Harmful Algae Blooms, Bacteria Close These Putnam County Beaches
Several popular swimming areas in Putnam County have been temporarily shut down due to harmful algae blooms and elevated bacterial levels.
The closures affect a dozen lakes and parks across Putnam Valley, Carmel, Kent, Patterson, Philipstown, and other parts of the county, just as summer heats up and residents seek relief from rising temperatures.
The affected locations include:
North Beach, Lake Peekskill in Putnam Valley – Closed since June 5 due to harmful algae blooms;
Lake Casse Beach, Carmel – Closed June 26 for elevated bacteria;
Patterson Veterans Beach, Pa…
Drunk Driver Crashes ATV On Dutchess Rail Trail In LaGrange, Accomplices Then Hide It: Police
A drunk ATV crash on a rail trail in Dutchess County led to injuries and several arrests after police say two Hudson Valley men tried to cover up the scene.
The crash happened on Saturday, June 21, on the Dutchess Rail Trail in LaGrange, where troopers responded to a report of an All-Terrain Vehicle crash with injuries, New York State Police announced on Monday, June 23.
When they arrived, troopers found Putnam County resident Nicholas J. Hunt, 24, of Putnam Valley, and a 25-year-old passenger from Newburgh, both injured. Their injuries were non-life-threatening, according to po…
Arson Fire Destroys 3-Story Multi-Family Building In Southeast: Tenant Charged, Police Say
A man has been arrested and charged with arson after allegedly confessing to setting fire to his own apartment in a blaze that tore through a three-story building in Putnam County, police said.
The fire broke out Wednesday, June 11, at 8 Old Route 6 in the Town of Southeast. When New York State Police and emergency crews arrived, they found the multi-family structure—containing 10 apartments—engulfed in flames, police said on Thursday, June 12.
Following an investigation, tenant Brian Cronin, age 43, of Southeast, admitted to intentionally starting the fire inside his apartment, according …
These Westchester Cities, Towns Among Top 10 Safest In NY, New Report Says
If you're looking for peace of mind in New York, the Hudson Valley might be the place to be.
According to a new report by Safewise, several communities in the region were ranked among the 10 safest cities in the state for 2025 based on FBI crime data.
The list includes:
Bedford in Westchester County, ranked at No. 1:
Carmel in Putnam County, ranked at No. 2;
Rye in Westchester County, ranked at No. 3;
Hyde Park in Dutchess County, ranked at No. 5;
East Fishkill in Dutchess County, ranked at No. 6;
Scarsdale in Westchester County, ranked at No. 7;
Yorktown in Westchester County, rank…
