A recent traffic incident in which New Rochelle High School swim coach Edward "Kip" Fierro caused a three car collision landing a local elementary school teacher in the hospital and him into police custody has brought to light a lucrative deal Fierro and his family have enjoyed for many years at the expense of New Rochelle taxpayers.

The staggering amounts of money involved raises serious questions as to the motivation of school officials involved.

Talk of the Sound spoke with a number of current and former employees of the New Rochelle Board of Education, parents, students and others familiar with the New Rochelle swimming pool and swim programs. They tell us that Kip Fierro has worked for the New Rochelle Board of Education as a Teaching Assistant and Swim Coach as far back as 1997, and possibly longer. He is paid a salary, benefits and accrues a pension. His school day responsibilities largely entail serving as a life guard at the pool. He coaches the boys and girls swim team. His pay and benefits are a pittance to what he makes running the Badger Swim Club out of New Rochelle High School.

The Ursuline School in Mourning, Feb 1, 2012

"The Ursuline School is deeply saddened by the loss of a fine young member of our school community. Our hearts and prayers are with our student's family in their grief. We have visited the family and offered comfort. We have held special assemblies for all of our students, who are in mourning. We have made available extra counselors to students and staff. We appreciate prayers of support."

College of New Rochelle guard Alyssa Pechin has been selected as the HVWAC Basketball Rookie of the Week for the third time this season. The freshman from Yonkers, NY scored in double figures during a 1-1 week of conference play for the Blue Angels. Pechin accumulated 15 points, eight assists and six steals in only 11 minutes of action in a win over Vaughn. For the week, Pechin averaged 14.0 points, 5.5 steals and 5.0 assists.

A fourteen-year old freshman at The Ursuline School in New Rochelle took her own life last night amidst reports that she was distraught over being bullied at the school.

Eira Fatima Maghuyop died at her home in Yonkers.

UPDATE:(Feb 3 9:16 AM): Fox-5 is reporting that Yonkers PD has issued a statement that Maghuyop was not bullied. WSBT-11 is reporting that Yonkers PD said they have not seen any concrete evidence that bullying was a factor in the death. Calls to YPD by Talk of the Sound have not yet been returned, they will be sending a formal statement to Talk of the Sound today.

Edward "Kip" Fierro, the long-time swim coach at New Rochelle High School, was taken into custody a week ago last Thursday by New Rochelle police after he struck two vehicles in New Rochelle and left the scene of the accident. A DMV records check showed that although he had a valid Connecticut drivers license, his privilege to drive in New York had been suspended for failure to answer a summons.

Fierro was issued a 511-1a violation, an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a fine of between $200.00 and $500.00, up to 30 days in jail, 0 points and a mandatory surcharge of $80 or $85. He was due back in court today.

New Rochelle police were called to the scene at 8:11 am on January 19th. Two drivers heading westbound on the North Avenue overpass were stopped at the yield sign at the intersection of the Elmer Miller Circle at Memorial Highway. Fierro, driving a 2004 Jeep, came up behind the two vehicles, sideswiping one and striking the rear of another, a 2001 Honda. Fierro's Jeep pushed the Honda across three lanes of traffic in the circle and onto the center grassy area of the traffic circle. The other vehicle did not suffer major damage and the drive was not hurt.

Fierro continued driving, as a New Rochelle police officer followed, before pulling over on his own at Lockwood Avenue and Warren Street. Fierro appeared disoriented and was taken into custody for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, according to police.

News12 is reporting that an armed man in a ski mask held up two Iona College students at 30 Eastchester Road early Sunday morning. Talk of the Sound broke the story last week of an armed home invasion and robbery involving 2 men in ski masks at 77 Centre Avenue in downtown New Rochelle.

News12 is reporting that police believe their may be a link between the two cases.

Investigators say that it was just before 5 a.m. on Sunday when two students were walking into the lobby of their apartment building at 30 Eastchester Road and were approached from behind by a gunman. Detectives say a man wearing a mask and a hooded sweatshirt held up the two woman, ages 20 and 21, at gunpoint. They say he took their purses and cell phones, and then fled off on foot.

The Iona College Athletics Department, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, will host a Blood Drive on campus on Jan. 31, 2012.

The department invites anyone in the Iona Community come out participate in this goodwill effort. The blood drive will run from 9 am - 5 pm, and will be held on campus in the Hegarty Multi Purpose Room of the Hynes Athletics Center.

All donors will receive a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin' Donuts Coffee.

The American Red Cross and the MAAC joined together to create the MAAC Blood Drive Challenge as a fun and competitive way to emphasize the critical importance of donating blood. A trophy will be awarded to the school that draws the most donors.