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

By Holly Crocco The Southeast Town Board it trying to chip away at the tentative proposed 2026 budget that was introduced by Supervisor Nick Durante in September and would raise the tax levy by 10.95 percent. “I do think percentages are hard to sometimes accept,” Durante said at the Oct. 9 town board meeting. “What I’d like to speak to is the dollar amount.” He explained that the 10.95 percent increase would equate to about $50 in taxes more next year for the average househol

A man was arrested last week after causing a scare in Patterson. According to Putnam County Acting Sherrif Brian Hess, shortly after 5 p.m. Oct. 16, deputies were called to an incident involving a male subject dressed in full camouflage who allegedly menaced a neighbor with what appeared to be a firearm. The man then barricaded himself inside his residence and alluded to having an explosive device. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team and Hostage Negotiati

After a six-year hiatus, the 32 nd  annual Putnam County Columbus Day parade, hosted by the Italian American Club of Mahopac, returned Oct. 5 to the hamlet, where residents and visitors lined the street to celebrate. Honorary Grand Marshals Bonnie Palmiero and Joseph Fierro, Little Miss Columbus Anastasia Cefaloni, Master Columbus Andrew Henderson, IAC President Guilio Cefaloni, Carmel Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann, and Fr. Szymon Kurpios of St. John the Evangelist Church cut

By Holly Crocco During a Sept. 29 special meeting of the Southeast Town Board, Supervisor Nick Durante took some heat for presenting a tentative budget that raises the tax levy by almost 11 percent – blowing the state-mandated property tax cap of 4.23 percent for the town out of the water, and adding about $50 more in taxes per household. “You’re proposing a 10.9 percent tax levy increase, which I’m honestly kind of stunned by,” said Councilman Eric Cyprus. “You started off b

County Executive Kevin Byrne, Acting Sheriff Brian Hess, and family of the late Sheriff Kevin McConville unveil a rendering of the...

By Holly Crocco Carmel Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari and Comptroller Mary Ann Maxwell presented a $36.3 million tentative budget during...

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne is joined by town and village leaders, as well as state representatives at last week's press...

John McArdle, a former NYPD lieutenant from Carmel who oversaw rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero, died in 2023 Legislation...

Regional officials joined together Sept. 22 to demand that the New York State Public Service Commission hold an in-person public hearing...

The Brewster Fire Department hosted its annual dress parade Sept. 13, featuring marching bands, emergency services volunteers and...

By Holly Crocco Patterson Town Supervisor Richard Williams is proposing a $16.5 million budget for 2026, which represents a 3.74 percent...

By Holly Crocco The Town of Southeast is considering amending local law to encourage residents and businesses to employ the use of solar...