Maverick Concerts, host to the nation’s longest-running summer chamber music festival, is seeking local donors and staging a free open house this weekend after losing a key grant from the National Endowment for Arts for the first time in 15 years. The NEA rescinded its $35,000 grant last month, shortly after the Trump Administration released […]
News
Covers all current events, investigations, and updates.
Posted inNews
Hunter
Hunter Board Backs Joint Firehouse Plan With $1 Land Offer
In a symbolic step toward consolidating the Tannersville and Haines Falls Fire Districts, the Hunter Town Board on Monday voted to sell a parcel of town-owned land for $1 to be used for a shared firehouse as part of a new municipal complex. Mike Lucey, chairman of the Tannersville Fire District, said the two districts […]
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Judge Rejects Woodstock’s Effort to Dismiss Lawsuit by Officer Accused of Misconduct
A state judge rejected efforts by Woodstock to dismiss a lawsuit by police officer Philip Sinagra, telling local officials they must explain in court whether the town violated a 60-day deadline to lodge disciplinary charges against him. The ruling, issued by Ulster County Supreme Court Justice David Gandin on May 22, found that Sinagra raised […]
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Wittenberg Road Closed Through June 10 for Culvert Work
UPDATE: A section of Wittenberg Road, about 0.2 miles west of its intersection with Route 212, has been closed since April 29 for a major culvert replacement. A culvert is a constructed channel, often a pipe or tunnel, designed to direct water beneath roads, railways, or embankments. Ulster County DPW Bridge Engineer Andrew Emrich said […]
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In Hurley, a New Chapter for an Old Building
A former library at 44 Main Street in Hurley, long closed to daily traffic is getting a new lease on life. Hurley’s planning board voted unanimously on May 28 to approve a site plan and issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to transform the building into the Hurley Heritage Community Center. The project, estimated to cost […]
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Town of Saugerties Didn’t Properly Audit $2 Million of Credit Card Purchases, State Finds
The town of Saugerties failed to properly audit $2.1 million of credit card payments, didn’t adequately authorize or document most of its card purchases and violated its own purchasing policies, according to a state review of calendar years 2021 and 2022. The town’s board didn’t perform “a thorough and deliberate audit” of any of the […]
Posted inEnvironment
Catskill 3500 Club Marks Fifth Trail Stewardship Program With Outside Grant
The Catskill 3500 Club hosted its fifth trailhead steward season over the Memorial Day weekend, pushing forward with efforts to promulgate safe hiking and environmental stewardship as federal budget cuts stir concern. The club, formed in 1961 to note summiteers of the 33 accessible Catskills peaks above 3,500 feet, is supported this year for the […]
Posted inNews Analysis
Onteora Mulls Options After Voters Reject $70 Million School Consolidation Plan
Ben Fleisher remembers debates over school consolidation when he was a student at Onteora High School. Now 46 and raising children of his own in the district, the acupuncturist and Olive resident said this week’s failed vote to centralize students at a single campus in Boiceville reflects a deeper community rupture. “The community owes it […]
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Olive Free Library Wins $52K Grant to Build Makerspace and Art Hub
The Olive Free Library has been awarded a $52,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to develop a new makerspace and exhibition area in its lower level. Melissa McHugh, the library’s director and grant writer, said the funds will help transform the downstairs space by upgrading the flooring, ceiling, and […]
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Phoenicia Playhouse Receives $86,000 State Grant for Capital Improvements
The Phoenicia Playhouse has been awarded $86,000 by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to fund major upgrades to its 138-year-old theater. The money will cover the full replacement of the building’s heating and cooling system, installation of five mini-split units to provide climate control in audience and backstage areas, a new […]
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Shandaken
Shandaken Opens Public Hearing on Verizon Cell Tower Proposal
The Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing June 18 at 7 p.m. to consider Verizon Wireless’ request for a zoning variance to build a new cell tower in Phoenicia. Verizon is seeking a variance to expand the site’s permitted area by an additional 55 feet to account for slope and topography. […]
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Events and Lodging Law Up for Review
After years of revisions by local planners, a proposal to amend Saugerties’ zoning law on events and lodging is now up for public review. At its meeting Tuesday, the Town Board scheduled two public hearings—June 18 and July 16—to gather input on the proposed changes. The amendment updates a 1989 law and outlines specific requirements […]
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Overlook
Voters Reject $70 Million Onteora School Consolidation Plan
Area voters spurned Proposition 2 on Tuesday, rejecting a $70 million consolidation plan by the Onteora Central School District that officials had called crucial as enrollment declines—breathing new life into hopes that Woodstock can retain its elementary school, which has educated generations of children. The measure failed by a vote of 1,398 to 1,164, according […]
Posted inEducation
Onteora Vote Could Reshape District with Unified Campus
Voters in the Onteora Central School District will weigh in Tuesday on two propositions that could reshape the future of local education, including a plan to consolidate all K-12 students on a single campus in Boiceville. The first proposition is a proposed $63.5 million school budget for the 2025–2026 academic year, a 2 percent increase […]
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Saugerties Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Housing Project
A proposed 167-unit housing development in the Village of Saugerties has sparked opposition from residents who say it could disrupt the character of their neighborhood and worsen traffic, noise, and environmental conditions. The developer, Canoe Hill Road LLC, is seeking to construct a multifamily complex known as Country Meadows on a 22-acre site adjacent to […]
Posted inBreaking News
Woodstock
Oil Truck Crash Prompts Emergency Spill Response Near Sawkill Creek
Officials say swift action limited the environmental impact from a fuel truck spill.
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Woodstock
Former Grossman Estate Listed for $4.99M
The Woodstock property, once home to Albert and Sally Grossman, was the setting for Dylan’s “Bringing It All Back Home” cover and decades of musical history.
Posted inNews
Shandaken
Wellington Hotel Named One of Nation’s Most Endangered Historic Places
The 1882 Catskills landmark is in danger of collapse without $1.5 million in additional funding. Residents hope national recognition will help save it—and revive Pine Hill in the process.
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Hunter
Repairs Begin on Historic Platte Clove Bridge Near Bridal Veil Falls
Crews stabilize shifting 1895 stone arch bridge ahead of seasonal opening; full reconstruction slated for 2026
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$4.2 Million Federal Bridge Project on Hold in Saugerties
Town officials weigh whether to commit $600,000 in upfront costs for a bridge replacement largely funded by the federal government.
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Onteora High School Names 2025 Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Principal’s Award Recipient
Gavin Rice, Alexia Melendez, and Cocoro Asada honored for academic excellence and community impact.
Posted inEnvironment, News
Record Turnout for Tannersville Earth Day Celebration
Nearly 200 people joined the annual event, featuring gardening workshops, animal, and a call to environmental action.
Posted inEducation, News
Mock Crash Sends Stark Warning on Drunk Driving
In a visceral prom-season demonstration, students at Hunter-Tannersville Central watched classmates play out a fatal DUI crash
Posted inBreaking News
Woodstock
Stolen on Paper
A pink ribbon marked the beginning of a shocking discovery: forged documents, fake passports, and the unauthorized sale of a family’s dream property—part of a growing wave of real estate fraud targeting vacant land.
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Woodstock
The Woodstockers Who Speak for the Trees
In the lead-up to Arbor Day, Woodstock’s tree committee blends artistry and activism to defend the town’s trees.
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Saugerties Village Adopts 2025-26 Budget Amid Ongoing Fiscal Distress
Second straight year of increases reflects continued efforts to stabilize village finances.
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Tannersville Fire Chief and Wife Accused of $35K Pension Fraud
Stephen and Kelly Tuomey allegedly cashed benefit checks for a deceased relative for two years, officials say
Posted inNews
Hunter Grapples With Overflow Parking at Kaaterskill Falls
The Town of Hunter is again contending with severe trailhead congestion near Kaaterskill Falls, where parking lots along Laurel House and Scutt roads have been “packed the last several weekends,” according to Sergeant Robert Haines of the Town Police Department. Despite infrastructure upgrades and expanded parking, demand has routinely overwhelmed the lots that provide access […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Amenta Tapped as New Deputy Ulster County Executive
The longtime federal official and Phoenicia resident steps into the role as Johanna Contreras departs for Rep. Pat Ryan’s office.
Posted inPolitics
Woodstock
Erin Moran Runs for Woodstock Town Supervisor
Erin Moran, a Woodstock native, is seeking election as town supervisor, vowing to bring financial discipline, environmental stewardship and improved transparency to town government. “Whether you grew up here or moved here, we all are in Woodstock for a reason,” Moran said. “As supervisor, I look forward to coming together and making positive changes.” A […]
Posted inNews
Rise in Chemicals Prompts Water Worries
Woodstock residents raise health concerns as PFOS levels climb in town water.
Posted inNews
Sudden Closure of Samadhi Leaves Residents in Limbo
Financial disputes and management issues leave vulnerable residents uncertain about their future.
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Hunter Eyes New Town Hall
The Town of Hunter is laying the groundwork for a new Town Hall and Highway Department facility, a project still in its early stages. Town officials are working with Greta Hansen, principal architect at Wolfgang & Hite LLC, a New York-based architecture and design firm, to explore potential options. Hansen and the Town Board are […]
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Saugerties Man Arrested After Shooting Incident
A shooting led to the arrest of a local man, but social media misinformation fueled panic and confusion.
Posted inNews
Overlook
Federal Library Cuts Threaten Mid-Hudson System
Librarians across The Overlook Region warn that losing federal funding could disrupt services and halt critical operations.
Posted inEnvironment, News
Saugerties Preps for First Earth Day Week
Plans for Saugerties’ first-ever Earth Day Week are underway, thanks to a committee of volunteers who have been meeting since February to plan a series of immersive experiences, speakers, performances, and more. The week-long event, scheduled for April 22-27, is designed for all ages and aims to educate and inspire individual and collective actions toward […]
Posted inNews
Catskill Center Expands Platte Clove Preserve
The Catskill Center announced it has secured the final undeveloped site at the top of Platte Clove in the Town of Hunter, adding 3.6 acres to the existing 208-acre Platte Clove Preserve. The acquisition ensures the preservation of this scenic area while helping to manage visitor use for future generations. According to Catskill Center Board […]
Posted inNews
Overcharged and Overwhelmed
As billing complaints mount, residents across The Overlook Region say Central Hudson’s soaring rates and system failures are driving them into debt.
Posted inNews, Politics
Dr. Lee McGunnigle Wins Mayoral Race in Tannersville
Following a one-week delay in certifying the results, Dr. Lee McGunnigle has officially been declared the winner over Deputy Mayor David Kashman in the race for mayor of the Village of Tannersville. McGunnigle, who previously served as mayor for more than two decades, returns to office after losing a closely contested race to current Mayor […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Shandaken Supervisor DiSclafani Seeks Another Term
“I’m very proud of what’s happening here in Shandaken, and I am eager to continue on as supervisor,” DiSclafani said, praising the leadership of the current town board. Born in Saugerties, DiSclafani has lived in Shandaken for more than 30 years. He and his wife ran the Catskill Rose restaurant on Route 212 in Mt. […]
Posted inBreaking News
Hurley
Two Dead in West Hurley Explosion
Blast sparked brush fires and drew a multi-agency response across Ulster County; cause under investigation.
Posted inEducation, News
Onteora Board Approves Single Bond Proposition
If passed, the bond will fund renovations and upgrades at Bennett Elementary and Onteora Middle-High School as part of a district-wide centralization plan
Posted inNews, Sports
Lisa’s Run
A young runner organizes a race on March 30 in memory of her late mother to help families affected by cancer.
Posted inNews, Politics
Election Outcome Uncertain in Tannersville as Trustee Resigns
The results of the March 18 Village of Tannersville election remain undecided as absentee ballots will determine the outcome of a closely contested race. Voter turnout was significant, with 230 registered voters casting ballots, including 61 absentee votes already counted. However, the final results will not be known until all outstanding absentee ballots are tallied […]
Posted inNews
Hurley
Hurley Town Supervisor Michael Boms campaigns for another term
Hurley Town Supervisor Michael Boms says he is ready for another term, emphasizing the town’s finances, infrastructure upgrades, and leachate as his top priorities. Boms, who lived in Olive for 30 years before moving to Hurley in 2015, said he was dismayed to learn there was no reliable cable service—something his wife, a nutritionist, required […]
Posted inEnvironment, News
The Cost of New York City’s Water
Historian Diane Galusha will explore the sacrifice and legacy of the reservoirs a World Water Day talk on March 22 at the Morton Memorial Library in Pine Hill.
Posted inNews
Olive Sets $500 False Alarm Fine, Dog Leash Rule
Town board also launches flood study and opens seasonal job applications.
Posted inNews, Politics
Village of Tannersville Trustee Race Heats Up
Four candidates are competing for two open Village Trustee seats in a race that reflects renewed civic engagement following last year’s failed dissolution vote. The seats are currently held by Dylan Legg, who is not seeking re-election, and David Kashman, who is running for mayor against former Mayor Dr. Lee McGunnigle. The candidates are: Trustees […]
Posted inAgriculture, News
Amid Fed Cuts and Rising Costs, a Farmer’s Way of Life Holds On
As schools and food banks brace for federal cuts, small farms navigate rising costs and an uncertain future.
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Woodstock Tree Committee Chair Stays Another Year to Focus on DOT Sidewalk, Bridge Project
State transportation officials say $25M project to start in 2027.
Posted inNews
Overlook
Ulster County Lawmakers Delay $5 Million EMS Relief Proposal Amid Mounting Staffing Crisis
A $5 million proposal to help Ulster County towns cover emergency medical services costs was delayed in the county legislature this week, even as officials and providers warn that emergency medical services (EMS) systems are nearing collapse. The plan, introduced by Ulster County Legislator Jason J. Kovacs, chair of the Legislature’s Laws, Rules, and Government […]
Posted inNews
Village of Tannersville Board Passes Resolution to Amend Current Sewer Use Law
The Village of Tannersville Board passed a resolution on Tuesday, March 13 to amend their current sewer use law following a public hearing on the proposed revision that would require more property owners to connect to the municipal system. The Village Board passed the resolution unanimously, and it will now be presented to the Greene […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Saugerties Mayor William Murphy Runs Unopposed in March 18 Election
“When I took over for Mayor Yerick in 2010, I would have laughed if someone told me I’d still be mayor in 2025,” Mayor William Murphy said with a chuckle. “But I honestly love the Village of Saugerties more than anything—except, of course, my wife and kids.” Born and raised in the village, Murphy began […]
Posted inNews
Onteora School Community Mulls Over Centralization
The Onteora School District has put forward a $70.5 million project to centralize students on a single campus. While district leaders say consolidation will save money and improve equity, many parents remain heartbroken over the loss of community schools.
Posted inNews, Politics
Lee McGunnigle Runs for Tannersville Mayor, Citing Leadership and Revitalization as Priorities
Lee McGunnigle is no stranger to Tannersville’s local government. The former mayor, who narrowly lost his 2023 bid by a single vote, is running again—this time against Deputy Mayor David Kashman. McGunnigle, running as an Independent on the Friends of Tannersville ticket, said his campaign is driven by concerns over stalled projects and a lack […]
Posted inEnvironment, News
Tannersville to Cut Energy Costs with Solar-Powered Municipal Buildings
The Village of Tannersville is moving forward with a solar energy project that promises to cut costs and boost sustainability. Hudson Valley Wind and Solar, LLC has been secured as the engineering firm for the project, which is set to begin this spring. The $450,451 project stays within the Village’s $500,000 Downtown Revitalization Initiative allocation. […]
Posted inNews, Politics
David Kashman Runs for Tannersville Mayor, Prioritizing Infrastructure and Community Engagement
David Kashman, deputy mayor of Tannersville and a six-year village trustee, is running for mayor, emphasizing responsible economic development, infrastructure upgrades, and government transparency. He has been cross-endorsed by the Mountaintop Republican and Democratic parties and faces former Mayor Lee McGunnigle, who is running as an independent. A lifelong resident, Kashman owns The Last Chance […]
Posted inNews
Hurley Town Board Reviews Excessive Fees, Declares Long-Neglected Property Unsafe
Over a dozen residents—and one dog—attended the Hurley Town Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25., where concerns over excessive fees and lack of timely notification by the Planning Board dominated discussion. Three public hearings, covering separate properties, featured nearly identical complaints about thousands of dollars in unexpected charges incurred under the previous administration. Arizona Investissements […]
Posted inDevelopment, News
Woodstock Planning Board Takes Next Step in Zena Homes Review
The Woodstock Planning Board is moving forward with its review of the Zena Homes project, agreeing Thursday to hire independent environmental and traffic consultants to assess its potential impact. Developers seek to reconfigure lot lines, reduce the number of parcels from three to two, and expand Eastwoods Drive—the only current access road, which runs through […]
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Hurley Fire District Seeks $1.3M Bond for New Fire Truck
With costs rising, officials push for early approval despite concerns over delays.
Posted inNews, Politics
Barbara Mansfield Runs for Shandaken Supervisor, Citing Infrastructure and Communication as Priorities
“Grief felt like being hit by a truck,” Barbara Mansfield said. “But it transformed into action.” After losing her 16-year-old son Killian, to cancer in 2009, she channeled her energy into community-driven initiatives—helping secure grant funding for a natural playground at Glenbrook Park, creating a ukulele lending program in libraries in his honor, and running […]
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Woodstock
Road to Nowhere? Debate Deepens Over Zena Homes’ Future
Developers say the project will help address a housing shortage, while some residents fear it will disrupt their rural way of life, strain local infrastructure, and encroach on environmentally sensitive land. As the debate continues, the Woodstock Planning Board is set to review on February 20.
Posted inNews, Sports
Hunter-Tannersville Central Boys Ski Team Advances to State Championships
At the Section IV Delaware League Ski Championships on Wednesday at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, NY, the Hunter-Tannersville Central (HTC) Boys Varsity Ski Team claimed first place, securing a spot at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Skiing State Championships. The state finals, set for Feb. 24-25 at Gore Mountain in […]
Posted inNews, Politics
Journalist David Wallis Runs for Woodstock Town Supervisor, Pledges Transparency and Reform
David Wallis, a journalist and advocate for press freedom, is running for Woodstock Town Supervisor on a platform of transparency, affordable housing, and environmental action. At a Woodstock Democratic Committee meeting Wednesday, Wallis participated in what he described as a “vigorous debate” with party leaders. In a notable decision, the committee announced it would not […]