Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

The USMC and NY State Police Troop K teamed with K104FM to collect toys for the annual Toys for Tots campaign, helping over 5,000 Hudson Valley children have a joyful holiday.

Volunteers sorted donations at Pleasant Valley Fire Department to ensure each child received an appropriate gift.

The Pandorica Restaurant in Beacon has received community support to upgrade its kitchen — funds secured in a GoFundMe campaign helped avoid an immediate shutdown and rework its menu to meet new building codes.

Owner Shirley Hot said the fundraiser remains active to fund further improvements and expand tea service.

Volunteer firefighters in Dutchess County responded to multiple fire and EMS calls on Christmas day, including a call for a small house fire after 8:30 p.m. on Ketchamtown Road (the blaze was quickly put out and the homeowner was warned against unsafe burning practices).

New Year's Eve events will take place across the mid-Hudson Valley, offering family-friendly dinners, dance parties, and live music at venues from Newburgh to Poughkeepsie.

Residents can choose from countdown celebrations and special dinners on Dec. 31 to ring in 2026.

The minimum wage for Hudson Valley workers will rise on Jan.

1, 2026 to $16 per hour in most areas and $17 in NYC, Westchester and Long Island. Future raises will be tied to inflation starting in 2027 to help workers keep up with rising costs.

The National Weather Service explains differences among winter storm warnings, watches, advisories, freeze watches and freeze warnings as residents face heavy snow and icy roads today, and officials urge drivers to check specific alerts (to be safe) before traveling.

As heavy snow fell Friday night, DPW crews cleared Main Street near the Grand Rehabilitation Center, but a maintenance worker used a snowblower to deposit snow on the roadway + a practice that violates city ordinance.

Officials stress that sidewalks must be cleared without endangering drivers.

Flu cases have surged in the Hudson Valley after Westchester County reported 3,845 cases for the week ending Dec.

13 and more than 113,000 cases have been confirmed statewide since October. Health officials urge residents to get vaccinated at local pharmacies and clinics.

Local sports in 2025 brought exciting moments as Zack Short signed a minor league deal with the Yankees, Eldred ran to the state championship, and several Renegades managers reached MLB, sparking community talk in schools and delis as residents look ahead to 2026.

O’Neill football coach Dave Moskowitz retired after seven years coaching local players while battling multiple myeloma.

He said his fight continues with 70% remission and a planned stem cell transplant in February — a legacy of perseverance and support in local sports.

New Year’s Celebration at Noon

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum — $12-$18 — Celebrate 2026 with music, crafts, science demos, and a lively countdown to noon.

Paint & Sip Night at Crew Restaurant & Bar

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — $35 — Unleash your inner artist while sipping your favorite drink and making colorful memories.