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The City of Watertown and students from Sherman Elementary came together at a ceremony this morning to commemorate Arbor Day and the beginning of annual tree planting in Watertown. The program included honoring longtime city resident Carolyn Whitney who passed away in 2007. She established a tree planting fund with the Northern New York Community Foundation at the time of her death, which to date has led to the planting of nearly 30 trees along the 600 to 1200 blocks of Sherman Street. The event included the planting of a red oak tree. The city is also in the process of beginning it's annual tree planting program as part of the Tree Watertown program.

10:16 AM

There will be a race this November for Jefferson County Court Judge. As expected, Republican John Hallett officially announced his intentions to run for the job this fall, challenging Democratic incumbent Kim Martusewicz. Hallett has legal experience behind the bench, serving as a judge for the Town of LeRay. Hallett also continues to practice law and has served as a public defender for the county. Current judge, Kim Martusewicz, announced last month his plans to run for reelection for a second ten year term behind the bench.

10:16 AM

Expansion work at Watertown's Walmart led to an evacuation of both the store and the nearby Red Lobster restaurant Thursday afternoon. Crews working at the retail site accidentally cut into a two inch natural gas line that was underground. Emergency crews and National Grid responded to the scene and the emergency came to an end about two hours later at around 5:30 pm. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the two businesses.

10:15 AM

The shut down of the Alcoa plant in Massena could mean cheaper power for other businesses in the North Country. That's according to New York Power Authority President Richard Kessel who spoke at a luncheon on Thursday, hosted by the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce. Kessel says the surplus in power will likely be only temporary, depending on how long Alcoa remains shut down. Kessel also discussed tentative plans for a wind power project for either Lake Ontario or Lake Erie, which are in their initial stages.

10:14 AM

State police are investigating a hit and run accident involving a bicycle on Route 812 near Ogdensburg on Thursday. The bicyclist, 40 year old Andrew Sovie of Ogdensburg, was traveling along the road when he was struck from behind. He was taken to University Hospital in Syracuse for treatment of a back injury. The vehicle that struck him fled the scene. Police believe the vehicle in question is a Dodge Caravan, possible 2000-2007 model years, and may possibly have a broken passenger side headlight and other front end damage as a result of the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call state police at 379-0012.

10:13 AM

(Albany, NY) -- A former state Assemblyman and member of the parole board who pleaded guilty to using the Internet to try to entice minors into having sex will begin his prison term prior to sentencing. Plattsburgh native Chris Ortloff surrendered to authorities Thursday. His sentencing is scheduled for August. Ortoloff was arrested in October in a state police sting at a Colonie motel. Through e-mails, he believed a mother would drop off her underage daughter for him to have sex with. The 61-year-old Republican served in the Assembly from 1986 until 2006, and was on the Parole Board until his arrest. He faces ten years in prison.

Copyright © 2009
Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company

10:12 AM

(Glens Falls, NY) -- The New York state Board of Elections says Democratic businessman Scott Murphy is increasing his lead over his Republican challenger in the still undecided House race to succeed Kirsten Gillibrand. Gillibrand was appointed to the post after New York's then-junior senator, Hillary Clinton, was named secretary of state by President Obama. Election officials' unofficial tally gives Murphy a 401-vote edge over state Assemblyman Jim Tedisco. The recount continues in two counties in the still too-close-to-call race for the Congressional district covering the suburban region outside of Albany.

Copyright © 2009
Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company

10:11 AM

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