Congress Passes Bill Making Tax Incentive for Land Conservation Permanent



To the Editor: At a time when our representatives in Washington seem to agree on very little, I am pleased to report recent bipartisan votes in the House and Senate that make permanent a federal tax incentive supporting land conservation. The Hudson Highlands Land Trust was among the 1,100 land trusts to support the incentive through a collaborative, multi-year campaign. […]

Putnam’s First Baby Hails From Mahopac



The new year was just under 12 hours old when at 11:58 a.m., Putnam County’s first baby of the year, Erin Cavanna, was brought into the world. Erin’s mom, Keisha Cavanna, expressed great joy last Saturday that her bundle of joy was first at the Putnam Hospital Center. “Everyone in the Birthing Center has been fantastic,” she said adding: “In […]

Story Times Set for Kent Library



Come join Miss Melanie in the Kent Public Library’s newest adventure. Full STEAM ahead story times will start on Wednesday, January 13, from 3:00 p.m.- 4:00p.m. and run weekly for 6 weeks. This is a family story time for children ages 3-5 years with a little extra STEAM added. STEAM is Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Please come dressed […]

Brewster’s Got Talent Fundraiser is Next Friday



The acts have been selected. A few tickets remain for the Brewster Education Foundation’s Brewster’s Got Talent show scheduled for next Friday evening. Students and adults alike will perform at the BHS Performing Arts Center for a first prize of $1,000. This year’s performers include Jack Riccio, the Crystalites consisting of Mia Gagnon, Katie Heggenauf, Fiona McCoppin and Myra Paddock, […]

Rumors of Immigration Roundup Are False



Dozens of Putnam’s newest residents kicked off 2016 in fear following rumors being circulated throughout the area that ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) would be arresting undocumented individuals during a regional crackdown. Stores frequented by many Latinos in Carmel, Mahopac and Brewster were virtually empty on Monday while many immigrant families kept their children home from school following the holiday recess, […]

Pataki Ends Presidential Run



Both supporters and naysayers on the local level agree it would have been nice to have a president hail from Putnam County. And until last Tuesday evening, that’s what Putnam favorite son George Pataki was seeking to do. But New York State’s former Governor, who announced his candidacy last May, never really caught on with the public outside of his […]

Lost Dog Homeward Bound in Perfect Time

a canine chronicle

While the Winne family of western Putnam was celebrating the holidays on vacation in Hawaii, their dog Kody was on an adventure of his own – a scary one, but fortunately, Kody’s story has a happy ending. The poofy-haired pooch was lost in the cold for over a week, but like the storybook endings of the Homeward Bound films, he […]

Hearings Scheduled For Patterson Fire Protection

Fire Dept. contracts

The Patterson Town Board has scheduled public hearings for next Wednesday to consider contracts proposed by both the Patterson and Putnam Lake Fire Departments for the new year. Patterson’s contract totals $803,023 while the Putnam Lake FD contract will cost taxpayers $401,900. Patterson’s former Supervisor Mike Griffin, who left office on Dec. 31 was asked if the hearings had anything […]

School Officials Demand Fix at Taconic and Pudding St., Citing Bus Travel



The intersection of Pudding Street along the Taconic State Parkway at the Kent-Putnam Valley town line is one of Putnam’s most dangerous crossroads. Last year, 54,000 student trips crossed the treacherous intersection. Putnam Valley Superintendent Fran Wills said the breakdown involves 300 students on 36 bus runs traveling through the perilous crossing each day. Over the years, dozens of car […]

Ginny Nacerino to Lead 2016 Putnam Legislature

Putnam County Legislature

Recently re-elected Legislator Ginny Nacerino will chair the Putnam Legislature in 2016. The Patterson Republican, now serving her second term in office, was selected by her colleagues Tuesday evening during the legislature’s annual reorganizational meeting. Nacerino, the former vicechair, replaces Carl Albano of Carmel who served as board spokesman for the past two years. Nacerino was nominated for the position […]