Hello! These are the top local stories of the past week.

Remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for real-time news updates.

[do_widget id= text-6 ]

1 – Dan Aykroyd makes a cameo appearance at BRIX

Dan Aykroyd stops for lunch in Cortland – Actor, comedian and musician Dan Aykroyd recently visited BRIX Pubaria in Cortland, one of only a handful of bars and restaurants in New York State that carries his high-end brand of Vodka.

Dan Aykroyd with BRIX co-owner Robby Petrella at BRIX Pubaria, Sunday, Jan. 24 (photo provided)

2 – The great fluoride debate reignites in Cortland

Sixteen years ago, the city of Cortland considered fluoridating its water supply to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health in the community. On Tuesday, the hotly debated topic resurfaced when members of Cortland Common Council discussed applying for a $50,000 grant from the New York State Department of Health that would examine whether or not the city’s infrastructure is equipped to handle water fluoridation.

3 – Groton crash sends three people to hospital

Police: Driver ticketed after Groton crash causes multiple injuries – The driver of a vehicle that caused a wreck, sending three people to hospitals, has been ticketed, police said. The accident happened at 4:03 p.m. Friday on the 800 block of Peru Road/ Route 38 in the town of Groton.

4 – Nurse aide accused of abuse at Crown Center

Cortland nurse aide accused of abusing nursing home patient – A former nursing aide at Crown Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation has been accused of physically abusing a patient and later covering up the incident, the New York State Attorney General's Office announced Thursday.

5 – SUNY Cortland student known for charitable spirit

SUNY Cortland student Pres. gives $5,000 stipend to charity – Patrick Viscome's position as SGA president means that he devotes the bulk of his week to fellow students — attending events across campus, keeping regular office hours in Corey Union and simply making himself available when classmates need him. In exchange for countless hours of his time and everyday availability, he receives a $5,000 president’s stipend – all of which he gives to charity.

6 – Three hospitalized following stabbing at TC3

Update: Three people injured during TC3 stabbing; 1 hospitalized in Syracuse – One person was transported to a hospital in Syracuse after being stabbed in the neck at Tompkins Cortland Community College Thursday afternoon, police said in a news release.

7 – Pedestrian injured in Groton crash

Update: Police identify driver, pedestrian involved in Groton crash – Police do not plan to pursue criminal charges against a Freeville man who struck a pedestrian with his vehicle in the town of Groton Wednesday night.

8 – Cortland fire chief honored

Cortland fire chief honored for 30 years of service – Cortland Fire Chief Charles Glover was praised by city officials Tuesday for providing more than 30 years of service to the Cortland Fire Department.

Cortland Fire Chief Charles Glover addressing members of Common Council Tuesday night (Peter Blanchard/Cortland Voice).

9 – Threatening email goes to wrong Dryden school

Wrong Dryden: misdirected email threat leads to brief lockdown at school – Dryden Elementary school was placed under lockdown for approximately an hour on Friday morning after the school received a threatening email. Dryden police soon determined that the threat had been sent to the wrong school - by about 2,500 miles. The student named in the email attended a school in Dryden, Washington.

10 – Transportation service available to Medicaid patients

Cortland agency launches transportation service for Medicaid patients – Family Counseling Services of Cortland has begun offering a transportation service to local residents who are covered by Medicaid in Cortland County, the agency announced Tuesday.

[do_widget id= text-7 ]