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Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alert for Rockland County for Monday into Tuesday

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1 year ago

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Rockland County, NY — Canadian wildfire smoke is once again impacting the Lower Hudson Valley, prompting a statewide Air Quality Health Advisory for Monday, August 4, due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an Air Quality Alert for several counties including Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond, and New York (Manhattan). The advisory is in effect from midnight Sunday through midnight Monday.

Air quality levels are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100, indicating that fine particulates (PM2.5) in outdoor air may reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
What This Means for You

The New York State Department of Health recommends that residents — especially young children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions — limit strenuous outdoor activities during the advisory period. Exposure to high levels of fine particulates can trigger asthma, respiratory distress, and other health concerns.

Residents experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort are urged to consult their healthcare provider.

Health tips during the advisory; stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, use air purifiers if available, avoid outdoor exercise or heavy physical exertion, monitor updates from local health and environmental agencies.

For more information about local air quality conditions, visit the NYSDEC Air Quality Index page at https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

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Government

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

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4 days ago

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August 9, 2026

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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.

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Government

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

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5 days ago

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August 8, 2026

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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?

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