Dutchess County Government

𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙏 𝘾𝘼𝙇𝙇 to apply for the Deputy Sheriff & Police Officer civil service exam -- the deadline is this Friday, August 9th, visit dutchessny.gov/jobs to apply! The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office is hosting a series of FREE test prep courses all summer for those looking for a little extra study time. The next sessions this month are Saturday, August 10th 10am-1pm, or Wednesdays, August 14th & 28th 5:30-8:30pm. Register to participate by emailing [email protected]

More than 110 participants, representing 24 agencies, took part in a comprehensive, full-scale Active Shooter Hostile Event Response (ASHER) training exercise, coordinated by Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, today at Arlington High School in the Town of LaGrange. The training exercise was part of a multi-faceted training series to enhance preparedness and ensure integrated response capabilities from local emergency responders, school staff and community members.

With Arlington Central School District (ACSD) students at the school this morning for summer activities, organizers limited today’s drill to one specific area of the school, and it did not interfere with student activities. The district had also alerted families and community members in advance of the training event. Learn more: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/45937.htm

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) has confirmed a positive rabies test in a beaver captured after being observed at the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area in the Town of Red Hook on Aug. 6, 2024.

Residents and visitors enjoying Tivoli Bay for paddleboarding and other activities should be aware of their surroundings and be cautious for any wildlife acting aggressively.

If any individual or any domestic animal has had recent direct contact with a beaver in the area or unusual interaction and direct contact with wildlife in this area, please call DBCH as soon as possible at (845) 486-3404, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or (845) 431-6465 on nights and weekends. Immediate treatment after potential exposure to rabies is crucial.

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect the central nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making early intervention essential. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites or scratches. Immediate medical attention following potential exposure is crucial to prevent the onset of symptoms.

DBCH reminds residents not to approach non-domesticated animals. If residents see an animal acting strangely, or if they, their pet or someone they know gets bitten by, or has an open wound exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a domestic or wild animal, call DBCH immediately.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino today announced $237,300 in grant awards to 21 nonprofit agencies to provide a variety of developmental opportunities to young people under the age of 21 through the New York State Youth Development Program (YDP). These grants, ranging from $6,000 to $20,000, promote positive youth development by advancing the well-being of youth. Learn more: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/45935.htm

Earlier this week, County Executive Sue Serino visited Pat's Place, a youth transitional housing facility in Poughkeepsie operated by Hudson River Housing which offers comprehensive on-site services, including individualized care plans, on- and off-site education and employment opportunities, and workshops on daily living, money management, and more. Dutchess County contributed $1.4 million in HOME American Rescue Plan funds to help HRH purchase and renovate Pat's Place, which can house up to 12 individuals, ages 18 through 25, who may be at risk for homelessness. Learn more about Pat's Place on HRH's website: https://www.hudsonriverhousing.org/pats-place

Through New York State’s Youth Sports and Education Opportunity grant funding, County Executive Sue Serino announced today awards totaling $63,734 to seven nonprofit agencies to provide a variety of sports opportunities to young people, ages 6-17, in under-resourced communities. Awarded programs focus on fostering educational connection and achievement, physical health and well-being, mental health and well-being, youth employment and community cohesion. Learn more: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/45936.htm

County Executive Sue Serino joined local leaders yesterday to announce federal funding, secured by Rep. Pat Ryan, for the Arlington Fire District, the City of Beacon Fire Department, and the Tivoli Fire Department. The Congressman is also nominating the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department and the Arlington Fire District for additional federal Community Project funding.

County Executive Serino said, "The safety of Dutchess County residents is a top priority, one that we at every level of government – local, county, state and federal – share and take very seriously. Strengthening our local fire departments with this federal funding will enhance these departments’ ability to respond to emergencies, and we appreciate Rep. Ryan’s efforts to secure these grants.”

Learn more: https://patryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-pat-ryan-delivers-landmark-resources-hudson-valley-fire

County Executive Sue Serino is coming to northern Dutchess County today to hold mobile office hours. The County Executive will greet older adults with questions about County government at the Red Hook Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by and chat with County Executive Serino about topics that interest you!

County Executive Sue Serino announced today that $350,000 has been awarded through the County's 2024 Agency Partner Grant (APG): Infrastructure Program for nine projects that support capital infrastructure initiatives for agencies that provide a venue for youth programming. These grants will bolster the important programming of local non-profit groups that share Dutchess County's commitment to enhance the lives of children. Learn more, including the awarded projects: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/45933.htm

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗨𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸!

We’re excited to have two fantastic and accessible options to consider for another great playground at Dutchess County Parks Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie to be built near our soccer fields. We need your help to choose the best one. Your input will help us create a fun, safe, and accessible space for kids to grow, learn, and play!

𝙑𝙊𝙏𝙀 𝙉𝙊𝙒
Choose your favorite online at dutchessny.gov/BowdoinPlayground before Sunday, August 11th!

New Playground at Dutchess County's Bowdoin Park Help us choose a playground design for Bowdoin Park!

Next Sunday, August 11th, the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights and All for One, One for All invite you to a 100 CUPS OF COFFEE COMMUNITY GATHERING to talk about "creating a new vision for caring for adults at Fishkill Rec Center from 1pm to 3pm. Space is limited and registration is required. Register to join us at https://dutchess-county.ticketleap.com/100-cups-of-coffee/

Interested in protecting and serving your community with a law enforcement career? Our Department of Human Resources is administering the Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff and Police Officer civil service exam on September 28th, and the deadline to apply to take the exam is this Friday, August 9th.

Applications will be accepted through August 9th from candidates who have reached or will reach their 18th birthday by September 28, 2024. Candidates must also possess a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma to be eligible to apply. Learn more, including how to apply, at: www.dutchessny.gov/jobs

This coming Tuesday, August 6th, our planning department is hosting a pop-up event to gauge community input about the future of the former Schatz Federal Bearings Company property. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents can meet with project coordinators on the Marcus J. Molinaro Northside Line to discuss ideas for the site. More outreach is being planned for the upcoming weeks, and will include evening and/or weekend options.

Can’t make it to Tuesday’s event? You can learn about the site and take an online survey about its future at www.revitalizeschatz.com. More details are available online: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/45915.htm

County Executive Sue Serino is holding mobile office hours this Tuesday for older adults in northern Dutchess County. Have a question about County government? Stop by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging Friendship Center inside the Red Hook Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and talk to the County Executive about it. We hope to see you in Red Hook on Tuesday!

Last year, our Department of Community & Family Services (DCFS) collected $26,980,446 in child support from non-custodial parents, funds that help assure the overall well-being and development of children. As we begin Child Support Awareness Month, we thank the DCFS staff that works tirelessly to see that local children receive the monetary support they need and deserve to provide for their needs and contribute to their overall well-being. Learn more about DCFS' ongoing child support efforts: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Community-Family-Services/Child-Support-General-Information.htm

The Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA) didn't let a little rain dampen the fun in today in Pleasant Valley today, the latest stop in the OFA's Summer Picnic Series. Hundreds of local older adults enjoyed a nutritious meal, live music, and the chance to meet their local leaders and representatives from County government departments.

Following a week off, the Summer Picnic Series resumes on August 14th in the City of Poughkeepsie. We'll see you at Stitzel Field!

⚠ ATTENTION MOTORISTS ⚠ Milan Hill Road (CR-54) between Willow Glen Road and Woody Row Road, in the Town of Milan will be CLOSED on or about August 5th as our Public Works crews replace a culvert, widen the road, and install new guiderails to increase the safety of the roadway. A detour will be posted along Becker Hill Road and Turkey Hill Road (CR-56). Be sure to allow extra time and drive safe! Read more: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/Culvert-Replacement-Milan-Hill-Road.htm

Earlier today, County Executive Sue Serino (seen here, at right) and State Senator Michelle Hinchey (seen here, at left) announced $1 million in state funding for new heavy-duty road maintenance equipment for the County's Department of Public Works (DPW), including a Caterpillar excavator, wood chipper, roadside mower, snow plows, and sanding trucks. County Executive Serino, joined here by DPW Commissioner Bob Balkind, initiated the state grant during her tenure in the New York State Senate, and Senator Hinchey advanced it to fulfillment this year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Boar’s Head is recalling more than 200,000 pounds of deli meat due to suspected contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. Learn more information, including what to watch out for or what to do you if you've purchased potentially contaminated meat:https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/Docs/7-29-24_PH-Alert_Listeria.pdf

The annual / Disability, Dream & Do baseball camp takes place this Saturday at Heritage Financial Park. Learn about the inclusive event and how you can register your favorite baseball for this inclusive event:

ThinkDIFFERENTLY Baseball Camp returns to Heritage Financial Park on Aug. 3 - Mid Hudson News POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County ThinkDIFFERENTLY is ready to play ball! ThinkDIFFRENTLY will again sponsor its annual Disability, Dream & Do (D3Day) Baseball Camp for children and young adults with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities on Saturday, August 3rd at Heritage Financial ...

Whether it's tips for successful aging, information about upcoming events, or the latest news for older adults, the Dutchess County Office for the Aging's weekly 𝘎𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 newsletter has something for every older adult. Check out the latest issue, or older editions you might've missed, online any time at: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Aging/OFA-Golden-Living-News-for-Senior-Citizens.htm

Dutchess County is again in the nation’s top ten for the best technology practices! Congratulations to the team at our Office of Central and Information Services (OCIS) on being ranked sixth in the nation among mid-size county governments by the 2024 Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Often a “behind-the-scenes” department, OCIS’s preparedness and training was on full display last week during the Crowdstrike-related technology outage that affected millions of Microsoft Windows users, including many in Dutchess County Government. OCIS helped ensure a quick recovery within hours, with little to no disruption of County operations and services for residents.

Looking for a great way to enrich your home's soil and improve the environment at the same time? Compost bins are an easy and convenient way to compost right at home. The Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management has Earth Machine compost bins and aerators for sale. The Earth Machine can be purchased online or by calling (845) 463-6020; they can be picked up by appointment only, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. All the details are available at https://dutchessny.gov/DutchessCountyOnlinePurchases/WasteManagement/PurchaseCompostBins

Dutchess County wants residents' input about development of the former Schatz Federal Bearings Company property in Poughkeepsie. Check out the new “Revitalize Schatz” website, revitalizeschatz.com, and take a survey regarding potential projects, including the housing, commercial, and amenity options for the site.

There will also be a “pop-up” event on August 6th on the Marcus J. Molinaro Northside Line in Poughkeepsie from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., where project coordinators will be available to talk about the project and hear ideas and comments. Learn more: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/45915.htm

County Executive Sue Serino joined Dutchess Tourism, Inc. yesterday to announce Dutchess County is now certified as a “Wheel the World Verified Destination,” recognizing 50 local hotels, restaurants, and attractions that were assessed by Wheel the World, leading to the accessibility seal of approval. The Dutchess Rail Trail and Heritage Financial Park – both part of the County's award-winning parks system – rank among the dozens of local attractions, hotels, and restaurants certified by Wheel the World. Learn more about the local certified accessible sites: https://wheeltheworld.com/accessible-travel/usa/new-york/dutchess-county

It's that time of year again: The /Disability, Dream & Do Baseball Camp is coming back to Heritage Financial Park on Saturday, August 3rd, providing an unforgettable day for children and young adults with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities to learn from Hudson Valley Renegades players and coaches. Learn how to register your child for this free event, sign up to volunteer, or honor a local inclusivity champion: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/45914.htm

Thanks to everyone from the Town of Wappinger and Village of Wappingers Falls who came out for a day of fun, yummy food, dancing and more at today's Dutchess County Office for the Aging picnic at Robinson Lane Park! Residents enjoyed a nutritious lunch, live music, meeting friends and local leaders, and getting information/resources from various County department representatives.
Town of Pleasant Valley residents can look forward to next week's picnic at West Road School! Check out the full OFA Summer Picnic schedule at dutchessny.gov/ofapicnics.

Join us TONIGHT in Beacon at the Howland Cultural Center for the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights' "Mental Wealth in the BIPOC Community" forum. This FREE event will be from 6-8pm and will include speakers discussing achieving wellness. Registration is required at dutchessny.gov/MentalWealthJuly24. Thank you to The Brain and Body Coalition for collaborating on this engaging event!

County Executive Sue Serino continues her mobile office hours for seniors today. Older adults are invited to meet with the County Executive today from noon to 2 p.m. at Dutchess County Office for the Aging's Tri-Town Friendship Center at the First Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley to discuss County government topics of interest to them.

If you can't make it today, there will be another opportunity on August 6th in Red Hook. Get more details about the County Executive's mobile office hours at: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/County-Executive-Sue-Serino-to-Host-Senior-Mobile-Office-Hours.htm

Flags on County facilities are being lowered as we mourn Kyle Gordon, a 9-1-1 Communications Center Public Safety Dispatcher in the Department of Emergency Response, who passed suddenly last week. County Executive Sue Serino has directed flags be lowered until funeral services are held, which are currently being planned. Kyle served in Emergency Response for nearly 25 years, and was well known as a compassionate professional who helped countless people during some of their hardest moments. We extend our deepest condolences to Kyle’s brother, his friends and co-workers at Emergency Response.