernst Valery Appointed to RCC Board of Trustees
Suffern, NY: Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed real estate executive, investor and educator Ernst Valery to the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees, filling a vacancy created by the recent resignation of trustee Susan Oelkers-Ramos. The appointment was made under New York State Education Law Section 6306, and Valery’s term will run through June 30,…
Continue Reading Ernst Valery Appointed to RCC Board of Trustees
Rockland County Receives Highest AAA Credit Rating
New City, NY: Rockland County has received the highest possible long-term issuer credit rating from Fitch Ratings, earning an upgrade from AA+ to AAA. The new rating places the county among a relatively small number of local governments nationwide to receive Fitch’s top designation and reflects the agency’s assessment of the county’s financial condition and…
Continue Reading Rockland County Receives Highest AAA Credit Rating
Police Standoff Draws SWAT Response in Spring Valley
Spring Valley, N.Y. — A large law enforcement operation brought a heavy police presence to the Gesner Apartments in Spring Valley on Thursday afternoon after authorities responded to reports of an armed individual inside one of the apartment units. The incident drew officers from multiple agencies and prompted the deployment of the Rockland County REACT/SWAT…
Continue Reading Police Standoff Draws SWAT Response in Spring Valley
96-degree heat, Canada Wildfire Smoke Affects Rockland
Stony Point cancels opening concert as state air-quality advisory remains in effect through Wednesday night By Rockland News Staff | July 15, 2026 ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires settled over Rockland County on Wednesday, combining with dangerous heat to create unhealthy outdoor conditions and disrupt evening activities. The Town of…
Continue Reading 96-degree heat, Canada Wildfire Smoke Affects Rockland
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.
