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Topics covered during this episode:
- Mystery Drone Sightings Spark Alarm Across Rockland County
- RCC Drives $397.8 Million Economic Impact in Rockland County Amid Budget Challenges
- Orangetown PBA’s 36th Annual Toy Drive Brings Holiday Cheer to Rockland
- Orangetown Police Investigate Pair of Early Morning Burglaries
- Patrick Carroll Sworn In as Assemblyman for New York’s 96th District
- Kick Off 2025 with a First Day Hike at Nyack Beach
- Ramapo Police Stress the Importance of Calling 911 for Emergencies
- Rose Memorial Library Unveils 2025 Book Club Reading List
- Suffern Kicks Off the Holiday Season with Annual Parade
- Nyack and Stony Point Honor the Lives of Five Esteemed Individuals Who Passed Away in December
- Plus, we’ll have interviews with Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips and Nyack Village Mayor Joe Rand, from our recent daily updates earlier this week.
Text Summary of this week’s topics:
1. Mystery Drone Sightings Spark Alarm in Rockland County
Residents of Rockland County have reported an alarming increase in mysterious drone sightings, echoing similar incidents in neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania. County Executive Ed Day has called for vigilance and urged locals to report drone activity. While federal agencies, including the FBI and DHS, have downplayed security threats, the origins and purposes of the large drones, often seen flying in clusters, remain unclear. Speculations range from agricultural to military uses, but unanswered questions continue to fuel community concern. READ MORE
2. Rockland Community College: A $397.8 Million Economic Driver
Rockland Community College (RCC) generated an impressive $397.8 million economic impact for the county in fiscal year 2022-2023, according to a new report. The study highlights RCC’s role in supporting nearly 4,000 jobs and contributing to workforce productivity through alumni-driven income of $323.8 million. Despite this success, RCC has faced financial challenges, implementing budget cuts and restructuring to address deficits. Interim RCC leader Dr. Beth Coyle emphasized the transformative role RCC plays in fostering economic vitality and community well-being.
3. String of Burglaries in Orangetown Raises Concerns
Orangetown police are investigating two early-morning residential burglaries in Pearl River and Orangeburg. The incidents involved entry through windows and theft of key fobs for luxury vehicles. The suspects, described as wearing hooded sweatshirts and ski masks, fled in a dark sedan. Authorities believe the burglaries are connected and urge residents with surveillance footage to assist in the investigation.
4. Orangetown PBA Brings Holiday Cheer with Toy Drive
The Orangetown Police Benevolent Association is hosting its 36th annual toy drive, collecting new, unwrapped toys to brighten the holidays for local children in need. Donations can be made through December 18th at Orangetown Police Headquarters and other designated locations. This long-standing community tradition continues to bring holiday joy to families across Rockland County. READ MORE
5. Nyack Holiday Village Ushers in Festive Spirit
Nyack’s inaugural Holiday Village event, spearheaded by Mayor Joe Rand and local businesses, offers an array of festive activities, including decorating contests, Winter Wonderland workshops for kids, and a music festival. The initiative, funded by Nyack’s hotel tax, aims to draw visitors downtown and support local businesses. Mayor Rand emphasizes the importance of shopping locally, highlighting the economic and community benefits of keeping spending within Rockland County. READ MORE
6. Suffering Celebrates Season with Holiday Parade
Suffering’s annual holiday parade showcased community spirit with decorated floats, performances, and festive displays. Organized by Mayor Thomas Curley and the Board of Trustees, the event awarded prizes for categories such as “Best Music” and “Most Creative,” fostering joy and togetherness as a hallmark of the season.
READ MORE
7. Rockland Green Advances Recycling and Sustainability
Rockland Green, the county’s waste management authority, continues to lead in environmental initiatives, including its food scraps recycling program. Aiming to convert food waste into nutrient-rich compost, the program has expanded across the county. Additionally, plans for a new state-of-the-art animal shelter highlight the agency’s commitment to humane animal care and waste reduction.
8. Community Honors Public Servants in Nyack
The Village of Nyack mourns the loss of three former leaders in 2024: Marie Lorenzini, James Liner, and Karen Quinn. Each contributed significantly to the village’s progress through initiatives in historical preservation, community service, and local government leadership. Memorials have been held to honor their legacies.
READ MORE
9. Rockland Residents Urged to Prioritize Fire Safety
The Ramapo Police Department, along with Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services, has urged residents to call 911 immediately in case of fire or gas emergencies. Quick reporting ensures efficient emergency response and emphasizes the importance of community safety protocols. READ MORE
10. Carol Stein Remembered as a Pillar of Community
Carol Stein, a beloved community figure known for her faith and volunteerism, passed away at 92. Her contributions to local churches, community organizations, and family remain an enduring legacy of love and service. The community has honored her life with heartfelt memorial services. READ MORE
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
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Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.