AOL -- MORE ON OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP -- FITZPATRICK, SARCONE ETAL.

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

EXCERPT.....READ the entire article and see photos/videos at the link below

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Local and federal law enforcement agencies announced 13 arrests, along with 980 grams worth of drugs seized, as part of the “Operation Clean Sweep” initiative. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said in a press conference that the city of Syracuse has a list of nearly 1,000 gang members, often suspected of drug or firearm-related crimes.

However, because of bail reform, state laws cannot be used to prosecute or hold those on the list in jail. First U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III then offered to use federal laws to place them in federal custody, so they could then be prosecuted in federal court, Fitzpatrick said.

......According to a statement from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), this strategy led to the arrest of 13 people tied to narcotic distribution and firearm offenses.

NARCOTICS AND FIREARMS TAKEN IN OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP: 
“To put that into perspective, 365 grams of fentanyl equates to approximately 180,000 potentially lethal doses. That is enough fentanyl to fatally poison the equivalent of more than four sold‑out crowds at the JMA Wireless Dome,” said Sarcone. MORE AT 13 people arrested, 980 grams total of crack, fentanyl seized in Onondaga County in local, federal law enforcement initiative - AOL

WELL DONE CROTON EMS AND ANGELA OUTHOUSE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.



By Croton On Hudson Emergency Medical Services
August 4, 2026

Through this yearlong program, Angela Outhouse will receive training, resources, and support to help strengthen mental health, wellness, resilience, and peer support within our agency. We are excited to be a part of this important work! Croton Emergency Services is proud to have a member chosen to participate in the New York State Department of Health Division of State Emergency Medical Services Mental Health Fellowship, in partnership with MHANYS - Croton On Hudson Volunteer EMS

CHICAGO...IS ANYONE TRULY SURPRISED? CHICAGO ABANDON GOVERNMENT-RUN GROCERY STORES AFTER $13.5M INVESTMENT

Chicago's proposed $13.5 million government-run grocery store initiative faces cancellation as city officials pull back on the controversial plan. 'The Big Money Show' analyzes the economic failure of municipal grocery stores. Critics argue government intervention in retail sectors ultimately hurts local communities and wastes taxpayer funds---more at Chicago abandons government-run grocery stores after $13.5M investment | Watch

WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE: A TIMELESS HOME IN CROTON-ON-HUDSON GETS A MODERN REFRESH

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Back in April, we featured this architect's Croton renovation (READ MORE EverythingCroton: RAVI RAJ RESTORES A CENTURY-OLD CROTON-ON-HUDSON RESIDENCE)

Westchester Magazine apparently has an article: A Timeless Home in Croton-on-Hudson Gets a Modern Refresh---go to https://westchestermagazine.com/home/croton-on-hudson-home-refresh/

ANOTHER SUPERB LETTER---THIS ONE FROM JOSEPH BENCIVENGA IN THE 8/6 GAZETTE PAGE 2

Questioning the merits of so-called "multi-family" development in Croton and much more. You are encouraged to read it.

The Gazette does not have an online presence but is available just about everywhere.

BEST ICE CREAM CAKE EVER!!!

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

BEST ICE CREAM CAKE WE HAVE EVER HAD

FROM BAKED BY SUSAN OF COURSE

Facebook

IN THE NEWS---LATE LINDSEY GRAHAM'S RUSSIA, IRAN SANCTIONS BILL EASILY PASSES SENATE

The Senate approved a long-stalled Russia and Iran sanctions bill Friday in a final tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who championed the legislation before his sudden death last month. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was passed in a 86-11 vote. MORE AT Senate passes late Lindsey Graham’s Russia, Iran sanctions bill

LETTERS OPPOSING THE 425 S. RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT

Please pick up the 8/6 edition of The Gazette. In addition to an interesting letter from Joel Gingold endorsing Sam Watkins for Village Justice (and so much more), there are least three letters opposing the development slated for 425 S. Riverside Ave. The Gazette does not have an online presence but is on sale just about everywhere.

Here is one of the three aforementioned letters---it's from Jessica Dieckman and re-printed with permission BELOW.

Also FYI: THE NEXT PB MEETING IS 8/11. As soon as the agenda is available....UPDATED EverythingCroton: 8/11 PLANNING BOARD MEETING CANCELLED

*******

To the BOT, Village Manager and Planning Board,

I’m disappointed to hear the village is considering letting a developer put a massive apartment building across the street from Shop Rite where the children’s gymnastics studio Straddles and several other businesses are located, despite traffic concerns and steep slope laws.

Many Croton children and children from neighboring communities have enjoyed and benefitted from Straddles, which has been there for over 33 years. It’s a Croton asset that’s now on the chopping block for the sake of money and development.

I don’t understand why our village facilitated the installation of a marijuana shop, catering to that particular business’ needs, and now wants to turn its back on a popular gymnastics studio.

It’s disgraceful to see what is going on in Croton. Many long-time and new residents alike feel that the village is very different from what they moved to initially; they feel their town going literally to pot. Over a decade ago CVS stopped selling cigarettes to promote health and well-being. Right after that the BOT allowed the vape shop to open (ironically right next to CVS), a shop which has subsequently been busted several times in sting operations for selling illegal substances. Despite this, and despite how close they are to schools, their permit to operate was renewed.

How about taking a long look in the mirror and saying no to greedy developers, no to drugs and smoking, and yes to long-standing and constructive businesses (like children’s gymnastics)?

I am asking you to change the direction we are going in. Our schools are at capacity, our roads and services can realistically only handle so much. Stop over-developing our tiny village. Prioritize citizens and not developers. Say no to this new project.

There was an approved plan some time around 2018 under the previous owner of 425 South Riverside Avenue to allow 10 apartments to be built above Straddles with Straddles remaining and two store fronts to be added. Why is there a new plan to go grandiose and build this big new building now, minus Straddles, with clear steep slope issues? What happened to the goal of mixed-use buildings like those that house Samurai and Baked By Susan? Historic Hudson Valley’s annual fall Blaze event and the prospect of traffic problems should make this big apartment plan a no go immediately. The Lot A project, with one hundred apartment units, across the street from the train station has not yet even been built.

It’s interesting to note that the mayor and trustees frequently talk about helping small businesses in our area, and how to attract shoppers from nearby towns, yet they neglect to consider what the impact of closing Straddles will have on nearby businesses. Many parents drop off their children for gymnastics and go through the village, shopping at other local businesses. Straddles creates a healthy ecosystem in Croton and is long overdue for some respect and aid from our village government and locals.

As a side note, no one knew that the 7/28 Planning Board meeting was not one that allowed public discussion. It was standing-room only, and most attendees were frustrated we couldn’t speak and share our concerns. Please let the public know exactly when the next meeting will be that will actually allow public comments. This is critical!

I encourage everyone to attend the next village or Planning Board meeting discussing the development of 425 South Riverside Ave.

Sincerely,

Jessica Dieckman

YES IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR: MOSQUITOS & WEST NILE

The Westchester County Health Department announced Thursday that the New York State Department of Health discovered a batch of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Rye. These are the first positive test results countywide this mosquito season, according to officials. .......County officials say West Nile Virus symptoms include fever, headache, body aches and joint pain....They warn that symptoms can become more serious for those 60 years old and up and for people with underlying health conditions. MORE AT News 12 | Hudson Valley | Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Discovered In Rye

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS APPROVES $156.8M WCC BUDGET

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short,

EVERYTHING CROTON.

Board Approves $156.8 Million WCC Budget---The Westchester County Board of Legislators today approved a significant investment in higher education, adopting the SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC) 2026–2027 budget, which includes $156.8 million in total funding to sustain student services, academic offerings, and campus facilities.

The budget includes $132.7 million in operating funds and $24.1 million...read more at Board Approves $156.8 Million WCC Budget

THE PETITION OPPOSING MAMDANI'S PRESENCE AT THE 9/11 CEREMONY NOW STANDS AT 78,894 SIGNATURES AS OF EARLY 8/7

Please keep it moving. The petition can be found at Petition · Please sign to support honoring the memory of those lost on September 11th with dignity. - United States · Change.org

and 9/11 FAMILIES BLAST MAMDANI, URGE DEFIANT MAYOR TO STAY HOME FOR 25TH MEMORIAL CEREMONY: HERE ARE THEIR STORIES - more here

SNOPES VERIFIED AS TRUE: GO TO EverythingCroton: SNOPES: WHY SOME 9/11 FAMILIES SIGNED PETITION TO EXCLUDE MAMDANI FROM MEMORIAL EVENT: CLAIM RATED AS TRUE

MAMDANI DENIED SPEAKING AT FALLEN ARMY HERO'S FUNERAL; MORE HERE

MANHUNT UNDERWAY, ARMED & DANGEROUS

See more at 'Armed And Dangerous,' Manhunt Underway After Killing, Arson In Orange County: NYSP | Mid Hudson Valley, NY Patch

GINGOLD ENDORSES SAM WATKINS FOR VILLAGE JUSTICE

Joel Gingold has a letter in the 8/6/2026 edition of The Gazette.  You are encouraged to read it. 

The letter details the reasons why you should vote for Sam Watkins and has some additional commentary on the Democratic party machine that nominated Ali Jaffery, as well as his shortcomings, etc.

The Gazette does not have an online presence but is on sale just about everywhere.

OUR REGULAR FRIDAY GUEST FEATURE--TOM FARANDA'S FOLLY---AND HIS FRIDAY COCKTAIL SERIES--THE GRASSHOPPER

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

OUR REGULAR FRIDAY GUEST FEATURE--TOM FARANDA'S FOLLY---AND HIS FRIDAY COCKTAIL SERIES---and now The Grasshopper – a dessert cocktail (mostly)----click here