Branden has been a journalist for more than 15 years, working in newsrooms around Central New York, Western New York and the Capital District, where he covered urban crime and political news for Albany's WRGB. During his career, he's served as the New York State Television Chair for the National Press Photographers Association (TVQCC) and has won numerous awards for his video journalism. Prior to joining the WIBX Newsroom, Branden worked with Governor David Paterson's 2010 campaign for Governor. A Mohawk Valley native, Branden enjoys covering Utica politics and public safety issues. You can hear him Saturday mornings from 6-9 on WIBX 950AM.
Branden Block
Music in the Parks on Monday Nite Set to Kick Off
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica Monday Nite may be a thing of the past, but that's not stopping the music at Hanna Park this summer. Three Utica Council members, James Zecca, David Testa and Frank Vescera are putting together a free summer music and entertainment activities program that will take place each Monday night in July and August at Hanna Park...
NHPD: Fake Doctor Calls in Phony Prescription, Arrested
New Hartford, NY (WIBX) - New Hartford Police arrested a Utica man for criminal impersonation after they say he tried phoning in a fake prescription.
According the authorities, 25-year old Robert Gotham pretended to be a doctor when he called a local pharmacy requesting that a prescription of percocet be filled for a female...
119 Cartons of Illegal Smokes Seized In Ilion
Ilion, NY (WIBX) - After a two month long investigation, New York State Police say they've arrested an Ilion man for the possession and sale of untaxed cigarettes. Authorities say they found 119 cartons of cigarettes after a search of an Ilion residence...
Herkimer, Mohawk and Ilion School Districts Mull Merger
Mohawk, NY (WIBX) - They're talking consolidation in the Valley again. This time Frankfort's out; leaving Herkimer, Mohawk and Ilion Central School Districts looking to merge into one small "A" Class School District.
Ilion Superintendent Cosimo Tangorra says if the merger is approved by voters, they will be able to offer students a much better program...
Utica Man Faces Felony Weapon Charges After Dispute
New Hartford, NY (WIBX) - New Hartford Police Officers arrested a Utica man early Saturday morning at an apartment building on Oneida St in Washington Mills.
According to police, it was reported that a male inside of one of the apartments threatened another male with a knife and was still in the apartment...
Utica City Hall Looking To Cut Red Tape To Spur Economic Growth
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Cutting through the red tape to help facilitate more downtown business, that's the message coming out of Utica's City Hall.
At a recent meeting, the Utica Common Council's Urban and Economic Development Committee talked about how to spur sidewalk dining...
OC Sheriff: Teen Girl Punched, Kicked Arresting Officer, Sent to Slammer
Verona, NY (WIBX) -"Girl gone wild", that may have been what Oneida County Sheriff's Deputies were thinking when they responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Verona.
According to authorities, Deputies were dispatched to a home on Tilden Hill Road for a report of a father - daughter dispute and when they arrived, they say 17-year old Kendall Talbot became hostile, punching and kick
Oneida County Sheriff Seeks Help Identifying Man Struck on Rt 365
Verona, NY (WIBX) - The Oneida County Sheriff's Office needs your help identifying a man that was struck by a car over the weekend, the accident happening on route 365 in the Town of Verona.
According to Sheriff Rob Maciol, the unidentified man is listed in critical condition at an area hospital...
DOT: North-South Arterial Project Moving Ahead at Accelerated Pace
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Representatives from the New York State Department of Transportation met with West Utica residents to give an update regarding the North-South arterial project. DOT's Anthony Ilacqua says the project is moving along at an accelerated pace...
Boonville Man Arrested for DWI, Nearly 3x legal Limit
Ava, NY (WIBX) - New York State Police arrested 28-year old Evan Campbell on DWI charges after an accident he was involved in. According to authorities, Campbell was traveling north on State Route 46 in the Town of Ava when he crossed over the double yellow line, striking a road sign...