Positioning for Power

Borkowski leaves state senate race to seek assembly seat Odell also seeks GOP nod, blasts Borkowski

Putnam politics is never placid: Former Southeast Town Judge James Borkowski, who three weeks ago announced his intention to run for the state senate seat being vacated by Senator Vincent Leibell, has had a change of heart The man who narrowly lost a Republican primary to Sheriff Donald Smith last fall will now seek the 99th District Assembly seat. That […]

Calamity Averted in Mahopac



Seamus O’Hanlon looked out his living room window and thought he was dreaming. On Saturday night the resident of Split Rock Road in Mahopac saw flames inside his neighbor’s home across the street. O’Hanlon grabbed his cell phone, bolted out the door, and ran to the burning home and began pounding on the front door of the Christopher Kane residence. […]

Putnam Marks Day of Prayer



Putnam County paused and reflected by participating in the National Day of Prayer. Last Thursday, some 75 men and women, including state, county, and local leaders took part in the celebration by joining hands and praying at the Carmel Cornerstone Park. County Executive Robert Bondi prayed for the nation. Jack Smoot recited a prayer for governmental leaders. The Rev. Kwang […]

Remembering Judge Tricinelli



A devoted member of the Putnam judicial system has passed away. Patterson Town Judge Roger Tricinelli died May 7 with family members at his side. Tricinelli, 79, served as Patterson Town Judge for the past 30 years. He was also employed for many years with the Department of Motor Vehicles at County Clerk’s offices in both Carmel and Southeast. Tricinelli […]

Selling Buddy Poppies to Support Veterans



Putnam lawmakers have called on the public to buy a Buddy Poppy this month, not only to recognize the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces over the decades, but also to support disabled veterans. Five members of the Carmel VFW Auxiliary—Irene Rohde, Margaret McDonough, Carol Kraus, Margaret Imbo, and Joan Russell—appeared before the Putnam Legislature’s regular monthly meeting […]

Legislature Makes Appointments



The Putnam Legislature has appointed a number of local residents to a variety of boards and commissions. Meeting in regular session last week, the nine-member governing body appointed Deputy County Executive John Tully of Patterson to the county’s Traffic Safety Board. Joni Lanza of Philipstown was appointed to the Putnam Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board. Arne Nordstrom of Kent was […]

Six Graduate from Putnam County Treatment Court



Success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached in life as by the obstacles that he has overcome. Six local residents who overcame those obstacles during the past 18 to 24 months now have a new lease on life thanks to the Putnam County Treatment Court. Before a SRO audience at the historic Putnam […]

Public Health Safety Day Takes Place on Saturday



Putnam County’s first annual Public Health Safety Day is planned for Saturday in Carmel. The Bureau of Emergency Services, in conjunction with police, fire, and EMS providers, will host the festivities that will demonstrate the type of emergency services available to the county’s 100,000-plus residents and tens of thousands of businesspeople and those traveling across Putnam each day. Commissioner of […]

Neighborhood Watch Programs Expand Across Putnam



Neighborhood Watch programs pay dividends by providing local residents working with law enforcement to participate in the detection and prevention of crime. Sheriff Donald Smith was joined by members of his department and the organizers of a Neighborhood Watch program in Southeast last week at a news conference to promote the concept that calls for neighbors to become the eyes […]

Age Strong! Live Long!



Putnam County’s aging population continues to increase. By 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau is predicting that more than 26,000 residents of Putnam County will be over the age of 60. “These are startling numbers,” said William Huestis, Director of the Putnam Office for the Aging, when appearing before members of the Putnam Legislature last week as the nine- member governing […]