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
New Hours for Utica Public Library in 2013
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Citing a reduction in funding, the Utica Public Library is cutting back on it's hours of operation. Instead of being open until 8 PM weeknights, the Library will close at 5:30 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It will remain open until 8 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays...
Griffo Urges Republican Leaders to Approve Superstorm Sandy Funds
Albany, NY (WIBX) - State Senator Joseph Griffo (R-C-IP, Rome) has written to the Republican leaders of Congress, asking that they go back and work together to approve an aid relief package for New York and the other communities ravaged by Superstorm Sandy...
Rome Man Arrested on Sex Abuse, Unlawful Surveillance Charges
Lee, NY (WIBX) - A Rome man has been arrested by the New York State Police on a sex abuse charge. According to authorities, 19-year old Dustin Smith of Rome was arrested on 1 count of Unlawful Surveillance and 1 count of Sex Abuse, both felonies...
Westmoreland Man Arrested on Identity Theft, Burglary Charges
Westmoreland, NY (WIBX) - After a 2-month investigation into an alleged Identity Theft case, the New York State Police have made an arrest. Police say 21-year old Sewell Claycomb of Westmoreland used another person's paypal account to make a purchase at the Walmart store in New Hartford...
Sheriff Deputies Break up Underage House Party, Teen Hurt
Deerfield, NY (WIBX) - On Friday, December 21, 2012, at around 11:09 pm, while responding to a one-car crash on Bell Hill Road, that's near the Oneida-Herkimer County line, Oneida County Sheriff's Deputies discovered an underage house party in the vicinity...
Utica Common Council Wants Welfare to Work Program in 2013
Utica, NY (WIBX) - One of the last pieces of business the Utica Common Council discussed for 2012 was a resolution urging Mayor Palmieri to enter into an agreement with Oneida County's Department of Social Services to hammer out a Welfare to Work program that will help the municipality make ends meet...
Former Cosmopolitan Center About to be Sold
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The former Cosmopolitan Center on Whitesboro Street is set to be sold, the Utica Common Council voted to move the sale of the city-owned property to committee until their next meeting. According to Mayor Palmieri, the buyer is Tony Cristiano and the sale price is $25,000...
New York State Troopers Recognize Local Lawman
Albany, NY (WIBX) - The New York State Police handed out their annual awards to the members of Troop "D" and this year a local Trooper has received the "Outstanding Trooper Award for Zone 1".
During the last year, Trooper Jason Nellis of the Herkimer barracks made 11 felony arrests, 47 Misdemeanor arrests and handed out more than 300 traffic tickets...
Utica Mayor Orders Municipal Flags to be Lowered to Half-Staff
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica Mayor Rob Palmieri has ordered all municipal flags in the city to be flown at half-staff out of respect and sympathy for the victims and families of Newtown, Connecticut. The Mayor went on to say that during this season of peace we can pray that those suffering will be consoled knowing that others mourn with them...
Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest
New Hartford, NY (WIBX) - New Hartford Police make a drug arrest following a routine traffic stop. According to authorities, 26-year old Lindsey Ming was pulled over by police for an unsafe lane change, she was then found to be in possession of several baggies of cocaine, marijuana and amphetamines...