OPD Chief Karen Vinti retires

Village of Owego Police Chief Karen Vinti is now officially retired after the conclusion of this year’s Strawberry Festival. Vinti announced her retirement in April after 27 years with the department. She was appointed chief after the Flood of 2011 and wanted to stay on until after the festival. Vinti was the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade. Thousands of people came to downtown Owego for the 37th-annual Strawberry Festival. Perfect weather on both Friday night and Saturday led to a near-record attendance for the annual festival, which featured 178 vendors, 17 bands across several stages, and plenty of other entertainment.