CENTRAL NEW YORK NEWS

Real-Time News Updates for Syracuse and CNY

• Board tries again on school vote this week
Under mounting financial pressure, the board in charge of Syracuse's schools construction project agrees it must find a way to compromise, and soon.

• Oswego County crash probed
State police are investigating a crash Monday that killed one person and injured two others in Granby.

• Ra-Lin's owner will cover Black Friday parking tickets
Lewis Radin is offering another discount to any of his customers who received a ticket Black Friday for parking illegally outside the Ra-Lin Discount store.

• Order sought to sell smokes
It's back to court for the Cayuga Indian Nation in its long-running tax feud with Cayuga and Seneca counties.

• Granby Crash Probed
State police are investigating a crash Monday that killed one person and injured two others in Granby.

• Pulaski to light tree Sunday
The 23rd year of the "Light Up Pulaski" event is Sunday in the village.

• Vigil mourns terror victims
M.J. Mukerji was horrified to watch the Taj Mahal hotel in India, her workplace for 10 years, burn after terrorist attacks in Mumbai last week.

• CNY Marks Fight Against HIV/AIDS
The marchers from the American Indian Community House were headed to the Oncenter complex, where an AIDS Memorial Quilt Exhibition opened Monday morning in the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center and continues through Wednesday night.

• Order sought to sell smokes
It's back to court for the Cayuga Indian Nation in its long-running tax feud with Cayuga and Seneca counties.

• Pay raise request spurs lawmaker to write bill
When Onondaga County legislators agreed in 2006 to raising county elected officials' pay 2 percent annually, the idea was to make the salary review process more consistent.

• A Place for Adult Day Care
Canastota trustees on Monday praised Margaret Kolodzie's plans to open an adult day care center in her restored Victorian home but said they'll need to change village zoning ordinances before the business can open in a residential neighborhood.

• Auction house owner arrested
State police arrested Elbridge auctioneer Timothy W. Conroy on Sunday, saying he owes a Cayuga County man more than $19,000 from an auction in June.

• Fatal Oswego County crash probed
State police are investigating a crash Monday that killed one person and injured two others in Granby.

• Court Roundup
Timothy Kearse pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree manslaughter in the fatal beating and stabbing of an Eastwood man.

• Crime & Safety
A 66-year-old woman was trapped in her car for nearly an hour Monday morning when it hit a tree, went over a 3-foot stone wall and overturned just south of the village of Fayetteville.

• Auctioneer arrested by state police
State police arrested Elbridge auctioneer Timothy W. Conroy on Sunday, saying he owes a Cayuga County man more than $19,000 from an auction in June.

• Missing the 'whirligig man'
He was a wild and crazy guy. I'm not kidding.

• Order sought to sell smokes
It's back to court for the Cayuga Indian Nation in its long-running tax feud with Cayuga and Seneca counties.

• Oswego County collision probed
State police are investigating a crash Monday that killed one person and injured two others in Granby.

• 3 firms bid to produce 2009 state fair concerts
Three companies submitted bids Monday for a contract to produce the concerts at the 2009 New York State Fair, a state official said Monday.

• Author to attend library's fundraiser
National Book Award finalist and Mexico resident Laurie Halse Anderson will appear at a fundraising dinner to benefit the Oswego Public Library at 7 p.m. Thursday at Õ7 Anderson Õ The American Foundry in Oswego.

• Body of man discovered on west side of Fulton
The body of a middle-aged man was found Monday morning by a Fulton taxi driver, authorities said.

• Celebrate holidays at New Woodstock library
The New Woodstock Free Library will celebrate the holidays with a month of special activities during children's story hour.

• County agricultural loan fund seeks applicants
Madison County's new agricultural revolving loan fund is ready for customers.

• DeWitt library group's book sale is Dec. 12-13
The Friends of the DeWitt Community Library are planning the group's first book sale from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 in ShoppingTown Mall. The sale, which will be in the wing near Sears and Dick's, will feature nearly new books, CDs, videos and DVDs.

• Eat breakfast, support Stockbridge ball team
The Stockbridge Valley Cougars softball team will host a breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday at the Munnsville American Legion at 6311 East Hill Road.

• Get your holiday gifts at canal boat museum
Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum will offer holiday sales on Saturday and Dec. 13 at the museum, 7010 Lakeport Road, Chittenango.

• Moravia woman hurt in Skaneateles crash
An 18-year-old Moravia woman was in emergency surgery at University Hospital in Syracuse Monday night after being airlifted from a rollover crash in Skaneateles, state police said.

• Moravia woman hurt in Skaneateles crash
An 18-year-old Moravia woman was in emergency surgery at University Hospital Monday night after being airlifted from a rollover crash in Skaneateles, state police said.

• ProLiteracy gets $15K for books, materials
ProLiteracy, a Syracuse-based adult basic education and literacy group, has received a $15,000 grant from Staples to help pay for a program that provides instructional materials to groups.

• Santa Claus takes a look 'Inside Government'
This is the final week of public affairs programming by Cayuga County Community College and Time Warner Communications for 2008.

• Ss. Peter and Paul hosts its Christmas bazaar
Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Auburn will hold its second annual Christmas bazaar Sunday.

• St. Joseph's to host tree, manger blessing
St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center will hold its 14th annual Christmas tree and manger blessing at 9 a.m. Thursday in the main lobby of the hospital. Employees will be given ornaments to help decorate the tree.

• Brother's defense never rested
As a child, Shawn Barnes shared a room with his older brother, Steven, in their home in Marcy. Shawn had the top bunk. Every night, Steve would hit the light switch and sprawl out on the bottom.

• Canal Toting More Barges
High fuel prices and rainy weather kept many boaters off the state's canal system this year, but the silver lining was a big bump in commercial shipping.

• Newest mercury is most harmful
New mercury entering Onondaga Lake has a more immediate harmful effect on fish and aquatic creatures than the mercury that's been sitting for decades on the lake floor, according to new research conducted on a test lake in Canada.

• New judge reaches seat via unexpected ride
The first woman elected Surrogate's Court judge in Onondaga County never imagined having a legal career.

• Tully mayor: Maybe county legislators aren't needed
Consolidate operations, sure. But dissolve the village? Forget it.

• 2 shot in Syracuse robbery attempt
Two men were shot Sunday evening during a robbery attempt at the Court Street Mini Mart, at Court and Spring streets, Syracuse police said.

• Workers Get Artistic
The men and women who plow and pave the roads, pay the bills and count the ballots in Madison County have a secret.

• A-P-W schools seek change in project
A public hearing is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Altmar-Parish-Williamstown High School to discuss the upcoming vote on the A-P-W school district construction project.

• Fulton celebrates, lights tree Thursday
The 2008 Christmas Tree Lighting Jubilee is from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Fulton Municipal Building on South First Street. The tree is across the street from City Hall.

• Canastota to consider adult care
The Canastota Board of Trustees tonight will consider amending a local zoning ordinance to allow adult day care centers in certain residential zones.

• Workers Get Artistic
The men and women who plow and pave the roads, pay the bills and count the ballots in Madison County have a secret.

• Fulton celebrates, lights tree Thursday
The 2008 Christmas Tree Lighting Jubilee is from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Fulton Municipal Building on South First Street. The tree is across the street from City Hall.

• Newest mercury is most harmful
New mercury entering Onondaga Lake has a more immediate harmful effect on fish and aquatic creatures than the mercury that's been sitting for decades on the lake floor, according to new research conducted on a test lake in Canada.

• ES-M grad is voice of SUNY students
Õ7CrawfordÕ While Central New Yorkers often bemoan their lack of influence in Albany affairs, at least one East Syracuse native has the ear of Gov. David Paterson's staff - and he's not even out of college yet.

• Center offers free job skill classes in December
The Women's Opportunity Center will hold job skill training classes this month in a variety of fields. Ongoing help with job employability, confidence building, communication, computer classes and resume assistance are available.

• Center offers free job skill classes this month
The Women's Opportunity Center will hold job-skill training classes this month in a variety of fields. Ongoing help with job employability, confidence building, communication, computer classes and resume assistance are available.

• Injured city firefighter released from hospital
A Syracuse firefighter injured in a fire Thanksgiving night has been released from the hospital.

• Onondaga County offers free Medicare counseling
Onondaga County seniors can get personalized help from the county Department of Aging and Youth to enroll or make changes in Medicare Part D coverage.

• Send us memories of Christmas past
On Dec. 25, The Post-Standard's Neighbors sections will publish a Christmas card to our readers and we're looking for your memories of this wonderful season.

• Downtown supersizes art scene
The art scene in Syracuse is about to get a whole lot bigger.

• Working for art, peace, and fun
The shapely graffiti on the side of the headquarters of the Syracuse Cultural Workers at 400 Lodi St. says it all: "Make art, not war."

• Charges dismissed for deputies
The last two criminal cases linked to the scandal that rocked the Seneca County Sheriff's Office in 2007 are over, but the two deputies involved remain off the job, suspended without pay.

• Worker charged in city robbery
The investigation into a reported robbery Saturday ended with an employee of the business being charged, Syracuse police said.

• Mumbai terror attacks reverberate in CNY
Ritesh Sethi panicked when he couldn't reach his friend in Mumbai this week.

• Nobody Builds Houses Like Dad
Some dads do their daughters a favor by filling their cars with gasoline, helping them move furniture or picking up their cell phone bills.

• Funds scarce for HIV center
New York - Last spring, when officials at St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan began organizing a fundraiser for its Comprehensive HIV Center, it didn't seem that unreasonable to start ticket prices at $500 each.

• Of Birds and Breeding
Albany - A new atlas shows Canada Geese, Turkeys, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens, Cooper's Hawks and Common Ravens are nesting all over New York state, in places they weren't seen two decades ago.

• Road Work
Drivers in Central New York may face these delays this week:

• Thruway work goes on break
The planned repaving of 15 miles of the state Thruway between Interstate 690 and Weedsport will resume in the spring after work ended last week for the winter.

• Using someone else's medication, or distributing it, breaks law
Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin Walsh wants to remind students that using prescription drugs is not only dangerous, it's illegal.

• More use Food Sense to save
In these difficult economic times, there's a little-known program at Catholic Charities in Fulton that can help families stretch their food dollars.

• Snow Settles In Early
While bustling shoppers at retail centers in Onondaga County paid more attention to good deals inside than the weather outside, the folks farther north couldn't help but pay mind to the heavy wet snow with which they've had to deal the last few days.

• Agency seeks comments on Harriet Tubman park
The National Park Service will hold a meeting 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Tubman Home on South Street to accept public comments on plans to establish a Harriet Tubman historical park in Auburn. In the event of snow, the meeting will be held Thursday.

• Art by elders sought for Schweinfurth show
The Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn is seeking artwork by Cayuga County's older citizens for the annual "Both Ends of the Rainbow" exhibit.

• Christmas bird count planned at Montezuma
Naturalist Dave Spier and Christmas bird count compiler Carol Stokes-Cawley will hold a free, informational session next month at the Montezuma Audubon Center for those interested in participating in the annual Christmas bird count.

• Christmas Bureau signup runs Monday to Dec. 17
Onondaga County residents can register for this year's Christmas Bureau Distribution beginning Monday through Dec. 17.

• Christmas tree lightings this week in Oswego
The annual Oswego children's Christmas tree lighting will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday followed by a visit from Santa and the main tree lighting at 6 at City Hall Plaza.

• Christmas Walk event to feature music, dance
Cazenovia's Christmas Walk celebration will include live music by The Salt Potatoes and a performance by dancers from the Johnston and McDonald Schools of Irish Step Dancing from 6:45 to 9 p.m. Friday. The entertainment will be in the Cazenovia Municipal Building auditorium at 90 Albany St. Light refreshments will be available. Donations will be accepted to support the relief work of the St. James Haiti Committee.

• Democrat says he'll run for mayor of Syracuse
Alfonso Davis formally announced his candidacy for mayor of Syracuse at a fundraising event Friday night.

• Donations for holiday baskets needed soon
Cazenovia-area food pantry and clothing closet CazCares is collecting donations to create holiday food baskets and gifts for low-income families. Organizers hope to collect:

• Hamilton tree lighting, related events Friday
The village of Hamilton will host a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the south end of the Village Green.

• Lysander woman dies in crash with dump truck
A Lysander woman died Saturday afternoon after she drove her Nissan pickup truck into the path of a dump truck on Wellesley Island, state police said.

• Nativity presentations will be Dec. 13 at church
Southwest Oswego United Methodist Church presents its annual Live Nativity and Nativities by Candlelight 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the church.

• 'Nutcracker' ballet set for Dec. 19 performance
The Children's Board of Oswego will present "The Nutcracker" 7 p.m. Dec. 19 in the Faust theater at Oswego High School.

• Pest management class at extension Dec. 11
A workshop about pest management will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Cooperative Extension of Oswego County office in Mexico.

• Santa to attend Phoenix Christmas tree lighting
A community Christmas tree lighting ceremony is planned for 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sweet Memorial Building, Main Street, Phoenix.

• Thruway repaving work wraps up until spring
Drivers on the state Thruway will have easier going, at least until spring, now that repaving projects have ended for the season. In addition to the seasonal hiatus, escalating construction costs prompted the Thruway Authority to cancel some projects.

• Thruway repaving work wraps up until spring
Drivers on the state Thruway will have easier going, at least until spring, now that repaving projects have ended for the season.

• Christmas tree color is bustin' out all over
Meaghan Allen, 3, squealed in delight as her big sister danced onstage in a frilly white-and-blue dress Friday night in Clinton Square.

• Mayday for Firefighters
For a moment late Thanksgiving night, Syracuse firefighters thought one of their own had fallen through the roof of a burning home.

• Mom may face homicide charge
The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office has not ruled out the possibility Cherron Patterson could also face homicide charges in the death of her young daughter, whom police said was beaten to death last week by Patterson's teenage boyfriend.

• Seized Indian smokes at issue
The Cayuga Indian Nation was still weighing what to do about cigarette sales at its LakeSide Trading stores in Union Springs and Seneca Falls, the Cayugas' lawyer said Friday.

• Truckers Make a Point
A protest convoy of more than 200 trucks that rolled through Skaneateles Friday during its annual Dickens Christmas celebration might have been good for local businesses, not the big disruption that some worried about.

• Many tree lightings ahead
Christmas tree lightings started Friday and continue into December. Here is a rundown of many of the celebrations across Central New York: Onondaga County Baldwinsville: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, in front of the Red Mill Inn, 4 Syracuse St. Brewerton: 7 p.m. Dec. 7, at the Fire Station, 9627 Route 11. Camillus: 7 p.m. Monday, at Camillus Municipal Building, 4600 W. Genesee St. Cicero: 6 p.m. Friday, Route 11 and Factory Street. Clay: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Clay Historical Park, 4939 Route 31. The Log Cabin, railroad station and welcome center will be open at 6 p.m. DeWitt: 6:30 p.m. Friday, at DeWitt Town Hall, 5400 Butternut Drive. Geddes: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, at John Carno Recreation Center, 823 State Fair Blvd. Jordan: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10, in the Village Center on South Main Street. Liverpool: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 in Johnson Park, Route 57 and Vine Street. Manlius: Dec. 7, Manlius Village Centre, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. 3:30 p.m.: Holiday story hour; 4:30 p.m.: Carols with tree lighting shortly afterward. Marcellus: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Free carriage rides, 5 to 8 p.m.; tree lighting begins at 6 p.m. at Town Hall followed by the village tree being lit in front of Marcellus United Methodist Church Minoa: 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Municipal Building, North Main Street. North Syracuse: 5 p.m. Dec. 7, Community Center, 700 South Bay Road. Parade will begin at the North Syracuse Baptist Church parking lot followed by tree lighting. Pompey: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, at Pompey Town Hall, 8354 Route 20. Skaneateles Sings: 6 p.m. Friday, Father Christmas and Mother Goose will read stories and pose for photos at the library, 49 E. Genesee St. Caroling, tree lighting and creche dedication at 6:30 in the village. Syracuse:

• Many tree lightings ahead
Christmas tree lightings started Friday and continue into December. Here is a rundown of many of the celebrations across Central New York: Onondaga County Baldwinsville: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, in front of the Red Mill Inn, 4 Syracuse St. Brewerton: 7 p.m. Dec. 7, at the Fire Station, 9627 Route 11. Camillus: 7 p.m. Monday, at Camillus Municipal Building, 4600 W. Genesee St. Cicero: 6 p.m. Friday, Route 11 and Factory Street. DeWitt: 6:30 p.m. Friday, at DeWitt Town Hall, 5400 Butternut Drive. Jordan: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10, in the Village Center on South Main Street. Manlius: Dec. 7, Manlius Village Centre, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. 3:30 p.m.: Holiday story hour; 4:30 p.m.: Carols with tree lighting shortly afterward. Marcellus: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Free carriage rides, 5 to 8 p.m.; tree lighting begins at 6 p.m. at Town Hall followed by the village tree being lit in front of Marcellus United Methodist Church Pompey: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, at Pompey Town Hall, 8354 Route 20. Skaneateles Sings: 6 p.m. Friday, Father Christmas and Mother Goose will read stories and pose for photos at the library, 49 E. Genesee St. Caroling, tree lighting and creche dedication at 6:30 in the village. Cayuga County Auburn: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Hoopes Park, 100 S. Herman Ave. Presented by Hospice of Finger Lakes. Aurora: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aurora Free Library, 370 Main St. Cayuga: 5 p.m. Dec. 7, Cayuga Memorial Hall, Center Street. Children's party from 3 to 5 p.m. Fair Haven: 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Fair Haven Village Park, Main Street. Port Byron: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Conquest Municipal Center, 1289 Fuller Road. Union Springs: 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Frontenac Historical Society Museum, 178 Cayuga St. Madison County Canastota: 6 p.m. today, on South Peterboro Street next to Key Bank. Cazenovia: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, at the Presbyterian Church, 27 Albany St. Chittenango: 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6, at Dr. West Park, Genesee and Russell streets. Also, crockpot chili cook-off. Hamilton: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Hamilton Village Green, Route 12 B south. Morrisville: 7 p.m. Friday, Crouse Community Center, South Street. Oswego County Central Square: 5 p.m. Dec. 7, in Community Park, Route 11 (across from Chevrolet dealer). Cleveland: 6 p.m. today,in Lakeview Park, state Route 49. Fulton: 5 p.m. Thursday, at Fulton Municipal Building, 141 S. First St. Mexico: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 6. Parade at 4:30; tree lighting about 5 p.m. at Cooperative Extension and Fireman's Hall, Main Street. Minetto: 6 p.m. Dec. 7, at 6 Town Hall, Community Drive. Oswego: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, at City Hall Plaza, West First and Oneida streets. Parish: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6, at Veteran Memorial Park, at the three-way intersection of Union, South Railroad and Church streets. Phoenix/Schroeppel: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6, at the Sweet Memorial Building, Main Street, Phoenix. Pulaski: 4 p.m. Dec. 7 ,in South Park, North Jefferson Street. Sandy Creek/Lacona: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, at the Village Hall, 11 Park Ave., Lacona. Wreath lighting West Monroe: 7 p.m. Dec. 6, at West Monroe Historical Society, 2355 Route 49.

• Retired Navy chaplain to talk on interfaith issues
A visiting speaker this week will share "the rules of engagement" for interfaith dialogue during a program sponsored by Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, Syracuse University's Hendrick's Chapel

• What I Believe
I believe that we were created by a source greater than ourselves. I do not know if that source was intelligent and conscious or inorganic and inert. I have come to understand creation as the changing seasons of nature, the evolution of new life, and I am in awe of the intricate balance of all living things in communion with one another as each cycle begins, comes to fruition, and ends.

• Clay man fires shots at son
A father fired four shots at his son Friday morning outside a residence in Clay, state police said.

• Syracuse rabbi remembers victims
Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport, director of Chabad Lubavitch of Syracuse, was heartbroken to learn that a New York rabbi and his wife are among the dead in the India terrorist attack.

• Channel 9 showing film to help Rescue Mission
"Beyond Tomorrow," a Christmas season favorite, is this year's Movie with a Mission on WSYR-TV (Channel 9) to benefit the Rescue Mission.

• School set to perform 'Willie Wonka' musical
The rescheduled Fabius-Pompey Middle School productions of the musical "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" will be Tuesday and Wednesday. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. at the school.

• Sign work on I-690 to shut down 2 lanes
The right and center lanes of Interstate 690 eastbound and westbound in the area of Geddes Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon Monday for work on an overhead sign if weather permits, the state Department of Transportation said.

• Syracuse school to hold Auction for the Arts
Edward Smith Elementary School, 1106 Lancaster Ave., Syracuse, is holding its Auction for the Arts 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Items range from original art to gift certificates from local establishments. The event benefits the arts and music curriculum for city schoolchildren.

• Youth Day Fair set for Dec. 6 at Oncenter
Mary Nelson's free Youth Day Fair, a follow-up to the Youth Day Summer Barbecue, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Oncenter.

• 'A good Christmas' grows harder
John and Billie Mero, of Geddes, want to give their four children a special Christmas this year.

• Response to float buoys Oneida Nation
Oneida Indian Nation leader Ray Halbritter said he wasn't sure what kind of reaction the Oneidas would receive Thursday when they became the first tribe to have a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

• Santa has early present for mall
Mary McIntyre kept trying for years.

• With 'Peace and Hope'
About 45 people gathered Thursday morning on the shores of Onondaga Lake to form a "Circle of Peace and Hope" and give thanks to the Onondaga Nation and its people.

• $825,000 settlement reached in death of teen
A Solvay couple whose teenage son was killed in a motorcycle crash four years ago settled a lawsuit this week that tried to open the door to re-evaluating the value of the lives of young people in wrongful-death cases.

• Crime & Safety
Syracuse police arrested three people on drug charges Wednesday night after searching an apartment on East Division Street and finding crack cocaine in a dresser drawer under a 3-month-old baby's clothes, police said.

• Finger Lakes Press sold; jobs lost
Some employees of Auburn's Finger Lakes Press learned on the eve of Thanksgiving that they had lost their jobs.

• Motions really familiar to judge
As compliments go, the one state Supreme Court Justice John Brunetti gave defense lawyer Elise Voutsinas carried a bit of a punch. But it was all very good-natured.

• REASON TO BE THANKFUL
ARTHUR WINE(left) offers a blessing to Johnny Phillips, both of Syracuse, during a Thanksgiving meal at the Rescue Mission in downtown Syracuse Thursday morning. In the foreground is Reginold Reyes, also of Syracuse.

• American Indian crafters to display their wares
Skilled artisans will gather for the 12th annual American Indian Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 6 and 7 at the Oneida Indian Nation's Turning Stone Resort and Casino.

• DeWitt Wegmans loses power for about an hour
Dozens of customers shopped in near-darkness Thursday morning at Wegmans in DeWitt after the store's power failed for about an hour.

• Salvation Army bell sale helps feed hungry
The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area's annual bell sale at the city of Syracuse's Christmas Tree Lighting will begin 6 p.m. today in Clinton Square.

• Syracuse woman hit in the head by a bullet
A bullet lodged near the ear of a Syracuse woman in a shooting Thursday night, city police said.

• Farmers' philosophy carried them 65 years
Pauline Kaestle offered the tale with resigned humor. As she told it, she took a sidelong glance at her husband, Herman.

• Snow Science is Art, Too
It seems so simple. If you want to know how much snow has fallen, just poke a yardstick in the nearest snow bank, right?

• Teacher of the Year
Editorial assistant Desiree Feigel-Dart recently spoke with Theresa Ladd, a music teacher at McKinley-Brighton School who received the Sam's Club Teacher of the Year Award.

• Community Ambassadors
As a blood donor, Rebecca Fuentes always knew the importance of the Red Cross and its work. Now, as a Community Ambassador for the Red Cross, her job is to share that knowledge.

• TRADITION BUILDS
The holiday season can bring warm memories from years past. Those memories are built on traditions, and each family has its own special tradition.

• High school students win scholarship for essay
Life can be very busy and often we forget how something like recycling can prove to benefit our environment. Everyday, we see papers dropped on the ground, people throwing all of their garbage in one bag, excessive use and waste of paper in school and the list goes on. We do not realize the impact that this has on our environment. It is up to all of us to understand this, but it starts with each one of us individually. As both a student and consumer, I can take an active role in promoting environmental awareness and recycling.

• Police Blotter
Syracuse Police

• Soldier of 'indomitable spirit' will lecture at series
The following was written by Beverly Allen. Sometimes life just brings you the most inspiring people. It did so once again for me last winter, when Ben Tupper came ambling down snowy Maryland Avenue with his big, frisky Doberman, Jack. My own little poodle, Rudy, summoned all his miniature machismo and barked his smoker's cough bark with fearsome bravado, only to cower in abject submission as soon as we were within 10 feet of a real dog.

• Ornament for sale as fundraiser
Looking for a different holiday present with a taste of Syracuse history?

• Woman wants to give back to communtiy
Sujini Ramachandar, of Camillus, wrote the following article for Neighbors.

• Delaware Elementary teacher, daughters write children's book
Cathy Hamernik, a kindergarten teacher at Delaware Elementary School, and her three school-age daughters have written a nonfiction children's book about abstract art and an accompanying teacher's manual.

• Friends in Need
Mary McRae knew she wanted to volunteer once she retired in 1999.

• Police Blotter
Cicero Police

• Outgoing library director to be honored Wednesday
The director of the DeWitt Community Library is leaving, and the Friends of the Library will hold a reception Wednesday to honor her service.

• Historical society hosts Christmas events
Õ7SmithÕIn 1933, Donald M. Dey, president of Dey Brothers of Syracuse, wrote holiday greetings to his customers and friends. To a Mrs. Lockwood, Dey wrote, "Once again we are approaching the festive Christmas season," adding, "I want to take this means of wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year."

• J-D continues search for elementary principal
The search for a new principal at Moses DeWitt Elementary School in the Jamesville-DeWitt school district is in high gear, as district officials conclude their interviews with applicants.

• 58 at J-D honored with AP Scholar awards
Fifty-eight students at Jamesville-Dewitt High School have received AP Scholar Awards from the College Board in recognition of their achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program Exams.

• Choral Concert set at ES-M
The following information was submitted by Irwin Goldberg. Event: East Syracuse-Minoa High School Choral Concert

• Committed to Youth
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Mary Ellen Daino, of Cato, who is the assistant agricultural manager for the New York State Fair. She received statewide recognition from Cornell Cooperative Extension for her commitment to 4-H Youth Development at the New York State Fair. Name: Mary Ellen Daino

• Committed to Youth
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Mary Ellen Daino, of Cato, who is the assistant agricultural manager for the New York State Fair. She received statewide recognition from Cornell Cooperative Extension for her commitment to 4-H youth development at the fair. Name: Mary Ellen Daino

• Landmark Restored
Since 1833, Borodino Hall has been a vital part of the town of Spafford.

• Woman wants to give back to communtiy
Sujini Ramachandar, of Camillus, wrote the following article for Neighbors.

• Holiday spirits on the rise for all in Skaneateles
While Dickens' Christmas in Skaneateles, which starts Friday, attracts thousands of visitors to the village each year, there are also smaller holiday events that are geared toward the locals.

• Police Blotter
Auburn Police

• School receives gift from soldier in Afghanistan
Walberta Park School in the Westhill school district received a special gift this Veterans Day, principal Maureen Mulderig said.

• School receives gift from soldier in Afghanistan
Walberta Park School in the Westhill school district received a special gift this Veterans Day, principal Maureen Mulderig said.

• Turkey Day Tradition
Hundreds of runners will be flocking this morning to Baldwinsville to get in some pre-dinner exercise in the 40th annual Baldwinsville Kiwanis Turkey Day Races.

• Working Toward Her Goals
Editorial assistant Desiree Feigel-Dart recently spoke with Krystal Martinez, a senior at Manlius Pebble Hill who is recognized as a National Hispanic Scholar of Recognition by the College Board. Name: Krystal Martinez

• Ceremonies light up trees in north suburbs
It's time to celebrate the holiday season.

• Tradition builds memories
The holiday season can bring warm memories from years past. Those memories are built on traditions, and each family has its own special tradition.

• Third-graders search for gems, minerals
Third-graders at Palmer Elementary School wore helmets with headlamps Monday as they pretended to be miners searching for minerals, gems and fossils in a "traveling mine" at their school.

• He Helps Students Grow
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Charles Walters, the new superintendent for the DeRuyter Central School District. He was a lifetime resident of Oswego before moving to DeRuyter in July. Name: Charles Walters

• Community Servants
Pauline Tanner was a twenty-something young woman with a little time on her hands and a desire to get involved with her community of Lacona.

• Community Servants
Pauline Tanner was a twenty-something young woman with a little time on her hands and a desire to get involved with her community of Lacona.

• Quiet Butterscotch well-behaved
The following was submitted by Rebecca Lagoda of the Oswego County Animal Welfare League-Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Butterscotch's mom was struggling to take care of him and his three siblings outside without at stable supply of food or water for herself.

• Quiet Butterscotch well-behaved
The following was submitted by Rebecca Lagoda of the Oswego County Animal Welfare League-Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Butterscotch's mom was struggling to take care of him and his three siblings outside without a stable supply of food or water for herself.

• Central Square students attend YES conference
The following was submitted by Michele Adams, business teacher/DECA advisor, Paul V. Moore High School, Central Square. Event: The Youth Entrepreneurs of Syracuse

• Church fills for baby's funeral
The Rev. Leslie Johnson and five other pastors carried Imani Jennings' tiny white casket out of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday.

• Cigarettes still absent from Indian stores
On Tuesday morning, sheriff deputies in Cayuga and Seneca counties raided two convenience stores - one in Union Springs and one in Seneca Falls - owned by the Cayuga Indian Nation, and carted away more than 17,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes.

• Party Like It's 1812
Know anyone who might have heirloom seed for the hard-to-find Seneca cow horn potato?

• Tree nurtured with lots of TLC
If you see Brian Liberti or Lonny Bornstein at Friday's Holiday Magic in the Square, give them a fist bump or a hug and tell them the municipal Christmas tree looks great.

• She Walks the Walk
DIANA BOWERS,superintendent of the Hamilton Central School District, has worked in education since 1991. Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Diana Bowers, superintendent of the Hamilton school district. Name: Diana Bowers

• She Walks the Walk
DIANA BOWERS, superintendent of the Hamilton Central School District, has worked in education since 1991. Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Diana Bowers, superintendent of the Hamilton school district. Name: Diana Bowers

• She Walks the Walk
DIANA BOWERS, superintendent of the Hamilton Central School District, has worked in education since 1991. Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Diana Bowers, superintendent of the Hamilton school district. Name: Diana Bowers

• Archaeologists survey Route 370 at DOT's request
If you've wondered about the folks sifting dirt along Route 370 between the village of Liverpool and town of Lysander, wonder no longer.

• Ex-Marcellus police chief vows to repay $95K
Former Marcellus Police Chief David Wilkinson says he has a "moral debt" to pay to Marcellus Mayor Mike Plochocki and the village taxpayers - and he intends to pay it.

• Foul odor at mall linked to sewage
The heavy, repugnant odor that occasionally assaults Carousel Center patrons and store employees isn't coming from dead fish.

• Hall of Honor to add more veterans' names
The veterans who advise Oncenter officials are putting plans into motion to honor new generations of service members at the Onondaga County War Memorial.

• REINDEER
AGLOW AS STAGE, STAR SET FOR SHOW

• Visitors urged to arrive before Skaneateles truck convoy
The Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Association is encouraging visitors to get into the village Friday before a convoy of trucks protesting proposed regulations arrives.

• Court Roundup
A divided Court of Appeals this week upheld the conviction of a Syracuse man caught outside a Westvale home with a "to do" list that included killing the adult residents in front of their three children.

• Crime & Safety
Syracuse police have arrested the man they say shot an 18-year-old woman Oct. 3 during a party at 181 Hall Ave.

• Onondaga man's movie gets big play
An award-winning short film promoting Upstate New York, created by Sean Cunningham, 23, of Onondaga,Õ7CunninghamÕ will be aired today at 11 a.m. during NBC's broadcast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It will be seen on WSTM (Channel 3) in Syracuse.

• Smokey is best with older kids
The following was submitted by Maria Fibiger, public relations consulting director at Wanderers' Rest Humane Association. Meet Smokey, a handsome Irish Wolfhound-Retriever mix who is about a year old. He is very playful and energetic.

• Smokey is best with older kids
The following was submitted by Maria Fibiger, public relations consulting director at Wanderers' Rest Humane Association. Meet Smokey, a handsome Irish wolfhound-retriever mix who is about a year old. He is very playful and energetic.

• Club holds annual tree sale
The following was submitted by Warren Jerome of the Chittenango Lions Club. The Chittenango Lions Club will begin its 35th annual Christmas tree sale Saturday in Stickles Park in Chittenango. The club will sell trees from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until all the trees are sold. In previous years, trees were gone by mid-December.

• Police Blotter
Cicero Police Criminal possession of a forged instrument Joshua J. Brennan,26, of 115 W. Pleasant St., Manlius, Nov. 11, third-degree. Charged in Cicero.

• He's Making a List
Naughty and nice no matter what category they fall in, everyone is invited to the annual Breakfast with Santa days at Emerson Park in December.

• City's Gift to Broadcasting
Today's Legend of Auburn is none other than Bob Socci who has made his mark in the field of sports broadcasting. And it all began for him back in good old Auburn. 5 What about this legend?

• Qualified senior could have fee waived for dog
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. Russell lives in Niles. Name:

• Aurora celebrates with annual Christmas event
Aurora gets into the holiday spirit with the annual Christmas in Aurora celebration, featuring food, music and a silent auction.

• Family returns to home rebuilt following fire
The Chaplin family of Syracuse has moved back into its West Side home after a dozen volunteers spent the past two months rebuilding it.

• Holiday closings
Here's a list of what will be open and closed for Thanksgiving Day.

• Lawmakers look to drop test fees for veterans
Onondaga County residents who served in the military soon may get a break on Civil Service exam fees.

• Red Cross seeks names of our local heroes
The Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for heroes who think of others before themselves in a crisis.

• Schweinfurth seeks art made by older people
The Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn is seeking artwork by Cayuga County's elders for the annual "Both Ends of the Rainbow" exhibit.

• Seniors invited to free long-term insurance talk
The Cayuga County Office for the Aging is hosting a free long-term care insurance information seminar Wednesday.

• Skaneateles Chamber: See 'Big Truck Parade'
There will be no "Bah! Humbug!" in Skaneateles Friday.

• Skaneateles says, Come see our big-truck parade
There will be no "Bah! Humbug!" in Skaneateles Friday.

• High school students win scholarship for essay
Life can be very busy and often we forget how something like recycling can prove to benefit our environment. Everyday, we see papers dropped on the ground, people throwing all of their garbage in one bag, excessive use and waste of paper in school and the list goes on. We do not realize the impact that this has on our environment. It is up to all of to understand this, but it starts with each one of us individually. As both a student and consumer, I can take an active role in promoting environmental awareness and recycling.

• Soldier of "indomitable spirit" will lecture at series
The following was written by Beverly Allen. Sometimes life just brings you the most inspiring people. It did so once again for me last winter, when Ben Tupper came ambling down snowy Maryland Avenue with his big, frisky Doberman, Jack. My own little poodle, Rudy, summoned all his miniature machismo and barked his smoker's cough bark with fearsome bravado, only to cower in abject submission as soon as we were within 10 feet of a real dog.

• He's Making a List
Naughty and nice - no matter what category they fall in, everyone is invited to the annual Breakfast with Santa days at Emerson Park in December.

• Qualified senior could have fee waived for senior dog
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. Russell lives in Niles. Name:

• Cayuga Nation smoke shops raided
Authorities in Cayuga and Seneca counties took bold action Tuesday in their long-running battle to force the Cayuga Indian Nation to pay taxes on cigarette sales, but the move is likely to set up yet another legal showdown.

• Teachers tell teen mom's other side
Fowler High School teachers, administrators and staff saw a different side of Cherron Patterson, an 18-year-old student arrested after the beating death of her 20-month-old daughter.

• With exoneration, police resume hunt for Simon murderer
Steven Barnes stood, free of handcuffs and out of state custody for the first time in nearly 20 years, and embraced his mother and sister.

• Outage hobbles county 911 center
An "uninterruptible" power supply unit proved to be anything but Tuesday at Onondaga County's E-911 Center, knocking out its computerized phone system and sending workers scrambling to keep emergency dispatch services going.

• Schumer backs economic stimulus for CNY
A $500 billion to $700 billion stimulus package that President-elect Barack Obama is pushing to revive the economy could bring $70 million to $90 million to Central New York for infrastructure and green energy projects, relief for local governments and other programs, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Tuesday in a news conference near Hancock Airport.

• Alleged drug boss indicted
A Rochester man accused of masterminding a cocaine dealing operation in Oswego County was arraigned Tuesday morning and jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash or bail bond.

• Oswego YMCA sets Reindeer Walk/Run
The 19th annual Reindeer Walk/Run will begin at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6 in Oswego.

• School districts commit to mock trials
For the first time in years, there is a commitment from all Oswego County high schools for the 2008-09 Oswego County Mock Trial Program.

• Students Grow Lunch
Tully High School's horticulture students planted the seeds and are watering and nurturing the tender young plants as they mature, but the whole school will benefit from their efforts.

• Madison supervisors' raises tabled
After a resolution to eliminate raises for Madison County supervisors finally garnered enough support to pass this year, a vote on the matter was squelched in a move that could jeopardize next week's scheduled passage of the tentative county budget.

• York pleads guilty to sex act
A registered sex offender facing multiple chargesÕ7YorkÕ pleaded guilty Tuesday in Madison County Court to a single felony count in exchange for a sentence that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life.

• Alleged drug-ring boss is indicted
A Rochester man accused of masterminding a cocaine dealing operation in Oswego County was arraigned Tuesday morning and jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash or bail bond.

• Make a Joyful Noise
If only all Salvation Army congregations could find workers like Richard Johnson or Darlene Wright.

• Outage hobbles Onondaga County 911
An "uninterruptible" power supply unit proved to be anything but Tuesday at Onondaga County's E-911 Center, knocking out its computerized phone system and sending workers scrambling to keep emergency dispatch services going.

• Teachers discuss mom's other side
Fowler High School teachers, administrators and staff saw a different side of Cherron Patterson, an 18-year-old student arrested after the beating death of her 20-month-old daughter.

• Court Roundup
A grand jury probe into whether drugs were planted to discredit a police officer who blew the whistle on supervisors padding their time sheets was halted Tuesday when two suburban police officials pleaded guilty in that pay scam.

• Crime and Safety
A man critically wounded Monday in a drive-by shooting in the Syracuse University section survived a previous drive-by shooting in 2005, Syracuse police confirmed.

• Budget mostly unopposed
Auburn residents will see their Cayuga County taxes rise next year but not by much.

• STATE HELPS SPREAD WARMTH THROUGH THE WINTER
%%bodybegin%%

• Truckers to village: We come in peace
Charlie Claburn, the organizer of Friday's truck convoy through the village of Skaneateles, said he has heard the rumors about how angry residents are going to react.

• Alleged drug-operation boss is arraigned
A Rochester man accused of masterminding a cocaine dealing operation in Oswego County was arraigned Tuesday morning and jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash or bail bond.

• Man admits guilt to sex-act charge
A registered sex offenderÕ7YorkÕ facing multiple charges pleaded guilty Tuesday in Madison County Court to a single felony count in exchange for a sentence that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life.

• 5 men face charges in theft at golf course
Five men were arrested Tuesday after guns, ammunition and other items were stolen this summer from the Radisson Greens Golf Course, state police said.

• Annual basketball tourney set for Dec. 12, 13
The 14th annual Tip-Off Tournament sponsored by Fulton Savings Bank is Dec. 12 and 13 at Frederick Leighton School, 1 Buccaneer Blvd., Oswego.

• Benefit set for Sullivan Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its sixth silent auction from 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Whitetail restaurant at Woodcrest Golf Club at Route 173 and Cheese Factory Road, Manlius.

• Bridgeport auxiliary plans Christmas auction
The Bridgeport Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will hold its second Christmas auction at 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at Fire Station No. 1 on Route 31.

• Bridgeport Boy Scouts want your bottles, cans
Boy Scout Pack 113 of Bridgeport will conduct a bottle and can drive 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6. at the back parking lot of Bridgeport Fire Station No. 1.

• Center offers free job-skill classes in December
The Women's Opportunity Center will hold job-skill training classes next month in a variety of fields. Ongoing help with job employability, confidence building, communication, computer classes and resume assistance is available.

• Garden center collecting food, winter clothing
Decorate the mitten tree by donating new scarves, hats and mittens at Dickman Farms Greenhouses and Garden Center on 13 Archie St., Auburn.

• Group invites public to thank the Onondaga
The group Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation invites people to a Thanksgiving "Circle of Peace and Hope" at the Willow Bay Picnic Area on the north shore of Onondaga Lake, Liverpool, at 10 a.m. Thursday.

• Macy's parade to have Oneida nation float
The Oneida Indian Nation on Thursday becomes the first native tribe to have a float in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

• Meeting for Stockbridge school board changed
The Stockbridge Valley Board of Education has rescheduled its next regular meeting for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The meeting was originally scheduled for Dec. 9.

• Meeting to gather comments on Tubman park
The National Park Service will hold a meeting Dec. 3 to accept public comments on plans to establish a Harriet Tubman historical park in Auburn.

• Oneidas to have float in Thanksgiving parade
The Oneida Indian Nation on Thursday becomes the first native tribe to have a float in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

• Oswego man is accused of striking woman
An Oswego man has been charged with second-degree assault, a felony, after police say he hit a woman with a dangerous object.

• Send us memories of Christmases past
On Dec. 25, Neighbors will publish a Christmas card to our readers, and we're looking for your memories of this wonderful season.

• Send us memories of Christmas past
On Dec. 25, Neighbors will publish a Christmas card to our readers and we're looking for your memories of this wonderful season.

• Sherrill Legion to host Red Cross bloodmobile
Friday's American Red Cross bloodmobile in Sherrill has been moved from Christ Methodist Church to the Sherrill American Legion at 168 E. Seneca St. The hours are 12:20 to 5:30 p.m. Donor appointment times will remain the same. To schedule an appointment, call 800-448-3543 or visit www.madisononeida redcross.org.

• String quartet performance planned for Dec. 9
Oswego Health brings the sounds of the holidays to Oswego County as the Seneca String Quartet performs a preview concert featuring members of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

• Wanted: public's help regarding burglaries
State police are seeking the public's help in connection with the investigation of several recent burglaries in Verona and Camden.

• WAUB to interview 'Nightline' correspondent
Cynthia McFadden, correspondent for ABC-TV's "Nightline," will be a guest today on radio station WAUB.

• Where's Sean
%%bodybegin%%Sean Kirst is out of the office. His column will resume Thursday.

• DA: DNA clears man jailed for 20 years
For the past 19 Thanksgivings, there's been someone missing at the Barnes family table.

• Liverpool teacher to collect sea ice
Liverpool ninth-grade earth science students studying Antarctica are curious about how cold it gets there.

• Ex-Oswego County Sheriff Nellis dies
Charles F. Nellis, who served as sheriff in Oswego County from 1983 to 1999, died Saturday at his home in Parish.

• Fulton City Clerk to Retire
Fulton native Joseph R. Tetro has served as city clerk under eight administrations and seven mayors.

• Man accused of raping young girl
A Fulton man has been indicted on felony rape and sexual abuse charges stemming from incidents police say occurred over a two-year period in Hannibal.

• Residents to vote on project
Hannibal school district residents will get a second chance to vote on the proposed construction project for the district's three buildings.

• Bisesi pleads insanity in parents' death
Joseph Bisesi III stood inÕ7BisesiÕ court Monday morning and admitted without any show of emotion that he shot and killed JoEllen and Joseph Bisesi Jr. in their Elbridge home in July.

• Shooting Triggers Alert
Syracuse University issued its first

• Driscoll: Agree on school plan
Mayor Matt Driscoll says there is no open warfare between City Hall and the Syracuse school district.

• First Orange Alert
has some in fear, some indifferent A class of Syracuse University journalism students received an assignment: Cover the first Orange Alert. Some excerpts:

• Nursing home workers charged
Two former Rome nursing home employees have been arrested and accused of stealing and pawning an 89-year-old resident's engagement ring.

• Oneida rids eyesore of asbestos
Workers are removing asbestos from the old Elizabeth Street junior high school building, a necessary step in finally getting rid of a 76-year-old eyesore in Oneida's historic district.

• LIGHTS! LAKE! ACTION!
%%bodybegin%%

• Wayne Co. men charged with illegally taking deer
Two Wayne County men have been accused by state environmental conservation police with illegally purchasing deer tags and illegally taking deer.

• Cops: Words linked her to baby in trash
A Syracuse woman accused of killing and dumping her baby in a park trash can 27 years ago initially denied knowledge of the incident when brought in for questioning in April, two detectives testified Monday.

• Lawmaker pushes underage drinking bill
An Onondaga County legislator wants the county to enact a law he said would fill gaps in statutes that regulate underage drinking.

• Living 'Outsiders'
Sporting a nice, red checkered shirt, Onondaga Hill Middle School student Will Stevenson turned to his greasy haired classmate Matt Torak and asked, "Do you know what a greaser is? White trash with long greasy hair."

• 'Teish' death draws state officials
Top-ranking officials from the state Division of Human Rights came to Syracuse on Monday to show support for a local transsexual who was killed earlier this month and to try to brainstorm ways to prevent such violence in the future.

• Bisesi pleads insanity in parents' death
Joseph Bisesi III stood inÕ7BisesiÕ court Monday morning and admitted without any show of emotion that he shot and killed JoEllen and Joseph Bisesi Jr. in their Elbridge home in July.

• County close to '09 budget
Don't expect any major tax-cutting changes to be made tonight to the proposed 2009 Cayuga County budget, officials said Monday.

• State donates extra coats to CNY charities
The state is donating 7,000 surplus medium-weight winter coats to shelters and Salvation Army outlets in 35 communities, including several in Central New York.

• Wayne Co. men charged with illegally taking deer
Two Wayne County men have been accused by state environmental conservation police with illegally purchasing deer tags and illegally taking deer.

• Shooting triggers first SU alert
Syracuse University issued its first "Orange Alert" e-mail to the campus community Monday, warning people to seek shelter and barricade their doors because of a drive-by shooting near campus.

• 11 sheriff's deputies promoted at ceremony
Eleven Onondaga County sheriff's deputies were promoted Thursday night by Sheriff Kevin Walsh in a ceremony at Gillette Road Middle School in Cicero.

• Catholic Charities looks for Christmas donors
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County is seeking sponsors for its annual Christmas program, which matches sponsors with families and individuals in need. Sponsors provide unwrapped gifts, new toys, clothing and grocery gift cards based on wish lists.

• Counselors help students after infant's death
The Syracuse school district will offer counseling again today to students and staff in the wake of two district teens being charged over the weekend in the death of a 20-month-old infant.

• Ex-Wal-Mart cashier charged with larceny
A Camden woman was arrested last week on charges that she stole more than $1,000 from the Oneida Wal-Mart while working there as a cashier, city police said.

• Group asks schools to clarify police role
The New York Civil Liberties Union has sent a letter to the Syracuse school district asking the district to conduct its own investigation of a recent altercation between a Corcoran High School student and a police officer.

• Man faces drug charge after traffic stop
Cortland County sheriff's deputies stopped a Chenango County man on a routine traffic violation Friday and charged him with cocaine possession.

• Monday is deadline for FSA committee voting
The deadline to cast ballots in the Madison County Farm Service Agency committee election is Monday.

• Nursing open house set for Oswego Health
Oswego Health will host an open house for registered nurses 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 in the lower level conference room at Oswego Hospital. Experienced registered nurses and new grads can meet nursing mangers and talk about open positions in med/surg, pediatrics, emergency department, psych acute and long term care.

• Oneida City Hall to close two days for holiday
Oneida City Hall and City Court will be open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, but all offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Sheriff to appear on Guy Cosentino show
Cayuga County Sheriff David S. Gould is the guest on today's broadcast of "Inside Government with Guy Cosentino." The show airs at 7 p.m. on the Auburn Time Warner cable system's Channel 12.

• State donates extra coats to CNY charities
The state is donating 7,000 surplus medium-weight winter coats to shelters and Salvation Army outlets in 35 communities, including several in Central New York.

• Budget still has plenty of jazz
In these times of economic woe, New York state still plans to pay the salaries of historic re-enactors this summer at the site of a notorious 19th-century Albany murder.

• 'I Just Want to Know Why'
Relatives told 18-year-old Cherron Patterson and her 15-year-old boyfriend, Anthony Weakfall, earlier this year that they were spanking Cherron's baby too hard, according to the baby's maternal grandmother.

• Cazenovia schools propose $12.5M fix
Two years after a special election turned out angry voters in record numbers who defeated a $13 million project, Cazenovia school district officials are hoping taxpayers will get behind a $12.5 million capital improvement plan.

• Feast of the Carols scheduled
Students and faculty from the State University College at Oswego will perform together at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Feast of the Carols concert.

• Oswego's comic son comes home
Õ7BenjaminÕ Comedian and Oswego native Owen Benjamin returns home today for his first performance since leaving 10 years ago.

• Comedian brings his act home to Oswego
Comedian and Oswego native Owen Benjamin returns home today for his first performance since leaving 10 years ago.

• Conceding to Economics
After months of trying to find an affordable solution for a new or expanded municipal building, the West Monroe Town Board is expected this week to approve a reduced project.

• Musical feast features college students, faculty
Students and faculty from the State University College at Oswego will perform together at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Feast of the Carols concert.

• Cazenovia school district proposes $12.5M construction plan
Two years after a special election turned out angry voters in record numbers who defeated a $13 million project, Cazenovia school district officials are hoping taxpayers will get behind a $12.5 million capital improvement plan.

• Memories of terrifying firefight will linger
Ghazni, Afghanistan - This country brought Nick Teta his first firefight.

• Violence against children scars community
Janet took the call Sunday night while she was on a break from working at a nursing home. She is 25, and she works two jobs. They pay enough to cover the needs of her three children.

• Oswego's comic son comes home
Comedian and Oswego native Owen Benjamin returns home today for his first performance since leaving 10 years ago.

• Town will increase office space with small project
After months of trying to find an affordable solution for a new or expanded municipal building, the West Monroe Town Board is expected this week to approve a reduced project.

• As Fast as Technology
Video and audio podcasting.

• Liverpool panel: Install new turf at district stadium
Dozens of Liverpool community members and school district employees have been meeting regularly since August to discuss the district's closed athletic stadium and what should be done next.

• Obama's cabinet: Historical repeat?
It was a tight race during a time of national crisis. It matched an unknown, upstart senator from Illinois and an experienced, nationally recognized New York senator.

• Lights Display Powers Up
Cayuga County's Parks and Trails Department is getting its own version of lights on the lake ready for the holiday season.

• Children's deaths scar community
Janet took the call Sunday night while she was on a break from working at a nursing home. She is 25, and she works two jobs. They pay enough to cover the needs of her three children.

• Musical feast features college students, faculty
Students and faculty from the State University College at Oswego will perform together at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Feast of the Carols concert.

• Students unlock mysteries of city
It took a class of ninth-graders from Manlius Pebble Hill School about 90 minutes to prove one theory about downtown Syracuse and disprove another.

• Auburn church plans annual Christmas Bazaar
Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Auburn will hold its second annual Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 7.

• Cazenovia library offers teens financial seminar
Cazenovia Public Library will host a financial seminar for teenagers at 2 p.m. Dec. 11.

• Child Munchkin agrees to appear next year
Priscilla Montgomery, who played a child Munchkin in the 1939 classic film "The Wizard of Oz," will be a guest of honor at the 2009 Oz-Stravaganza from June 5-7 in Chittenango.

• Christmas at Lorenzo returns next month
The Lorenzo State Historic Site will again offer its "Christmas at Lorenzo" holiday program in December, featuring festive decorations throughout the 1807 home of John Lincklaen, founder of the village of Cazenovia.

• City school chief to hold four parents forums
Syracuse school Superintendent Dan Lowengard will hold his quarterly Report Card Forums over the next few weeks.

• DNA evidence could alter 1985 murder case
A man who has spent 20 years in prison convicted of a teenager's 1985 rape and murder is due in a Utica court today awaiting the results of the latest DNA tests that could prove whether he was wrongfully convicted.

• Free seminar Dec. 3 on long-term insurance
The Cayuga County Office for the Aging is hosting a free long-term care insurance information seminar Dec. 3.

• Human rights official to discuss homicide
New York state Division of Human Rights Commissioner Galen Kirkland will meet today with local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups to discuss the recent killing of a Syracuse transgendered person.

• Innocence Project brings '85 case back to court
A man who has spent 20 years in prison convicted of a teenager's 1985 rape and murder is due in a Utica court today awaiting the results of the latest DNA tests that could prove whether he was wrongfully convicted.

• Restaurant workers robbed in DeWitt
DeWitt police were investigating an armed robbery early Sunday in the parking lot of the Wingz restaurant, 315 Nottingham Road.

• Salvation Army needs volunteer bellringers
The Salvation Army is seeking individual bellringers or bellringer groups to help the nonprofit agency solicit cash donations at various locations this holiday season.

• Two spat in officer's sandwich, police say
Two men were arrested last week on charges they spat in a police officer's chicken sandwich at a McDonald's in Fulton, police said Sunday.

• Wanted: teens to write about local music
High school garage bands of all genres hip-hop, rock, pop, jazz and others are making great music in Central New York.

• Church Warms Holidays
Kattie Primer, 57, was one of the 500-plus people who lined up outside the River of Life Church in Saturday's 23-degree weather, waiting for a free turkey.

• Syracuse couple's secrets to 50-year marriage
The most important part of a successful marriage is very simple: You have to like each other.

• Hospital's holiday lights will sparkle Dec. 1
A sure sign of the holiday season is the twinkling clock tower atop Crouse Hospital, which will be illuminated Dec. 1 by 3,000 white lights.

• N. Syracuse's clock chock-full of tunes
If you've got a wife or girlfriend named Amy, here's a sure way to score some brownie points.

• Unloading Surplus Online
Albany

• Harmony in Matrimony
The most important part of a successful marriage is very simple: You have to like each other.

• Turkey giveaway draws a crowd
Kattie Primer, 57, was one of the 500-plus people who lined up outside the River of Life Church in Saturday's 23-degree weather, waiting for a free turkey.

• It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas
MATT KANE(left), 10, and his twin brother, Nick, shovel snow off their driveway in the town of Clay Saturday morning for the first time this season.

• Road Work
Drivers in Central New York may face these delays this week and beyond:

• Toddler's death brings shock: 'Words can't begin to describe it'
The last few weeks of little Imani Jennings' life were likely her worst, police said.

• Using someone else's medication, or distributing it, is illegal
Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin Walsh wants to remind students that using prescription drugs is not only dangerous, it's illegal.

• Gov. to kids: Get in the game
Get off the couch, grab an apple and go play outside.

• Maffei mum on vote in House battle
Rep.-elect Dan Maffei received his first taste of what it will be like to serve as a member of Congress during a weeklong orientation visit to the U.S. Capitol that ended Saturday.

• BOCES projects buffeted
The dire financial sickness sweeping the country is causing heartburn for officials in school districts with deteriorating buildings.

• GPS and a Safe Student
Next semester, college students in Oswego will be the first in the state university system to try out a new security tool that can connect them to university police with the touch of a button on their cell phones.

• Head Start to receive artwork reproductions
The Head Start program in Oswego County will receive pieces of art sometime soon, courtesy of the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

• Oneida's indoor noise law applauded
More than half of those ticketed with violating Oneida's indoor noise ordinance have been convicted on the charge since the law was put into place five years ago.

• Staying Stocked Up
Two weeks ago, the stock room of Community Action Partnership's food pantry in Morrisville was empty.

• Test Driving Fuel Cells
Just days after legislators on Capitol Hill debated the prognosis for the ailing American automobile industry, visitors at an Auburn car dealership on Saturday test-drove one possible future.

• GPS and a Safe Student
Next semester, college students in Oswego will be the first in the state university system to try out a new security tool that can connect them to university police with the touch of a button on their cell phones.

• Ailing children to receive Build-A-Bear toys
About 40 children with cancer and blood disorders will get free Build-A-Bear toys today from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Froio Foundation and Build-A-Bear are treating each child from University Hospital's Center for Children's Cancer to one free toy and one free outfit for the toy.

• Annual Turkey Day Race registration now open
The 40th annual Kiwanis Turkey Day Race, sponsored by the Baldwinsville Kiwanis Club, is being run on Thanksgiving Day.

• Christmas bird count planned at Montezuma
Naturalist Dave Spier and Christmas bird count compiler Carol Stokes-Cawley will hold a free, informational session next month at the Montezuma Audubon Center for those interested in participating in the annual Christmas bird count.

• City Council plans Tuesday meeting this week
Auburn City Council will hold its regular meeting this week at 6 p.m. Tuesday because its regularly scheduled Thursday meeting falls on Thanksgiving Day.

• College chapel to host Lessons, Carols service
The College Hill Singers and Clinton-area churches will hold a Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Hamilton College Chapel.

• Cortland man charged in Cortlandville robbery
Cortland County sheriff's deputies arrested a Cortland city man on Thursday, accusing him of robbing a Cortlandville resident at gunpoint Nov. 15.

• Craft show today held at school in Nedrow
The Onondaga Nation is having a craft show today at the Onondaga Nation School on Route 11A in Nedrow.

• Driver safety classes for seniors scheduled
The following AARP Driver Safety classes scheduled in Madison County.

• High school to offer financial aid information
Oswego High School will host its annual Financial Aid Information Night at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Ralph M. Faust Theatre for the Performing Arts.

• Hospital employees increase United Way gift
Employees at Auburn Memorial Hospital recently completed its United Way campaign, pledging $28,509 this year, up more than $2,300 from last year's total of $26,197.50.

• Indoor tennis program in Fulton under way
Indoor tennis is being conducted at the Fulton War Memorial at 9 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The tennis program already is under way.

• It's your chance to walk the Lights on the Lake
The Lights on the Lake Walk that kicks off the popular holiday exhibit at Onondaga Lake Park is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday.

• Library to show family film 'Wall-E' Dec. 12
The Cazenovia Public Library will host a free screenings of the Disney-Pixar animated film "Wall-E" on Dec. 12 as part of its "Family Films on Friday" series.

• OCC hosting events for World AIDS Day
Onondaga Community College will host a weeklong recognition of World AIDS Day from Dec. 1 to 5 to educate the community and address the local effects of HIV/AIDS.

• Show takes cue from acts of '30s and '40s
The premiere of "An Evening With Alan and Lawrence," an original production by Mark Cole, a professor and chair of the theater department at the State University College at Oswego, is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the college's Waterman Theater.

• Ss. Peter and Paul plans Christmas Bazaar
Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Auburn will hold its second annual Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 7.

• Syracuse woman hit by truck in F'ville dies
A Syracuse woman was struck and killed by a pickup truck Friday night while crossing East Genesee Street in Fayetteville.