HVNY News + Notes

Jul 1

Written By HVNY

*A large maple branch fell and knocked over one hive but spared the rest here at the HVNY Apiary in Salt Point after a line of strong storms came through the Hudson Valley on Sunday afternoon.*

Following the severe storms resulting in power outages Sunday afternoon, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp will distribute dry ice and bottled water on a first-come, first-served basis beginning, July 1, starting at 10:30am.
Bottled Water & Dry Ice Distribution:
- Home Depot (Dutchess Mall), 450 Route 9, Fishkill
- Tops Friendly Market, 6726 Route 9, Rhinebeck
Central Hudson expects all remaining Dutchess County customers to have electric service restored Monday evening by 10pm with some individual locations anticipated to be restored sooner. Residents should exercise an abundance of caution around downed power lines by staying at least 30 feet away and remember that downed lines can become entangled and hidden in fallen limbs. Residents should also remember to assume any downed power lines are live.
From July 1 through September 2, 2024, all Bee-Line buses in Westchester County, including ParaTransit, will be fare-free, providing residents and visitors with a convenient and cost-effective transportation option throughout the county. Regular fares will resume on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. This initiative is part of Westchester County’s ongoing efforts to support local communities, ease transportation costs for families, and encourage the use of public transit. With the summer season bringing increased travel and numerous events across the County, fare-free Bee-Line buses aim to make getting around easier and more affordable for everyone. [ Source: https://www.westchestergov.com/home/all-press-releases/10155-free-bee-westchester-county-executive-george-latimer-announces-return-of-free-bee-line-bus-rides-for-summer-2024 ]

Starting July 1, qualifying Dutchess County older adults have an opportunity to improve their nutrition while supporting local farms, thanks to New York’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. To qualify, a Dutchess County resident must be at least 60 years of age and receiving benefits through public assistance, SNAP, HEAP, or Section 8 housing. Alternately, an older adult may qualify if household income is below 185% of US poverty guidelines. To find out more about qualifications, call OFA during business hours at 845-486-2555 or email ofa@dutchessny.gov. Residents of low-income housing complexes may be able to find out more about SFMNP from their residence manager. [ Source: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Aging/Docs/OFA-Aging-News-July-1-2024.pdf ]

Various police agencies throughout the region will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving to coincide with the national Independence Day holiday. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign effort starts on Wednesday, July 3 and will run through Sunday, July 7, 2024. Municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths during this period. Nationwide, July 4th is the second-deadliest holiday for drivers and passengers on U.S. roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2017 and 2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period; 38 percent of those motorists killed were intoxicated.