Top 10 Stories In Central New York In 2015

As we prepare to ring in 2016, take a look back at 2015. Tragic accidents that took lives to young, to heroes young and old made headlines in Central New York. Here's the top 10 stories for 2015.

1.One of Kind Railbikes in the Adirondacks

See a part of the scenic Adirondacks as never seen before. Take a ride on a portion of the Adirondack railroad, closed to the public for 35 years, on rail bikes. For the first time in the USA, Rail Explorers are bringing the pedal powered railbikes to the six miles of historic railroad between Saranac Lake and Lake Clear.

2. Matt Hamill Chases Down Alleged Drunk Driver

Matt ‘The Hammer’ Hamill was hailed a hero after saving the lives of two people. While on his way from Utica to Ohio to see his family for Easter, he noticed a car traveling on the highway, in the wrong direction. Hamill turned around to chase the car down. When the vehicle finally stopped he found an unconscious driver at the wheel and a baby in back.

3. FrogFest

Wild West FrogFest and Rodeo was another success with local boys Gloriana and Jerrod Niemann. There was even a proposal on stage.

4. Syracuse Wife Post Letter to Mistress on Craigslist

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. A Syracuse woman discovered her husband was cheating after finding his dating site profiles, so she posted a letter ‘To the Woman Dating My Husband’ on Craigslist. Read her message to the other woman in her life, that quickly went viral.

5. Trooper Dancing at New York State Fair

The biggest entertainment at the New York State Fair this summer wasn't on any stage. A state trooper grabbed all the attention while directing traffic outside the fair, showing off his killer dance moves.

6. Oneida Teen Killed in Drunk Driving Accident

A community mourned the loss of 19-year-old Kane Buss, who was killed in January when his car was struck by an alleged drunk driver. Since his tragic death, trees have been planted at Oneida high school and Destiny USA, where the crash occurred. Scholarships have been created in his name and some of the biggest names have honored Buss. Toby Keith and Darius Rucker both wore bracelets while performing in Central New York.

7. Debs Shop Closing in Sangertown Square Mall

Deb Shop in Sangertown Square Mall closed in April, leaving another empty storefront. The company, which has been in business since 1932, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and shut all stores.

8. Breastfeeding Mom Asked to Cover Up at Local Store

Breastfeeding in public. It’s a mothers right and one mother stood up for that right. Marissa Olivera of Utica claimed she was asked to cover up while breastfeeding her son at Fly Creek Cider Mill. It sparked outrage with people from around the world demanding the company issue a public apology, which they did.

9. The Wild Walk Opens in the Adirondacks

You can take a walk on the wild side and see the world the way the wild does on the new 'Wild Walk' in the Adirondack forests. The 1,250 foot trail across the treetops in Tupper Lake opened this summer.

10. Brave Boy Calls 911 After Crash Kills Family

A 5 year-old Oneida boy gained national attention for calling 911 after an accident killed his mother and sister. Ellen Caswell lost control of her vehicle and hit a utility pole. She died at the scene and her 10 year-old daughter Kelsey, later passed away from her injuries. 5 year-old Kadyn wasn’t seriously injured and his uncle, Canastota Police Chief Jim Zophy says he showed “more courage then me and more bravery than most” by calling for help.