State Could Seize Money If Senior Housing Not Built

Odell: Close Down Community Foundation

The state Dormitory Authority, administrator of $1.85 million in grant money to the Putnam Community Foundation, may demand the money’s return. The shift is a striking fall for the Foundation, once able to virtually command state grants at will through member items from the offices of then-state senator Vincent Leibell, now in federal prison on corruption charges. The money was […]

Easter Egg Hunt Enjoyed By All Ages



Children of all ages enjoyed an Easter egg hunt in Patterson last Saturday at the Patterson Baptist Church. First through fourth graders were joined by toddlers accompanied by their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles for the traditional event. Children first colored eggs inside the church then ventured out-of-doors for the gathering that consisted of more than 350 plastic eggs scattered […]

Coins, Pins to Commemorate 200th

Odell pins one on Hayworth in unveiling

Newly minted Challenge coins and lapel pins are now available for purchase, allowing all residents of the county to celebrate Putnam’s Bicentennial. County Executive MaryEllen Odell unveiled the commemorative piece last Friday at the County Office Building. The county’s official bicentennial design makes up the front while the flip side is emblazoned with Castle Rock located in Garrison. Odell said […]

Firefighters Avert Disaster in Southeast



Quick response by firefighters Monday afternoon to the Highlands Shopping Plaza in Southeast averted a calamity when a pile of mulch, apparently ignited by a tossed cigarette, started a blaze between DeCicco’s Market and Kohl’s Department Store. The fire spread beneath a foundation block attaching the two stores. Officials said that when constructed, the block failed to touch the ground, […]

County Landfill Capping Underway



It’s taken nearly 40 years but capping of Putnam’s former county landfill is underway. Heavy equipment moved onto the site off Route 6 in Carmel last week to begin the task of sealing the 4-acre site with a special membrane that will cost the county $1.7 million. Putnam disposed of municipal and commercial waste on the site abutting Old Route […]

Police: Drug Overdose in Student’s Death?

Students, family mourn Carmel junior

Family and friends are mourning the passing of Michael Kastle of Lake Carmel this week, who died Sunday from a suspected drug overdose. Kastle, who had turned 18 on April 1, was pronounced dead at Putnam Hospital Center after being brought to the hospital’s Emergency Department in an unresponsive condition by two friends. Kastle was a junior at Carmel High […]

Ovation for ‘God Bless America’



Kristen Huttunen put on quite a performance. The Brewster High School junior opened last week’s meeting of the Putnam Legislature with a moving rendition of “God Bless America” and received a standing ovation from her appreciative audience at the historic Putnam Courthouse. Kristen is no stranger to the professional stage performing at opening ceremonies at the Westchester County Center and […]

Colleagues Hail Legislature’s Clerk



All good things must come to an end. Chris Marrone, clerk of the Putnam Legislature for the past 17 years, retires Friday after serving county government with years of distinction. “Chris is the consummate professional and was the best mentor I ever had,” said deputy clerk Diane Trabulsy who added: “She balances her compassion for people, respect for business while […]

Leaders and Accountability

Putnam Chamber column

When leaders are leading, succeeding, and being perfect role models, all is fine, but what happens when they make mistakes? Are they still leaders? Consider the recent letdowns from leadership in our County. Did we as a community do enough to hold leaders accountable? Speculation ran for years regarding possible corruption and favoritism. Did we accept that from our leadership […]

Economic Forum in Carmel to Pitch Grants

Set for April 18

Many of the region’s movers and shakers will be up early next Wednesday by attending a forum at Putnam Hospital Center related to the second round of economic development grants and tax credits available under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s economic development program. The Mid-Hudson Economic Development Council is sponsoring the gettogether in connection with the Putnam Economic Development Corp. Kevin Bailey, […]