Government

Staying Safe During Winter Hikes Days Are Cold And Short

Published

1 year ago

January 21, 2025

Winter days are short and cold, and winter nights are long and even colder. With the sun setting just after 4:00 p.m. this time of year, it’s very important to plan your hike accordingly, so you’re not racing the sun to get to shelter.

Here are some tips to prevent getting lost in the woods and stuck in the dark:

Rather than using your cell phone flashlight, always bring a headlamp or flashlight (preferably two, with extra batteries).
Learn to use a topographic map, GPS, and compass, and carry them with you. Many people get lost because they don’t trust the readings on their compass. GPS units have become very affordable and can be extremely useful; however, they only aid in navigation and must be used with a compass and map. Knowing your GPS coordinates may be of little help if you cannot figure out which way and how far you need to walk to reach safety.
Pick out landmarks that are easy to find at the end of the day. For example, if you hunt or hike south of a road that runs east-west, then you know that by walking north, you will eventually come to the road. Keep these kinds of landmarks in mind before and during your trip, especially when light is dwindling toward the end of the day.

For more info on how to avoid getting stranded or what to do if you are, visit DEC’s Lost In The Woods webpage.

DEC’s Hike Smart NY can also help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your next hiking trip with safety and sustainability in mind.

Government

New York State DMV Offices Closed Feb. 13–17 for System Upgrade

Published

4 days ago

February 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will temporarily suspend all in-person and online services due to a scheduled technology system upgrade, officials announced.

The system update will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13, at which time all DMV offices statewide will close. Offices will remain closed through Tuesday, February 17. During this period, online transactions and phone services will also be unavailable.

All DMV services are expected to fully resume at the start of business on Wednesday, February 18.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and complete any urgent DMV transactions prior to the closure. Additional information is available on the DMV’s website at dmv.ny.gov.

Government

Rockland County Issues $42K in Penalties After 51 Violations Found at Spring Valley Property

Published

4 days ago

February 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW CITY, N.Y. — The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes has assessed approximately $42,000 in penalties against property owner Joel Friedman of Spring Valley after inspectors identified 51 building and safety violations at 18 White Street.

The inspection took place on January 22 at the request of the Spring Valley Police Department, following a 911 call related to the death of a child at the residence. The child’s death remains under investigation. County officials said there are no known facts at this time indicating the condition of the structure contributed to the death.

The property is certified as a two-family residence, which is not subject to routine inspections under state law. County officials said inspectors were authorized to enter the property after police reported evidence of an unlawful conversion.

Inspectors found that the garage, basement, and second floor had been illegally converted for residential use, contrary to the building’s Certificate of Occupancy. Uninhabitable areas were found to be occupied, with doors and windows boarded up.

Among the violations cited were:

Alterations without permits
Unsafe electrical conditions
Blocked or obstructed exits
Missing or non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Presence of combustible materials
Unlawful changes to use and occupancy

Officials said additional hazards included unsafe wiring and the use of hot plates and portable heaters.

County officials confirmed that no children were present during the inspection and that this was the first inspection request ever received for the property, with no prior violation history.

The County also addressed social media claims suggesting the property was operating as an unlicensed daycare, stating there was no signage, licensing, or other visible evidence to support that allegation.

“This tragedy underscores the importance of code compliance and community responsibility,” said County Executive Ed Day, urging residents to report unsafe conditions in properties not subject to routine inspections.

Edward Markunas, Director of the Office of Buildings and Codes, said the violations posed “serious life-safety concerns.”

The County confirmed that Child Protective Services is involved and continues to work with law enforcement as appropriate.

Residents can report building and code violations to the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes at 845-364-3700 or obcmain@co.rockland.ny.us.