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10-03-2025
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Growing fruit trees in Central New York can be challenging, but rewarding. What to know
Growing tree fruit is rewarding. However, it's not easy; tree fruits need to be managed correctly to prevent insect and disease issues, making them more challenging to grow. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County's Horticultural Hotline receives many calls about tree fruit problems. The changing nature of our weather has become a major issue. Winters have been unpredictable, and abnormal temperatures coupled with late spring hard frosts have impacted fruit trees. So, to have success, it's all about the right variety choice. It's the perfect time to think about adding and growing fruit trees. Consider these suggestions: Hardiness and bloom time. Be sure your choices are hardy enough for our central NY weather. Look for lower zoned varieties to handle harsh winters and those that can withstand fluctuating weather conditions. Early blooming varieties have a better chance of avoiding late spring frosts; fruit trees will not produce fruit once buds or flowers are damaged. Having varieties that bloom at different times can also help you work around the weather. To ensure fruit, have a second tree for a pollinator, one that blooms at the same time as the variety of fruit you choose. Pest resistance. Problems are common; in fact, trees will probably need insecticide and/or fungicide sprays timed during the growing season to stay on top of issues. However, minimize problems by selecting varieties that are naturally more resistant. The right site. Check your garden's microclimate to be sure trees are planted in the right spot. Southern locations, for example, offer extra warmth. A windbreak will protect trees from harsh winds as well as stopping fungal spores from being blown onto the fruit trees from nearby landscapes. Add organic matter such as compost as you plant your trees. Soil testing will ensure you add the necessary nutrients as well as ensuring your pH is right. Consult staff at your garden center and buy a good fruit book. Consider the "Cornell Guide to Growing Fruit at Home;" it's free and can be downloaded by visiting Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@ or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name and phone number. Questions are answered weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website at or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100. This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Garden column: Tips on growing fruit trees in Central New York
Yahoo
05-03-2025
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4 more suspended in death of Mid-State inmate, Gov. Hochul calls early reports "disturbing"
An additional four people were placed on administrative leave in connection with the death of Messiah Nantwi, a 22-year-old individual incarcerated at Mid-State Correctional Facility. Gov. Kathy Hochul issued the order Tuesday afternoon, saying in a statement that while the investigation into what happened is ongoing, early reports '...point to extremely disturbing conduct.' 'I am committed to accountability for all involved,' she wrote in a statement. 'The people of New York extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Nantwi's family and loved ones.' She thanked Commissioner Daniel Martuscello and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision leadership for swiftly responding to this incident, but she said it was a reminder of the need for real, systemic change within the correctional system. It's been almost 90 days since the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility and the release of bodycam footage that showed several corrections officers brutally beating Brooks while his hands were cuffed behind his back. Shortly after the footage came to life, Hochul mandated the use of body-worn cameras, expanded whistleblower hotlines, and brought in outside experts for a systemwide culture review. Since Robert Brooks's death, several corrections officers have been arraigned and charged with murder or manslaughter. However, the three nurses that were suspended were not charged by the special prosecutor's office. Issues have only been compounded by the wildcat strike by corrections officers across the state as negotiations continue. There was a massive gathering outside of Marcy with corrections officers, both current and retired, demanding change and an end to 16 to 24-hour shifts. These strikes are happening across New York State and without union approval. Hit and Run: 1 dead after being hit by a car in Verona, police investigating Attempted Larceny: 2 men arrested after trying to steal 200 feet of Verizon Communication copper wiring 'As I've said for weeks, my top priority is the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers involved in the correctional system, from civilian employees to National Guard to Correction Officers to incarcerated individuals,' Hochul said in a statement. 'The ongoing illegal work stoppage is a significant safety risk, and I once again reiterate the need for correction officers to return to work. My administration remains committed to working in good faith with correction officers to improve safety and working conditions within the correctional system, but we will not compromise on the need for responsible, law-abiding behavior by every single person who walks into a DOCCS facility.' The Observer-Dispatch reached out to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association for comment and any details of the death of Nantwi. "This is an ongoing investigation and no details have been shared with the NYSCOPBA as of yet," NYSCOPBA officials said. The Observer-Dispatch also reached out to the DOCCS with similar questions, however they did respond in time for publication. This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Gov. Hochul calls early reports of Mid-State inmate's death disturbing
Yahoo
02-03-2025
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Dramatic Security Camera Footage of New York Mall Shooting Shows Terrified Bystanders Running for Cover amid Gunfire
Police in New York are investigating after a shooter opened fire in a mall — and the incident was caught on video. On Saturday, March 1, state police in New Hartford, N.Y. — located east of Syracuse — said that multiple shots were fired at the Sangertown Square Mall at around 12:45 p.m. local time, per the Observer-Dispatch and WKTV. In a statement, state police said that law enforcement officials, including the New Hartford Police Department, are still searching for the suspect. Security camera footage of the incident obtained by TMZ shows the moment that shots rang out and people inside a hair salon at the mall quickly reacted. In the video, people in the salon can be seen looking around as the first shots rang out, unsure of what was happening. Then they all began to run for cover. One woman can even be heard calling out for her child, and the pair were reunited before running out of the salon, hugging each other. Others seemingly fled to the back of the store, attempting to hide from the possible shooter. "At this time, one male victim has been identified but is uncooperative with investigators. Out of caution, the mall is being evacuated," police wrote in their statement, adding, "This is not an active shooter situation." According to the Observer-Dispatch, the injured man was taken to Wynn Hospital for treatment. New Hartford Town Supervisor Paul Miscione also told the outlet that authorities do not yet know the motive behind the shooting. "We don't know why this happened yet, but law enforcement are currently investigating and checking every camera," Miscione said. He also told the outlet that the shooter was not yet in custody, but that this was not a random incident. New Hartford police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. In a Facebook post, Miscione advised local community members to stay away from the mall as police are still investigating. "First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his families. We are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence," Miscione wrote in the post. "The safety and security of our residents remain a top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this act are held accountable." Miscione also encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to authorities. "In the coming days, we will continue to provide updates as we receive more information," he added. "For now, I ask everyone to respect the ongoing investigation and the privacy of those affected by this tragedy." The investigation is still ongoing, state police added in their statement. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man dies after crash on New York State Thruway in Herkimer County
A man is dead after hitting a tractor-trailer on the New York State Thruway in Herkimer County, according to the New York State Police. On Feb. 20 at around 9:30 a.m., State Police received a call for a crash on I-90 westbound at milepost maker 219.3 in the town of German Flatts. According to police, a preliminary investigation revealed a 2019 Ford F150 pickup truck operated by Stephen Smith, 55, from Herkimer, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of I-90 when it struck a 2025 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, operated by Mark Young, 46, from Boonville, that was traveling westbound. Indictiment: Several Marcy Correctional Facility prison guards charged in Robert Brooks' death Wildcat strike: Staff at Marcy Correctional Facility on strike over work conditions, extended shifts Snow storms: As snow beats down Oneida County, Utica mayor details challenges and efforts Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene. Theodore Smith, 76, from Herkimer, in the front passenger seat and father to Stephen, sustained minor injuries and signed off on any further medical attention. The operator of the tractor trailer, Young, was uninjured. This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: 1 dead after crash on New York State Thruway in Herkimer County
