(Town of Oswego, NY – Sept. 30, 2011) The New York State Police arrested Rachel M. Schroeder, 43, of 3098 Main St., Meridian for Driving While Ability Impaired upon a traffic stop on Bunkerhill Road in the Town of Oswego.

Schroeder was on her way to pick up her 3-year-old child and was also consuming beer in the vehicle while driving.

She was charged with consumption of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, DWAI, and other V&T charges.  She is due to appear in the Town of Oswego Court on Oct. 17.

(Oswego, NY – Sept. 19, 2011) The New York State Police announced the continuation of an up-state program to enhance state and local law enforcement’s capabilities to detect and interdict radiological material before it can be used in a weapon by would-be terrorists.

An important component of New York State’s Homeland Security Strategy is to provide first responders – the men and women who are the front line of defense – with the equipment and training they need to protect the citizens of this State against weapons of mass destruction. Federal grant funding to the state, managed by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, has allowed equipment acquisition, training, and exercises to be conducted by the state law enforcement community to bolster their capabilities to combat radiological threats across the Empire State.

Since the attacks of 9/11/01, the New York State Police, along with other federal, state, and local response agencies have inherited the responsibility to deploy effective measures to protect our citizens against weapons of mass destruction. The detection and interdiction of illicit radiological material is now a necessary component of modern policing. These radiological detection technologies are integral tools in thwarting potential terrorist activities.

This program was launched in 2006 by the New York Office of Homeland Security using federal grant funds to purchase and deploy radiation detection equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. Beginning in 2007, the New York State Police has orchestrated numerous exercises with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies across the state to further develop the capability to detect and interdict a terrorist seeking to use radiological materials as a weapon of mass destruction. To date, exercises have been conducted in Erie County, Onondaga County, Monroe County, Delaware County and the New York City region.

On Sept. 20, the New York State Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Border Patrol will conduct a joint training exercise in Oswego Harbor to test their ability to interdict radioactive material being transported by a vessel. This is not to be construed as there being a threat to the Oswego area, or that the government believes terrorists will attempt to smuggle radiological materials by this method. This is simply an example of law enforcement exploring all the potential threats vectors that a terrorist could pose and making the appropriate preparations to interdict these activities.

This event will provide information about the State’s Radiation Detection Plan and will give area media an opportunity to observe some of the equipment that law enforcement is now employing to locate radioactive materials.

(Oswego, NY – Sept. 16, 2011) The New York State Police in Fulton, in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, have arrested three Registered Nurses from the Oswego Hospital within the last month:

On Aug. 16, Shannon M. Salva, 42, of 108 Meays Drive, Syracuse, NY

On Aug. 26, Lori E. Weinheimer, 46, of 1379 County Route 7, Oswego, NY

On Sept. 9, Ryan C. Fleming, 25, of 4070 State Route 69, Mexico, NY

All three nurses were each charged with first-degree Falsifying Business Records (E Felony), and seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (A Misdemeanor) along with additional charges relating to the Public Health Law.

The charges stem from an internal investigation that was initiated by Administrators at the Oswego Hospital.  While on duty within the Emergency Department, the suspects were stealing controlled substances from an automated dispensing system, Omnicell, located within the Emergency Department.  Controlled substances were removed from the Omnicell without a valid physician’s order/prescription.

The Oswego Hospital was able to track the several unauthorized transactions over a period of time and identify the subjects that were responsible.

All three were released on appearance tickets, returnable to the City of Oswego Court.  Their employment status at Oswego Hospital is unknown.

(Fulton, NY – Sept. 14, 2011) On Sept. 14, the New York State Police in Fulton with the assistance of the U.S. Marshall’s Service and the NYSP Computer Crime Unit Central executed a search warrant at a town of Oswego residence which led to the arrest of 48 year-old William J. Knopp.

Knopp was charged with three counts of Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Child and one count of Promoting a Sexual Performance of a Child.

Investigation revealed Knopp possessed several images and videos of children, under the age of 16, involved in assorted sex acts.

Knopp was arraigned in front of Hon. Town Justice James Aluzzi, town of Volney Court, and released.  He is scheduled to reappear on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.

The investigation is continuing.

(Volney, NY – Sept. 12, 2011) On Sunday Sept. 11 at approximately 2:13 p.m., Troopers from NYSP Fulton, observed a speeding gray Toyota Versa Traveling south on State Route 481 in the Town of Volney. The vehicle was occupied by two males.

The driver was identified as Keith A. Raymond, 26, of 60 East 5th Street in Oswego.

Investigation at the scene revealed a plastic bag containing hallucinogenic mushrooms secreted under the passenger side dash.

Raymond was arrested and charged with third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class B felony. The passenger was not charged.

Raymond was arraigned in the Volney Town Court and remanded to the Oswego County Jail.

(Great Lakes Seaway Trail, NY and PA – Sept. 1, 2011) The Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoTrail has completed its first full year of providing a healthy outdoor activity for GPS-guided explorers with a $150,000 impact for the byway’s local economies in New York and Pennsylvania.

Organizers with the nonprofit tourism organization Seaway Trail, Inc., Sackets Harbor say they expect the total economic impact for the current supply of GeoCoins – tokens available once a certain number of caches are found – will be approximately $400,000.

Geocaching enthusiasts who use hand-held global positioning systems have embraced the fun and challenge of finding as many as 75 caches hidden in the landscape along the 518-mile length of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway. The byway parallels the freshwater shoreline of 11 counties: St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Oswego, Cayuga, Wayne, Monroe, Orleans, Niagara, Erie, and Chautauqua, NY; and Erie, PA.

A total of 1,481 Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoCoins were claimed by those finding at least ten of 15 hidden caches in any of the byway’s five regions: Lake Erie, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, Rochester/Central Lake Ontario, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the 1000 Islands/St. Lawrence River.

Cachers typically spent two or three days geocaching in each region, spending an average of $80 to $150 in each region.

“Nearly all the participants surveyed indicated they are caching along the entire Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoTrail, spending nearly two weeks on the byway to do so,” said Seaway Trail, Inc. Director of Business Relations Kurt Schumacher.

“People have come from 26 US states, five Canadian provinces, and as far away as Australia to complete the GeoTrail. As we’re seeing more people from outside the byway region, we’re also seeing longer stays and higher average expenditures,” Schumacher added.

Sixty-one percent of those surveyed said their GeoTrail adventure was highly likely to influence their decision to travel on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail in the future.

Seaway Trail, Inc. President and CEO Teresa Mitchell said, “This ‘get outdoors on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail’ initiative is an accessible and affordable opportunity to enjoy healthy fresh air travel along the entire Great Lakes shoreline of New York and Pennsylvania.”

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoTrail will continue in 2012. Logbooks are available at locations along the byway, including:
St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Canton, NY

1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Alexandria Bay, NY

Seaway Trail Discovery Center, Sackets Harbor, NY
Oswego County Tourism, Oswego, NY
Cayuga County Tourism, Auburn, NY
Wayne County Tourism, Lyons, NY
VisitRochester, Rochester, NY
Niagara USA Official Visitor Center, Niagara Falls, NY
Visit Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo, NY
Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Chautauqua, NY, and
Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Erie, PA.

This geocaching travel initiative debuted in August 2010 with 75 caches – used military ammo boxes emblazoned with the Great Lakes Seaway Trail logo — hidden by a cadre of local volunteers working in collaboration with Seaway Trail, Inc. and GeoTrail coordinator Jim “Boots” Hooper.

Each cache includes a unique punch tool for marking logbooks. Sponsor sites validate the logbooks to issue the collectible GeoCoins. The colorful antique metal-finish square coins feature iconic byway landmarks: the St. Lawrence Seaway, historic Fort Ontario, Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, Niagara Falls and the Maid of the Mist tour boat, and the Flagship Niagara.

Cachers can learn more about the Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoTrail and where to pick up a logbook by visiting www.seawaytrail.com/geotrail.

(Albany, Constantia, NY – Aug. 30, 2011) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Anthony Panipinto received the 2010 “Officer of the Year” award from the Shikar-Safari Club International in a ceremony hosted by long-time Club member Robert Stackler, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced today.

“ECO Panipinto has clearly demonstrated true commitment to protecting our State’s rich natural resources,” said Commissioner Martens. “Officer Panipinto appreciates and has a vested interest in diligently enforcing the environmental conservation laws of New York and deserves the honor bestowed upon him by the distinguished Shikar-Safari Club International.”

Shikar-Safari Club International was founded in 1952 by an international group of hunters interested in exchanging ideas about the sport. Each year the club sponsors an award for the Wildlife Conservation Police Officer of the Year in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces and the territories of both nations, acknowledging the important part ECOs play in local, national, and international wildlife conservation.

ECO Panipinto was born and raised in Livingston County and attended Monroe County Community College and SUNY Brockport, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He attended and graduated from the 13th Basic Academy for Environmental Conservation Officers, a 26 week residential police academy held at SUNY Oswego in 2000.

After graduation Tony was assigned to Region 2 and patrolled the New York City borough of Brooklyn until he transferred to Region 7 and Oswego County in 2002. Typical among

New York’s 270 uniformed ECOs, Panipinto’s primary responsibility is enforcing the environmental conservation law. This includes hunting, fishing and trapping laws, investigating releases of petroleum, asbestos and other hazardous substances, investigating water pollution, wetland damage, timber theft and wild animals unlawfully kept as pets.

ECO Panipinto was recognized for numerous successful fish and wildlife investigations that he led including cases he worked undercover. Among those cases was Operation Green Mountain, a 2003 case where ECO Panipinto, while undercover, collected evidence against nine individuals and companies which resulted in 28 criminal charges for the illegal commercialization of New York state freshwater fish.

Another noteworthy case involved a complaint of deer jacking that initially started with no positive leads or physical evidence. His attention to detail led to the discovery of trace amounts of evidence. That evidence combined with skilled interviewing techniques resulted in confessions and the case was ultimately resolved with three individuals paying more than $9,700 in fines for the illegal taking of three deer with the aid of a spotlight.

ECO Panipinto also has completed the Instructor Development School and is a Division of Criminal Justice Services certified Police Instructor in Firearms, Emergency Vehicle Operation and Seaborne Emergency Vehicle Operation. He has participated in training ECO recruits in five basic schools. ECO Panipinto also has developed innovative methods for instructing firearms training for both the Division of Law Enforcement as well as for DEC’s wildlife program staff.

ECO Panipinto’s professional work ethic and commitment to his profession resulted in him being nominated and receiving the Shikar Safari Club Officer of the Year award.

Tony resides in the Oswego County town of Constantia with his wife, Tammy, 7-year-old son Dylan and 3–year-old daughter Sierra.

(Fulton, NY – Aug. 25, 2011) The New York State Police in Fulton report the arrest of Zachary J Jordan, 23, of #5 Vorhee’s St., Camden for one count of fourth-degree Grand Larceny, one count of third-degree Burglary and one count of first-degree Falsifying Business Records.

Jordan is charged with stealing a 2005 Suzuki ATV during late March, early April 2011 from a garage located on CR-8 in the town of Granby, Oswego County. He then falsified NYS DMV Sales Certificate and Ownership records in an effort to conceal the larceny of the ATV.

Jordan is also charged with stealing a 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 P/U from the driveway of a residence located on ST-104, in the town of Oswego during the month of July 2011.

The New York State Police were assisted by Members of the city of Rome Police Department and village of Camden Police Department.

The ATV and pick-up have both been recovered and the investigation is continuing.

(Palermo, NY – Aug. 12, 2011) At approximately 2:15 p.m. Aug. 12, the New York State Police in Fulton were dispatched to Goodfellow Road in the Town of Palermo for a personal injury accident involving a golf cart.

The investigation revealed that two 8 year old boys who were life-long best friends, had been driving around private property on an electric golf cart.  Curtis Mace was driving an EZ-Go brand golf cart around the property with his best friend, Cole Dolbear, who was riding on the rear of the cart.

Dolbear had fallen off the back of the cart and was then accidentally backed over by the rear of the golf cart. Mace was unaware that his friend had fallen off the cart when this occurred.

Life saving measures were attempted at the scene by parents and members of the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department who had been dispatched to the scene.

Dolbear was transported by Menter’s Ambulance to Oswego Hospital with a serious head injury, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.

The boys’ respective elementary schools have been notified and will be providing grief counseling to students.

(Albany, NY – Aug. 10, 2011) Canal Splash! kicks off Friday, Aug. 12, with a weekend-long celebration of attractions, events and activities available along the 524-mile-long New York State Canal system.

The 6th Annual Canal Splash! Aug. 12-13-14 at multiple locations will include nature walks, bike rides, educational exhibits, boating events, musical performances and tours.

The three-day event is co-sponsored by the Canal Corporation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and Parks & Trails New York.

Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “The Erie Canal is a not only a historic site that should be maintained for commerce and economic development, but also a source of pride for New Yorkers who enjoy its miles of parks, trails and boating.”

“Canal Splash! offers activities for New Yorkers of all ages including numerous fun and educational opportunities while also encouraging physical activity,” Stratton said. “The Canal Corporation is pleased to continue its partnership with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and Parks and Trails New York to build upon the success of this annual event.”

Beth Sciumeca, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said, “We invite New Yorkers to come out and enjoy our world renown canal system and hometown hospitality during Canal Splash! After nearly two centuries, the canal is still a magnet for travelers and summer activity and our canal towns are still welcoming visitors whether they come by boat, bicycle or car.”

Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks and Trails New York, said, “Canal Splash! highlights all the interesting and fun things there are to do along the Canal System, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Between the museums, historic sites, cultural activities, and the Canalway Trail, there is something for all ages and interests.”

A complete program of events is available on-line at www.canals.ny.gov/specialevents. An informational brochure is also available at various locations along the canal, including many visitor centers, canal locks and harbors.

Highlights of Canal Splash! events taking place statewide throughout the state this weekend include:

Champlain Canal

7th Annual Cardboard Boat Race – Schuylerville

Join the fun as a spectator or enter the race. Build a human-powered boat made of corrugated cardboard or 100 percent recycled materials that will hold one crewmember and is seaworthy on the Hudson River in Schuylerville.

The Hyde Collection — Glens Falls

“New York, New York! The 20th Century Exhibition.” More than 60 paintings, photographs, sculptures, and works on paper that capture New York City, centered on some of the most notable and beloved features of the city and date from 1889 to 2009.

Erie Canal

Canal Heritage Day – Medina

This annual event will feature live music, demonstrations, games, local booths and art. New this year will be the Taste of Medina. Using a popular ingredient common in canal travel, local restaurants will create a dish showcasing their talents.

Erie Canal and Genesee Riverway Trails Ride – Brighton, Rochester

A 16-mile guided cycling tour on the paved Erie Canal and Genesee Riverway Trails with a rest stop in Downtown Rochester.

An Evening on the Canal – Greece

Enjoy a guided 90-minute tour of the historic Erie Canal from Henpeck Park to Junction Lock, followed by a buffet dinner.

Grand Opening of Erie Canal Museum — Palmyra

Located in the old tenant house on Market Street steps away from the Erie Canal, the museum is filled with original Palmyra items that were used to ship on the Erie Canal. Original ramps for the mules (which were housed in the basement), hand hewn beams, an old train ticket counter from the Ontario Railroad, benches, maps, a barge whistle, and artwork.

Towpath Day – Camillus

“Step Back” into the canal era, celebrating canal circus boats and more. A 5K Mule Skinner walk/ run will open the festivities followed by a day of demonstrations, crafts, music, kids stuff, steam engine exhibit, boat and wagon rides. Activities for all ages.

Futile Thunder at Fort Stanwix National Monument – Rome

The siege continues, because of the miscalculation of the Americans’ abilities and their determination to defend the fort, the British besieged it with undersized artillery. Discover how the British adapted to this problem and still attempted to conduct a successful siege during this one-hour demonstration led by the Oneida Indian Nation First Allies group and park staff. Cannon firings occur throughout this demonstration.

Erie Canal cruise through a 100-year-old lock — Herkimer

Ninety-minute narrated lock-through cruise on the Historic Erie Canal aboard Lil’ Diamond II. Specialty shopping and waterfront dining are also available at the Gems Along the Mohawk Complex.

Bike & Kayak Tours at Schoharie Crossing Site – Fort Hunter

See the remains of the old Erie Canal, the Schoharie Aqueduct, Empire Lock, Yankee Hill, and Port Jackson by bike. Learn about the history of the Mohawk River by kayak.

Exploring the Canals of Cohoes

Travel old canal towpaths where mules pulling barges once trod; see 170-year-old limestone locks built by hand; learn about this 19th century technological marvel; discover the different routes the canal took through Cohoes over time, and hear stories of life in a lively canal town.

Oswego Canal

Magic In Minetto

Live music, children’s crafts and face painting, ice cream social, antique cars, family canoe/kayak race, fire trucks, craft vendors, commemorative stamp cancellation and great food.

Cayuga-Seneca Canal

Wesleyan Chapel Ranger Program – Seneca Falls

A National Park Service Ranger will present a program on the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in the Wesleyan Chapel, site of the convention.

The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York state, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.

For more information regarding events, recreation and vacation opportunities along the Canal system, please visit www.canals.ny.gov or call 1-800-4CANAL4.