Oswego Daily News

SUNY Oswego has received a $2.88 million federal grant to improve college completion rates in Upstate New York. Oswego’s grant is one of 24 awards announced Sept. 30 under the U.S. Department of Education’s First in the World Program, which seeks to spur innovation in higher education aimed at helping more students access college and complete a degree. Working with Onondaga Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College and On Point for College, Oswego will target more than a thousand underrepresented and underprepared students who stand to benefit from higher education.

The Common Council approved the purchase of an existing sanitary force main on Byer Road and further approved transfer of funds from the Contingent Account to the Department of Public Works to pay for same. The existing main is owned by Edward Gustafson. He agreed to sell it to the city for not more than $4,000. City officials said the cost will be recovered in a few years from fees and taxes on the new home as well as from any future development in the area.

A temporary exhibit on the life and photographic images of pioneer American photographer George N. Barnard has been installed at Fort Ontario State Historic Site, 1 E. Fourth St. The Onondaga Historical Association has loaned the exhibit which will be displayed in Officers’ Quarters One until Columbus Day when the fort closes for the season. Regular fort admission prices will be charged and include entry to the exhibit.

An Oswego Marching Buccaneer tradition continues as another Marching Buc will perform in the national spotlight. The 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour will visit Oswego High School the week of Sept. 29 to select band a member to the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. This year, the honor goes to Kylie Pelkey – a member of our color guard, said Scott Ciesla, OHS’s band director.

The Port City had no local law dealing with the blight of vacant buildings, until Monday. The council voted unanimously to approve the amendment to the Code of the City of Oswego, Chapter 85, Buildings, Vacant. The amendment addresses vacant buildings. Buildings that are not being occupied, are unsecured and basically abandoned, explained Connie Cosemento, chair of the Quality of Life Committee.

Attorney Thom Benedetto today announced his decision to withdraw from the Oswego County Family Court Judge election. Benedetto received the Conservative party endorsement in the September primary. Benedetto thanked all who offered support and encouragement during his door-to-door campaign for the Republican and Conservative lines for the new Oswego County Family Court Judge seat.

The Oswego County Harvest Dinner celebrates the rich bounty of local food Oswego County produces.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County is holding this popular event, the Fifth Annual Oswego County Harvest Dinner, on October 3 at The American Foundry.