Limo Service in North Salem, IN

Peekskill, NY - New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that he has secured more than $300,000 for solar energy projects in the towns of Lewisboro, North Salem and Patterson. The projects are designed to generate clean energy and are expected to save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending.

“Investing in solar power isn’t just a smart environmental choice—it’s a strategic economic decision,” Harckham said. “Solar energy reduces monthly utility bills, increases property value, and offers tax savings. It’s a practical solution that delivers long-term savings while helping businesses and homeowners build a more sustainable future.”

Harckham delivered $100,000 for each of the three towns.

The Town of Patterson will install solar panels and heat pumps for a new 2,400-square-foot EMS building. The Town has also received a State and Municipal Facilities Capital Program grant for $100,000 for the general construction of the building. The building will include bays for vehicle storage, sleeping quarters and administrative offices.

“We are excited that the new home for Patterson’s ambulance service will include solar panels and other energy efficient improvements thanks to funding provided by Senator Harckham,” Town Supervisor Richard Williams said. “These improvements will reduce the buildings’ dependency on NYSEG electricity and save tax dollars.”

North Salem plans to build a solar panel installation on the roof of its Highway Department garage, the optimal site for such an installation, which is expected to generate 168,499 kWh per year, enough energy to cover the majority of the town's electricity needs.

“The Town Board is evaluating various sustainable energy solutions for North Salem, amidst growing environmental concerns and the need for clean renewable energy sources,” Town Supervisor Warren Lucas said. “Solar energy presents a promising avenue for meeting the town's energy needs, while reducing its carbon impact.”

The Town of Lewisboro is planning a solar panel installation at Onatru Farm Park. The 56 panel, 24.36 kW DC system will be installed on an existing former barn and is estimated to produce 32,430 kWh/year. With the CREST grant, Federal Tax Credit and NYSERDA NY-Sun incentive the cost to the Town is estimated to be just $5,700. It is expected that the Town will recoup those costs in just one year from the savings of solar power generation.

“I want to thank Senator Harckham for securing this important grant for the Town of Lewisboro,” Town Supervisor Tony Goncalves said. “This key investment will enable us to reduce the amount of electricity used by the town and thus lower our operating costs, and save residents money, as a result.”

The projects were funded through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program. Harckham has secured $35 million in capital grants for the towns, cities and villages across Senate District 40 through CREST, the Local Community Assistance Program (LOCAP) and State Aid to Municipalities (SAM) grants since taking office in 2019.

Unlike traditional Halloween experiences, Mystic Moon trades frights for wonder at Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard this October.

If you’re a horror lover, the Hudson Valley is the place to be come October. The region offers plenty of frights, from interactive haunted houses to spooky tours of old buildings. However, there is still so much in store for those craving a milder Halloween experience, like the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson and the new Mystic Moon attraction in North Salem. Hosted at Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, the family-friendly experience takes visitors on a magical adventure through the woods after sundown.

Already a popular fall destination for apple and pumpkin picking, live music, cider donuts, hard cider, kids’ activities, and food trucks, Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard only adds to its seasonal appeal with this new experience. The North Salem orchard debuted Mystic Moon earlier this fall on September 19, and the Halloween attraction will run through November 1.

Stretching half a mile long, Mystic Moon includes a fully immersive trail that transforms Harvest Moon’s iconic orchard into a mysterious, glowing world of enchantment that’s enticing for all ages. While most Halloween-themed attractions rely on scares to excite participants, Mystic Moon invites guests into its world of moonlit magic during a 40-minute walk in the evening.

Along the way, illuminated 80-year-old oak trees will point guests in the direction of an eccentric witch whose playful mischief has transformed the woods. Some of Mystic Moon’s scenes include Talon, the owl guardian, the witch’s cottage, grinning pumpkins, glowing forests, a kraken’s shipwreck, and a 60-foot spider web nestled in the trees, all of which work together to tell a unique tale.

“This is the kind of event our community has been waiting for,” says Corinne Covino, co-owner of Harvest Moon. “We wanted to create something magical and mysterious. It’s not about fright, it’s about wonder and the magic of the season, where families and friends can celebrate Halloween together. From the illuminated woods to our story-driven experience, Mystic Moon is the first of its kind in Westchester.”

After walking the trail’s full length, guests are encouraged to gather in the orchard’s large outdoor tent to enjoy Harvest Moon’s own festive drinks, hard cider, cider donuts, and other seasonal treats and merchandise. Mystic Moon runs on weekends only through October 12, and then every night from October 16 through November 1. Tickets are $20 for children and $25 for adults and can be purchased on Harvest Moon’s website.

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard is located at 130 Hardscrabble Road in North Salem.

Two of the top running backs in the state of Oregon are set to face off this Friday, Oct. 10.

West Salem football (3-1) will visit North Salem (3-2) in a 6A Special District 1 showdown in the Statesman Journal high school football Game of the Week. Spearheading the attacks are running backs West Salem's Koen Campos and North Salem's Jakai Phillips.

“We’re really excited about the matchup in general,” North Salem coach Caleb Singleton said. “We’re super excited about Jakai and what he’s been able to do all season.”

“If we can turn them into a one-dimensional team, which I think is going to be really hard to do … that’d be the gameplan,” West Salem coach Shawn Stanley said, “And they’d probably say the same thing of us.”

Campos, as of OSAA’s statistical leaders through last week, was fifth in the state at the 6A level for rushing yards. His 662 yards, on top of his joint fifth-best rushing touchdown tally (nine), have provided West Salem with a consistently dangerous and physical running presence.

“He’s the cornerstone of our offense,” Stanley said. “We go as Koen goes, and as our offensive line goes. The thing about him is he’s super versatile; he runs hard, he runs fast, he can make you miss, he can catch … He’s been impressive for sure.”

Phillips was fourth in rushing yards in the state and tied for second in rushing touchdowns through last week's games. His 773 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns are a testament to his development and hard work on the field, Singleton said, and it’s reflected in some major wins for North Salem.

“As we have challenged our kids to continue to be the best versions of themselves, Jakai is still playing in a way that he has a lot to prove,” Singleton said. “He has the same mentality as if it’s still week zero and there’s still a chip on his shoulder.”

The two senior backs will undoubtedly play a role in deciding which program will emerge victorious Friday night.

Mutual respect on the football field

“They have talent all the way around,” Singleton said of West Salem. “It’s going to be a challenge, but we’ve shown a lot of upside on our defense in a bend-don’t-break mentality. So we’re really (working on) putting together a full game.”

Singleton recognized and complimented West Salem’s stout defensive front, too, and the impact that it will have. Stanley pointed out the difficulties of turning North Salem into a one-dimensional offense, with the talents of Phillips and all-state receiver Braxton Singleton wreaking consistent havoc.

Off the field, coach Singleton graduated from West Salem High School in the class of 2006 and played under Stanley in the football program. Both coaches had successful careers at Western Oregon University, and now both are at the helm of football programs in the Salem-Keizer area.

This connection has developed a level of respect throughout these programs and has impacted the quality of talent and people on both sidelines.

“I love the job he’s done there, they’re obviously well coached and talented,” Stanley said of coach Singleton and North. “I’m just proud of him … he’s made himself the coach he is and I’m proud that he does it the right way.”

“I’m glad those kids have a man of character like him who’s also a talented coach,” Stanley said.

Taking it one game at a time, despite playoff prospective

There are just four remaining games in the regular season, meaning playoff seeding and qualification are (secretely) climbing to the top of Oregon high school football’s collective mind.

West Salem, currently boasting a 3-1 record and third place in the conference, is in a positive position to solidify its playoff hopes. West Salem was recently voted the No. 8 team in Oregon at the 6A level, according to a recent OSAA coaches poll, so earning a good seed in the state playoff bracket could play a major factor in the success of the season.

“We don’t bring up the playoffs until it’s playoff time,” Stanley said. “We’re strictly one week at a time, sticking to the process and respecting our opponents.”

North Salem, currently fourth in the conference at 3-2, knows that the postseason is on the horizon. There’s an emphasis on not getting distracted though, and to not overlook the immediate opponent at hand.

“The kids are willing and very encouraging and they know that the postseason is definitely something that we can look at,” coach Singleton said. “But we’re really focused on a week-to-week basis and kids buying in on goals. We’re excited for the opportunity, but we know it’s a week-to-week conversation.”

The most important thing is to focus on effort, execution, tackling and everything else it takes to win a singular football game, the coach said.

Landon Bartlett covers high school sports and Oregon State for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at or on X or Instagram @bartlelo.

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North Salem football player Jakai is the winner of the Maps Credit Union high school boys Athlete of the Week, as voted by Statesman Journal readers.

Phillips delivered a dominant performance in a 49-32 win in the Mayor's Cup game Sept. 5 against South Salem. The senior rushed for 352 yards, housed an 85-yard kickoff return and scored five additional touchdowns.

Phillips received 67.16% of the reader poll votes. Silverton football player Chase Dominguez was second (26%).

Here are the other nominees.

Ty Cirino, Central cross-country

Cirino finished second at The Open meet in Monmouth, covering the 3,000-meter (1.9-mile) course in 8 minutes, 34.8 seconds.

Chase Dominguez, Silverton football

Dominguez has got off to a hot start in his career with Silverton. The senior quarterback has helped lead the Foxes to a 2-0 record, including tossing three touchdowns in a 35-6 victory against Thurston.

JT Girod, Central football

Girod and Central football are off to a 1-1 start following a win over Eagle Point and loss to Beaverton. In the Cougars' opening game against Eagle Point, Girod completed 21 of 30 passes for three touchdowns and 226 yards in the 28-12 win.

Stuart McLaughlin, Regis cross-country

This Regis junior runner placed second at the Darrel Deedon Invite at Cascade High School. McLaughlin ran his 5,000-meter (3.1-mile) race in 18 minute, 1.7 seconds.

Wongani Schlegel, South Salem football

Schlegel delivered an electric performance of his own in the Mayor’s Cup. The South Salem senior receiver posted 204 total offensive yards and four touchdowns in his first-ever football game as a Saxon.

To submit an Athlete of the Week nomination, please email Statesman Journal sports reporter Landon Bartlett at lbartlett@salem.gannett.com with the athlete’s name, stats and any other relevant information about the performance.

Landon Bartlett covers high school sports and Oregon State for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at or on X or Instagram @bartlelo.