Jeff Lewis

Local leaders still have questions about the state’s plan approved last March to get into the marijuana business. New York’s governor last week announced that the State Senate has confirmed two appointments to lead the New York Cannabis Control Board and the Office of Cannabis Management. The two groups will create and implement the rules to govern New York’s cannabis industry, including the production, licensing, packaging, marketing and sale of cannabis products. Rockland Sheriff Lou Falco says there is still much to be figured out as legal sales of pot become a reality, particularly since there isn’t an equivalent test for marijuana as there is for testing drivers impaired by alcohol…

Western Ramapo and Orange County Assemblyman Karl Brabenec says while he’s supportive of medical marijuana, he’s not on board with the state getting involved in recreational marijuana sales…

The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act passed in March this year. The towns of Orangetown and Stony Point have already opted out of marijuana sales. Clarkstown is expected to be holding a public hearing in November.

The town of Ramapo is holding their annual September 11th memorial service on Sunday, the 12th. Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht says the event feature a candlelight vigil at town hall…

The event starts at 6pm in front of town hall, located at 237 Route 59 in Suffern.

WRCR’s own “Bryant Avenue” Bob Trivero, host of the “Doo Wop Dream Machine” Show, is headlining a 50’s-themed lunch fundraiser tomorrow for a group that helps rescue homeless and feral cats. Nixie Gueits is with the group “Four Legs Good”…

The fundraising event is being held tomorrow from 11AM to 2pm at Sparky’s Diner right here in Garnerville. The cost is $20. For more information visit their website, www.FourLegsGoodNYNJ.org. 

The New York State Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect, has been found in at least 19 counties in the state, including Rockland. Heather Hamman and Marcus Octaviano are members of the Conservation Corps of the Rockland County Cornell Cooperative Extension and both have been working this summer on their Spotted Lanternfly Invasive Species Project. Heather says in addition to the ailanthus trees, also known as the “Tree of Heaven,” the Lantern fly also attacks a wide variety of local crops…

Marcus says there have been a few seen locally…

Both were guests on last month’s StormWater Consortium show, heard the second Thursday of each month at 9:30. If you see a spotted lanternfly, take a picture of it, note its location, and send the information to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov. For more details about the Spotted Lanternfly, click here.

Ramapo residents and anyone with a dog looking to take their pooches for a swim can bring them to Spook Rock Pool on Sunday. Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht says the annual event is always a crowd-pleaser…

The Ramapo “Dog Swim-Paws in the Pool” event is being held this Sunday, September 12th from noon to 3:00 PM at the Spook Rock Pool on Spook Rock Road in Suffern. The cost for Ramapo residents is $5 per dog and $10 for non-residents. People will have to wear masks, you’ll written proof of the dog’s rabies shot, and they must be accompanied by an owner 18 years of age or older. You’re allowed two family members per dog, and ONLY dogs may go into the pool.