News

The results of a year-long infrastructure investment survey were released today (Jan. 14) by the American Great Lakes Ports Association and the Canadian Chamber of Marine Commerce. The purpose of the survey was to document the level of public and private sector investments being made throughout the navigation system. More than 600 entities, including vessel operators, ports, terminals, and government agencies were contacted. The survey quantifies investments made over the past five years (2009-2013), as well as amounts already committed for future years.

In 2011, United States Army SFC Jeffery Hackett faced a tough reality after losing his leg when he triggered a wire-tripped improvised explosive device while serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan. After the incident, Hackett was airlifted from the battlefield to Lanstuhl, Germany, and was eventually brought stateside to reunite with his wife, Bobby Jo, and his three daughters. For his service, Hackett and his family will be presented with a new home in the town of Mexico.

In partnership with New York Sea Grant, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens today (Jan. 13) announced $89,000 in grants for four projects that will help Great Lakes coastal communities to increase storm resiliency and protect water quality.

The Seaway concluded the 2014 navigation season with 40 million tonnes of cargo, which represents a full recovery from the 2009 global financial crisis and its ensuing aftermath. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation announced Jan. 12 that the Seaway closed for the season on January 1, 2015, with the eastbound vessel Sten Bergen transiting the St. Lambert Lock in Montreal at 00:22 a.m. The last vessel to exit the Welland Canal was the Algoma Navigator at 8:00 a.m. on December 31.

The Oswego City School District Board of Education met on Monday night and its vote resulted in a major administrative change. In a unanimous vote, the board accepted the resignation of Athletic Director Michael Conners, effective on February 2. He was appointed, effective February 2, as a physical education teacher at Kingsford Park Elementary School. Conners will receive a salary of $85,232 for the 10-month position, which is the identical salary he earned for the 12-month athletic director position.

Initial investigation indicates that a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am was being operated eastbound on State Route 104B by Dennis L LaPage, 51, of Lee Road, Mexico. Lapage’s vehicle reportedly crossed into the oncoming westbound lane striking a 2000 International flat bed tow truck operated by Craig Parker of Pulaski.

On January 9, the Oswego City Police Department’s Anti-Crime Team, with the assistance of the Oswego County Drug Task Force and New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant at 116 E. Eleventh St. Apartment #2, Oswego. The search warrant was issued as a result of an investigation into the alleged production of methamphetamine at that location, police said.