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
Utica Common Councilman Removed From 4 Committees
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council made a standing committee change, voting 5 to 3 to remove First Ward Councilman Frank Vescera from all committees he currently sits on.
Councilman Viscera was removed from Economic Development, Municipal Housing and Urban Renewal, Codes and Neighborhood Preservation, the Communication, Internet, Computer and Technology Committee and the Government and Ed
Valley Merger One Step Closer To Reality
Ilion, NY (WIBX) -The proposed consolidation of three valley school districts, Ilion, Herkimer and Mohawk was given a "yes" vote, with voters in all three districts voting for consolidation. The final figures are 3,364 "yes" votes to 1,843 "no" votes...
Traffic Stop Leads To DWI Arrest In Canastota
Lenox, NY (WIBX) - State Police stopped a speeder in the Town of Lenox and charged the driver with DWI. According to authorities, 31-year old Justin Turner was driving a Ford Mustang 97 miles per hour on Route 13 when he was spotted by State Police...
Utica Common Council Censures One of It’s Own
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Common Council has voted to censure one of it's own, First Ward Councilman Frank Vescera. In a 5-3 vote, which revolves around the videotaping of pre-conference meetings, Vescera will be removed from any committee assignment now and in the future while he continues to violate the established rules regarding videotaping meetings...
New Hartford Police Make Heroin Arrest Following Crash
New Hartford, NY (WIBX) - The New Hartford Police Department responded to a one car motor vehicle crash that occurred in the parking lot of the Nice and Easy on French Road, which subsequently lead to the arrest of the operator for multiple drug related and traffic charges...
Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy Hurt While Making Arrest
Rome, NY (WIBX) - According to Oneida County Sheriff's Office, a Rome man was arrested after resisting arrest and causing injury to a Deputy.
Deputies responded to the Wal-Mart Super Center in the City of Rome, for a disorderly male in the store...
St. Elizabeth Medical Center Announces Staff Reduction
Utica, NY (WIBX) - St. Elizabeth Medical Center has announced plans to lay off fewer than 10 positions of its 1,975 person staff.
According to the hospital, these layoffs are needed to ensure the hospital's long-term
sustainability. Numerous factors led to the reduction of the Medical Center’s workforce including the decreased reimbursement to hospitals by New York State Medicaid over multiple yea
Madison County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Crash
Fenner, NY (WIBX) - The Madison County Sheriff's Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident that happened on Peterboro Road in the Town of Fenner. According to Sheriff Deputies, 49-year old Kelly Schwab of Chittenango was killed when her vehicle left the roadway, rolling over several times and coming to rest in a ravine, some 300 feet from where she left the roadway...
Knife Wielding Man Attempts to Rob Supermarket
Hamilton, NY (WIBX) - Madison County Sheriff's Investigators need your help in connection with an attempted robbery that occurred at the Price Chopper supermarket located at the Madison Marketplace on Route 12B, just north of the Village of Hamilton...
Durhamville Man Charged With DWI at Sobriety Checkpoint
Verona, NY (WIBX) - The New York State Police arrested a Durhamville man on DWI charges over the weekend. According to authorities, 46-year old Robert Patterson was arrested at a sobriety checkpoint on State Route 13 in the Town of Verona...