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On Thursday, February 8, 2024, at about 2:13 AM, patrol officers of the Rome Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Culverton Road and River Road. The operator gave a false name and was eventually identified as Gary L. Newell (33 yrs. old) of Rome. Newell had an active Rome City Court Bench Warrant and a Non-Driver ID only, with a suspended status. Newell was taken into custody. As a result, the vehicle was towed. A subsequent inventory was completed of the vehicle. After the inventory was complete, Newell was found to be in possession of a quantity of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, along with a functional digital scale, a ledger, and a quantity of U.S. currency. In addition to Newell’s active Rome City Court Bench Warrant, he was also charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree, False Personation, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th Degree. Newell was booked, processed, and subsequently released on his own recognizance after arraignment. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/RomeNYPoliceDepartment/posts/pfbid031tYBUpekdTgxhke5uUr3pupw4XGrrensDTe3zQBJTPNwABbm9WCYKt1qWo5wLY8Ql

It is with deep sadness that Acting Superintendent Steven G. James must inform you of the death of New York State Trooper John M. Grassia III. Trooper Grassia, 30, lost his life on Friday, March 8, 2024, while serving our country as a pilot in the National Guard.  Trooper Grassia was on a federal mission with the National Guard when his helicopter crashed near the southern border of Texas. Trooper Grassia joined the New York State Police on April 4, 2022. His last assignment was at SP Livingston, Troop K, and just prior to deployment he was transferred to Troop G, SP Fonda. Trooper Grassia's sacrifice and his commitment to the service of New Yorkers and all Americans will never be forgotten. Trooper Grassia is from Rotterdam, NY. Funeral arrangements will follow. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/it-deep-sadness-acting-superintendent-steven-g-james-announces-death-new-york-state-trooper Contact Troop G Public Information Officer: Trooper Stephanie O’Neil Troop G Commander: Major Dennis Schager Contact us by phone: Office (518) 783-3284 Contact us by email: gpio@troopers.ny.gov

On January 2, 2024, while conducting another investigation, Investigators received information indicating a possible ongoing stalking incident. The investigation determined Harris was reportedly stalking a victim while in Troy, NY, and Albany, NY. Further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at Harris’s Troy, NY, home on January 19, 2024. It was uncovered Harris targeted one victim and known associates of the victim over several months. While stalking the victim, Harris allegedly illegally entered their apartment building multiple times, stole their identifying information, opened numerous credit cards in the victim’s name without authorization, gained access and manipulated multiple financial, personal, and government accounts without authorization, submitted multiple knowingly unsubstantiated reports of child abuse identifying the victim as the abuser, all while also surveilling the victim’s movements and activity. Harris was arrested in Menands, NY, and transported to SP Latham for processing. She was arraigned at the Albany City Court and released on her own recognizance under the supervision of the Albany County Probation Department. An appearance ticket was issued for the charges in Troy, NY, returnable on March 15, 2024. On March 8, 2024, State Police of Latham arrested Nacirema K. Harris 28, of Troy, NY, For: Two counts of Burglary in the second degree, Class “C” felony (Albany City Court) Identity Theft in the second degree, a class “E” felony (Albany City Court) Computer Trespass, a class “E” felony (Albany City Court) Computer Tampering in the third degree, a class “E” felony (Albany City Court) Two counts of Criminal Impersonation on the second degree, Class “A” misdemeanor (Albany City Court) Identity Theft in the third degree, a class “A” misdemeanor (Albany City Court) Criminal Solicitation in the fourth degree, a class “A” misdemeanor (Albany City Court) Criminal Trespass in the third degree, a class “B” misdemeanor (Albany City Court) Three counts of Stalking in the fourth degree, a class “B” misdemeanor (Albany City Court) Computer Tampering in the third degree, a class “E” felony (Troy City Court) Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the first degree, A class “E” felony (Troy City Court) Endangering the Welfare of a Child, class “A” misdemeanor (Troy City Court) Criminal Impersonation on the second degree, Class “A” misdemeanor (Troy City Court) Two counts of Identity Theft in the third degree, a class “A” misdemeanor (Troy City Court) Falsely Reporting an Incident in the Third Degree, a class “A” misdemeanor (Troy City Court) Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-troy-woman-following-extensive-stalking-investigation

$41 Million Rehabilitation at Colonial II Apartments Preserves and Improves Homes for Seniors and People with Disabilities in the City of Rome Project Awarded $1 Million Through New York’s Buildings of Excellence Competition to Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the rehabilitation and modernization of Colonial II Apartments in the city of Rome in Oneida County. Operated by the Rome Housing Authority, the development provides 74 affordable homes for seniors and people with disabilities. The project was awarded $1 million through the State’s Buildings of Excellence Competition, which aims to advance net-zero carbon multifamily buildings in New York. “Building a more equitable New York means ensuring that all residents have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing opportunities," Governor Hochul said. “Colonial II Apartments now provides modern, energy-efficient homes for seniors and individuals with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life, fortifying community bonds, and advancing our State's nation-leading climate objectives for a sustainable future.” In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved over 1,500 affordable homes in Oneida County. Colonial II Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Colonial II Apartments was originally constructed in 1972 as a school and dormitory, and later converted to public housing in 1984. Prior to this rehabilitation, the building had not been upgraded in decades and was rendered functionally obsolete. Beacon Communities Development LLC and the Rome Housing Authority redeveloped the property and Colonial Apartments II now features one-bedroom units for residents with incomes at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income. The scope of rehabilitation work included reconfiguring apartments to increase their size, and extensive energy upgrades that enabled the building to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. These energy enhancements include geothermal heating and cooling systems and a vast solar array that is expected to supply 98 percent of the building’s energy. Financing for Colonial II Apartments includes $2 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $16.6 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and $12.5 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority awarded the project $1 million through the Buildings of Excellence Competition and provided incentives of $296,000 from the Multifamily New Construction Program and $194,740 from the NY-Sun Program. Additional financing was provided by the Rome Housing Authority. Renovations to Colonial I Apartments, also financed by HCR, were completed in 2019. Colonial I offers 83 affordable homes for seniors and people with disabilities. Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The rehabilitation of Colonial II Apartments preserves a vital community asset and exemplifies our dedication to the development of zero-carbon buildings across the State through the use ofmodern solutions like geothermal heating and on-site solar energy. This development, which improves the quality of life for 74 seniors and people with disabilities in Oneida County, underscores our collective efforts towards a greener, more inclusive future for all New Yorkers. Congratulations to the Rome Housing Authority and Beacon Communities for ensuring that Colonial remains a safe, comfortable and affordable place to call home.” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The Colonial II Apartments represent the best in class multifamily residential projects advancing through the State's Buildings of Excellence Competition and are paramount to achieving Governor Hochul’s goal of providing all New Yorkers with access to affordable, more energy efficient housing. NYSERDA congratulates Colonial II on this milestone and their vision for offering comprehensive amenities that will deliver significant health and environmental benefits for their residents and the community at large.” State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “I am pleased that the Colonial II Apartments in Rome have been renovated, rehabilitated and preserved. This project will provide seniors and individuals with disabilities in the community with access to modern and energy efficient housing. “ Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “I am proud to acknowledge that the Colonial II Apartments in Rome are complete after nine months of construction. At a time when we are facing a shortage of housing for our seniors and those with disabilities, the Colonial II Apartments will provide safe and affordable housing to our most vulnerable. I want to applaud the hardworking construction team who worked tirelessly to provide housing to seniors and people with disabilities. I thank NYS Homes & Community Renewal and the Governor for making this important announcement today.” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said, “The modernization of the Colonial II Apartments preserves and enhances much-needed public housing for the elderly and disabled in the City of Rome. This first-of-its-kind net-zero carbon project is a model for energy efficiency and I am happy to see it completed. I commend the Rome Housing Authority for its vision and thank New York State for the funding to make it happen.” City of Rome Mayor Jeffery Lanigan said, “On behalf of the City of Rome, I want to thank Governor Hochul, the Department of Housing and Community Renewal, NYSERDA and all of our state and local elected officials and project partners for their continued and significant investment in our community. I also want to thank and congratulate the Rome Housing Authority and Beacon Development for their exceptional dedication in successfully bringing this project to fruition. This project stands as a testament to our collective commitment to providing safe, modern, affordable, and accessible housing for our residents. This was a transformative endeavor which will have benefits to this community for many years to come.” Rome Housing Authority Executive Director Maureen Birmingham said, “The Rome Housing Authority is proud to be at the forefront of improving energy-efficiency in public housing, which will help the state meet its clean energy goals while reducing overall utility costs for tenants. This multi-stage renovation project has transformed and modernized Colonial II, making it a model for similar buildings statewide. I greatly appreciate all the work that went into this project and particularly thanks the tenants for their patience and flexibility. The results have been worth the wait!” Beacon Communities LLC CEO Dara Kovel said, “Completion of the Colonial II renovation demonstrates at a new level that combatting climate change and addressing the affordable housing crisis are not mutually exclusive. At Beacon, we have made sustainability a top priority, reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy costs – all while improving quality of life for residents. Preserving and improving existing public housing ensures individuals can remain in their communities for years to come. We are so grateful to everyone who worked to bring the Colonial II project across the finish line, setting a new standard for future housing investments across the State.” Contact the Governor's Press Office Contact us by phone: Albany: (518) 474-8418 New York City: (212) 681-4640 Contact us by email: Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

Leading Up to April 8, Events Across the State Will Invite Visitors to Learn About the Eclipse and Ways to Stay Safe While Viewing It. A Variety of Viewing Events to Be Held Inside and Outside of the Path of Totality on April 8. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State Parks and Historic Sites will host a range of events and activities to celebrate the rare total solar eclipse passing through Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks on April 8, 2024. This cosmic event happens once every 400 years in the same location. Events will be held both where the eclipse will be fully visible across a narrow route, referred to as the path of totality, and where visitors can experience a rare partial eclipse throughout the rest of the state. “While we prepare to welcome the public to our beautiful state parks for the total solar eclipse in New York State, we’re also offering dozens of events and activities leading up to this extraordinary event,” Governor Hochul said. “Our top priority is ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors can safely witness this generational spectacle, and I encourage everyone to keep safety in mind so that all can savor this experience in our state.” Beginning on Thursday, March 7, events at many state parks and historic sites will facilitate hands-on craft projects like Do-It-Yourself pinhole eclipse viewer construction as well as offer educational programs steeped in history and solar system science. On April 8, numerous eclipse-viewing gatherings are scheduled, often featuring eclipse-themed activities, discussions and trivia, food or snacks, and distribution of solar viewing glasses to prevent severe eye injuries. People who would like to register for the dozens of events and activities hosted at New York state parks and historic sites – both day of and leading up to the eclipse – may do so through the OPRHP event calendar and eclipse website. The Governor previously announced that beginning on April 4, 2024, scientists, subject matter experts and astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will be providing programming and exhibits at Niagara Falls State Park as well as throughout the city at locations including the Niagara Falls Public Libraries, The Underground Railroad Heritage Center, The Aquarium of Niagara, the New York Power Authority Power Vista, the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. All events will be free and open to the public (reservations may be required based on space availability) throughout the entire weekend leading up to the April 8 event. NASA will be hosting similar events in several other cities throughout the path of totality. A full list of events can be found at the 2024 Solar Eclipse | Niagara Falls USA website. New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “In anticipation of the inspiring cosmic display on April 8, New York State Parks is proud to offer a wide array of events and activities for people to learn about the total solar eclipse. Our environmental educators and park personnel are prepared to welcome visitors from near and far, ensuring that this experience is both safe and memorable for all ages.” Director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida Janet Petro said, “NASA is thrilled to be in a place as magical as Niagara Falls for this awe-inspiring event. Besides being beautiful to witness, this total solar eclipse also will allow scientists a rare opportunity to study the sun’s corona, expanding our knowledge of the Sun-Earth connection and its impact on our planet. I hope you’ll grab your eclipse glasses – and a few friends – and join us for some of the events we have planned to celebrate this unique occasion.” Eclipse in New York State During the afternoon of April 8, a total eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York State. In less than 15 minutes within a 3:15 to 3:30 window, the moon will pass between the earth and sun, turning day into night for 1 ½ minutes to 3 ½ minutes. The roughly 100-mile wide path of totality will enter in the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 PM, and will depart northern New York just before 3:30. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to 2 ½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast. For other areas of the state that are outside the path, there will still be quite a celestial spectacle. The minimum coverage in the state will be on Long Island, with the sun being shadowed at 88 percent there. New York City will see 89 percent coverage with 96 percent in the Capital Region. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will not be until August 2044. Public Safety During the Eclipse Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun's bright face, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. According to NASA, viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized solar viewing glasses ("eclipse glasses") or a handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses, polarized or otherwise, are not a safe replacement for solar eclipse glasses. Governor Hochul strongly encourages eclipse enthusiasts to partake in this once-in-a-generation event safely by: Protecting your eyes with specialized solar viewing glasses Checking traffic before heading out for this event as higher volumes of visitors are anticipated Preparing for the weather Bringing the proper gear and watching out for ticks if camping For the last 17 months, an interagency task force, comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities, has been collaborating on plans to ensure a safe and memorable viewing experience for New York State’s residents and visitors. It is focused on building awareness of the State as a prime location to experience the eclipse by gathering important safety and preparedness information, amplifying and supporting region-specific viewing activities, and maintaining regular communication with local governments and municipalities, especially those within the path of totality. New York’s public safety efforts align with the State’s normal jurisdictional role over state parks and State roads and support local governments in their planning and decision-making in accordance with their own codes, laws, and needs as this exciting event approaches. Public safety challenges for such an event include traffic management, communications capabilities and public health and safety. State, county, and local public safety and emergency management efforts have been and will continue to be tailored to the anticipated needs of an influx of those who come to view the eclipse from both inside and outside the state. Events at State Parks and Historic Sites Within the Path of Totality WESTERN NEW YORK Allegany State Park Eclipse Viewing Event (multiple programs) Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Buffalo Harbor State Park Totality On the Centerline Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM Knox Farm State Park Tiny Tots – Space Explorers Thursday, April 4, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake Erie State Park Eclipse Viewing and Crafts Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua Eclipse Viewing and Crafts Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Midway State Park Eclipse Viewing Event Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Niagara Falls State Park DIY Pinhole Solar Eclipse Projectors Thursday, March 7, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Saturday, March 23, 2024, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM TSE Trivia Friday, March 8, 2024, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM When the Eclipse Was Here Last Friday, March 22, 2024, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Stroll at the Falls Friday, April 5, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Saturday, April 6, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Sunday, April 7, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Totality at the Falls Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Woodlawn Beach State Park Fun in the Sun Crafts Sunday, April 7, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM FINGER LAKES AND CENTRAL NEW YORK Cayuga Lake State Park Solar Eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Fair Haven Beach State Park Total Solar Eclipse (multiple programs) Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM Ganondagan State Historic Site Ëgä:hgwáhdö’t – There Will Be an Eclipse (multiple programs) Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Selkirk Shores State Park Eclipse – Earth Base II Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM NORTH COUNTRY / ADIRONDACKS Crown Point State Historic Site Eclipse Viewing Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cumberland Bay State Park Solar Eclipse Monday Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Wellesley Island State Park Totality on the River Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM GREATER CAPITAL REGION/EASTERN ADIRONDACKS John Brown Farm John Brown Farm Eclipse Viewing Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Events at State Parks and Historic Sites Outside the Path of Totality (Partial Eclipse) GREATER CAPITAL REGION/EASTERN ADIRONDACKS John Boyd Thacher State Park Solar Eclipse: Activity Hour Saturday, March 23, 2024, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM LONG ISLAND Connetquot River State Park Preserve Solar Eclipse 101 Friday, March 8, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Women in Space! Friday, March 15, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Solar Eclipse History Friday, March 29, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sunken Meadow State Park (Governor Alfred E. Smith) Solar Eclipse 101 Sunday, March 24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Tiny Tots Programs: Mister Golden Sun Thursday, March 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Solar Eclipse History Family Program Friday, March 29, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM HUDSON VALLEY / CATSKILLS Bear Mountain State Park Eclipse Viewing at Bear Mountain Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Minnewaska State Park Prepare for the Eclipse! Make-Your-Own Eclipse Viewer at Sam’s Point Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area Rockefeller State Park Preserve The Final Countdown: Solar Eclipse FAQ & Crafts! Sunday, March 17, 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM NEW YORK CITY Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve Art in the Park: Eclipse Viewers Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park Art in the Park: Eclipse Viewers Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Gantry Plaza State Park Eclipse Art in the Park Thursday, March 21, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Marsha P. Johnson State Park Art in the Park: Eclipse Viewers Thursday, March 28, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Shirley Chisholm State Park Art in the Park: Make Your Own Eclipse Viewer! Saturday, March 30, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Solar Eclipse Viewing Party Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Solar Eclipse Hike Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Riverbank State Park (Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park) Art in the Park: Eclipse Viewers Sunday, March 10, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Roberto Clemente State Park Art in the Park: Make Your Own Eclipse Viewer Sunday, March 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM For the entire lineup of events hosted at state parks along the path of totality, visit our Events Calendar. For more information about the 2024 Total Eclipse in New York State, visit https://www.iloveny.com/events/eclipse-2024/. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram,  X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog. read the article here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-eclipse-events-and-activities-new-york-state-parks

Scammers are now targeting homeowners through social media neighborhood groups for air duct cleaning deals that seem too good to be true. we have seen these on our Local Facebook pages almost daily. They often use very generic company names and posts from accounts that attempt to be made by genuine residents of the community. The post may not include the company name and often includes identical images and videos as other unrelated posts such as this one. Once they get your attention, they will scam you one of two ways. The first way is they ask for a hefty deposit and personal information before disappearing with your money. The other way is even scarier, they will use a Pakastanian call center to line up clients for someone who is not a certified or insured contractor and can be just a guy with a vacuum. yes, you heard that right. some people have even reported some of these "scam contractors" come with just an old vacuum and spend less than an hour and obviously did not do the job right by far, many times not even doing any work at all. after the fake contractor comes to your house they pay a heavy percentage back to the Pakastanian scammers for lining up the service. Even worse the fake contractors will demand to be paid in cash and not provide any receipt. when this happens they will not or avoid paying taxes, when this happens it takes money away from actual contractors who do pay taxes and have the proper certifications for this. It's important to know the signs of all scams, not just those on social media. Homeowners should be aware of some of the red flags to watch out for when it comes to air duct cleaning scams: - The post says "This is not a scam." - No company name is included in the post. - The Facebook account is just a few days/weeks old. - The Facebook profile has no followers, posts, or photos. - The scammer uses words like "kindly." It's easy to fall for these scams because we all want to save money and get things done quickly. But cheaper is not always better when it comes to air duct cleaning. Scammers often provide sub-par work or no work at all. some people have even reported some of these "scam contractors" come with just an old vacuum and spend less than an hour and obviously did not do the job right by far. We will always recommend you make sure you hire a qualified contractor who is certified for the task. Look for a NADCA member in your area to ensure that the job is done right. If they are not NADCA member and have proper equipment stay clear! Here is a video that talks about it more and goes into how deep this rabbit hole goes. It goes even deeper and the scam has ties to Pakistan scam centers. Sources: https://nadca.com/blog/make-2022-year-cleaner-air-dont-be-victim-air-duct-cleaning-scams-facebook

On March 4, 2024, Troopers out of SP Fredonia arrested Addam V. Tofil, 35 of Sheridan, NY for Aggravated Driving While intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic infractions. On that day, at around 4:54 P.M., Troopers received a 911 call reporting an erratic operator on State Route 20 in the town of Sheridan. Acting on the report, the Troopers swiftly responded to the scene and located the vehicle in question. The vehicle was subsequently stopped for traffic infractions. Upon interviewing the operator, Tofil, Troopers observed an odor of alcoholic beverage. Consequently, Tofil was subjected to a standard field sobriety test (SFST), which he failed. He was then taken into custody and transported to SP Fredonia for processing, where he recorded a .24% BAC. Tofil was issued traffic tickets returnable to the town of Sheridan Court for a later date in March 2024. It is important to note that drunk driving is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences such as accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. So, it is imperative to never drink and drive. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/concerned-citizen-calls-911-resulting-arrest-aggravated-dwi

On February 27, 2024, at approximately 4:26 p.m., troopers from SP Rochester Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative conducted a traffic stop on a 2017 Nissan Rogue on Hudson Avenue in the city of Rochester for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, troopers recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun, a high-capacity magazine, and several rounds of ammunition. Jerome H. Brown, age 22, from Rochester, NY, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (D Felony). The subject was held at the Monroe County Jail for pending Rochester City Court arraignment. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-rochester-arrest-22-year-old-criminal-possession-weapon-2nd

On February 26, 2024, Troopers arrested Brandon S. Duby, age 33, of Plattsburgh, NY for assault 3rd. On February 26, 2024, at approximately 3:12 a.m., Troopers responded to Dormitory Drive, in the town of Plattsburgh for an assault complaint. An investigation determined, that Duby and the victim were involved in a verbal argument which turned physical when Duby grabbed the victim's face and struck it off the ground. The victim had bruising to the eye and cheek but refused transportation to the hospital. Duby was arrested and transported to SP Plattsburgh for processing. He was arraigned in the Town of Peru Court where he was released on his own recognizance. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/plattsburgh-male-arrested-assault-3rd

Meet Dave, a true master of woodworking from CNY! For as long as he can remember, he has had a deep passion for crafting beautiful pieces of art from natural wood and repurposed old industrial items. His specialty lies in creating live edge pieces that retain their natural state as much as possible, making each piece a unique and one-of-a-kind design as he states. Dave takes great care in his craft, and the process is a labor of love that can take up to a month or longer to complete. He begins by carefully kiln-drying the wood, followed by hours of sanding, and grinding away to achieve perfection, and then several days of meticulous finishing touches. The natural rings and patterns in the wood are a testament to not just the tree's history but also reveal its struggles and stresses over time. Beyond his live edge work, Dave is also known well for his custom charcuterie boards and serving trays that are unlike anything you can find in a store anywhere! If you're looking for something on a larger scale, Dave can help you design and build a variety of things from custom bar tops, countertops, table tops, and even beautifully crafted cabinets that will last a lifetime and then some! You can see Dave's art locally at Dave's Dinner, or even as far away as Alaska! His passion and attention to detail shine through in every piece he creates, making each one a true work of art that will be cherished for many years to come. Custom Table at Daves Dinner is shown above, it's amazing how the grain of the wood shines like a roaring fire, this piece really does have a story to tell like most of dave's other amazing pieces. We are a Madison County Boutique Saw Mill & Kiln, offering live edge wood slabs for your every need. Products include Maple, Black Walnut, Red Oak, Cherry, Apple, Butternut, Apple, Shagbark Hickory, White Pine & Catalpa. Call 315-796-4863 for pricing. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knockonwoodcny

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As NASA explores the unknown in air and space, a new mission to survey ultraviolet light across the entire sky will provide the agency with more insight into how galaxies and stars evolve. The space telescope, called UVEX (UltraViolet EXplorer), is targeted to launch in 2030 as NASA's next Astrophysics Medium-Class Explorer mission. This image shows the heart of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1097, as seen by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Sand, K. Sheth In addition to conducting a highly sensitive all-sky survey, UVEX will be able to quickly point toward sources of ultraviolet light in the universe. This will enable it to capture the explosions that follow bursts of gravitational waves caused by merging neutron stars. The telescope also will carry an ultraviolet spectrograph to study stellar explosions and massive stars. "NASA's UVEX will help us better understand the nature of both nearby and distant galaxies, as well as follow up on dynamic events in our changing universe," said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This mission will bring key capabilities in near-and far-ultraviolet light to our fleet of space telescopes, delivering a wealth of survey data that will open new avenues in exploring the secrets of the cosmos." The telescope's ultraviolet survey will complement data from other missions conducting wide surveys in this decade, including the Euclid mission led by ESA (European Space Agency) with NASA contributions, and NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch by May 2027. Together, these missions will help create a modern, multi-wavelength map of our universe. "With the innovative new UVEX mission joining our portfolio, we will gain an important legacy archive of data that will be of lasting value to the science community," said Mark Clampin, director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. "This new telescope will contribute to our understanding of the universe across multiple wavelengths and address one of the major priorities in Astrophysics today: studying fleeting changes in the cosmos." NASA selected the UVEX Medium-Class Explorer concept to continue into development after detailed review of two Medium-Class Explorer and two Mission of Opportunity concept proposals by a panel of scientists and engineers, and after evaluation based on NASA's current astrophysics portfolio coupled with available resources. The UVEX mission was selected for a two-year mission and will cost approximately $300 million, not including launch costs. The mission's principal investigator is Fiona Harrison at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Other institutions involved in the mission include University of California at Berkeley, Northrop Grumman, and Space Dynamics Laboratory. The Explorers Program is the oldest continuous NASA program. The program is designed to provide frequent, low-cost access to space using principal investigator-led space science investigations relevant to the agency's astrophysics and heliophysics programs. Since the launch of Explorer 1 in 1958, which discovered the Earth's radiation belts, the Explorers Program has launched more than 90 missions, including the Uhuru and Cosmic Background Explorer missions that led to Nobel prizes for their investigators. The program is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for the Science Mission Directorate, which conducts a wide variety of research and scientific exploration programs for Earth studies, space weather, the solar system, and the universe. For more information about the Explorers Program, visit: https://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov SOURCE NASA

On February 20, 2024, at 7:29 p.m., State Police in Morrisville responded to 100 Callahan Drive in the village of Morrisville for a reported snowmobile crash. The investigation has determined a 2023 Ski-Doo snowmobile, operated by Jayson C. Parker, age 42 from Morrisville, NY was traveling eastbound on Callahan Drive when he exited the roadway, struck a pipe sticking out of the ground, and went airborne. The snowmobile collided through the side of the Water Treatment building and came to rest in the office/lobby area of the interior of the building. Parker was ejected from the snowmobile and was airlifted by Mercy Flight to Upstate University Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. State Police were assisted at the scene by SUNY Morrisville University Police, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Smithfield-Eaton Volunteer Ambulance Corp (SEVAC), and the village of Morrisville DPW. SOURCES: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-investigating-snowmobile-crash-madison-county Contact Troop D Public Information Officer: Trooper Jack L. Keller Contact us by email: dpio@troopers.ny.gov Map Directions: New York State Police Troop D Headquarters Oneida NY, 13421