Todd Bender

Poughkeepsie

News Reporter and Editor at Mid Hudson News

Former elected official who now gets to ask questions as a reporter for https://t.co/pXS4ycnEWf

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Articles

drug dealing Uber driver busted by drug task force

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Drug Task Force arrested 52-year-old Howard Nugent on Tuesday after agents investigated tips that he was selling drugs out of his Van Wagner Road apartment and his car service vehicle. Nugent is facing multiple felony charges following Tuesday’s arrest, and additional charges are pending.
Beacon fire kills one; two others hospitalized

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

BEACON – An evening house fire on Beacon’s east side claimed the life of one person and sent two other occupants to the hospital with burns and smoke inhalation. The Alice Street fire was reported around 6:25 p.m. on Tuesday, with callers reporting that occupants were trapped in the house. Beacon Police were first to arrive and reported the house fully involved in flames.
Uber drug driver flees from drug raid - wrecks car

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – As members of the Dutchess County Drug Task Force approached an apartment building in the town to execute a search warrant on Tuesday, the suspect fled the complex and wrecked his car moments later on Van Wagner Road.
McDonald jury struggles to reach verdict; deliberations continue on Tuesday

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

GOSHEN -The jury in the Megan McDonald murder case appeared to reach an impasse on Monday in Orange County Court but continues to deliberate. Edward Holley, 44, of Wawayanda, stands accused of killing McDonald 22 years ago in the Town of Wallkill. He was arrested by State Police in April of 2023 and faces a murder charge which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life. Judge Hyun Chin Kim received two notes from the jury on Monday morning that pointed to a potential deadlock.
Disgraced martial arts wife blames business loss on "cancel culture", not sex offenses

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

STAATSBURG – Laura LeClerc, the wife of Robert “Pat” LeClerc, took to social media on Saturday, announcing the closure of LeClerc’s Martial Arts on her personal Facebook page. Her stepson, Tyler, an instructor at LeClerc’s, was arrested in February and charged with the felony of criminal sex act, which is when a person ages 18 or older engages in deviant sex with someone who is 15 years old or younger or someone incapable of consent due to mental disability or incapacity.
Comptroller and legislature spar over duties of office

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

POUGHKEEPSIE – In a prelude to a November race for the Dutchess County Comptroller seat, Comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair, a Democrat, and County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt, who is the Republican candidate against Aymar-Blair, squared off during a meeting of legislative committees last week. In March, according to Aymar-Blair, Truitt requested Aymar-Blair to present to the legislature his analysis of the governor’s proposed budget.
Major roadway shut down after car strikes hydrant

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

POUGHKEEPSIE – All three lanes of Mill Street in the City of Poughkeepsie, also known as westbound Route 44/55 were closed to vehicular traffic Sunday morning after a vehicle struck a fire hydrant in front of the Living Water Church at 260 Mill Street.
Career firefighter Mark Scianna passes away

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

Mark V. SciannaNovember 19, 1966 – March 6, 2025Mark V. Scianna, 58, of Myrtle Beach, SC, by way of Wappingers Falls, NY, passed away on March 6, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Born November 19, 1966, in Poughkeepsie, NY, he was the son of the late Vincent Scianna and Judy (Scianna) Hughes and stepfather, Bill Hughes.
Comptroller says federal cuts affect Dutchess County

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair addressed the county legislature’s Budget, Finance, and Personnel Committee on Thursday with an update on lost federal funding as a result of sweeping cuts being enacted in Washington. As of Thursday, $12.5 million in federal funding is no longer coming into Dutchess County, according to Aymar-Blair. The cuts affect county and local governments, farmers, and non-profit agencies.
Highland high-schoolers display civics projects

1 week ago | midhudsonnews.com | Todd Bender

TOWN OF LLOYD -Highland High School recently held its Civics Showcase, where students seeking a “Seal of Civic Readiness” displayed their civic and capstone projects and fielded questions from those in attendance. The program is headed by Christina Saylor, a teacher at the school. The Seal of Civic Readiness (SCR) encourages students to use civic knowledge and skills, coupled with mindsets in their decision-making process.