The New York State Department of Education is reporting that public schools in Westchester County reported an increase in violent incidents for the 2006-2007 school year.

The Journal News reports:

Public schools in Westchester County reported a greater number of violent incidents in the 2006-07 term, according to new state data, but because of inconsistent reporting the increase doesn't necessarily mean schools are less safe. Reports of serious crimes, such as sex abuse, assault, robbery and weapons possession, rose from 526 in 2005-06 to 547 in 2006-07, according to data on violent and disruptive incidents released by the state Education Department. Serious crimes involving weapons increased by 11 to 213, and overall incidents involving weapons rose from 213 to 239."

New Rochelle High School students have once again ranked their favorite teachers on the popular Ratemyteachers.com web site. 67 of 338 teachers made Honor Roll this year. The rankings are based on a raw score total determined by total number of votes cast by students multiplied by overall ratings average for each teacher. The Honor Roll represents those teachers who earned a 4.0 or higher average rating from their students, on a scale of 1 to 5.

If you drive your Chevy to the levee you are going to find that once again "The Levee" is dry - at least until Westchester County officials relent. The operators of the Beechmont Tavern were busted for serving alcohol to minors, not having a bouncer at the door, and over-occupancy all of which comes with a $7,000 fine and a suspension of their liquor license.

MEMO: City Council Members
RE: New Ways to Solve Budget Problems

Reduces traffic violations...check!
Raises much-needed cash for the City...check!
Frees up police resources...check!

What's not to love about cop-cams? Sure, civil libertarians will cry foul but pointing so-called cop-cams on public streets is not a violation of anyone's civil rights and can help the City deal with reckless drivers at a minimal cost with a potentially huge payoff.

McClatchy DC reports:

For those not satisfied with the amount of media coverage of New Rochelle, this story about the owner of the Journal News, can only be very bad news: Blommberg is reporting:

Surely someone in the school district knows that Benjamin Franklin conceived of something called a lightening rod in 1749? So, can someone please explain how the last undamaged tower at New Rochelle High School was destroyed by a lightening strike? A bolt that sparked a fire that resulted in extensive water damage as the New Rochelle Fire Department struggled to extinguish the fire.

In today's (June 29, 2008) New York Times, Diana Marszalek reports on New Rochelle's new dog run and Ward Acres licensing and fees:

"If the city can get away with charging money to walk a dog on a leash at Ward Acres, then why can't they do that at Hudson Park and Twin Lakes Park in front of the high school?" said Jeffrey P. Wiegand, a resident of New Rochelle who is part of the group fighting the city.

"That's not what our city is supposed to be about," he said.

Read the complete article here: New 3-Acre Dog Run Doesn’t Please Owners

We thank the New York Times for covering this controversy.

In recognition of National Marina Day Sunday, August 10 the City of New Rochelle Municipal Marina gas dock will feature a fuel sale for the entire month of August.

In partnership with Nor’east Saltwater Fishing magazine, Valvtect Fuel will discount 20 cents off per gallon with the coupon featured in Nor’east’s August issue, also available on line at www.noreast.com. Valvtect Fuel will also present a trophy to the vessel that travels the longest on National Marina Day to fuel at the New Rochelle Municipal Marina.