Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Memorial services for Sergeant Nigel Barnett, a 19-year veteran of the New York State Police who died in a motorcycle crash on September 16, begin today with a wake from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McHoul Funeral Home in Hopewell Junction and a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Faith Assembly of God in Poughkeepsie.

On Sept. 18, a dog was rescued near Beacon station when a Metro-North engineer spotted it on the tracks—quick actions by the train crew and MTA Police led to its safe recovery and return to its owner.

Protect Our Power, a group of business and labor leaders, opposes a state plan to create the Hudson Valley Power Authority to run Central Hudson Gas & Electric — they say the public utility may hurt service and risk local tax revenue.

Employees of Optimum Cable, known as Altice USA, voted to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 363 in Harriman and received certification from the National Labor Relations Board as their exclusive representative—ensuring fair wages and strong benefits for the 2,000 workers covered.

A trial is underway in a New York court over the control of photographer Billy Name’s estate as his niece Suzette and last agent Dagon James dispute his valid will—each side claims undue influence in his final wishes.

A Kingston jury will soon decide who manages the legacy of the famed artist.

Hudson Valley Post analyzed US Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May to list the 26 highest paying jobs in New York State.

The list shows career options that helped residents make ends meet in an expensive market — a reminder for locals to explore promising paths.

A large harmful bloom of toxin-producing cyanobacteria has been seen in the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie to Columbia and Dutchess counties and experts warn that the microcystis bloom poses risks to people, dogs, and aquatic life while water treatment plants keep finished water safe. Local agencies and Riverkeeper have monitored the situation since early September and advise residents to avoid contact with the water—especially near Kingston Point Beach where warning signs are posted.

Today, the New York State Tax Department updated the timeline for homeowners to get their STAR credit by saying eligible residents in Wappingers started receiving credits on September 3 and will get them before school tax due dates—new homeowners must take the credit by check or direct deposit as the exemption is no longer available.

Imelda Muller, a former Navy lieutenant from Copake Falls, was named one of 10 NASA astronaut candidates during a ceremony on Sept.

22 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston—she will begin nearly two years of training for missions to the Moon and Mars.

Metro North will debut its new super-express trains on October 5 that cut travel time between Poughkeepsie and New York to under 90 minutes.

The Siemens Charger locomotives will reduce emissions by 85% and save commuters nearly 15 minutes each way as part of an 11-billion-dollar fleet upgrade.

Army is set to play East Carolina today at 7:30 p.m.—the team has not chosen a starting quarterback between Dewayne Coleman and Cale Hellums and faces challenges from injuries to key players.

Coach Jeff Monken said a shortened Wednesday practice will decide the starter before the team leaves New York for North Carolina.

Dutchess County Classic

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Dutchess Community College — Registration fees apply — Celebrate the beauty of the Hudson Valley with races for all ages at the 47th Annual Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club event.

An Evening With David Sedaris

8-9:30 p.m. — Bardavon — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of wit and humor from America’s beloved humor writer and storyteller.

Hudson Valley Speed Dating for Singles in Their 40s and 50s

7-9 p.m. — Zeus Brewing Company — Check website for ticket cost — Find your spark in a relaxed and friendly speed dating atmosphere.

MET Live in HD: La Sonnambula

1-4 p.m. — Bardavon — Cost info not provided — Experience the enchanting music of 'La Sonnambula' broadcasted live from the Metropolitan Opera.

Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy Live — Cult of the Rock Star Night

6-8:30 p.m. — Bardavon — Ticket required — Experience a double feature with Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl at a legendary theater.