The Local Edition

Sullivan County Legislator Amanda Ward, who represents District 8, shares the story of her late father, Roland "The Gator" Ward, and his lasting contributions to the county.

From his early days with the Fallsburg Police Department to his rise as a lieutenant in the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Roland Ward made a significant impact on the community.

Amanda Ward is now advocating to honor her father's legacy by co-naming a street in Fallsburg, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individuals who have positively influenced their communities.

With Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo, she also reflects on her experiences as a proud Black woman, discusses the significance of celebrating Black history, and highlights her ongoing efforts to re-establish the Human Rights Commission in Sullivan County.

The social services commissioner says New York wants to join other states adopting more secure cards, but lacks funds for the upgrade.

A tentative deal has been reached between New York State and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) to end the ongoing prison strike that has disrupted nearly 30 facilities across the state, including Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County.

The agreement, formalized in a Consent Award, follows four days of mediation led by arbitrator Martin F. Scheinman. As part of the deal, the state will temporarily suspend certain provisions of the HALT Act—legislation designed to limit solitary confinement—that correctional officers have argued exacerbates violence and safety concerns in understaffed prisons.

Additionally, a “Circuit Breaker” Staffing Metric will be implemented on high-impact days, such as weekends, to assess staff shortages. If staffing levels fall below a critical threshold, certain prison programs, including those affected by the HALT Act, may be temporarily suspended to ensure safety.

Mediator Scheinman noted the strained relationship between NYSCOPBA and state officials, emphasizing that trust remains a major issue. To enforce the agreement, it will be filed as a court order, making non-compliance subject to legal consequences.

The strike, which state officials deemed illegal under the Taylor Law, prompted Governor Kathy Hochul to deploy the National Guard to maintain order. Local lawmakers have continued to push for a repeal of the HALT Act, arguing that it has made prisons more dangerous.

While the agreement marks a step toward resolution, NYSCOPBA leaders have yet to confirm whether members will immediately return to work, pending further discussions on long-term staffing and safety reforms.

Health Concerns for Officers

Kay believes the exposure is linked to synthetic substances being smuggled into the prison via legal mail, particularly letters to attorneys, which cannot be opened by corrections staff. “We believe it's coming in through letters,” she explained. “We've asked them to stop for a period of time what's coming into Woodbourne so that we can get a handle on this.”

In addition to the health crisis, Kay also criticized the Department of Corrections’ handling of staff shortages. “Officers have been called back to work—no matter what excuse. Family medical leave? Not an excuse. An officer who just had knee surgery? Not an excuse,” she said. Officers deemed absent without leave (AWOL) have had their dental and vision insurance cut off, a move Kay called unjust.

Kay has formally requested that Governor Hochul’s office and the Department of Corrections take immediate action to investigate the chemical exposures and halt incoming mail until the source of the contamination is identified. “I was told there would be a response. Today is Thursday… I’m waiting.”

Additional Agreement Details

According to the Gothamist, reporter Jimmy Vielkind states that a law restricting the use of solitary confinement in New York’s prisons would remain suspended for 90 days if corrections officers accept the tentative agreement.

There will be no departmental discipline for any of the thousands of corrections officers if they return to work by Saturday, according to a memo released by Governor Hochul. The agreement also includes provisions to reduce mandated overtime, increase the overtime pay rate, and temporarily hire retired corrections officers to assist in transporting incarcerated individuals.

More than 3,500 National Guard personnel who were deployed to prisons during the strike will remain on-site. The agreement states that Governor Hochul will determine the “overall support and draw down” of the deployment.

Hochul announced the terms of the tentative deal after four days of mediation between the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the union representing correctional officers.

While the union did not officially endorse the strike, spokesperson James Miller stated that they will assess how striking workers react to the deal before determining if the strike will officially end. “We have reached a consent award to address many of the concerns raised by correction officers, put DOCCS back on the path to safe operations, respect the rights of incarcerated individuals, and prevent future unsanctioned work stoppages,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.

The strike began on February 17 at two facilities before spreading to more than two dozen across the state. Officers cited increasing understaffing and dangerous conditions, blaming the 2021 HALT law for making it harder to maintain discipline.

The law, which limits the duration of solitary confinement and requires hearings before placement, had already been suspended prior to the agreement. Advocates for incarcerated individuals oppose this suspension, arguing that solitary confinement amounts to torture. Progressive lawmakers have criticized Hochul for suspending the law’s provisions, stating they have no plans to change it.

Reports indicate that conditions at Woodbourne Correctional Facility deteriorated during the strike. Incarcerated individuals lost access to telephones, hot meals, and the commissary during lockdowns. At least three incarcerated individuals have died during the strike, and investigations into these deaths are ongoing.

The strike also follows the death of Robert Brooks, an incarcerated individual at Marcy Correctional Facility, who was allegedly beaten to death by staff. Six employees have been charged with murder in connection with his death and have pleaded not guilty.

The union and state officials continue negotiations as the deadline for returning to work approaches.

The New York state prison system is teetering on disaster as guards have staged an unsanctioned wildcat strike at almost all of its 42 facilities. Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed the National Guard and, on Wednesday, obtained a court order mandating that corrections officers return to work.

While striking officers have been mostly mum to the press, Assemblymember Scott Gray, who visited picket lines outside three northern New York prisons and went inside two this week, told New York Focus that they’re determined to wrest concessions from the state and from their employer, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

“The members seem to be resolved in their determination to hang tight until some sort of corrective action is taken,” he said. To facilitate negotiations, the picketers are working on paring down their original list of 13 demands, Gray said.

New York State correctional officers remain on strike, as Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered state troopers and the National Guard to intervene.

Meanwhile, inside Woodbourne Correctional Facility, inmate Atiq Weston, serving 15 years for manslaughter and robbery, shared his perspective with Radio Catskill.

Weston claims some officers are overly aggressive and violating Correction Law Section 137, which ensures humane treatment, medical care, and limits on solitary confinement. "They've been violating this law for years," Weston said. "Now they want to suspend it to avoid consequences."

He also described experiencing physical abuse. "I was beaten while in handcuffs at Upstate Correctional Facility," he stated. "If it weren’t for body cameras, cases like Robert Brooks, who was beaten to death, would go unnoticed."

Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old incarcerated man, died in custody at Marcy Correctional Facility after being  beaten by officers while restrained. His case gained attention after surveillance footage contradicted the official reports, leading to indictments against multiple correctional officers.

Weston argues that despite concerns raised by correctional officers about safety and staffing, the National Guard’s presence has led to improved conditions. "They're treating us like human beings," he said. "It's dignified, professional, and there’s more respect."

However, Weston questions the long-term solution. "The National Guard is trained for counterterrorism, not babysitting prisoners," he remarked. "They need to find a better way to staff these prisons while enforcing the law fairly."

The ongoing strike by correctional officers across New York State has now entered a new phase. Workers are still picketing outside facilities, including the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County, demanding safer working conditions, better staffing, and an end to excessive overtime. Meanwhile, the state is taking new steps to end the protest.

The strike, which has impacted nearly 30 of the state’s 42 prisons, began in response to what officers call dangerously unsafe working conditions. Governor Kathy Hochul has called the strike illegal under the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from walking off the job. In response, the state canceled visitations at all prisons and announced that National Guard troops would be deployed to help manage the facilities.

Now, new actions are being taken by the state government. Governor Hochul has signed an Executive Order authorizing the deployment of the National Guard and additional compensation for officers who return to work. Commissioner Daniel Martuscello issued a memo titled “Path to Restoring Workforce,” outlining key changes, including:

• Suspending certain elements of the HALT Act under “exceptional circumstances.”
• Rescinding staffing restrictions to allow for more flexibility.
• Increasing overtime pay to 2.5 times the regular rate for working officers.
• Ensuring no disciplinary action against employees who return to work before the midnight deadline.

 The union representing the officers, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, has distanced itself from the strike, citing legal restrictions, but continues to mediate between workers and the state.

Closer to home, the Sullivan County Legislature has now passed a resolution urging Governor Hochul to revoke the HALT Act. Nadia Rajsz, Chair of the Sullivan County Legislature, stated, "Our corrections officers are suffering. They are out there picketing with informational pickets. The HALT Act should be removed." The HALT Act, designed to limit the use of solitary confinement, has been a major point of contention among officers, who argue it has led to an increase in violent incidents against staff.

As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on how the state and correctional officers will navigate this crisis. Will the new measures be enough to end the strike?

PepsiCo has announced the closure of its manufacturing facility in the Village of Liberty, where it produces the popular PopCorners snack. The plant, formerly known as Ideal Snacks, has been a staple in the community since the late 1990s before PepsiCo acquired the brand around 2018. The closure will result in the loss of approximately 300 jobs, significantly impacting local workers and businesses.

Sullivan County Legislator Louie Alvarez (District 6) expressed deep concern over the decision, particularly its effect on Liberty’s close-knit Hispanic community. "Most of them have made their life here—this is their home. Their kids go to school here, they buy food here, they own homes here. This is going to hit us very hard," Alvarez said.

Alvarez highlighted the contributions of Hispanic residents to Liberty, noting their involvement in local events and businesses. He also warned that the closure would have a ripple effect on Main Street, where many of the affected workers support local restaurants and shops.

PepsiCo cited challenges in sustaining the plant’s long-term viability due to the brand’s rapid growth. In a statement to Radio Catskill, the company acknowledged employees’ contributions, saying, “This decision does not diminish the value of their hard work and dedication. We are working closely with our employees and local community officials to provide a supportive transition.”

Liberty Mayor John Stoddard and county legislators plan to discuss potential strategies to mitigate the economic impact. “We’ll be talking about this at our upcoming meetings to see what can be done,” Alvarez said.

Correctional officers and staff near Woodbourne Correctional Facility have launched a strike, citing hazardous working conditions, excessive mandatory overtime, and a lack of action from state officials. The strike, which has spread to over 25 jails, highlights growing concerns over staff safety, including exposure to unknown chemicals and a rise in workplace violence.

Governor Kathy Hochul has implemented measures aimed at improving conditions, but officers argue these efforts are insufficient to address the crisis. Hochul responded to the strike, stating, "We are committed to ensuring the safety of both correctional officers and inmates, and we will continue to work towards fair solutions that address these concerns." She also emphasized, "Striking is not the answer; we must engage in productive dialogue to create lasting change."

In response to the strike, Governor Hochul announced preparations to deploy the New York National Guard to correctional facilities to maintain order and ensure the safety of officers, incarcerated individuals, and surrounding communities. "The illegal and unlawful actions being taken by a number of correction officers must end immediately," Hochul stated. "We will not allow these individuals to jeopardize the safety of their colleagues, incarcerated people, and the residents of communities surrounding our correctional facilities." She has directed Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello and senior officials to meet with union leadership to negotiate an end to the strike.

Should the work stoppage continue, Hochul has instructed legal counsel to explore enforcement options under the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from striking and mandates their return to work. Commissioner Martuscello echoed the urgency of resolving the dispute, noting, "This illegal job action involving NYSCOPBA members is causing irreparable harm to department operations and jeopardizing safety."

As the National Guard remains on standby and financial penalties for striking workers loom, the standoff continues with no clear resolution in sight. Governor Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to improving pay and working conditions for correctional officers, citing recent salary increases, expanded hazardous duty pay, and recruitment incentives.

On The Local Edition, Radio Catskill discussed a River Reporter article detailing allegations against the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. The article includes claims from two former officers accusing Sheriff Mike Schiff and Undersheriff Eric Chaboty of ordering a falsified accident report and fostering a hostile work environment.

Additionally, the article mentions an alleged FBI investigation into the department.

The controversy has drawn attention, particularly after retired police investigator Tim Dymond announced his candidacy for sheriff, challenging Schiff in the upcoming election. While Sheriff Schiff denies the allegations, some current employees have confirmed speaking with the FBI.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Undersheriff Eric Chaboty for his response to these claims. We also discussed the fears within the Latino community regarding ICE raids.