Oswego County

Orwell Hosts Operation Christmas Child Program

August 5, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Orwell, NY – Aug. 2011) Christmas starts in August in Orwell. On Sunday, Aug. 7 Operation Christmas Child Area Coordinator Patty Jennings will be the featured speaker at the United Methodist Church at 3470 County Route 22. As part of the 9:30am service open to all, Jennings will talk about the outreach ministry that filled with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items to give to children in need in more than 100 countries.

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of the international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org), headed by Dr. Billy Graham’s son Franklin Graham. The Orwell United Methodist Church has packaged shoe boxes for OCC for several years and invites area individuals, families and businesses to join them for their 2011 project.

More than 10,000 boxes were collected from the five counties in 2010, a more than 27 percent increase over 2009 giving in the area. Each box is delivered with the Gospel message in the child’s native language.

The national collection week for Operation Christmas Child is always the third week in November. In 2010, 8.18 million Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes were distributed worldwide.

Jennings serves as volunteer coordinator for the Operation Christmas Child New York North Central Area that includes Oswego, Oneida, Herkimer, Lewis, and Jefferson counties. She will make a dynamic presentation with photos of her trips to help distribute the shoe boxes to children in Africa and Central and South America.

“People of all ages can be involved in helping children who live in desperate conditions through the gift of a simple shoe box filled with small items that convey the larger message of hope and God’s love,” Jennings says.

Volunteers from the Oswego County-North Country area traveled to North Carolina to the OCC processing center in late November last year to help with preparing the boxes for overseas shipment.

Filed Under: Annoucements, Announcements, Calendar of Events, Orwell, Oswego County, Religion

Onondaga County Veterans Endorse John Stone for Supreme Court

August 4, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Onondaga County, NY – Aug. 2011) The Friends of John Stone For Supreme Court Justice is pleased to announce that the Onondaga County Veterans Party has endorsed John Stone in his candidacy for Supreme Court Justice in the New York State Fifth Judicial District.

The Fifth Judicial District includes Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, Herkimer, Jefferson and Lewis counties.

Filed Under: Annoucements, Announcements, Cops/Crime/Courts, Cops/Crime/Courts, Government & Politics, Government & Politics, Government and Politics, Herkimer County Agencies & Organizations, Jefferson County, Onondaga County Agencies and Organizations, Oswego County, Veteran's Corner

Tenney Puts Forth Proposal to cut Millions in Unfunded Mandates

July 7, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

A Legislative Column from Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R,C,I-New Hartford)

(July 6, 2011) During the debate on the “Affordable Housing” omnibus legislation, regarding rent control and a property tax cap, I, along with my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference, proposed an amendment to the bill that would have provided billions of dollars in long-term mandate relief to local governments and schools. The Assembly Democrats defeated the amendment on the floor.

Because of excessive and unfunded mandates, New York has the unenviable distinction of having the highest property taxes in the nation. According to the independent, nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Oswego County ranks 13^th and Oneida County ranks 19^th in the nation for the highest property taxes as a percentage of home value. These taxes are devastating to seniors and other property owners struggling to survive in our region. More people have left New York in the last ten years than any other state in the nation. We have to take bold steps to reverse this trend.

The omnibus legislation that was ultimately passed included $127 million in mandate relief; but our mandate relief amendment, that was struck down by the Assembly Democrats, could have saved more than twice that in just one year by eliminating future growth in Medicaid costs for counties, a measure that would save counties statewide approximately $165 million in additional savings in just the first year. Had this amendment been adopted, counties – and ultimately taxpayers – could save billions of dollars in the long term.

Throughout this legislative session we have been successful in bringing attention to the importance of unfunded mandate relief, which is a main source behind our state having the highest property taxes in the nation. But there is much more work to be done.

While a property tax cap will help limit how large property taxes can grow in the future, the cap does not reduce taxes or address the unfunded mandates that continue to drive up costs on local governments and schools. Albany must take more comprehensive action to lift these cost-drivers in order to reduce the tax burden, continue vital local services, ensure high-quality education, and protect our long-term economic viability.

For these reasons, I reluctantly voted in support of the omnibus bill, as it is only a start; but I will continue working for more serious mandate relief for Oneida and Oswego counties, which are among the highest taxed counties in the country.

Filed Under: Government & Politics, Government & Politics, Government and Politics, Opinion and Editorial, Opinion-Editorial, Oswego County

Road Rage Incident Leads to Two Arrests

July 2, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(West Monroe, NY – July 1, 2011) New York State Police in Hastings arrested two individuals after a road rage incident that occurred in the Town of West Monroe.

Darren C. Spalsbury, 19, of 2595 Route 37, Central Square was arrested and charged with first-degree Reckless Endangerment 1st degree (Class D Felony), second-degree Menacing (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor), and two counts of second-degree Harrasment (Violations).

Spalsbury confronted a motorist on County Route 37 in the Town of West Monroe whom he allegedly had an issue with regarding him following in his vehicle too closely to Spalsbury. Spalsbury stopped his vehicle abruptly in the middle of the northbound lane of County Route 37, got out of his car brandishing a knife, and threatened to stab the other motorist with it.

Another subject who was in the area attempted to diffuse the situation and convince Spalsbury to remain at the scene while awaiting police arrival.

Spalsbury got back in his car and drove his vehicle towards this subject, nearly striking him on three separate occasions. Spalsbury again exited his vehicle and began shoving other passing motorists that stopped to help.

Spalsbury was taken into custody upon arrival of Troopers with assistance from Oswego County Sheriff’s Deputies.

A female in Spalsbury’s vehicle, Christina M. Shelter, 19, attempted to prevent the arrest of Spalsbury and was charged with Obstructing Government Administration (Class A Misdemeanor).

Shelter was released with an appearance ticket.

Spalsbury was arraigned in the West Monroe Town Court and remanded to the Oswego County Jail on $6,000 cash bail/$12,000 bail bond.

Filed Under: Central Square, Cops/Crime/Courts, Cops/Crime/Courts, Hastings, Opinion and Editorial, Opinion-Editorial, Opinion/Editorial, Oswego County, West Monroe Tagged With: Christina M. Shelter, Darren C. Spalsbury, oswego county jail, Oswego County Sheriffs, West Monroe NY news, West Monroe Town Court

Tenney Votes for Ethics Reform

June 15, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(June 14, 2011) Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R,C,I–New Hartford) yesterday voted in favor of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s ethics reform bill, the Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011, but expressed her disappointment with the timing and depth of the legislation.

“This bill is an attempt to address future ethical issues that may arise, but does nothing to correct the current ethical problems that plague our political system,” said Tenney. “It is interesting to note that the Governor proposed a bill which leaves enforcement in the hands of the current majority parties in both houses. The message is clear: Even if the voters throw your party out of its majority leadership position, you still get to decide who stays and who goes when it comes to ethics.”

“It is inconsistent for Governor Cuomo to insist that the Legislature is unable to manage redistricting and that such issues must be sent to an independent commission while maintaining it is competent enough to handle such controversial and crucial issues as ethics violations,” said Tenney.

The bill passed the Assembly last evening and, once signed by the Governor, portions will take effect on June 1, 2012.

“This ethics bill, though it takes some positive steps forward, still leaves the enforcement of ethical violations in the hands of the most politically powerful, who have proven that selective prosecution and political clout will continue to rule the day,” said Tenney.

Assemblywoman Tenney was listed as a Hero of Reform in her efforts to clean up Albany’s culture of corruption. Tenney has insisted that ethics reform must continue after the passage of the Public Integrity Reform Act in order to make sure the worst offenders are not shielded due to partisan politics in our state’s capital.

Filed Under: Government & Politics, Government & Politics, Government and Politics, Oswego County

Environmentally-Friendly Senior Volunteers Wanted for Summer Citizen-Scientist Program

June 14, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Oswego, NY – June 2011) The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at SUNY Oswego is looking for a few good seniors who enjoy the outdoors. The senior volunteer program is partnering with New York Sea Grant to recruit individuals 55 and older to staff information tables at two state-owned natural areas this summer.

Individuals 55 and older are needed for the new Oswego County Citizen-Scientist Volunteer Program to staff information tables at the Salmon River Falls Unique Area and Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area this summer. New York Sea Grant will provide volunteers with shirts, literature, chairs, tables and shade umbrellas to staff the welcome areas.

“The Oswego County Citizen-Scientist Volunteer Program will advance the regional stewardship initiative. The goal of the initiative is to provide information at local sites to encourage interest in proper stewardship of coastal ecosystems and our natural resources,” says Coastal Community Development Specialist Mary Penney with New York Sea Grant, Oswego, NY.

The Salmon River Falls Unique Area has a 110-foot waterfall and expansive river gorge in the town of Orwell. Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area has an extensive barrier beach and sand dune system along Lake Ontario in the town of Richland.

Research demonstrates personal and community benefits can result from seniors being actively engaged in volunteer programs that support their interests and the interests of their local area.

RSVP offers opportunities in different interest areas including the environment, economic development, disaster relief, education, health and nutrition, human needs, and public safety. Volunteer scheduling is flexible. Contact RSVP Director Ellen Wahl at 315-312-2317, rsvp@oswego.edu.

To volunteer with RSVP at the Salmon River Falls Unique Area or Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area, contact Mary Penney at 315-312-3042 mp357@oswego.edu.

Learn about other New York Sea Grant activities online at www.nyseagrant.org.

Filed Under: Annoucements, Announcements, Environment and Nature, Environment and Nature, Oswego, Oswego County

State of the Air Report Gives CNY Counties Passing Grades

June 8, 2011 By m3pmedia Leave a Comment

The American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2011 report finds that air quality in Central New York is improving. Most counties experienced the same or slightly fewer unhealthy ozone days than they did in 2010.

Onondaga and Oswego counties earned a ‘D,’ while neighbors Oneida and Herkimer counties ranked a ‘C.’

Madison County had eight orange ozone days, the same as in 2010. The county again received a D in this year’s report.

With Oswego County improving its ozone grade from an F to a D in this year’s report, all Central New York counties with ozone monitors received passing grades. According to the report, more than nine million New Yorkers – nearly half of the state’s residents – live in counties where unhealthy air threatens their lives and health.

This year, 16 of the 34 counties in New York state with air quality monitors received failing grades. Nevertheless, the report shows that efforts underway to clean up air pollution are making a difference in Central New York and throughout the state.

State of the Air 2011, found at stateoftheair.org, grades counties based, in part, on the color-coded Air Quality Index developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help alert the public to daily unhealthy air conditions. The 12th annual release of the Lung Association’s report uses the most recent EPA data collected from 2007 through 2009 from official monitors for ozone and particle pollution, the two most widespread types of air pollution.

Counties are graded for ozone, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution levels. The report also uses EPA’s calculations for year-round particle levels.

The American Lung Association identified the number of days that each county with at least one air quality monitor experienced air quality designated as orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups), red (unhealthy) or purple (very unhealthy), to determine the grades.

There are many ways New Yorkers can help clean the air and protect themselves. Check the news for daily air quality levels and air pollution forecasts for your area. On days with elevated ozone or particle pollution, avoid exercising outdoors.

Help reduce pollution by driving less, reducing electricity use, and refraining from burning wood. New Yorkers can also join our Lung Action Network to contact decision-makers to voice their support for legislation that would make our air cleaner.

They can also support efforts to improve air quality by participating in one of the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air walks or climbs being held across the state this spring and fall.

Ozone, or smog-is the most widespread air pollutant. It is a gas formed most often when sunlight reacts with vapors emitted when motor vehicles, factories, power plants and other sources burn fuel. Breathing in ozone irritates the respiratory tract and causes health problems like asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing, chest pain and even premature death.

Particle pollution, called fine particulate matter or PM 2.5, is a deadly cocktail of ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols that can spike dangerously for hours to weeks on end.

The body’s natural defenses, coughing and sneezing, fail to keep these microscopic particles from burrowing deep within the lungs, triggering serious problems such as asthma and heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and even early death.

Filed Under: Health, Oswego County

Law Enforcement Agencies Receive Grants to Expand Video Recording

May 14, 2011 By m3pmedia Leave a Comment

(May 2011) District attorney’s offices in 22 counties across Upstate New York have received $477,836 in grants that they will distribute to police departments and sheriff’s offices in their jurisdictions so those agencies can institute or expand the practice of video recording interviews of suspects in custody.

Awarded by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the one-time grants will fund equipment purchase and installation; funding is made possible through the federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program.

This the fourth round of grants that DCJS has awarded to support video recording of custodial interrogations, which has been endorsed as a best practice by the New York State District Attorneys’ Association, the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police. In December, those associations, along with the New York City Police Department and New York State Police, adopted statewide protocols designed to ensure the integrity of the practice. The New York State Bar Association also is a staunch advocate of the practice and has provided funding for its implementation in five counties.

All told, DCJS has invested more than $2 million in federal Byrne JAG money to assist local law enforcement with this initiative. Recordings capture critical evidence needed in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases and preserve information used to resolve a person’s claim of innocence.

“New York State is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the integrity of the criminal justice system,” DCJS Acting Commissioner Sean M. Byrne said. “Video recording custodial interviews allows local law enforcement to preserve evidence, safeguard the rights of the accused and protect police officers from false claims. I commend police and prosecutors from agencies large and small for embracing this important public safety initiative.”

These grants will allow law enforcement officials in 13 counties – Allegany, Delaware, Essex, Lewis, Montgomery, Oswego, Orleans, Putnam, Schuyler, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Wayne and Yates – to institute the practice while their colleagues in nine others – Cayuga, Chenango, Dutchess, Jefferson, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Saratoga and Westchester – will enhance existing programs.

Stephen P. Younger, president of the state Bar Association, said: “Recording an interrogation on videotape can expose a false confession – or remove doubt about the fairness of the interrogation process. In either case, justice is served.”

Added Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne, who serves as president of the state District Attorneys’ Association: “The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY) embraces the video recording of interrogations. These generous grants from DCJS will go a long way in helping to support law enforcement’s efforts to install and enhance the technology needed to implement the goal of video recording interrogations.”

Rensselaer County Sheriff Jack Mahar, who serves as president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, said: “Video recording of custodial interviews creates a permanent record of exactly what occurred, and prevents disputes about officers’ conduct, the treatment of suspects and statements they made. Jurors in criminal cases will be able to see and hear a defendant’s words and action for themselves, and will be able to tell when defendants are evasive, have changed their version of the incident, or are simply not forthcoming.”

Added Dryden Police Chief Margaret E. Ryan, who serves as president of the Chiefs’ Association: “Electronic recordings of custodial interrogations enhance the investigative process and assist in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. While these funds are a fraction of what is necessary to allow all agencies in the state to fully participate in this program, it greatly expands the number of agencies who are not already utilizing electronic recordings, and assists in the ability to conduct electronic recorded interrogations and allow all facets of law enforcement to work cooperatively throughout the state to enhance this public safety initiative. The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police commend the state’s continued support of videotaping confessions as it not only promotes safe communities but builds the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system as well.”

With the awarding of these grants, 58 of the state’s 62 counties will have video recording capabilities. The grant awards are as follows:

* Allegany County District Attorney’s Office: $19,519 for the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alfred, Cuba and Wellsville police departments.

* Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office: $4,915 for the Auburn Police Department.

* Chenango County District Attorney’s Office: $29,849 for the Afton, Bainbridge, Greene, New Berlin, Norwich, Oxford and Sherburne police departments and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.

* Delaware County District Attorney’s Office: $24,980 for the Colchester, Delhi, Hancock, Sidney and Walton police departments.

* Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office: $5,000 for the Hyde Park Police Department.

* Essex County District Attorney’s Office: $14,809 for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and Moriah and Ticonderoga police departments.

* Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office: $15,372 for the Adams, Alexandria Bay, Cape Vincent, Carthage, Clayton, Sackets Harbor and West Carthage police departments.

* Lewis County District Attorney’s Office: $10,000 for the Lowville Police Department and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

* Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office: $23,561 for the Amsterdam, Canajoharie, Fort Plains and St. Johnsville police departments.

* Oneida County District Attorney’s Office: $50,000 for the Boonville, Kirkland, New York Mills, Oriskany, Sherrill, Vernon, Whitesboro and Whitestown police departments and Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.

* Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office: $17,016 for the Geddes, East Syracuse, North Syracuse and Skaneateles police departments.

* Oswego County District Attorney’s Office: $23,105 for the Fulton, Oswego, Phoenix and Pulaski police departments and the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office.

* Orange County District Attorney’s Office: $29,200 for the Chester, Cornwall, Crawford, Montgomery, Monroe, Wallkill, Warwick and Woodbury police departments.

* Orleans County District Attorney’s Office: $18,648 for the Albion, Holley and Medina police departments and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

* Putnam County District Attorney’s Office: $15,000 for the Carmel and Kent police departments and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

* Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office: $25,000 for its office, as well as the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Mechanicville, Saratoga Springs and Waterford (town and village) police departments.

* Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office: $9,620 for the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office and Watkins Glen Police Department.

* St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office: $30,000 for the Canton, Gouverneur, Massena, Ogdensburg and Potsdam police departments and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

* Steuben County District Attorney’s Office: $39,489 for the Addison, Bath, Canisteo, Corning, Hornell, Painted Post and Wayland police departments and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.

* Wayne County District Attorney’s Office: $17,972 for the Lyons, Newark and Macedon police departments and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

* Westchester County District Attorney’s Office: $45,161 for the Bronxville, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Harrison, Mamaroneck (town and village), Mount Kisco, North Castle, Sleepy Hollow and Yorktown Heights police departments.

* Yates County District Attorney’s Office: $9,620 for the Penn Yan Police Department and Yates County Sheriff’s Office.

DCJS (www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us) is a multi-function criminal justice support agency with a variety of responsibilities, including collection and analysis of statewide crime data; operation of the DNA databank and criminal fingerprint files; administration of federal and state criminal justice funds; support of criminal justice-related agencies across the state; and administration of the state’s Sex Offender Registry and a toll-free telephone number (1-800-262-3257) that allows anyone to research the status of an offender.

Filed Under: Announcements, Cops/Crime/Courts, Fulton, Government and Politics, Oswego, Oswego County, Phoenix, Pulaski

2011 Great Lakes Seaway Trail Travel Magazine Now Online

May 13, 2011 By m3pmedia Leave a Comment

(Great Lakes Seaway Trail, NY and PA – May 2011) The 2011 Great Lakes Seaway Trail Travel Magazine is now available with editorial stories on wineries, the War of 1812, and enjoying a scenic drive on the 518-mile National Scenic Byway that parallels the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, and Lake Erie in New York and Pennsylvania.

Spectacular photographs; a calendar of 110-plus events; a directory of attractions, accommodations and services; and the GPS coordinates for more than 100 Great Lakes Seaway Trail “outdoor storyteller” interpretive signs are also included in the 64-page, full-color magazine.

The front cover of the 2011 edition of the annual glossy travel magazine features a tour boat approaching Boldt Castle in the 1000 Islands region of the byway.

The back cover invites travelers to go geocaching on the byway to collect five elegant Great Lakes Seaway Trail collectible geocoins.

Great Lake Seaway Trail Director of Business Relations Kurt Schumacher says the travel magazine is now reaching new markets.

“In addition to finding the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Travel Magazine at our member sites along the byway, distribution for the guide now includes high-traffic information and welcome centers on interstate routes in New York and Pennsylvania; locations in Kingston, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and AAA offices in Ohio,” Schumacher says.

The Great Lake Seaway Trail Travel Magazine is also included in Relocation Readiness packets for soldiers arriving at Fort Drum, NY, and in physician recruiting packets developed by Oswego Health, which operates Oswego Hospital, a skilled nursing facility, and a retirement living site in Oswego, NY.

A digital version of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Travel Magazine is online at www.seawaytrail.com/travelmagazine <http://www.seawaytrail.com/travelmagazine> .

Filed Under: Announcements, Dining and Entertainment, Fun and recreation, Oswego, Oswego County