In Ellenville –
Kudos to Judge Matt Parker's new protocol for treating addiction as a medical problem, tying treatment to parole sentences and gaining the nod of approval from county authorities in the process. And thumbs down on those who walked out of a recent theatrical production for its lampooning of the President-Elect as the "Ghost of Christmas Future."

In Pine Bush –
The Spring Valley 20-year old accused of tampering with evidence in a homicide case, meaning he's charged with deleting pictures from his phone, will not be in court again until January after his appearance this week was postponed. That will be after the Speights' murder case's sad one year anniversary New Year's Eve.

In Rosendale –
The town board seat vacated by Stacy Lapari last month for reasons never elaborated on will be filled in the coming year, according to supervisor Jeanne Walsh. Who's it going to be? We'll let you know when we know...

In Orange County –
We're intrigued to see how two public information sessions on a new Immigrant Affairs Initiative to protect all county residents fairs this week, as well as the new ZBA workshops happening in Deepark, on Route 209, regarding the huge Dragon Springs project occurring there. Meanwhile, did you notice that attorney Michael Sussman is eying a run against county executive Steve Neuhaus for his position next year?

In Ulster County –
What busy times the legislature's having, worrying about cyber bullying and hate crime legislation that some say might infringe on first amendment rights while simultaneously cutting the independently-elected comptroller's budget, drawing charges that they're paying him back for previous reports of bad management. On a whole other front, it seems that Sara McGinty's win on the Family Court judgeship seat has held...

In the Region –
While recent rains have eased some of the local fears regarding drought, at least in the Hudson's side of the watershed, many are keeping an eye on the spread of mumps from SUNY New Paltz to its surrounding village and town. Stay healthy!

In New York State –
Since no one seemed able to access medical marijuana as planned, the nascent business is expected to get a boost via new amendments allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe the pill- or vape-formed pot now working their way through the system, as well as home delivery for an increased number of ailments that now includes chronic pain. With the feds seeming poised now to pull back from wider spread legalization, the business model may be salvageable at last?