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Statewide Burn Ban Issued by DEC Due to Elevated Fire Risk October 2 – 15th

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10 months ago

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a statewide burn ban effective from October 2 through October 15, 2025, in response to ongoing dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfires.

The temporary ban prohibits most outdoor burning, including:

  • Burning of brush or debris

  • Uncontained outdoor fires, including open campfires

  • Burning of garbage or leaves (already banned year-round in New York State)

Exceptions include small, contained fires such as:

  • Backyard fire pits under three feet high and four feet wide

  • Small, contained cooking fires

  • Charcoal and propane grills used safely

The DEC will reevaluate conditions prior to the October 15 expiration to determine if the ban needs to be extended.

These conditions are the result of continued low rainfall, low humidity, and gusty winds. Since August, DEC Forest Rangers have responded to 64 wildland fires across the state.

Water Conservation Urged

In addition to fire safety precautions, residents are encouraged to conserve water whenever possible to support firefighting efforts and maintain critical supply levels.

For the latest updates and fire danger maps, visit the DEC website at dec.ny.gov.

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

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2 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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4 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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