Lake Placid, NY, Feb 25, 2013 — Chris Ortloff's plaque has been removed from the Lake Placid Hall of Fame.

Ortloff is a former state Assemblyman, reporter and state Parole Board member who was convicted of federal coercion and enticement charges in 2010 after he was arrested in a sting operation. Ortloff had arranged to meet who he thought were two underage girls at an Albany area hotel for a sexual tryst.

Ortloff was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998 for his contribution to the 1980 Olympic Games, which were held in Lake Placid. Up until last week, a plaque and a tribute on ORDA's website could still be viewed by the public.  Go to full article

Utica, NY, Feb 19, 2013 — In the wake of the Newtown tragedy and the contentious push for new gun laws in both Washington and Albany, it's often easy to forget that we've been experiencing a major decline in crime in America.  Go to full article

Lake Placid, NY, Jan 30, 2013 — The New York State Police held informational meetings with gun owners and dealers yesterday around the state. The meetings were designed to answer questions about how New York's tough new gun control law will be implemented.

That law, signed by Governor Cuomo earlier this month, includes strict regulation of assault rifles, closer tracking of gun sales, and a phased-in ban of high-capacity ammunition magazines.

At a meeting in Lake Placid, gun owners from the North Country asked for clarification about how the rules would affect their gun collections.

But they also expressed frustration, anger and defiance.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Jan 28, 2013 — A Saranac Lake teaching assistant has been accused of mistreating a 10-year-old boy he worked with full-time at Petrova Elementary School.

Michael J. Heymann turned himself in at the village police station Thursday. The 24 year-old was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jan 16, 2013 — The unique new governing coalition in the New York State Senate passed its first test, on the first full day of session, when Senators approved a sweeping gun control package.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jan 15, 2013 — UPDATE: The New York State Assembly took up the gun control package late this morning.

The New York state legislature is passing the toughest in the nation gun control laws, laid out by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The Senate voted late Monday evening, with the Assembly expected to act Tuesday morning.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jan 14, 2013 — New details are emerging on gun control legislation that lawmakers say could be passed as early as today.

Senate co-leader Jeff Klein predicts that New York State could have the toughest in the nation gun control laws before Tuesday. That includes closing loopholes in the assault weapons ban and strengthened penalties for illegal guns.  Go to full article

Dec 31, 2012 — What would a New Year's Eve be without a look back at the old year?

NCPR's two veteran reporters, Brian Mann and David Sommerstein, joined Martha Foley to consider the big stories of 2012, most of which are already projecting their influence into the coming year.  Go to full article

Dec 26, 2012 — Services have been set for the two Rochester-area volunteer firefighters ambushed and shot at a house fire set by an ex-convict.

Calling hours for Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka will be held at the local high school Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and evening.

Police say Christmas Eve gunman William Spengler had apparently mapped out a plan for the attack.  Go to full article

Dec 25, 2012 — A Christmas eve shooting in a small town near Rochester has left two emergency responders dead and others wounded.

Authorities say the alleged gunman, William Spengler, laid an ambush for firefighters by setting a blaze and then lying in wait with a rifle or shotgun.

The shooting occurred in Webster, New York, near the shore of Lake Ontario.  Go to full article