Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, join host Brett Freeman for today's weekly editorial roundup. Dumas begins by talking about goose culling at the Mahopac Lakes, describing how geese poop over the area and create health hazards, especially on the beachfront, and explains the different methods of reducing the goose population. He also notes that some people, like Town Councilwoman Suzanne McDonough, oppose the practice, calling it animal cruelty. Dumas then reports on the proposed downtown revitalization project, and the Mahopac Fire Department Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa's Visit on Friday, December 3rd, 2021.

Marschhauser describes his pursuit of a story with a South Salem resident, Pamela Schoenberg, who appeared and went far in the TV show/competition Jeopardy, and recalls other people from Hudson Valley who featured in popular TV shows like Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and Man v. Food. He also details the December 2nd Bedford Playhouse event, a special invite-only screening of the film Jockey, which soon comes out in theaters, and advises that he will have an interview and Q&A with Clifton Collins Jr., an Academy Award-nominated actor starring in the film.

The group ends by discussing solar farms being developed in residential areas, the law that approved this on large properties, and the practice of cutting trees for solar farms.

Episode Highlights:

●  Two editors from the Halston Media team join today's roundup - Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News.  

●  Dumas reports on the goose culling practice in the Mahopac Lakes.

●  The health hazards created by geese in the Mahopac Lakes.

●  Methods of reducing goose populations.

●  Opposition to the goose culling from Town Councilwoman Suzanne McDonough and other people labeling the practice animal cruelty.

●  Butchered geese sent to homeless shelters for food.

●  The proposed downtown revitalization project will have three working drawings, including the new municipal parking lot next to Tompkins Mahopac bank, the Swan Cove Park, and new sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and diagonal parking in the business district.

●  Park sidewalks will be wider and more crosswalks so it's not so dangerous to go from one side of the road to the other.

●  The Mahopac Fire Department Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa's Visit on Friday, December 3rd, 2021.

●  Putnam County Business Council grant awards.

●  Brian’s pursuit of a story with a South Salem resident, Pamela Schoenberg, who appeared and went far in the TV show/competition Jeopardy.

●  Pamela went up against a really great champion who had won nine days in a row and gave her a run for her money.

●  Other people from the community on Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and Man v. Food.

●  Brian will be moderating a Q&A at the Bedford Playhouse on Thursday, December 2nd.

●  The December 2nd Bedford Playhouse...

Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, are back again this week to join host Brett Freeman for the weekly editorial roundup. Brian starts things off by delving into the fallout from the use of a racial slur by a Republican district leader, as well as some holiday activities taking place in Yorktown and surrounding area.

Tom goes on to share some town budgeting and Schoolhouse Theatre news, some upcoming community events, and the State Championship football game. Bob then chimes in with information regarding parent protests, a potentially politically motivated investigation into the Election Commissioner, and the dedication of a bench to a developmentally delayed gentleman. He also reveals details regarding some upcoming events, and reviews the declaration by a local Assemblyman that he is not seeking reelection. 

Finishing up with the story of a well deserved induction into the New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame, Brett and the gang offer their valuable perspective on all these topics and so much more as they provide yet another informative and thought provoking roundup here today.

Episode Highlights:

●  Three editors from the Halston Media team join today's roundup

●  Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News

●  Marschhauser begins with the fallout of the Republican district leader and Councilman Vishnu Patel in Yorktown.

●  The annual Turkey trot that takes place Thanksgiving morning benefits local food pantries through Senator Murphy

●  The menorah lighting was organized by the Chabad of Yorktown at the Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field.

●  The menorah and Christmas tree lighting in Katana & at Lewisboro.

●  The Candy Cane runs, where the fire departments go around handing out Candy Canes in different neighborhoods.

●  The return of Yorktown's holiday electric Lights Parade.

●  In North Salem, the public hearing regarding the tentative budget for the town of $11.4 million this year, representing a 12% increase over the current budget.

●  The budget also incorporated a 3% pay increase for town employees, and the health insurance costs went up by a little over 12%.

●  The budget appropriated $500,000 for repairs and renovations to the Schoolhouse Theater, which was acquired by the town of North Salem recently and is to be used as a senior center and community use.

●  The Schoolhouse Theater is partnering up with the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden putting on a performance of a play called ‘Canticle’.

●  The Elephant Hotel that's hosting Santa and his elves, and then the town Christmas tree lighting

●  The Tuskers football team is one game away from the State Championship

●  A fascinating story about parent protests

●  The other big story is an investigation into a Republican Election Commissioner by a Putnam County sheriff regarding possession of a forged instrument.

●  The contentious race for Putnam County Sheriff

●  Ken Schmidt heading the...

Jonathan Schneider is a local business owner, the name of which, due to its strict compliance department’s regulations, cannot be shared here today. He also happens to be Brett’s best friend, a fact that is clearly evident as, together, they engage in a lively conversation that covers a vast array of topics in this latest episode of Hudson Valley Uncensored.

Everything from the history of the press to current events such as the Rittenhouse trial to the Black Lives Matter movement are discussed in this wide ranging conversation. Jonathan and Brett also delve into the topics of media, religion, the January 6 Capitol attack, woke culture, cryptocurrencies, and the latest tax system legislation, among many others. A thought provoking conversation between two highly knowledgeable individuals, delivered with the ease and openness that one only finds between the very best of friends, today’s episode is as entertaining as it is informative - one you definitely don’t want to miss.

Episode Highlights:

·   Brett Freeman and Jonathan talk about media as the most unregulated industry in America protected by the First Amendment above the right to bear arms.

·   Highlights and examples of mutual respect between the British and American soldiers that acted nobly, from the TV show Turn which is about the spy network of George Washington.

·   The Kyle Rittenhouse case and its contrast with George Floyd and Black Lives Matter.

·   In an article about Kyle Rittenhouse, Tucker Carlson writes, "Where is the governor? He was under too much political pressure to protect his own people. Talk about cowardly, blaming a 17-year old who shows up because the city his dad lives in is on fire and wants to do something. He shouldn't have been there in the first place. He shouldn't have had to have been there. The adults should have been there. They're the cowards."

·   The difference between Christians and messianic Jews; lessons and relevance of the New Testament.

·   Jonathan shares a story about an email filled with misinformation from a veteran organization.

·   Highlights from the January 6 United States Capitol attack trials.

·   Scrutinizing the police shooting, or rather murder, of Daniel Shaver.

·   The issue of harmful discretion. Creating a powerful movement through open discussion where people understand different points of view, upbringings, experiences in life.

·   The likelihood of being put down for being a rioter in Putnam County.

·   The '90s was the beginning of PCU (Politically Correct University).

·   The evolution of the woke culture and its influence.

·   The media as journalists, community cheerleaders, and salespeople.

·   Gun violence as reported by the media.

·   Analyzing the high rate of inflation in the country, its outcomes, and workarounds.

·   Outlook on cryptocurrencies and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) in today's economy.

·   Prediction for when people can no longer claim a tax refund for getting their credits from the child tax credit ahead of time.

·   The nightmare of claiming the Rebate Recovery Credit (RRC).

Quotes

"I don't remember when I was a kid growing up, but I always feel like I heard my father talk about Walter Cronkite, and this is the nightly news. And it was really just...

Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, join host Brett Freeman for today’s weekly editorial roundup. Walogorsky begins with a recap of several Veterans Day events that were held in North Salem and Somers. He talks about the recent release of both town budgets, the latest in local sports, and shares a feel-good story involving a woman who gave birth at home unexpectedly with the help of Westchester emergency responders.

Next Marschhauser gives an update on Yorktown sports and the development of a new restaurant in Katonah. He breaks down the very troubling story of GOP district leader Tom Pomposello directing a racist slur toward Councilman Vishnu Patel on election night. The group talks in great detail about potential fallout from this incident, whether it speaks to a larger issue at hand, and Marschhauser reflects on how the story has been picked up nationally.

Finally, Dumas discusses upcoming vaccination clinics for children between the ages of 5 and 11 in Putnam County and touches on recent traffic safety issues in Mahopac.

Episode Highlights: 

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join today’s roundup 
• Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News
• Walogorsky begins with Veterans Day events in North Salem and Somers
• North Salem and Somers town budgets, 0% home tax increase, update on local sports
• Feel-good story about a woman who went into labor and gave birth at home in Somers - Mom and Baby were recently reunited with the Westchester emergency responders who helped with the delivery
• Marschhauser gives an update on Yorktown sports and the development of a new restaurant in Katonah
• Updating zoning codes to help encourage business
• Troubling story about GOP district leader Tom Pomposello directing a racist slur toward Councilman Vishnu Patel on election night
• The Town Board collectively decided to end its partnership with Pomposello’s non-profit organization, CCM of Westchester, which runs the five-day Feast of San Gennaro every September
• This story has been picked up nationally and not all of the facts have been represented properly
• Dumas discusses upcoming vaccination clinics for children ages 5 to 11
• Traffic safety issues in the Danbury area

Quotes

“For Somers, there was actually a 0% tax increase, which is good for the taxpayers.”

“The baby was coming, so members from our Westchester Emergency Services responded, and a local state trooper, and they actually had to deliver the baby at home in Somers.”

“They're going to repurpose that old firehouse building and it's got this cool distinct look.”

“When you see the video and you hear it, it takes your breath away a little bit. The way he says it. It's just filled with such anger toward [Councilman Vishnu Patel].”

“I got my statements from the Republicans. Obviously, they

On today’s editorial roundup, Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, join host Brett Freeman to discuss the exciting results of November 2’s election, voter trends in the Hudson Valley, and how these compared to national outcomes. The group also looks into Democratic/Republican breakdowns across municipalities, the tendency for people to vote based on personality in local politics, and how the pandemic may have affected voting this year. 

Finally, you’ll hear about a special commemorative event being held in Somers for Veterans Day on November 11, and Dumas tells the panel about his upcoming interview with singer-songwriter Amanda Ayala, a Westchester native whose career has taken off since performing a memorable rendition of “Mississippi Queen” on Season 9 of The Voice.

Episode Highlights:

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join today’s roundup 
• Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News
• November 2 election results and Democratic/Republican trends
• Tendency for people to vote based on personality in local politics
• Yorktown will be governed by an all Republican town board beginning January 1
• North Salem election was uneventful with all contenders running unopposed 
• Somers was a much more competitive race
• Early voting among Democrats versus Republicans
• Veterans Day Parade being held in Somers
• Upcoming feature on local singer-songwriter Amanda Ayala, who competed on Season 9 of The Voice

Quotes

“In some towns, there is a pretty big Democratic/Republican gap in towns like Yorktown...But you're starting to notice in a lot of these towns, there were just a ton of unaffiliated voters.”

“Lewisboro has 4000 Democrats, 2500 Republicans, and then another 2700 non affiliated voters.”

“The town council race was just incredibly close. The top three candidates were all within 100 votes of each other.”

“I think people voted kind of on personality.”

“I thought Langley, being the incumbent and having run a pretty tight ship, would win, but he got only got 43% of the vote. McConville got 57%, so it was a pretty decisive victory.”

“Bedford was a clean democratic sweep. It wasn't that close.”

“I don't know how much pull Matt Damon has with the Bedford voters - apparently not very much.”

“Yorktown, starting on January 1, will be governed by an all Republican town board, 5-0.”

“Republicans for one reason or another were better at winning over those non-affiliated voters.”

“Some people put in 40 hours a week for this part-time job. And some people put in five hours a week and work that one night.”

“It's interesting to note that just because you're a Republican, you don't

Reporter Nick Trujillo of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times joins Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, as well as Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, for this week’s editorial roundup with host Brett Freeman. Trujillo begins with the sudden and tragic loss of Emily Rose Storm, who died by suicide on October 10. Trujillo also talks about the “Festival for Our Future,” which was held at the Lewisboro Town Park, and gives an update on the 2022 budget for Yorktown, as well as the appointment of new assistant superintendent in Lakeland, Dr. Tracy Norman.

Next Walogorsky tells the panel about a possible new business development in Somers as well as the mixed responses this proposal is receiving from residents, then touches on a number of fundraising events being held in North Salem. The show concludes as Dumas breaks down preliminary budgets put forth in Carmel, the recent revitalization of the Fairways & Gateway Summit project, and how the pandemic has affected home designs for builders and architects moving forward.

Episode Highlights:

• Reporter Nick Trujillo of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, as well as Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, join today’s weekly editorial roundup to discuss current news and headlines
• Sudden and tragic death of Emily Rose Storm, a transgender first responder who called the Katonah-Lewisboro area home and was formerly known as Nicholas Arthur Kapla
• A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Emily’s sister, Valerie Kaplan, has raised over $43,000
• You can also support Emily’s family by contributing to the Trevor Project
• “Festival for Our Future” was held in Lewisboro on October 23
• Yorktown 2022 Budget update
• Appointment of new assistant superintendent in Lakeland, Dr. Tracy Norman
• Possible new Tractor Supply Co. in Somers and mixed responses from residents
• Fundraisers in North Salem
• Carmel budget update, tax rates
• Real estate inventory has dried up, revitalizing old housing projects like the Fairways & Gateway Summit
• More people are working from home, which builders and architects are now factoring into their designs and plans
• Supply chain crisis and its impact on pricing, availability

Quotes

“[Valerie Kaplan] wanted to celebrate Emily's life and her legacy. It seemed like they were so loved in the community, and the outpouring of...

Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, and Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, join today’s editorial roundup to discuss local news and headlines in the Hudson Valley with host Brett Freeman. They begin with the latest on upcoming town elections in great detail, the most controversial and heated races, as well as the dangers of having one-party dominance in local government. 

Next Walogorsky details several grant applications taking place in North Salem to help with upgrades and infrastructure improvements, and Marschhauser discusses a possible new age-restricted development in Yorktown. The panel talks about housing and rental cost issues in the area, and finally, they agree that we could use a resurgence of good old fashioned skating rinks and bowling alleys in this day and age.

Episode Highlights:

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join the show today to discuss current news and headlines 
• Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News; Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; and Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record
• Town elections and early voting
• Election Day is November 2; early voting is available from October 23 to 31
• Democratic versus Republican make-up in local towns
• Value of having both parties involved
• Race for Putnam County Sheriff has become heated and nasty at times with incumbent Bob Langley fending off challenger Kevin McConville
• Tax rate breakdown and possible drop
• North Salem races are completely uncontested, whereas Somers elections are much more eventful
• Information on early voting can be found here
• Somers is applying for a Community Development Block Grant to help with upgrades and infrastructure improvements
• Flooding issues in the Peach Lake area of North Salem
• Tractor trailer accident in North Salem
• Marschhauser discusses proposed new developments in Yorktown
• Senior population in Yorktown has increased by 18% from 2000 to 2020, while the age group 25 to 34 has decreased by 15%
• Cost of housing and rentals are both increasing 
• Old Dutch Mill is now an abandoned windmill structure, and there is a proposed new development there as well

Quotes

“Shockingly, the town that is usually the political hotbed of the ones that I cover has been Yorktown. In years past, a lot of mudslinging. A lot of fighting. This year has been pretty quiet actually.”

“It's been kind of wild to see over the last few weeks, how we go from one to two letters to the editor per week, to this most recent issue, I had 18.”

“I, for one, am very excited for it to end. It gets a little muddy around this time of year.”

“I think it's never healthy to have an all one-party board in our towns. And I actually think it does a disservice to the party that's in power because they can get kind of lazy.”

“[Bob Langley] is the incumbent, so he has the advantage. I have a gut feeling that he's going to win, but my gut isn't always...

On today’s editorial roundup, Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, and Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, join host Brett Freeman to discuss the early retirement of Mahopac School District Superintendent, Anthony DiCarlo, the release of a private conversation recorded between Putnam County Sheriff Bob Langley and Carmel Town Supervisor Kenneth Schmitt, and this year’s local budget season. You’ll hear about upcoming Halloween events in the area, and Walogorsky gives listeners an update on the collaboration between North Salem and Somers regarding infrastructure and future development.

Next Marschhauser touches on his latest controversial stories, including the sudden resignation of Lakeland School Superintendent, Brendon Lyons, his interim replacement, 

Episode Highlights:

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join the show today to discuss current news and headlines 
• Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News; Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; and Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record
• Mahopac School District Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo’s early retirement
• Private conversation released between Putnam County Sheriff Robert Langley and Carmel Town Supervisor Kenneth Schmitt
• This year’s local budget season
• Halloween events in Mahopac (Trunk or Treat, Halloween party, and Harvest Festival at Sycamore Park)
• Updates to infrastructure for North Salem, Somers, and Croton Falls
• Sewer expansions and sports stories in North Salem and Somers
• Upcoming celebrity wedding in North Salem
• Lakeland superintendent, Brendon Lyons’ sudden resignation
• Dr. Karen Gagliardi voted in as interim superintendent of the Lakeland Central School District

Quotes

“[Mahopac School District Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo] had some medical issues earlier in the year where he missed about a month. And that combined with all the stress of dealing with running a school district during the pandemic, I think just piled up on him.”

“Apparently, about a month ago, a private conversation between Carmel Supervisor Ken Schmitt, and [Putnam County Sheriff Robert] Langley, was recorded by the sheriff's department, and then that recording not too long after ended up on social media.”

“It turns out he broke no law. I talked to the DA about this, and you're allowed to do that as long as one party, and this is state law, as long as one party knows it's being recorded.”

“[Kevin McConville] has tried to make this a huge issue. And I'm not sure how much traction it’s gaining.” 

“We got a bunch of Halloween events coming up. There's the

Joining today’s editorial roundup are Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, and Carol Reif, reporter for The Somers Record and North Salem News. They discuss the story of Lakeland Superintendent Brendan Lyons’ recent resignation, vandalism in North Salem, future planning for Croton Falls, and Reif breaks down every twist and turn of her recent celebrity interview. You’ll also hear an update on varsity sports in Somers, nationwide supply shortages, and how these have trickled down locally.

Episode Highlights:

• Host Brett Freeman is joined by Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, and Carol Reif, reporter for The Somers Record
• Lakeland Superintendent, Brendan Lyons, recently resigned
• Vandalism in North Salem
• Future of Croton Falls and upcoming planning
• Apple picking in North Salem brings on additional traffic, but also questions around infrastructure
• Reif shares her story of a recent celebrity interview
• Varsity teams in Somers have had a great year
• Nationwide supply shortages have trickled down to Somers as demonstrated by bus driver shortages

Quotes

“I was still quite a bit taken aback by [Brendan Lyons’] resignation just because his words and actions didn't seem like those of a man who was ready to give up the fight and walk away.”

“School districts have always been weird when it comes to transparency for the most part… I always believed in tackling issues head on. That's my style of transparency.”

“They are going to be developing a master plan and a capital projects plan, and looking for community input about what gets you excited, about what the future could hold for Croton Falls.” 

“We're in the middle of apple picking season, which always brings a lot of revenue, but it also brings a lot of problems into North Salem with traffic and people looking for places to eat.” 

“Carol has been chasing this story down through every twist and turn and I feel like every time we would talk about it, there would be a different development.”

“The majority of the varsity teams in Somers have been having a very good year.”

“If [bus drivers] found another gig while you couldn't be driving for the school district, maybe you're just sticking with that.”

“One of the things that might be problematic is they might have to combine routes and they’ll have to put more kids on the school buses.”

Links:

Halston Media Group website

Today’s editorial roundup features Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, and Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times. Dumas and Marschhauser join host Brett Freeman to discuss local news and headlines, beginning with the story of Con Ed moving some electrical wires underground in Yorktown, as well as an upcoming project to bring sewers to 315 homes in the area. Marschhauser also talks about the ongoing debate regarding the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative in the Lakeland School District, and celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Support Connection organization, which provides  emotional, social and educational support to women, their families, and friends affected by breast and ovarian cancer. 

Dumas discusses his new profile on Carmel resident Joe Cunningham, who has developed a new app that connects contractors and customers together called “Got Work”. You’ll also hear about some exciting events that are returning to Mahopac-Carmel following the pandemic, updates and improvements being made to Croton Falls, a small hamlet in the town of North Salem, and a poll for Somers residents to make their voices heard on plans for wireless infrastructure. The show ends with a more detailed conversation about the equity versus equality debate in Lakeland, and how we can navigate this discussion in a respectful, civilized manner at the local level.

Episode Highlights:

• Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, and Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, join this week’s editorial roundup
• They begin with a story about Con Ed moving some electrical wires underground in Yorktown
• Yorktown is also bringing sewers to 315 local homes
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team in Lakeland - some argue this is Critical Race Theory in disguise
• Freeman commends Marschhauser on his impartial commitment to covering these issues at the local level
• 25th anniversary of Support Connection organization, which provides breast and ovarian cancer support
• They’re having a “Walk Wherever You Are” fundraiser on Sunday, October 3
• Dumas shares the story of USA Drains in Carmel, NY, owned by Joe Cunningham 
• Cunningham developed an app called “Got Work”
• The pandemic has pushed forward a lot of innovation and is changing certain things for the better
• Mahopac-Carmel Annual Street Fair is returning after being cancelled last year
• TYathalon for the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation has also returned this year
• “Back the Blue” police prayer walk in support of law enforcement
• “Psycho Circus” haunted house event is a fun, free Halloween attraction
• Plans for Croton Falls, NY, a small hamlet in the town of North Salem