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Rockland County, NY

State Assemblyman's Home Broken Into By Men In Ski Masks In Rockland County State Assemblyman's Home Broken Into By Men In Ski Masks In Rockland County
State Assemblyman's Home Broken Into By Men In Ski Masks In Rockland County Outgoing New York State Assemblyman John McGowan (R-District 97) found himself chasing away multiple people wearing ski masks who had broken into his Rockland County home in the middle of the night. McGowan, who represents Orangetown and Ramapo, said he and his wife, Christine, were sleeping when their barking dogs woke him up and caused him to discover the intruders. He encountered "multiple individuals in the home brandishing what appeared to be a crowbar," he added. McGowan said he was able to chase them off and call the police. "This experience was terrifying and alarming, to say the …
Former Corrections Officer From Region Sentenced For Tampering With Records, Harassment Former Corrections Officer From Region Sentenced For Tampering With Records, Harassment
Former Corrections Officer From Region Sentenced For Tampering With Records, Harassment A former Rockland County corrections officer has been sentenced to probation after admitting to falsifying records and exposing himself to a female inmate while on duty, prosecutors announced. John Kezek, 39, of Knoxville, Tennessee, formerly of Florida, New York, was sentenced following his guilty plea to tampering with public records and official misconduct, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh. The sentencing occurred on Thursday, Dec. 19. As part of his guilty plea, Kezek admitted to falsifying records at the Rockland County Correctional Facility and exposing himself to …
Traffic Alert: Route 9W Closed In Parts Of Rockland/Orange Counties Following Crash Traffic Alert: Route 9W Closed In Parts Of Rockland/Orange Counties Following Crash
Traffic Alert: Route 9W Closed In Parts Of Rockland/Orange Counties Following Crash Drives will want to avoid Route 9W in parts of Rockland and Orange County after a crash brought downed power poles and lines, closing the roadway. According to the New York State Police, the roadway is closed in both directions between Seven Lakes Parkway (Stony Point) and River Road (New Windsor); all lanes of two lanes are closed. This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Filming To Close Major Roadway In Region Filming To Close Major Roadway In Region
Filming To Close Major Roadway In Region A busy Rockland County roadway will be closed on Monday, Dec. 16, to film a popular television series. The causeway will be closed between Ridge Road and Stonewall Lane in Clarkstown from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the filming of the NBC Peacock series Poker Face. Clarkstown Police said a detour route would be posted, routing vehicles to Route 304, Route 9W, and Old Haverstraw Rd. Laurent Rejto, director of the Hudson Valley Film Commission, confirmed the filming and said, "Unfortunately, unlike Season 1, most of Season 2 was filmed in New York City." Poker Face stars Natasha Lyonne as quirk…
Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Set To Increase: Here's When, How Much Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Set To Increase: Here's When, How Much
Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Set To Increase: Here's When, How Much Drivers crossing the new Tappan Zee Bridge will soon face a higher toll, according to the New York State Thruway Authority. The increase will go into effect on Wednesday, Jan. 1, with a 50-cent hike to the base NY E-ZPass toll rates and tolls-by-mail that began in 2024 and will continue each year through 2027, when it hits $7.75. The annual price increase means E-Z pass users will begin paying $6.75 on New Year's Day. The adjustment also includes an enhancement to the Westchester and Rockland Resident Discount Plan, which will rise from 17 percent to a 20 percent discount. The 40&nbs…
Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line
Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line Authorities have released the identities of both the pilot who survived and the passenger who died in a small plane crash that shut down Interstate 684 at the border of Fairfield, CT and Westchester, CT counties for hours. Kalmen Goldberger, 26, of Linden, NJ, had reported engine trouble before the single-engine Tecnam P-2008 went down in the center median of I-684 near Exit 2 in Harrison Thursday, Dec. 12 around 7:15 p.m., officials said. Goldberger survived, however, his passenger, Jacob Yankele Friedman, 32, of the Rockland County hamlet of Monsey, was pronounced dead at the sc…
Officials In The Region Say To 'Stay Calm' After Drones Viewed In Hudson Valley. Officials In The Region Say To 'Stay Calm' After Drones Viewed In Hudson Valley.
Officials In The Region Say To 'Stay Calm' After Drones Viewed In Hudson Valley. Rockland County officials are urging residents to remain calm after at least four sightings of drones were spotted flying over the region late Thursday, Dec. 12, and into New Jersey. “We understand that these drone sightings may be unsettling and are taking these reports seriously,” said County Executive Ed Day.  Day said he has notified federal authorities and written a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to have the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate and provide answers about who is behind these drone sightings. The d…
Man On Tracks In Region Injured By Passing Train Man On Tracks In Region Injured By Passing Train
Man On Tracks In Region Injured By Passing Train A man walking along the train tracks in Rockland County was struck on the shoulder by an NJ Transit passenger train as he jumped out of the way. Dave Steckel of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the incident occurred in Nanuet around 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, as the train on the Pascack Valley Line passed the unidentified man. The train had just department Spring Valley and was due to arrive in Hoboken, New Jersey, at 1:30 p.m., when it struck the man west of Clarkstown Road. "The extent of the injuries is unknown at this time," Steckel added. There were no reported i…
Albany Man, 44, Run Over, Killed By His Own Truck After Mechanical Failure: Police Albany Man, 44, Run Over, Killed By His Own Truck After Mechanical Failure: Police
Albany Man, 44, Run Over, Killed By His Own Truck After Mechanical Failure: Police A 44-year-old Albany man was fatally run over by the food truck that he was operating after a mechanical failure forced him out of the vehicle Thursday, Dec. 5 in Rockland County, authorities said. Khurram Shahzad was traveling west in a 1994 Grumman Food Truck on Prospect Street in Nanuet when the truck experienced a mechanical issue and stalled around 3 p.m., according to Detective Norm Peters of the Clarkstown Police. Shahzad placed the vehicle in park and got out of the truck.  Shahzad asked a friend, a 39-year-old man following him in another car, to assist him…
Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley
Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley A Rockland County man and his girlfriend have been sentenced for their roles in killing his 85-year-old grandfather, stealing his belongings and hiding his body in 2023, authorities said. Constantinos Doonan, 32, also known as “Dino,” and Jo-Ann Haughey, 28, both of New City, were convicted in the January 2023 killing of Constantinos Mastakouris at his home on Ruth Drive in New City, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, authorities announced that Doonan was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison while Haughey received 15 years for ma…
Fire Damages Home In Region Fire Damages Home In Region
Fire Damages Home In Region Firefighters from six Hudson Valley fire departments saved a home after an automatic fire alarm sent help to the scene. The Rockland County blaze occurred in Orangeburg, at 96 Old Orangeburg Road, on Monday, Dec. 2. Orangeburg Police Capt. Michael Shannon said the fire was initially triggered by an automatic alarm. When firefighters arrived, they found flames that had damaged two rooms of the home. After a short time, the blaze was out, and the Rockland Building Inspector said the residents could move back into the home once the electricity was turned back on, Shannon said. Most of the da…
Attempted Murder: Duo Nabbed After Incident In Region Attempted Murder: Duo Nabbed After Incident In Region
Attempted Murder: Duo Nabbed 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…
Man Drove Drunk With Child In Pickup Truck At Service Area In Region: Police Man Drove Drunk With Child In Pickup Truck At Service Area In Region: Police
Man Drove Drunk With Child In Pickup Truck At Service Area In Region: Police A man is facing a felony charge under Leandra’s Law after allegedly driving drunk with a child in his vehicle at a Hudson Valley service area. The incident happened at about 3 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, when troopers in Rockland County patrolling the Ramapo Service Area observed a 2017 Nissan pickup truck parked with its headlights on. New York State Police said they found the driver, later identified as Genaro Garcia-Cortes, age 45, of the Bronx, apparently asleep in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition and an empty beer bottle in the cup holder.  A 10-year-old girl and a fe…
Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Hudson Valley Suspect Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Hudson Valley Suspect
Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Hudson Valley Suspect A Hudson Valley man is facing drug charges after a months-long investigation into narcotics sales. Richard Fernandez, age 40, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 20, following a five-month investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. Investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in Pomona, recovering cocaine, fentanyl pills, and other pharmaceutical drugs during the search. Fernandez has been charged with: Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree; Four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in t…
Corrections Sergeant From Region Charged With Child Exploitation Charges Corrections Sergeant From Region Charged With Child Exploitation Charges
Corrections Sergeant From Region Charged With Child Exploitation Charges A 44-year-old sergeant at the Rockland County Jail is facing over 50 charges of possessing and promoting alleged child sexual abuse material, authorities announced. Daniel Dworkin, a corrections officer sergeant, was arrested Thursday, Nov. 21, following an investigation sparked by a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, according to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. Dworkin is charged with 51 counts each of promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child. A search of his home and digital devices reportedly uncovered disturbing…
Revive Your Broken Treasures: County In Region Offers Repair Café Revive Your Broken Treasures: County In Region Offers Repair Café
Revive Your Broken Treasures: County In Region 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…
Region Escalates to Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation Region Escalates to Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation
Region 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 …
New Restaurant Making Mark In First Year Of Business In Region New Restaurant Making Mark In First Year Of Business In Region
New Restaurant Making Mark In First Year Of Business In Region Open for just over a year, a new Hudson Valley restaurant is winning praise for food, music, and drinks from foodies and online reviewers. Located in Rockland County, the Nyack Social, at 125 Main St., in Nyack, serves lunch, brunch on weekends, and dinner, offering a host of selections that foodies say are top-notch. The menu offers a symphony of choices, from wings and burgers to more sophisticated options such as steaks, seafood, and chicken.  Foodie favorites are the seafood options, wings, burgers, and steaks. They are also known for their drinks and live music several times a w…
Juvenile Alligator Rescued From Cool Waters Of Creek In Region Juvenile Alligator Rescued From Cool Waters Of Creek In Region
Juvenile Alligator Rescued From Cool Waters Of Creek In Region Yep, an alligator rescued from the cool waters of a Hudson Valley creek is recovering and getting warmed up. The small male gator was found in Rockland County at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in the Minisceongo Creek near Bridge Street in Garnerville. According to the Haverstraw Police Department, officers responded to a call about an alligator in the water. They assisted in removing the gator from the water with help from the Hudson Valley Humane Society of Pomona. Late Thursday, the Humane Society said a herpetology expert from the Bronx Zoo "was kind enough to come by tonight and t…
New Eatery In Region Serves Up Modern American Fare New Eatery In Region Serves Up Modern American Fare
New Eatery In Region Serves Up Modern American Fare  A Hudson Valley cafe that opened a little over a year ago has become a beloved neighborhood destination, according to foodies and casual diners.  The Four Star Cafe in Rockland County, in Congers, is known for its small plates, pizzas, good food, and stiff drinks. Yelper Global  M. said: "Should be called five-star cafe. Nothing else to say beyond that. Good food. Good service. Especially make sure to get dessert." The pizzas, flamed-grilled burgers, and many appetizers, including the Bronx-style calamari and the petit lamb chops, seem to be menu favorites. But there's ple…
Crash Update: Police ID Man Struck, Killed By Vehicle While Crossing Roadway In Region Crash Update: Police ID Man Struck, Killed By Vehicle While Crossing Roadway In Region
Crash Update: Police ID Man Struck, Killed By Vehicle While Crossing Roadway In Region Police have identified a Hudson Valley man who was struck and killed by two cars while crossing a roadway with another person. The incident occurred in Rockland County at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, at W. Maple Avenue and Kings Point in Ramapo. Related: 1 Killed, Another Injured After Being Hit While Crossing Ramapo Roadway According to Ramapo Police Sgt. Michael Anton, Chaim Chiment, age 70, of Monsey, was killed while crossing W. Maple Ave westbound with another person at the street corner when a vehicle traveling northbound struck both. Anton said that Chimemt was thrown into the…
1 Killed, Another Injured After Being Hit While Crossing Roadway 1 Killed, Another Injured After Being Hit While Crossing Roadway
1 Killed, Another Injured After Being Hit While Crossing Roadway One man was killed and another seriously wounded after being hit by two vehicles while crossing a Hudson Valley roadway. The incident occurred in Rockland County at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, at the intersection of W. Maple Avenue and Kings Point in Ramapo. Related: Crash Update: Police ID Man Struck, Killed By Vehicle While Crossing Hudson Valley Roadway According to Ramapo Police Sgt. Michael Anton, a preliminary investigation revealed that two pedestrians were crossing W. Maple Ave westbound at the street corner when a vehicle traveling northbound struck both. One…
'This Restaurant Will Blow You Away': New Eatery Making Mark In Region 'This Restaurant Will Blow You Away': New Eatery Making Mark In Region
'This Restaurant Will Blow You Away': New Eatery Making Mark In Region If you are ready for an upscale night out enjoying Greek cuisine while gazing upon the new Tappan Zee Bridge, local foodies say Trata on the River is the spot. Located in Rockland County in Piermont, Trata 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…
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At NY State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At NY State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At NY 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…
Unpermitted Renovations Under Investigation At Building Site In Region Unpermitted Renovations Under Investigation At Building Site In Region
Unpermitted Renovations Under Investigation At Building Site In Region A Hudson Valley property owner is under investigation for alleged building permit violations that render the building unsafe. The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC) is investigating multiple state building and fire violations at 101 Kennedy Drive in Spring Valley, a property owned by Country Village Towers Corp., said Ed Markunas, director of the Office of Building Codes. Markunas said the property owner is facing over $16,000 in violations resulting from extensive renovations to five floors that were done without the required permits. During a training drill, officia…
Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Region Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Region
Man, Woman Face Host Of Charges After Police Pursuit In Region A man and a woman were nabbed after a pursuit with New York State Police in the Hudson Valley on a host of charges, including allegedly possessing illegal weapons. The incident began in Westchester County at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, when troopers attempted to stop a 2021 Nissan Sentra on I-87 in the village of Ardsley and ended in Rockland County in Nyack when the vehicle was stopped by the Orangetown Police on Route 59. According to Trooper Steven Nevel, after the stop, troopers arrived and interviewed the operator who was identified as Selena Lasco, age 26, and her passenger Jav…
Students Targeted With Racial Texts At School District In Region Students Targeted With Racial Texts At School District In Region
Students Targeted With Racial Texts At School District In Region Officials are investigating after several Hudson Valley students were the targets of explicitly racist text messages that were also sent to Black and Brown students in several states since Election Day. The incidents occurred in Rockland County on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Nyack's middle and high schools. "While there are slight variations in the wording, these texts are horrific and explicitly racist, specifically threatening “to make students slaves, take them to plantations to pick cotton or that they will be deported to Africa,” said Nyack School District Intermin Superintende…
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sexual Assault Of Child A Hudson Valley man has admitted to sexually abusing a child repeatedly. Rockland County resident Luis Quinac-Morales, age 41, of Spring Valley, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh. Beginning in 2016, Quinac-Morales routinely sexually abused the 12-year-old girl in the Village of Spring Valley. The repeated sexual abuse consisted of sexual intercourse, Walsh said.  “The defendant in this case subjected a 12- year-old innocent child to horrific sexual abuse," Walsh said. "My Office works in collaboration with our partner…
Missing Person Found Dead Near Hudson River Missing Person Found Dead Near Hudson River
Missing Person Found Dead Near Hudson River A missing person has been found dead in the Hudson Valley . The incident occurred in Rockland County at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, in Nyack. According to Orangetown Police Capt. Michael Shannon, the department received a call for help from the Spring Valley Police regarding a missing person spotted in the area. Shannon said the Spring Valley Police Detective Bureau was able to determine that the missing person’s last known location was near the shore of the Hudson River in Nyack Memorial Park. Shannon said that the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team searched the river in …
Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Presidential Roundup, How Columbia County Voted Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Presidential Roundup, How Columbia County Voted
Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Presidential Roundup, How Columbia County 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…
Hudson Valley Congressional Showdown Of 30-Somethings Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico Hudson Valley Congressional Showdown Of 30-Somethings Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico
Hudson Valley Congressional Showdown Of 30-Somethings 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…