Local community newspapers provide vital functions
When the local newspaper, The Rivertowns Enterprise, folded in January, 2024, I was a lost soul. The paper that supported the RiverArts Studio Tour, and my art through the years, was gone.
I depended on that paper for local news and weekly events listings summarizing happenings in all the Rivertowns – Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley and Irvington, NY.
Suddenly, I missed my connection to the community. Unexpectedly, I didn’t know what was going on. From art exhibits, concerts, farmers markets, local elections, to road closures – and even thefts! Plus I disconnected from the schools and sports events.
Fortunately, this was temporary.
Thank you for resurrecting the paper!
Luckily, in May 2024 The Rivertowns Dispatch replaced the Rivertowns Enterprise, suspending operations after 49 years in business. The still-defunct sister paper The Scarsdale Enquirer, which operated for 123 years, was not so lucky.
As a community, we are grateful to have our paper back. A special thank you to the Publisher, Alison Schulte, and Editor, Tim LaMorte for stepping up to fill the gap with The Rivertowns Dispatch, and for bringing other staff members back, like Listings Editor, Jennifer Gold.
As we move into 2026, The Dispatch needs our help building a solid subscriber base to stay in business long term!
Did you hear about a 280,000 sq. ft. warehouse on 9A?
Recently, I read the following Letter to the Editor in The Dispatch (Dec. 17. 2025). The subject is an “alarming” 280,000 square foot warehouse under serious consideration by the Town of Greenburgh. At a quarter mile long, it is way out of scale for the area and a narrow, fragile two lane 9A road. Plus the location is right across the street from my apartment!
What a nightmare this is in its current form – with all the truck traffic! Not just for me, but for anyone trying to use 9A to access the I-87 entrance and exit, the village of Ardsley, Rivertowns Square in Dobbs Ferry, and even Home Depot or Stew Leonards.
No one has heard about the warehouse since they are not subscribers to The Dispatch.
My next blog will provide more information on how our voices can be heard.
In the meantime, you can start the new year by subscribing to The Dispatch, and be informed consumers (a la Crazy Eddy. Remember him? I can hear him yelling: Informed consumers are our best customers!)
From The Rivertowns Dispatch on How To Subscribe
The Rivertowns Dispatch is your new local news source covering Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson and Irvington. We report on local politics, environment, arts, high school sports and community voices through our weekly print paper, website, email updates, podcast and social media. We also have a special for-kids-by-kids section, The Little Dispatch.
Subscribers receive the print edition delivered to their doorstep each week, along with access to our full archive online.
If you’d like to subscribe, visit https://www.rivertownsdispatch.com/membership/
And if you’re not sure if you’re already subscribed, just email us at hello@rivertownsdispatch.com, and we’ll check for you!
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Stay informed!
Calling all residents of Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley and Irvington: Show your support by subscribing to The Rivertowns Dispatch.
Information is power.
In summary, give yourself a present that will pay dividends. The Dispatch is vital to preserve the quality of life in our community. Additionally, it gives us choices to fully experience the rich variety of Rivertowns activities available. Finally, please forward this subscriber information to your families, friends and neighbors.
Happy Holidays!
