RADIO UNSCRIPTED!
by Jeff Lewis
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Rockland’s General Obligation Bond Rating from “AA-” to “AA+.” Rockland County Executive Ed Day says that means when Rockland borrows money to fund capital projects, it can be done at a lower cost, saving taxpayer dollars…
Commissioner of Finance Stephen DeGroat said the upgrade is the result of strong financial management. The county completed payments of its $96 million deficit bond last March.
by Jeff Lewis
Hundreds came out to honor fallen police officers to mark the end of National Police Week at the Rockland County Courthouse in New City Saturday. The names of two NYPD officers from Rockland were added to the memorial at the courthouse facing Main Street in New City. Keynote speaker, NYPD Assistant Chief John Hart, said Sergeant William Brautigam of Stony Point and Detective Squad Sergeant Cornelius Douglas of West Nyack both died of 9/11 cancer-related illnesses…
Rockland Sheriff Lou Falco said in the last ten years in the United States, 2,842 officers have died in the line of duty, an average of one death every 31 hours…
Lou Falco “…and our entire country.” :23
Falco said last year 47 police officers were killed by gunfire in the U.S., 14 of them were from New York.
by Jeff Lewis
The town of Clarkstown, the veterans community, and we here at WRCR are mourning the loss of Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods, who died of an apparent heart attack on Friday at the age of 54. Woods was elected to his first term this past November, he was a decorated retired NYPD Detective and Combat Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan. At the time of his death, he was serving as Director of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Services program at Bridges. It was through Bridges that he hosted a monthly program here on WRCR called “Thank You For Your Service,” his final show was broadcast on April 22nd, and he helped educate veterans and those who know veterans about the services Bridges provides…
Woods also served as MC for last month’s “Carry the Load” event in Congers that honors war veterans, and he and Bridges helped honor our own Steve Possell with their “In My Shoes” award earlier this month. He is survived by his wife Jeanne, his son Ray, daughter Maggie, his mother, family and friends. Flags at Clarkstown Town Hall, all Town buildings and parks have been ordered to half-staff. A small memorial, with a condolence book, has been set up in the Town Hall Auditorium and will be open during normal business hours starting today for those who wish to pay their respects. Funeral service information has not yet been confirmed.
by Jeff Lewis
A body was recovered from the Hudson River near Stony Point after a person reportedly jumped from the Bear Mountain Bridge early Friday afternoon. That’s according to DailyVoice.com. New York State Police did not release the person’s identity and the investigation is ongoing.
School Elections Tuesday
Area school board elections and budget votes are being held tomorrow across the county. Check your local school district for polling places and times.
Report: State DEC in Piermont
The state DEC is keeping an eye on an oil slick recently spotted in the Sparkill Creek in Piermont. That’s according to News 12. They report area residents saw work crews dumping a liquid into the creek . Oil-absorbing booms have been placed in the water, which leads right to the Hudson River. In a statement, the DEC said they are continuing to monitor the situation.
Rockland Congressman Officially Launches 2024 Campaign
Rockland Congressman, Republican Mike Lawler of the 17th district, officially launched his re-election campaign in Haverstraw yesterday. Former Congressman Democrat Mondaire Jones will be seeking the seat as well. Jones served in Congress for a single term prior to Lawler. Two other Democrats have since dropped out of the race, former Bedford Town supervisor, MaryAnn Carr, and former Katonah School Board Member Liz Gereghty, she’s also the sister of Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer.
by Jeff Lewis
Statement from Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann:
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the unexpected passing of Town of Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods from an apparent heart attack at the age of 54. Councilman Woods was elected just this past November to represent Ward 1. He was a decorated retired NYPD Detective and Combat Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan. A graduate of the Citadel, from an early age Mark chose service to others as his life’s calling. Beyond his town government position, Councilman Woods was also currently serving as Director of The Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Services at Bridges, a non-profit in Rockland County. The entire Town of Clarkstown mourns Councilman Woods and offers prayers and deepest sympathies to his wife Jeanne, son Ray, daughter Maggie, his mother, family and friends.
The flags at Town Hall, all Town buildings, and parks have been ordered to half-staff. A small memorial, with a condolence book, has been set up in the Town Hall Auditorium and will be open during normal business hours starting Monday, May 20th for those who wish to pay respects to Councilman Woods. Service arrangements will be forthcoming and announced some time next week. The family is requesting privacy at this time.”