Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

At several locations today and tomorrow, Lake Carmel’s Erin Scott leads a Dutchess BOCES team in the Polar Plunge fundraiser, with the Poughkeepsie event set for Sunday at noon at Eastdale Village + the three-day event supports Special Olympics New York and provides improved parking and viewing areas.

Eng's in Kingston, a family-run Chinese restaurant opened in 1966, was honored yesterday with the 2026 James Beard America's Classics Award + its longtime owners celebrated the recognition for offering home-style flavors that connect generations.

A new report from SUNY New Paltz shows one in 10 Hudson Valley households lost utility services due to unpaid bills, with Sullivan County at 15%.

Central Hudson Gas & Electric offers financial help + urges residents to check available assistance programs.

Seven lottery wins were announced in the Hudson Valley over the past week, with two $50,000 Powerball prizes and multiple TAKE 5 wins from Smokes 4 Less in Newburgh + a $30,704 prize from Hopewell Mart in Dutchess County.

A once-in-a-generation $93.8 million renovation of the Bear Mountain Bridge will begin this spring with pre-phase work on the south side before major work on the north side starts — the project will replace the deck, widen sidewalks for ADA compliance, and add four overlooks while keeping traffic flowing.

Gov. Hochul announced Feb.

25 that construction will begin this spring on a $93.8 million project to replace the concrete deck of Bear Mountain Bridge. The work will include widened sidewalks, improved drainage, scenic overlooks, and climb+ deterrent fencing, with completion slated for the end of 2028.

PQL recalled about 186,520 high bay linear LED light fixtures on Thursday, Feb.

26 due to a design flaw (degraded retaining pins) that led to a reported fire. Customers are advised to stop using the products and contact PQL for free replacement parts.

Royal Oak Enterprises announced a recall on Thursday, Feb.

26 involving 190,560 Flame Saber lighters sold at local major outlets because they lack required child-resistant features and proper safety labels; customers are urged to stop using them and contact the company for refund instructions.

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week starts Monday, March 2 and runs through Sunday, March 15, featuring three-course, prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner at over 100 restaurants across the Hudson Valley, including local favorites in Poughkeepsie.

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.