The Putnam County Courier

Entrenched Lawmakers Brush Back Odell on Reorganization

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:29 +0000

Eric Gross

Putnam County’s recently hired Commissioner of Highways and Facilities Fred Pena walked into a hornet’s nest Monday evening when members of the Legislature’s Rules Committee criticized the administration for plans to consolidate the Highways and Facilities Department with the Planning Department.

Payrolls and the Cost of Government

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:29 +0000

Douglas Cunningham

At issue with the consolidation efforts, at least from the taxpayers’ perspective, is whether money can be saved by combining jobs or tasks.

An analysis of Putnam County salary data shows that some 40 county workers made more than $100,000 annually in salary in 2011, the most recent figures available. The county supplied the figures at the Courier’s request.

Redistricting Gives Putnam Two Senators

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:30 +0000

Eric Gross

For the first time in its history Putnam County will be represented in the New York State Senate by two lawmakers under a plan proposed by the state’s Task Force on Redistricting.

The process of drawing district lines every 10 years as required by law was finalized last week and made public.

Still a Conservative?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:28 +0000

Douglas Cunningham

In the heart of Philipstown, the single most reliable bastion of Democratic politics in Putnam County, state Sen.

From Beijing to Brewster

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:26 +0000

Eric Gross

Last Thursday a contingent of educators and students from Beijing 101 High School in China visited the Brewster School District campus for a day of exchanging ideas, cultures, stories and songs.

Lack of Hotels in County Lamented

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:29 +0000

Eric Gross

Putnam County’s Director of Tourism Valerie Hickman calls it an “embarrassing situation.”

Not a single, large quality hotel is found anywhere in Putnam County.

Results Are In: The Snake Did It

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:30 +0000

Eric Gross

The long awaited report from the Putnam County Coroner’s office into the death of a Putnam Lake woman whose male companion kept 75 snakes in their small home, many of which were venomous, has been released.

Dr. Hari Chakravorty ruled Tuesday that Aleta Stacey, 54, died from “multiple drug intoxication as a consequence of a poisonous snake bite.”

Melrose School to Close, Just Shy of 50th Anniversary

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:30 +0000

Eric Gross

An educational institution in Putnam County that has been serving children for 49 years will be closing its doors in June.

The Melrose School on Federal Hill Road in Southeast, founded by the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit, will graduate its final class due to a declining enrollment and difficult economic times.