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County Exec. Day: If the state legalizes marijuana, Rockland should exercise its “opt out” clause

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County Executive Ed Day Regarding the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana

“If there was ever any legislation that needed to be totally fleshed out and studied before being enacted, legalizing recreational marijuana is it.

While medical marijuana in non-smokeable form has been helping people who have pain, recreational marijuana is not a panacea and may in fact make things worse. We are at a point in history where we are trying to get young people away from drugs; putting a government stamp of approval on the use of drugs is ill-advised.

Health and safety concerns have been raised by the Rockland County Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Ruppert, who gave testimony against this legislation and by Sheriff Louis Falco. As a former law enforcement commander, I hear the concerns being raised by the law enforcement community loud and clear. It is critically important that our elected leaders in Albany take heed of these warnings as well.

If the state legalizes marijuana, I will ask the county Legislature to exercise its “opt out” clause in legislation proposed by the Governor.

This is not about tax dollars this is about the damage that could be caused by government saying it is okay to use this drug. With that damage comes costs, costs to law enforcement, to addiction support programs, to the people using this drug and their families and to our communities. Leaving the counties, local municipalities and residents of NY to pay the price while state government rakes in tax dollars is misguided and irresponsible.”

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Update: Rockland County YouthFest Returns March 29 at RCC

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Rockland County will host its annual YouthFest on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockland Community College.

The free, family-friendly event is one of the largest community gatherings in the county, bringing together more than 150 local agencies, organizations, and service providers focused on youth and family programs.

YouthFest offers a wide range of activities, including interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, performances, and hands-on experiences for children and teens. Families can also enjoy entertainment, games, and attractions throughout the day while learning about resources available across Rockland County.

The event is held in conjunction with Rockland County Government Day, giving residents an opportunity to connect with county departments and learn more about public services and programs.

Organized by the Rockland County Youth Bureau, YouthFest draws thousands of attendees each year and serves as a one-stop destination for families seeking information, support services, and recreational opportunities.

                                  Admission is free and open to the public.

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Frozen Toilet During Extreme Cold? What Homeowners Should and Shouldn’t Do

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With freezing temperatures expected across Rockland County, Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to take steps to prevent frozen and burst pipes, which can cause significant property damage and even lead to fires.

Officials recommend allowing faucets to drip slightly, especially overnight, to keep water moving through pipes. Residents should also open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.

Fire and Emergency Services advises keeping homes heated to at least 55 degrees, even when away, and insulating exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Residents are warned never to use open flames or unsafe heating devices to thaw frozen pipes.

If a pipe does freeze, officials recommend using a hair dryer or warm air to thaw it safely. Torches or other open-flame methods should never be used. A frozen toilet is inconvenient, but rushing the fix can turn a minor problem into major damage. Slow, careful warming is the safest solution, and professional help should be sought if the issue persists.

In the event of a burst pipe or water emergency, residents are urged to shut off the water immediately and contact emergency services or a licensed professional if needed.

Officials remind residents to stay warm, stay safe, and take preventative steps to protect their homes during extreme cold weather.

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