Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Walden Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union: Police Walden Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union: Police
Walden Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At 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 …
Contractor's Discovery Sparks Arrest In Hudson Valley Burglary: Sheriff Contractor's Discovery Sparks Arrest In Hudson Valley Burglary: Sheriff
Contractor's Discovery Sparks Arrest In Hudson Valley Burglary: Sheriff A contractor’s sharp eye helped investigators solve a months-long burglary case, leading to the arrest of a Hudson Valley man on multiple felony charges, authorities said. The months-long investigation began in Putnam County on Tuesday, May 28, when deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported burglary at a home on Route 403 in Philipstown. Upon their arrival, a contractor working on the property informed deputies of evidence suggesting illegal entry into the residence, the Sheriff's Office said on Friday, Nov. 22. Following the contractor's tip, investigators fr…
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits Retail pet stores in New York will soon be prohibited from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits under a new state law aimed at ending the abusive practices of puppy mills.  Starting Sunday, Dec. 15, pet stores across the state must cease all sales, leases, or transfers of dogs, cats, and rabbits, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday, Nov. 22. James emphasized that the law, known as the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, is designed to disrupt large-scale breeding operations, often referred to as puppy mills, which have long been criticized for inhumane treatment and poor health …
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best! Hudson Valley, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Hudson Valley a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the business…
Giants Grant Low-Performing QB Daniel Jones' Release As Tommy DeVito Prepares For Season Debut Giants Grant Low-Performing QB Daniel Jones' Release As Tommy DeVito Prepares For Season Debut
Giants Grant Low-Performing QB Daniel Jones' Release As Tommy DeVito Prepares For Season Debut NY Giants QB Daniel Jones' request to be released by the team has been granted, ESPN reports. Jones, who was drafted in the first round with the sixth overall pick in 2019, was benched during the Giants' bye week and later took responsibility for not producing more wins, the outlet reported. New Jersey's Tommy DeVito will make his season debut this Sunday, Nov. 24 when the Giants face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jones has the worst record as a starter since joining the team with a record of 24–44–1, and the lowest touchdown percentage of 3.1%, ESPN says. Click here for more from ESPN.
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here Are Totals From Orange County How Much Snow Did You Get? Here Are Totals From Orange County
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here Are Totals From Orange County Here's a look at snowfall totals 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 1.77 in 0630 AM 11/22 COCORAHS Bellmor…
5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap 5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap
5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap A sharp increase in black bear collisions has park officials urging visitors to slow down and stay alert while driving through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. In the past week, five black bears have been struck by vehicles on Route 209, a concerning jump from the park’s usual annual average of just a few incidents, officials said. “Wildlife can be unpredictable; it is your job to give yourself time to react,” park officials said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of watching for wildlife and adhering to posted speed limits. Black bears, the park’s largest residents…
Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users
Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users Apple has just ssued what it calls an urgent update for iPhone and iPad users that it says provides protection two critical security vulnerabilities related to exploits of user data while browsing on these devices. The download to iOS 18.1.1 fixes issues in JavaScriptCore and WebKit that could allow attackers to execute malicious code through crafted web content.  "These vulnerabilities have reportedly been exploited on Intel-based Mac systems," Apple said.  Apple says users should install the update promptly. You can do this by navigating to Settings > General >…
Storm Brings Slippery Travel, First Snowfall Of Season In Much Of Region Storm Brings Slippery Travel, First Snowfall Of Season In Much Of Region
Storm Brings Slippery Travel, First Snowfall Of Season In Much Of Region Precipitation on the back end of a potent storm system is causing slippery travel throughout the region. Areas farther inland are seeing a mix of sleet and the first snowfall of the season at daybreak on Friday, Nov. 22. There have been some delayed starts for school districts in northern areas, with a few closures farther west. "The heaviest snow has ended early this morning, but light snow remains possible, especially for elevations above 500 feet," the National Weather Service said. "Use extra caution if traveling early this morning as roads may may still snow covered and …
These Orange County  School Districts Schedule Delayed Starts, Closures These Orange County  School Districts Schedule Delayed Starts, Closures
These Orange County School Districts Schedule Delayed Starts, Closures The following school districts have scheduled delayed starts or closures on Friday, Nov. 22 as a result of wintry conditions: Westchester County Byram Hills Central School District,  two-hour delay Chappaqua Central School District,  two-hour delay Hendrick Hudson School District, two-hour delay Katonah Lewisboro School District, two-hour delay  North Salem Central School District, two-hour delay Ossining School District, two-hour delay Peekskill City School District, two-hour delay Pleasantville Union Free School District, two-hour delay Pocantico Hills Central Schoo…
Iconic Anchor Chuck Scarborough Retiring After Record-Setting Run At NBC 4 New York Iconic Anchor Chuck Scarborough Retiring After Record-Setting Run At NBC 4 New York
Iconic Anchor Chuck Scarborough Retiring After Record-Setting Run At NBC 4 New York Iconic anchor Chuck Scarborough will step down from his role at NBC 4 New York after a 50-year career, concluding his run as the longest-serving local television news anchor in the New York City area on Thursday, Dec. 12, during the 6 p.m. newscast. The 81-year-old Scarborough, who joined the station in 1974, described his plans on the station's evening newscast on Thursday, Nov. 21 as “retirement with an asterisk,” noting he will continue contributing to special station projects and programming.  “There is only one word: gratitude,” Scarborough said. “Our WNBC viewers welcomed me into…
Orange County Man Charged With Rape Of Children Under 11 Orange County Man Charged With Rape Of Children Under 11
Orange County Man Charged With Rape Of Children Under 11 In a shocking case, a Hudson Valley town has charged a 34-year-old man with rape for allegedly assaulting children under the age of 11. Orange County resident Kelvin Dubon-Rivas, of Newburgh, was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 21, for predatory sexual assault against children and first-degree rape. According to Town of Newburgh Police Lt. Matthew Nadolny, an ongoing investigation has discovered one additional juvenile victim. It is unknown at this time if there are any additional victims.  Anyone with information regarding Dubon-Rivas is asked to contact the Town of Newburg…
Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing NY Woman Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing NY Woman
Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing NY Woman After nearly a decade, police in New York have identified human remains found in a wooded preserve as those of Amanda King, who vanished in November 2013.  King's remains were found in Rensselaer County in Troy on Sunday, Oct. 20, near Campbell Avenue in the. Burden Pond Preserve, said Troy Police Assistant Chief Steven Barker. She was age 27 when she disappeared. Troy Police were led to the police by a resident who discovered human remains. Identification was confirmed through dental records and DNA analysis, Barker said. King, reported missing over a decade ago, from Schenecta…
Lucky Winner For Life: Lottery Ticket Worth At Least $7M Sold At Store In Hudson Valley Lucky Winner For Life: Lottery Ticket Worth At Least $7M Sold At Store In Hudson Valley
Lucky Winner For Life: Lottery Ticket Worth At Least $7M Sold At Store In Hudson Valley A lucky visitor to a store in Northern Westchester is set to receive a thousand dollars every day after buying a winning lottery ticket.  A Cash4Life top-prize-winning lottery ticket worth a guaranteed minimum of $7 million was sold in Thornwood for the drawing on Wednesday, Nov. 20, New York Lottery officials announced.  Officials added that the ticket was sold at 618 Columbus Avenue Stationery at 618 Columbus Ave. in Thornwood.  Wednesday's winning numbers were 27 28 38 39 55 with a Cash Ball of 01. 
Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations Facing stiff opposition in the US Senate, embattled former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration to be President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general. The 42-year-old Gaetz had been the subject of an investigation by the Justice Department involving allegations of sex trafficking and sex with a minor.  "I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday," Gaetz posted on social media early Thursday afternoon, Nov. 21. "I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many.  "While the momentum was strong, it is clear that…
Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award
Hudson Valley Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award The National Alliance on Mental Illness has awarded a Hudson Valley police sergeant the 2024 Hero of CIT Award—New York State, recognizing his significant contributions to mental health advocacy. The Clarkstown Police Department announced that Sgt. Christopher Bax’s recent accolade underscores his dedicated efforts in mental health advocacy within the community. The department said that as a Crisis Intervention Team trainer, Bax has shown exemplary leadership and compassion, significantly impacting the lives of those affected by mental illness. "His approach extends beyond training law enf…
Hudson Valley's Richard Gere Flips Middle Finger On 'Today' Show: Here's Why Hudson Valley's Richard Gere Flips Middle Finger On 'Today' Show: Here's Why
Hudson Valley's Richard Gere Flips Middle Finger On 'Today' Show: Here's Why Richard Gere began his latest appearance on the "Today" show with a gesture that had to be blurred.  The "An Officer and a Gentleman" actor, age 75, appeared on NBC's "Today" on Wednesday, Nov. 20, and started his interview with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie by giving a middle finger, according to a report by People. The gesture prompted shock from Guthrie, who joked, "You just did an obscene gesture on this family morning show! I'm bleeping you!"  If you're wondering why Gere chose to start off his appearance like that, it's because the show had just shown a clip from his new …
Orange County Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside Orange County Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside
Orange County Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside In a significant court ruling, a woman from the region was sentenced to nine years in prison following her conviction for arson of a residential building. According to Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Dawn Hulse, age 53, of Port Jervis, was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to prison time plus an additional five years of supervised release.  This follows her guilty plea in Orange County Court to commit arson at a two-family residence in Port Jervis. Court documents reveal that on Tuesday, Jan. 25, Hulse disabled the smoke detector from the fuse box and barricaded the…
Person Narrowly Escapes Late-Night Apartment Blaze In Orange County Person Narrowly Escapes Late-Night Apartment Blaze In Orange County
Person Narrowly Escapes Late-Night Apartment Blaze In Orange County A late-night fire at an apartment complex in the region saw one individual's narrow escape and left three firefighters needing medical attention as local fire crews battled intense flames. The blaze occurred in Orange County around 10:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 39 Kenny Court in Newburgh. According to Mike Neppl, Chief of Staff of Newburgh, firefighters encountered heavy flames billowing from the building's second story.  A rapid response saw a second alarm issued as teams searched for reported individuals trapped inside. One person managed a harrowing escape by jumping from a seco…
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk A major, nationwide recall is underway for more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef due to possible contamination with E. coli. Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, issued the recall, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced late Wednesday night, Nov. 20. The affected products include fresh ground beef with a “use by” date of Nov. 14 and frozen products marked with a production date of Oct. 22. The items, bearing establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA inspection mark, were shipped to restaurants nationwide. View the full product …
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Nov. 20 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $155M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Nov. 20 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $155M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Nov. 20 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $155M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Nov. 20 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $155 million with a $71.3 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 16-30-60-62-64 with a Powerball of 25 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 plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 mil…
Jennings Fire Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response Jennings Fire Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response
Jennings Fire Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response 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…
Revive Your Broken Treasures: Hudson Valley County Offers Repair Café Revive Your Broken Treasures: Hudson Valley County Offers Repair Café
Revive Your Broken Treasures: Hudson Valley County Offers Repair Café Grab that broken lamp and alarm clock and head to the Repair Cafe in the Hudson Valley. Experts will breathe new life into your beloved but broken items while promoting sustainability. Rockland County Executive Ed Day will host it at the Pearl River United Methodist Church at 130 Franklin Ave on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Residents of Rockland are encouraged to bring their damaged or worn items—ranging from lamps and clothing to small appliances and toys—to the event. Skilled volunteer "Repair Coaches" will assess and mend them free of charge.  How…
New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening
New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening Hundreds of residents, city officials, and firefighters turned out to unveil a fire department's new station, which consolidates three stations into one. The event occurred in Dutchess County on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Beacon. According to Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou, the new central station for the Beacon Fire Department, located at the “gateway” to Beacon on Route 9D opposite City Hall, represents the culmination of decades of studies and plans to consolidate three fire stations into one central location. Kyriacou said the 17,000-square-foot facility, which costs $14.7 mi…
Hudson Valley Escalates to Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation Hudson Valley Escalates to Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation
Hudson Valley Escalates to Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation As the dry spell continues and wildfires persist, New York State has raised the Hudson Valley's drought status to a warning level, prompting intensified voluntary water conservation efforts across the region. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the state heightened its drought advisory for the Hudson Valley from a watch to a warning, though immediate concerns for Rockland's water sources remain minimal for now.  Officials said the longer the region experiences dry conditions, the more pressing the concern becomes.  A Drought Warning is the second in a four-stage advisory system that includes …
Serious Bicycle Collision On Route 17K Leaves Orange County Man In ICU Serious Bicycle Collision On Route 17K Leaves Orange County Man In ICU
Serious Bicycle Collision On Route 17K Leaves Orange County Man In ICU A late afternoon crash involving a bicycle and a vehicle on Route 17K has left a 59-year-old Hudson Valley man critically injured and in the ICU. On the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 19, around 5:15 p.m., emergency responders from the Town of Newburgh Police and the New York State Police rushed to the scene of a distressing accident on Route 17K at the intersection with Stony Brook Court in Newburgh. According to Lt. Matthew Nadolny of the Newburgh Police, a 35-year-old man operating a vehicle from Newburgh collided with a 59-year-old man riding a bicycle from Newburgh. The impact of the collis…
Teen Charged in Hit-Run That Seriously Injured Person On Route 9W In Orange COunty Teen Charged in Hit-Run That Seriously Injured Person On Route 9W In Orange COunty
Teen Charged in Hit-Run That Seriously Injured Person On Route 9W In Orange COunty A 19-year-old man faces felony charges after allegedly striking a pedestrian with his vehicle and fleeing the scene in the region. On Thursday, Nov. 14, Lloyd Police arrested Elias M. Sanchez Jr., of Newburgh, in connection with a severe car-pedestrian accident that occurred on Thursday, Oct. 3, on Route 9W in Highland, which resulted in serious leg injuries to a 30-year-old man from New York City. Chief James Janso of the Lloyd Police said Sanchez faces multiple charges, including: Assault Reckless endangerment Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, The arrest followed an inten…
Hudson Valley Native Jay Leno Falls Down 60-Foot Hill, Hits Head On Rock Hudson Valley Native Jay Leno Falls Down 60-Foot Hill, Hits Head On Rock
Hudson Valley Native Jay Leno Falls Down 60-Foot Hill, Hits Head On Rock Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno is again making headlines for an accident that left him bruised and battered, according to reports.  Leno, age 74, a native New Yorker who grew up in Massachusetts, is recovering from injuries sustained from falling down a 60-foot hill and hitting a rock while trying to make his way to a restaurant in Pennsylvania, the comedian told TMZ in an interview on Tuesday, Nov. 19.  In his interview with the outlet, Leno, seen with an eyepatch and bruised face, explained that he had been trying to take a shortcut to the restaurant from his hotel about 30 m…
Gunfire Near Middletown YMCA Leads To Teen Found With Loaded Handgun: Police Gunfire Near Middletown YMCA Leads To Teen Found With Loaded Handgun: Police
Gunfire Near Middletown YMCA Leads To Teen Found With Loaded Handgun: Police Early on a chilly morning, gunfire shattered the quiet streets of a Hudson Valley city.  At approximately 6:53 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, calls flooded into the local police station, reporting shots at the intersection of Liberty Street and Wickham Avenue, said Middletown Police Lt. Jeffrey Thoelen. Responding swiftly, Middletown Police officers arrived on the scene to discover a lone shell casing in front of 33 Wickham Ave. They quickly cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. As the morning unfolded, police officers and detectives meticulously combed through the neighborhood, b…
Man From Region Nabbed For Assault, Knocking Victim's Teeth Out, Police Say Man From Region Nabbed For Assault, Knocking Victim's Teeth Out, Police Say
Man From Region Nabbed For Assault, Knocking Victim's Teeth Out, Police Say A man from the region was charged with assault after he allegedly broke into a home and knocked a victim's teeth out.  The incident occurred in Sullivan County on Saturday, Nov. 16, in the Town of Thompson. According to Sullivan County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, deputies encountered Xavier Vega, age 30, of Monticello. The investigation at the scene revealed that Vega had been removed from that location earlier in the day under an order of protection.  Vega returned to the residence, allegedly broke in, and assaulted a 61-year-old occupant by knocking his teeth ou…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 19 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $420M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 19 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $420M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 19 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $420M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 19 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $420 million with a $191.7 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 05-35-50-51-59 with a Mega Ball of 08 and a Megaplier of 4X 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. 22.  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…