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The Rockland political world was rocked yesterday when long-time Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski announced he won’t be running for re-election in November, and already there’s a candidate ready to run for the seat. Zebrowski, a Democrat, has represented parts of Rockland County, primarily Clarkstown, Haverstraw and parts of Orangetown, since 2007. Haverstraw supervisor Howard Phillips, also a Democrat, told “The Morning Show” yesterday he tried to convince Zebrowski to stay…

Republican Assemblyman John McGowan of the 97th district, covering Orangetown and portions of Ramapo, told “The Morning Show” yesterday it’s a loss for the county, regardless of party…

Callers to “The Morning Show” had mixed reactions to the announcement…

Zebrowski told “The Morning Show” Friday he intends to stay active locally and in New York State, but he has no plans to run for office in the near future. Meanwhile, Clarkstown Councilman Pat Carroll, a Democrat, has announced that, after speaking with community leaders, he plans to run for Zebrowski’s Assembly seat. In a Facebook post, he said filling his shoes will be no easy task, and he hopes to build on Zebrowski’s “substantial achievements.”

A long-time Rockland State Assemblyman says he will not not seek re-election this November. In a statement released this morning, District 96 Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski says his ninth term in office will be his last. First elected when he was just 26, the 43 year-old did not say what’s next for him, but he did say “it is time for a new chapter” in his career and that he would “stay active locally and in New York State.” He comes from a very politically-involved family. His father, the late Kenneth Zebrowski, served in the same Assembly seat and as a Clarkstown Legislator. His sister, Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky, currently co-executive director of the New York State Board of Elections, previously served as the Democratic county elections commissioner and party chairperson.

Ramapo PD Arrest NYC Man on Burglary Charges
A New York City man faces charges of Burglary and Grand Larceny after being nabbed for allegedly stealing from some synagogues in the Ramapo area earlier this month. Ramapo Police Detective Lieutenant Christopher Franklin says 42 year-old Joel Jungries allegedly illegally entered several synagogues on Monsey Boulevard and Suzanne Drive. He was arrested Tuesday and hit with five counts of Burglary, Grand Larceny and other charges. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance pending future court appearance.

The Nyack school board decided last night to remove the name of a former varsity baseball coach from its scoreboard. That’s according to News 12. They also decided to scrap a scholarship and memorial tournament in former coach Dave Siegriest’s name. Two years ago the district settled a case in which a former player accused a former assistant coach of sex abuse dating back to the late 1990s. Criminal charges were never filed in the case, but Siegreist was in charge of the program at the time. He died of cancer in 2006 at the age of 46, and has since been accused of failing to protect his players from his assistant coach. His wife, Margaret, said he had no knowledge the abuse was happening and called the school board’s actions a vile assault on him.

As the sun comes out and temperatures warm a little, the opportunity for slippery sidewalks and roadways increase as snow melts and re-freezes. Rockland Sheriff Lou Falco says the phenomenon known as “black ice,” which we are expecting in our area tonight and into tomorrow, can be particularly hazardous…

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann says the highway department crews have been out a lot over the last few days…

Rockland County Executive Ed Day urges those who are out walking on the sidewalks to be extra careful, as a simple slip and fall can turn into a major injury very quickly.

No injuries reported after an early-morning fire in Piermont on Monday. News 12 reported the fire struck around 4:30am on Piermont Avenue, apparently beginning on the first floor of a three-story building. It reportedly took more than 45 firefighters from Piermont and the surrounding area to put out the blaze and provide mutual aid. It took about 30 minutes to get the fire under control, a challenge in the below-freezing temperatures. The fire does not appear to be suspicious.

Rockland DA to Prosecute Man for Alleged Hanukkah Machete Attack

Rockland’s District Attorney plans to prosecute the man being held in 2019’s Hanukkah machete attack in Monsey, but for now he’ll remain hospitalized, having been declared mentally unfit to stand trial. Last week, Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo signed an order keeping 39 year-old Grafton Thomas held at a psychiatric hospital for at least two more years. A spokesman for the D-A’s office says they are “committed to getting justice on behalf of Josef Nuemnann, and the others injured during this horrific attack. When the defendant is ruled competent, [we] will proceed with prosecution.” Neumann died of severe head injuries three months after the attack. He was 72-years old.

Nyack Schools to Discuss Removing Honors for Former Baseball Coach Tonight
The Nyack Public School board is expected to discuss the removal of a former varsity baseball coach’s name from facilities and events after being accused of ignoring sexual abuse allegations against one of his assistant coaches. That’s according to News 12. Cancer took Dave Siegrist 18 years ago at the age of 43. His name is now on a scoreboard, a scholarship and a memorial tournament. Though Siegrist has not been accused of any abuse, some former players are asking his name be removed. Siegrest has his supporters as well. News 12 says a petition urging his name be kept as tribute has been signed by about 1,200 people. The meeting is scheduled tonight at 6:30 at the Nyack High School auditorium, it’s also on Zoom.