The Local Edition

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:

 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. 

A growing number of NYSEG customers in Sullivan County and beyond are reporting massive spikes in their electric bills this winter, with some seeing increases of several hundred dollars.

Rock Hill resident Tom O’Donohue saw his January bill jump to $834—nearly triple his highest previous bill. Shocked by the surge, he created a Facebook group where dozens of customers shared similar experiences, some with bills exceeding $1,000. Even those who don’t rely on electric heat or have opted out of smart meters reported extreme increases.

In response to mounting complaints, Assemblymember Paula Kay met with NYSEG’s CEO to demand answers. She acknowledged that winter rates and increased usage could contribute to higher bills but said they don’t explain such drastic spikes. Kay has arranged for NYSEG to hold a public meeting at the Sullivan County Government Center on February 27, 2025 to address customer concerns.

NYSEG stated that winter usage naturally leads to higher bills and urged affected customers to reach out for assistance programs, including budget billing and HEAP. However, frustrated customers are calling for more action, with some even considering a class-action lawsuit.

Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo has more. 

The governor’s latest budget pitch would send an additional $290 million to the state’s public transit agencies, invest more in a new student-teacher stipend, and more.

All Things Liberty Winter Festival, happening on February 22, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Liberty High School Gym. It’s a day of fun for families with sled riding, carnival games, craft vendors, karaoke, and more.

But this year, there’s something extra special: the Liberty Faculty Association is hosting a book giveaway for Liberty Elementary students, made possible through a grant from the American Federation of Teachers. 

The giveaway will feature books in Spanish, bilingual editions, and a range of reading levels, ensuring all students have access to stories they can connect with.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Jill Parks, the Middle School Librarian at Liberty Central School District on the book giveaway.

Students across New York State may soon be required to put away their cellphones during school hours under a new proposal announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The plan, which still needs legislative approval, would take effect next academic year and prohibit students from using their phones in class, during lunch, and even in hallways. Hochul argues that limiting smartphone access will help students stay focused in class and improve their mental health. However, some educators and advocates raise concerns about how this policy might affect immigrant students who rely on their phones for translation apps, staying connected with family, and accessing critical resources.

At the same time, immigration enforcement policies are also creating uncertainty for students and schools. The federal government has removed protections that previously limited immigration raids in sensitive locations like schools, meaning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could now operate more freely on school grounds. This has raised concerns among immigrant families, with some districts reporting increased student absences due to fears of deportation.

Additionally, efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education are gaining momentum. Some lawmakers are pushing to shift control of education entirely to states, which could impact funding for low-income schools, special education programs, and federal civil rights protections. Critics argue that removing federal oversight could make it harder to ensure equal education opportunities for all students, particularly those from immigrant and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Monticello Central School District Superintendent Dr. Matthew Evans about the district’s policies on the cellphone ban, its stance on potential immigration raids in schools, and the possible dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been making headlines due to recent outbreaks, particularly of the H5 subtype. To shed light on this pressing public health issue, epidemiologist Haley Motola and community health nurse Amanda Wolfe from Sullivan County Public Health share their expertise on the virus's impact, transmission, and preventive measures.

The Spread of Bird Flu and Recent Outbreaks

Bird flu primarily affects avian species but has also been detected in some mammals. Recent cases in New York State have raised concerns, but health officials emphasize that no cases have been reported in Sullivan County. The experts explain how the virus spreads and the steps taken by health and agricultural departments to monitor and contain it.

The Role of Health and Agricultural Departments

To prevent outbreaks, state and local agencies work collaboratively to track infections and enforce biosecurity measures. Surveillance efforts include monitoring wild and domestic bird populations and implementing quarantine measures when necessary. Motola and Wolfe discuss how these coordinated efforts help mitigate risks and protect both public health and agriculture.

Preventing Transmission: Practical Measures

While human cases of bird flu remain rare, experts recommend several precautionary steps:

Considerations for Backyard Chicken Owners

For those raising backyard chickens, it’s essential to maintain good sanitation practices and prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. The experts outline simple steps to safeguard small flocks and minimize the risk of infection.

Staying Informed and Prepared

Motola and Wolfe said residents to stay informed through official health channels and practice recommended safety measures. While the current risk in Sullivan County is low, vigilance and preventive actions are key to keeping both humans and animals safe.

For more updates on public health topics, stay connected with Sullivan County Public Health