Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

Nominations concluded. Finalists are being selected. Sign up for alerts to stay updated.

Man Caught After Starting Outdoor Fire On Island In Hudson Valley Lake During Burn Ban: Police Man Caught After Starting Outdoor Fire On Island In Hudson Valley Lake During Burn Ban: Police
Man Caught After Starting Outdoor Fire On Island In Hudson Valley Lake During Burn Ban: Police A man was apprehended after starting a blaze on an island in a Hudson Valley lake and not putting it out despite numerous orders from authorities, police said.  The arrest resulted from an incident in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 1 at around 6 p.m., when residents reported an open burn on Teakettle Spout Lake in Mahopac, according to the town's police department. Arriving officers found a man identified as Steven Turnbull "engaged in unauthorized outdoor burning" on a small island in the center of the lake, according to police. Members of the Mahopac Fire Department also at the scene …
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general are calling for a peaceful election and transfer of power and condemning any potential political violence: “Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, we condemn any and all acts of violence related to its results," the coalition said. The coalition added: "A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles w…
Meeting Explains New Electric School Buses Coming To Hudson Valley School District Meeting Explains New Electric School Buses Coming To Hudson Valley School District
Meeting Explains New Electric School Buses Coming To Hudson Valley School District Residents will have a chance to ask questions during an upcoming meeting when they will be asked to approve spending $2.27 million on electric school buses in a Hudson Valley school district. The meeting is in Dutchess County from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School at 156 S Cross Road in Staatsburg. Hyde Park Central School District officials said attendees will learn everything about implementing electric buses during the panel discussion. Representatives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Leonard Bus Sales …
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…
Bomb Threat To DEC Office In Hudson Valley Under Investigation Bomb Threat To DEC Office In Hudson Valley Under Investigation
Bomb Threat To DEC Office In Hudson Valley Under Investigation State Police are investigating after a bomb threat was emailed to a government office. in the region. The incident occurred in Ulster County on Monday, Nov. 4, at the State Department of Environmental Conservation, targeting the DEC Region 3 office in New Paltz. According to Trooper Steven Nevel, troopers searched the building and did not find any explosive devices.  The investigation into the threat is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Troop F Headquarters at 845-344-5300.
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $65M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $65M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $65M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Nov. 4 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $65 million with a $30.7 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. 7, when the jackpot will hit an estimated $75 million with a $35.4 million cash option. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 06-18-33-48-53 with a Powerball of 21 and the Power Play was 10. Lottery players have a 1 in&nbs…
Newly Named Tropical Storm Rafael Expected To Quickly Become Hurricane As It Heads Toward US Newly Named Tropical Storm Rafael Expected To Quickly Become Hurricane As It Heads Toward US
Newly Named Tropical Storm Rafael Expected To Quickly Become Hurricane As It Heads Toward US A system in the Caribbean has just strengthened to become a tropical storm. Rafael became the latest named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season late Monday afternoon, Nov. 4. After it moves near Jamaica Monday night, it's expected to quickly become a hurricane when it passes at or around the Cayman Islands by Tuesday night, Nov. 5, when a dangerous storm surge is expected. Tropical storm conditions are expected in Jamaica Monday night into Tuesday morning, the National Hurricane Center said. Additional strengthening is expected as it advances toward western Cuba on Wednes…
New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck On I-87 New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck On I-87
New Update: IDs Released For Trooper, Tow Truck Driver Hit By Pickup Truck On I-87 The New York State trooper and tow truck operator who were struck by a pickup truck on I-87 while outside of their vehicles during a traffic stop have been identified by state police. The incident occurred in Albany County on the Northway southbound lanes on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Colonie.  Original report - Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On Northway In Colonie According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, Trooper Nicholas Abbondola has undergone lengthy surgeries to repair some of the injuries, but additional surgeries are expected to be necess…
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA A New York State Police trooper who suffered a gunshot wound on a roadway in the region may not have been entirely truthful about what happened. On Long Island, state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s office are investigating “certain inconsistencies” in Trooper Thomas Mascia’s reporting of the alleged incident, a spokesperson for DA Anne Donnelly told Daily Voice. On Monday, Nov. 4, State Police executed a search warrant at Mascia’s home in West Hempstead. The agency also canceled the BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect vehicle. Earlier Report: Trooper Shot In W…
Athletic Director At School District In Hudson Valley Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen Athletic Director At School District In Hudson Valley Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen
Athletic Director At School District In Hudson Valley Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen This story has been updated. An athletic director at a school district in Westchester County has been arrested and charged in connection with allegedly extorting a teenager to send sexually explicit images and videos. Thomas James Puccini, 28 years old and employed as the Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics by the Eastchester Union Free School District, was arrested on Friday, Nov. 1. He was charged with felony grand larceny in the fourth degree and was arraigned in White Plains City Court by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Puccini has been pla…
Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says
Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says A financial secretary for a fire company in the region has admitted to stealing more than $17,000 from the department.  Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced on Friday, Nov. 1, that Lynn T. Simpson, age 43, of Wallkill, pled guilty to grand larceny in the Third Degree in connection with the theft of $17,947 from the parade fund of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Middletown.  As part of the plea agreement, Simpson will repay all the stolen money, Hoovler said. The department was scheduled to host a parade in September 2023, which includ…
5 Nabbed On Gun Charges During Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say 5 Nabbed On Gun Charges During Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say
5 Nabbed On Gun Charges During Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say Five people were charged with allegedly having loaded weapons during a Hudson Valley traffic stop. The incident occurred in Orange County around 3:40 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, in Wallkill. According to Lt. Robert McLymore of the Wallkill Police, the department, along with the New York State Police, performed a vehicle stop at Exit 116 on Route 17, which led to the arrest of five of the five suspects. A subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of three loaded firearms, McLymore said. Those charged included: Capital Region resident Shawn A. Briggs, age 35, of Troy. …
Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help
Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help As thousands flock to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, New York Attorney General Letitia James reminds voters that a hotline is available on election day for help. Hotline staffers can help voters troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues they may encounter when they cast their ballot. To help, James issued guidance for voters ahead of the election, and a guide addressing frequently asked questions is also available. “All New Yorkers have the right to feel safe when casting their votes,” said James. “Our Election Protection Hotline will help ensure that every voice is heard – whether you’re v…
Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Hudson Valley Supermarket: Police Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Hudson Valley Supermarket: Police
Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Hudson Valley Supermarket: Police A 34-year-old man was caught with items stolen from a supermarket in the region after officers found him hiding behind a rock wall, police said. In Northern Westchester County, Shrub Oak resident Jonathan Tozzo was arrested following an incident in Yorktown on Thursday, Oct. 24, Yorktown Police announced on Tuesday, Oct. 29.  According to the department, at around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, a concerned citizen alerted a Yorktown officer about a man hiding behind a wall on East Main Street. When the officer approached the man, later identified as Tozzo, he quickly walked away and ignored co…
Election Day Will Bring Change In Weather Pattern: Here's 5-Day Forecast Election Day Will Bring Change In Weather Pattern: Here's 5-Day Forecast
Election Day Will Bring Change In Weather Pattern: Here's 5-Day Forecast Election Day will mark a change in the weather pattern. "High temperatures will be 15 to 25 degrees above the historical average and some places will easily break records," AccuWeather Meteorologist Emma Belscher said.  Monday, Nov. 4, started with frosty and cloudy conditions. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will rebound into the 50s and lower 60s in the afternoon as partly sunny skies develop. There's a slight chance of scattered light rain overnight. Temperatures will become unseasonably mild starting on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, with highs in …
System Expected To Become Tropical Storm Projected To Move North Toward US Coast System Expected To Become Tropical Storm Projected To Move North Toward US Coast
System Expected To Become Tropical Storm Projected To Move North Toward US Coast A system over the Caribbean now expected to strengthen could become a hurricane with its projected track taking it north toward the US coast. Click here for a new, updated story - Newly Named Tropical Storm Rafael Expected To Quickly Become Hurricane As It Heads Toward US Tropical Cyclone 18 should become Tropical Storm Rafael on Monday, Nov. 4, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory issued late Sunday afternoon, Nov. 3. The system is expected to move near Jamaica Monday night and Tuesday, Nov. 5. A tropical storm warning has been issued for Jamaica, and a hurricane watc…
Latest Update: 1 Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail In Hudson Valley Latest Update: 1 Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail In Hudson Valley
Latest Update: 1 Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail In Hudson Valley This story has been updated. One person was killed after a vehicle left the roadway in Northern Westchester County and crashed into a guardrail. It happened around 8:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 in Chappaqua on the southbound Saw Mill Parkway.  The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, Westchester County Police said. A passenger was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The southbound lanes of the parkway were closed in that area for several hours for an investigation by Westchester County PD patrol officers and members of the Accident Investigation Team. The i…
NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls
NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls A days-long search for a New York mother and her two children was unsuccessful after police say the woman jumped with them off Niagara Falls. State Police say that 33-year-old Chianti Means, Roman Rossman, age 9, and Mecca Means, 5 months old, crossed over the guardrail and went over the falls on Luna Island, which is attached to Goat Island, on Monday night, Oct. 28. "The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation," according to New York State Police. All three were residents of Niagara Falls. New York St…
1 Burglary Suspect In Custody, 2 On Loose After Police Pursuit Ends In Rockland 1 Burglary Suspect In Custody, 2 On Loose After Police Pursuit Ends In Rockland
1 Burglary Suspect In Custody, 2 On Loose After Police Pursuit Ends In Rockland One burglary suspect is in custody but two others remain at large after a police pursuit from Bergen County ended in Rockland overnight. On Saturday, Nov. 2, at approximately 7:50 p.m., the Clarkstown Police Department assisted the Montvale Police Department during a pursuit of a vehicle linked to burglary suspects in its area. The pursuit ended in Nanuet in the vicinity of Lake Nanuet Road and Pittsford Way. Upon reaching the location, officers from the Montvale Police Department reported that all three suspects fled the vehicle on foot.  Clarkstown PD officers quickl…
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants Casual dining chain TGI Fridays has filed for bankruptcy several weeks after at least 12 of its restaurants suddenly closed. The company filed the Chapter 11 petition on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Texas, near its Dallas headquarters. Founded in New York City in 1965, TGI Fridays has 95 restaurants in the US, 39 of which the company owns and operates. The other 56 are independent franchises not involved in the bankruptcy petition. The company said that all those locations will remain open. According to the TGI Fridays website and other reports, the following locations are now listed as permanent…
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway Police are investigating a midday crash on a stretch of the New York Thruway that left a trooper severely injured. It happened around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 on I-87 in Albany County just before the Exit 6-7 off-ramp in Colonie. The investigation has determined that the trooper had stopped a vehicle, and due to a vehicle and traffic Law violation, the vehicle was being towed, New York State Police said. While loading a vehicle onto the tow truck, both the trooper and tow truck driver were outside their vehicles when they were struck by a passing pickup truck.  The trooper su…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $54M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $54M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $54M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Nov. 2 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $54 million with a $25.5 million cash option after it was reset when a player in Georgia won big last week. If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4 with a $64 million prize up for grabs. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 10-45-48-58-61 with a Powerball of 02 and the Power Play was 3X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching al…
Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Outrage is swirling after New York wildlife officials seized and later euthanized beloved social media sensation “Peanut” the squirrel. Chemung County resident Mark Longo, of Elmira, took to Instagram Wednesday, Oct 30, telling his 581,000 followers that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers had seized the animal, which he rescued in 2017 after its mother was struck by a car. “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he wrote. “To the people who called (DEC), there’s a special place in hell for you.” In a…
Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Rockland District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Rockland District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico
Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Rockland District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico The race for New York's 17th District seat is drawing national attention, as it may play a large role in what party ends up securing a majority in the House, according to a new report by Politico. The race between incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler, a 38-year-old Republican, and Democrat Mondaire Jones, age 37, has been labeled a "race to watch" by Politico in a new report from Sunday, Oct. 27.  The 17th District consists of all of Rockland and Putnam counties, most of Northern Westchester, and portions of southern Dutchess County. According to the outlet, the seat is one of a handf…
Drunk Driver Leads Officers On Short Chase In Hudson Valley: Police Drunk Driver Leads Officers On Short Chase In Hudson Valley: Police
Drunk Driver Leads Officers On Short Chase In Hudson Valley: Police A 40-year-old drunk driver was apprehended after fleeing a traffic stop in the region, police said. The incident leading to the man's arrest began in Putnam County just before 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, when a Kent Police officer saw a vehicle driving erratically on Route 311, according to the department. The officer soon tried stopping the vehicle on Terry Hill Road. However, the car ignored the officer's emergency lights and sirens and kept going, authorities said. The vehicle was later stopped with help from the Carmel Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, and New Yor…
Rockland County Shooter Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say Rockland County Shooter Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say
Rockland County Shooter Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say A Hudson Valley man has been taken into custody in connection with a shooting on a city street. The incident occurred in Rockland County on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 5:50 a.m. on South Main Street in Spring Valley. According to Det. Matt Galli of the Spring Valley Police officers located an injured victim who was bleeding on the sidewalk.  The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound. Spring Valley detectives responded to the scene to further investigate the incident and, during the investigation, identified a 30-year-old Spring Valley resident…
Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY
Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY A young woman was killed and an infant hospitalized after a vehicle crashed into an Amish carriage on a New York road. The incident happened around 4:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, in Herkimer County in the village of Newport, located about 70 miles west of Sarasota Springs. New York State Police say a preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 Jeep Renegade operated by a 36-year-old Newport man was traveling east on Butler Road when it struck the rear portion of the Amish Buggy traveling in the same direction. As a result of the collision, Rebecca Swartzentruber, age 31, from Newport, and 1…
NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses
NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses Actress Melissa Joan Hart is showing some love for her hometown on Long Island following a fire that damaged several businesses. The “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” star, who grew up in Sayville, took to Instagram to share a relief fund created to help the half dozen businesses that were damaged in the blaze along the beloved Main Street on Friday, Oct. 25. “The town I grew up in, Sayville, New York, had a devastating fire yesterday and many small businesses suffered big losses,” the 48-year-old Hart wrote. “I'm donating to the chamber of commerce to help them get back on their feet hopefully i…
Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From
Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From With Spooky Season over, attention is turning to the holidays and New York’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year’s tree is a 74-foot tall Norway Spruce from Massachusetts that was grown in Berkshire County in West Stockbridge, Rockefeller Center announced on Instagram. Weighing in at around 11 tons, it’s the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to come from the Bay State since 1959. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rockefeller Center (@rockefellercenter) The colossal tree will make the 136-mile journey to Manha…
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sex Abuse Of Child Under 11, Faces 18 Years In Prison, DA Says Hudson Valley Man Admits Sex Abuse Of Child Under 11, Faces 18 Years In Prison, DA Says
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sex Abuse Of Child Under 11, Faces 18 Years In Prison, DA Says A 73-year-old man has pleaded guilty to sex abuse of a child under the age of 11 for several years. Orange County resident Allan Bressler of Pine Bush made his plea in court on Thursday, Oct. 3, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. At the time of the plea, the District Attorney’s Office said it would recommend Bressler be sentenced to 18 years in state prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.  At the time that he pleaded guilty, Bressler admitted that between March 2008 and February 2013, in the vicinity of his Pine Bush home, he engaged in two or…