THE MAN WHO ONCE WAS THOUGHT TO BE A LEADING CONTENDER FOR THE PRESIDENCY OF FRANCE IS BACK IN LEGAL HOT WATER. DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN, THE FORMER HEAD OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND IS BEING HELD FOR QUESTIONING BY AUTHORITIES IN FRANCE WHO ARE INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS OF A PROSTITUTION RING HEADQUARTERED IN A NORTHERN FRENCH CITY. STRAUSS-KAHN’S DETAINMENT IS PART OF A WIDER PROBE INTO SEX PARTIES FINANCED BY CORPORATE EXPENSE ACCOUNTS. STRAUSS-KAHN MADE HEADLINES LAST SPRING WHEN A MAID AT THE SOFITEL LUXURY HOTEL CHARGED HIM WITH SEXUALLY ASSAULTING HER. THE MAID IS PURSUING CIVIL CHARGES AGAINST D-S-K AFTER THE CRIMINAL CASE UNRAVELED.

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY, PRIMARY VOTES WILL BE CAST IN TWO STATES — ARIZONA AND MICHIGAN — AND IT WILL BE A TEST OF THE STAYING POWER OF RICK SANTORUM, THE FORMER SENATOR FROM PENNSYLVANIA WHO’S BEEN RESURGENT IN THE POLLS OF LATE. MITT ROMNEY’S ALLEGED INEVITABILITY WILL ALSO BE CHALLENGED IN NEXT TUESDAY’S VOTE. FELLOW CHALLENGERS RON PAUL AND NEWT GINGRICH WON’T BE COUNTED OUT, EITHER. GINGRICH, FOR HIS PART HAS TRIED TO TAP IN TO THE PAIN THAT AMERICANS ARE FEELING ONCE AGAIN AT THE PUMP, CLAIMING THAT IF ELECTED, GINGRICH WILL FIND WAYS TO BRING THE COST OF A GALLON OF GAS BACK DOWN TO A LEVEL OF 2 DOLLARS. IF THAT SOUNDS JUST A BIT FAMILIAR, MICHELLE BACHMANN MADE THE SAME CLAIM WHEN STILL A CANDIDATE HERSELF LAST SUMMER.

A REPORT IN THE ALBANY TIMES UNION QUOTES A DEMOCRATIC ASSEMBLYMAN WHO CO-CHAIRS A TASK FORCE CHARGED WITH DRAWING UP NEW LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS AS SAYING THAT EACH MAJOR PARTY HAS COMPLETED A DRAFT MAP OF THE NEW DISTRICTS AND COULD BE VOTED ON AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK, THAT IS IF THE PROPOSED MAPS OFFERED BY REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS CAN BE MERGED, SAYS JACK MCENENY.

HIGHER COSTS FOR ENERGY – SPECIFICALLY CRUDE OIL AND ITS BY-PRODUCT GASOLINE — ARE THREATENING TO DRAG THE ECONOMY BACK INTO THE MIRE IT’S JUST BEGINNING TO PULL ITSELF OUT OF. A BARREL OF CRUDE IS ONCE AGAIN CHANGING HANDS FOR OVER 100 DOLLARS, AND THE SUPPLIES OF CRUDE FOR U-S REFINERS OF GASOLINE, COMBINED WITH TENSIONS BETWEEN THE WEST, IRAN AND SYRIA ARE PART OF THE REASON PUMP PRICES HAVE JUMPED 15 OR MORE CENTS IN A MATTER OF WEEKS, THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR A GALLON OF 87 OCTANE REGULAR UNLEADED NOW AT THREE DOLLARS FIFTY-FIVE CENTS A GALLON.

IN ANOTHER ENERGY STORY, WORD IS STILL BEING AWAITED FROM THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION ABOUT THE MILLENIUM PIPELINE COMPANY’S PLANS FOR WESTERN ORANGE COUNTY. THOSE PLANS INITIALLY HAD INVOLVED — AND MAY STILL INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF A COMPRESSOR STATION IN THE TOWN OF MINISINK. MILLENNIUM’S ORIGINAL ROADMAP FOR BUILDING AT A SITE ON JACOBS ROAD ANTICIPATES THE BUILDING PROCESS TO TAKE NINE MONTHS, WHICH MEANS THAT IF THEIR TIMETABLE OF BEING ON-LINE AND IN SERVICE BY NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER CAN BE REALIZED, SOMETHING HAS TO HAPPEN, AND SOON. OUTCRY FROM MINISINK RESIDENTS HAS FORCED MILLENNIUM TO LOOK AT ALTERNATIVE PLANS FOR A SITE ALONG THE PIPELINE IN THE TOWN OF DEERPARK TO LOCATE A COMPRESSOR STATION.

THERE’S ANOTHER SCHEDULE IN PLACE FOR SOMETHING ELSE TO HAPPEN LATER THIS YEAR. THAT WOULD BE A VOTE BY THE FULL ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATURE IN EITHER APRIL OR MAY WITH REGARD TO THE FUTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT CENTER. NOT TO PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE, MIND YOU SINCE THERE ARE TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS HAPPENING NEXT MONDAY ABOUT THAT VERY SUBJECT. BUT BETWEEN NOW AND THOSE VOTES BY THE FULL LEGISLATURE — WHETHER THEY HAPPEN IN MAY OR APRIL — A LOT COULD HAPPEN. ONE OTHER DETAIL ON THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE WILL BE THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE ED DIANA, SET TO HAPPEN (3/5) ONE WEEK AFTER NEXT MONDAY’S PUBLIC COMMENT SESSIONS.

***

Headlines provided by Bob Schaeffer for WALL Radio 1340 AM
Mark West in the Morning with Bob Schaeffer and Chris Mitchell

Ticket Link-

NY’s Mission: Improv-able is high-flying death-defying comedy without a net!
…
Seasoned improvisers David H Cohen and Alan Angevine will host a competition of epic proportions featuring some of the newest and best young talent in the Hudson Valley. Teams will meet up in a comedy death match you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy an evening of comedy for the low low price of $15 ($10 with a valid student ID)

If you like Who’s Line is it Anyway you’ll LOVE this show!!!!!

Learning to live with a dog was quite an adjustment. “You need to cage him”, I was told. So I bought a crate. Max hated it so much that he would try to gnaw his way out of it and get a bloody mouth. I tried leaving him in the laundry room thinking it would be better because it was a room. He tried to dig his way out of it. To this day there are scratch marks on the back of the door and a worn out spot of the linoleum floor. He wasn’t quite 10 lbs but he was a determined little pup.

Next try was the gate. I gated the living room. There are Max bite marks on the window sill. What was a mother to do? I gave up and decided he was born free and meant to live free.

Then my daughter Alicia was born. We were told to bring home a blanket she slept in at the hospital. We had about 2 months to get Max used to Alicia’s scent since she was born premature, always healthy but tiny and just had to grow before going home. What a heart wrenching time that was.

We were nervous since Max was the center of our world who now how to share it with a baby. Max fell in love with Alicia from the moment we brought her home. When she slept in the cradle, Max would sleep next to it. There is a precious photo of Alicia sleeping on a blanket on the floor with Max curled up next to her.

We are currently pet-free and my only experience of pet ownership was cage free. So when a reader sent in a question concerning a pet crate and decorating, I am clueless. Max E Million the Papillion refused to be caged. But help is on the way!

PAGE 2

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence across the State. The initiative includes leveraging $2 million to develop community specific anti-gun violence strategies, launching a targeted advertising campaign, supporting effective community based violence intervention programs, and creating a toll-free tip line to encourage citizens to report illegal firearm possession.

“For too long, urban communities across New York have been devastated by gun violence, destroying families and neighborhoods,” Governor Cuomo said. “Although the crime rate in New York State has dropped 60 percent, making it the safest large state in the country, we must do all we can to stop the violence and make sure our residents are protected and our streets are safe. These initiatives will give communities the tools they need to effectively fight gun violence and reduce crime, making the state a safer and better place to live for all.”

This initiative is a part of the Governor’s larger urban agenda to aggressively support the implementation of community-based violence reduction strategies involving both the police and the community. The Governor’s plan includes four innovative strategies to reduce gun violence across the State:

Creating Community Specific Anti-Violence Strategies: The Governor is awarding $1 million dollars to six communities – Newburgh, Albany, Schenectady, Brownsville, the Bronx and Manhattan, that are most impacted by gun violence to develop strategies to reduce it. Two prominent academics who have focused on crime and gun violence, Professor Tracey Meares of Yale University and Professor David M. Kennedy of John Jay College, will work with the localities to implement this strategy. They have employed strategies in other jurisdictions that have reduced crime dramatically.

Launching Advertising Campaign: The Governor will launch a state-wide advertising campaign focused on reducing gun violence. The campaign will utilize several tools that will target and encourage changes in behavior that will reduce violent crime. The campaign is expected to launch in the spring of 2012.

Supporting Effective Community-Based Programs: The Governor is committed to continue funding community-based programs that have demonstrated effectiveness and a record of success. The Governor recently awarded $700,000 to support anti-violence intervention (also referred to as the SNUG program) in five communities including Yonkers, Albany, Niagara, Harlem and Brooklyn. Based on a public health model of violence intervention, the program funds “violence interrupters,” often ex-offenders who identify potential disputes and try to de-escalate. The program managers are required to submit results by the end of the fiscal year.

Creating A Toll-Free Gun Tip Line: Individuals in communities with persistently high rates of gun violence will now have access to a dedicated hotline to report illegal guns. The Governor announced today the launching of a toll-free number 1-855-GUNS-NYS (486-7697) that will provide follow-up on caller information regarding the location of an illegal gun. Rewards will be determined based on the value of the lead.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “For too long, the response to gun violence has been to incarcerate offenders far from their home communities, and with ever-stricter penalties. Though crime rates have gone down, more must be done to rid this blight from our neighborhoods and our state. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his bold new initiative to reduce gun violence and look forward to working with him to ensure a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”

Senator Bill Perkins said, “The fight against gun violence must start now – right here in our communities. I thank Governor Cuomo for launching this initiative that will help take illegal guns off the streets and make our communities a safer place. We cannot wait any longer – too many lives have already been destroyed by guns. We must work together to make sure our streets and cities are no longer afflicted by this devastating issue of gun violence.”

Assembly Member Karim Camara, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus, said, “This is the most significant initiative by any federal or state elected official to gun violence. We have seen too much gun violence in our neighborhoods and now is the time to say enough is enough. By working together with Governor Cuomo, we will put in place these important strategies – tailored to the specific problems in each community – that will help reduce gun violence and take firearms off the streets. Our inner cities must be a safe and protecting environment for our children and families, and I thank the Governor for his leadership and hard work on this initiative.”

Tracey Meares, professor at Yale University, said, “This new approach is based on promoting our communities’ confidence in the legitimacy of the law and aims to reduce crime through changing offenders’ behavior for the long term. We’ve seen significant declines in violent crime in other cities, and I look forward to working with these new partners to implement similar strategies in their communities.”

David M. Kennedy, professor at John Jay College, said, “By focusing community outreach, help, and where necessary, enforcement on the small number of core offenders who drive the crime numbers, we can reduce violence while at the same time limit the number of people we lock away in prisons. National experience has shown that this approach makes neighborhoods dramatically safer and creates stronger communities.”

Greg Jocko Jackson, community leader with the Brownsville Partnership, said, “By putting in place community-specific solutions to combat gun violence, Governor Cuomo is taking the lead in making our inner city neighborhoods safer for all. It is important that each affected area launch a strategy that is tailored to their specific needs and unique problems, and that is why this program launched by the Governor has the potential to continue New York’s leadership in finding solutions to reduce gun violence.”

Richard S. Hartunian, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York: “I applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership in taking guns off the streets of inner city communities in New York. For too long, gun violence has hurt our cities and taken the life of too many young people, and we must find new ways to reduce the proliferation of firearms. These initiatives put in place by the Governor hold promise to meaningfully reduce crime and gun violence, and I look forward to continuing to work together to make our state a safer place for all.”

Janet DiFiore, President of the New York State District Attorneys Association, said, “New York State must take the lead at getting guns off our streets, and I praise these new initiatives launched by Governor Cuomo to reduce gun violence. We have seen the lives of too many young New Yorkers ruined by gun violence, and the Governor is right to lead this effort. We will continue to work together to make our urban centers a safe place for all New Yorkers.”

Mechanicville Police Chief Joseph D. Waldron, president of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, said, “These gun-reducing initiatives launched by Governor Cuomo will be an important tool for law enforcement officers as we work to fight gun violence. Certain communities in New York have been disproportionately affected by gun crimes and it is important for these areas to be given the resources they need to take guns off the streets. We thank the Governor for leading these initiatives and look forward to working together in our continued efforts to protect New Yorkers.”

Aaron Lewis of STAIND

Aaron Lewis rose to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Staind, whose #1 albums include Break the Cycle, 14 Shades of Grey and The Illusion of Progress. At his UPAC debut, Aaron will present a solo, acoustic performance, playing the band’s hits including It’s Been Awhile, Outside, and So Far Away, in addition to taking requests from the audience.

$44 Adults
$39 Members

****

CESAR MILLAN- The Dog Whisperer, Friday, April 6 at 8pm at UPAC

Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan

The world’s most renowned dog behavior specialist will share his secrets on how to transform dogs and their owners in this unique and new live event that has wowed audiences across the US, UK, Canada, & Europe. Fans and dog lovers alike will be inspired by the simplicity of “Cesar’s Way” as he reveals that the secret to happier, healthier relationships between humans and their canine companions starts with transforming ourselves. Includes Q and A.

$90 Gold Circle & VIP Meet & Greet

$55 Adults

$50 members

***

GORDON LIGHTFOOT-Folk Legend, Friday, May 11 at 8pm at UPAC

Folk Legend Gordon Lightfoot

Bob Dylan said of Gordon Lightfoot’s music, “Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever.” Since his emergence from the Toronto folk club scene in the ’60s the master songwriter who penned If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald  has released 20 albums and has composed hits for artists ranging from Dylan to Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand and Harry Belafonte.

$65 Gold Circle
$49 Adults
$44 Members

Purchase your tickets in person at the Bardavon Box Office, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, 845.473.2072 or in person at the UPAC Box Office, 601 Broadway Kingston, 845.339.6088 or online at Ticketmaster: 800.745.3000. Please note that Bardavon Member benefits are not available through Ticketmaster.

A short time later this department was dispatched to the Tri-State Shell in Westfall Township for a second armed robbery that had occurred.  The victim described the same male who entered the store and pulled out a hand gun pointing it at the victim and demanding money.  The suspect then fled in a similarly described car with an excess of $1,000.00.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Eastern Pike Regional Police at 570-491-4040.

The officers then assisted a 60 year old Newburgh resident that had suffered two large lacerations to the head. This man told officers that Kniffen had struck him with the saw and threatened to kill him and cut off his head. The man was transported by Mobile Life Support to St Lukes Cornwall Hospital for treatment. A 39 year old Newburgh man also received minor injuries to his arms while trying to prevent the attack.

Kniffen has been charged with Assault in the Second Degree, a felony.

“It’s my privilege to welcome RJ to County Government,” said County Executive Diana. “He is a life-long resident of Orange County and comes from a family that can trace its roots back to our County’s earliest days. He is widely known for his generous spirit and commitment to the people Orange County both personally and professionally. I look forward to working with RJ on behalf of the residents of the 18th Legislative district and all those who live in Orange County,” continued County Executive Diana.

County Clerk Donna Benson lead the swearing-in ceremony for Orange County’s newest legislator, Richard J. “RJ” Smith. He was joined by wife Lizz, Bridget Boniface and friend Zoe, as well as (back row) Ryan Boniface, Brandon Boniface, Mary Smith, and Richard Smith.

“The Orange County Legislature extends a warm welcome to RJ,” said Michael R. Pillmeier, Chairman of the Orange County Legislature. “With a number of significant projects under way and a full Legislative calendar, he will hit the ground running. We’re happy to have him on board and welcome his expertise,” continued the Chairman. “Congratulations to RJ on his swearing in.”

Mr. Smith was sworn in by County Clerk Donna Benson. His wife Lizz, standing by his side, held the family bible that dates back to 1699. He was joined by his parents and children for the swearing in ceremony at the Legislative meeting.

“La Grange utilizes the services of a separate Bond Council as well as financial advisors with expertise in the municipal bond market. Working with those professionals has placed La Grange in an advantageous financial position” Stated Town Supervisor Jon J Wagner “We have taken the steps needed to consolidate several existing bonds and as a result have saved the taxpayers a great deal of money” he added.

The Town will realize an estimated $927,923.21 in total savings on debt service over the next 14 years due to these consolidations. “Due to our sound fiscal practices, La Grange has maintained an excellent bond rating which positions us to realize very low interest rates.” Wagner continued.

“Moody’s Bond Rating Service has investigated us, interviewed the Supervisor, Comptroller and explored the facts surrounding LaGrange’s fiscal status. Moody’s placed our rating once again at Aa2 after that investigation. We are currently seeing bond rates below one percent in some cases as a result” Wagner continued.

“La Grange will continue to employ the best financial practices to ensure that we are diligent stewards of our taxpayer’s hard earned money. We have an excellent Comptroller, financial staff and financial consultants. Nothing is done in a vacuum. This is a team effort with a simple goal; safe, conservative handling of taxpayer dollars.” Wagner concluded

U.S. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, M.D. (NY-19) today announced she hold a town hall meeting Wednesday, February 22, 2012, in Westchester County, to discuss important issues facing residents of New York’s 19th Congressional District.  Somers Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy will join Hayworth at the discussion forum.

Congresswoman Hayworth’s town hall meeting is open to the public, and additional details are provided below. For more information, please call Hayworth’s district office at (845) 206-4600.

Who: Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, M.D. (NY-19) and Somers Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy

What: Town Hall Meeting

When: Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Somers Town Hall, 335 Route 202, Somers, NY 10589