790 WTNY Headlines

The third accuser in the Bernie Fine scandal is now behind bars as a result of his own legal troubles. Zach Tomaselli was arrested by police in Lewiston, Maine for allegedly violating conditions of his bail Tuesday. Tomaselli is accused of sexually molesting a teenage boy in that state. Since the initial arrest, he has been free on bail. However, the conditions of that bail stated that he stay away from those under the age of 18. Police allege that Tomaselli gave a ride to a minor in his car Monday. The Copenhagen Central School graduate has alleged he was abused at the hands of Bernie Fine back in 2002 during a trip to Pittsburgh, allegations that Fine has denied.

11:37 AM

Watertown City Councilwoman Roxanne Burns says she has no plans of resigning her seat. Burns made her first public comments Tuesday following her arrest late last week for driving while intoxicated. In her statement, Burns admits that she was involved in an accident last Thursday at the Ives Hill Country Club that led to her arrest and she has now entered the legal process. She adds that as the legal process runs it's course, she will continue to fulfill her responsibilities and obligations as a member of the council. She adds that this is a difficult time for her family and thanks those who have provided encouragement and support. Burns was charged with aggravated DWI and leaving the scene of a property damage accident after crashing her vehicle into stair railing at the club. Police allege she had a BAC of .20%. Her court date is set for December 21.

10:10 AM

It was a quiet day at Watertown High School Tuesday, just what school officials were hoping for. Still, over 600 students missed classes yesterday after rumors hit the Internet about violence breaking out on the campus. Security was beefed up, but school officials say no serious incidents occurred. A fifteen year old student was found to be in possession of brass knuckles in his locker. The student, who just returned from a suspension, was charged with weapons possession and school officials don't believe it was linked to the recent threat. On Monday, rumors spread on Facebook and Twitter regarding the possibility of gang related violence following a fight that occurred last week. School officials and police Tuesday reiterated that the campus is safe, but the investigation into who started the rumors is continuing. They could face criminal charges.

10:09 AM

A proposed PILOT deal for a new apartment complex outside the city has been given it's first legislative approval. The Jefferson County Legislature Tuesday approved the ten year agreement that would pave the way for about 300 apartment units to be built near Target on Rt. 3. The Beaver Meadow's Apartments are being developed by COR Development, which owns the nearby shopping plaza. The deal would mean $1.5 million for the county, as well as the Watertown City School District. The school district has yet to sign off on the agreement, citing financial concerns.

10:09 AM

There wasn't good news for a local military organization in regards to the defense budget Tuesday. Proposed funding for the Ft. Drum Regional Health Planning Organization was stripped by a joint House Senate Committee going over the defense spending bill. The measure was among several criticized recently by those who are against earmarks being included in Congressional bills. The local organization was formed as a partnership between local hospitals to provide medical care to the military and their families. Several construction projects for the base did make it through committee.

10:08 AM

Residents in one Watertown neighborhood are speaking out against plans to put a victim's shelter there. The Victim's Assistance Center of Jefferson County is seeking to build a shelter for domestic violence victims on a vacant lot along Breen Ave. The plan was announces several weeks ago, but residents in the neighborhood say they have several problems with the shelter going there. The concerns include what the shelter will do for property values and fears that it will lead to angry boyfriends making their way to the neighborhood. Center Director Elaina Marra says there have never been such problems that she can recall. A public neighborhood meeting is planned for this evening at 6 pm at the Italian American Club in Watertown.

10:07 AM

Two people accusing former Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine of sexual abuse are suing the school. Step brothers Bobby Davis and Mike Lang will be represented in their suit by attorney Gloria Allred. The two claim coach Jim Boeheim tarnished their reputations when he defended Fine. The suit was announced Tuesday in New York City.

10:06 AM

The American soldier accused of releasing classified material to WikiLeaks will appear in court for the first time. Bradley Manning is set to appear Friday at a preliminary military hearing at Fort Meade. He is accused of supplying WikiLeaks with sensitive information while serving as an intelligence analyst with the 10th Mountain Division near Baghdad in 2009 and 2010. Defense attorneys have requested testimony from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama.

10:05 AM

Archives of 790 WTNY