BETTER THAN HEARSAY by Michael Ryan - 9 June 2026 - The Historian
Patricia “Patti” Morrow, respectfully known as “The Historian” for the town of Windham for forty years, has passed away
Editor
Michael Ryan is a veteran community journalist best known for his decades of local news reporting in the Mountaintop region of the Catskills in Greene County, New York. He spent roughly 30 years chronicling local history, civic events, and human interest stories, serving as a prominent voice for the communities of Windham, Ashland, Jewett, Lexington, and Prattsville.
The Windham Journal: He served as a staff writer and columnist for seventeen years, where his "inimitable style" made him a staple of local print journalism.
Other Print Outlets: Over his 30-year career, he also wrote for The Catskill Daily Mail, The Schoharie News, and now for The Mountain Eagle's Windham Weekly section.
Radio Broadcaster: Beyond print, he produced and hosted segments such as the "Reporter's Notebook" and "Rip's Ramblings" on local radio station WRIP 97.9 FM.
Notable Beats and Coverage: Ryan documented everything from local town budget approvals and school board sessions to monumental regional milestones like Windham Mountain's 50th anniversary. He frequently collaborated with civic groups like the Windham Foundation to cover local land preservation and community enrichment projects.
Patricia “Patti” Morrow, respectfully known as “The Historian” for the town of Windham for forty years, has passed away
Skillers, also serving non-alcohol spritzers and more, is located on Route 42 in the town of Lexington and is open from 2 to 7 p.m. on weekends with acoustic music from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Michael Ryan