Odell Names Interim Deputy Executive


Effective June 1, Thomas Feighery, the county’s current Project Manager in the Putnam Highway Department, will have added responsibility in his new role as part-time Interim Deputy County Executive. County Executive MaryEllen Odell requested members of the county Legislature approve a $20,558 budgetary transfer to fund the position, which was discussed in detail at last week’s meeting of the legislature’s […]

Watch Fires Burn Brightly in Putnam

Fires burned brightly in steel drums at the Putnam Veterans Memorial Park Friday evening to symbolize veterans’ determination of never having their park desecrated again. Fourteen years ago, on the eve of Memorial Day, vandals under the cloak of darkness entered the park and spray painted the veteran’s monument in one of Putnam’s most despicable and disgraceful acts of vandalism […]

Emotional Support Only a Phone Call Away


Living in a cocoon these past 10 weeks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on education, business and social life with loneliness and isolation resulting in emotional problems for many area residents. Megan Castellano, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Putnam County, has reminded the public help is only a phone call away. […]

Putnam’s Sales Tax Collection Revenue Dives


For the first three months of 2020, Putnam’s sales tax receipts continued their upward climb, with $1 million over budget received. The story has changed dramatically as a result of the coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered businesses from Carmel to Cold Spring, resulting in widespread layoffs and main streets resembling ghost towns. Commissioner of Finance William Carlin released his monthly […]

Mortgage Tax Receipts Increase


Mortgage tax receipts have increased during the past six months by just under $200,000. The Putnam Legislature learned the news last week when the county’s semiannual mortgage tax report was issued to members of the Audit and Administration Committee. Revenue totaled $1,594,336 for the period October 1, 2019 through March 31 as compared to $1,415,908 for the previous six months. […]

Sheriff’s Employee’s Association Earns New Seven-Year Pact


The Putnam Legislature is expected to approve a new seven-year pact next Tuesday, June 2, for the 70 members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Employee’s Association following approval by the legislature’s Personnel and Audit Committees last week. The agreement will result in 11.75 percent salary hikes during the course of the agreement. The accord covers the employment of Sheriff’s Department […]

Small Business Advisory Committee Started in Putnam


While the numbers of COVID-19 cases continues on a downward trend, the next major hurdle facing Putnam County and vicinity is the reopening of businesses shuttered for nearly three months. In an effort to assist the county’s small business recover from the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus shutdown, the Putnam County Economic Development Corp. has formed an advisory panel […]

Phyllis Ross

October 14, 1929 - May 19, 2020

Phyllis Ross, of Brewster, NY, died peacefully at Putnam Ridge Nursing Home on Tuesday May 19, 2020. She was 90 years old. Born on October 14, 1929, in Oneonta, NY daughter of the late Stephen and Harriet (Balter) Merritt. She moved from Oneonta when she was a junior in high school, receiving her high school diploma from Brewster High School […]

Paul F. Pember

April 20, 1957 - May 17, 2020

Paul F. Pember died peacefully on May 17, 2020, at his home. He was 63 years old. Born on April 20, 1957, in White Plains, NY, son of the late Frederick and Katherine (Myck) Pember. Paul was a Byram Hills High School graduate where he was captain of the basketball team. On December 2, 1995, he married the love of […]

Elaine R. Healy

February 2, 1936 - May 10, 2020

Elaine R. Healy, of Sherrills Ford, NC, died peacefully at home on Sunday, May 10, 2020. She was 84 years old. Born on February 2, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Frank and Rose (Micciancio) Ruscio. Elaine was graduated from Mt. St. Mary’s College, Newburgh, NY with a degree in Education. She taught Elementary School in Yonkers, NY. […]