Four teens were arrested yesterday and charged with attacking pedestrians in the Monsey area over the weekend. The charges of attempted assault and reckless endangerment, both hate crimes, as well as weapon, conspiracy, aggravated harassment and endangering the welfare of a child charges were filed after complaints were made by several members of the Orthodox community. Ramapo Police say pedestrians reported being struck with projectiles from a passing vehicle, WABC-TV says they were BBs and eggs. Police say 19 year-old Cody Vascak-Katchmar of Valley Cottage, and 19 year-old Kristina Fogarty of Tomkins Cove, were arraigned yesterday. Vascak-Katchmar was being held on $10,000 bail while Fogarty was released on $2,000 bail. An unidentified 18 year-old, who was eligible for Youthful Offender status, was released on $10,000 bail, while an unidentified 17 year-old was released from custody to a parent pending a Family Youth Court appearance. Rockland Assemblyman Mike Lawler was pleased with the arrests and said all acts of anti-Semitism must be denounced.
Breaking News
Fallen Power Lines and Poles Close 9W in Stony Point
The Stony Point Police Department says Route 9W is expected to be closed most of the day today between Tomkins Avenue and Walnut Street as repairs are made following an accident late Monday. The accident and the rain storms reportedly took down several poles and power lines. Police suggest finding alternate routes.
Heavy Rain in Rockland Gives Way to Soaring Temps and Humidity
We got through yesterday’s storms and heavy rain, a tree did come down in Stony Point that blocked the entrance ramp to the Palisades Parkway for a few hours, but no injuries were reported. Unfortunately, today brings a new weather issue: the heat. Today promises to be a scorcher reaching into the 90s with more hot and humid days to come. There is a heat advisory in effect from the National Weather Service until Wednesday night, which means it’ll feel like the high 90s and even the low 100s. O&R’s Mike Donovan says there are ways to keep comfortable and save money on your energy bill…
You should also pull your curtains and shades closed during the day to help block out the sun and heat. Donovan says you can get customized energy savings tips from your online account at www.ORU.com/myaccount.
Ramapo Residents Warned of Rabies Exposure
Rockland health officials are warning residents in a specific area of Ramapo of possible rabies exposure. Residents who live near Union Road across from the Hempstead Elementary School, including Patricia Lane and Barrie Drive, may have been exposed to a rabid cat. The young, solid grey shorthair cat was captured by the health department on July 12th. We have a photo of the cat in this news article on our website. If you or someone you know has been scratched or bitten by this cat, please contact the Rockland County Health Department as soon as possible at 845-364-2594 or 845-364-8600 for after-hours staff.
For more information on rabies, just click the links below.
http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/environmental-health/rabies
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html
Supervisors, Legislator Express Concerns Over Rising Costs of Hi-Tor Shelter in Pomona
Rockland’s legislature and some town supervisors are concerned over skyrocketing costs of the new Hi-Tor Animal Care Center proposed for Pomona. The legislature had a vote scheduled to move the project forward earlier this week, but instead, Minority Leader Lon Hofstein says, after learning the costs have nearly doubled, they felt they needed more information…
Stony Point supervisor Jim Monaghan shares those concerns and says they need to consider other ideas…
Rockland County Executive Ed Day says construction and material prices have ballooned over the last 18 months. $8 million in county, state and private funds have been earmarked so far, but it’s now estimated to cost up to $17 million. The shelter has been in Pomona for about a half-century. A ceremonial groundbreaking event was held last October.