School Administrators Review APPR Standards



School leaders from across the region met recently at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES to hear about the latest requirements from the state Education Department regarding teacher and principal evaluations and to learn the most effective strategies for meeting those requirements. The workshop, sponsored by BOCES’ Center for Educational Leadership, was led by Dr. Barbara Walkley, a retired district administrator and leadership […]

Odell Monitors Tappan Zee



Putnam County Executive Mary- Ellen Odell said she’s closely watching developments regarding the new Tappan Zee bridge. She serves on the Mass Transit Task Force appointed by the governor regarding transit in the 287 corridor. The group met earlier in January. Odell said Wednesday the new bridge will be a “good, strong conduit” to employment centers for Putnam residents. She […]

Joyful End for Former Addicts



Six residents of Putnam County drew cheers and applause for accomplishing what some believed was the impossible—completion of the rigorous Putnam Drug Treatment Court Program. Before family and friends who packed the historic Putnam Courthouse last Thursday afternoon, the graduates—Ramon G., Thomas K., Jodi M., Nina P., Paul T. and Michael U.—each thanked Putnam County Judge James Reitz and members […]

Maloney Takes Oath in Mahopac



Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney of Cold Spring took his ceremonial oath of office Sunday, promising a standingroom only crowd gathered at the Mahopac Library: “I want to stay hometown, not Hollywood.” Maloney, a resident of Cold Spring who defeated former Congresswoman Nan Hayworth in November, praised the Bedford resident for “allowing my staff to have a smooth transition. She was […]

Brewster Man Charged with Felony DWI in Kent



A Brewster man is facing a four year state prison term following his arrest for felony DWI in the Town of Kent. Kent Police charged David Nilsen, 47, last week after his car was stopped on Route 52 near the Putnam-Dutchess County line. Chief Alex DiVernieri said several 9-1-1 calls reporting an erratic driver were transferred to Kent PD headquarters […]

Cops Discover Marijuana Den in Mahopac



Reports of a strong odor of marijuana emanating from an apartment inside a multi-family dwelling in Mahopac resulted in the arrest of a Mahopac man last week on numerous drug charges. Carmel Police responded to the complex on Shepherd Lane at 11:30 p.m. and according to Chief Michael Johnson, when Officer Stephen McCabe and Sgt. John Dearman knocked and the […]

Kindergarten Registration Continues in Mahopac



Kindergarten registration in the Mahopac School District for members of the Mahopac High School Class of 2025 is continuing. In order to register for school in September, children must be five years old on or before December 1, 2013. Superintendent Thomas Manko advised the public: “Sorry but there are no exceptions.” Registration continues next month on Feb. 5,7,11,13, 20, 22, […]

Questions on Hydofracking



Dear Editor: Re your news article, “Putnam to Enact Hydrofracking Law,” at least three questions can easily arise. First, has any entity suggested hydrofracking for natural gas anywhere in or near Putnam County? Second, has any entity suggested that hydrofracking fluids be accepted into any of Putnam County’s waste-water facilities? Third, is the Putnam County Legislature actually setting itself in […]

Kent Sewer District



Dear Editor: In the interest of the people of the Town of Kent it is necessary to separate the political subterfuge driving public perception from the truth, by illuminating the facts surrounding the proposed Route 52 Sewer district. 1. The main focus of this project is water quality improvement as evidenced by NYCDEP variance documents and approval, as well as […]

Public Service or Nuisance?



Dear Editor: As a law-abiding citizen who considers those who secrete deadly weapons on their persons a threat to our safety,and believes that the practice of doing so ought to be stigmatized rather than celebrated, I believe it is our county officials, not the Journal News,who should be apologizing for the stand they have taken. Standing up for gun nuts […]