Reed Library Lets Kids Be The Judge



The judicial process came to life for dozens of children enrolled in the Reed Public Library’s ESL Connection thanks to Putnam County Judge James Reitz and the program’s organizer Norma Pereira. Last Thursday, two dozen young people were welcomed to the Putnam County Courthouse where the judge took the boys and girls on a tour of the courtroom while explaining […]

No Smoking at Putnam Valley Parks and Beaches



The Putnam Valley Town Board is determined to make the greater Putnam Valley-Lake Peekskill area a safer place in which to live, work and play and has approved a smoking ban at all town park facilities, including beaches. Supervisor Sam Oliverio explained that the ban, which takes effect Oct. 2, was created due to “health hazards associated with smoking” as […]

Senior Center Stalled But Still Alive



A week after the County Legislature tabled action on a lease for a new Philipstown Senior Center, and the main benefactor withdrew the $500,000 funding donation, the question now is simple: What next? County and Philipstown officials both professed the senior center would continue to move ahead, despite the half million dollar shortfall. County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Philipstown Legislator […]

Lessons Learned at Explorer Weekend



Seventy-five future members of emergency services units learned a variety of life lessons last weekend at Putnam’s 15th annual Explorer Training and Campout event at the Putnam Fire Training Center in Kent. Erin Scott of Lake Carmel, who coordinated the occurrence in conjunction with the Lake Carmel FD and the LCFD Explorer Post, told this reporter that “dedication, teamwork, leadership […]

Brewster Man Among 46 Charged in Organized Crime Sting



A Brewster man was among 46 individuals arrested Thursday on charges of racketeering and gambling in connection with the East Coast La Cosa Nostra. At a news conference, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara, charged those arrested were “mob leaders, solders and associates with Mafia connections to the Gambino, Genovese, Luchese and Bonanno families.” Anthony […]

Cell Tower Locations Raise Ire



Putnam County has begun addressing the current state of its radio communications by approving two of four sites to erect cell towers on county property, but sites in Putnam Valley and Mahopac Falls were put on hold. Emergency responders as well as county agencies along with local municipalities and school districts often have poor radio conditions due to aging infrastructure. […]

Veteran Mario Antoci Passes Away At 90



Putnam County has lost another member of the greatest generation. Mario Antoci passed away Saturday at Putnam Hospital Center surrounded by his loving family. Antoci, who celebrated his 90th birthday in May, was a distinguished Army veteran, who was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and POW Medal for his World War II services. Three years ago, Antoci accompanied County […]

Putnam’s Melanie Skillman Remembered As A Saint To All



Melanie Skillman is being remembered this week as a “saint” to all animals be they human or not. Skillman, who passed away in June after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer, was employed for 16 years with Putnam County by transporting its frail, needy and elderly on municipally operated vehicles. Members of her department recently met with members of the […]

Voluntary Water Restrictions Requested In Carmel-Mahopac



The unusually dry and hot summer resulting in near drought conditions across New York State has prompted Carmel Town officials to ask residents of its municipal water districts to curtail non-essential water use. Supervisor Kenneth Schmitt reported Monday that town officials were advised by the municipality’s contract operators that current use was “overtaxing the wells and lakes that supply water […]

Hula-Hooping at Kent Public Library



Learn to hula hoop at the Kent Public Library on Saturday, August 13th, from 12:00-12:45, with certified hula hoop instructor and founder of the organization “Hoop for a Better Tomorrow”, Ashley Gannon. Join her for a fun, free and energy packed Hula Hoop Extravaganza. No registration is required. This program is open to all ages. All are welcome, from those […]