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The Highland Middle School will be closed for up to 12 weeks due to renovations prompted by a kitchen fire on March 20. The Highland School District is currently on spring break.

Remote learning returns

Highland Middle School students in the midst of an extended spring break learned Monday that they will be away from the classroom even longer than anticipated because of a fire last week in the …

After a heated campaign, Hembury wins Montgomery’s mayoral election

A tense campaign that spilled onto the social media pages and into the village hall meeting room has ended with Trustee Mike Hembury winning the mayoral election in the Village of Montgomery. …

New plan emerges for Showtime site

The project known as Newburgh Self Storage made an initial appearance at the Town of Newburgh Planning Board meeting Thursday, March 21. The project proposes a new self storage center at the Showtime …

Meadow Hill incident a concern for parents

Newburgh parents and residents appeared at the Newburgh Board of Education meeting on March 19 to discuss a student assault that took place at Meadow Hill School the previous week. On Friday, …

Highland faces $1.7 million budget deficit

In a fourth budget presentation, Highland’s Business Administrator Lindsay Eidel addressed the district’s $1,764,430 deficit in the proposed 2024-25 budget, again noting that the two main …

Montgomery begins the process of revitalization

On the heels of a successful $4.5 million grant application, the Village of Montgomery must now begin the process of planning to spend that money, but the first order of business was a small …

A Newburgh artist is remembered

Internationally known multi-media, figurative artist Gerado Castro passed away on Sunday, March 17th, of natural causes at the age of 56. This is a great loss to those in the art community. His life …

Meet Walden’s new treasurer

Jean Degon

Jean Degon, a 26-year resident of the Town of Montgomery, became the Village of Walden’s newest treasurer last month and has since been learning the ropes of her financing role. Here’s …

PBHS principal to retire in 2025

Pine Bush High School principal Aaron Hopmayer has announced his retirement from the Pine Bush school district following the 2024-25 school year. Hopmayer will be transitioning to principal of …

Local News

Gardiner man charged in hit-and-run death of SUNY student

The Ulster County District Attorney’s Office and the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office announce the indictment and arrest of Ty Kobelt, 33, of Gardiner. The Ulster County District …

Montgomery flashes shades of green on a gray day

Despite facing torrential downpours and gloomy skies, participants of the Village of Montgomery’s annual St. Pat’s Ramble marched proudly through the village street, shining their shades …

Local News

The hunt is on for Easter Eggs!

Bubbles everywhere.

The Towns of Newburgh and New Windsor welcomed the Easter season with their annual Easter egg hunts for families and friends. Residents enjoyed a day filled with fun, treats and community. The …

Shawangunk board honors Steve Schelin

Steven Schelin (far right) poses with members with the town board.

The Shawangunk town board opened its March 23 board meeting by honoring a resident with the first Dick Parker Community Service Award of 2024: Steve Schelin, a passionate town employee who manages …

Briefs

Volunteers needed for cemetery cleanup

This past week I attended a seminar by the New York State Division of Cemeteries which was both educational and rewarding. If you’re involved with a local cemetery, I strongly recommend you …

Around the Valley: Orange County

Gardiner Library hosts a Paleontology Program presented by the Hudson Highlands Nature Center on Saturday March 30, 1-2 PM. Meet Romeo the dove.

Easter Egg Hunt returns to Wallkill this Saturday Ready your baskets: The Wallkill Lions Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday, March 30 at 9 a.m. on the Walkill Public …

School News

Panthers moving up to AA, Vikings welcome new coach

Wallkill third baseman Mason Franklin throws the ball to first base as pitcher Chase Hermance ducks during a MHAL championship baseball game on May 13, 2023, at Cantine Field in Saugerties.

The Wallkill Panthers finished their most successful season in their history when they were beaten in 10 innings by Section 1 champion Walter Panas in the New York State Public High School Athletic …

PB girls seeking flag football gold

Pine Bush’s Ella Cancielliere runs the football during the Section 9  championship flag football game on May 24, 2023, at Goshen High School.

Flag football was the newest spring sport in the state last year, and it will only grow in its second year in Section 9, as two area teams are looking to improve on their debut seasons. The …

Tarsis is female wrestler of the year

Photo courtesy Patrick Sause
Pine Bush’s Brooke Tarshis is shown after receiving the Section 9 Female Wrestler of the Year Award at the Section 9 Banquet. Pine Bush coach Patrick Sause is at right.

Pine Bush’s Brooke Tarshis was voted the Section 9 Wrestler of the Year at the Section 9 Banquet. She also was recognized for placing third at the New York State Public High School …

It’s been a great few years to be a member of the Marlboro softball team. The Dukes continued their run as Section 9 champions and marched to the New York Public High School Athletic …
The Newburgh Free Academy softball team will enter the season with a new coaching staff but will feature a lot of returning players when they take the field for the 2024 season. Edwin Quezada …
Montgomery

VC passes capital proposition

The Valley Central school board passed a capital project resolution on March 18 calling for a variety of improvements in all district buildings. The $4.7 million capital project will come at no …

Saint Patrick’s Ramble is Saturday at 1 p.m. rain or shine

It’s ALMOST PARADE DAY!! On Saturday, March 23rd our Parade will kick off at 1pm rain or shine. Village residents, please be prepared for road closures during the time of the parade from …

Highland

Student project to beautify bathrooms

Highland High School Social Studies Chair Christina Saylor [L] has overseen senior Adrianna Youngren’s Capstone Project.

This year, Highland High School Social Studies Chair Christina Saylor has been teaching the Civic Readiness Program. She said this new class is an academic honor that students can earn from projects …

Highland refines 2024-25 School Budget

At the past few meetings the Highland School Board and administration has been refining the budget for the 2024-25 school year. At this point the draft budget for next year, without going over the …