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Orange County, NY

Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley A backyard in New York became the site of a remarkable prehistoric discovery when a homeowner unearthed a complete and well-preserved jaw of a mastodon, an ancient relative of modern elephants. Alongside the jaw, researchers also uncovered a toe bone fragment and a piece of a rib. The discovery began in the Hudson Valley when the Orange County resident noticed two large teeth protruding from the soil beneath a plant near the home in Scotchtown, according to the New York State Museum in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 17. After further digging revealed additional teeth, experts from th…
Mystery Drones Over Westchester: County Executive, Feds Pushes For Answers Mystery Drones Over Westchester: County Executive, Feds Pushes For Answers
Mystery Drones Over Westchester: County Executive, Feds Pushes For Answers Westchester County Executive George Latimer is calling on the federal government to take action and provide answers after a series of mysterious drone sightings in the region have sparked fear and confusion among residents. In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and read aloud during a press conference on Monday, Dec. 16, Latimer highlighted growing public concern following recent incidents, including one that temporarily shut down Stewart International Airport in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, and raised anxieties about safety at Westchester County Airport.  “I have spok…
Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much
Pay Bump Approved For Westchester County Executive: Here's By How Much County officials have approved a nearly $70,000 pay increase for Westchester's next leader.  In a meeting earlier in December, the Westchester County Board of Legislators Committee on Budget and Appropriations approved a $69,240 salary increase for the position of County Executive.  This brings the position's salary from $160,760 to $230,000, according to county budget documents.  In a weekly update held on Monday, Dec. 16, County Executive George Latimer explained his reasoning behind the pay bump, saying that it would make sure the position is "properly compensated in…
This Westchester Town Saw 3.5 Inches Of Snow, Leading Snowfall In Latest Storm This Westchester Town Saw 3.5 Inches Of Snow, Leading Snowfall In Latest Storm
This Westchester Town Saw 3.5 Inches Of Snow, Leading Snowfall In Latest Storm The National Weather Service has released snow totals from this week's winter storm. Snowfall accumulation impacted areas across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York, with Sussex County, NJ, and Putnam County, NY, seeing the highest totals from Sunday, Dec. 15 into Monday, Dec. 16. Below are detailed figures reported by state, county, and town, as per the National Weather Service: New Jersey Mercer County: Trenton Mercer Airport: Trace (11:59 PM, 12/15) Morris County: Butler (1 S): 3.0 inches (5:15 AM, 12/16) Sussex County: Wantage Twp: 4.1 inches (5:00 AM, 12/16) Wan…
Film Based On Rehabilitation Program At Ossining's Sing Sing Prison Gets Re-Release Film Based On Rehabilitation Program At Ossining's Sing Sing Prison Gets Re-Release
Film Based On Rehabilitation Program At Ossining's Sing Sing Prison Gets Re-Release A movie based on events at a maximum security prison in the Hudson Valley that may be a major Oscars contender is set to be re-released in theaters, according to reports.  "Sing Sing," based on the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the Northern Westchester village of Ossining, will again be released in theaters on Friday, Jan. 17, Variety reported.  The film, originally released by A24 on Friday, July 12, follows an inmate named Divine G (played by Colman Domingo) who joins a theatre group with fellow prisoners after being imprisoned at …
Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport In Hudson Valley To Shut Down Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport In Hudson Valley To Shut Down
Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport In Hudson Valley To Shut Down Following an incident at a New York airport that disrupted operations, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State. The announcement follows a significant disruption in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, where a drone forced a temporary shutdown of the airport’s runways, delaying flights. State and federal agencies are continuing their investigation into the incident. After that event, Hochul called for additional resources to bolster drone detection and response …
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention. Click here for a new, updated story: New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. “This has gone too far,” Hochul stated, addressing growing concerns over unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. The incident ma…
Drone Captures Massive Mulch Fire As Crews Battle Blaze For Hours In Mount Pleasant Drone Captures Massive Mulch Fire As Crews Battle Blaze For Hours In Mount Pleasant
Drone Captures Massive Mulch Fire As Crews Battle Blaze For Hours In Mount Pleasant A massive mulch fire in Northern Westchester required drone support and hours of effort to contain as crews battled frigid conditions and a lack of hydrants, officials said.  The fire began early Sunday, Dec. 8, when the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department was dispatched at around 12:30 a.m. for a reported brush fire on the Taconic State Parkway, according to fire officials.  After searching the area, no fire was found on the parkway. However, a large plume of smoke led responders to a mulch pile fire burning on Clay Bird Lane in Mount Pleasant With no hydrants nearby, tankers from …
This Westchester Locale Top 10 Richest In NY, These Rankings Say This Westchester Locale Top 10 Richest In NY, These Rankings Say
This Westchester Locale Top 10 Richest In NY, These Rankings Say One county accounts for 70 percent of the Top 10 richest municipalities in New York. Nassau County has seven of the top 10. Coupled with a Suffolk County village in the Hamptons, Long Island locales make up eight of the state's richest 10. According to data from New York Demographics, the top 10 wealthiest municipalities, based on average household income, are: Brookville, Nassau County; Population: 2,947; Average Household Income: $617,235 Tuxedo Park, Orange County; Population: 624; Average Household Income: $600,705 Scarsdale, Westchester County; Population: 17…
West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford
West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford A West Point grad from the region is one of only 32 students nationwide to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford in the fall of 2025. Orange County resident Shepherd Dzina of Tuxedo Park and three other cadets were awarded the scholarship on Saturday, Nov. 16. Dzina is an economics major currently serving as the Brigade Executive Officer at West Point, managing logistics and operations for over 4,400 cadets. He also leads the Finance Club and conducts research with the Army’s Office of Economics and Manpower Analysis. He has interned with the US International Develop…
Attempted Murder: Duo, Including Westchester Resident, Apprehended After Incident In Region Attempted Murder: Duo, Including Westchester Resident, Apprehended After Incident In Region
Attempted Murder: Duo, Including Westchester Resident, Apprehended After Incident In Region Two suspects have been apprehended after numerous shots were fired from a vehicle in the Hudson Valley. Officers in Rockland County responded to East Eckerson Road in Spring Valley on Monday, Nov. 25 at about 12:20 a.m. for a report of gunshots fired. Ramapo Police said in an announcement late Friday afternoon, Nov. 299 that it was determined at least nine shots were fired from a passing vehicle. No one was reported to be struck, and there were no injuries. Following an investigating, two suspects were apprehended later in the day on Monday: a 22-year-old Westchester County man, from Yonk…
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a dramatic burglary incident where he and an accomplice posed as FBI agents during a violent home invasion.  Westchester County resident Oscar Castillo, age 37, from Yonkers, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 18, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. He was also sentenced to five years of post-release supervision.  The sentence stems from Castillo's 2023 guilty plea to burglary charges linked to a 2017 incident in Washingtonville. Castillo, who initially evaded sentencing by not appearing in c…
Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Hudson Valley Credit Union: Police Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Hudson Valley Credit Union: Police
Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Hudson Valley Credit Union: Police A 20-year-old woman has been charged with two felonies after cashing a fraudulent check worth over $8,000 at a credit union in the region, authorities said.  The investigation began in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 15, when a deputy took a complaint from an investigator with the Hudson Valley Credit Union about a fraudulent check cashed at the Mahopac branch in Putnam County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. A Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) investigator reviewed surveillance footage and other evidence, which quickly led to authorities identifying Xiomara Ortiz, a 20-year-old …
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here Are Totals From Throughout Westchester How Much Snow Did You Get? Here Are Totals From Throughout Westchester
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here Are Totals From Throughout Westchester Here's a look at snowfall totals reported by the National Weathe Service from throughout the region from the storm system that swept through Thursday, Nov. 21 into Friday, Nov. 22. New York New York City Central Park 1.86 in 0940 AM 11/22 AWS Nassau County Oyster Bay 2.25 in 0930 AM 11/22 CWOP Locust Valley 0.3 E 2.21 in 0910 AM 11/22 COCORAHS Albertson 0.2 SSE 2.09 in 0730 AM 11/22 COCORAHS Syosset 2.08 in 0800 AM 11/22 COOP Herricks 1.92 in 0830 AM 11/22 COCORAHS Port Washington 0.8 N 1.84 in 0719 AM 11/22 COCORAHS Massapequa 1.1 SE 1.80 in 0700 AM 11/22 COCORAHS Malverne 0.5 SE…
Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency
Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency As the wildfires continue to burn across the state and in the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined the extensive efforts to combat them, highlighting the crucial roles played by local and national agencies in tackling the blazes. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Hochul provided an update on the ongoing wildfire situation in the state, prompting a robust response from more than 400 fire departments and over 1,300 personnel.  These teams have worked tirelessly to contain fires in Orange and Ulster counties, closely coordinating with local fire departments and first responders. Hochul said th…
New Update: Evacuations Continue As Hudson Valley Wildfire Jumps Containment Lines New Update: Evacuations Continue As Hudson Valley Wildfire Jumps Containment Lines
New Update: Evacuations Continue As Hudson Valley Wildfire Jumps Containment Lines Volunteer evacuations occurred in the Hudson Valley over the weekend due to a 5,000-acre wildfire that expanded winds and caused it to jump one of the firelines. The call to quickly leave the area occurred in Orange County on Saturday, Nov. 16, in the Edgemere Avenue and Wah Ta Wah Park sections of Greenwood Lake.  Earlier report - Hudson Valley Wildfire Prompts Voluntary Evacuations, Shelters Open For Residents, Pets Crews of regional police officers, led by the Town of Warwick and Greenwood Lake Police departments, executed the pre-planned evacuation, which was performed succ…
Hudson Valley Wildfire Prompts Voluntary Evacuations, Shelters Open For Residents, Pets Hudson Valley Wildfire Prompts Voluntary Evacuations, Shelters Open For Residents, Pets
Hudson Valley Wildfire Prompts Voluntary Evacuations, Shelters Open For Residents, Pets A wildfire spreading in the region has prompted voluntary evacuations as state and local agencies in New York work to control the blaze in the Hudson Valley. The fire, originating in Orange County near Jennings Creek and Sterling Forest, has crossed established containment lines, New York State Police said Saturday evening, Nov. 16.  Approximately 40 residences, from 32 to 120 Edgemere Ave., are under a voluntary evacuation order issued by the Town of Warwick Police Department. Residents in need of shelter can go to Greenwood Lake Middle School, which has opened its doors to evacuees a…
Man Threatens To Kill Reporter, Her Family In Hudson Valley, Feds Say Man Threatens To Kill Reporter, Her Family In Hudson Valley, Feds Say
Man Threatens To Kill Reporter, Her Family In Hudson Valley, Feds Say Anger over an unflattering news article prompted a man to threaten to kill a New York reporter and her family, federal prosecutors alleged. Austin Suman, age 35, now residing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in Westchester County with making a threat involving an explosive and related charges in White Plains federal court. Prosecutors said Suman contacted a Hudson Valley reporter based in Orange County via Facebook messenger on Friday, Nov. 8, threatening to “end” the woman’s family. He allegedly threatened to blow her house “off its foundation” and used multiple racial slurs. …
Van Ritshie, Beloved MTA Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies Van Ritshie, Beloved MTA Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies
Van Ritshie, Beloved MTA Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies If you’ve ever hopped a train or scanned a radio in these parts, chances are good you’ve heard the velvety smooth voice of Van Ritshie. The longtime Hudson Valley radio host and voiceover artist, whose voice guided MTA commuters for decades, died Sunday, Nov. 3, at a Dutchess County hospice center in Poughkeepsie. He was 80 years old. “The Family of Van Ritshie is sad to announce that ‘The Voice of the Hudson Valley’ has passed on to be with Jesus after a brief illness surrounded by family,” reads his obituary. After earning his communications degree at Queensborough Community College in Q…
Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley
Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker who died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region will be honored at a memorial service in his hometown. The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. Rockland County resident Dariel Vasquez, age 18, suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Par…
18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire In Hudson Valley 18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire In Hudson Valley
18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire In Hudson Valley A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region. Click here for a new, updated story - 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As HS Baseball Standout The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pr…
Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Breakdown Of Presidential Race, How Westchester Voted Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Breakdown Of Presidential Race, How Westchester Voted
Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Breakdown Of Presidential Race, How Westchester Voted Overall New York State Vote Election Districts Reporting: 13,077 of 13,357  Kamala Harris (D) 54.64%, 4,328,017 votes Donald Trump (R) 43.26%, 3,426,964 votes Breakdown: Albany County Harris 61.01% 87,849 Trump 36.48% 52,532 Allegany County Trump 71.63% 13,102 Harris 27.65% 5,058 Bronx County Harris 71.25% 244,385 Trump 26.69% 91,542 Broome County Trump 49.34% 42,644 Harris 48.70% 42,093 Cattaraugus County Trump 65.79% 21,936 Harris 32.73% 10,914 Cayuga County Trump 55.83% 19,959 Harris 42.74% 15,278 Chautauqua County T…
$50K Powerball Tickets Sold At Pair Of NY Stores: Here's Where $50K Powerball Tickets Sold At Pair Of NY Stores: Here's Where
$50K Powerball Tickets Sold At Pair Of NY Stores: Here's Where A pair of $50,000 Powerball tickets were sold for the Saturday, Oct. 19 in New York -- one on Long Island, and the other in the Hudson Valley. The third-place tickets were sold at: Lucky Star Liquor and Winer in Nassau County, located in Bellerose, on Hillside Avenue. Smokes 4 Less in Orange County, located on North Plank Road in Newburgh. The winning numbers for the Powerball game are drawn from a field of one to 69. The red Power Ball is drawn from a separate field of one to 26. The Powerball drawing is televised every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. 
6 Cows On Run After Tractor-Trailer Hauling Cattle Crashes In Hudson Valley 6 Cows On Run After Tractor-Trailer Hauling Cattle Crashes In Hudson Valley
6 Cows On Run After Tractor-Trailer Hauling Cattle Crashes In Hudson Valley Six cows are on the loose tafter a trailer hauling cattle crashed, dumping 15 cows onto a busy highway.  The incident occurred in Orange County at 6:15 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, at the intersection of I-84 and Route 6 in Deerpark. According to Trooper Steven Nevel of the New York State Police, a preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Kenworth carrying cows of various breeds was traveling west when the driver stated that his brakes failed.  Nevel said the vehicle exited I-84 and made a left turn onto Route 6 when it struck a guide rail and overturned, coming to rest on its si…
Fatal Crash Involving Deer: 28-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In Hudson Valley Fatal Crash Involving Deer: 28-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In Hudson Valley
Fatal Crash Involving Deer: 28-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In Hudson Valley A young man has died after a vehicle crashed into a deer in the Hudson Valley. It happened around 6:50 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 in Orange County on Route 302 near the intersection with State Route 17K in the town of Crawford. Stephen Montgomery, age 28, of Pine Bush was operating a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle southbound when the deer crossed his path, causing the collision. Montgomery’s motorcycle did continue down the roadway, striking a polyvinyl chloride pipe (PVC) pipe, the Crawford PD said. Montgomery was transported by Pine Bush ambulance to Garnet Medical …
7 Suspects Nabbed In Undercover Child Exploitation, Trafficking Detail In Region 7 Suspects Nabbed In Undercover Child Exploitation, Trafficking Detail In Region
7 Suspects Nabbed In Undercover Child Exploitation, Trafficking Detail In Region Seven suspects have been charged following an undercover child exploitation detail. It was conducted over several days by New York State Police and the FBI in Orange County, in the town of Wallkill. "The detail deployed highly trained Investigators and agents to infiltrate online platforms where these crimes are often facilitated," according to state police. "Utilizing advanced cyber tactics, Investigators and Agents were able to identify individuals attempting to exploit vulnerable children through the internet and meet them in person." As a result of the operation, the following ind…
$9.6M Scheme: Businessman Admits To Fraud Involving Banks, Including 1 In Hudson Valley $9.6M Scheme: Businessman Admits To Fraud Involving Banks, Including 1 In Hudson Valley
$9.6M Scheme: Businessman Admits To Fraud Involving Banks, Including 1 In Hudson Valley The owner of a New York business admitted to running a multimillion-dollar check-kiting scheme to keep his company operating. Long Island resident John B. Mensch, age 54, pleaded guilty in connection with a nearly year-long fraud conspiracy involving banks in Suffolk County and the Hudson Valley, federal authorities announced Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 2. Mensch, of Quogue, faces up to five years’ imprisonment as well as financial penalties, including restitution to the two banks of approximately $9.6 million. According to court filings, Mensch was the owner and operator of East End, a…
$1 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Hudson Valley $1 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Hudson Valley
$1 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Hudson Valley Wow, a winning second-prize Mega Millions ticket was sold at a lucky Hudson Valley business. The $1 million ticket matched all five white balls for the Tuesday, Oct. 1 game and was sold in Orange County at the Smokes 4 Less Store on Plank Road in Newburgh. According to New York Lottery officials, the winning numbers for the game were 27-35-47-50-66 and a Mega Ball of 25. No one hit the jackpot on Tuesday, so the prize will grow to $108 million for the Friday, Oct. 4 drawing. The winning numbers for the Mega Millions game are drawn from a field of one to 70, and the Mega Ball is drawn…
Teen Slashes Fellow Hudson Valley HS Student In Face: Police Teen Slashes Fellow Hudson Valley HS Student In Face: Police
Teen Slashes Fellow Hudson Valley HS Student In Face: Police A Hudson Valley teen was charged with assault after allegedly slashing another high school student in the face with a medical-grade plastic handle blade instrument.  The incident occurred in Orange County at Middletown High School on Monday, Sept. 30, in Middletown. According to a message from Middletown School District Superintendent Amy Creeden, there was an incident between two students that resulted in one of them being cut in the face with what allegedly was a knife that is in police custody. Creeden said that the instrument used had a one-half to three-quarter-inch blade. The a…
Missing Woman Found Dead At Bottom Of Cliff In Hudson Valley Missing Woman Found Dead At Bottom Of Cliff In Hudson Valley
Missing Woman Found Dead At Bottom Of Cliff In Hudson Valley A missing woman who had not been seen in a day was located by a New York State Police drone at the bottom of a Hudson Valley cliff.  The incident occurred in Orange County around 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at the Hawk's Nest in Sparrow Bush. According to State Police Trooper Steven Nevel, the 41-year-old New York City woman from Brooklyn, had been reported missing to the New York City Police on Thursday, Sept. 26.  Nevel said Deerpark Police located a 2008 Honda FIT registered to the missing woman at a pull-off area along Route 97.  A state police pilot conducted a search u…