Entrenched Lawmakers Resist Odell on Reorganization
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. Full Story
Payrolls and the Cost of Government
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. Full Story
Redistricting Gives Putnam Two Senators
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. Full Story
Still a Conservative?
Greg Ball, Republican firebrand, seeks another term
In the heart of Philipstown, the single most reliable bastion of Democratic politics in Putnam County, state Sen. Greg Ball received a warm reception Thursday night as he spoke to the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce. Full Story
From Beijing to Brewster
Educational exchange thrives
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. Full Story
Lack of Hotels in County Lamented
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.
Hickman discussed her concerns last week with members of the Putnam Legislature’s Economic Development and Energy Committee. Full Story
Results Are In: The Snake Did It
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.” Full Story
Melrose School to Close, Just Shy of 50th Anniversary
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. Full Story
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The only real journalism in Putnam County and the leading news source on Carmel, Mahopac, Brewster and Putnam County. Authoritative and independent. Published by Elizabeth Ailes; edited by Douglas Cunningham. 845.265.2468. First-place, In-Depth Reporting, 2011 Better Newspaper Contest, New York Press Association.
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"Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."
-- George Washington
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