Lexi Bruening

1 week ago | wwnytv.com | Lexi Bruening

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Watertown City Council Member Cliff Olney says he was blindsided after learning nearly a hundred of signatures on his petitions for re-election are not valid. The paperwork was challenged because of visible alterations. The Jefferson County Board of Elections says 95 of Olney’s signatures were invalidated. Olney is now 11 signatures short of the 165 needed. According to the board of elections, two of Olney’s witness statements were altered.

1 week ago | wwnytv.com | Lexi Bruening

DEFERIET, New York (WWNY) - A couple of historic buildings that helped shape the village Deferiet are coming down. At the former post office building, it looks like demolition has already begun. But that’s just gravity doing its thing. “This part down here is what fell the other night,” said Terry McKeever, the village’s zoning officer. In the coming months, it and the former St. Regis Paper Mill, a big piece of the community’s history, will be leveled.

1 week ago | wwnytv.com | Lexi Bruening

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Watertown Council Member Cliff Olney says he’s frustrated as he asks the city for information and clarity and hasn’t gotten it. “They don’t take what I’m asking for seriously enough,” said Olney. It’s related to an ethics complaint filed against him by former Mayor Jeff Smith in September 2023. Olney feels Smith filed the complaint as a citizen, not as mayor. Yet $19,000 in public dollars has already been spent by the city against Olney.

2 weeks ago | wwnytv.com | Lexi Bruening

TOWN OF CHAMPION, New York (WWNY) - Multiple third-grade students at West Carthage Elementary School are now alleged victims of forcible touching by their substitute teacher. According to State Police, 64-year-old Lowell Williams of Carthage was charged with forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child. Police say the school district reported the allegations of inappropriate contact between Williams and the students last Thursday.

2 weeks ago | wwnytv.com | Lexi Bruening

SACKETS HARBOR, New York (WWNY) - People who use sites like Airbnb and VRBO are now paying more for their short-term rentals. An occupancy tax has now been tacked onto the bill across New York state. While Jefferson County officials say it’s a way to bring in more tourists, those in the short-term rental business aren’t happy. A cottage on Lake Ontario in Sackets Harbor may be just what someone needs to get some rest and relaxation.