News

NY Air National Guard commander gets promotion

Thursday, June 28th, 2012, 1:00am

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The commander of the largest Air National Guard in the United States is getting promoted during a ceremony to be held in Latham.

The New York Air National Guard says Verle Johnston of Guilderland will be promoted from a one-star brigadier general to a two-star major general during a ceremony being held late Thursday morning at state Division of Military and Naval Affairs' headquarters in Latham.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo nominated Johnston for the promotion, which was confirmed by the state Senate earlier this month.

Johnston is a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

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NYS Museum launches War of 1812 website

Submitted by WNYT Staff

Thursday, June 28th, 2012, 1:00am

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The State Museum has launched a new website to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and highlight New York's key role in a conflict that some consider America's second war of independence.

The U.S. declared war on Great Britain 200 years ago this month over issues that included sovereignty and trade. Over the next two years, the western and northern fringes of New York along the shores of lakes Erie, Ontario and Champlain and the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers were at the center of much of the fighting.

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Drivers may experience delays Thursday in Albany

Submitted by WNYT Staff

Thursday, June 28th, 2012, 1:00am

ALBANY – The Albany Police Department is advising drivers of possible traffic delays for Thursday afternoon. Due to a number of special events in Downtown Albany, people leaving the city after work or attending one of the events may experience delays in their commute.

Ongoing roadwork on I-787 and Alive at 5 at Corning Riverfront Park will contribute to slower than normal rush hour traffic. Police are advising drivers who usually use southbound Broadway and southbound Water Street to Quay Street along the river to access I-787 northbound to get home should look at alternate routes. The city recommends northbound Broadway (Rt. 32) into Menands to access I-787.

Drivers will see road closures on North Pearl Street between Columbia Street and Pine Street for “Pearl St. Live” and South Pearl Street between Hudson Avenue and Beaver Street for Roger Waters at the Times Union Center. These roads will be closed from 6:30 until 11 p.m. for the events.

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Albany Police Department to hold blood drive

Submitted by WNYT Staff

Thursday, June 28th, 2012, 1:00am

ALBANY - The Albany Police Department will hold a blood drive on Friday, June 29 at Albany Elks Lodge.

The blood drive will begin at 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. at 25 South Allen Street in Albany. It is being held in honor of the men and women of the Albany Police Department who are active members or veterans of the military.

To make an appointment please contact Bob Wise at rwise@albany-ny.org.

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Red Cross suggests safety tips for Fourth of July

Submitted by WNYT Staff

Thursday, June 28th, 2012, 1:00am

People across the Capital Region will celebrate Independence Day soon and the Red Cross has listed some tips to keep safe during the festivities.

"The American Red Cross wants everyone to have a happy, and safe, Fourth of July holiday, and taking a few simple steps to stay safe can help ensure that this will be an enjoyable holiday for all," said Gary Striar, CEO of American Red Cross Northeastern New York Region in a statement.

Below are some safety tips from the Red Cross:

BEACH SAFETY

If swimming in the ocean is part of someone's holiday plans, they should check the weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day, swim only at a lifeguard-protected beach within the designated swimming area and obey all safety rules. Avoid alcohol before and during any water activities and make sure to never swim alone.

Other tips to keep in mind:

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CAP COM awards scholarships to 18 students

Submitted by Nicole Foster, WNYT Contributor

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012, 4:55pm

On Wednesday, CAP COM Federal Credit Union awarded $45,000 to 18 Capital Region students.

The CAP COM Cares Foundation named 15 winners of the annual Weidner “Ed” Davis Scholarships and three winners of the Harold Horning Scholarships at a breakfast event.

Winners of the 2012 Weidner “Ed” Davis Scholarships each received a $2,500 award to help pay for college.

The following students won the scholarship:

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Greenway announces trail grant program

Submitted by Nicole Foster, WNYT Contributor

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012, 3:05pm

On Wednesday, The Hudson River Valley Greenway announced that applications are available for the 2012 Greenway Conservancy Small Grant Program.

A total of $50,000 is available to communities and not-for-profit organizations within the designated Hudson River Valley Greenway area, which extends from Saratoga and Washington counties to Battery Park, for trail planning and design, construction and rehabilitation, and education and interpretation.

Applications can be requested by calling (518) 473-3835, by emailing the Greenway at hrvg@hudsongreenway.ny.gov, or by download from the Greenway website here.

All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on August 17.

Projects that will be considered for funding through this year's grant program include:

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