Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

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Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report
Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report Former New York Congressman Michael Grimm has been left paralyzed from the chest down after a severe horse-riding accident during a polo tournament, and is being treated in New Jersey, CBS News reports citing a friend of Grimm's.  Grimm, age 54, was thrown from his horse in September and is now undergoing treatment at the renowned Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, which has locations in West Orange, Saddle Brook, Chester, and Marlton.  Headquartered in West Orange, Kessler is where actor Christopher Reeve was treated following a similar accident in 1995, and was…
'This Restaurant Will Blow You Away': New Eatery Making Mark In Rockland County 'This Restaurant Will Blow You Away': New Eatery Making Mark In Rockland County
'This Restaurant Will Blow You Away': New Eatery Making Mark In Rockland County If you are ready for an upscale night out enjoying Greek cuisine while gazing upon the new Tappan Zee Bridge, local foodies say Tarta on the River is the spot. Located in Rockland County in Piermont, Tarta on the River opened its doors in October in the completely renovated old Pier 701 restaurant.   Online reviewers say the restaurant, owned by Efthimios Salouros and Annamarie Adinolfi, focuses on Greek cuisine but makes you feel like you're on a Mediterranean Island. Chef José Luis Falcóne, who has worked at high-end restaurants such as Nobu, Café des Artistes, and Windows on t…
Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley
Man Headed To Prison For Sexually Abusing Child In Hudson Valley A man has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a child under the age of 13 in the region. Sullivan County resident Anthony Villegas, 49, of Monticello, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Orange County Court to nine years in prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. According to Orange County District Attorney David Hoolver, Villegas admitted that between June 2010 and April 2011, he engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct, which included at least one act of sexual intercourse with an individual who was under 13 years old. Hoovler thanked the New York State P…
Nominate Your Favorite Hudson Valley Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Nominate Your Favorite Hudson Valley Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice
Nominate Your Favorite Hudson Valley Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Daily Voice is excited to announce its first-ever Readers’ Choice contest in Hudson Valley! Readers’ Choice is set to showcase the top businesses that make Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Rockland counties special. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a family-run pizzeria, a boutique spa, or a dedicated local handyman, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve. Who makes the best pie in Hudson Valley? Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-pizza-2619970/ Nominations Are Open! Do you have a favorite place you love to dine at? Is there a hairstylist…
Rockland County Under Drought Watch Rockland County Under Drought Watch
Rockland County Under Drought Watch Rockland County officials warn residents to conserve water as the county is under a drought watch. According to the Department of Health, the county is experiencing extremely dry conditions this fall, with little rain predicted in the long-term forecast.  Although no immediate concerns exist for water sources, officials said they could become stressed if these dry conditions continue over the winter months.  A drought watch is the first of four levels of state drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. County officials said there was above-average rainfall in t…
Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old
Search Warrant Leads To Child Porn Charge For Hudson Valley 60-Year-Old A Hudson Valley code enforcement officer and fire investigator has been charged with allegedly possessing materials showing obscene sexual performances by a child. Orange County resident John Orr, age 60, of Pine Island, was charged on Wednesday, Nov. 6, following the execution of a search warrant by the New York State Police and the town of Warwick Police on Glenwood Road, in the Town of Warwick, said Trooper Steven Nvel. After the search, Nevel said Orr was arrested, processed, and released on an appearance ticket.  The investigation is continuing by State Police Monroe BCI and the …
Man Shoots Father Dead In Front Of His Kids In Hudson Valley: Here's His Sentence Man Shoots Father Dead In Front Of His Kids In Hudson Valley: Here's His Sentence
Man Shoots Father Dead In Front Of His Kids In Hudson Valley: Here's His Sentence A 40-year-old man will spend decades in prison for fatally shooting a Hudson Valley father in front of his children in Northern Westchester. Peekskill resident Reginald McClure was sentenced on Thursday, Nov. 7 to 30 years in state prison in connection with the shooting death of Dutchess County resident Ernest Wilson of Poughkeepsie in May 2023, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday, Nov 12. According to the DA's Office, just after 7:30 p.m. on May 21, 2023, Wilson, age 53, had been dropping off his child with their mother, McClure's girlfriend, at…
'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day 'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day
'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day A week after the general election, Incumbent Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro for District 19 conceded the tight race to his competitor, Democrat Josh Riley. "Our race didn’t go the way we had hoped, but let me tell you, I am so proud of what we’ve built together," said Molinaro on Tuesday night, Nov. 12. Election 2024: Molinaro Waits On Final Absentee Ballots Before Conceding District 19 Race District 19 includes Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counties.  With 655 of 656 …
Winning Lotto Powerball Tickets Sold In Hudson Valley Winning Lotto Powerball Tickets Sold In Hudson Valley
Winning Lotto Powerball Tickets Sold In Hudson Valley Two winning Powerball tickets were sold at lucky lottery stores in the Hudson Valley. According to the New York Lottery, the winning tickets for the Monday, Nov. 11 game were sold at Smokes 4 Less stores, only in different counties. A big payout Powerplay ticket worth $150,000 was sold in Orange County at the Smokes 4 Less store on N. Plank Road in Newburgh. Lottery officials said the other ticket, worth $50,000, was sold at the Smokes 4 Less store in Dutchess County, in Wappingers Falls. The winning numbers were 3-21-24-34-46, with a Powerball of 9. The $150,000 winner purchased a Power…
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says A cybersecurity “issue” has led the parent company of a supermarket chain to disconnect some systems to protect them. Ahold Delhaize USA said it recently detected a cybersecurity issue within its US network. "Immediately upon detecting the issue, our security teams began an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts," the company said. "We also notified law enforcement." The move affects: Stop & Shop, which has around 400 locations in New England, New York, and New Jersey; Hannaford, with stores in eastern upstate New York and New England; Giant Company, with…
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency President-Elect Donald Trump continues to fill his cabinet with loyalists and his biggest supporters following his sweeping victory in last week's election.  He announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that two billionaire former rivals turned allies, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, would head up his new Department of Government Efficiency.  Related: Trump Nominates NY Rep. Elise Stefanik As UN Ambassador The tech entrepreneur, age 53, and the 39-year-old Harvard and Yale Law grad will be tasked with major cuts in government spending. Trump called it "The Manhattan Project" for a new…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 12 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $361M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 12 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $261 million with a $169.2 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 18-31-33-64-68 with a Mega Ball of 17 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.  Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. There ar…
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…
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley
Governor 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 …
Person Suffers Critical Injuries After Falling Through Roof In Hudson Valley Person Suffers Critical Injuries After Falling Through Roof In Hudson Valley
Person Suffers Critical Injuries After Falling Through Roof In Hudson Valley A person suffered critical injuries after falling through the roof of a home in the region. The incident occurred in Dutchess County, in the Red Oaks Mill area of Arlington, at 12:50 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. According to Arlington Fire District Deputy Chief Adam Kangas, the unidentified victim was found to have sustained severe injuries and required transport to a Level One trauma center. Kangas said Arlington Fire and Empress paramedics treated the victim on the scene and transported them to a landing zone established at the Dutchess County Regional Airport. The patient was transported t…
Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres
Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres A massive wildfire in the Hudson Valley is now 95 percent contained as firefighters continue establishing a control line to try and gain full containment.  The Whitehouse Fire in Ulster County in Denning had grown to 630 areas as of late Monday, Nov. 11. Metzger said Tuesday, Nov. 12, firefighters from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and more than 200 volunteer firefighters from Ulster, Sullivan, and Greene counties continue to work toward full containment. "Burn bans are in effect in every municipality in Ulster County, and outdoor burning is prohibited," Ulst…
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY A bright fireball streaked across the East Coast on Monday, Nov. 11, catching the attention of hundreds of people from Connecticut to Virginia (did you see it? Send footage to clevine@dailyvoice.com). The American Meteor Society reported that 236 people witnessed the fireball around 7:48 p.m., with sightings spanning 13 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada (click here for the sightings map). Witnesses described the fireball as a striking light blue or green that illuminated the sky for four to seven seconds, moving diagonally from the upper right to the lower left. The eve…
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds The Jennings Creek Wildfire, now spanning 3,500 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, is only 20% contained, with strong winds and low humidity posing continued risks for rapid spread.  The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York’s Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are working in unified command to strengthen containment lines in preparation for tomorrow’s forecasted weather. Firefighters focused efforts Tuesday, Nov. 12 on reinforcing the eastern containment line, using controlled burns to remove unburned pockets of fuel.  Resources deployed…
Online Threat Leads To Increased Security At School In Hudson Valley Online Threat Leads To Increased Security At School In Hudson Valley
Online Threat Leads To Increased Security At School In Hudson Valley Parents and students can expect to see extra police on the campus of a middle school in the region after a threat of violence was made over social media. Enlarged City School District of Middletown Superintendent Amy Creeden said the threat was received late Monday, Nov. 11, in Orange County at Monhagen Middle School in the town of Wallkill. The threat, which Wallkill Police are actively investigating, was made on social media by an unidentified user who created a fake, well-known username in an attempt to gain attention. Creeden said the threat has been shared rapidly by and among students…
Trooper Struck By Pickup Truck ID'd As Hudson Valley Native Trooper Struck By Pickup Truck ID'd As Hudson Valley Native
Trooper Struck By Pickup Truck ID'd As Hudson Valley Native A New York State Trooper from the Hudson Valley remains hospitalized after being struck by a pickup truck on I-87 while outside of his vehicle during a traffic stop. Putnam County native Nicholas Abbondola, from Mahopac, was severely injured in Albany County on Saturday, Nov. 2, on the Northway southbound lanes at 12:30 p.m. A tow truck driver from Saratoga County, Brett M. Dempsey, age 29, of Clifton Park, was also hit. He is recovering at home but has a long road ahead, said New York State Police Trooper Stephanie O'Neil.  O'Neil said Abbondola will be moved to a rehabilitation cent…
Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS
Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS President-elect Donald Trump is expected to add two well-known national political figures to his Cabinet this week. According to multiple reports, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will be his choice for secretary of state, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will lead the Department of Homeland Security. According to The New York Times, which first reported the news, Trump could still change his mind at the last minute about Rubio's selection. The son of Cuban immigrants, the 53-year-old Rubio was elected to the Senate in 2010. He was one of Trump's opponents in the 2016 Republican Presidential prim…
5, Including Ex-NYPD Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA 5, Including Ex-NYPD Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA
5, Including Ex-nypd Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA Five individuals, including a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, were indicted following an investigation into an alleged illegal online sports betting ring. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced on Thursday, Nov. 7 that the news comes after a 14-month investigation involving wiretaps and surveillance.  The investigation, which began in July 2023, allegedly uncovered an illegal sportsbook operation running from September 2023 to April 2024. According to the indictment, Anthony Pellegrino, age 59, of Merrick, set up online accounts for his asso…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $103M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $103M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $103M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Nov. 11 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $103 million with a $48.6 million cash option after a player in Georgia recently won the jackpot and reset the prize pool.  If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 03-21-24-34-46 with a Powerball of 09 and the Power Play was 3X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plu…
Former NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet Former NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet
Former NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet President-elect Donald Trump has selected former New York congressman and gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In a statement on Monday, Nov. 11, Trump said Zeldin "will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses," adding that Zeldin will still maintain "the highest environmental standards." In a post on social media, Zeldin said, "It is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator. "We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto indu…
Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say
Hudson Valley Dealer Nabbed Selling Fentanyl, Other Drugs, Police Say An alleged Hudson Valley drug dealer was busted by a drug task force following an investigation, and making "buys."  Dutchess County resident Haitham A. Dasan, age 48, of Poughkeepsie was picked up by the District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force on Thursday, Nov. 1 in an of Poughkeepse known as the "South Side." According to Det. Sgt. Adam Harris with the task force, agents have been investigating the sale of narcotics and other drugs in the area, specifically the sale of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine (crystal meth).  Drug Task Force Agents identified the dea…
NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile'
NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' New York native Melissa Joan Hart revealed a special connection to the late Cassius the Crocodile. The saltwater croc, who measured 18 feet long and weighed nearly 2,870 pounds, died Saturday, Nov. 2, at an estimated age of 120, Marineland Melanesia in Australia announced on Facebook. Cassius received the Guinness World Record as the largest living captive crocodile in 2011. Marineland Melanesia said he was “very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc.” “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mate Cassius,” the organization said. “He was mor…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, Ramapo HS Baseball Captain Killed In Wildfire Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, Ramapo HS Baseball Captain Killed In Wildfire
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, Ramapo HS Baseball Captain Killed In Wildfire Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.  Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death. Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar
Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar President-elect Donald Trump has picked one of his strongest allies in Congress to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations and a former member of his first administration as border czar. Rep. Elise Stefanik, age 40, was first elected to New York's 21st District in 2014 and is the House Republican Conference Chair, the youngest woman to hold that post. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to CBS News. CNN first reported the news late Sunday, Nov. 10. Trump also decided on another native New Yorker for a…
COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts
Covid-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts With respiratory illness season underway, the New York State Department of Health is actively urging residents aged 6 months and older to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent update, which emphasizes the importance of a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine for older adults and those at higher risk. The CDC now advises that adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose six months after their initial vaccination. This u…
Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages
Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages A woman has pleaded guilty to sending racially motivated death threats to a man in  New York. Kristin Keeble, age 54, of Pageland, South Carolina, admitted to transmitting threats to injure another person across state lines, according to the US Attorney's Office of the Northern District of New York. Keeble sent four profanity-laced, racially derogatory audio messages through Facebook Messenger on Oct. 26, 2023  to a Greene County man who resides in the village of Catskill. In the messages, she threatened to kill the man, along with a woman he knew and the woman's children, claimi…
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As Rockland HS Baseball Standout 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As Rockland HS Baseball Standout
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As Rockland 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…