Committee Decides Against Styrofoam Ban


The Health Committee of the Putnam Legislature declined to pass a resolution that would ban polystyrene containers throughout the county, a disappointment for Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra, the outgoing chair of the committee. Scuccimarra, who leaves office on Dec. 31, championed the initiative to ban the use of the non-biodegradable substance, saying, “It takes 500 years for polystyrene to decompose. Polystyrene […]

Damp Weather Fails To Deter Santa’s Visits Across County


Saturday’s overcast skies accompanied by misty conditions failed to dampen the spirits of hundreds of boys and girls in Brewster, Lake Carmel and Mahopac Falls who greeted Santa as he rode atop fire engines during the community’s annual Candy Cane Runs. Thousands of candy canes were distributed by Santa and his ‘firematic elves’ to the enthusiastic crowds that cheered when […]

2019 Weather Calendar Benefits Hope For Youth Foundation


Putnam County meteorologist Jim Witte is once again using his long-range forecasting skills to benefit the Hope for Youth Foundation, an organization that helps children with life-threatening illnesses as well as those with physical and mental challenges. Witt’s 2019 Hudson Valley Weather Calendar is now on sale online or at a number of businesses in both eastern and western Putnam. […]

Coat Drive Brings Warmth In Chilly Weather


Hundreds of gently used coats and jackets are available for those in need this winter, thanks to the Brewster Teachers’ Association coat drive. Community Action Program (CAP) Executive Director Judy Callahan said the 255 coats donated by the teachers association would “help fill the bill for those in need.” Coats are now available for free at the CAP office in […]

Things to Do

Last Minute Gifts? Shop Local!

Nov 26-Dec 21 Send Leters to Santa at Kent Lib. Letters with return addresses will receive replies. More info: kentlibrary.org, 845- 225-8585. Dec- Catherine Obi art show in December at the Kent Lib. More info: Kentlibrary.org Thru Dec 28- Hudson River Artist Nancy Woogen Exhibits at Mahopac Lib Through Jan- Photographs By Marcelino Pagan on Display at Mahopac Lib Tues […]

Bats Invade Austin Road School in Mahopac

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Bats might have invaded the Austin Road Elementary School in western Mahopac but students, faculty and staff are not the least bit concerned. As a matter of fact, the school family is thrilled that teacher Mary Jean Cerbini and her fifth graders have placed artist’s renderings of bats on walls throughout the school building in conjunction with the “Habitats for […]

Christmas ‘Grinch’ Stealing From Toys For Tots in Patterson


Putnam Community Action Partnership (CAP) Director Judy Callahan is outraged over thieves misrepresenting themselves as employees of the nonprofit and stealing toys destined for children in need this holiday season. The Patterson Recreation Center advised Callahan Thursday that two individuals on two separate occasions visited the center in downtown Patterson and indicated they were instructed to pick up toys from […]

50 Residents Become Proud Americans


Fifty of America’s newest citizens recited their oath of allegiance to the United States and received a rousing ovation at the historic Putnam Courthouse. Wednesday’s naturalization ceremony, attended by family and friends of the new citizens, was the fourth of the year for Putnam County. Since 2015, following a 20-year hiatus, hundreds of newcomers have taken their oaths of allegiance […]

Two Area Boys Charged With Manslaughter


State Police Captain John Ryan described the death of a 15-year-old boy as “heartbreaking” when detailing the grim incident leading to the teen’s death. The time was 4 pm last Wednesday when a patrol traveling on Clove Branch Road in Stormville observed a teenager “clinging to the passenger side of an SUV traveling in the opposite direction.” Capt. Ryan said […]

A Third Referendum In The Plans For Carmel School Voters


Carmel School Board members are expected to approve a referendum this evening (Tuesday) asking district residents to approve a bond that will repair failing roofs, make each school building ADA compliant, and enhance the George Fischer Middle School library. Unlike two previous defeated referendums, the board plans to propose a second bond which, if authorized by residents, will result in […]