Weekly top reads: Winter storm hits northern Cayuga County, new Cayuga County Legislature chair
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
- Updated
- 0
мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼'s top 10 most-read stories of the week.Â
- Robert Harding
- Updated
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, public schools in New York will be closed.Â
Why? A state law signed in 2023 provides the answer.Â
That year, Gov. Kathy Hochul declaring the Lunar New Year as a public school holiday in New York.Â
The Lunar New Year is celebrated by several Asian countries and Asian-Americans. It begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar.Â
In 2025, the Lunar New Year is on Jan. 29.Â
The bill signed by Hochul was sponsored by Assemblyman William Colton and state Sen. Brian Kavanagh. According to the legislative summary, the Lunar New Year is "one of the most important traditional holidays amongst the Asian community and is widely celebrated among the many Asian communities within New York state."Â
Assemblywoman Grace Lee, who co-chairs the Assembly's Asian Pacific American Task Force, said at the time of the bill signing that it recognizes Asian-Americans for their contributions to New York's history.Â
"This law will expose new generations to Asian culture, and it will promote diversity and inclusion at a time when Asian New Yorkers are suffering from anti-Asian hate," Lee added.Â
New York is the first state to make the Lunar New Year a public school holiday.Â
Although Hochul signed the legislation in 2023, schools weren't closed for the Lunar New Year in the 2023-24 school year. The holiday was on Feb. 10, which is a Saturday.Â
The state Education Department's guidance explains that when the Lunar New Year falls on a weekend, it won't be observed on a weekday because it's not a state holiday. State holidays that fall on a Sunday, for example, are observed on Monday.Â
The 2024-25 school year is the first with the Lunar New Year occurring on a school day since the law was signed by Hochul.Â
- David Wilcox
- Updated
The Auburn Police Department is conducting an internal investigation after off-duty officers were involved in a fight at a downtown bar in October.
The department, including Chief James Slayton, has declined comment on the investigation because it's still open. However, on Dec. 19 мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ obtained details about the fight and body camera footage of its aftermath through a Freedom of Information Law request for records of the department's call for service, as on-duty officers responded to it.
The fight appears to have already led to the demotion of one officer, Michael Merkley, who can be seen in the footage. He was promoted to lieutenant in August 2023, but is now listed on the as a school resource officer sergeant. Asked about Merkley's change of rank, Deputy Chief Timothy Spingler declined comment to мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼.
The fight took place around midnight Oct. 5 at A.T. Walley & Co. at 119 Genesee St. It began when a customer at the bar was told to move by an off-duty officer so he could buy a drink, the customer told responding officers. мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ is not publishing the customer's name, as neither he nor anyone else involved in the fight has been charged with a crime.
The customer went on to tell officers that he replied to the off-duty officer that he would not move, at which point that officer grabbed him by the shirt, shoved him and said he would make the customer move. The customer noted that he did not know the name of the officer who grabbed him. Next, the customer said, he threw a punch at the officer.
What followed was a large fight involving several people inside the bar, according to body camera footage and reports by responding Officers CJ Gray and Eric Leach. Footage from the bar's security cameras is not yet available through Freedom of Information Law, the department told мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼, as it is part of the continuing internal investigation.
When the officers arrived at the bar, they said, they saw off-duty officers outside, including Merkley, Thomas Fabiani and Nathaniel Barnes. Fabiani told the responding officers he was punched in the head.
A bar employee tells a responding officer of Fabiani, "He's going crazy, said he's Auburn P.D. He's looking for the guy — the kid, we told him to leave. ... (Fabiani) is the guy you gotta watch out for."
Body camera footage also shows Merkley, as he reenters the bar, telling a responding officer, "I want to know who's that pillow hands, because I'm gonna f--k him up. Come join if you want."
Meanwhile, officers Alexa Smalley and Morgan Jensen had found the customer on the rear patio of the bar. At one point, Barnes can be seen telling the two officers to bring the customer around to the front of the bar, where the other off-duty officers were gathered, saying, "He's the one who hit Fabiani. He needs to go." The two officers brush him off.
Barnes later tells Merkley the customer is on the patio. Merkley says, "No, f--k that," and starts walking toward the patio until he is restrained.
Smalley and Jensen eventually direct the customer to leave out the back of the bar, avoiding the off-duty officers in front.
No one in the body camera footage appears injured.
While the department is still investigating the off-duty officers' involvement in the fight, Officers Gray, Smalley and Jensen have received counseling for selective activation of their body cameras, according to the records provided to мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼. Gray told supervisor Lt. David Walters he turned his off because he believed it would encourage cooperation from the off-duty officers, and Jensen said she does not "commonly record conversations with co-workers." Smalley recorded fewer than eight minutes of footage from her 22 minutes at the scene.
Walters told the three officers selective body camera activation "paints a negative picture of us (Auburn police) and will lead some to believe that we were 'covering it up.'"
Spingler told мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ he anticipates the department's internal investigation will take several more weeks to complete.
- Kelly Rocheleau
- Updated
Two people were found dead during a blaze that destroyed an Auburn house on Tuesday morning.
Jeff Clark, assistant fire chief with the Auburn Fire Department, told мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ a call came in about a house on fire at 12 Foote St. in the city at about 2:10 a.m. Tuesday.
Two adults were found dead inside the building while firefighters fought the blaze, Clark said. The fire department is not yet releasing their names.
Clark said the fire was "well-involved" and spanned two floors of the structure by the time the department arrived.
"No fire department ever wants to have a tragedy like this," he said, stressing the importance of residents having a safety plan in the event of a fire.
Assistant Chief Mike Grady told мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ the fire was under control by about 2:30 a.m. Two other adults at the house were displaced and assisted by the American Red Cross.
Grady said the building is considered a complete loss and has been condemned by the city's code enforcement office. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Auburn Police Department, Auburn City Ambulance, the city's department of public works and Cayuga County 911 dispatchers were also involved with the scene.Â
- Kelly Rocheleau
- Updated
The next leader of the Auburn Police Department has been selected.Â
Auburn City Manager Jeff Dygert said in a news release Friday that Capt. Matthew Androsko will begin as chief Jan. 21, succeeding current Chief James Slayton, who is retiring.
Dygert said Androsko will work with Slayton in the coming weeks "to ensure an orderly transition," and he said he was looking forward to working with Androsko.
"I thank both these dedicated officers for their years of service and dedication to our community," Dygert said.
Androsko, who leads the department's patrol division, has a bachelor's degree in public justice and forensic science from SUNY Oswego. He began with the department in 1998 and became an evidence technician and field training officer in 2008. He moved up to road patrol sergeant in 2017, to lieutenant in 2020, to supervisor of the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force in 2021 and to captain in 2023.
His duties have also included being a member of the emergency response team, supervising the hostage negotiations team and drone unit, and running the Gun Involved Violence Elimination unit.
Androsko became eligible for the position by passing the Auburn Civil Service Commission's most recent exam for it in March 2023.
Slayton's last day will be Jan. 20, after three years in the role and over 25 with the department. Dygert previously said the city hoped to announce Slayton's successor before his retirement.
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
- Updated
The National Weather Service has upgraded the winter storm watch for northern Cayuga County to a lake effect snow warning that now covers the entire county.Â
The warning for northern Cayuga County will be in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Sunday. It will expire at 4 p.m. Sunday for the southern part of the county.Â
For the northern half of the county and other counties along Lake Ontario, total snow accumulations of two to three feet are expected. Wind gusts could be as high as 40 mph.Â
The forecast for southern Cayuga County, including the city of Auburn, calls for localized snow accumulation of six to 12 inches, with wind gusts up to 45 mph.Â
Travel could be "very difficult to impossible," according to the National Weather Service. Hazardous conditions could affect commutes Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Visibilities could be rapidly changing during the storm.Â
- Kelly Rocheleau
- Updated
An Auburn man was arrested Sunday on impaired driving charges after he was found unconscious in a vehicle, the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office said.Â
Sheriff Brian Schenck said in a news release that at about 9:40 a.m., deputies investigated a report of an unresponsive man slumped over in a stopped vehicle at the intersection of Miller and Grant Avenue roads in the town of Sennett. Upon arrival, deputies approached the vehicle and were able to awaken the male, identified as Gregory A. Ostrander Sr., 36.
After Ostrander exited the vehicle, deputies started an investigation to determine if he was impaired, the sheriff's office said. He was taken into custody shortly afterwards.
Ostrander was charged with felony counts of driving while ability impaired by drugs and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The charges were elevated to felony status due to Ostrander's previous conviction for impaired driving, along with operating the vehicle while his driving privilege was revoked due to the prior conviction.
He was released on an appearance ticket and is set to appear in Sennett Town Court at a later date.Â
- Robert Harding
- Updated
The Cayuga County Legislature is under new leadership.Â
Legislator Jonathan Anna, I-Sterling, was elected chair at the Legislature's reorganizational meeting Thursday. He succeeds Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman, D-Sennett, who served three terms as chair in 2020-21 and 2024.Â
Anna was nominated by Legislator Heidi Nightengale, D-Auburn, who will serve as vice chair. Both received bipartisan support for their nominations, with the Legislature unanimously voting to approve their one-year appointments.Â
Legislator Elane Daly, D-Auburn, will be the majority leader. Legislator Mark Strong, R-Moravia, will continue as minority leader.Â
Speaking after the leadership votes, Anna acknowledged the challenges the county must address in the new year. Three departments, including social services, will be relocating to 63 Genesee St. due to the closure of the Cayuga County Office Building. There is also ongoing work to assess the shuttered building's condition and balance the county budget.Â
"As I assume this role of chairman of the Legislature, I am making a commitment to work to represent all of us on this legislative board, to support our county workforce, while protecting the interests of the taxpayers who voted to place us in office," Anna said. "I want you to know that I plan to focus on our immediate needs while always keeping the lines of communication open."Â
Anna is a retired Onondaga County sheriff's deputy who lives in the town of Sterling with his son. He was elected to the county Legislature in 2023 and represents District 1, which includes the towns of Ira, Sterling and Victory.Â
In his first year as a legislator, Anna chaired the Legislature's Judicial and Public Safety Committee. He was among the legislators who were vocal about the need to be fiscally responsible after past budgets used millions from the county's fund balance.Â
Anna plans to announce the oversight committee assignments by the end of the week. He noted the Legislature has a lot of work to do and "it won't be easy."Â
In closing his remarks, Anna read a Winston Churchill quote that "Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts."Â
"We will have that courage," he said.Â
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
- Updated
Northern Cayuga County will begin 2025 under a five-day-long winter storm watch, with heavy lake effect snow in the forecast from New York Day's through the weekend.Â
The National Weather Service issued the watch early Monday. According to the agency's alert, the watch covers northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego and Wayne counties. It is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.Â
Snowfall accumulations of more than 7 inches are possible in the watch area. Heavier snowfall is expected across the Tug Hill Plateau and southeast of Lake Ontario.Â
The weather could create difficult travel conditions and reduce visibility.Â
More weather information, including watches and warnings, can be found at .
- Kelly Rocheleau
- Updated
AUBURN — One of three men allegedly found in a stolen $120,000 sports car last year in Auburn has been sentenced to prison time, while another has withdrawn his plea.
Jamel Felton, 33, of Syracuse, was sentenced by Judge Thomas Leone to 3.5 to seven years in state prison for second-degree criminal possession of stolen property (a Class C felony) Friday morning in Cayuga County Court. Auburn police said they found Felton, along with two others, in possession of a white Maserati stolen from the Syracuse area in late June.Â
Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci told Leone that Felton previously pleaded to the charge, but did not take responsibility in his presentence investigation report.
Felton's attorney, Rome Canzano, said his client acknowledged what he did. When asked to speak, Felton apologized to the court.
"I take full responsibility for everything," he said. "I'm ready to move forward and get my life back together."
Later in court that same day, one of Felton's codefendants, Edward McKinnon, 41, of Syracuse, was also before Leone for sentencing. But McKinnon's attorney, Ryan Muldoon, said his client wanted to withdraw his previous plea, which reduced his charge from second-degree criminal possession of stolen property to second-degree attempted criminal possession of stolen property (a Class D felony).
Leone and Grome Antonacci noted that withdrawing the plea meant McKinnon would again face the original criminal possession charge. Muldoon said his client still wanted to withdraw the plea.
"He's pretty adamant about taking the plea back," Muldoon said, adding that McKinnon has expressed interest in getting a new attorney.
Under the attempted criminal possession count, McKinnon would have been sentenced to two to four years in state prison. He now faces 15 years for the original charge. His case was adjourned to Jan. 9.
The case of the third person accused of possessing the car, Jamel's brother Dramar Felton, also of Syracuse, is still pending.Â
The Auburn Police Department assisted the Syracuse Police Department in locating the Maserati after its tracking technology showed it was in the city. It was found at the Cayuga Inn at the Finger Lakes.
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
- Updated
The National Weather Service is forecasting up to two feet of snow in northern Cayuga County, where a lake effect snow warning is in effect until Sunday evening.Â
A snowfall projection released by the agency shows that most of northern Cayuga County could get between 18 and 24 inches from Wednesday through the weekend. The village of Weedsport is forecasted to get 22.9 inches of snow over the next five days.Â
The updated lake effect snow warning, which covers northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties, notes that total snow accumulations could be two to four feet for the duration of the storm. Higher accumulations are expected on the Tug Hill Plateau.Â
The storm will create difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow are possible, with wind gusts of up to 40 mph in the forecast.Â
For southern Cayuga County, the lake effect snow warning has been canceled. There is a winter weather advisory in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday.Â
More like this...
- Robert Harding
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, public schools in New York will be closed.Â
Why? A state law signed in 2023 provides the answer.Â
That year, Gov. Kathy Hochul declaring the Lunar New Year as a public school holiday in New York.Â
The Lunar New Year is celebrated by several Asian countries and Asian-Americans. It begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar.Â
In 2025, the Lunar New Year is on Jan. 29.Â
The bill signed by Hochul was sponsored by Assemblyman William Colton and state Sen. Brian Kavanagh. According to the legislative summary, the Lunar New Year is "one of the most important traditional holidays amongst the Asian community and is widely celebrated among the many Asian communities within New York state."Â
Assemblywoman Grace Lee, who co-chairs the Assembly's Asian Pacific American Task Force, said at the time of the bill signing that it recognizes Asian-Americans for their contributions to New York's history.Â
"This law will expose new generations to Asian culture, and it will promote diversity and inclusion at a time when Asian New Yorkers are suffering from anti-Asian hate," Lee added.Â
New York is the first state to make the Lunar New Year a public school holiday.Â
Although Hochul signed the legislation in 2023, schools weren't closed for the Lunar New Year in the 2023-24 school year. The holiday was on Feb. 10, which is a Saturday.Â
The state Education Department's guidance explains that when the Lunar New Year falls on a weekend, it won't be observed on a weekday because it's not a state holiday. State holidays that fall on a Sunday, for example, are observed on Monday.Â
The 2024-25 school year is the first with the Lunar New Year occurring on a school day since the law was signed by Hochul.Â
- David Wilcox
The Auburn Police Department is conducting an internal investigation after off-duty officers were involved in a fight at a downtown bar in October.
The department, including Chief James Slayton, has declined comment on the investigation because it's still open. However, on Dec. 19 мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ obtained details about the fight and body camera footage of its aftermath through a Freedom of Information Law request for records of the department's call for service, as on-duty officers responded to it.
The fight appears to have already led to the demotion of one officer, Michael Merkley, who can be seen in the footage. He was promoted to lieutenant in August 2023, but is now listed on the as a school resource officer sergeant. Asked about Merkley's change of rank, Deputy Chief Timothy Spingler declined comment to мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼.
The fight took place around midnight Oct. 5 at A.T. Walley & Co. at 119 Genesee St. It began when a customer at the bar was told to move by an off-duty officer so he could buy a drink, the customer told responding officers. мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ is not publishing the customer's name, as neither he nor anyone else involved in the fight has been charged with a crime.
The customer went on to tell officers that he replied to the off-duty officer that he would not move, at which point that officer grabbed him by the shirt, shoved him and said he would make the customer move. The customer noted that he did not know the name of the officer who grabbed him. Next, the customer said, he threw a punch at the officer.
What followed was a large fight involving several people inside the bar, according to body camera footage and reports by responding Officers CJ Gray and Eric Leach. Footage from the bar's security cameras is not yet available through Freedom of Information Law, the department told мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼, as it is part of the continuing internal investigation.
When the officers arrived at the bar, they said, they saw off-duty officers outside, including Merkley, Thomas Fabiani and Nathaniel Barnes. Fabiani told the responding officers he was punched in the head.
A bar employee tells a responding officer of Fabiani, "He's going crazy, said he's Auburn P.D. He's looking for the guy — the kid, we told him to leave. ... (Fabiani) is the guy you gotta watch out for."
Body camera footage also shows Merkley, as he reenters the bar, telling a responding officer, "I want to know who's that pillow hands, because I'm gonna f--k him up. Come join if you want."
Meanwhile, officers Alexa Smalley and Morgan Jensen had found the customer on the rear patio of the bar. At one point, Barnes can be seen telling the two officers to bring the customer around to the front of the bar, where the other off-duty officers were gathered, saying, "He's the one who hit Fabiani. He needs to go." The two officers brush him off.
Barnes later tells Merkley the customer is on the patio. Merkley says, "No, f--k that," and starts walking toward the patio until he is restrained.
Smalley and Jensen eventually direct the customer to leave out the back of the bar, avoiding the off-duty officers in front.
No one in the body camera footage appears injured.
While the department is still investigating the off-duty officers' involvement in the fight, Officers Gray, Smalley and Jensen have received counseling for selective activation of their body cameras, according to the records provided to мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼. Gray told supervisor Lt. David Walters he turned his off because he believed it would encourage cooperation from the off-duty officers, and Jensen said she does not "commonly record conversations with co-workers." Smalley recorded fewer than eight minutes of footage from her 22 minutes at the scene.
Walters told the three officers selective body camera activation "paints a negative picture of us (Auburn police) and will lead some to believe that we were 'covering it up.'"
Spingler told мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ he anticipates the department's internal investigation will take several more weeks to complete.
- Kelly Rocheleau
Two people were found dead during a blaze that destroyed an Auburn house on Tuesday morning.
Jeff Clark, assistant fire chief with the Auburn Fire Department, told мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ a call came in about a house on fire at 12 Foote St. in the city at about 2:10 a.m. Tuesday.
Two adults were found dead inside the building while firefighters fought the blaze, Clark said. The fire department is not yet releasing their names.
Clark said the fire was "well-involved" and spanned two floors of the structure by the time the department arrived.
"No fire department ever wants to have a tragedy like this," he said, stressing the importance of residents having a safety plan in the event of a fire.
Assistant Chief Mike Grady told мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ the fire was under control by about 2:30 a.m. Two other adults at the house were displaced and assisted by the American Red Cross.
Grady said the building is considered a complete loss and has been condemned by the city's code enforcement office. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Auburn Police Department, Auburn City Ambulance, the city's department of public works and Cayuga County 911 dispatchers were also involved with the scene.Â
- Kelly Rocheleau
The next leader of the Auburn Police Department has been selected.Â
Auburn City Manager Jeff Dygert said in a news release Friday that Capt. Matthew Androsko will begin as chief Jan. 21, succeeding current Chief James Slayton, who is retiring.
Dygert said Androsko will work with Slayton in the coming weeks "to ensure an orderly transition," and he said he was looking forward to working with Androsko.
"I thank both these dedicated officers for their years of service and dedication to our community," Dygert said.
Androsko, who leads the department's patrol division, has a bachelor's degree in public justice and forensic science from SUNY Oswego. He began with the department in 1998 and became an evidence technician and field training officer in 2008. He moved up to road patrol sergeant in 2017, to lieutenant in 2020, to supervisor of the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force in 2021 and to captain in 2023.
His duties have also included being a member of the emergency response team, supervising the hostage negotiations team and drone unit, and running the Gun Involved Violence Elimination unit.
Androsko became eligible for the position by passing the Auburn Civil Service Commission's most recent exam for it in March 2023.
Slayton's last day will be Jan. 20, after three years in the role and over 25 with the department. Dygert previously said the city hoped to announce Slayton's successor before his retirement.
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
The National Weather Service has upgraded the winter storm watch for northern Cayuga County to a lake effect snow warning that now covers the entire county.Â
The warning for northern Cayuga County will be in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Sunday. It will expire at 4 p.m. Sunday for the southern part of the county.Â
For the northern half of the county and other counties along Lake Ontario, total snow accumulations of two to three feet are expected. Wind gusts could be as high as 40 mph.Â
The forecast for southern Cayuga County, including the city of Auburn, calls for localized snow accumulation of six to 12 inches, with wind gusts up to 45 mph.Â
Travel could be "very difficult to impossible," according to the National Weather Service. Hazardous conditions could affect commutes Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Visibilities could be rapidly changing during the storm.Â
- Kelly Rocheleau
An Auburn man was arrested Sunday on impaired driving charges after he was found unconscious in a vehicle, the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office said.Â
Sheriff Brian Schenck said in a news release that at about 9:40 a.m., deputies investigated a report of an unresponsive man slumped over in a stopped vehicle at the intersection of Miller and Grant Avenue roads in the town of Sennett. Upon arrival, deputies approached the vehicle and were able to awaken the male, identified as Gregory A. Ostrander Sr., 36.
After Ostrander exited the vehicle, deputies started an investigation to determine if he was impaired, the sheriff's office said. He was taken into custody shortly afterwards.
Ostrander was charged with felony counts of driving while ability impaired by drugs and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The charges were elevated to felony status due to Ostrander's previous conviction for impaired driving, along with operating the vehicle while his driving privilege was revoked due to the prior conviction.
He was released on an appearance ticket and is set to appear in Sennett Town Court at a later date.Â
- Robert Harding
The Cayuga County Legislature is under new leadership.Â
Legislator Jonathan Anna, I-Sterling, was elected chair at the Legislature's reorganizational meeting Thursday. He succeeds Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman, D-Sennett, who served three terms as chair in 2020-21 and 2024.Â
Anna was nominated by Legislator Heidi Nightengale, D-Auburn, who will serve as vice chair. Both received bipartisan support for their nominations, with the Legislature unanimously voting to approve their one-year appointments.Â
Legislator Elane Daly, D-Auburn, will be the majority leader. Legislator Mark Strong, R-Moravia, will continue as minority leader.Â
Speaking after the leadership votes, Anna acknowledged the challenges the county must address in the new year. Three departments, including social services, will be relocating to 63 Genesee St. due to the closure of the Cayuga County Office Building. There is also ongoing work to assess the shuttered building's condition and balance the county budget.Â
"As I assume this role of chairman of the Legislature, I am making a commitment to work to represent all of us on this legislative board, to support our county workforce, while protecting the interests of the taxpayers who voted to place us in office," Anna said. "I want you to know that I plan to focus on our immediate needs while always keeping the lines of communication open."Â
Anna is a retired Onondaga County sheriff's deputy who lives in the town of Sterling with his son. He was elected to the county Legislature in 2023 and represents District 1, which includes the towns of Ira, Sterling and Victory.Â
In his first year as a legislator, Anna chaired the Legislature's Judicial and Public Safety Committee. He was among the legislators who were vocal about the need to be fiscally responsible after past budgets used millions from the county's fund balance.Â
Anna plans to announce the oversight committee assignments by the end of the week. He noted the Legislature has a lot of work to do and "it won't be easy."Â
In closing his remarks, Anna read a Winston Churchill quote that "Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts."Â
"We will have that courage," he said.Â
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
Northern Cayuga County will begin 2025 under a five-day-long winter storm watch, with heavy lake effect snow in the forecast from New York Day's through the weekend.Â
The National Weather Service issued the watch early Monday. According to the agency's alert, the watch covers northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego and Wayne counties. It is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.Â
Snowfall accumulations of more than 7 inches are possible in the watch area. Heavier snowfall is expected across the Tug Hill Plateau and southeast of Lake Ontario.Â
The weather could create difficult travel conditions and reduce visibility.Â
More weather information, including watches and warnings, can be found at .
- Kelly Rocheleau
AUBURN — One of three men allegedly found in a stolen $120,000 sports car last year in Auburn has been sentenced to prison time, while another has withdrawn his plea.
Jamel Felton, 33, of Syracuse, was sentenced by Judge Thomas Leone to 3.5 to seven years in state prison for second-degree criminal possession of stolen property (a Class C felony) Friday morning in Cayuga County Court. Auburn police said they found Felton, along with two others, in possession of a white Maserati stolen from the Syracuse area in late June.Â
Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci told Leone that Felton previously pleaded to the charge, but did not take responsibility in his presentence investigation report.
Felton's attorney, Rome Canzano, said his client acknowledged what he did. When asked to speak, Felton apologized to the court.
"I take full responsibility for everything," he said. "I'm ready to move forward and get my life back together."
Later in court that same day, one of Felton's codefendants, Edward McKinnon, 41, of Syracuse, was also before Leone for sentencing. But McKinnon's attorney, Ryan Muldoon, said his client wanted to withdraw his previous plea, which reduced his charge from second-degree criminal possession of stolen property to second-degree attempted criminal possession of stolen property (a Class D felony).
Leone and Grome Antonacci noted that withdrawing the plea meant McKinnon would again face the original criminal possession charge. Muldoon said his client still wanted to withdraw the plea.
"He's pretty adamant about taking the plea back," Muldoon said, adding that McKinnon has expressed interest in getting a new attorney.
Under the attempted criminal possession count, McKinnon would have been sentenced to two to four years in state prison. He now faces 15 years for the original charge. His case was adjourned to Jan. 9.
The case of the third person accused of possessing the car, Jamel's brother Dramar Felton, also of Syracuse, is still pending.Â
The Auburn Police Department assisted the Syracuse Police Department in locating the Maserati after its tracking technology showed it was in the city. It was found at the Cayuga Inn at the Finger Lakes.
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
The National Weather Service is forecasting up to two feet of snow in northern Cayuga County, where a lake effect snow warning is in effect until Sunday evening.Â
A snowfall projection released by the agency shows that most of northern Cayuga County could get between 18 and 24 inches from Wednesday through the weekend. The village of Weedsport is forecasted to get 22.9 inches of snow over the next five days.Â
The updated lake effect snow warning, which covers northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties, notes that total snow accumulations could be two to four feet for the duration of the storm. Higher accumulations are expected on the Tug Hill Plateau.Â
The storm will create difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow are possible, with wind gusts of up to 40 mph in the forecast.Â
For southern Cayuga County, the lake effect snow warning has been canceled. There is a winter weather advisory in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday.Â
