MyABC50: Local News

Outdoor burning ban to go into effect soon

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:50:00 GMT

        State DEC Commissioner Peter Grannis is reminding small communities that all residential brush burning is prohibited between March 15th - May 15th.
        Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State.The DEC's Forrest Protection Division says that debris burning accounted for about 40% of all wildfires between 1986 - and 2006. In addition, from 2000 to 2007, New York's fire departments responded to an average of 2,600 wildfires each year between March 15th through May 15th. Several factors contribute to wildfires during this period, including a lack of green vegetation, abundance of dry grass and leaves, warm temperatures and wind.
        "Open burning poses a significant fire risk," Commisioner Grannis said. "By banning open burning during the high fire risk period, we are taking steps to protect the health and safety of our children, our families and our natural environment."
        Violators are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with penalties ranging from $375 to $15,000 for a first offense.
        A list of questions and answers on the open burning is available on the DEC's website.

Gas prices likely to crack the $3 mark in the next few weeks.

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:00:00 GMT

North Country tourist communities that have felt the pinch of vacationers “gas pains” over the past few years can expect to see another summer of high fuel prices.

The national average price of a gallon of gasoline is up 9 cents over the past few weeks and analysts predict it could top $3 by Easter. The Energy Information Administration says it isn’t unusual for fuel prices to go up between early March thru late May as more motorists take to the roads during Spring and Summer.

Analysts say prices could hit as high as $3.25 by the fourth of July. However, they predict prices to fall off as the busy summer driving season winds down.

Jefferson County Legislature gives thumbs down to offshore wind turbines

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:20:00 GMT

Last night Richard Kessel,CEO of the New York Power Authority, made his case before Jefferson County Legislators for the NYPA’s proposed Great Lakes Offshore Wind Initiative. The proposal put before legislators was to place wind turbines on and around Gallo Island. After Mr. Kessel’s address to County Officials and a crowd of several dozen concerned citizens, Legislators voted 14-0 against the project.

In December 2009, NYPA issued a request for proposals for the development of offshore wind power projects in the New York State waters of Lake Erie and/or Lake Ontario. The Power Authority's hope is to develop a utility scale, offshore wind power project in the range of 120 megawatts (MW) to 500 MW.

The NYPA CEO said that thousands of jobs might be created if the project were to happen locally off the shores of Lake Ontario. However, Legislators argued those jobs would only be short lived.

Kessel will take his Offshore Wind Initiative proposal before Oswego County Legislators on Thursday.

NYPA CEO to speak with Jefferson County Legislature regarding offshore wind initiative

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:31:00 GMT

New York Power authority president and Chief Executive Officer, Richard M. Kessel will address members of the Jefferson County Legislature tonight regarding NYPA’s proposed Great Lakes Offshore Wind Initiative.

In December 2009, NYPA issued a request for proposals for the development of offshore wind power projects in the New York State waters of Lake Erie and/or Lake Ontario. Not only will this represent the first initiative in the Great Lakes, it will be the first wind power development of any kind in a fresh water body in the nation.

The Power Authority is soliciting proposals for the development of a utility scale, offshore wind power project in the range of 120 megawatts (MW) to 500 MW.

NYPA first announced the offshore wind initiative on April 22, 2009. For more information on the New York Power Authority go to its website WWW.NYPA.gov

New York State Troopers try underage drinking sting

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:41:00 GMT

Several drinking establishments in St.Lawrence County were targeted over the weekend as part of an underage drinking sting conducted by New York State Troopers. In each instance an underage operative, accompanied by Troopers wearing plain clothes, tried to purchase alcoholic beverages. Each targeted establishment refused to serve the underage operative. Those businesses will be officially thanked for their compliance by the State Police.

Nina’s - Governeur
Long Branch– Morely
Zorros’ – Herman
Palms – Governeur
VFW – Governeur
Amvets – Dekalb
Wegatchie Inn - Rossie

Zumba Benefit for American Heart Association

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:44:00 GMT

Join the craze and Zumba to benefit a good cause, Sunday, March 14 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Community members are invited to fill the McVean Student Center Gymnasium at JCC and Zumba to benefit the American Heart Association. The class is open to the public and a $10 donation is suggested. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. at the parking lot D gymnasium entrance only.

Zumba is a fitness class that melds Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves. All levels, including first-timers, are welcome to attend. Popular Zumba instructor Angelica Robinson will lead the class.

Checks should be made payable to the American Heart Association. For more information, contact Andrea Bates at Jefferson Community College, 315-786-2327

8 Gouverneur residents arrested in connection with a larceny ring

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:02:00 GMT

State Police in watertown have arrested eight Gouverneur residents in connection with a larceny ring. The majority of the larcenies occurred in the Town of Watertown, Town of Leray and City of Watertown, between November 2009 and March 2010. The arrests stem from incidents where the defendants allegedly stole various merchandise from SuperWalmart in Watertown, SuperWalmart in Leray, Burlington Coat factory and Price Chopper. The value of the merchandise is believed to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Several arrests are still pending. Arrested on more than 45 charges, including petit larceny and criminal trespass 3rd were:
Rebecca Boshane - 37, Prospect Street, Gouverneur
Jennifer Blair - 27, West Main Street, Gouverneur
Christopher Blair - 27 , West Main Street, Gouverneur
Rebecca Lashbrooks - 21, Spencer Street, Gouverneur
Brenda Miller - 39, Route 11, Gouverneur
Brittany Miller - 17, Route 11, Gouverneur
Heather Newcombe - 24, Spencer Street, Gouverneur
Melissa Bonnell - 20, Johnstown Street, Gouverneur

J.C.C. announces recipient of 2010 Jefferson Citation

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:29:00 GMT

The Jefferson Community College Board of Trustees and college president Carole A. McCoy have named Sylvia S. Heap of Watertown as recipient of the ninth Jefferson Citation. Mrs. Heap will be awarded the Jefferson Citation at the College’s forty-sixth commencement exercises on Friday, May 21.

The Jefferson Citation was established by the Jefferson Community College Board of Trustees to “recognize an individual or organization whose leadership and actions have demonstrated outstanding commitment to education and the vision and mission of Jefferson Community College.”

Mrs. Heap is a graduate of Bates College in Maine and Syracuse University, from which she holds a master’s degree in adult education and the science of nutrition. She is a former college librarian and program director with the YWCA. In addition to advocating for educational opportunities, Mrs. Heap is widely regarded for her work with young children, youth, health and fitness. In 1975, Mrs. Heap was awarded the Israel A. Shapiro award as Citizen of the Year by the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce

Previous distinguished recipients of the Jefferson Citation include John B. Johnson in 2000, Donald J. “Dutch” Grant in 2001, James W. Wright in 2002, the Car-Freshner Corporation in 2003, T. Urling and Mabel B. Walker in 2005, Aline C.J. Taylor in 2006, John W. Deans in 2007 and Warren G. Fargo in 2009.

St. Lawrence County School gets a long weekend

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:11:00 GMT

There may not be any snow in the forecast for this weekend but, Brasher Falls Central School School Superintendent Stephen Putnam, has decided to use one of the school's six unused snow/emergency days.
Putnam says a large number of his students will be absent Friday because they are participating in a pair of hockey tournaments this weekend. Many school staff members and parents will also be attending those games.
The Brasher Falls Central School Board of Education approved using the snow day.

Top 10 signs Spring is coming in Northern New York

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:31:00 GMT

Top 10 signs that Spring is coming to Northern New York:

10- The last person you want to see wearing shorts, is the first person you see wearing shorts.

9- The St. Lawrence Seaway is re-opening in a few weeks (March 25^th).

8- Skunks.

7- Everyone is talking about seeing their first Robin of Spring (quite possibly the same Robin with a terrible sense of direction).

6- As the snow in my backyard melts, an entire Winter’s worth of “land mines” have reappeared courtesy of my Golden Retriever.

5- The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park is open seven days a week again. If you haven’t been there in a while, you should go and see the new Otter Exhibit!

4- Rows of cars at the car wash hosing off four months of salt and sand.

3- Stores are replacing snow blowers with lawn mowers.

2- Die hard golfers are hitting out of sand traps and snow drifts.

1- Potholes.

If you have any more "Signs of Spring" to add to the list, click on the add a comment button below. I'd love to hear them!

ABC50 ready for a new season of "Dancing With The Stars"

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:07:00 GMT

The cast of this season's Dancing With The Stars has been announced...

BUZZ ALDRIN, legendary astronaut, partners up with ASHLY COSTA (formerly DelGrosso), who returns for her fourth season.

PAMELA ANDERSON, actress and model, joins professional dancer DAMIAN WHITEWOOD, who makes his “Dancing with the Stars” debut this season.

ERIN ANDREWS, ESPN host, teams with MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY, who returns for his eighth season.

SHANNEN DOHERTY, actress, teams up with two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champ MARK BALLAS, who returns for his sixth season.

KATE GOSSELIN, TLC star, teams with TONY DOVOLANI, who returns for his ninth season.

EVAN LYSACEK, Olympic figure skating champion, teams with ANNA TREBUNSKAYA , who returns for her fifth season.

NIECY NASH, comedienne and host, teams up with LOUIS VAN AMSTEL, who returns for his sixth season

CHAD OCHOCINCO, NFL Star, teams up with two-time champion CHERYL BURKE, who returns for her ninth season.

JAKE PAVELKA , “The Bachelor” star, joins CHELSIE HIGHTOWER, who returns for her third season.

NICOLE SCHERZINGER, pop star, teams with Season 7 champ DEREK HOUGH, who returns for his sixth season.

AIDEN TURNER, soap star, teams with EDYTA SLIWINSKA, who is the only pro to compete in all 10 seasons of “Dancing with the Stars.”

The season Premiere is March 22nd on ABC50.

Irelands Number One Music Group to Kick Off Irish Fest

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:56:00 GMT

The 25th Annual North Country Goes Green officially kicks off thisThursday with a special performance by The Dublin City Ramblers.According to their webiste "The Dublin City Ramblers have thrilled audiences worldwide with their unique blend of Ballads, Folk ,Humour, Wit and foot-tapping music. Their impressive career has spanned more than 35 years, with over 30 albums, top ten hits, several awards for best Ballad/Folk Group and, to top it all off, 8 Gold Albums. It is certainly no wonder that they are classed as Ireland’s Number One Group!"
The doors of State Office Building Auditorium open at 6pm and the show will start at 7pm. $10 general admission tickets can be purchased at Kinney Drugs stores in Watertown and carthage, or by calling the Disabled Persons Action Organization at782-0044. The concert is sponsored by the North Country Goes Green Irish Festival and The Disabled Persons Action Organization.
This year's Irish Festival will also feature performances by The Glengarry Bhoys, Searson, Chidan, Tartan and Terry Mostyn. For a complete listing of show times and other events go to www.ncirishfest.com.

Greig woman arrested on multiple charges

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:02:00 GMT

    Lewis County Sheriffs arrested 30 year old Shannon M. Overton of5654 Greig Rd, Town of Greig, charging her with 2 counts of grand larceny 3rd degree, 2 counts of grand larceny 4th degree, 2 counts ofwelfare fraud 3rd degree and 2 counts of welfare fraud 4th degree, allfelonies. Overton was also charged with 3 counts of offering a falseinstrument for filing, 1st degree a felony. 2 counts of petit larcenyand 2 counts of welfare fraud, 5th degree class A misdemeanors.
        A joint investigation by the Lewis County Social Services Dept.and the Lewis County Sheriff's Office alleges that Overton receivedapproximately $11,704.59 in over payments of benefits from the LewisCounty Dept of Social Services for public assistance, medicaid and foodstamps.
        Overton was arraigned in the Village of Lowville Court on allcharges and released in her own recognizance yo appear at a later date,pending further court action.

Flower Memorial Library to Start Film Series

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:01:00 GMT

       Tuesday March 2nd, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" will be the first in a series of films to be shown at the Roswell Flower Memorial Library.Each Tuesday, from 6pm - 8pm during the month of March, the Library will feature motion pictures adapted to the big screen from short stories. The following Thursday of each showing, Playwright Craig Thornton will host a discussion on the film.

        Other films in the series include:
        "The Birds" 3/9 with discussion on 3/11
        "Bringing Up Baby" 3/16 with discussion on 3/18
        "Away From Her" 3/23 with discussion on 3/25

        The "Fiction to Film" series is free and open to the public but seating is limited to the first forty five people. For more information call (315) 785-7701.

Senator Charles E. Schumer to discuss “Hire Now Tax Cut” proposal in Watertown on Monday

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:21:00 GMT

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer will meet with local businesses and community leaders on Monday, to discuss his bipartisan “Hire Now Tax Cut” proposal to provide businesses that hire unemployed workers with tax cuts. Schumer joined with Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) to offer a tax cut to businesses that hire a worker that has been without work for at least 60 days prior to employment. The businesses will avoid paying the employer’s share of Social Security taxes on that worker for the duration of 2010. The more a business pays a worker (up to the maximum Social Security wage of $106,800), and the longer a business has a worker on its payroll, the greater the tax benefit – so there is an incentive to hire people sooner, and pay them more. The benefits go immediately into a business’ cash flow – no waiting until 2011 to receive a tax credit. The measure passed the Senate this week with 12 Republican votes. The House of Representatives is slated to pass the proposal next week and it will then go to President Obama’s desk for signature.

Schumer will meet with business and community leaders at North American Tapes LLC, 22430 Fisher Road, Watertown at 12:30pm Monday March 1st.

NYSPHSAA to postpone gymnastics state championships

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:40:00 GMT

The event, originally scheduled for Saturday, February 27^th, will be now be conducted Sunday, February 28^th at Cold Spring Harbor. Due to difficult travel conditions in central and western New York, Sections III and V were unable to travel to the Long Island site. This change accommodates both sections who could not otherwise reach the championship site in time for participation.

Warm-ups will be conducted on Saturday while the state competition will be conducted Sunday starting at 10 am.

Still time for Irish Lasses to be part of the Miss Ireland Pageant

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:34:00 GMT

Kathy Chisholm, Chairwoman of this year's North Country Goes Green Miss Ireland Pageant says she has had "More response than ever" from area women wanting to participate in the annual pageant.

Young women of Irish descent between the ages of 16 and 20, who would like to be a part of the festivities, can still apply by calling 783-3432. The deadline for applications is March 2nd. This year's winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. First runner up will receive a $750 scholarship.

Past Miss Ireland, Colleen Cappon, will MC this year's event and former pageant winners will be participating as judges and performers. The pageant will be held in the Dulles State Office building auditorium, Friday March 12th at 7pm. The Miss Ireland Pageant is part of the annual North Country Goes GreenIrish Festival held each year at the Dulles State Office Building InWatertown.

The North Country Goes Green Irish Festival is March 12th - 14th. This year marks the festival's 25th Anniversary.

Lisbon woman accused of stabbing ex

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:31:00 GMT

A Lisbon woman is accused of stabbing her ex-boyfriend three times, leaving him with minor wounds.

The sheriff's department charges 47 year old Diane S. Thomas with 2nd degree assault.

The stabbing happened Wednesday at her 4693 State Highway 68 residence, deputies said.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Claxton Hepburn where he was treated and released.

Thomas was arraigned in Lisbon town court and ordered held in lieu of $7,500 bail.

Migrant killed in trailer fire in Madrid

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:35:00 GMT

Update: Valente Francisco is now in federal custody on suspicion of being an illegal alien, according to Border Patrol officials. He will likely be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detention or deportation.

A migrant farm worker was killed and another is in critical condition after fire swept their mobile home at Maple View Dairy in Madrid.

Four migrant workers were in the home when blames broke out about 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Three made it outside but the body of the fourth man was found inside after the flames were doused.

The name of the deceased is being withheld as state police try to contact his relatives in Mexico. An autopsy, initially scheduled for today, is now set for Saturday.

Two of the three survivors were taken to Canton-Potsdam Hospital with burns and smoke inhalation. One, 35 year old Oscar Rufoio, was transferred to University Hospital in Syracuse and is in critical condition.

The other, 34 year old Carlos Perez, is in stable condition after being transferred to Burlington, Vt.

The third survivor, 21 year old Valente Francisco, was treated and released at Massena Memorial Hospital.

The preliminary investigation found that unattended food on a stove probably caused the fire, state police investigators said.

The stove was in the kitchen area near the center of the home. The body of the victim was found in a bedroom at one end of the structure.

U.S. Border Patrol agents are assisting in the investigation, in part because they are bilingual, state police said.

Calcium man accused of stealing jewelry

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:31:00 GMT

State Police have charged a Calcium man with grand larceny for allegedly stealing several pieces of jewelry.

Christopher E. Martin, 21, 24428 County Route 11, took about $2,600 worth of jewelry while staying at a residence along County Route 62, police said.

Two of the items were recovered at the the Public Square Coin and Jewelry store in Watertown.

Martin was arraigned in town of Pamelia court and remanded to county jail with bail set at $5,000.