Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Jan. 31, 2025

Watch Live: Donald Trump's inauguration as 47th president of the United States | CBS News

Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, Jan. 20. The inauguration ceremony will be held at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Watch a CBS News Special Report starting at 9 a.m. ET.

Common Council Meeting + Mayor Noble's 2025 State of the City address 1-7-2025

Video by City of Kingston, NY link to Agendas & Minutes 

Statement: Update from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger on the Whitehouse Fire

11/10/24 (8:43 am) UPDATE from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger on the Whitehouse Fire in the Town of Denning:

“Fire suppression efforts continued today at the Whitehouse Fire, a brush fire in the Ulster County Town of Denning. Responding agencies are establishing a control line around the fire and are continuing to work toward full containment. Based on a flyover estimate yesterday evening, the fire is approximately 422 acres. 

Some 185 firefighters from 20 agencies from Sullivan, Ulster and Delaware Counties have been involved in fire suppression efforts. The incident is being managed through the unified command system by Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, Sullivan County Division of Public Safety, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Grahamsville Fire Department. We’d like to thank all agencies and firefighters involved, as well as community partners, families, and friends who have donated food, supplies, and resources to battle this fire. 

Please avoid travel to the area of the Sundown Forest. The following roads are closed to traffic at this time: Peekamoose Rd. at the Denning Town Line through Sundown Rd.”

Photo credit: Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team

DEC Declares Drought Watch for 15 New York Counties

Map of New York State Drought Conditions

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) declared a drought watch for 15 New York counties because of a significant shortage of rainfall and declining levels of streamflow and ground water. Following the declaration, DEC briefed the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. 

DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, "Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in some downstate areas being put under drought watch. Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources are crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve." The counties under drought watch are Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state Drought Watch.

The counties under drought watch are Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state Drought Watch. 

New York City also issued a citywide drought watch after a historic lack of precipitation, ordering city agencies to update water conservation plans and prepare to implement them, and urging the public to help conserve water. Conserving water will slow the depletion rate of the stored water in the city’s reservoirs and can potentially postpone or eliminate the threat of a serious shortage. 

To protect water resources, homeowners in regions under drought watch are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:

Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;

Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;

Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;

Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and

Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.

State Drought Index

The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.  

DEC and the U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances.

Wildfire Risk  

New York State continues to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to follow the recommendations below to reduce the risk of wildfires. The Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Long Island are currently at high risk for fires. Any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up. It is illegal to burn leaves anywhere in New York State. Brush of a certain size may be burned. See the burning regulations for details.

Campfires are among the top five causes of wildfires. While camping in the backcountry, New Yorkers are advised to: 

1. Use existing campfire rings where possible;
2. Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;
3. Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials;
4. Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly; and
5. Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath. 

For more water saving tips, visit DEC's webpage. For more information about drought in New York, visit the Water Use and Conservation webpage.

https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases

Mayor Noble's 2025 Proposed Budget Address

Video by City of Kingston, NY link to More information at www.kingston-ny.gov/budget2025.

2025 Executive Budget Address