- By Ithaca Police and Tompkins County
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Ithaca Police Department Chief of Police John R. Barber and Tompkins County District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson jointly announced Wednesday that after a lengthy police investigation the Ithaca Police Department has arrested Pamela Johnson for embezzling money from her employer, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT). The arrest stems from a complaint from TCAT officials that a significant amount of money was missing from their accounting department. Police Investigators determined that over the last several years Johnson diverted approximately $247,000 to an unauthorized bank account. The transfer of funds was made to appear as payments to a TCAT vendor, however Police Investigators determined that the vendor never provided goods or services to TCAT and that Johnson controlled the unauthorized bank account. Wednesday day at 1:30 pm Johnson appeared voluntarily in Ithaca City Court with her attorney. Johnson was arraigned on one charge of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree. Johnson was arraigned and released on her own recognizance. The date of Johnson’s next court appearance was not established. Additional charges are pending.
With Julie Baker vacating her Village of Lansing Trustee seat, Gerry Monaghan is throwing his hat into the political ring. Originally from White Plains, Monaghan and his wife Viola have lived in the Village since 2008, after living in Ithaca, Trumansburg, Montour Falls, Williamsport, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Westchester County. They have three sons. He is an artist, graphic designer and independent contractor. 
John O'Neill has served five terms as a Village Trustee, and is running for a sixth. During his tenure on the board he has taken a special interest in municipal services, acting as the Village liaison to the Town of Lansing, monitoring Village roads to make sure they are in compliance with State laws, and working with Lansing Fire District officials on the new Oakcrest Road fire station.
Bonding Approved for Human Services Building Renovation
The Legislature’s budget committee today joined the Public Safety Committee in recommending bonding resolutions for renovation projects at the County Human Services and Public Safety Buildings. The measures will next head to the full Legislature for action.
The Lock-In for the Class of 2014 went off without a hitch on the weekend of March 14th and 15th! The seniors put together this all school activity to raise funds for their senior trip, and nearly half the school came to support the event. 
The Lansing RFP Committee held the third of a series of sessions Wednesday to allow developers to present proposals for a possible Lansing Town Center. This time it was Calimar's turn to talk about a $17.44 million senior apartment complex they hope to build here. Calimar is a developer that specializes in building and operating senior housing.
New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio announced today that legislation he co-sponsored has been adopted in the New York State Senate. Senate bill S.6865, “Jobs for Heroes' is designed to support veterans who have a service-related disability.
People on both sides of the Cayuga Power Plant repowering controversy expected a final decision next week on whether the plant would be repowered with natural gas or closed. Cayuga Operating Company LLC (COC) and NYSEG are reaching the deadline to come up with a mutually agreeable plan for delivering reliable power to the region after being granted three extensions. But a new request for an extension was filed Monday by an attorney for NYSEG (New York State Electric & Gas). 
New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio announced today that legislation he co-sponsored and fought to enact has been adopted in the New York State Senate. Senate bill S.1356 would authorize towns to set speed limits on roads within their own jurisdictions. 
Democratic 23rd Congressional District candidate Martha Robertson announced today that in the wake of ConAgra’s decision to shutter plants in upstate New York, she is asking the U.S. Justice Department to review ConAgra Foods' actions for possible violations of anti-trust laws aimed at ensuring free and fair competition.
Tom Reed ensured that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius heard the voices of rural hospitals during a recent hearing of the Ways and Means Committee. Reed is hearing from hospitals throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes on the damaging hits they are taking as a result of ongoing cuts from Obamacare and reimbursement rates cuts included in the White House’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal.
The Lansing Board Of Education approved three warrants Monday totaling $615,000 for technology purchases. Director of IT Michael Lockwood was on hand to talk about the state of technology on the district campus and proposals for maintaining and upgrading the system. About half the money will roll over from an expired technology contract, and by purchasing equipment through BOCES contracts the district stands to save money and receive more aid.