Oswego County TodayNewsFREE Independent News for Oswego County

Cat Hadlow with water chestnuts she's pulled at the Battle Island area of the Oswego River and Canal

Volunteers To Hand Pull Water Chestnuts

July 23, 2014 Steve Yablonski

Volunteers will take to the water early next month to help protect the environment. On Aug. 2, dozens of people will once again do a hand-pulling of the invasive water chestnut around the historical Battle Island area of the Oswego River and Canal. The invasive water chestnut has plagued the Oswego River and Canal, creating a negative impact on the ecological balance of the river, boating and fishing. The water chestnut plant is an invasive species that, once established, can significantly reduce the quality of the native habitat, impede recreational use of waterways, and interfere with aquatic ecosystems.

[…]

Fort Ontario State Historic Site Superintendent Paul Lear (left) and Henry Spang with the Oswego Maritime Foundation meet aboard the OMF Ontario to develop battle plans for the re-creation of the Battle of Oswego during the 27th annual Harborfest.

The British Are Coming To Harborfest!

July 23, 2014 Contributor

Come to Oswego’s historic harbor to witness a re-enactment of the Battle of Oswego during the 27th annual Harborfest. The action begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday. “We will have a few ships and a gunboat in the harbor, including Oswego’s own OMF Ontario, engaging with Fort Ontario to re-create this event,” said Steve Fulton, director of Oswego’s Harborfest. “There will be action from the east breakwall to the west bluff, so people can line up anywhere along to harbor to watch the battle.”

[…]

William Foley takes notes during Tuesday night's Oswego School Board meeting. In background, from left are: board vice president Lynda Sereno, board president Kathleen Allen and Ben Halsey, superintendent.

Long-Time District Clerk Announces Retirement

July 23, 2014 Steve Yablonski

After more than 20 years on the job, William Foley will step down next month from his position as clerk for the Oswego City School District. Foley, who also acts as the district’s public information officer, said he applied for the position because the ad said they were looking for someone to help promote the school district – something the OHS grad felt he could do well.

[…]

Mayor Gillen Announces Appointment of Zoning and Planning Director

July 23, 2014 Contributor

Oswego Mayor Tom Gillen is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy L. Birdsall as the Zoning and Planning Director for the city of Oswego. She will lead the Zoning and Planning Department. Her responsibilities will include overseeing city land use policies, zoning administration, and planning and development efforts.

[…]

Going To Harborfest? Read This

July 22, 2014 Contributor

In preparation for Harborfest 2014, the Oswego Police Department wishes to announce the following advisories regarding traffic, pedestrian and general information specific to the Harborfest celebration scheduled for July 24-27.

[…]

the David C. Webb Memorial Park Bathing Beach

David C. Webb Memorial Park Bathing Beach is Closed

July 22, 2014 Steve Yablonski

The Oswego County Health Department announced today (July 23) that the David C. Webb Memorial Park Bathing Beach on Oneida Lake in the town of Constantia has been closed to swimming due to the presence of a blue-green algae bloom.

[…]

Additional Charges Filed In May Fatal Crash

July 22, 2014 Steve Yablonski

On July 21, Casey C. Billings, 29, from 426 Villiard Road, Parish, was arrested and additionally charged with Manslaughter 2nd and Attempted Burglary 3rd as a result of a fatal motor vehicle accident in May. On May 8, Billings was involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident on Sate Route 69 in the town of Mexico, according to troopers.

[…]

EEE Found In Oswego County

July 22, 2014 Contributor

The Oswego County Health Department reported that the Eastern equine encephalitis virus has been found in two mosquito samples collected recently. One was taken from West Monroe’s Toad Harbor Big Bay Swamp area and the second near the village of Central Square. Due to these findings, plans are now under way for the Oswego County Health Department to conduct aerial spraying in the target area.

[…]

Gay Pride Parade, Festival Planned In Oswego

July 22, 2014 Steve Yablonski

At its meeting Monday night, the Physical Services Committee paved the way for the Port City’s first gay pride parade and festival. Gary L. Smith Jr., president of the Oswego Pride Committee, requested permission to host an Oswego gay pride parade and outdoor festival on October 12. The committee voted 4-0 to send the requests to the full council for consideration next week.

[…]

Mayor Gillen Urges Citizens to Attend Emergency Preparedness Seminar

July 22, 2014 Contributor

Oswego Mayor Thomas Gillen released a statement urging all citizens to attend the New York State Civilian Preparedness Corps’ “Aware Prepare” meeting to be held in Oswego next week. “Oswego is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” he said. “It is the duty of all residents of New York State to know how to adequately prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and natural disasters.”

[…]