Eagle Scout Connor O’Reilly, far left, with members of Somers Boy Scout Troop 228, Putnam County Historian Jennifer Cassidy, Southeast Historic Sites Commission Chairperson Cathy Croft, former County Legislator Joseph Castellano, Southeast Town Supervisor Nick Durante, Southeast Town Historian Jack Alcott, and others at the sign unveiling. By Jack Alcott Connor O’Reilly’s Eagle Scout project celebrates the 1891 opening of the East Branch Reservoir and Sodom Dam in Southeast.

By Rob Sample Putnam Valley residents turned out in force for a Nov. 19 public hearing on zoning changes that aim to facilitate the creation of small businesses in residential areas and neighborhoods. Almost unanimously, residents spoke opposed the changes, saying the town needs to preserve its semi-rural character and find occupants for the many vacant commercial structures in town. Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi described the plan as a framework for enhancing the aesthet

From left are Mahopac High School Principal Patrick Keevins, Mahopac School Board Trustee Tanner McCracken, Acting Superintendent Frank Miele, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Matthew Lawrence. A proposal by Mahopac School Board Trustee Tanner McCracken to make personal financial literacy a graduation requirement for all students was approved unanimously at the board’s Nov. 18 meeting – making Mahopac the first school district in New York State to hav

By Holly Crocco The Kent Town Board voted unanimously Nov. 18 to override the state-mandated 2 percent property tax cap and approve the 2026 town budget, which includes an approximate $1.5 million tax levy increase over the current year, but not before hearing from residents, business owners, and department heads – some of whom denounced the spending plan, and some who defended it. “Unfortunately, we have to go over the 2 percent this year for the budget,” explained Superviso

By Holly Crocco Not for the first time in recent years, residents of the Carmel Central School District were drawn to a school board meeting to address inflammatory comments made by a board member that seemingly attacked minority members of the community. Following the Nov. 4 election of Zohran Mamdani as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, Trustee Michael Torpey posted a video on Facebook in which he stated: “So New York City, congratulations and thank you for doing you

By Holly Crocco Impassioned residents gathered at the Nov. 13 Carmel Planning Board meeting to voice various opinions, concerns, comments, and insights into the potential placement of a Putnam County crisis stabilization center at 1071 Stoneleigh Ave., which would provide walk-in services to people facing a mental health or substance abuse issue. While some implored the board to allow the center to come to fruition, others begged it to consider how it will affect neighboring

Ceremonies, parades, wreath-laying commemorations, and many other events took place across Putnam on Nov. 11 to mark Veterans Day. From service organizations, to schools, local governments, and even individual communities, these guests of honor were celebrated for their service and sacrifice. Here, Brewster American Legion Post 71 and VFW Post 672 hosted a ceremony at Veterans Park/Electrozone Field.

From left are Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, Kent Highway Superintendent Richard Othmer, Assemblyman Matt Slater, Kent Town Board member Shawn Boyd, Town Supervisor Jaime McGlasson, and Town Board members Anne Campbell and Christopher Ruthven – with a few future leaders – during the unveiling of a sign commemorating the new “Lake Carmel Veterans Memorial Bridge” at South Terry Hill Road. A walking bridge that was completed last year in Lake Carmel was dedicated Nov. 11

By Holly Crocco The absentee ballots have been counted and the results are in, with Democrats officially gaining victories in a couple of key town races in Putnam County. While the 2025 election took place Nov. 4, absentee ballots were accepted by the Putnam County Board of Elections through Nov. 12. According to the numbers posted Nov. 14, Putnam Valley incumbent Republican Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi was defeated by Democrat Alison Jolicoeur by 23 votes (1,477 to 1,45

By Holly Crocco Whether you blame the Democrats or the Republicans for the current federal government’s shutdown – the longest in U.S. history – what is undisputable is the bipartisanship and compassion shown by the local community that steps up when neighbors are in need. In this case, it’s to support the nearly 3,000 individuals in Putnam County who are not receiving their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  benefits, as – also for the first time in history – funding

Republican Jake D’Angelo celebrates his win for County Legislature, with friends, family, and supporters. Come January, he will become the youngest Putnam legislator in the county’s history. By Holly Crocco Editor’s Note: The following ballot counts are as of Friday, Nov. 7. Absentee and mail-in ballots are still being counted – and received – by the Putnam County Board of Elections, and with several extremely close races, many winners are still undecided from the Nov. 4 elec

By Holly Crocco The Putnam Legislature has unanimously approved moving $6.5 million from the county’s fund balance in the 2026 budget toward a homeowner tax relief program. “This is intended to give meaningful tax relief to single-family homeowners,” said Legislator Paul Jonke, R-Southeast, during the Oct. 29 special meeting of the Legislature. “Even with putting this money in subcontingency because it’s coming out of the unassigned fund balance, it’s not going to have any im

The pink line represents the boundary line between the Brewster and Carmel schools, which bisects individual housing units being developed as part of the Gateway Summit (blue) and Fairways (orange) in Carmel. By Holly Crocco A housing development under construction in the Town of Carmel that straddles the boundary line between the Brewster and Carmel school districts – not only dissecting streets, but in some cases, homes – has the districts negotiating over the potential stu

County Executive Kevin Byrne, joined by Youth Bureau Director Janeen Cunningham and other dignitaries, cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of the new Putnam County Youth Bureau offices at Tilly Foster Farm. The Putnam County Youth Bureau celebrated the grand opening of its new offices at Tilly Foster Farm last week with a ribbon cutting that drew well over 100 attendees, including representatives from local schools, BOCES, parks departments, community organizations, youth age

The Hon. John Sweeny Jr. The Hon. John Sweeny Jr. passed away peacefully at home Oct. 25 at the age of 76, taking his last breath with his beloved wife and three children by his side. He was known by all as a man of extraordinary intelligence, integrity, and quiet grace – a true gentleman in every aspect of life. Sweeny graduated with his A.B. in government from the University of Notre Dame and received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, where he served on the Al

A reported 4,000 people attended the No Kings Day rally Oct. 18 at Wells Park in Brewster, to demonstrate against what organizers describe as the authoritarian  policies of President Donald Trump  and  corruption  in his administration. Featured speakers included Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, actress Carrie Coon, economist Michael Meeropol, and representatives from the Communications Workers of America and Hispanic Democrats of Westchester.  Provided photo.

Following a reported physical assault of a woman that took place last week on the Putnam County Trailway in Carmel, County Executive Kevin Byrne has issued an executive order directing immediate measures to improve safety and security across the county’s trail system and other public spaces, and “reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law.” On Oct. 19, the Carmel Police Department – along with Kent police and sheriff’s deputies – responde

By Holly Crocco The Kent Town Board on Oct. 21 passed a resolution to override the state-mandated 2 percent property tax cap for 2026, as it continues to whittle down a tentative $19.2 million spending plan. According to Director of Finance Cristina Cahill, after deducting about $4.2 million in revenue, the tax levy comes out to about $15 million – up from the $13.4 million tax levy for 2025. “Why such a big increase, is the typical costs,” she explained at the board meeting.

A re-enactor addresses attendees at an Oct. 12 rally on the shore of Lake Gleneida in Carmel to support the refurbishing of the statue of famed 16-year-old Patriot Sybil Ludington. A rally in support of the restoration of the Sybil Ludington statue on the shore of Lake Gleneida in Carmel took place Oct. 12, where local leaders gathered at the bronze structure that memorializes the 16-year-old female equestrian. The collaborative event was organized by the county’s Revolutiona

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For polling locations, and other information, visit boe.putnamcountyny.gov . For the Office of Putnam County Sheriff, Acting Sheriff Brian Hess, a Republican, is being challenged by independent Lawrence Burke. For Putnam County Legislature District 5, which represents Carmel, Democrat Brett Yarris is running against Republican Jake D’Angelo. For county legislator in District 6, which represents Brewster, R