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Putnam County, NY

Special Education Teacher Remembered By New 'Sensory Bus' For Students In Brewster Special Education Teacher Remembered By New 'Sensory Bus' For Students In Brewster
Special Education Teacher Remembered By New 'Sensory Bus' For Students In Brewster A retired school bus at a Putnam County elementary school has been transformed into a sensory-friendly haven for students in honor of a beloved special education teacher who lost her battle with cancer. Brewster Central School District administrators, teachers, facilities staff, and students gathered on Tuesday, March 11, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new sensory bus dedicated to Megan Gersch, a special education teacher who died in July 2024 after a five-year fight against breast cancer.  At the front of the bus, a sunflower bearing the words “For Megan” serves as a trib…
$200K Scheme: Man Accused of Embezzling From Civic Organizations In Garrison, Police Say $200K Scheme: Man Accused of Embezzling From Civic Organizations In Garrison, Police Say
$200K Scheme: Man Accused of Embezzling From Civic Organizations In Garrison, Police Say A Putnam County resident entrusted as the treasurer for two local civic organizations has been arrested for allegedly embezzling more than $200,000 over several years, authorities announced.  Mark A. Kenny, age 61, was arrested on Wednesday, March 12, on grand larceny charges following an investigation that began in December, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday, March 13.  According to the Sheriff's Office, the investigation began when board members from a civic organization in Garrison contacted authorities, suspecting that their treasurer was stealing funds.…
Gas Station Failed Robbery: Man Caught After Pulling Knife On Clerk In Yorktown, Police Say Gas Station Failed Robbery: Man Caught After Pulling Knife On Clerk In Yorktown, Police Say
Gas Station Failed Robbery: Man Caught After Pulling Knife On Clerk In Yorktown, Police Say A Putnam County man has been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted armed robbery at a Westchester gas station, authorities said.  The incident happened in Yorktown on Tuesday, March 4, just before noon, when there was a reported robbery at the Mobil gas station at 3205 Crompond Rd., Yorktown Police said on Thursday, March 13.  According to police, the suspect had already fled the scene by the time officers arrived. Investigators say the man brandished a knife and demanded money from the cashier. However, the clerk had already activated an alarm, causing the sus…
Tesla Left Mangled In Tree Collision In Putnam Valley: 3 Injured Tesla Left Mangled In Tree Collision In Putnam Valley: 3 Injured
Tesla Left Mangled In Tree Collision In Putnam Valley: 3 Injured Three people were injured after a car collided with a tree in Putnam County.  The crash happened at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5 on Sprout Brook Road near the Putnam Valley town line, where there was a single-vehicle accident involving a collision with a large tree, according to the Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department and Continental Village Fire Department.  Upon arrival, first responders found three occupants trapped inside the wrecked Tesla vehicle. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to extricate the victims, working for approximately 30 minutes befor…
School Board President Resigns Suddenly In Mahopac School Board President Resigns Suddenly In Mahopac
School Board President Resigns Suddenly In Mahopac The school board president of a district in Putnam County has announced his sudden resignation.  Mahopac Board of Education President and Trustee Jonathan Schneider's resignation was announced on Thursday, March 6.  In a statement, the Board expressed gratitude for Schneider’s service, recognizing his dedication and contributions to the district. "His contributions have been valued and his commitment to the District will not be forgotten," the Board wrote.  With Schneider’s departure, Vice President Fernando Martinez will now serve as Acting President, in accordan…
Car Hits Tree, Catches Fire In Brewster: Driver Hospitalized Car Hits Tree, Catches Fire In Brewster: Driver Hospitalized
Car Hits Tree, Catches Fire In Brewster: Driver Hospitalized A vehicle crashed into a tree and burst into flames in Putnam County, leaving the driver hospitalized, firefighters said. The crash happened outside the Brewster Elks Club at Route 22 and Milltown Road around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, according to the Brewster Fire Department. According to fire officials, the vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught fire outside the Elks Club on Route 22.  Firefighters quickly attacked the flames while Brewster EMS treated the driver, who was then taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 
S'mores Started Massive Brush Fire Outside Hamptons, Officials Say S'mores Started Massive Brush Fire Outside Hamptons, Officials Say
S'mores Started Massive Brush Fire Outside Hamptons, Officials Say A family attempting to make s’mores in their backyard accidentally sparked several brush fires that burned hundreds of acres on Long Island, authorities said. An investigation by Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives determined that high winds spread embers from a Manorville backyard on Cozine Road after the family attempted to start a fire for s’mores, the agency announced Monday, March 10. “It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires,” Suffolk County Police said. Detectives are continuing to speak with witnesses and investigate tips,…
SUV Flips On Road In Mahopac (PHOTOS) SUV Flips On Road In Mahopac (PHOTOS)
SUV Flips On Road In Mahopac (Photos) A crash in Putnam County left a vehicle on its side and temporarily blocked a lane of traffic on a curvy road.  The crash happened at around 1:10 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, when an SUV flipped in the area of Miller Road and Route 118 in Mahopac, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department. The incident prompted a fast response from Carmel Police, the Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corp., and the Somers Volunteer Fire Department in addition to Mahopac fire crews. More information, including the extent of injuries, was not immediately available. 
Man Assaults Teen Girl While Posing As Officer At Yorktown Shopping Center: Police Man Assaults Teen Girl While Posing As Officer At Yorktown Shopping Center: Police
Man Assaults Teen Girl While Posing As Officer At Yorktown Shopping Center: Police A Putnam County man was arrested after allegedly impersonating a police officer while assaulting a teenage girl in a Westchester shopping center parking lot, authorities said.  The incident unfolded on Wednesday, March 5, around 2:20 p.m., when Yorktown Police officers responded to the Shrub Oak Shopping Center for a reported assault, the department said on Thursday, March 6.  According to investigators, 42-year-old Charles Santiago of Putnam Valley pulled his vehicle in front of a 16-year-old girl as she was walking. Wearing a fake police badge around his neck, Santiago falsely i…
Best Thai Restaurant In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Thai Golden Best Thai Restaurant In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Thai Golden
Best Thai Restaurant In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Thai Golden We are thrilled to announce that Thai Golden has been named Best Thai Restaurant in the Hudson Valley in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! According to its website, Thai Golden is a family-owned restaurant and café that prides itself on serving the finest home-style Thai cuisine in the Lower Hudson Valley area.  Plan ahead: Thai Golden notes on its website that it is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Photo supplied by Thai Golden In 2016, Thai Golden expanded to include a café, which allowed the restaurant to experiment with more drinks, live music, and art parties whi…
Duo Busted While Trying To Sell Fentanyl, Cocaine In Kent: Sheriff Duo Busted While Trying To Sell Fentanyl, Cocaine In Kent: Sheriff
Duo Busted While Trying To Sell Fentanyl, Cocaine In Kent: Sheriff A drug bust in Putnam County led to the arrest of two men, including a New Jersey resident, who allegedly arrived to sell fentanyl and cocaine, authorities announced. The operation took place on Wednesday, March 5, around 2:30 p.m. in Kent, where members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Unit intercepted the suspects when they arrived to sell the drugs, according to Sheriff Kevin J. McConville. The suspects were identified as Orange County resident Jamel Donaldson, 31, of New Windsor, and New Jersey resident Paul Roeser, 27, of Mahwah.  Donaldson, w…
4-Year-Old Child Rescued in Croton Falls After Kidnapping, Chase On I-84, I-684: Police 4-Year-Old Child Rescued in Croton Falls After Kidnapping, Chase On I-84, I-684: Police
4-Year-Old Child Rescued in Croton Falls After Kidnapping, Chase On I-84, I-684: Police This story has been updated.  A four-year-old child with autism was safely rescued after being abducted in a rapidly unfolding kidnapping situation that spanned Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam counties, authorities announced. The incident began on Saturday, Feb. 22, when Putnam County 911 received a report of a vehicle stolen out of LaGrange. Authorities learned that the suspect, 26-year-old Jahyra Allen of Brooklyn, had allegedly taken the car from a family member and abducted her 4-year-old child, whom she does not have legal custody of, according to New York State Police. Authori…
Child Porn: Woman, 32, Accused Of Transmitting Videos, Pics From Southeast Home, Police Say Child Porn: Woman, 32, Accused Of Transmitting Videos, Pics From Southeast Home, Police Say
Child Porn: Woman, 32, Accused Of Transmitting Videos, Pics From Southeast Home, Police Say A 32-year-old woman faces child porn charges after allegedly transmitting explicit videos and pictures over the internet from her Putnam County home, authorities said. Southeast resident Danielle Sawicki, age 32, was arrested following a search of her residence on Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday, March 4.  According to the Sheriff's Office, in July 2024, investigators received a cyber tip from the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force related to explicit materials being transmitted from a Putnam County home. On…
Man Steals $27K In Tools, Tires, Rims From Businesses In Southeast, Patterson: Police Man Steals $27K In Tools, Tires, Rims From Businesses In Southeast, Patterson: Police
Man Steals $27K In Tools, Tires, Rims From Businesses In Southeast, Patterson: Police A Connecticut man has been charged in connection with multiple high-value larcenies in Putnam County, where he allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of tools, tires, and rims over the past year, authorities announced.  New Haven County resident Michael Petro of Waterbury, age 53, was taken into custody on Thursday, Feb. 27, after investigators linked him to three major thefts in the towns of Southeast and Patterson, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, Feb. 28.  The investigation began on March 2, 2024, when a Southeast businessman reported that his wo…
Assistant Fire Chief Busts Down Door, Puts Out Flames Before Crews Arrive At Mahopac Home Assistant Fire Chief Busts Down Door, Puts Out Flames Before Crews Arrive At Mahopac Home
Assistant Fire Chief Busts Down Door, Puts Out Flames Before Crews Arrive At Mahopac Home A quick-thinking assistant fire chief took matters into his own hands, forcing entry into a burning Putnam County home and using a fire extinguisher to knock down flames before more crews arrived. The blaze broke out in Mahopac around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at a one-story home near Hill Street and Hitchcock Hill Road, prompting police to close Hill Street between Bullethole Road and Hitchcock Hill Road during the afternoon hours.  According to the Mahopac Falls Fire Department, Assistant Chief Tompkins was first on the scene and confirmed that flames were coming from the r…
House Fire Causes Road Closure In Mahopac House Fire Causes Road Closure In Mahopac
House Fire Causes Road Closure In Mahopac A house fire has closed a stretch of road to traffic in Putnam County.  Hill Street in Mahopac between Bullethole Road and Hitchcock Hill Road is closed as firefighters battle a house fire in the area, Carmel Police announced on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at around 3:30 p.m.  Motorists are asked to avoid the area and use detours.  More information about the fire has not yet been released. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Swatting Sting: Man Admits To Fake 911 Call About ‘Cracked Skull’ In Amawalk, Police Say Swatting Sting: Man Admits To Fake 911 Call About ‘Cracked Skull’ In Amawalk, Police Say
Swatting Sting: Man Admits To Fake 911 Call About ‘Cracked Skull’ In Amawalk, Police Say A Putnam County man has been apprehended for a swatting incident that led to a large emergency response in Westchester, with investigators linking him to multiple similar hoaxes, police said. Mahopac resident Mikel Kolaj, 31, was arrested and charged with three counts of falsely reporting a crime after allegedly placing a false 911 call about a violent assault in progress at an Amawalk residence, New York State Police announced on Tuesday, Feb. 25.  The hoax call came in on Thursday, Feb. 20, at around 11:15 a.m., when an unknown female caller reported "My neighbor is assaulting his wi…
Child Airlifted After Hitting Head At Thunder Ridge Ski Area In Patterson Child Airlifted After Hitting Head At Thunder Ridge Ski Area In Patterson
Child Airlifted After Hitting Head At Thunder Ridge Ski Area In Patterson A 7-year-old child was airlifted to a hospital after suffering a head injury and losing consciousness at a ski area in Putnam County, first responders said. The incident happened on Sunday, Feb. 23, when the child hit their head at the Thunder Ridge Ski Area in Patterson, according to the Patterson Fire Department. Emergency crews, led by Patterson Fire Chief Joe Pignatelli, soon arrived at the ski area and worked with the Putnam Lake Fire Department and Putnam County Sheriff's Office to establish a safe landing zone in an open field parking area at Thunder Ridge. The child was initiall…
Crash Shuts Down Route 6 In Mahopac, Injures Victims Crash Shuts Down Route 6 In Mahopac, Injures Victims
Crash Shuts Down Route 6 In Mahopac, Injures Victims A midday crash on Route 6 in Putnam County caused a temporary road closure and sent multiple people to the hospital with minor injuries, first responders said. The crash happened in Mahopac at around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, in the area of 466 Route 6, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department.  Authorities shut down Route 6 for about 30 minutes while crews worked to clear the scene. Traffic was diverted until the vehicles were removed. The injured occupants were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, firefighters said. The Carmel Police Department and Carm…
Road Rage: Man Points Gun At Victim, Calls Him Racial Slur In Yorktown, Police Say Road Rage: Man Points Gun At Victim, Calls Him Racial Slur In Yorktown, Police Say
Road Rage: Man Points Gun At Victim, Calls Him Racial Slur In Yorktown, Police Say A Putnam County man faces charges after allegedly pointing a firearm at another driver while calling him a racial slur in Westchester, police said.  The arrest resulted from an incident in Yorktown at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, when New York State Police relayed a report about a road rage incident in Yorktown, according to the Yorktown Police Department. Officers determined that the altercation had taken place on Route 6, but both people involved were found in the area of 302 Somers Commons.  According to the victim’s report, Mahopac resident James P. Brown, age 59, …
Wrong-Way Driver Leads Cops On Multi-County Pursuit In Yorktown, Putnam: Police Wrong-Way Driver Leads Cops On Multi-County Pursuit In Yorktown, Putnam: Police
Wrong-Way Driver Leads Cops On Multi-County Pursuit In Yorktown, Putnam: Police A 47-year-old New Jersey man was jailed after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase across Westchester and Putnam counties, driving into oncoming traffic, and ignoring orders to stop, authorities said. Bergen County resident Noel Mendez of Fairview, age 47, was arrested on felony reckless endangerment charges following a multi-jurisdiction police pursuit in November that ended in Putnam County, Yorktown Police announced on Wednesday, Feb. 19. According to the department, the chase began at around 11 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2024, when Yorktown officers were alerted to a susp…
Brewster Rotary Board Destroyed in Hit-Run: Help Needed For Replacement In Hudson Valley Brewster Rotary Board Destroyed in Hit-Run: Help Needed For Replacement In Hudson Valley
Brewster Rotary Board Destroyed in Hit-Run: Help Needed For Replacement In Hudson Valley A community organization in Putnam County is seeking help in replacing a decades-old bulletin board that was destroyed in a hit-and-run crash.  The collision happened on Thursday, Feb. 13, around 4:45 a.m., when a pickup truck crashed into the Brewster Rotary Club’s community board, destroying it, the organization announced.  The truck also slammed into a tree belonging to the Southeast Fireworks Committee, according to the organization.  The Brewster Rotary Club, which has been a part of the community for 80 years, is now working to fundraise for a replacement sign—one that…
Sleeping Man In Plow Blocks Elmsford I-287 Ramp, Found Nearly 3 Times Over Legal Limit: NYSP Sleeping Man In Plow Blocks Elmsford I-287 Ramp, Found Nearly 3 Times Over Legal Limit: NYSP
Sleeping Man In Plow Blocks Elmsford I-287 Ramp, Found Nearly 3 Times Over Legal Limit: Nysp A Putnam County man was nabbed on DWI charges after being found asleep in an idling tractor with a plow, blocking an exit ramp on Interstate 287 in Westchester, police said.  The arrest resulted from an incident on Saturday, Feb. 15 at just before 6:30 p.m., when police found a man sleeping inside a tractor with a plow that was blocking the I-287 Eastbound Exit 3 ramp leading to Sprain Brook Parkway in Elmsford, New York State Police announced on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Upon arrival, troopers found the red 2024 Yanmar tractor running, obstructing the roadway. The driver, later identifie…
2-Car Crash Causes Injuries, Lane Closure At Mahopac Intersection 2-Car Crash Causes Injuries, Lane Closure At Mahopac Intersection
2-Car Crash Causes Injuries, Lane Closure At Mahopac Intersection A 2-car crash at a Putnam County intersection caused a brief road closure and resulted in injuries, fire crews said. The incident happened on Friday, Feb. 7 at around 3:30 p.m., when two vehicles collided at the intersection of Route 6 and Mount Hope Road in Mahopac, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department.  One person involved in the crash was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, while the other refused transport.  The lanes from Route 6 to East Lake Boulevard were closed for around a half hour while the vehicles were removed from the road. 
Drunk Driver Causes Crash On Playland Access Drive In Rye: Police Drunk Driver Causes Crash On Playland Access Drive In Rye: Police
Drunk Driver Causes Crash On Playland Access Drive In Rye: Police A Hudson Valley man with a prior DWI conviction is facing new drunk driving charges after crashing into another vehicle on Playland Access Drive in Westchester, police said. The incident happened in Rye on Saturday, Feb. 8, at around 10:20 p.m., when officers responded to a two-car crash on Playland Access Drive at the intersection of Theodore Fremd Avenue, according to the Rye Police Department.  The driver at fault, identified as 30-year-old Putnam County resident Jonathan Soto of Cold Spring, was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and additional vehicle and traff…
Driver Hospitalized After Car Slides Into Woods In Mahopac Driver Hospitalized After Car Slides Into Woods In Mahopac
Driver Hospitalized After Car Slides Into Woods In Mahopac Slippery roads amid snowy conditions on Thursday, Feb. 6 led to multiple crashes in Putnam County, including a vehicle that veered off the road and into the woods, first responders said.  The crash happened at around 7:15 a.m. when the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department and Carmel VAC were dispatched to Hitchcock Hill Road for a single-vehicle accident. Upon arrival, crews found the vehicle off the roadway and into the trees. EMS personnel assessed the driver at the scene before transporting them to a hospital for further evaluation, the fire department said. Shortly after, emerg…
'Lesser Evil,' Owned By Dad Of Alleged DOGE Staff Member, To Move Into Brewster Property 'Lesser Evil,' Owned By Dad Of Alleged DOGE Staff Member, To Move Into Brewster Property
'Lesser Evil,' Owned By Dad Of Alleged Doge Staff Member, To Move Into Brewster Property A fast-growing, CT-based snack brand owned by the father of a 19-year-old allegedly working with Elon Musk's new Department of Government Efficiency has secured a massive new distribution facility in Putnam County, expanding its presence in the Northeast. Lesser Evil, a Danbury, Connecticut-based company known for its organic and minimally processed snacks, has signed a 303,100-square-foot lease at Lincoln Logistics 84x684 Crossings in Brewster, according to real estate developer Lincoln Equities Group (LEG). The facility, located near major highways I-84, I-684, and Route 7 and finished in…
Longtime Firefighter, Navy Veteran From Lake Carmel Dies: 'His Spirit Lives On' Longtime Firefighter, Navy Veteran From Lake Carmel Dies: 'His Spirit Lives On'
Longtime Firefighter, Navy Veteran From Lake Carmel Dies: 'His Spirit Lives On' A longtime firefighter and US Navy veteran who dedicated a half-century to serving his Hudson Valley community has died.  Daniel "Danny" Hill, a lifelong member of the Lake Carmel Volunteer Fire Department in Putnam County, died on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the age of 86, the department announced on Monday, Feb. 3.  Born in Peekskill on Nov. 30, 1938, Hill grew up in The Bronx before spending the majority of his life in Lake Carmel, where he became a staple of the community.  Hill served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1961, before continuing a lifetime of service through the L…
Fender Bender Leads To DWI Charge For 71-Year-Old In Yorktown: Police Fender Bender Leads To DWI Charge For 71-Year-Old In Yorktown: Police
Fender Bender Leads To DWI Charge For 71-Year-Old In Yorktown: Police A 71-year-old Putnam County man is facing charges for allegedly driving while intoxicated in Northern Westchester following a crash, police announced. Gary Shames, of Mahopac, was arrested following an investigation into a possible motor vehicle crash in Yorktown on Friday, Jan. 31, around 6:20 p.m., the Yorktown Police Department said on Monday, Feb. 3. Authorities responded to the area of Route 6 and Windsor Road for the reported crash. Upon arrival, officers identified Shames as the driver of the involved vehicle and determined he had been operating the car while intoxicated, police said…
Dump Truck Catches On Fire, Impacts Traffic On I-84 In Southeast Dump Truck Catches On Fire, Impacts Traffic On I-84 In Southeast
Dump Truck Catches On Fire, Impacts Traffic On I-84 In Southeast A dump truck fire on Interstate 84 caused major traffic disruptions in Putnam County on Monday morning, Feb. 3, as multiple fire departments responded to battle the flames.  According to the Carmel Fire Department, emergency dispatchers began receiving reports of the fire at 8:35 a.m. The incident occurred in the westbound lanes under the Interstate 684 bridge in Southeast.  The Brewster Fire Department and New York State Police were the first to be dispatched, with Brewster’s fire chief later requesting mutual aid.  Thankfully, no injuries were reported, though traffic in t…
Former White Plains Firefighter Dies Months After Son Killed In Crash: 'Your Work Here Is Done' Former White Plains Firefighter Dies Months After Son Killed In Crash: 'Your Work Here Is Done'
Former White Plains Firefighter Dies Months After Son Killed In Crash: 'Your Work Here Is Done' White Plains is mourning the loss of retired firefighter James Patrick "Paddy" Fitzgerald, who died on Tuesday, Jan. 28, just two months after the tragic death of his son, Michael Fitzgerald, in a car crash.  Fitzgerald, a longtime Elmsford resident who was 81, served with distinction in the White Plains Fire Department, where he was stationed at Stations 1 and 2 and earned a Meritorious Service Award for saving a woman and child from a burning building in Yonkers while off duty, according to his obituary.  His commitment to public service extended beyond his firefighting career, …