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:
Senator Weber to Announce Legislation Honoring Organ Donation Advocate Lauren Shields
Lauren Shields at age 26 – Image Courtesy of Donate Life New York State VALLEY COTTAGE, N.Y. — State Senator Bill Weber is scheduled to hold a press conference Saturday at Rockland Lake State Park to announce legislation that would dedicate the park’s Nature Center in honor of Rockland County organ donation advocate Lauren Shields.…
State Senator Race Heats Up: Joe Rand vs. Bill Weber
Rand cites several news outlets who offered to host debate, incl. Rockland News. No word from Weber yet. by Kim Anderson, Correspondent ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — Democratic State Senate candidate Joe Rand says he has accepted invitations from several Rockland County organizations and news outlets to debate or participate in candidate forums with incumbent State…
Continue Reading State Senator Race Heats Up: Joe Rand vs. Bill Weber
Two Plead Guilty in Rockland Drug Case
New City, NY – Two defendants arrested as part of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office’s “Operation Spring Cleaning” have pleaded guilty to felony drug charges stemming from crack cocaine sales in Nyack earlier this year, according to the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Tyrone Stewart, 35, and Frantz Beauvais, 39, entered their guilty pleas…
Libraries Set 5K at Rockland Lake
Valley Cottage, NY – The Library Association of Rockland County will bring runners, walkers and library supporters together at Rockland Lake State Park for its second annual LARC in the Park 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Oct. 18. The event will be held at Rockland Lake State Park, located at 299 Rockland Lake Road in Valley…
Clarkstown Maintains AA Credit Rating
New City, NY – Clarkstown has maintained its AA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s, with the credit rating agency also continuing its “stable” outlook for the town’s finances, according to an announcement from Town Supervisor George Hoehmann. The AA rating marks the sixth consecutive year Clarkstown has received the designation. Bond ratings are used…
Round 1: Lawler, Conley Debate Over Costs, Immigration and Data Centers
Photo courtesy of News 12 Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley outlined different approaches to Rockland County’s issues of housing, energy, immigration and health care during their debate Monday at the News 12 studio in Long Island, September 28, 2026. Both challenged the other’s honesty, political independence and ability to represent the…
Continue Reading Round 1: Lawler, Conley Debate Over Costs, Immigration and Data Centers
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.