Today’s Sponsor:
This Week’s Key News Stories:
Sponsors:
- IVY Rehab Physical Therapy – West Haverstraw, NY | Contact: 845-579-5677
- Dana Pest Control – Family-owned for over 40 years | Contact: 845-786-5226 | Website: danapestcontrol.com
Top Stories:
Stony Point Seals Polar Plunge:
The 26th annual event raised funds for children with serious medical conditions, despite harsh weather conditions with 5 inches of fresh snow. Beneficiaries included Alexander, Jade, Noel, and Elizabeth.
Future interviews are planned with founders John Fox and Michael Leyden.
Tourism Grants:
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Economic Development Director Jenna Nazario announced $316,000 in tourism grants to 30 organizations.
Tourism brought in over $556 million in 2023, reducing the average household tax burden by $613.
Housing Plans Public Input:
Rockland County is seeking public input on housing and community development, with a survey open through March 15.
Fire Safety Concerns:
Ed Day condemned the Rockland County Mazzilli ACMA’s petition to become an independent fire company due to safety concerns.
MTA and Congestion Pricing:
Ed Day criticized the MTA’s congestion pricing, citing inequitable investment in Rockland’s transit services.
Orange County’s legislation to withdraw from the MTA could influence Rockland’s future decisions.
New Community Relations Director:
Yvette Nunez Arias was appointed as the new Director of Community Relations, focusing on enhancing ties between government and local communities.
Black History Month Celebration:- Scheduled for February 21, 2025, at the Lewis Kurtz Center in Spring Valley, hosted by the NAACP and Tappan Zee Lodge #79.
Weather:
- Tuesday: Evening snow flurries.
- Wednesday: Cloudy, high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
- Thursday: Rain, high of 44°F, low of 26°F.
- Friday: Cloudy, high of 33°F, low of 19°F.
- Saturday: Possible snow flurries (1-3 inches), high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
- Sunday: Rain, high of 41°F, low of 21°F.
Interviews:
John Ross (Rocklanders for Alternatives to Driving – RAD):
- Advocate for improved public transportation, better sidewalks, and bike lanes in Rockland County.
- Discussed the implications of Orange County’s potential withdrawal from the MTA and its possible impact on Rockland.
- Emphasized the need for more reliable bus services and potential transit-oriented developments like those proposed near the Shops at Nanuet.
Tina Dawn (Life Force Self-Defense):
- A registered nurse turned self-defense instructor with a 5th-degree black belt.
- Shared her personal journey into self-defense after a stalking incident.
- Emphasized the importance of women learning self-defense to build confidence and safety awareness.
- Offers classes focused on practical, real-life self-defense techniques, encouraging women of all fitness levels to participate.
More stories:
Dr. Leonard A. Shaw
Dr. Leonard A. Shaw, 96, of Norwood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, surrounded by love. Leonard was the beloved husband of Nejhla (née Kelamoff), a devoted and loving father to Charles and his wife Mia, and to Darren, and a proud, adoring grandfather to Lea, Ryan, and Tessa. He was…
Rockland WIC Program Awarded $85K Grant
NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) has been awarded $85,000 to support its “Fresh Start: WIC Access and Nutrition Equity Program,” which is designed to increase access to nutrition education and healthy food options for low-income families. The funding, provided by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, will support program enhancements…
Protesters Pack Rockland Legislature Over ICE Legislation
Editor’s note: This story is currently being updated. New City, NY – A tense yet orderly evening unfolded at the Rockland County Legislature as residents packed the New City-based Government Center to protest a proposed law that would restrict local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation, still in draft…
Continue Reading Protesters Pack Rockland Legislature Over ICE Legislation
Orangetown Man Convicted of Burglary After Spring Valley Apartment Break-In
Orangetown, NY (February 3, 2026) – Wesleigh Gilsenan, 41, of Orangetown, was convicted of Burglary in the Second Degree in Rockland County Court following a two-day bench trial, according to an announcement from District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. The verdict, delivered by the Honorable Judge Kevin F. Russo, on January 30, stems from an…
Continue Reading Orangetown Man Convicted of Burglary After Spring Valley Apartment Break-In
Clarkstown sixth graders graduate D.A.R.E
NANUET, NY — Sixth-grade students at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School were recognized this week for completing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, marking the culmination of a course focused on decision-making, personal responsibility and safety. Clarkstown Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker, Town Supervisor George Hoehmann and members of the Town Board attended the ceremony…
Rockland County Officials Debate New Law Limiting ICE Cooperation
Democrats Say It Protects Families; Republicans Warn It Threatens Safety. By Kimmie Anderson New City, NY — A proposed law in Rockland County has sparked debate between Democrats and Republicans over how local police should interact with federal immigration agents. The bill, called the “Safety and Dignity for All Act”, was introduced by Democratic Legislator…
Continue Reading Rockland County Officials Debate New Law Limiting ICE Cooperation
This Week’s Featured Event:
Whiskey Crossing & Line Dancing at the Patriot Lounge
Nashville recording artist Whiskey Crossing is currently signed with Perry Music Group of Nashville for distribution. Whiskey Crossing is an upbeat high energy country act that is sure to bring the heat and excitement to any stage. Bringing down the house with a sing-along set with original country covers from the 90s to today as well as original music that is available for streaming worldwide. LEARN MORE
Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.