Government

Sparky’s Diner Waitress Recognized for Heroic Actions Saving Choking Customer

Published

3 years ago

August 29, 2023

GARNERVILLE, NY – The following was posted by Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips:

I had a wonderful opportunity this past Wednesday to recognize a young lady who works as a waitress at Sparky’s Diner and without hesitation saved a person who was choking on food last week. Helen Medina, who is studying to be a nurse, jumped into action when she saw one of the customers choking. She immediately applied the Heimlich maneuver which cleared the woman’s throat. We presented Helen with a Distinguished Service Award and flowers for her courage and quick thinking. Thank you to Jeannie Nicolakis who brought this to our attention. We were joined by her father and sister who also work at Sparky’s. We wish Helen the greatest success in pursuing her degree to become a Registered Nurse!

Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

Published

7 days ago

August 9, 2026

rocklandreport

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

Published

1 week ago

August 8, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?