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Environmental Conservation

News
WATCH: Lost Gosling Found By Students Gets New Goose Family At Vassar College WATCH: Lost Gosling Found By Students Gets New Goose Family At Vassar College
Watch: Lost Gosling Found By Students Gets New Goose Family At Vassar College A lost baby goose found outside a Dutchess County elementary school was safely placed with a new goose family thanks to the work of environmental conservation officers.  The rescue happened in East Fishkill on May 8, after students at Fishkill Plains Elementary School in Wappingers Falls spotted a Canada goose gosling during recess, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said in an announcement on Tuesday, June 2.  An East Fishkill Police officer who serves as the school resource officer contacted an Environmental Conservation Officer for help, according to th…

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by Ben Crnic
News
‘Explosive’ Whale Carcass Washes Ashore On NY Beach, Vessel Strike Suspected ‘Explosive’ Whale Carcass Washes Ashore On NY Beach, Vessel Strike Suspected
‘Explosive’ Whale Carcass Washes Ashore On NY Beach, Vessel Strike Suspected A massive whale found dead along a Queens shoreline showed signs of a violent impact, officials said. A necropsy was completed on the 45-foot male sei whale that washed ashore on Rockaway Beach on Thursday, March 26, according to AMSEAS biologists. The examination found the whale was in good body condition and had recently eaten, as food was present in its digestive tract, officials said. However, investigators noted distinctive abrasions along the whale’s right side, along with extensive internal bruising in the surrounding tissue that extended along the body, according to the release. T…

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by Jillian Pikora
Police & Fire
USPS Mail Truck Catches Fire In Hudson Valley USPS Mail Truck Catches Fire In Hudson Valley
USPS Mail Truck Catches Fire In Hudson Valley Firefighters quickly put out a vehicle fire involving a US Postal Service delivery truck in Putnam  County, officials said.  The call came in at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to a report of a vehicle fire on Varna Lane in Carmel, according to the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department.  When crews arrived, they found an active fire involving a USPS mail truck, firefighters said. Crews stretched two hose lines and were able to contain and put out the flames.  The fire was brought under control without any reported injuries, the department said.  The departmen…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Illegal Reptile Bust: Young Crocodile, Dwarf Caiman Seized From Westchester Home Illegal Reptile Bust: Young Crocodile, Dwarf Caiman Seized From Westchester Home
Illegal Reptile Bust: Young Crocodile, Dwarf Caiman Seized From Westchester Home Environmental conservation officers seized a juvenile crocodile and a dwarf caiman from a Westchester County home after the animals were discovered during an unrelated arrest, officials said. Officers first received a report on Wednesday, Dec. 10, about a person illegally possessing reptiles without the required licenses or permits. The animals were found by Yonkers Police officers while they were making an arrest on unrelated charges, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said on Friday, Dec. 19. DEC officials said the reptiles, a juvenile crocodile and a dwarf caiman…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Deer Found Trapped In 10-Foot Well, Saved In Dramatic NY Rescue Deer Found Trapped In 10-Foot Well, Saved In Dramatic NY Rescue
Deer Found Trapped In 10-Foot Well, Saved In Dramatic NY Rescue Thanks to quick action from environmental conservation officers, a trapped deer that fell into a 10-foot dry well in Western New York was freed.  The rescue happened earlier this month in Niagara County on Wednesday, Nov. 6, off Upper Mountain Road in the town of Lewiston, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. There, DEC officers responded with the Lewiston Police Department after reports that an antlered deer had become stuck at the bottom of the well with no way to escape. Officials said ECO Scheer, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and the …

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by Ben Crnic
News
VIDEO: Huge Black Bear Seen Snacking Under Hudson Valley Porch VIDEO: Huge Black Bear Seen Snacking Under Hudson Valley Porch
Video: Huge Black Bear Seen Snacking Under Hudson Valley Porch A large black bear was seen snacking on the contents of a garbage bag in Rockland County in preparation for its upcoming hibernation.  The sighting was reported on Sunday, Sept. 28, and happened on Concord Drive In Monsey, according to a report by The Monsey Scoop.  A video of the sighting released by the outlet shows the bear digging into sweets in a garbage bag underneath a local porch.  The sighting comes days after a family of bears was seen dumpster diving on Sky Meadow Road in Suffern, as Daily Voice previously reported.   Officials from the New York State Department of Environmenta…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Family Of Bears Seen Dumpster Diving On Hudson Valley Road Family Of Bears Seen Dumpster Diving On Hudson Valley Road
Family Of Bears Seen Dumpster Diving On Hudson Valley Road A group of bears was spotted during a family outing at a Rockland County dumpster.  The sighting happened on Thursday, Sept. 25, when a family of black bears was seen at the Yeshiva Shaarei Arazim on Sky Meadow Road in Suffern, The Monsey Scoop reported. A photo of the dumpster diving was taken by a local resident.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, residents should take preventative measures to avoid attracting bears, including never feeding them or leaving food outdoors, only putting garbage out on collection days, cleaning around ga…

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by Ben Crnic
Sports
David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In NY: See What Inspired 'Big Papi' David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In NY: See What Inspired 'Big Papi'
David Ortiz Launches New Rum Available In NY: See What Inspired 'Big Papi' "Big Papi" is taking a big swing with a new spirit that has deep roots in his native Dominican Republic. Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz officially launched Ozama Rum, according to a news release on Wednesday, May 28. The Baseball Hall-of-Famer also hosted pre-launch parties with distributors and influencers in Boston, Miami, New York City, and Santo Domingo. The premium liquor is made entirely in the Dominican Republic using 100% local sugarcane. The rum is aged for at least one year in oak barrels before being bottled locally and labeled with the official "Ron Dominicano" label. The th…

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by Chris Spiker
News
New Bear Sightings Reported In Areas Of Westchester, Rockland: Here's Where New Bear Sightings Reported In Areas Of Westchester, Rockland: Here's Where
New Bear Sightings Reported In Areas Of Westchester, Rockland: Here's Where As warmth returns to the Hudson Valley with the arrival of spring, so have bear sightings.  In the Westchester County town of Yorktown, police confirmed on Monday, May 19, that several bear sightings had been reported in the southern half of town. Although no incidents of aggression have been noted, officials are reminding the public that bears are a natural part of the area’s ecosystem and are typically non-aggressive unless provoked or attracted by food. "Well, Spring is in the air. And as long-time Y-Town area residents will tell you, that could mean a black bear is on the ground," York…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Wind-Whipped Blaze Scorches 19 Acres In Hudson Valley Wind-Whipped Blaze Scorches 19 Acres In Hudson Valley
Wind-Whipped Blaze Scorches 19 Acres In Hudson Valley A fast-moving brush fire fueled by wind and dry conditions scorched nearly 20 acres of wooded land in Putnam County, firefighters said.  The fire broke out around 1:15 p.m. on Friday, April 18 near 926 Peekskill Hollow Rd. in Putnam Valley, the Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department said on Monday, April 21. When firefighters arrived, they found a large brush fire burning under the power lines and spreading quickly through dry leaves and thick vegetation.   Steep, rocky terrain made access difficult, prompting a mutual aid response from several surrounding fire departments.…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Patterson Business: Officials Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Patterson Business: Officials
Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Patterson Business: Officials A wildland fire that began behind a Putnam County business took several days to put out and led to the issuing of a ticket, officials announced.  The fire was reported on Friday, Jan. 3, at 2:15 p.m. in a swampy area behind Petersen's Patterson Greenhouses in Patterson, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8.  Forest rangers responded to the scene and determined that an ember from a burn pile at the nursery had likely ignited the blaze, officials said.  Additional rangers soon joined the effort to extinguish the b…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Northern Westchester Work Site: Authorities Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Northern Westchester Work Site: Authorities
Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Northern Westchester Work Site: Authorities A contractor and his son were ticketed for illegal dumping in the Hudson Valley after environmental officials found material containing an address in construction debris on the side of a road, authorities said.   The debris was discovered on the side of a road in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 29 by New York State Environmental Conservation Officers Franz and Schuck while patrolling in the village of Brewster, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18.  During their investigation, officers found a piece of mail among the debris…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley
Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues
Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues As dry conditions continue, open fires have been banned in Westchester County-owned parks. The ban was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 6 by Westchester Parks officials, who also said it was effective immediately.  The ban follows a Drought Watch declared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Tuesday, Nov. 5 as a result of low precipitation levels. According to parks officials, wooded environments in parks such as camping sites and remote areas have an increased fire risk because of the rain shortage.  During the ban, charcoal and propane fires are only a…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Free For All: Bee-Line Bus Fares To Be Lifted During Summer Months In Westchester Free For All: Bee-Line Bus Fares To Be Lifted During Summer Months In Westchester
Free For All: Bee-Line Bus Fares To Be Lifted During Summer Months In Westchester Those who utilize Westchester's Bee-Line bus system to get around can take advantage of lifted fares throughout the dog days of summer.  Free rides will be offered by the county's Bee-Line bus system beginning on Monday, July 1, and continuing through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 2, according to Westchester County Executive George Latimer.  The initiative is part of the county's ongoing effort to support local communities, ease transportation costs for families, and encourage residents to use public transit.  "We are excited to bring back free rides on the Bee-Line buses this …

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Westchester HS Student Leads Art Exhibition To Help Support Hudson River Westchester HS Student Leads Art Exhibition To Help Support Hudson River
Westchester HS Student Leads Art Exhibition To Help Support Hudson River A high school student from Westchester is looking to drum up support for the preservation of the Hudson River through the power of art.  To raise funds for environmental conservation efforts, Irvington High School Junior Minori Furtado has organized an art exhibition that will include works from students and seasoned artists, the Irvington Union Free School District announced on Thursday, April 4. The exhibition, titled "Ebb & Flow," will be held at the Studio 8 art gallery in Irvington at 8 North Dutcher St. from Thursday, April 11 to Wednesday, April 17.  The effort wi…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip' 27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip'
27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Hudson Valley Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip' A former high school hockey player in the Hudson Valley who was a well-known videographer and environmental enthusiast died while on a "dream trip" to Chile to hike the Patagonia region of the Andes Mountains. Rockland County native Brian Kilduff, age 27, of West Haverstraw, died suddenly on Friday, Dec. 29 after becoming ill while in Chile. He was born in Suffern, on Wednesday, March 20, 1996, and graduated from North Rockland High School where he played hockey, according to his obituary. "Everyone who knew Brian knew how much he loved hockey," his obituary said. He went on to recei…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Hudson Valley Man Admits To Illegal Dumping Hudson Valley Man Admits To Illegal Dumping
Hudson Valley Man Admits To Illegal Dumping The owner of a New York business has admitted to unlawfully disposing of construction and demolition debris. David Gutierrez, of Ulster County, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge of the unlawful disposal of solid waste in excess of 70 cubic yards on Monday, May 23, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement. DEC said the case began in 2017 when authorities coordinated a task force to target large amounts of illegal construction and demolition debris that was being dumped across the Southern District. Officers executed …

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by Nicole Valinote
News
New Westchester Municipality To Put Restrictions On Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers New Westchester Municipality To Put Restrictions On Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
New Westchester Municipality To Put Restrictions On Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Another municipality in Westchester County has placed a seasonal ban on the usage of gas-powered leaf blowers.  The first annual ban on the loud maintenance machines will take place in the Village of Irvington-on-Hudson between Wednesday, Dec. 16 until Monday, March 15 of 2021.  Gas-powered leaf blowers can only be used for snow removal, or in the case of an emergency.  Between March 15 and Tuesday, June 1, the leaf blowers can be used by property owners between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 p.m. until 4 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays, according to Irvingt…

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by Christina Coulter
News
Westchester Community Becomes One Of First In Northeast To Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Westchester Community Becomes One Of First In Northeast To Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Westchester Community Becomes One Of First In Northeast To Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers In a unanimous and unprecedented decision, officials in a Westchester County municipality voted to ban gas-powered leaf blowers effective January 2022, becoming one of the first communities in the Northeast to take such action.  The Monday, Sept. 21 decision, according to the Village of Larchmont's Board of Trustees, was driven by environmental concerns.  “Larchmont is proud to be a leader in municipal green policy," said Mayor Lorraine Walsh. "Policies such as this, which ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers entirely, are essential if we are going to make meaningful progr…

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by Christina Coulter
News
Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area
Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area Groups of black bears have been making the rounds throughout Hudson Valley neighborhoods, with some getting caught on camera a little too close for comfort. There were multiple sightings of black bears and cubs reported in Rockland County in the past week, with some roaming through area backyards in Pomona, while others took leisurely strolls through quiet streets. One bear even got up close and personal, perusing the sights on one resident’s backyard deck. According to environment officials, residents should not leave garbage cans or any food outside to help avoid an encounter with a bear…

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by Zak Failla
News
Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US
Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US As if a global pandemic and worldwide economic crisis aren't enough to occupy us, there's now news of the arrival of a vicious, freakish-looking hornet with a venomous sting in the United States for the first time. Asian giant hornets can use shark-fin shaped appendages to destroy a beehive, decapitating its victims in a matter of minutes. “It’s a shockingly large hornet,” said Todd Murray, Washington State University's Extension entomologist and invasive species specialist. “It’s a health hazard, and more importantly, a significant predator of honey bees.” That's especially concerning sin…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Regulations Finalized For NY Plastic Bag Ban To Take Effect Regulations Finalized For NY Plastic Bag Ban To Take Effect
Regulations Finalized For NY Plastic Bag Ban To Take Effect Enforcement on the ban of single-use plastic bags at New York retailers on March 1 is expected to be lenient at the start, as final regulations for the ban are finalized. As of Sunday, March 1, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s legislation goes into effect, banning plastic bags statewide. However, amid fears of a paper bag shortage, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reportedly acknowledged that retailers may not have had enough time to remove plastic bags from their stores. As a result, the NYSDEC plans to let retailers finish off their supplies of plastic bags after t…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Stop & Shop Offers Free Reusable Bags At Stores Ahead Of Statewide Ban On Plastic Stop & Shop Offers Free Reusable Bags At Stores Ahead Of Statewide Ban On Plastic
Stop & Shop Offers Free Reusable Bags At Stores Ahead Of Statewide Ban On Plastic With single-use plastic bags becoming banned from New York retailers, Stop & Shop is offering customers a new alternative with free reusable bags. In an effort to ease the transition from plastic to paper when the ban takes effect on Sunday, March 1, Stop & Shop is offering to trade carryout plastic bags for free reusable bags (while supplies last). Beginning on Saturday, Feb. 22, Stop & Shop will have information tables set up at stores to answer questions about the upcoming ban. The tables will also have giveaway items, including a free reusable bag for every customer who bri…

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by Zak Failla
News
Plastic Bag Ban Will Soon Take Effect In This Westchester Town Plastic Bag Ban Will Soon Take Effect In This Westchester Town
Plastic Bag Ban Will Soon Take Effect In This Westchester Town While the ban on single-use plastic bags in New York State begins in March, a Westchester town is taking the initiative and will begin a town-wide ban beginning next month. Beginning on Sunday, Dec. 1, the Town of Mamaroneck will institute a ban on single-use bags and a 5-cent fee on paper bags in local stores, after the Town Board passed the “Mamaroneck Bag Waste Reduction Law.” The legislation was agreed upon unanimously by the Town Board in September. The statewide ban takes effect as of March 2020. When the ban takes effect, restaurants will still be permitted to provide plastic bags …

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Rare Sighting: Man Walking Dog Captures Photos Of Beaver Swimming In Hudson River Rare Sighting: Man Walking Dog Captures Photos Of Beaver Swimming In Hudson River
Rare Sighting: Man Walking Dog Captures Photos Of Beaver Swimming In Hudson River A New York attorney out for a walk with his dog Hunter was enjoying the view of the Hudson River near West 70th Street in Manhattan when he spotted a fun and rare sight, a beaver out for a swim. At first Ralph Stone, 53, thought the little guy, or maybe girl, was a log floating near other pieces of wood in the area, then he saw it's head move.  Being the official New York State animal, and a rare sight, Stone did what all would do, he whipped out his phone around 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 5, and snapped a few shots of the beaver swimming along enjoying the morning.  A rare sighting: A beav…

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
Video: Curious Black Bear Caught On Camera Making The Rounds In The Area Video: Curious Black Bear Caught On Camera Making The Rounds In The Area
Video: Curious Black Bear Caught On Camera Making The Rounds In The Area A  family enjoyed an unexpected guest when a black bear was caught taking an afternoon stroll through their backyard and into the woods. The bear was caught on surveillance camera in Putnam County at approximately 8:11 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, in the backyard of a home in the Millpond Lane area in Kent, the family said. It could be seen sniffing along the ground as it made its way through the yard. In the video, the bear leisurely takes in the lay of the land, looking around while heading towards the trees in the backyard. Other recent sightings in the area have happened in North Cas…

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by Zak Failla
Weather
Severe Storms Bring Big Change In Weather Pattern Severe Storms Bring Big Change In Weather Pattern
Severe Storms Bring Big Change In Weather Pattern The latest round of severe storms accompanying a cold front to move through the region has led to a big change in the weather pattern. It will become gradually less humid on Sunday, July 7 as clouds gradually give way to sun. The high temperature of around 82 degrees will be 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Saturday.  Sunday will also start a stretch of dry days. Monday, July 8 will also be mostly sunny with a high temperature around 80 degrees. It will get warmer on Tuesday, July 9 and Wednesday, July 10 with a high temperature in the upper 80s and plenty of sunshine both days. The…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Westchester Moves To Supplement Airport Master Plan Westchester Moves To Supplement Airport Master Plan
Westchester Moves To Supplement Airport Master Plan After “unprecedented public input,” Westchester officials are moving forward to supplement the master plan for the county’s airports. The Westchester County Department of Planning has issued a “request for proposals” (REP) to supplement the airport’s master plan and environmental impact study. The proposals incorporate public recommendations while focusing on economic impact, environmental concerns, and safety for passengers and staff. “The Westchester County Airport is a vital part of our economy and the way we do business in Westchester,” Westchester Economic Development Director Bridget…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Voters Heading To Polls To Vote On School District Budgets In Westchester Voters Heading To Polls To Vote On School District Budgets In Westchester
Voters Heading To Polls To Vote On School District Budgets In Westchester Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 21 to vote on their school districts’ budget, proposed bonds and Board of Education races. In Westchester, no school districts are proposing budgets that override the cap on increasing property tax levies, a cap that was made permanent by Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this year. Multi-million dollar bond proposals will be voted on in four school districts - Briarcliff Manor, Irvington, Pleasantville and Somer - though there is expected to be limited tax implication. Briarcliff Manor’s nearly $3 million proposal would include a roof replacement at…

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by Zak Failla
Weather
Storm System Winds Down With Big Change In Weather Pattern Coming This Week Storm System Winds Down With Big Change In Weather Pattern Coming This Week
Storm System Winds Down With Big Change In Weather Pattern Coming This Week A storm system that brought a mix of snow, sleet and rain to the region will move out by midday, starting a week that will see a big change in the weather pattern. Precipitation will wrap up around noontime Sunday, March 10 on a cloudy and windy day in which the high temperature will be in the low 40s with a wind-chill factor between 25 and 35. Here's how the rest of the week shapes up: Monday, March 11: Mostly sunny with a high in the mid 40s. Tuesday, March 12: Sunny with a high in the low 40s. Wednesday, March 13: Sunny with a high in the mid 40s. Thursday, March 14: The ch…

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by Joe Lombardi