CENTRAL NEW YORK NEWS

Real-Time News Updates for Syracuse and CNY

• City police arrest peeping sex offender
A Level 3 sex offender who was quizzed by Skaneateles police after he was reported watching children in a park through binoculars has been arrested by Syracuse police.

• Custodians charged in pay fraud case
Four Onondaga County employees were arrested Thursday on charges stemming from a payroll-padding scheme at the County Courthouse, where they worked as custodians.

• Mixed reviews pour from fair's wine sites
Wine vendors and drinkers feared the worst in June when state fair Director Dan O'Hara announced that the popular Wine Court off Chevrolet Court would be moved.

• Syracuse girl finds newborn under bush
A 6-year-old girl playing hide-and-seek with her grandmother Thursday evening found a newborn baby on Syracuse's South Side.

• Tech school plans shrink
The Institute of Technology planned for the old Central High School building will likely need to be a phased project, Syracuse school officials agreed Thursday at a meeting of the school board's Facilities Committee.

• Guide-dog trainer gets a state fair treat
The last time Yvonne Rugg saw Margo, the black lab was a hyper puppy frolicking in her Camillus backyard.

• Obama's words touch CNY supporters at Palace Theatre
While delegates from Central New York were among those who filled a football stadium in Denver to hear Barack Obama Thursday night, hundreds packed the Palace Theatre in Eastwood to view a broadcast of Obama's closing speech of the Democratic National Convention.

• Couple beat odds to continue state fair tradition
Rick Dodge and Anita Orlandella were a young couple on a date when they came upon Scotty's photo stand on the midway at the New York State Fair.

• Mixed reviews pour forth on fair's wine sites
Wine vendors and drinkers feared the worst in June when state fair Director Dan O'Hara announced that the popular Wine Court off Chevrolet Court would be moved.

• Police find escapee from Pennellville
A Pennellville man was captured Thursday afternoon, nearly 11 hours after he bolted while being booked on a drunken driving charge at the Phoenix Police Department.

• Reviews mixed on new fair wine sites
Wine vendors and drinkers feared the worst in June when state fair Director Dan O'Hara announced that the popular Wine Court off Chevrolet Court would be moved.

• Water chestnuts face herbicides
The Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District is out of the aquatic weed harvesting business.

• Power line future now in hands of PSC
Nearly 21/2 years after unveiling plans to build a 190-mile high-voltage power line from Marcy to Orange County, developers from New York Regional Interconnect have completed their application to the state's Public Service Commission.

• Weed harvester loses battle
The Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District is out of the aquatic weed harvesting business.

• Contested plea deal turns into a trial
Gerald Sheard was being offered a deal to plead guilty to a felony drug charge and receive the minimum sentence allowed by law. It would either be 11/2 or 21/2 years depending on whether he was a violent or nonviolent predicate felon.

• Film upsets Pan Am 103 families
The families of victims of Pan Am Flight 103 say they're disgusted by an inflammatory interview with the son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi that's scheduled to air on the BBC this weekend.

• Gay ends his first attempt at politics
Congressional candidate David Gay conceded Thursday his campaign for the 25th District seat is over because he failed to collect enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

• Who will supervise Clay?
Õ7 Ulatowski Õ With word that Clay Town Supervisor Jim Rowley is Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney's nominee to take over as the county's chief fiscal officer, what happens to the supervisor's position in Clay?

• Fayette man charged in rape of Ohio girl
Seneca County sheriff's investigators arrested a Fayette man on Wednesday, charging him with raping a 16-year-old girl from Ohio he met over the Internet.

• Jail awaits tutor in drug case
With friends like this, who needs enemies?

• Tomato soup recipe ladles up $200 1st prize
The results are in.

• Police capture escapee
A Pennellville man was captured Thursday afternoon, nearly 11 hours after he bolted while being booked on a drunken driving charge at the Phoenix Police Department.

• $100,000 grant will help North Side redevelopment
A project to revive the area around St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center will receive a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton announced Thursday.

• Blood pressure screening offered Saturday at fair
SUNY Upstate Medical University will offer free blood pressure screenings Saturday at its exhibit at the state fair in the Science and Industry/Hall of Health Building.

• Blue Lights play, again, Sunday at Emerson Park
The Blue Lights are back - one more time, again.

• Centro to only run fair routes in county Monday
In observation of Labor Day, CNY Centro will be operating Monday on a Sunday-holiday schedule, and Centro of Oneida, Centro of Cayuga and Centro of Oswego will be closed and not operating bus services.

• Centro to operate on limited schedule Monday
In observation of Labor Day, CNY Centro will be operating on a Sunday-holiday schedule Monday and Centro of Oneida, Centro of Cayuga and Centro of Oswego will be closed and not operate bus services.

• Cicero woman's tomato soup ladles up top prize
The results are in.

• Oncenter again honored by readers of magazine
Onondaga County's Oncenter complex was named one of the top 15 convention centers in the nation by readers of Association Meetings magazine. This is the 10th year in a row the Oncenter received an Inner Circle Award. It is the only New York convention center so honored.

• Sandy Creek crash sends Fla. woman to hospital
A Florida woman Thursday was airlifted to University Hospital after the car she was riding in skidded into a ditch in Sandy Creek, state police said.

• Stanley will remain Oswego State's president
State University College at Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley announced Thursday that she had withdrawn her name as a candidate for the presidency of Old Dominion University.

• Task force finds 140 pot plants in Cortland County
It's harvest season for the Cortland Drug Task Force.

• Troopers hunt for robber in Hastings store heist
State police are looking for the man who used a knife to rob a Hastings convenience store Tuesday night.

• West Monroe sets one-room schoolhouse reunion
The West Monroe Historical Society is having a one-room schoolhouse reunion from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 7.

• City man's 1-minute film up for award
Sean Cunningham's minute-long film promoting New York looks like a different world from the glitz and glamour of New York City.

• County may tap merger's architect
The Clay supervisor who persuaded his constituents and Onondaga County officials to merge the town Police Department with the Sheriff's Office is in line for one of the county's top jobs.

• Syracuse finds that it's $4,844 richer
A $33 check payable to the city of Syracuse sat unclaimed in a Sears Roebuck & Co. account for 41 years.

• Woman sees granddad's Civil War medal
"Come on boys, let's give it to 'em."

• State comptroller cites three DeWitt lawyers
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has publicly cited three lawyers from a DeWitt firm whom he says wrongly claimed employee credits in the New York State Retirement System while working as independent contractors for Madison-Oneida BOCES.

• Teen charged in city stabbing
A Syracuse teenager was charged with two felonies Tuesday in the Monday night stabbing of a Mattydale man outside a pizza shop on Syracuse's South Side.

• Police Blotter
Syracuse Police

• Gary MacLachlan, DeWitt's first full-time fire chief, steps down
DeWitt's first full-time fire chief, Gary MacLachlan, will retire as of Sept. 6. Starting Monday, he will work one day a week with the new fire chief.

• Gary MacLachlan, DeWitt's first paid fire chief, steps down
DeWitt's only full-time fire chief, Gary MacLachlan, will retire as of Sept. 6. Starting Monday, he will work one day a week with the new fire chief.

• Police Blotter
Cazenovia Police

• Volunteers have been helping drive the success of Gage project
The rehabilitation of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Home and gardens is a community effort, with many people giving their thought, time and resources. Here are the stories, in their own words, of three people who are working on the landscape.

• Sliding Into Fall Fun
The 62nd annual Jordan Fall Festival is more than just three days of food, crafts and entertainment.

• Are you ready for some racing, Skaneateles style?
Hundreds of runners, swimmers and bicyclists will strive to be "All That" this weekend in Skaneateles.

• Are you ready for some racing? Skaneateles style
Hundreds of runners, swimmers and bicyclists will strive to be "All That" this weekend in Skaneateles.

• Cleveland Road residents scared of speeding cars
The speed limit on Cleveland Road in the town of Onondaga is 30 mph, but that doesn't stop motorists from going twice as fast.

• Police Blotter
Syracuse Police Criminal possession of a forged instrument Richard C. Love,49, of 135 Temple Place, Syracuse, Aug. 14, second-degree. Charged at Justice Center, Syracuse.

• Solvay Middle ready for new anti-bullying program
Solvay Middle School is getting ready to launch a new anti-bullying program in September.

• Officers cited for bravery
U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recently honored four local law enforcement officers for their bravery during a fire last summer in the village of Baldwinsville.

• Water park, hotel project pact OK'd
Van Buren town officials have approved a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement that could pave the way for an $28.6 million indoor water park and hotel off Winchell Road, near Interstate 690.

• Renovation project will go out to bid
North Syracuse school officials expect to send a $2.8 million transportation renovation project out to bid this week.

• Police Blotter
DeWitt Police

• Fusing Fair, Dental Care
At the New York State Fair, kitty-corner from a fudge stand, is a tent where real dentists and dental hygienists spent the past two days doing free screenings.

• Getting a Sneak Peek at the Future
About a half-dozen people showed up at the ARISE office in Fulton on Tuesday to take a peek at the new ballot-marking devices that will be used in the primaries in September and the general election in November.

• Grant aids airport in Volney
The Oswego County Airport has been awarded a $28,500 federal grant aimed at improving runway safety. The money, from the Federal Aviation Administration, will be used to pay for a study of runway obstructions.

• Grant cuts school taxes Fulton residents will pay
The Fulton school district will collect more taxes, but most taxpayers will be paying less this school year.

• Harborfest boss hunt on again
Now that this year's Harbor-fest is history, the search has resumed for a permanent director of the annual festival.

• Oswego's DPW chief to resign post Sept. 30
Richard Bateman, who has led the city of Oswego's Department of Public Works for more than eight years, will resign Sept. 30.

• Syracusan's film shot in CNY up for award
Sean Cunningham's minute-long film promoting New York looks like a different world from the glitz and glamour of New York City.

• Convention Notebook
Denise Williams-Harris, a Democratic delegate from Syracuse, went to Denver thinking that she would cast a symbolic vote for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

• What's New at Local Schools?
Next week, we'll see the return of loading backpacks, rushing to catch school buses, and listening to the groans of the homework blues.

• WHAT'S
NEW? More than 20,000 students in Oswego County's nine school districts will be heading back to their classrooms next week.

• Joey a clown in disguise
The following was submitted by Rebecca Lagoda of the Oswego County Animal Welfare League-Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Joey was on his own in the world at the age of six weeks. He was found in a rural area as a stray with no supply of food and no one to care for him.

• Fusing Fair, Dental Care
At the New York State Fair, kitty-corner from a fudge stand that also sells peanut brittle and candy apples, is a tent where real dentists and dental hygienists spent the past two days doing free screenings.

• State comptroller cites 3 DeWitt lawyers
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has publicly cited three lawyers from a DeWitt firm whom he says wrongly claimed employee credits in the New York State Retirement System while working as independent contractors for Madison-Oneida BOCES.

• Harborfest director search on again
Now that this year's Harbor-Õ7ReddingÕ fest is history, the search has resumed for a permanent director of the annual festival.

• Check Out Auction
The Hotel Syracuse, the venerable downtown landmark that's been closed since 2004, is "resetting the plate."

• Crime & Safety
A Syracuse teenager was charged with two felonies Tuesday in the Monday night stabbing of a Mattydale man outside a pizza shop on Syracuse's South Side.

• Three indicted in Eastwood slaying
Three Syracuse men were indicted Wednesday on murder charges in the fatal stabbing of an Eastwood man in June.

• McHugh said he sees improvements in Iraq
Rep. John McHugh, on his ninth congressional trip to Iraq this week, said Thursday he saw the strongest evidence yet that the war-torn nation is on the road to recovery: traffic jams.

• Frisky, full of fun, wants a new family
The following was submitted by Maria Fibiger, interim consulting director of the Wanderers' Rest Humane Association Give a big "woof' to Frisky.

• Frisky, full of fun, wants a new family
The following was submitted by Maria Fibiger, interim consulting director of the Wanderers' Rest Humane Association. Give a big "woof' to Frisky.

• Police Blotter
Canastota Police Criminal possession of a weapon Tama J. Donath,46, of 211 West St., Canastota, Aug. 9, fourth-degree; also charged with second-degree menacing.

• DMV Chief to Hit the Road
Before she took the reins at Cayuga County's Department of Motor Vehicles, Marilyn Salato ran into an irate customer whose unbridled anger had boiled over.

• Old Stone Schoolhouse project approved
Work to refurbish the Old Stone Schoolhouse in Union Springs could begin in the next few months.

• Police seek man who passed phony money
Auburn police are asking the public to help identify a man suspected of passing counterfeit bills on Saturday at the P&C supermarket on Genesee Street.

• City finds it's $4,844 richer
A $33 check payable to the city of Syracuse sat unclaimed in a Sears Roebuck & Co. account for 41 years.

• Come and read a story about a dog named Jed
The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York has a host of dogs and cats looking to be adopted. The following was submitted by Carol Russell, of the SPCA. Name: Jed

• Let me tell you all a story about a dog named Jed
The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York has a host of dogs and cats looking to be adopted. The following was submitted by Carol Russell, of the SPCA. Name: Jed

• Clay neighborhood told about search for suspect
A reverse 911 call was sent Wednesday afternoon to residents of a Clay neighborhood along Morgan Road after a man eluded deputies coming with a warrant to arrest him on assault charges, authorities said.

• DeWitt board reschedules talk on tax receiver post
The DeWitt Town Board canceled a special meeting scheduled for 8:30 a.m. today to discuss the proposed elimination of the elected position of the receiver of taxes.

• Feds: Cicero man bought 1,097 grams of ephedrine
A Cicero man is accused of purchasing more than 10 times the legal limit of an over-the-counter drug used in methamphetamines, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

• Hunt for new Harborfest director under way again
Now that this year's Harborfest is history, the search has resumed for a permanent director of the annual festival.

• Syracusan's 1-minute film about CNY up for award
Sean Cunningham's minute-long film promoting New YorkÕ7CunninghamÕ looks like a different world from the glitz and glamour of New York City.

• Van Duyn fined $6,000 for 2006, '07 violations
The state Health Department has fined the Van Duyn Home & Hospital on Onondaga Hill $6,000 for violations turned up during inspections in 2006 and 2007.

• Verona burglary suspect faces several charges
A Canastota man was ar-Õ7SimzerÕ rested on several charges after he burglarized a Verona home, deceived the property owner who confronted him, and gave police a false name and date of birth, Oneida County sheriff's deputies said Wednesday.

• Scrapbooks hold history of suffragists
The following information was submitted by Dorothy H. Willsey, of the Smithfield Community Association, in Peterboro. A study of seven suffragist scrapbooks will be the subject of the keynote address at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the annual Elizabeth Smith Miller Bloomer Birthday Party, in Peterboro.

• Scrapbooks hold history of suffragists
The following information was submitted by Dorothy H. Willsey, of the Smithfield Community Association, in Peterboro. A study of seven suffragist scrapbooks will be the subject of the keynote address at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the annual Elizabeth Smith Miller Bloomer Birthday Party, in Peterboro.

• Fabius project mulls cow power
Fabius doesn't have big government, a civic think tank, a university or even many people.

• Lunch Crunch
Parents can expect school lunches to take a bigger bite out of their pocketbooks, because most Central New York districts are raising prices to cover higher fuel and food costs.

• Woman shares a heart-stopping tale
Virginia Hodell found a seat Monday in the "I Got It" tent at the New York State Fair. She paid an attendant and began tossing red rubber balls into a box. Her goal was trying to place five balls in a straight line.

• Clinton does CNY proud with Seneca Falls, Tubman references
Tina Orcutt was optimistic. She hoped Hillary Rodham Clinton would at least refer to Seneca Falls during her much-anticipated speech before the Democratic National Convention in Denver, since Tuesday marked the 88th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th amendment, which guaranteed the vote for women.

• CNY delegates mark anniversary of women's right to vote
The theme Tuesday for Central New York delegates at the Democratic National Convention was women's rights and women in politics.

• Grand jury to view tot's death
Jay John Barboni, the Clay man accused of killing a child, sat silently and motionless throughout most of a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Fulton City Court. Dressed in khaki prison garb, he was shackled at the hands and feet and guarded by three Oswego County sheriff's deputies.

• New York City's water bests Pulaski's by 3 votes
The village of Pulaski came, oh, so close, to winning the best tasting water contest Tuesday at the state fair.

• Oswego property taxes to climb by 3 percent
Oswego city property owners will be paying nearly 3 percent more in city taxes next year.

• Woman visits game where heart stopped
Virginia Hodell found a seat Monday in the "I Got It" tent at the New York State Fair. She paid an attendant and began tossing red rubber balls into a box. Her goal was trying to place five balls in a straight line.

• Principal remains in critical condition
Sherburne-Earlville High School seniors are keeping their fingers crossed that Principal Keith Reed Jr., the man who started his job their freshman year, will join them at graduation.

• Father, like daughter, guilty in company theft
A man from Clay was convicted Tuesday of stealing from the same company from which his daughter recently was convicted of stealing.

• Hills' Gifts Pile Up
The Hill family, of Geneva, got more than just an "extreme" home makeover.

• Onondaga County mulls raising smoking age
A law meant to keep cigarettes out of the hands of Onondaga County 18-year-olds and their younger friends and siblings is back before the county Legislature.

• Salina man stabbed near city pizza shop
A Salina man was seriously injured in a stabbing near a Syracuse pizza shop in the 100 block of Ballantyne Road overnight, Syracuse police said.

• Fabius project looks to plug into cow power
Fabius doesn't have big government, a civic think tank, a university or even many people.

• Auburn city secretary ready to retire Friday
Longtime Auburn employee Jane Westlake is retiring on Friday.

• Goals for city's future topic of meeting today
Auburn officials are holding a special meeting today to begin mapping the city's immediate and long-term future.

• School district to repay turf money donations
The Auburn school board voted Tuesday night to return all the donations to the district to help pay for the installation of synthetic turf at Holland Stadium.

• Woman shares heart-stopping tale
Virginia Hodell found a seat Monday in the "I Got It" tent at the New York State Fair. She paid an attendant and began tossing red rubber balls into a box. Her goal was trying to place five balls in a straight line.

• Deadline for canalway photo contest is Sept. 15
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is accepting entries for its annual photography contest.

• O'Connell appointed to head mental health clinic
The Cayuga County Legislature on Tuesday appointed Kate O'Connell to temporarily shepherd the delivery of mental health services in the county.

• 'That big pig' returns to state fair for 4th year
Madison County's biggest attraction is making his fourth appearance at the New York State Fair this week.

• 'That big pig' returns to state fair for 4th year
Madison County's biggest attraction is making his fourth appearance at the New York State Fair this week.

• Workshop teaches early boat-building techniques
The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will hold a workshop on how to use steam to bend wood for boat-building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13.

• Skunks Take Village
Skunks living in and around residential areas is common, but in one Liverpool neighborhood the skunks are getting a little too bold.

• The makeover was extreme. The thrill, too.
Aleem "Hammer" Whitfield's reaction said it all, as the grinning 18-year-old sprang up and over into a back flip in front of 148 William St., Geneva.

• Town looks at merging fire companies
Five volunteer fire departments in the town of Cicero are talking about a merger, but the head of the consolidation committee is far from optimistic it will happen anytime soon.

• Armed robber strikes at convenience store
Fulton police are continuing their investigation into an armed robbery Monday at the Byrne Dairy store on Emery Street.

• Chef spotlights locally grown food
It could have been a scene out of a television cooking show.

• Old Dominion pursues Stanley
Deborah F. Stanley, who has led the State University College at Oswego for the past 13 years, may be heading south.

• WRVO-FM adds channel for high-definition radio
Owners of high-definition radios can now hear a lot more of their favorite National Public Radio programs.

• Youth office offers grants
Not-for-profit organizations have until Oct. 22 to apply for grant funds through the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau and the state Office of Children and Family Services.

• Oneida teen: Man raped me in park
An Oneida teenager told city police that a 21-year-old acquaintance carried her to a nearby playground and raped her in the early morning hours of Aug. 17, despite her constant pleas for him to leave her alone.

• Railroad brought many circuses to town
What a time it was!

• Clinton calls for unity
Members of Central New York's delegation to the Democratic National Convention Monday joined other New Yorkers for breakfast with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, where they were encouraged to help unify the party.

• Cicero looks at fire merger
Five volunteer fire departments in the town of Cicero are talking about a merger, but the head of the consolidation committee is far from optimistic it will happen anytime soon.

• Contractor sent to jail
A contractor facing state prison for defrauding customers was taken into custody Monday as he continues to try to come up with restitution to lessen his penalty.

• County votes on health leader
Kate O'Connell, a Syracuse mental health professional and former politician, is about to bring her skills to Cayuga County.

• Deputies arrest man after 2-county chase
Seneca County sheriff's deputies arrested a Seneca Falls man Friday on Turnpike Road in Cayuga County, ending a chase that began in Fayette.

• Pantry Seeks Volunteers
Staff and cash are in short supply at the Community Caring Center food pantry in Auburn.

• Oswego State chief finalist for Va. job
Deborah F. Stanley, who has led the State University College at Oswego for the past 13 years, may be heading south.

• Alderman hosts ward meeting at Lanigan School
Fulton Alderman Bob Weston will host his monthly Third Ward meeting 7 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Lanigan School Media Center. Sara Irland, director of operations at Oswego County Opportunities, will speak about the operation of OCO and its goals and services and answer any questions. Weston invites residents of the Third Ward and the rest of the public to attend.

• Buy Local Week planners announce raffle winners
Organizers of Madison County's first Buy Local Week have announced the grand-prize winners of the event's raffle.

• Deputies ticket driver, car owner in Aug. 17 crash
Cayuga County sheriff's deputies have ticketed two people following a fatal, two-car crash Aug. 17 in Springport.

• Dhafir case goes before appeals court Thursday
Arguments in an appeal in the case of former Manlius oncologist Rafil Dhafir will be heard Thursday morning in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York.

• Fertility center's founder to lead inspiration walk
Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder and director of CNY Fertility Center and CNY Healing Arts in Syracuse, is offering a Walk & Talk event at Beaver Lake on Sept. 21.

• Former councilor up for post in Cayuga County
Kate O'Connell, a Syracuse mental health professional and former politician, is poised to bring her skills to Cayuga County.

• Former Manlius oncologist appeals felony convictions
Arguments in an appeal in the case of former Manlius oncologist Rafil Dhafir will be heard Thursday morning in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York.

• Former Syracuse resident pleads guilty in tax fraud
A former Syracuse resident pleaded guilty Monday to filing false federal tax returns on behalf of a state prison inmate, and pocketing part of the refund, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Syracuse.

• Schools can apply for grants for art projects
Arts-in-Education art$TART grants are available to pay for projects in Central New York schools.

• Scriba Fire Department schedules open house
The Scriba Fire Department holds an open house 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13. that will feature demonstrations by the department members as well as representatives of Mercy Flight, state police, McFee ambulance, Novelis fire department, Oswego County Search and Rescue and the Oswego County Safety Trailer. There will be door prizes, games for children, displays, food booths and a drawing for a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Raffle tickets are available for sale until 1p.m. The department is located east of the city of Oswego on Route 104.

• Time running out for swimmers at Fulton pool
The East Side City Swimming Pool at Rowlee Beach Park in Fulton will close for the season at the end of the day Thursday.

• Van Buren board takes up spending for road work
The Van Buren Town Board has scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. today at the Van Buren Town Hall, 7575 Van Buren Road.

• Democrats from CNY are ready for unity
Lisa Daly, an Internet consultant from Syracuse, says she doesn't know what to expect today when the Democratic National Convention opens its four-day run in Denver. But she knows what her party has to accomplish.

• Fairgoers share hopes, dreams for our town
Vincenza Terrinoni is a longtime correspondent and a classic newspaper reader. She lives in Jamesville, and for years she has often sent me meticulously typed and intensely thoughtful letters that address major questions in our community.

• Lomong triumphs by sharing story
Beijing China - Former Tully High School track and cross-country star Lopez Lomong met a young woman on the plane from the U.S. to Beijing, where he represented the United States in the 1,500-meter race.

• Olympic medalist comes home
Olympic medalist Beezie Madden, of Madison County, was cheered by about a dozen fans and friends late Sunday afternoon when she flew into Hancock International Airport with her gold and bronze prizes.

• Suicide Victim's Family: Fix Mall
Michael D. Loftus was on his last chance.

• Inmates help Auburn marching band put on a show
You might think inmates at the maximum security state prison in Auburn would have seen enough of cellblocks and guard towers.

• ARISE to show new voting device
Oswego County residents can get a sneak peek this week at the new ballot marking devices that will be used for the first time in the Sept. 9 primaries.

• College lesson one: Fire can be deadly
Morrisville State College students returning to campus got a very hot lesson in dorm room safety Sunday afternoon.

• Sergeant a bit 'sick of this place' now
Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Judson, a Syracuse native now with the North Carolina National Guard, writes from Kandahar province, an area where soldiers have seen lots of fighting. He is the noncommissioned officer in charge of a police mentoring team made up of members of the New York 27th Brigade Combat Team. Unlike his teammates, he is near the end of his tour. We wish him Godspeed home.

• Auburn park project in jeopardy
A month ago, a group of Auburn residents and city officials learned there was state grant money available to restore the historic clubhouse at Clifford Field and to refurbish that city park.

• Ag group seeks applicants for Century Farm status
The New York State Agricultural Society is seeking applications from farms in the western half of the state - west of Interstate 81 - in continuous ownership by the same family for 100 years or more to apply for Century Farm status.

• City police investigate early morning shootings
Syracuse police have no suspects in two shootings that happened within 11/2 hours of each other.

• Oneida County man faces charge in hit-run death
State police arrested an Oneida County man Saturday night and accused him of leaving the scene of a fatal car-pedestrian crash in Lewis County.

• Syracuse homicide suspect dies from wound to leg
A man suspected of stabbing his girlfriend to death earlier this month died Friday from an injury he suffered in that incident, Syracuse police said Sunday.

• Troopers seize marijuana after stopping minivan
State police said they discovered 6 pounds of marijuana in a minivan after stopping a speeding motorist on Interstate 81 in Jefferson County.

• Staff put off by fair boss
When Director Dan O'Hara opened the New York State Fair on Thursday, bands played and kids started salivating over thoughts of rides, games and fried dough.

• Summertime's busy time at Erie Canal Park
I caught up with David Beebe at the town of Camillus Erie Canal Park the other day. He had lots of news.

• Crime and Safety
A Syracuse artist discovered Saturday evening that $4,000 worth of his inflatable art was destroyed by vandals while being exhibited in a downtown art park.

• Nuclear power plant: Years in the making
A youngster starting kindergarten next month most likely would be a high school senior by the time any new nuclear plant is switched on at Nine Mile Point.

• 10 Lessons Not to Live By
Whether it's figuring out how to sort laundry or settling on a career, going to college will bring challenges for the thousands of freshmen starting class this week at SUNY Cortland and other campuses.

• Nuclear power plant: Years in the making
A youngster starting kindergarten next month most likely would be a high school senior by the time any new nuclear plant is switched on at Nine Mile Point.

• Post-Standard Corrections
t b1 cortland 8:55 p.m.

• Pride of New York on Sale
New York farmers and entrepreneurs are hoping to cash in at the former Lottery Building at the state fair.

• State Fair Boss Irks Staffers
When Director Dan O'Hara opened the New York State Fair on Thursday, bands played and kids started salivating over thoughts of rides, games and fried dough.

• Arcuri blasts Hanna's oil holdings
The election debate over what to do about the high price of energy has turned personal in the 24th Congressional District.

• Charity Notebook
It's going to be Thanksgiving early from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at Steve's Restaurant in Syracuse's Tipperary Hill.

• Crime and Safety
Two New York City residents were killed Saturday when the SUV they were riding in overturned on the Thruway, state police said.

• Cheers! Politicians visit state fair
State Sen. David Valesky wants to know why everyone thinks he likes Kahlua.

• New nuke plant years in future
A youngster starting kindergarten next month most likely would be a high school senior by the time any new nuclear plant is switched on at Nine Mile Point.

• Oswego State rated in top tier of colleges
The State University College at Oswego ranked in the top tier of the 2009 edition of "America's Best Colleges," the annual list that was released by U.S. News & World Report.

• Oswego State Students Return
The population of the city of Oswego and its surroundings is growing by several thousand this weekend, as students at the State University College at Oswego arrive on campus for the start of the school year.

• Volunteers: Fort can't be without outhouse
Volunteers at Fort Ontario are building a replica of an essential but rarely discussed military facility.

• New post draws lots of interest
People from across the country have sent in their resumes in hopes of becoming Madison County's first county administrator.

• 'Relatives as Parents' group meets Sept. 11
Raising grandchildren can be difficult.

• Sept. 6 benefit to aid family of crash victim
A benefit for the family of a Stockbridge man who died in a June motorcycle accident is planned for 2 p.m. Sept. 6 in the Munnsville American Legion hall, 6311 E. Hill Road.

• District studies energy options
As energy costs keep going up and up, folks all over are looking for ways to save money.

• Mosquito Fest
Buzzes Into Montezuma Since Friday, the town of Montezuma has been home to the Mosquito Fest. It's a chance to celebrate the enormous skeeters that live in the surrounding wetlands.

• Biden's ties to CNY are bittersweet
The young man was a student at the Syracuse University College of Law. He and his wife lived on Stinard Avenue in Syracuse, where they were neighbors to Joanne Del Vecchio and her parents. The young man, a newlywed, took notice when Joanne's German shepherd gave birth to some puppies.

• Canalway photo contest entry deadline Sept. 15
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is accepting entries for its annual photography contest.

• How U.S. News magazine ranks 10 CNY colleges
The U.S. News & World Report rated 10 Central New York colleges and universities in the 2009 "America's Best Colleges" rankings.

• Library in Camillus site of Tuesday strings concert
The second concert in Maxwell Library's "Strings in the Stacks" series will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the main room at the library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus.

• Lysander man charged after Phoenix traffic stop
A Lysander man is facing a felony charge after a speeding stop Saturday in Phoenix, the village police chief said.

• Meet columnist Sean Kirst at the fair this afternoon
Columnist Sean Kirst will be at The Post-Standard booth from noon to 4 p.m. today at the New York State Fair, asking one question of readers: If you had the power to bring a single change to Central New York, what would it be?

• Museum in Chittenango offers boat-building class
The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will hold a workshop on how to use steam to bend wood for boat-building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13.

• Volunteers: Fort Ontario can't be without outhouse
Volunteers at Fort Ontario are building a replica of an essential but rarely discussed military facility: an outhouse, similar to the ones used at the fort in the fort's early days.

• Who's watching the children?
For several days, neighbors in Skaneateles noticed a man parked near a park where hundreds of children gather daily for Little League and other activities.

• Chiefs hope the Mets will play ball
By this time next month, the Toronto Blue Jays likely will be out as the major-league affiliate of the Syracuse Chiefs' Triple-A baseball team, ending a 31-year relationship between the teams.

• CNY campuses reopen drinking age debate
As students arrive back on college campuses this month, many are welcomed by something they didn't expect: Their college presidents are saying that maybe students shouldn't have to wait until 21 to drink legally.

• Mother dies of injures from city house fire
An extension cord caused the house fire Wednesday that has claimed two lives on Syracuse's North Side, investigators said Friday.

• Clinton Sidesteps VP Question
While much of the world waited Friday to hear Sen. Barack Obama's selection as his Democratic running mate, Sen. Hillary Clinton, once thought to be a top pick for the position, toured the state fairgrounds in Geddes.

• Court Roundup
A Syracuse teenager accused in a shooting that has left the victim paralyzed will not have his case handled in Family Court as a juvenile delinquency matter.

• SU to introduce car-sharing Zipcar to campus
Syracuse University students, faculty and staff members may be able to rent cars by the hour or day possibly as soon as this fall through a national car sharing company called Zipcar.

• Baby's death ruled a homicide
The medical examiner's report paints a horrific image of the final moments of life for a Fulton toddler.

• Hard Work for Playground
People are finally starting to take Samantha Furco seriously.

• Repair of damaged I-690 bridge is up in the air
The state Department of Transportation will seek the public's advice on whether to replace the pedestrian bridge damaged in a spectacular accident on Interstate 690, agency officials said Friday.

• Union, nursing homes reach tentative accord
After working for nearly two months without a contract, health care workers have reached an agreement with two local nursing homes.

• Former Seneca sheriff convicted of 2 misdemeanors
Former Seneca County Sheriff Leo T. Connolly faces up to two years in county jail after being convicted Friday of two misde- Õ7ConnollyÕ meanor counts of official misconduct for using his position to retaliate against critics who posted comments to an online forum.

• Bridge Fix Up in the Air
The state Department of Transportation will seek the public's advice on whether to replace the pedestrian bridge damaged in a spectacular accident on Interstate 690, agency officials said Friday.

• Church on the Move
The pastor of a growing Oneida congregation plans to move his church and thrift store to a former roller rink in one of the city's depressed neighborhoods.

• Fulton baby's death a homicide
The medical examiner's report paints a horrific image of the final moments of life for a Fulton toddler.

• Sex offender indicted on 13 felonies
A convicted sex offender who unwittingly turned himself in to authorities last month after he asked a police officer for a ride has been indicted by a Madison County grand jury.

• Anonymous Samaritan at accident scene now has a name
Joseph Levin didn't notice the truck in front of him Thursday morning until concrete and dust from the pedestrian bridge over Interstate 690 rained down on his car.

• Book argues faith cannot exist without the church
In his new book, Colgate University philosophy and religion professor and Presbyterian minister Harvey J. Sindima critiques the status of modern Christianity.

• Briefs
Religion a major factor during primary campaign

• Calendar
Entertainment

• What I Believe
First, I want to note what I do not believe. I do not believe in "luck" good luck, bad luck, lucky stars, run of luck and so forth. I don't believe in misfortune, good fortune or fortunate. I do not believe in fate, curses, karma, kismet, omens or a charmed life.

• Brigade Called Out Today
Call it Extreme Makeover: Marcellus Hero Edition.

• Solace will close, diocese decides
Our Lady of Solace Roman Catholic Church, in Syracuse, will close within six months.

• Best Hoof Forward
LORI SOPCHAK,from Weedsport, Friday grooms "To JackofDiamonds," a purebred Arabian for a show competition at the New York State Fair. They're part of the Snook Training Stable in Weedsport. There are daily competitions in the Coca-Cola Coliseum and the County Max Racing Stables Horse Show Ring.

• Owasco to pay $25K for sewage discharge
Owasco will pay $25,000 in fines for pumping sewage into a ditch along Melrose Road on Dec. 23.

• Medical examiner reports baby's death a homicide
The medical examiner's report paints a horrific image of the final moments of life for a Fulton toddler.

• Analyst Mark Halperin coming to Wells College
Mark Halperin, Time magazine's senior political analyst and an editor-at-large, will speak at Wells College at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in Phipps Auditorium, Macmillan Hall.

• Canastota teens accused of stealing dirt bikes
Two Canastota teenagers have been arrested on felony charges for breaking into a Lenox business and stealing a pair of dirt bikes, state police said Wednesday.

• Community blood drive produces 282 pints
A total of 282 pints of blood was donated Thursday during the Community That Cares Blood Drive in Auburn.

• Ex-Seneca County sheriff guilty of 2 misdemeanors
Former Seneca County Sheriff Leo T. Connolly faces up to two years in county jail after being convicted Friday of two Õ7ConnollyÕ misdemeanor counts of official misconduct for using his position to retaliate against critics who posted comments to an online forum.

• Extreme Makeover needs finishers and drywallers
Contractors at the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" site in Geneva are looking for volunteer finishers and drywallers to complete the building by Sunday, a spokeswoman said.

• Green Hills Market hosts festival for local schools
Green Hills Market will host a Western-themed benefit for several Valley-area schools from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 20 at the store on South Salina Street in Syracuse.

• How U.S. News magazine ranks 10 CNY colleges
The U.S. News and World Report rated 10 Central New York colleges and universities in the 2009 "America's Best Colleges" rankings.

• Morrisville among schools lauded by wildlife group
Four colleges in Central New York won praise Thursday from the National Wildlife Federation in its Campus Environment 2008 Report Card.

• Nelson survey to examine services, quality of life
The town of Nelson is conducting a survey of its residents in hopes of providing better services and improving local quality of life.

• Seely sniffs out fair's most odoriferous spots
At the New York State Fair, the folks who make fried dough smell like fried dough.

• Sullivan library to offer program on beekeeping
The Sullivan Free Library in Chittenango will wrap up summer reading programs for children and adults with a program on beekeeping at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the library's Community Room.

• 4th nuclear power plant finds favor in Oswego
Many of those at a session with nuclear regulators Thursday made their position clear: Oswego County needs a fourth nuclear power plant at Nine Mile Point and the sooner the better.

• Clay man charged in toddler's death
When Jay John Barboni picked up his girlfriend's 15-month-old son from a baby sitter's house Monday afternoon in Fulton, the boy was healthy, said his mother.

• Family Surviving Falling Concrete 'Very, Very Lucky'
The Zimmers had almost finished the 70-mile trip from Webster, Monroe County, to the state fair for the first time when disaster hit Thursday morning.

• K-Rock death case closing
State police expect to close anÕ7CieriÕ investigation into a mysterious death without criminal charges or a clear answer as to how James Cieri, 20, injured his head during the July 19 K-Rockathon concert in Weedsport.

• Nighttime crews dismantle damaged part of bridge
State workers and contractors labored into the night Thursday to remove half of a damaged pedestrian bridge over Interstate 690 in time to reopen the highway's eastbound lanes to morning rush-hour and state fair traffic this morning.

• Crime & Safety
A Syracuse man is facing felony charges in a shooting Tuesday afternoon in the city, city police said.

• Equestrian's shortcut offers path to bronze
Central New York equestrian Beezie Madden took a shortcut to her first individual Olympic medal.

• Oswego man charged in assault on baby girl
An Oswego man is charged with reckless assault of a child, Oswego County sheriff's deputies reported.

• Public supports 4th nuke plant
Many of those at a session with nuclear regulators Thursday made their position clear: Oswego County needs a fourth nuclear power plant at Nine Mile Point and the sooner the better.

• State Senate candidate Renzi speaks at college
State Senate candidate Dave Renzi held a news conference Thursday outside the State University College at Oswego and spoke about several topics including creating jobs, clean energy and helping small businesses.

• Third Celebrate Mallory event slated for Sept. 6
The handful of people who organized the first Celebrate Mallory event in 2006 had no idea how well the community would embrace it. But embrace it they did, ensuring there would be a second one.

• Conflicting reports lead troopers to close K-Rock death case
State police expect to close an investigation into a mysterious death without criminal charges or a clear answer as to how James Cieri, 20, injured his head during the July 19 K-Rockathon concert in Weedsport.

• K-Rock death case closing
State police expect to close an Õ7CieriÕ investigation into a mysterious death without criminal charges or a clear answer as to how James Cieri, 20, injured his head during the July 19 K-Rockathon concert in Weedsport.

• Many at forum back 4th nuke plant at Nine Mile
Many of those at a session with nuclear regulators Thursday made their position clear: Oswego County needs a fourth nuclear power plant at Nine Mile Point and the sooner the better.

• Attempt to steal mower of judge's mom cut short
Syracuse City Judge Jim Cecile recently had son Bobby, 6, and daughter Emma, 3, with him downtown to see 9-year-old daughter Hannah's exhibit in an art show.

• Fraud case delayed again
The much-delayed time sheet fraud case against Marcellus police Chief David Wilkinson and former North Syracuse police Capt. Michael Casey has been delayed again.

• SU student put out by state of dirty apartment
When Syracuse University student Mike Benyo opened the door to his new apartment Sunday, he said he was greeted by the stench of either really good cheese or really bad meat.

• Empty City Lot Full of Trash
Ron and Jeanne Semple, of Lafayette Place, hope today is the day Auburn cleans up a city-owned vacant lot that has become a neighborhood eyesore.

• K-Rockathon death case closing
Õ7CieriÕ State police expect to close aninvestigation into a mysterious death without criminal charges or a clear answer as to how James Cieri, 20, injured his head during the July 19 K-Rockathon concert in Weedsport.

• Many at forum support 4th nuke plant in Oswego County
Many of those at a session with nuclear regulators Thursday made their position clear: Oswego County needs a fourth nuclear power plant at Nine Mile Point and the sooner the better.

• Crime & Safety
A Syracuse man is facing felony charges in a shooting Tuesday afternoon in the city, police said.

• 40 firefighters respond to fire at Fenner home
A raging blaze destroyed a Fenner home Wednesday evening.

• 4 CNY colleges lauded by wildlife organization
Four colleges in Central New York won praise Thursday from the National Wildlife Federation in its Campus Environment 2008 Report Card.

• Auburn High School field band's fall show today
The Auburn Vanguard Marching Field Band will perform its fall show for the community at 7 p.m. today in the upper parking lot at the high school.

• Chittenango building falls so credit union can rise
The former New York Pizzeria building in downtown Chittenango was demolished Thursday, making room for a new credit union that will be built in the coming months.

• Clay man, 30, accused in child's death in Fulton
Fulton police arrested a town of Clay man Thursday in the death of a 15-month-old child Monday night.

• Clay man accused in toddler's death in Fulton
Fulton police arrested a town of Clay man Thursday in the death of a 15-month-old child Monday night.

• National wildlife group lauds 4 CNY colleges
Four colleges in Central New York won praise Thursday from the National Wildlife Federation in its Campus Environment 2008 Report Card.

• N. Syracuse schools get OK for bus garage project
North Syracuse school officials have received the building permit needed to move forward with a $2.8 million transportation renovation project at the former Roger Burdick car dealership building on East Taft Road in Clay.

• Registration ends today for camp's Ladies Day
Ladies Day at Camp Y-Owasco is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the camp on Owasco Lake.

• Resurfacing work starts today on Oneida Street
Oneida Street will undergo resurfacing starting today.

• SU wins $900,000 grant for research of disabled
The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University received $900,000 from the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

• Volunteers invited to help on Marcellus vet's home
Volunteers will help today and Saturday put siding on a new specially adapted home being constructed in Marcellus for a wounded Army medic.

• Fire Kills Boy, 12; Mother Hurt
Nhan Nguyen came home from work Wednesday morning and found firetrucks surrounding his Carbon Street home and his world turned upside down.

• Nonprofit control of Van Duyn explored
Onondaga County plans to explore the option of transferring Van Duyn Home & Hospital to a nonprofit agency rather than provide a larger subsidy to operate the home, officials said Wednesday.

• Nursing home allowed to take new residents
The federal government is allowing the Vivian Teal Howard nursing home in Syracuse to admit new residents again because it has made improvements and is in the process of getting a receiver to take over its operation.

• Program to cover seniors' tuition
Syracuse high school seniors graduating this year will be able to attend state public colleges and universities tuition-free, local education leaders announced Wednesday.

• Olympian Beezie at home in Nelson
Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden's hometown may be having a bit of an identity crisis.

• Erieville man denies providing vodka to teen before fatal fire
The Erieville man accused of purchasing vodka for three teenagers before one of them died in an Aril 27 cottage fire pleaded not guilty to unlawfully dealingÕ7TormeyÕ with a child charges Wednesday in Cazenovia Village Court.

• An Appealing Music Mix
Editorial assistant Desiree Feigel-Dart recently spoke with James Owen Welsch, assistant professor of music at Syracuse University and music director at Liverpool First United Methodist Church.

• Conference on education law
Syracuse University's School of Education and the New York State School Boards Association will host the 32nd annual Education Law Conference on Sept. 11 at the Doubletree Hotel Syracuse. This year's theme is "Thriving vs. Surviving: Essential Knowledge That Matters to All Education Leaders."

• 'It Was the Right Thing to Do'
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed JoAnne Jones, of Kirkville, who was chosen for a 2008 Friends of the Child award by the Mid-York Child Care Coordinating Council. Name: JoAnne Jones

• It's Never Too Late
Just a few months ago, Jerry and Joe Rosney, a Manlius-based father and son chiropractic team focusing on wellness, received a call that fit their mission perfectly.

• Fayetteville investigates law regulating leased properties
Fayetteville is considering whether to adopt a law to regulate rental properties and is looking to its neighbors - East Syracuse and Minoa - for ideas, Mayor Mark Olson said.

• Police Blotter
Camillus Police

• Village economic plan ready for public comment
Encourage and support small businesses, make it easy for pedestrians to get around and make sure that building design and land use is in keeping with the village's smaller scale and traditional character.

• Stickley furniture movement involved three brothers
For the past year, people from around the world have been visiting The Stickley Museum in Fayetteville. Guests have been received from Japan and Russia, as well as from more than 30 states and several Canadian provinces. More often than not, they arrive with the idea that Stickley was a single person: Gustav Stickley.

• Artist Likes Skaneateles Scene
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Rachel Harms, of Skaneateles, an artist. She and her daughter will be included in a show in England. Name: Rachel Harms

• Artist Likes Skaneateles Scene
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Rachel Harms, of Skaneateles, an artist. She and her daughter will be included in a show in England. Name: Rachel Harms

• READY TO LEAD
Christopher Brown is glad to be back home in Central New York.

• READY TO LEAD
Christopher Brown is glad to be back home in Central New York.

• Camillus firefighters ask if students can bunk-in
Camillus is looking to become the next volunteer fire department to join Onondaga Community College's bunk-in program.

• Police Blotter
Onondaga County Sheriff's Department

• Camillus will seek bids for new streetscape
The Camillus Village Board is moving ahead with its plan to reenergize the Main Street business district.

• A Perfect Score
The statistical probability of earning a perfect score on both the ACT and the reading and math sections of the SAT is a math problem the likes of which Mallory Ringham would love to tackle.

• Police Blotter
East Syracuse Police Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Justin M. Wemett,23, of 211 Ridgewood Drive, North Syracuse, Aug. 9, first-degree; also charged with driving while intoxicated; driving with a blood-alcohol count of more than 0.08; and driving a vehicle with a loud muffler. Charged at 6100 block of Thompson Road, East Syracuse.

• A Perfect Score
The statistical probability of earning a perfect score on both the ACT and the reading and math sections of the SAT is a math problem the likes of which Mallory Ringham would love to tackle.

• Whatever the plan, overcrowding must be addressed
Jerome F. Melvin is superintendent of the North Syracuse Central School District. Õ7MelvinÕ We live in an era of accountability - where just about everything gets measured.

• NOPL annual vote is Oct. 15
The Northern Onondaga Public Library has scheduled its annual budget vote and trustee election from noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 15.

• North Syracuse backs off porch requirements
After a spirited debate, the North Syracuse village board recently amended a local law concerning property maintenance that requires home owners to maintain front porches in a "structurally sound" manner.

• Students shadow people in medical professions
Fifteen Cicero-North Syracuse students learned all about the medical field during a 15-day job shadowing program last month at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.

• Fulton man charged in sex abuse of child
A Fulton man who spent timein state prison for manslaughter and armed robbery is facing accusations that he sexually abused a child.

• Goewey returns to work as Minetto's principal
Oswego school Principal Dean F. Goewey returned to Õ7GoeweyÕ work Wednesday after a 20-month suspension, school district officials said.

• Public can join in reactor talk
Nuclear regulators will talk today about the licensing of a fourth nuclear plant in Oswego County at a public meeting on the State University College at Oswego campus.

• Students Tackle
Medical Mystery Much like television crime scene investigators, a group of teens Wednesday used lab technology to figure out a fictional whodunit the mysterious murder of lab secretary Bunny Finkelstein as part of A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital's two-day MASH camp. Among other activities, the campers participated in "code blue" exercise, much like the drills the nursing staff perform to prepare for life-and-death situations, worked with digital imaging equipment and took part in a wheelchair competition in the physical therapy department.

• 'My Heart is in It'
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed John Scardella, of New Haven, who was recently appointed as president of the board of directors of the United Way of Greater Oswego County. Name: John Scardella

• 'My Heart Is In It'
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed John Scardella, of New Haven, who was recently appointed as president of the board of directors of the United Way. Name: John Scardella

• Olympian Beezie at home in Nelson
Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden's hometown may be having a bit of an identity crisis.

• SU's Ernie Davis accepted Heisman Trophy in stride
Pat Covell said she had an Ernie Davis story for me.

• On His Own Terms
After teaching art to children for 35 years, Chris Zollo retired from his job at Kingsford Park Elementary School in 2005. He was done with teaching and ready to do his own art.

• Hospital hosts pharmacy students
This was submitted by Marion Ciciarelli, Public Relations Manager for Oswego Health. Two pharmacy students with local ties gained experience in a hospital setting as they learned alongside Oswego Hospital pharmacists.

• Police Blotter
Fulton Police

• Junior a bit shy at first
The following was submitted by Rebecca Lagoda of the Oswego County Animal Welfare League-Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Junior had a family. But, unfortunately, the family that Junior had was forced to move from their home and they could not take him or his other furry housemates with them.

• Junior a bit shy at first
The following was submitted by Rebecca Lagoda of the Oswego County Animal Welfare League-Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Junior had a family. But, unfortunately, the family that Junior had was forced to move from their home and they could not take him or his other furry housemates with them.

• Salmon River Falls a unique area to visit
The following article was written by Salmon River Steward Luke Connor. As summer days continue, there is a steady flow of visitors, tourists from out of state and New York residents at the Salmon River Falls Unique Area in Altmar. The beauty of "The Falls" is hard to resist and recent changes to the Salmon River Falls Unique Area have made it even more inviting.

• Salmon River Falls a unique area to visit
The following article was written by Salmon River Steward Luke Connor. As summer days continue, there is a steady flow of visitors, tourists from out of state and New York residents, at the Salmon River Falls Unique Area in Altmar. The beauty of "The Falls" is hard to resist and recent changes to the Salmon River Falls Unique Area have made it even more inviting.

• Erieville man denies he provided vodka
The Erieville man accused of purchasing vodka for three teenagers before one of them died in an Aril 27 cottage fire pleaded not guilty to unlawfully dealingÕ7TormeyÕ with a child charges Wednesday in Cazenovia Village Court.

• Olympian Beezie right at home in Nelson
Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden's hometown may be having a bit of an identity crisis.

• Governor to attend Cortland ceremony
Gov. David Paterson plans to visit Cortland this afternoon, the second time a governor is coming to Main Street to visit a vacant lot that used to hold one of the city's most recognizable historic landmarks.

• Students
Cozy Up Dorms More than 2,277 Syracuse University and State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry students moved into SU residence halls Wednesday and more are slated to arrive today.

• Students prepare for fair competition
Most teens these days are running around enjoying their last few days of summer before school starts next month - vacationing, swimming, hanging out at the mall.

• Social Security mix-up fixed, agency says
Social Security Administration officials say they've fixed a 5-year-old error linking Rodney Benway's number to his dead twin brother.

• What An Experience!
%%head%%'He Loves Animals'

• Guilty plea in Syracuse shooting
A Syracuse man accused of shooting a Cortland County man in a recent drug transaction on the city's South Side admitted his guilt Wednesday.

• Nonprofit control of Van Duyn studied
Onondaga County plans to explore the option of transferring Van Duyn Home & Hospital to a nonprofit agency rather than provide a larger subsidy to operate the home, officials said Wednesday.

• OLD
BARGAINS The Madison-Bouckville Outdoor Antiques Show returned for its 37th year last weekend. Organizers said 18,000 to 25,000 people flock to the tiny hamlet in Madison County every year for the antiques extravaganza.

• Dottie likes company of other dogs
The following was submitted by Maria Fibiger, interim consulting director of the Wanderers' Rest Humane Association Meet "Dottie!"

• District seeks better attendance
If a kid isn't in class, he or she surely isn't going to learn, said Auburn Superintendent Joseph D. Pabis.

• Governor to attend ceremony in Cortland
Gov. David Paterson plans to visit Cortland this afternoon, the second time a governor is coming to Main Street to visit a vacant lot that used to hold one of the city's most recognizable historic landmarks.

• Pickin' in The Pasture show starts today in Lodi
The 11th annual Pickin' in The Pasture bluegrass festival opens today at the Alexander sheep farm in Lodi, Seneca County.

• Swedish Hill wins top awards at contest
Swedish Hill Winery on Cayuga Lake won the Governor's Cup and was named Winery of the Year at the 2008 New York Wine & Food Classic competition Wednesday at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz.

• FFA Students Prep for Fair
Most teens these days are running around enjoying their last few days of summer before school starts next month vacationing, swimming, hanging out at the mall.

• Olympian Beezie at home in Nelson
Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden's hometown may be having a bit of an identity crisis.

• Top Worker Likes Helping Others
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Joanne VanOstrand, of Auburn, who was named Outstanding Employee of the Year by the Central New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office. Name: Joanne VanOstrand

• Top Worker Likes Helping Others
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Joanne VanOstrand, of Auburn, who was named Outstanding Employee of the Year by the Central New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office. Name: Joanne VanOstrand

• Association has lake's best interest at heart through the Owasco Lake outlet near Groton, a popular area. The state DEC recently agreed to issue a draft permit limiting Groton's phosphate discharge to two pounds per day by 2010 when its new wastewater treatment plant is up and running. The 20-year-old Owasco Watershed Lake Association considers the rule a victory. %%head%%Guardians of the Waters
going to build a prison just outside the village of Moravia, and town and village officials saw it as a sure way out of the economic slump the area had wallowed in for years.

• Association has lake's best interest at heart through the Owasco Lake outlet near Groton, a popular area. The state DEC recently agreed to issue a draft permit limiting Groton's phosphate discharge to two pounds per day by 2010 when its new wastewater treatment plant is up and running. The 20-year-old Owasco Watershed Lake Association considers the rule a victory. %%head%%Guardians of the Waters
going to build a prison just outside the village of Moravia, and town and village officials saw it as a sure way out of the economic slump the area had wallowed in for years.

• Police Blotter
Syracuse Police

• MORE PHOTOS
PAGES 12, 13

• 2 file petitions to run in race for Congress
The race for the 25th Congressional District seat may now have four contestants.

• Chittenango woman faces charges in welfare fraud
%%bodybegin%%

• CNY colleges join in lower drinking age debate
Presidents of five Central New York colleges - Colgate, Cornell and Syracuse universities and Cazenovia and Hamilton colleges - have each signed a public statement stating that the 21-year-old drinking age is not working and creates a culture of dangerous binge drinking on their campuses.

• Colgate, Cazenovia join lower drinking age debate
%%bodybegin%%

• Cornell joins in the lower drinking age debate
Presidents of five Central New York colleges Colgate, Cornell and Syracuse universities and Cazenovia and Hamilton colleges have each signed a public statement stating that the 21-year-old drinking age is not working and creates a culture of dangerous binge drinking on their campuses.

• Crews to flush Oswego's 1st Ward mains today
Crews will be flushing water mains today in Oswego's 1st Ward.

• Dean urges Syracuse to be true to itself
Here's Mark Robbins' take on Syracuse's ever-popular Dinosaur Bar-B-Que:

• Deputies seek Clay man who was last seen Friday
A 63-year-old town of Clay man is missing, Onondaga County sheriff's deputies said.

• SU joins schools in debate on lowering drinking age
Presidents of five Central New York colleges - Colgate, Cornell and Syracuse universities and Cazenovia and Hamilton colleges - have each signed a public statement stating that the 21-year-old drinking age is not working and creates a culture of dangerous binge drinking on their campuses.

• SUNYIT plans to build $23.5M residence hall
The State University of New York Institute of Technology in Utica has announced plans to build a $23.5 million residence hall to accommodate 250 students starting in the 2011-12 academic year.

• Camillus board will seek bids for new streetscape
The Camillus Village Board is moving ahead with its plan to reenergize the Main Street business district.

• Conference focuses on education law
Syracuse University's School of Education and the New York State School Boards Association will host the 32nd annual Education Law Conference on Sept. 11 at the Doubletree Hotel Syracuse. This year's theme is "Thriving vs. Surviving: Essential Knowledge That Matters to All Education Leaders."

• Art Pops Up Out In The Open
Tuesday was a busy day in Syracuse's Fayette and Forman parks on East Genesee Street.

• <