Local News: July 31, 2023

- NYS Police Warn Of Another Credit Card Skimming Scam -

A card skimming device was found on a register at a Sav-A-Lot grocery store in Cortland County last week. Skimming is when devices are illegally installed on ATMs or registers to steal people’s credit or debit card information.  New York State Police say it’s hard to recognize a skimmer but there are some precautions people can take. Use cash for purchases when possible, set alerts for card purchases, and pay attention to your bank or card statements.

- Finger Lakes Land Trust Acquires 43 Acres Along Cayuga Inlet -

A recent land purchase by the Finger Lakes Land Trust or FLLT will help protect the water quality of Cayuga Lake. The Trust bought 43 acres in the town of Newfield. An announcement from the state Department of Environmental Conservation says a wetland area and 5,000 feet of frontage along Cayuga Inlet will filter water going into the Lake. The purchase was made in partnership with the Wetland Trust. The FLLT used some of a $970,000  grant from the state’s Water Quality Improvement Project to make the purchase.

- Schuyler County Shifts Gears In Search for New Public Defender -

The Schuyler County legislature was set to hire a New York City-based firm to provide legal services for indigent residents. But, in a special meeting last week, lawmakers tabled that resolution. This all happened the day after a letter to the editor by a local attorney was published in The Odessa File. the attorney criticized plans to abolish the county’s public defender office. A rebuttal letter by the county attorney, Steve Getman was published at the same time. The Odessa File reports the legislature is now looking for a local attorney interested in becoming the county’s public defender.