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County Police working to assist municipal law enforcement with planning and response

(Hawthorne, NY) – The Department of Public Safety and its Real Time Crime intelligence center are monitoring social media activity and working with municipal law enforcement partners to discourage so-called called teen-ager “takeovers” of retail venues and other public spaces.

In addition, the Department’s patrol officers are prepared to respond to assist any municipality if needed in the event a disruptive takeover occurs.

Commissioner Terrance Raynor said,

“We are asking teens to take our advice about takeovers: do not participate in this kind of activity. You can get hurt, other people can get hurt and you can be subject to arrest. We are also urging parents to speak with their children and advise them to ignore this dangerous ‘challenge’ being presented to youths via social media.”

On Monday, several hundred teens “stormed” the Bay Plaza shopping center in the Bronx, causing chaos and property damage and prompting a large response by the NYPD to control the crowd.  Eighteen people were arrested and several persons were injured.

Raynor urged business owners and other members of the public to alert police immediately if they observe any mass gathering of youths at public spaces such as malls, individual stores or shopping centers, libraries and other public venues.

County and local police are aware of social media posts identifying various locations in Westchester as potential sites for a takeover. Raynor urged the public to share any information they have about potential takeover targets or events.

The County Police maintain telephone and electronic tips lines so the public can provide information confidentially or anonymously.

·         Voice Tip Line: (800)898-TIPS (8477).

·         Electronic Tips: Send email, text messages and small video clips to tips@wccops.com.

·         Via Mobile App: The WCPD Mobile App contains a home screen Submit a Tip button to enable tips to be sent confidentially or anonymously. It is available for Apple and Android phones. Enter Westchester County PD in the app store search bar to locate and download it.

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF REVEREND JESSE JACKSON

“We mourn Rev. Jesse Jackson, a man who remained steadfast in his belief in building common ground. His call to “Keep Hope Alive” was more than a slogan; it was a moral directive. He demanded dignity and respect for those too often denied both, and he carried a progressive vision that pushed the nation to confront its conscience.

“His life’s work challenged America to be better, braver, and more inclusive, and that legacy will endure for years to come.”

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WPCNR MILESTONES. Reprinted from the WPCNR ARCHIVES. February 15, 2026:

February 22  Next Sunday is George Washington’s Birthday.

All week this week is President’s Week.

The time when we remember the first leader and why he is the best.

It is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation — America — that used to be.

One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together.

They attacked the German troops in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds? What kind of men were they who would risk certain death if wounded (no med-evacs in 1776) for an idea: rights and freedom?

Washington was a man of tremendous character. Of principle. Where did he get this character?

He specialized in self-control at an early age. That congressmen, lobbyists, and pundits and yes, Presidents,  means mind-control, reason and responsibility, and humanity.

According to  the book, The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written:

Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

The character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, indicates this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, for, they write, for the following reasons:

“for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.” 

Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words. He sets an example today for those who would take advantage of America’s weakness and seize power by opportunism. Washington inspired by example.

He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and there was so much respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution. Washington had been asked by the army to join them to overthrow the Continental Congress, and make himself King.

Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them, You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind. Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection (back in 1783, they knew what insurrection was) against the new country due to paid  withheld by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, (not far from White Plains, NY,USA) on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,

“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”

The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,

“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.

Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.” Washington was.

Seeker of Diverse Views. How to pick a cabinet.

As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments: “My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”

Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:

“I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”

The Constitution Should be Protected

When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:

“I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”

Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

He was the first and best.

The ultimate role model for any leader, February 22, 2024 is a day that tries Americans’ souls. It is hoped that some of our “leaders” in Westchester, in Albany, in Washington might read the words I have quoted above and take them to heart in future deliberations.

Work a little.

It’s not all about you.

It’s about doing what is best for us all. George Washington’s vision of his country is being challenged by those who know not what they do. Or want to do to voices that disagree with them. But we who remember, and read these words must refocus.

I hear you, Mr. Washington, and we heed, so help us God.

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THE BIG CHILL REPORT

BLACK ICE

THE FROZEN TUNDRA 20 INCHES 0F SNOW IN 3 WEEKS

LOWEST TEMP READINGS IN YEARS DOWN TO ZERO…SHELTER IN PLACE SNOWBIRDS

ASSEMBLYMAN CHRIS BURDICK:

JANUARY  ELECTRIC BILL UP 44% IN UPPER WESTCHESTER

POWER COMPANIES BLAME HIGHER USAGE FOR  SOARING  SUPPLY CHARGES

JOHN BAILEY ON  STATE FAILURE TO DETERMINE 

FUTURE  ELECTRIC DEMAND BEFORE RATE APPROVAL

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK

FOR 25 YEARS

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Dear Friends, For those of you who reside in the NYSEG service area, we have been asked to share some important information with you. We recently received a communication from NYSEG that said, in part: “You or your constituents might be experiencing higher than normal bills due to the significant uptick in supply prices that are not in NYSEG’s scope of control. I have attached a bill explainer that I recommend posting to social media or your website to help us get the word out (please see below). We will also be hosting one on one community connection events on February 17th at the Carmel Town Hall and February 24th at the Bedford Town Hall. If customers cannot attend these events, we encourage them to call us at 800-572-1121 or they can visit our walk-in center Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM at our Brewster office located at 35 Milan Road Brewster NY 10509. Your energy use affects both your supply and delivery charges because your usage is combined with the rates to determine your total costs. While your delivery rate stays the same for longer periods and is set by the PSC, your supply rate varies regularly depending on market demand. Supply prices have risen over the past year due to increasing consumption of electricity and natural gas. With the colder-than-normal weather we’re experiencing this winter, demand is climbing even higher and pushing supply prices up. If we purchase energy on your behalf (always with no markups!), you may have noticed that supply rates have increased. For example, on January 30, 2026, electricity supply rates were 44% higher than on the same day last year. This means that even if your electricity or natural gas use stayed the same, your total charge is likely higher this year.” Additionally, here is the information about the upcoming Community Connection events taking place on February 17th in Mahopac and February 24th in Bedford Hills: Finally, if you need individual attention, please do not hestitate to contact my office at (914) 244-4450 or by emailing me at burdickc@nyassembly.gov. We will provide your information to our NYSEG contact, who will work with customer service to provide assistance. With thanks,