Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Barton Orchards in Poughquag offers a full fall festival with a five acre corn maze, haunted house, food trucks+pedal karts and pig races.

Families can also enjoy a Fun Park for kids along with over 24 apple varieties, three bars+cider donuts for a complete day out in Dutchess County.

On Monday, 72-year-old crossing guard James Montanino was fatally hit by a car while helping students cross a busy road near Smith Elementary School—Poughkeepsie city officials and district leaders will review safety measures by lowering speed limits, adding traffic lights, and increasing police presence while offering extra counselors for affected students.

PLAY Airlines closed down after cutting ties with Stewart International Airport—its board cited weak performance and low ticket sales—and ended all flights on Sept.

28.

Domestic violence resource groups in the Hudson Valley say hotline calls have increased and more people have fled dangerous homes.

Leaders at the Center for Safety and Change in Rockland and My Sisters' Place in Westchester worry that government furloughs may delay vital support—leaving survivors with fewer options.

At the Hudson Valley Apple Project in Ancram, Gidon Coll is reviving over 160 heirloom apple varieties and offering Saturday orchard tours by reservation to teach locals about apple history—featuring rare types like Frostbite that inspired modern favorites such as Honeycrisp.

New York State began mailing inflation rebate checks valued from $150 to $400 to over 8.2 million residents—IRS rules mean the refunds are taxable on 2025 returns.

Governor Hochul said no action is needed to qualify while state officials warn of scam attempts.

Attorney General Letitia James said a federal court stopped DHS from taking over $33 million in anti-terrorism funds meant for the MTA and Metro-North Railroad.

The temporary order was issued Wednesday—after DHS cut New York’s transit security funding to zero to allegedly punish the state for its sanctuary policies.

Gov. Hochul banned outdoor fires including brush burning, cooking fires and campfires on Oct.

2 to reduce wildfire risk, and the ban remains until Oct. 15 when the state DEC will decide if it continues—dry conditions have raised fire danger in several areas.

Empress Ambulance Service announced its purchase of NDP EMS—making it the largest EMS provider in the region.

The acquisition was finalized Tuesday evening and NDP employees began working as Empress on Oct 1 to continue honoring existing municipal contracts.

Rich Arnott offers his predictions for the Section 9 football matchups this week, saying Monroe-Woodbury will beat Middletown and Pine Bush should overcome Valley Central.

He also picks Beacon to win over Roosevelt and names other games where key players and strong defenses will shape the outcomes+ guiding fans on what to expect.

Marist football will face long-time rival San Diego on Saturday, Oct.

5 at noon ET at Tenney Stadium in Poughkeepsie—San Diego leads the series 14—1 and last season routed Marist 34—6.

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.

Paint & Sip Night at Crew Restaurant

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — Ticket required — Unleash your inner artist while enjoying wine and appetizers in a guided painting session.