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Third Successful Ranger Deployment This Summer Governor Kathy Hochul today welcomed home New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers who spent two weeks battling wildfires in Canada. The Rangers were joined by wildland firefighters from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Rangers returned on Sunday, July 16, after spending 14 days in Quebec working on multiple fires. "New Yorkers understand all too well the hazardous impact smoke from the Canadian wildfires have on daily life," Governor Hochul said. "We are fortunate to have brave individuals willing to step up to help those in need, and I thank our courageous firefighters whose efforts are critical in containing these wildfires." New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "No matter the crisis, DEC Forest Rangers are always ready to help. In this case, they spent 14 days in the middle of smoke and flames to help our neighbors and also New Yorkers suffering from poor air quality. I thank our experts in wildland firefighting and incident command for their continued dedication and sacrifice." Crew Boss Ranger Gary Miller led seven additional Rangers as part of a 20-person wildland firefighting team assigned to the Micoua Fire Complex, which burned approximately 40,600 acres. The crew included: David Corey - Essex and Franklin counties Lincoln Hanno - Herkimer and Lewis counties Howard Kreft - Ulster County Gary Miller - Hamilton County Joseph Pries - Dutchess and Putnam counties Logan Quinn - Essex County John Scott - Suffolk County Nathan Sprague - Cattaraugus County Throughout Canada, more than 4,000 fires have burned an estimated 23.7 million acres. On June 2, one Forest Ranger was deployed as a Crew Boss to Nova Scotia. On June 8, Governor Hochul announced that a team of seven DEC Forest Rangers was deploying to assist with efforts to help contain the wildfires in Quebec. At the same time, New York State was under an Air Quality Health Advisory due to the smoke from those wildfires that traveled across state borders and created significant air quality issues. The State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) of Health (DOH) issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, such as ozone or smoke-induced fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed a federal Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. The latest AQI Forecast can be viewed here. These three missions are the first time New York State Forest Rangers have been deployed to Canada since wildfires in Quebec in 2005. In 1979, New York sent its first firefighting crew to assist western states with large wildfires. On average, one or two crews are sent as needed to assist with wildfires nearly every year. In addition to helping contain wildfires and minimize damage, these crews gain valuable experience that can be utilized fighting wildfires and managing all-risk incidents in New York. Personnel and travel expenses for the New York crews are either paid directly by the U.S. Forest Service or reimbursed to New York State based on a mutual aid agreement between states and federal land agencies. sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/

On July 12, 2023, at approximately 9:49 a.m., Cape Vincent Fire and Ambulance were dispatched along with mutual aid from Chaumont and Clayton Fire Departments to the area of Ponds Marina, off County Route 6, in the town of Cape Vincent for a report of a boat fire. When the Cape Vincent Fire Department arrived on scene, they discovered a 1979 Regal Marine 20-foot boat fully engulfed in fire; a person later identified as 82-year-old Robert F. Pitcher, of Three Mile Bay, the owner of the boat was found deceased in the water. The boat fire was extinguished by members of the Cape Vincent Fire Department. The cause of the boat fire and the death of Mr. Pitcher are still under investigation by the New York State Police. The New York State Police was assisted at the scene by Cape Vincent Fire and Ambulance, the Jefferson County Fire and Emergency Management Fire Origin and Cause Team, the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office, and staff of Ponds Marina.

Yesterday evening, Mercy Flight made a visit to the Oneida Castle Fire Department in order to participate in some valuable training exercises alongside other fire departments from the surrounding region. The event was met with a great turnout and proved to be an excellent opportunity for all involved to collaborate and share their knowledge and experience. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Mercy Flight for their continued dedication to serving others, as well as to all of the fire departments in the area for their tireless efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities.

State Police, Troop B would like to inform stores and the public about people making purchases with fake money. Several stores have accepted counterfeit bills, varying in denomination, as their sale of purchase. Some of the bills will have “For motion picture purposes” printed on the top right corner. Double-check the US currency you are accepting and make sure it is real money. If you are unsure, use a counterfeit-detecting pen. All reactions: 113113

The award-winning ESPN “My Wish” series returns for its 16th season on Sunday, July 16 and will feature stars from the NFL, MLB and the UFC. Since its beginning in 2006, the series has worked with Make-A-Wish® to fulfill 79 sports-themed wishes for children with critical illnesses. This year’s series of wishes will feature Mike Trout of MLB’s Los Angeles Angels; Ja’Marr Chase of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals; UFC fighter Dustin Poirier and Josh Allen of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. Working together with Make-A-Wish, ESPN produces feature segments on the wishes to air on SportsCenter, with the first feature of this year’s series debuting in the 8 a.m. ET hour on Sunday, July 16. A new feature will debut in the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 17-18-19. All features will re-air multiple times in various editions of SportsCenter and will be available on a special landing page on ESPN.com. Chris Connelly has hosted the ESPN “My Wish” series since the series began and returns again this season to tell these stories. The 2023 ESPN “My Wish” on SportsCenter segments include: Sunday, July 16 – Mike Trout/Los Angeles Angels: Within minutes of meeting him, it’s clear how much baseball means to seven-year-old Eli Velasquez, who was born with a heart condition that required multiple surgeries. For his wish, the Corsicana, Tex., resident gets to play catch and receive 1-on-1 coaching from his favorite player, Angels superstar Mike Trout. The piece also is the weekend’s SC Featured In addition, a Spanish-language version of the feature will appear on ESPNDeportes.com. Monday, July 17 – Ja’Marr Chase/Cincinnati Bengals: The orange and black of the Cincinnati Bengals adorned Brixton Wood’s room while he was going through cancer treatments last winter. Now that he’s in remission, the six-year-old from Georgetown, Tex., gets to spend a day with his favorite team and do “The Griddy” with star wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase. Tuesday, July 18 – Dustin Poirier/UFC: The toughness of MMA fighters has inspired 17-year-old Alden Cary of Davidson, N.C., to show the same kind of grit during his bout with cancer. To see how those gladiators foster that kind of strength, he joins Dustin Poirier as the lightweight contender trains for UFC 291. Wednesday, July 19 – Josh Allen/Buffalo Bills: Engaged in a three-year battle with brain cancer that requires him to undergo chemotherapy treatments regularly, Caleb Foarde of Winter Garden, Fla., regularly mentored other kids going through similar cancer treatments. For his wish, he wanted to spend the day as an official member of the Buffalo Bills. Versions of the wish videos also will be shared on ESPN social media platforms. About The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, including ESPN, is committed to delivering joy and comfort to children facing serious illness and to the people who care for them. This includes Disney’s efforts with Make-A-Wish and nearly 100 other wish-granting organizations around the world. Through this collaboration with Make-A-Wish, Disney has helped grant more than 150,000 life-changing wishes since the first wish was granted more than 40 years ago at Disneyland Resort. Wishes range from theme park visits to movie premieres, character meet-and-greets to sports events. All with the goal of helping kids feel like kids, while creating special memories with their families. To learn more about Disney and ESPN’s efforts to deliver joy when its needed most, visit wish.org/MyWish. About Make-A-Wish Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the #1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally in all 50 states throughout the U.S. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 24,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 550,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide; more than 360,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org. Media contacts: andy.hall@espn.com and beatrix.panitz@espn.com Writer: Andy Hall

On Monday, July 10, 2023, at approximately 8:48 pm Rome Police Department responded to 112 River Street for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival officers located one male victim with a non-life-threatening injury. A single male suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5’10”, weighing approximately 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored COVID-style mask, a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, and dark-colored jeans. This male left River Street towards Black River Boulevard. This appears to be a targeted attack, there is no danger to the public. We would like to ask residents in the area to check their personal surveillance cameras for anything suspicious and contact the Rome Police Department using the information below. If you should have any information about this case please contact the Rome Police Department TIP line at (315) 339-7744, or Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at 1(866)730-8477 or www.p3tips.com. To Protect & Serve

Troopers in Troop C remembered Trooper Richard L. Hedges who paid the ultimate sacrifice on July 11, 1942. He was killed in a traffic accident while following a speeding car on Route 17 west of the hamlet of Chemung. The speeding car passed a dump truck and as Trooper Hedges attempted to pass the same truck, it suddenly turned left in front of his cycle. Trooper Hedges was struck and killed instantly. https://www.facebook.com/nyspolice/posts/pfbid02WrASdhaUT7UqCDJf25whb3s4wVgUL9S1w4zhQqDKdYSdZZsi7J6pFrXW4FJ46KiNl

The Vernon's Subway/Foodland located on Seneca St./ Route 5 Vernon is currently upgrading their fuel tanks to provide better service to their customers. Despite the upgrade, the establishment remains open and welcomes customers to purchase their usual favorites such as food, pizza, subs, lottery tickets, beer, and propane. Gas is still available for purchase until stocks run out. We spoke with the owner, Paul, who shared that the project is set to be completed by August of this year. If you happen to be in the area, drop by to say hello to Paul and his wife and witness the progress they're making.

Yesterday evening (July 6th) Utica Police took a stolen bicycle complaint in West Utica. Below is a photograph of the stolen bicycle. A six (6) year old girl just received the bicycle for her birthday four days ago. Around 8:00 pm, while in the area of Court Street & Sunset Avenue, a group of teenage boys asked to try the bike. The little girl, who comes from a large family where sharing is very important to them, allowed the teenager to "try" her bicycle. The teenage thief immediately rode off and never returned. Our department searched extensively for the bicycle but could not find it. The only picture of the bike came from a video clip on the mother’s phone from when they surprised her with the bike. Upon learning about the stolen bicycle Deputy Chief Edward Noonan and Police Officer Sanel Beslic immediately donated bicycles from their own households. Officers took the donated to the little girl's house and were immediately met with hugs and tears when the officers gave them the bikes. Great job Deputy Chief Noonan and Officer Beslic. We are asking for our community's help in locating the stolen bicycle. The only picture of the bike came from a video clip on the mother’s phone from when they surprised her with the bike. Anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of the bicycle is asked to call the Utica Police Department at (315) 223-3461. Thank you. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=662802855889778&set=a.223509269819141

ESPN Films today announced “Gracie,” a multi-part documentary series about the legendary family fighting dynasty that brought Mixed Martial Arts from the streets of Brazil to the world stage. Told through the eyes of key Gracie family members, the series will dive deep into an epic family saga that takes audiences from Scotland and Japan to Brazil and America. Mixed Martial Arts has experienced a global explosion in recent years, replacing boxing as the dominant combat sport and rapidly ascending to have one of the largest audiences in the world. At the core of this popular revolution is the art of Jiu-Jitsu and the “first family” of fighting: the Gracies. Featuring larger-than-life personalities, triumphs and tragedies, deep loyalties, passionate loves, and deadly feuds, “Gracie” will explore the essence of family, honor, legacy, and humanity’s innate desire to fight. The series is directed by Chris Fuller (“Loren Cass”) and is executive produced by ESPN Films. The project is being produced by Solaris Entertainment. Gregory O’Connor (“Warrior,” “Miracle”), Academy Award nominee Nanette Burstein (“On The Ropes,” “Hillary”), Guy Ritchie (“Snatch,” “Sherlock Holmes”), and Ivan Atkinson (“Wrath of Man,” “The Gentlemen”) are serving as executive producers along with Micah Green, Daniel Steinman and Trevor Groth of 30WEST. Further details on the project will be announced at a later date. Writer: Isabelle Lopez Sources: espnpressroom.com

Alef flying car receives limited FAA Special Airworthiness Certification Alef unveiled its "Model A" flying car in October 2022 and has since received strong pre-orders from individuals and companies Alef's flying car is both road drivable on public roads and has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities Alef is taking deposits for pre-orders for its "Model A" car for $300,000 on it's website SANTA MATEO, Calif., June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alef Aeronautics, a sustainable mobility company that is designing and developing a flying car, announced today that it received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, marking the first time a vehicle of this nature has received legal approval to fly from the US Government. Alef Flying Car Oct 19 2022 Unveiling - all rights Alef Aeronautics Inc The FAA is actively working on its policies for electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, as well as governing interactions between eVTOLs and ground infrastructure. Alef's Special Airworthiness Certificate therefore limits the locations and purpose for which Alef is permitted to fly. Alef emerged from stealth in October 2022 with the unveiling of its full-sized sports car model along with two working full-size technology demonstrator cars. It has since received strong pre-orders from both individuals and companies. Alef's flying car is 100% electric, drivable on public roads, and has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The car will carry one or two occupants. "We're excited to receive this certification from the FAA. It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week. This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars," said Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef. About Alef: Alef, based in San Mateo, CA, is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing a road-legal passenger car capable of achieving vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef was founded in 2015 by Jim Dukhovny, Konstantin Kisly, Pavel Markin, and Oleg Petrov in Palo Alto, California. Alef's investors include Draper Associates, Impact VC, Draper B1, Bronco Ventures, Strong VC, Louis Scola, Jim Boettcher, Jim Hurd, Jason Gorrie, Chinney, Knollwood Advisory, and others. Alef recently announced the opening of a new fundraising round. More information can be found at https://alef.aero. Media Contact: Alef Media Team press@alef.aero SOURCE Alef

State Police have released a photo of the device that was used at the Walmart store in Granby. As you can see in the photo, the device looks identical to the card reader at the register. The skimming device even has the same logo at the top of the device. The New York State Police in Fulton is investigating an incident involving the placement of a device commonly referred to as a credit card skimmer at a manned checkout, at the Walmart located at 1818 County Route 3 in the Town of Granby (Fulton). The device was placed on July 2, 2023, and identified and recovered by Walmart staff on July 5, 2023. Anyone with disputed charges should contact the New York State Police, Fulton barracks 315-598-2112. What Happens If a Credit Card Is Skimmed? Thieves will use stolen card information in a few different ways: a thief can make their own fake credit cards, make fraudulent purchases online or sell the stolen information on the internet. Luckily fraudulent charges on a credit card are easier to dispute than charges made using debit card information. Many credit cards have a zero liability policy, which means in case of fraud, the cardholder has no responsibility to pay back those funds to the issuer. A credit in the fraudulent amount will often be deposited back into the cardholder’s account and reflected on monthly statements. When making purchases at a gas station, opt to use a credit card instead of a debit card to take advantage of this extra protection. Another option is to pay for gas inside with the cashier, where the Point Of Sale system is less likely to have been tampered with. Regularly monitor credit card activity by actively checking bank statements or (even better) by accessing the account online. Report suspicious activity as soon as possible by calling the number on the back of the card. Some credit cards have proactive alerts that will notify the cardholder if a potentially fraudulent charge is made. Often the next step is to receive a new credit card with a new card number by mail. Skimming: Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps capture data or record cardholders’ PINs. Criminals use the data to create fake debit or credit cards and steal from victims’ accounts. It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year. sources: https://www.nyspnews.com