Articles by Steve Yablonski

John Spotwood received a scratch-off lottery ticket from his sister that made him $1 million richer in an instant. Also, hundreds turned out to raise money to fund research for childhood cancer. Legislation was announced to close legal loopholes regarding synthetic drugs.

Also in February budget discussions got under way in several places. And, Novelis workers vote on whether to unionize.

The Oswego Common Council got reorganized on Jan. 2. Councilors voted to reappoint Ronald Kaplewicz as the presiding officer of the council for 2014. He was approved 6-1. Councilor Shawn Walker noted no. The councilors also approved appointed Eric VanBuren as vice president. That vote was also 6-1 with Walker casting the nay vote. He didn’t vote against the person, just the raises each position carries, he explained.

It looks like Santa Claus better have wheels on his sleigh tonight. According to Bill Gregway, local observer for the National Weather Service, “Each year we have about a 66.6 percent chance of a white Christmas. This year, it looks like the other 33.3 percent will win out.”

Toys under today’s Christmas tree have more computer power than the Pentagon just a few years ago. Youngsters are asking Santa for robot dogs, video games and computers. Even a simple wristwatch is loaded with hi-tech wizardry these days. A sampling of newspaper ads from years gone by provides a glimpse into a different shopping for the holidays approach.

“NORAD has supported Santa Claus’ Christmas Eve operations for more than 50 years and we are always delighted to help,” said Col. Michael J. Norton, EADS commander. “I can assure everyone that EADS will do everything in its power to assist Santa with his critical mission.” NORAD starts its Santa tracking operation at 5 a.m. on Dec. 24.