Community Corner
🌱 Why Kingston’s school board leadership is facing accusations of systemic bias.
And on the Kingston Patch calendar - WEDC: Convierte Tu Talento en Ingreso Extra

Good morning Kingston! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Kingston's school board leadership is facing accusations of systemic bias.
- How Ulster's new hiring freeze could hit services around Kingston
- Felony charges stack up for Kingston man after Ulster police struggle
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 79 and low of 56 degrees.
- Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 83, low: 58.
- Saturday: Clouding up; not as warm, with a high of 76 and low of 64 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Kingston School Board leadership under fire (hudsonvalleyone.com) — Leadership choices on the Kingston City School District board are drawing intense scrutiny, as trustee Steven Spicer argues that years without a person of color in top roles reflect systemic bias. Other trustees and former members push back, saying their votes weren't racially motivated, while the debate raises broader questions about representation, equity, and how the board serves Kingston's students and families.
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2. Ulster County Legislature OKs moratorium on hiring (dailyfreeman.com) — Ulster County legislators meeting in Kingston have approved a six‑month freeze on most county hiring as they head into the 2027 budget process, citing rapid staff growth and budget pressures. County Executive Jen Metzger says she'll keep filling only essential, often state‑ or federally funded roles, especially in social services and economic development, even as the county eyes using reserves and a new income‑tax surcharge to close budget gaps.
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3. Man Fights Cops, Racks Up Felony Charges (kingstonwire.com) — A Kingston man is facing multiple felony weapon and drug charges after Town of Ulster police say he resisted arrest on an outstanding warrant and was found with narcotics and a loaded handgun. The incident, which followed an earlier felony drug arrest in Saugerties, underscores ongoing regional enforcement around guns and controlled substances affecting Kingston‑area residents.
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4. Ulster County Sheriff Figueroa joins national push to prevent, treat substance use disorder (dailyfreeman.com) — Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, based in Kingston, has joined a national campaign urging residents to treat substance use disorder as a health issue and seek help early. His new public service announcement stresses prevention, treatment, and recovery, and directs locals to the county's O.R.A.C.L.E. team hotline, email, and online reporting tool for round-the-clock support and referrals.
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📸 Around Kingston
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Kingston
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- WEDC: Convierte Tu Talento en Ingreso Extra
Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Lugar: Ulster Savings Bank 180 Schwenk Dr. Kingston, NY 12401 Nota: Entra por la Puerta #3
6:00 pm - Business Card Exchange
Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Ulster BOCES Career Academies at iPark 87
9:00 am
Tuesday August 25
Wednesday August 26
📣 Kingston Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Join Us for a Ribbon Cutting at Eagle Eye Accounting & Tax Services
Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Eagle Eye Accounting & Tax Services
3:00 pm - Kayak – Rondout Creek →
Sleightsburgh Park, Parsell St, Port Ewen
9:30 am - POP-UP - Slow Fox Brewery — Westerly Canteen →
Slow Fox Farm Brewery, 41 Lake Dr, Rhinebeck
12:30 pm - WEDC: Convierte Tu Talento en Ingreso Extra
Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Lugar: Ulster Savings Bank 180 Schwenk Dr. Kingston, NY 12401 Nota: Entra por la Puerta #3
6:00 pm - Business Card Exchange
Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Ulster BOCES Career Academies at iPark 87
9:00 am - .38 Special →
Dutchess County Agricultural Society Inc. | Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6636 US-9, Rhinebeck
7:30 pm - Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival →
Dutchess County Agricultural Society Inc. | Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6636 US-9, Rhinebeck
10:00 am - Night Howl & Sacred Bones Present: PLANTASIA →
Seed Song Farm and Center, 160 Esopus Ave, Kingston
2:00 pm - Blackberry Smoke: 25th Anniversary Tour 2026 →
Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston
7:30 pm - Donna The Buffalo →
Assembly, 236 Wall St 3rd Floor, Kingston
8:00 pm
Thursday August 20
Sunday August 23
Tuesday August 25
Wednesday August 26
Sunday September 13
Saturday September 19
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- I need a good Endocrinologist.
Any recommendations? I need an appointment before Halloween. Thanks! (Nextdoor Stone Ridge) - Hi all!
I need a great home kitchen designer and contractor for immediate renovations, please let me know! (Nextdoor The Strand)
- FASTSIGNS #321301 posted a job opening for Sign Maker / Vinyl Installer in Kingston. Apply here.
- QuickChek posted a job opening for Food Service Associate - Part Time in Kingston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Kingston here.
Ok Kingston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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