Traffic stop takes loaded firearm off street; three arrested
A traffic stop at North Division Street at 2:20 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, yielded a loaded firearm and three men charged with criminal possession of a weapon.
Peekskill Police Officer Richard Belliveau made a traffic stop on the 700 block of North Division Street. According to police, the vehicle’s driver, Daniel J. Gonzalez, was found to be operating the vehicle in violation of the state’s aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a felony.
Before the vehicle was impounded, during an inventory search, police said they recovered a loaded 9mm Ruger pistol along with a high-capacity magazine.
Gonzalez, alongside two additional occupants in the vehicle, Aja Douglas and Jacob L. Poole, are each being charged with violating criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, as well as the third degree. All three defendants were held in police custody awaiting arraignment in the City of Peekskill court. The three defendants will appear in Peekskill City Court on Monday, Jan. 27.
According to the New York State Unified Court System, one of the occupants, Poole, was also arrested by Peekskill Police on Jan. 6, 14 and 18. He was arraigned on obstructing governmental administration, fight/violence behavior, menacing, burglary, grand larceny, and criminal mischief, several of which he pleaded not guilty. He also faces criminal trespassing charges at a school.
The Peekskill Police Department says the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation and asks anyone with information to contact the department’s Detective Division at (914) 737-8000 or email [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be made at the City of Peekskill’s website.
– By Eric Harvey
State Troopers searching for missing 16-year-old
New York State Police in Troop F (SP Wappinger) are searching for Daisyana L. Suscal, age 16, who left her residence in Wappingers Falls in the early hours on Jan. 18, 2025.
Daisyana is a Hispanic female and was last seen wearing a grey shirt, Christmas pajama pants and a gold necklace with a cross. She is known to frequent the Peekskill/Cortlandt/Ossining areas. Her last known location was outside the Church of The Assumption in the City of Peekskill. She may be with a male companion in Ossining, according to police.
Anyone with any information is requested to contact the New York State Police at 845-677-7300 and reference case number NY2500047704.
Peekskill Youth Bureau to honor Dr. King on Jan. 29
The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau is holding its 6th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 29, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Peekskill Youth Bureau at 828 Main St.
This year’s event will honor Dr. Eudes S. Budhai, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education for the Peekskill City School District, with the Darryl Francis Youth Award to be presented to Damare Walker.
For more information about this year’s event, please contact Youth Bureau Executive Director Tuesday Paige McDonald at (914) 734-4149 or email [email protected].
Broadway comes to Peekskill High School on Jan. 31
The Peekskill High School (PHS) Drama Company will host a “Broadway Musical Revue” on Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. in the PHS Theater.
The evening will feature songs from West Side Story, Hamilton, Les Miserables, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Little Shop, Sweeney Todd and more.
Admission is $5 at the door. Please come out to support our students.
Black History Month Basketball Showcase in Peekskill
As part of the celebration of Black History Month, the Peekskill School District is hosting the Peekskill Basketball Showcase at the high school.
On Jan. 31, two girls games will be featured as part of the event. At 4 p.m. Monforth tips off against CSEE, to be followed at 6:30 p.m. by a tilt between Sleepy Hollow and Peekskill Girls Red Devils.
On Feb. 1, the boys take to the court with five games on tap starting at 11:30 a.m., with New Rochelle challenging Spring Valley. The day ends with a big 7:30 p.m. showdown between visiting Poughkeepsie against the Red Devils in the latest chapter of a longtime rivalry.
Come out and enjoy some great high school basketball and root the Red Devils on to victory as we celebrate Black History month in Peekskill.
New attempt to strengthen Freedom of Information law
Transparency and government accountability groups are urging the state Senate and Assembly to pass four common-sense bills to repair the state’s dysfunctional freedom of information process.
The legislature should honor Sunshine Week (March 16-22) by passing these bills, according to the groups Reinvent Albany, the Legal Aid Society and the New York Coalition for Open Government.
The groups say the state’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) has weaknesses that are being exploited by government agencies, resulting in massive delays and inconsistent and highly politicized treatment of records requests.
The bills require agencies to report basic information about how many FOIL requests they get and what the public is asking for, reduce the amount of time agencies have to respond to FOIL requests, expand the conditions under which plaintiffs may receive attorneys’ fees, and limit the commercial records FOIL exemption, which is currently permanent. Each of the bills moved in at least one house last year but none passed both houses.
“New York State’s Freedom of Information Law is plagued by flaws, loopholes, and easily misinterpreted language,” said Jerome D. Greco, Digital Forensics Director for The Legal Aid Society. “The Legislature should pass this slate of bills to strengthen FOIL and take a significant step forward for government transparency.”
The Peekskill Herald is being represented by a law firm to force the state’s Office of Cannabis Management to comply with state FOIL laws and respond to our request for information. The agency has stonewalled the request for several months with no response.
Schools nationwide ranked on performance in database
U.S. News & World Report has published a database containing information about the performance of schools all across the United States.
The rankings use the same methodology for all included grade levels. For each state, schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments.
Elementary schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare their students for high school.
Half of the formula assessed the scores themselves and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. Variables factored in include the percentage of students who received free or reduced-price lunch, and the composite percentage of students who were among one of the underserved ethnicity groups.
The database includes detailed information, including student-teacher ratios, math, reading and science proficiency, college readiness and graduation rates.
Of the 2,380 elementary schools in New York state, Hillcrest School is ranked 1,785th and Oakside School 1,294th. Peekskill Middle School is ranked 1,042th in the 1,389 New York Middle Schools ranked and Peekskill High School is ranked 759th of the 1,279 high schools in the state.
Peekskill School Superintendent Dr. David Mauricio did not respond to a request for comment from the Herald.
You can see the reports on the Peekskill schools here.
– By Jim Roberts
Peekskill City Manager looks ahead to 2025
Peekskill City Manager Matt Alexander touted recent accomplishments and looked ahead to 2025 in his New Year message to the city’s residents.
Alexander said over 1,000 guests enjoyed fall foliage cruises from Fleischmann Pier following its grand re-opening in October and highlighted the reopening of Pugsley Park in June with new landscaping (including 47 native plant species), new pathways and seating, pedestrian lighting, public art exhibitions, and utilities to support large events. In June, nearly 1,000 visitors attended a record-setting Peekskill Pride Festival in Pugsley Park
Looking ahead, he spotlighted a Downtown Civic Hub and Pedestrian Connectivity Project to dramatically upgrade streetscapes, public spaces, and art throughout Restaurant Row, and a redesign of Monument Park.
Alexander said the Paramount Theater has increased ticket sales for several years, bringing 80,000 visitors to downtown Peekskill in 2024. Through another DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) grant, new flexible seating, exterior and interior renovations, new lighting, and sound equipment will expand its success and attract renowned performers. Construction is expected to start in 2025.
The City of Peekskill, Peekskill Facilities Development Corporation, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, New York State Empire State Development, and Westchester County have plans to renovate the former 7,500-square-foot Centennial Firehouse into a community-focused Commercial Kitchen Incubator. Construction could begin this March.
“I must also thank our Mayor, Council, city staff, the many DRI Committees, past administrations, advisory boards and commissions who all worked together on these transformative projects, and, of course, our City of Peekskill residents, whose commitment to a better Peekskill is inspiring as we strive to move our city forward every day. I am very excited about 2025, and you should be, too,” Alexander said.
Smith announces bid for re-election to county legislature
County Legislator Colin Smith, whose district includes Peekskill, has announced his campaign for re-election.
Smith, a lifelong Westchester County resident, was born and raised in Peekskill. He was first elected to the Board of Legislators in November 2019 and won his last re-election in 2023, with 54 percent of the vote against Republican challenger Joe Torres.
He graduated Peekskill High School in 1991, obtained his B.A. Philosophy at Cedarville University in Ohio and his Juris Doctor at Pace Law School in White Plains. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney with the Bronx District Attorney’s office before going into private practice.
After spending nearly 10 years as a civil litigator and legal consultant in New York City and the surrounding area, he opened his own law office in downtown Peekskill, where he still practices today. He was elected to the Peekskill City School Board in 2012 and to the Peekskill Common Council in 2017.
In his announcement, Smith called himself a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, and sustainability. He says he is committed to supporting the growth of local businesses and enhancing infrastructure for long-term benefits, as well as ensuring public safety remains a cornerstone of the community.
Voters rejected a proposal to extend legislators’ terms to four years last November, so the term remains two years.
– By Jim Roberts
Hudson Valley Hospital adds state-of-the-art CT machine
NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the GE Apex CT Machine at Hudson Valley to launch the new machine.
The Revolution Apex CT (Computed Tomography) machine is state-of-the-art imaging technology that will significantly enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities. The advanced equipment will provide patients with faster, more accurate scans, enabling physicians to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions (such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders) with greater precision.
The GE Revolution Apex CT machine also offers a comprehensive suite of cardiac imaging capabilities that enable advanced cardiac CT exams, allowing for precise visualization of coronary arteries, the heart’s anatomy, and potential blockages. This non-invasive imaging method plays a critical role in early detection of heart disease and helps physicians develop more effective treatment plans tailored to each patient.
Patients now have access to one of the most sophisticated diagnostic tools available, ensuring higher standards of care. The new CT machine is now available for use. Patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers to learn more about how this advanced technology can benefit their care.
Wind damage at Pugsley Park under repair; murals intact
High winds that swept through the city last week took a toll on the art murals hanging in the renovated Pugsley Park public space but didn’t cause any permanent damage.
Thankfully, a mural that took the brunt of the wind was not damaged; only the aluminum rigging that held the mural in place.
The Peekskill Arts Alliance removed the damaged rigging and is working on a repair. The park is cleaned up and the other artwork withstood the effects of recent weather, according to a Peekskill city official.
Peekskill Police calls Jan. 13 to Jan. 19
Peekskill Police responded to approximately 840 calls during the period from Jan. 13 to Jan. 19. Here are some of those calls.
Jan. 13: A warrant was served at 8:23 a.m. on Nelson Avenue; a motor vehicle accident with property damage at 8:23 a.m. on Crompond Road; a foot patrol at 8:35 a.m. on Main Street; vehicle and traffic law enforcement responding to complaint at 9:27 a.m. on John Walsh Boulevard; leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident at 10:37 a.m. on Park Street; three warrants served at 12:02 p.m. on Nelson Avenue; call for deceased person at 2:07 p.m. Oakwood Drive; dispute at 3:53 p.m. at Hemlock Circle; domestic at 8:14 p.m. on Fremont Street.
Jan. 14: Repossession at 1:16 a.m. on Main Street; larceny from vehicle break in at 1:59 a.m. on Howard Street; animal complaint at 7:12 a.m. on Hudson Avenue; follow-up investigation at 7:18 a.m. on North Broad Street; suspicious activity at 7:47 a.m. on Orchard Street; larceny from vehicle break in at 10:50 a.m. on Fremont Street; foot patrols 1:20 p.m. on Washington Street, 1:49 p.m. on Main Street, 4:40 p.m. on Main Street and 5:07 p.m. on Welcher Avenue; suspicious activity at 7:26 p.m. on Edinburgh Drive, 8:31 p.m. on Oakwood Drive and 10:42 p.m. on Crompond Road; person down at 8:30 p.m. on Park Street.
Jan. 15: Special checks of specific area as a result of community complaints from 12:16 a.m. to 6:59 a.m. on Main Street, Brown Street, Washington Street, Highland Avenue, North Division Street, Hudson Avenue, Pemart Avenue, Decatur Avenue, Welcher Avenue, Benefield Boulevard, Fort Hill Road, Railroad Avenue, Chateau Rive; unwanted party at 4 a.m. on Washington Street; traffic stops at 8:51 a.m. on Orchard Street, 9:13 a.m. on North Division Street, 9:15 a.m. on South Street, 9:31 a.m. on Welcher Avenue, 10:14 a.m. on Main Street, 10:32 a.m. on Smith Street and 10:33 a.m. on Washington Street; emotionally disturbed person at 11:23 a.m. on Westchester Avenue and 12:17 p.m. on Elm Street; noise complaint at 10:21 p.m. on Park Street.
Jan. 16: Special checks from 12:12 a.m. to 2:14 a.m. at Highland Avenue, North Division Street, Main Street, South James Street, Washington Street, Railroad Avenue, Welcher Avenue, Smith Street, Benefield Boulevard, John Walsh Boulevard, Robin Drive and Chateau Rive; follow-up investigation at 7:18 a.m. on North Broad Street; larceny of motor vehicle break-in at 7:56 a.m. on Elm Street; gun surrender at 11:50 a.m. on Nelson Avenue; police investigation at 12:46 p.m. on Nelson Avenue; unwanted party at 8:30 p.m. on Main Street; larceny at 8:32 p.m. on Hudson Avenue.
Jan. 17: Traffic stop at 1:50 a.m. on Wells Street; suspicious activity at 2:37 a.m. on Franklin Street; traffic investigation at 4:38 a.m. on Crompond Road; criminal mischief at 9:53 a.m. on Underhill Lane; leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident at 11:38 .m. on Constant Avenue; disorderly group at 1:40 p.m. on South James Street; police investigation at 4:41 p.m. on Highland Avenue and 5:02 p.m. on Roosevelt Avenue; emotionally disturbed person at 5:41 p.m. on Husted Avenue; dispute at 7:49 p.m. on John Street.
Jan. 18: Suspicious activity at 12:41 a.m. on Lindbergh Avenue; traffic stops at 2:32 a.m. on Wells Street, 2:34 a.m. on Main Street, 2:48 a.m. on Crompond Road and 2:54 a.m. on North Division Street; larceny in progress at 12:39 p.m. on Brown Street; emotionally disturbed person at 4:45 p.m. on North Broad Street; intoxicated person at 9:14 p.m. on Main Street; disorderly group at 9:17 p.m. on North Water Street; motor vehicle accident with property damage at 11:12 p.m. on Hemlock Circle.
Jan. 19: Person with a gun at 12:46 a.m. on Albany Post Road; larceny at 2:55 a.m. on Washington Street; suspicious activity at 5:07 a.m. on Central Avenue; motor vehicle accidents with property damage at 7:55 a.m. on John Walsh Boulevard, 8:47 a.m. on Washington Street and 10:23 a.m. on Depew Street; larceny with a motor vehicle break-in 11:32 a.m. on Main Street; missing person at 4:06 p.m. on Brown Street; warrants served at 11:10 p.m. on Main Street and two at 11:27 p.m. on Nelson Avenue; leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident 9:47 p.m. on Nelson Avenue.
You can read the complete blotter here.
Obituaries
James Joseph Colao
James Joseph Colao, 79, a lifelong resident of Peekskill, passed away on Jan. 14, 2025, after a short illness.
Jim was born on Aug. 3, 1945, to Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Colao of Peekskill. He graduated from Peekskill High School and attended Temple University, where he received his undergraduate and Masters degrees. Jim went on to work for Cardinal McCloskey Community Services for many years as head of Human Resources.
He is survived by his sisters Joyce Colao Stillman and Eileen Colao McCutchen, and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his loving parents.
Dolores Stein
Dolores Stein from Buchanan was born on Oct. 4, 1931 in Peekskill and passed away peacefully on Jan. 17, 2025, after a long-term illness.
She was a loving wife to Robert Stein, a devoted mother, and a cherished grandmother. She was known for her kindness, and exceptional baking skills, particularly her famous pizzelle cookies and pies.
Dolores graduated from Yorktown High School and went on to business school for secretarial administration. Early in her career, she worked at New York Life in New York City. After the passing of her first husband, Kenneth J. O’Connor, Jr., she sought a job at the Lakeland School District in Cortlandt Manor to be close to her two sons. She later found love again with Robert Stein, whom she made a life with.
An avid fan of the New York Yankees, Dolores enjoyed following her favorite player, Bernie Williams. She cherished spending time with her family, indulging in delicious Italian meals, and attending the Buchanan Senior Center with Robert, where they enjoyed weekly activities and periodic trips.
Dolores is survived by her husband Robert Stein and his sons Steven, Robert and Thomas (predeceased), her sister Catherine Birkbichler and husband Buck, her son Kenneth J. O’Connor III, and wife, Ellen Murphy, along with her beloved grandchildren, Mallory, Ryan, and Erin, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Dolores was predeceased by her parents, Emilio and Josephine Oubina, brothers William and Richard, and her son, Gary O’Connor.
She was a devoted Roman Catholic and regularly attended church.
Marvene O’Neal Sullivan
Marvene O’Neal Sullivan was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Alice Stevens and John Clarence Johnson. Her younger years were spent with her grandparents. In her teenage years, she moved to Brooklyn, NY, to be with her brothers and sisters in the 60s. She graduated from Prospect Heights High School, formerly known as Girls High, to go on to graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Administrative Science from Medgar Evers College.
She went on to become a single mother of three who raised her children through the trials and tribulations of the ‘70s and ‘80s. For the next 25 years, she went to work at the Department of Labor under the Attorney General of New York and retired in the early 2000s. Once she was retired, she went to help raise her two granddaughters. In the last five years of her life, she had ups and downs with her health that started during the Covid 19 crisis. She went through a lot the last two years. She had always persevered. She was finally ready to go home and see the loved ones she’s missed. She will be forever missed.
Beloved mother of: Octavia, Zennetra and mother-in-law of: Sonji Peterson-Sullivan; Grandmother of: Shawneal and Taliejah; Daughter of: Alice Stevens and John Clarence Johnson and Step Daughter of: Thomas Stevens; Sister of: Timmons, Greta, Johnnie, Deborah, Linda, Wanda, Jeffrey, Coretta, and Amy; Aunt of: Jermaine, Shaun, Latisha, Timmons Jr., Marvin, Carl, Eureka, Andrew, Kasim, Jeffrey Jr., Destiny, Quincy, Kanesha, Enfinity, Enchantress, Janique, Jacori, Manuela and Kwame Great Aunt of: Tyriek, Devante, Janae, Kayden, Aubrey, Kyree, Shakayah, Khasia, Quincy Jr., Anasia, Brianna, Miley, I-Asia, Aaliyah, Skylar, Sonya, Brianna, Quinton, Kalia and Maleia; Including Extended Family: The Marion Street Family, The Fraiser Family, and all other Extended Family. Predeceased by: parents/step-parent Alice, John, and Thomas, son: Barry, and nephew Andre.
Paul S. Baum
Paul S. Baum left this world on Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 65. Born in the winter chill of Buffalo, NY, on Jan. 3, 1960, Paul’s warmth and humor quickly proved that he was the brightest spark to warm the coldest of days. He lived a life that was as vibrant and joyous as a train whistle echoing through a bustling station—a sound he knew well through his dedicated work at Metro North Commuter Railroad as a fleet administrator and fiber optic splicer.
Paul was the beloved ringleader of his family. He is survived by his wife, Karen Baum, who was the love of his life and favorite travel companion; his daughter, Sara Snow, who inherited his quick wit and kind heart, and her loving husband and protector, Michael Snow; his mother, Joan Baum, who was his biggest fan; his brother, Gary Baum, and sister-in-law, Sharon Baum, partners in crime and laughter; his brother Glen Baum, who shared his passion for music and merrymaking; and his sister, Lynn Stoecker, along with her husband Edward, who always enjoyed his entertaining stories.
Though his father, Jack Baum, preceded him in the grand departure, the echoes of their shared chuckles still reverberate in the hearts of those who knew them. Paul’s life was a symphony of joyous escapades, side-splitting laughter, and tender moments. His interests were as eclectic as his taste in music, ranging from the rolling melodies of a well-strummed guitar to the soft serenades of a distant train horn. Traveling was not just a hobby but a pursuit of happiness, as he collected memories the way some collect stamps. Friends were the family he chose, and he cherished them with the loyalty and affection of a true confidant.
Paul’s life was a testament to the power of laughter, the strength of kindness, and the depth of love. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his memory will be a guiding light for generations to come. He will be dearly missed, but the impressions he made on the world are indelible.
So, let’s raise a glass to Paul—a man who lived, loved, and laughed with all his being. His story does not end here; it lives on in the laughter he instilled, the kindness he spread, and the love he gave. Rest in peace, Paul, and know that you have, indeed, succeeded.
