Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Fire officials reported a rash of chimney fires (across Lake Carmel, Brewster, Putnam Valley, Garrison, North Highlands, Mahopac Falls, and Putnam Lake) and urged residents to have chimneys professionally cleaned yearly to prevent creosote buildup.

The reminder comes as cold weather drives increased use of heating systems.

On Presidents Day, many Hudson Valley shops and restaurants offered special sales as federal offices, banks, and post offices closed, with retail stores (including Walmart and Target) keeping regular or extended hours.

Residents took advantage of open services while running errands.

The Division of Consumer Protection warned locals to watch for romance scams after New Yorkers lost $42M in 2025—tips advise avoiding money requests and meeting online contacts in person.

State lawmakers urged the Public Service Commission to block NYSEG’s rate hikes as customers face bills nearly six times higher than before — signaling a crisis in affordability.

NYSEG representatives hold a town hall today at Carmel Town Hall in Mahopac from 4 to 7 p.m. to answer questions.

The FDA announced a Class II recall of 22,000 cases of single-serve peanut butter in New York due to blue plastic contamination (which may cause temporary health issues), affecting products from Ventura Foods and brands like Flavor Fresh and House Recipe.

Sue Mayo was honored on Friday at Valley Central for scoring 1,000 career points, with her brother giving her a commemorative ball; three other alumni were celebrated for joining this elite group — a milestone reflecting strong family and school support.

Poughkeepsie's own Clayton DeClemente crashed in the men's 1500m event at the Winter Olympics Saturday after a bump from a competitor, ending his medal hopes.

He will compete in next month's World Champs and resume training for the 2030 games after a short break.

The 2026 Hudson Valley Guns & Hoses Bravest vs. Finest Winter Classic will take place on Sunday, Feb.

22 at McCann Ice Arena at the MJN Convention Center (doors open at 1:30 p.m.) with a 2 p.m. face-off (free event with donations supporting first responder scholarships).

Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Marist Red Foxes Basketball

2-6 p.m. — James J. McCann Recreational Center — Pricing details unknown — Experience an exciting NCAA basketball clash between Sacred Heart and Marist.

Fleet Feet's Shamrock Fun Run

5:45 PM – 2:00 PM — 1895 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY — Registration required — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a fun run and earn exclusive SWAG!

The First Ever Famous Pickle Festival

12-6 p.m. — MJN Convention Center — Free for kids 12 & under — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with pickle tastings, lively music, and delicious eats.

St. Patrick's Day Paint Class

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — Cash bar available — Unwind with friends while painting a festive St. Paddy’s gnome and enjoying complimentary appetizers.