CENTRAL NEW YORK NEWS

Real-Time News Updates for Syracuse and CNY

• City man fatally stabbed
Syracuse police were trying to determine Wednesday night what led to an afternoon stabbing that fatally wounded a city man.

• Families have a year before they're asked for pupils' dental records
A new state education law asks schools to file dental health certificates for its students, but most families won't have to worry about complying this year.

• Hotel plan garners praise, questions
Syracuse common councilors peppered Armory Square hotel developer Richard Sykes Jr. with dozens of questions Wednesday.

• Lomong to carry U.S. flag in opening ceremony
Jerry Smith hasn't watched television in his Fayetteville home in six years, but he plans to turn it on Friday to see U.S. track star Joseph "Lopez" Lomong carry the American flag during the Olympics' opening ceremonies on NBC.

• Remembering Hiroshima
Occasional drumbeats accompanied about 75 people Wednesday as they marched through downtown Syracuse during a commemoration of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

• Pulaski Water Rated Best
The village of Pulaski in Oswego County beat five other municipalities Wednesday to win the title of the best-tasting drinking water in Central New York.

• County extends sanitary district
Some odds and ends lingering from Tuesday's Onondaga County Legislature session:

• Faulty electrical cord blamed in Syracuse house fire
A faulty power cord on a portable air-conditioning unit caused a fire Wednesday night in a West Pleasant Avenue home, a Syracuse fire investigator said.

• Getting Ready for School
Families of first-grade pupils on Syracuse's West Side got a visit Wednesday from Frazer School teachers reminding them that a new year is just around the corner.

• Tully holds off on study
Tully village officials took no action Wednesday on a proposal to study whether taxpayers would save money if the village were dissolved.

• Cicero man sentenced to 21 years in prison
A Cicero man was sentenced Wednesday to 21 years in state prison for killing his estranged wife during an argument in October.

• Looking Local
Syracuse Real Food Co-op, 618 Kensington Road, sees its mission as more than just selling food.

• SCHOOLS:
Syracuse Real Food Co-op, 618 Kensington Road, sees its mission as more than just selling food.

• Police Blotter
Onondaga County Sheriff's Department Aggravated driving while intoxicated Phillip F. Obit Sr.,67, of 2259 Route 31, Canastota, July 2; also charged with driving with a blood-alcohol count of more than 0.08; and passing a red light. Charged at East Molloy Road and Gordon Avenue, Salina.

• District might raise price of high school lunches
Lunch prices at the city's high schools could be going up this fall.

• 'Roses to the Living'
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Joseph DiGiorgio, of Canastota, who was the 2008 recipient of the Canastota Rotary Club's "Roses to the Living" Service Award. Name: Joe DiGiorgio

• Once Upon A Time
On any given day at the Manlius Library, visitors to the children's section may hear a woman's voice wafting over the heads of rapt youngsters.

• SCHOOLS:
On any given day at the Manlius Library, visitors to the children's section may hear a woman's voice wafting over the heads of rapt youngsters.

• The roads of today have their roots in the past
Õ7RivetteÕ Roads to promote development were the prime goal of the settlers who petitioned the state Legislature to form Onondaga County in 1794. But the crude tracks across the hills and valleys were so inadequate that after 1800, the state Legislature began authorizing private investors to build toll roads. These turnpikes, which frequently paralleled the public road, had to be leveled, ditched and bridges built at the expense of the investors. Toll houses were placed about every three miles with varying rates of pay for wagons, horses and cattle which helped supply funds for maintenance.

• Police Blotter
Syracuse Police

• LaFayette district honored for green cleaning efforts
The LaFayette Central School District is receiving an environmental stewardship award from one of its custodial supply vendors, Hill & Markes Inc. of Amsterdam. Hill & Markes will present a plaque to the district Aug. 21 in the district office in recognition of its green cleaning initiatives.

• Stories of Dr. Seuss comes alive in musical
THE CASTof "Seussical the Musical" include (front row, from left) Mary-Kate Ashe, Betsy Black, Camille Pensabene, Amanda Kaley and Allie Vanderwerf; (second row, from left) Peter Impelizzieri, Katie Nunan, Nate Grome, Cami Cortez, Annabelle Vanderwerf and Halina Kalinowski; (third row, from left) Jessica Mason, Amanda Merrill, Dan LaComb, Amanda Vogue, Nick Vozzo and Reena Tretler; (back row, from left) Evan Vogue, Thor Brown, Parker Dirk, Bridget Kenney, Nick Ross, Allie Sopchak and Kasey Sakran. The following information was submitted by Bernadette Hobin, director and producer, Bishop Ludden High School. Event: "Seussical the Musical"

• Westcott Community Center announces lecture lineup
The following was submitted by Steve Susman, of the Westcott Community Center. The Westcott Community Center has announced its lineup of six speakers for the 2008-2009 University Neighbors Lecture Series.

• Bringing Passion
The lobby of Immanuel United Methodist Church in Camillus bustled with parishioners one recent Sunday. Congregants, neighbors, and friends said good morning to one another and chatted amiably. Inside the airy sanctuary six members of the Chancel Choir rehearsed "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" on the steps that lead to the altar just before the start of the 10 a.m. service.

• An Unexpected Honor
Editorial assistant Desiree Feigel-Dart recently spoke with Melissa Fuller, who was recently honored by the town of Camillus for alerting residents to a fire at the Chicopee Mew Apartments. Name: Melissa Fuller

• Heroine Guided by a Smile
Editorial assistant Desiree Feigel-Dart recently spoke with Kate Duda, who was honored by the town of Camillus for rescuing residents from a fire at the Chicopee Mew Apartments. Duda, who works at St. Camillus Health & Rehab Center, and colleague Melissa Fuller helped notify firefighters and get people out of the burning building. Name: Kate Duda

• Towpath Day on Saturday revives the bygone canal era
The motto for Towpath Day in Camillus is "Step Back In Time," and now, more than ever, that's an appealing thought.

• Marcellus fifth grader first in science contest
Marcellus Central School's Driver Middle School fifth-grader Michael Abbott placed first in the 2008 National Science League Contest, in which 77 fifth-graders and 109 sixth-graders competed. Abbott correctly answered 32 questions of 40.

• Marcellus fifth grader first in science contest
Marcellus Central School's Driver Middle School fifth-grader Michael Abbott placed first in the 2008 National Science League Contest, in which 77 fifth-graders and 109 sixth-graders competed. Abbott correctly answered 32 questions.

• An Unexpected Honor
Editorial assistant Desiree Feigel-Dart recently spoke with Melissa Fuller, who was recently honored by the town of Camillus for alerting residents about a fire at the Chicopee Mew Apartments. Name: Melissa Fuller

• Stott, town board quarrel over project
County Legislator David Stott and the Salina Town Board still are bumping heads over the proposed Affordable Senior Homes project on a 30-acre site at the intersection of Buckley Road and the State Thruway, near Patricia Drive.

• Parks in Cicero now smoke-free
After a spirited debate, the town of Cicero has adopted a voluntary tobacco-free policy for all parks and playgrounds, including special events such as concerts.

• Preacher
Gail Wolling first felt a call to ministry at age 12. It took 33 years before she could answer it.

• Stott, town board quarrel over project
County Legislator David Stott and the Salina Town Board still are bumping heads over the proposed Affordable Senior Homes project on a 30-acre site at the intersection of Buckley Road and the state Thruway, near Patricia Drive.

• xt;Parks in Cicero now smoke-free
After a spirited debate, the town of Cicero has adopted a voluntary tobacco-free policy for all parks and playgrounds, including special events such as concerts.

• Police Blotter
Camillus Police

• Students, teachers help out in Louisiana
Dozens of Central New York students and educators spent part of their summer vacation in Louisiana helping people rebuild their lives post-Hurricane Katrina.

• Stories of Dr. Seuss comes alive in musical
THE CASTof "Seussical the Musical" include (front row, from left) Courtneybelle DesRoberts, Mary-Kate Ashe, Betsy Black, Camille Pensabene, Amanda Kaley and Allie Vanderwerf; (second row, from left) Peter Impelizzieri, Katie Nunan, Nate Grome, Cami Cortez, Annabelle Vanderwerf and Halina Kalinowski; (third row, from left) Jessica Mason, Amanda Merrill, Dan LaComb, Amanda Vogue, Nick Vozzo and Reena Tretler; (back row, from left) Evan Vogue, Thor Brown, Parker Dirk, Bridget Kenney, Nick Ross, Allie Sopchak and Kasey Sakran. The following information was submitted by Bernadette Hobin, director and producer, Bishop Ludden High School. Event: "Seussical the Musical"

• A Woman of Many Missions
To say Joelle Potts is on a mission would be an understatement.

• Fulton woman beaten by man, police say
A town of Oswego man is facing felony criminal contempt charges and a misdemeanor assault charge after a weekend incident in Fulton.

• Liverpool misplaced stadium contracts
Liverpool school officials have been hamstrung in efforts to go after subcontractors who worked on the high school’s now unusable turf football field because they can’t find the contracts for the original work.

• Executive of the Year
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Dennis Casey, executive director of A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital. He was chosen as "Executive of the Year" by the Oswego County Chapter of National Management Association. Name: Dennis Casey

• Oneida firefighters get new contract
Oneida firefighters will get 4 percent annual raises through 2010 under a three-year union contract approved Tuesday by the Oneida Common Council.

• All Aboard!
Oswego's railroading history is hidden.

• Max likes to jump, doesn't like cats
The following was submitted by Rebecca Lagoda for the Oswego County Animal Welfare League-Society for the Preservation of Cruelty to Animals. Max is still a pup at heart although he is 2 years old. He is a beaglier, a cross between a beagle and a cavalier king Charles spaniel.

• Police Blotter
Fulton Police

• 40 Years and Growing
In 1967, Madison County parents who advocated for their developmentally disabled children were offered two options: Move somewhere else, or put your child in an institution.

• His pride in Auburn runs deep
The morning dew shimmered on the grass softball fields at Auburn’s Clifford Park.

• 'Such a Wonderful Place'
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Dick Tuttle, of Cazenovia, president of Stone Quarry Hill Art Park. Name: Dick Tuttle

• Staying Well Preserved
In the heart of Earlville, on the dividing line between Madison and Chenango counties, a century-old arts center rests inside an unassuming three-story brick-facade building.

• Energetic Red wants plenty of activity
The following was submitted by Maria Fibiger, interim consulting director at Wanderers' Rest Humane Association in Lenox. Give a big warm "woof" to Red.

• At Home in Auburn
The morning dew shimmered on the grass softball fields at Auburn's Clifford Park.

• New training center could help add jobs
Morrisville State College will use a $2 million federal grant to create a Renewable Energy Training Center that officials hope will stimulate the local economy by giving workers the skills to work in the rapidly growing green energy sector.

• It's Still Great!
It's been 31 years since a group of Auburn men came back from the Great Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon in Pittsfield, Mass. and decided to organize a similar event in Auburn.

• Police Blotter
Auburn Police Criminal possession of a controlled substance Patricia A. Dixon,38, of 7979 Armstrong Road, Port Byron, July 29, fifth-degree; also charged with second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument; first-degree criminal impersonation; and first-degree falsifying business records. Charged at 46 North St., Auburn.

• Auburn police seek help finding Port Byron man
The Auburn Police Department is asking the public to help Õ7WilsonÕ locate a Port Byron man it has charged with several felonies and who they consider dangerous and possibly armed.

• Autumntime submissions are needed by today
Today is the deadline to submit information for The Post-Standard's Autumntime section, to be published Aug. 28 in Neighbors.

• Autumntime submissions are needed by today
Today is the deadline to submit information for The Post-Standards Autumntime section, to be published Aug. 28 in Neighbors. The special section includes stories and calendar listings of events through November. All events must be submitted on The Post-Standard calendar form, which is available by calling 470-2275, by e-mailing calendar@syracuse.com or by faxing to 470-2141.

• Autumntime submissions are needed by today
Today is the deadline to submit information for The Post-Standards Autumntime section, to be published Aug. 28 in Neighbors. The special section includes stories and calendar listings of events through November. All events must be submitted on The Post-Standard calendar form, which is available by calling 470-2275, by e-mailing calendar@syracuse.com or by faxing to 470-2141.

• County Legislature to make annual trip to Pulaski
Looking for the county Legislature? Check Pulaski.

• Culvert replacement will restrict traffic in Fenner
A section of Bingley Road in the town of Fenner will be restricted to local traffic starting Monday due to a culvert replacement near the vicinity of Roberts Road and Route 13, Madison County Highway Department officials said.

• Deadline looms for Art in the Park submissions
Artists have until Aug. 15 to enter their work in the Art in the Park exhibit at Auburn's Hoopes Park this fall.

• DEC offers maps, directions on improved Web site
Looking for some good places to take your canoe or tent? The state Department of Environmental Conservation is trying to help you find them.

• It's not too early to get ready for Oz-Stravaganza
A planning meeting for Oz-Stravaganza 2009 is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Chittenango Village Hall, 222 Genesee St.

• Local team wins lifeguard contest at Green Lakes
A team from the Onondaga County Parks Department won the 40th annual New York State Lifeguard Competition, winning the two-guard rescue with CPR event and scoring enough points in five others to claim the title over 17 other teams.

• Loop Around the Lake race set for next week
The Fulton YMCA will hold its Loop Around the Lake Aug. 16.

• More than 300 volunteers to help make over house
Ever since news broke of a Central New York build by ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," would-be do-gooders have flooded a Web site to sign on as volunteers, organizers say.

• New OB/GYN clinic to open at Auburn hospital
Auburn Memorial Hospital is opening a new OB/GYN clinic on North Street on Sept. 8.

• Oneida drama camp play puts Goldilocks on trial
Storybook character Goldilocks goes on trial for breaking and entering on Friday when the Oneida Public Library Drama Camp presents "Innocent! The Trial and Tribulation of Goldilocks."

• Palermo road to be closed for 60 days for repairs
Part of state Route 49 in the town of Palermo will be closed about 60 days starting Monday, the state Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

• Public service messages against guns on air today
Public service announcements featuring members of Mothers Against Gun Violence will begin airing today.

• Skateboard competition scheduled in Canastota
The Black Mamba Skateboards company will host a competition starting at noon Sunday at the Lenox Skate Park on Peterboro Street in Canastota. A $15 entry fee for participants includes a T-shirt. Registration begins at 9 a.m. For more information, call 697-9291 or 214-5224.

• Southbound I-81 traffic down to one lane today
Southbound traffic on Interstate 81 will be reduced to one lane about two miles south of Route 20 in LaFayette from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, according to the state Department of Transportation.

• Sterling Nature Center plans numerous events
Sterling Nature Center has a number of events coming up.

• Sullivan library to show films for kids Mondays
The Sullivan Free Library in Chittenango is showing free movies for children at noon each Monday during August.

• Unity Ministry holds outdoor Sunday services
Sunday services at the United Ministry of Aurora are being held at 9 a.m. for the summer.

• Where's Dick Case?
%%bodybegin%%Dick Case is out of the office. His column returns Tuesday.

• Where's Dick Case?
Dick Case is out of the office. His column returns Tuesday.

• Dr. Seuss comes alive in summertime musical
THE CASTof "Seussical the Musical" include (front row, from left) Mary-Kate Ashe, Betsy Black, Camille Pensabene, Amanda Kaley and Allie Vanderwerf; (second row, from left) Peter Impelizzieri, Katie Nunan, Nate Grome, Cami Cortez, Annabelle Vanderwerf and Halina Kalinowski; (third row, from left)Jessica Mason, Amanda Merrill, Dan LaComb, Amanda Vogue, Nick Vozzo and Reena Tretler; (back row, from left) Evan Vogue, Thor Brown, Parker Dirk, Bridget Kenney, Nick Ross, Allie Sopchak and Kasey Sakran. The following information was submitted by Bernadette Hobin, director and producer, Bishop Ludden High School. Event: "Seussical the Musical"

• Towpath Day in Camillus revives the bygone canal era
The motto for Towpath Day in Camillus is "Step Back In Time," and now, more than ever, that's an appealing thought.

• A Legend Not Forgotten
Today's Legend of Auburn is known to many old-timers and especially those that played sports at or attended little Holy Family High in Auburn. 5 Holy Family is a school with tremendous spirit that produced so many fine athletes, but John "Jack" Joseph Fitzpatrick was known to many as perhaps the best athlete to ever don the purple and gold.

• Armory Square Marriott Planned
A proposed Armory Square Marriott Hotel is poised to become the third new development under construction in the thriving downtown district inside of a year, Mayor Matt Driscoll said Tuesday.

• Baby Chuck Joins The Family
He was born in Canada, but North America's first third-generation Asian elephant calf sports a trunk full of Syracuse connections including his name.

• Back Home, at Last
The mood in the hangar at Hancock Field was one of quiet anxiety, then buzzing excitement, then outright restlessness.

• CNY woman helps feed athletes
Fayetteville's Caitlin McAllister has traveled to Beijing as a tourist on numerous occasions, but this time she's there in an official capacity to feed Team USA athletes and sponsors at the 2008 Olympics.

• Officials: School not for sale
Willow Field Elementary School will not be sold, Liverpool school board members decided Tuesday night.

• School board, superintendent blasted
Dozens of people packed a muggy room Tuesday night to let the Liverpool school board know how upset they are about the state comptroller's findings of financial mishandling.

• Some wonder: Does it take a village?
Onondaga County Legislator Bob DeMore wants the rural village of Fabius and its bigger sister up the road, Tully, to consider a weighty question: To be or not to be?

• Everything About Farms
It was a scene noticed over and over again Tuesday at Empire Farm Days in Seneca Falls.

• Lawmakers OK $38M for OCC construction
Onondaga Community College passed a critical exam Tuesday, winning county Legislature approval of a plan to spend $38.6 million on construction over the next five years.

• Former Fulton council president sentenced
The former Fulton Common Council president who pleaded guilty in May to a misdemeanor obstruction charge was sentenced Monday night in Fulton City Court.

• Law was ruled invalid in 2006
The law that Oswego County Judge Walter Hafner accused a Republican committee of violating isn't valid, according to state elections officials and court documents.

• Oswego mayor vetoes engineering contract
Oswego Mayor Randy Bateman on Tuesday vetoed the hiring of a Massachusetts engineering firm to study the capacity of the city's West Side Waste Water Treatment Plant.

• Principal to return to elementary school
Dean F. Goewey will return to being principal at one of the Oswego City School District's elementary schools before Sept. 1.

• Regulators to discuss bid for 4th nuke plant
Federal officials will talk about how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will handle the expected application for a fourth nuclear plant in Oswego County at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at Sheldon Hall at the State University College at Oswego.

• Doctor, wife admit drug conspiracy
A former DeWitt family doctor has agreed to admit he wrote prescriptions for thousands of pills to patients in exchange for some of the drugs, according to a plea agreement made public Tuesday.

• Musical brings together students from across city
Anthony Wright and Rose Mariani describe themselves as "opposites."

• Fulton man admits heist at Mattydale salon
An Oswego County man with a lengthy criminal history is headed back to state prison after admitting his guilt Tuesday in the knife-point holdup of a Mattydale beauty salon.

• ‘Sniper’ didn’t shoot guard, city police say
A security guard working at the Lincoln Park pool was shot late Thursday, but not by “a sniper in the bushes,” as the guard had suggested, Syracuse police said Tuesday.

• Annual Moravia Airfield Days fundraiser begins
The third annual Owasco Airfield Days starts today and runs through Sunday at the Moravia airfield on Long Hill Road.

• Auburn Red Cross offers class in baby-sitting
Anyone interested in learning baby-sitting skills should attend a training course offered by the Red Cross in Auburn.

• Benefit today to assist Olympian's foster parents
A fundraiser today will help send runner Lopez Lomong's foster parents, Robert and Barbara Rogers, and his Tully High School coach, Jim Paccia, to the Olympic Games in Beijing.

• CCC's McColgin leaves for OCC provost post
The provost of Cayuga Community College's Fulton campus is taking a new job at Onondaga Community College.

• Deadline looms for comments on Groton plant
The deadline to comment on the draft permit for the Groton Wastewater Treatment Plant is Friday.

• Don't be alarmed: Nuke plant siren testing slated
The emergency notification sirens surrounding the three nuclear power plants in Scriba will be tested between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. this week. No response from the public is required during the tests, which are conducted four times each year.

• Exam for corrections officer trainees is in October
A Civil Service exam for the position of state correction officer trainee will be held on Oct. 18.

• Play ball! Firefighters, police vie at Skiddy Park
Syracuse firefighters and police officers will compete today in their fourth annual softball game at Skiddy Park.

• Seneca County collects discarded cell phones
Discarded cell phones can find new use by victims of abuse, the disabled and senior citizens.

• Skaneateles Fire Station site of pet rabies clinic
Onondaga County Animal Disease Control will hold a rabies clinic 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the new Skaneateles Fire Station, 77 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles.

• Sports physicals set this week in Auburn district
Sports physicals for students in the Auburn school district will continue from 7:30 to 9 a.m. through Friday in the Auburn High School health office.

• 6 CNY counties aided by $6M
Nearly $6 million of federal money is being pumped into Central New York to help businesses develop and expand, homeowners renovate their houses and municipalities beautify their downtown areas.

• Ex-principal: I unknowingly misused funds
Liverpool's former high school principal was following past practices when he used money from a student club for nonstudent expenses, he said Monday.

• Run, Pedal, Paddle
Hundreds of people will be running, paddling and biking through Cayuga County Sunday in the 31st edition of The Great Race in Owasco.

• 'This Was It. This Was the End.'
Autumn and Kate Starr were wading Sunday at a remote Lake Ontario beach near North Pond when they decided to go a bit farther out to avoid the rocky bottom.

• Ring sisters place at top of horse show
The Ring sisters, of Otisco, continued their winning ways at the Empire Appaloosa Association horse show at the state fairgrounds this past weekend.

• Teenager to serve 1 1/3 to 4 years for fatal home invasion
A Syracuse teenager was sentenced Monday to a juvenile detention facility for his role in a fatal home invasion incident two years ago.

• Judge says ad endorsing opponent against law
Oswego County Judge Walter Hafner says the county Republican committee broke the law and misled readers with a recent advertisement.

• Today, Hannibal man answers DWI charges
A Hannibal man, charged with drunken driving after a one-car crash on Sixty Road last month, is scheduled to appear today in Hannibal Town Court, according to Oswego County sheriff's deputies.

• A Toast to Brewery's Benefits
Standing next to a wooden bar at the Anheuser-Busch Inc. brewery in Lysander, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer raised a plastic tasting cup of Bud Light.

• Autumntime submissions are needed by Thursday
Thursday is the deadline to submit information for The Post-Standard's Autumntime section, to be published Aug. 28 in Neighbors.

• Clinton asks for women's rights project support
U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., has testified before a Senate committee asking for support for her legislation to preserve and promote historic sites in New York, including landmarks of the women's suffrage movement.

• Egyptian experts to talk about archaeology finds
Four noted Egyptian archaeology experts will be speaking on recent findings at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse.

• Empire Farm Days to exhibit latest technology
The 75th Empire Farm Days opens today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rodman Lott and Son Farms in Seneca Falls.

• Groups mark anniversary of nuclear bombings
Events Wednesday and Thursday will commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

• Literacy Volunteers holds book sale at chapel
Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County is holding used book sales every Wednesday in August at Willard Memorial Chapel, 17 Nelson St., Auburn. Paperback books are 50 cents each, hardcover books are $1 each, or shoppers can fill a bag with books for $3.

• Maritime Foundation offers youth fishing lessons
The Oswego Maritime Foundation is sponsoring a learn-to-fish program for youngsters ages 5 to 8 this month.

• OCC names McColgin as college's first provost
Onondaga Community College has hired a new vice president and provost. Cathleen McColgin, provost of Cayuga Community College's Fulton campus, will begin Monday at OCC, spokeswoman Amy Kremenek said.

• Police say woman stole condoms, gel from store
A Syracuse woman was accused Sunday of stealing Trojan condoms and gel from the Price Chopper on Erie Boulevard East, according to police reports.

• Schumer to address Great Lakes topic in Sodus
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., will be at the Sodus Bay Yacht Club at 2:30 p.m. today to talk about problems affecting the Great Lakes.

• Where's Dick Case?
Dick Case is out of the office. His column returns Aug. 12.

• A founder recalls launch of Head Start
Dr. Julius Richmond, at 91, died last week in Massachusetts. He had served as surgeon general under President Carter, and newspapers across the nation lauded his accomplishments.

• Soldier thanks CNY for its support
For four months the soldiers of the New York Army National Guard 27th Combat Brigade have been in Afghanistan, training Afghan police, helping rebuild the country and providing humanitarian aid, especially to children.

• Why They Feel Safe in Downtown Syracuse
Downtown Syracuse is among the safest neighborhoods in the city, a Post-Standard review of Syracuse police reports found.

• Central Square photo is picture perfect
Heather Stevens was quite surprised when she learned recently that a photo she had taken in Central Square was a first-place winner in a statewide contest.

• 'God was with me,' robbery victim says
The Syracuse man who was forced to remove his pants during an armed robbery early Saturday night said he fought back to save his life.

• Man with knife robs West Monroe gas station
State police are looking for the person who robbed a West Monroe gas station Saturday night.

• How can the weeds be pulled from lakes?
The Finger Lakes Institute has been contacted to find a way to solve the weed problem on Cayuga and Seneca lakes.

• Verizon, unions still negotiating
Contract talks were continuing between Verizon Communications Inc. and two of its unions, representatives from both sides said Sunday afternoon.

• Solzhenitsyn and Syracuse
Syracuse University honored Alexander Solzhenitsyn with an honorary degree, a doctor of letters, at commencement in May. Solzhenitsyn's son, Stephan, accepted for the Nobel-prize winner.

• Bridge linking Raynor, Renwick avenues to close
Fineview Place Bridge, between East Raynor Avenue and Renwick Avenue, will close today for construction. A detour for drivers traveling north on Fineview Place will use Standardt Street to Henry Street to Van Buren Street.

• Publicize your fall events in Autumntime section
The Post-Standard will publish Autumntime Aug. 28 in Neighbors. The special section includes stories and calendar listings of events through November.

• Tickets are available for Filipino festival, benefit
The Fil-Am Association of Central New York is planning its cultural event Filipiniana 2008, an annual fundraiser to benefit local and international charities. The event is 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, 800 S. State St.

• Vigil against violence set for Clinton Square Sunday
Mothers Against Gun Violence will hold a vigil and memorial service from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Clinton Square.

• Warehouse to host talk on abandoned properties
Dan Kildee, chairman and chief executive officer of the Genesee County Land Bank in Michigan, will talk about the land bank's work from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette St.

• Weekend festival raises $20,000 for Vera House
A bluegrass and country music festival raised more than $20,000 for Vera House.

• Grand Jury Clears SU Players
A grand jury has rejected a former Syracuse University student’s accusations that she was sexually assaulted by three SU basketball players, ruling that no criminal charges should be filed against the men, said District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick.

• How should $600M be cut from budget?
When legislators return to Albany for an emergency economic session Aug. 19, they will have to trim $600 million from the $122 billion state budget they passed in April.

• OCRRA's collection site proves popular
Not long ago, Onondaga County residents had to wait for the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency to hold a special collection day to get rid of an old computer or a fluorescent light.

• Helping Rebuild Iraq
Army reservist Maj. David Sturtz is trained and ready to do his job in Iraq.

• Crime and Safety
A Syracuse man had his pants, and consequently his wallet, stolen from him at gunpoint after he fought with a robber early Saturday. City police said one shot was fired during the struggle.

• It's only Brockways at annual truck show
It'll be truck parking only Saturday on Main Street in downtown Cortland for the ninth annual National Brockway Truck Show.

• 2 CNY women select paths to religious life
Sister Caryn Crook believes her career in science is interwoven with her new commitment to religious life.

• Battalion holds farewell ceremony
Army reservist Maj. David Sturtz is trained and ready to do his job in Iraq.

• Taxpayers may pitch in for scoreboard
Onondaga County taxpayers could be on the hook for a new $1 million scoreboard at Alliance Bank Stadium if the Syracuse Chiefs baseball team can't find a corporate sponsor to pay for it.

• Crime and Safety
A Van Buren woman was taken by helicopter to a Syracuse hospital after a one-car crash Saturday afternoon near her home.

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

• New York's bridges rank low
A recent survey of highway bridges across the country found New York ranks 47th worst in the nation for deficient bridges.

• Canal Days
%%bodybegin%%in Oswego The H. Lee White Marine Museum and the Oswego Maritime Foundation celebrated the state's Barge Canal Saturday at the museum at the north end of West First Street in Oswego.

• Plant's license extension likely
Nothing but official notification stands between the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant and a 20-year license extension.

• A Surgeon's Mission
In the blur that is 23 surgeries in two weeks, one girl stood out for Jack Sproul, an orthopedic surgeon who spent half of July operating on children in Bolivia.

• OCRRA collection site proves popular for residents
Not long ago, Onondaga County residents had to wait for the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency to hold a special collection day to get rid of an old computer or a fluorescent light.

• An Intrepid Survivor
Dominick DeTore has the word "Fearless" tattooed across the fingers on both his hands.

• County may alter Cedar House services
The Cedar House program offering services for mentally ill patients may be transferred to a nonprofit agency next year or converted from a day treatment program to a more informal drop-in center, Madison County officials said last week.

• Exotic pet show planned Aug. 13 in Oneida Castle
Jarod Miller, host of the CBS summer show "Greatest American Dog" and Animal Planet's "PetFinder," will bring his menagerie of exotic animals to Oneida Castle Village Hall for a children's show at 1 p.m. Aug. 13.

• Safe homes sought for teens
Wanted: Volunteers to help create safe places for homeless and runaway youth in every community in Madison County.

• 2 CNY women take paths to religious life
Sister Caryn Crook believes her career in science is interwoven with her new commitment to religious life.

• SU players face university disciplinary process
The three Syracuse University basketball players exonerated by a grand jury of charges of sexual assault will still face university disciplinary proceedings this month.

• Korean teenagers taste life in the US
They are missing their parents and meals of rice and kimchi.

• Meters returned for disabled parking
People with disabilities no longer have to use the new centralized parking kiosks in downtown Auburn.

• Putting Discs
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• A Surgeon's Mission
In the blur that is 23 surgeries in two weeks, one girl stood out for Jack Sproul, an orthopedic surgeon who spent half of July operating on children in Bolivia.

• Nuclear plant's license extension likely
Nothing but official notification stands between the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant and a 20-year license extension.

• Mayor schedules two neighborhood discussions
Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll will host two neighborhood meetings this week. The first is Monday at Bellevue Heights United Methodist Church, 2112 S. Geddes St. The other is Tuesday at Lincoln Middle School, 1613 James St. The 90-minute sessions start at 6:30 p.m.

• OCC names 4 to seats on its foundation board
The Onondaga Community College Foundation elected four new board members. Each will serve a three-year term.

• Riders raise $100,000 for the March of Dimes
Hundreds of motorcyclists gathered Saturday in Van Buren for a 90-mile ride to raise money for the March of Dimes.

• Spouts sprout on lake; marine warning issued
Tornado-like water spouts spotted on Lake Ontario in Oswego and Jefferson counties Saturday prompted the National Weather Service to issue a special marine warning.

• SUNY Cortland appoints multicultural coordinator
A Syracuse man will fill the newly created position of director of multicultural life at SUNY Cortland, the college announced.

• The Great Lake debate
For more than 50 years, the dam on the St. Lawrence River at Massena has determined the water levels in Lake Ontario, with its primary mission to protect shoreline property from damage and erosion.

• Where's Dick Case?
Dick Case is out of the office. His column will resume Aug. 12. Correction A caption Saturday incorrectly identified a woman kneeling in prayer at the ordination of an Evangelical Lutheran pastor, Joseph McGarry. The woman was Bishop Marie Jerge, the leader of the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

• Jan. 20 trial date set in Davis murder case
A January trial date was set Friday for a local handyman charged with murdering a Syracuse woman in her home last year.

• Mattydale reservists bound for Iraq
They are corrections officers, teachers, convenience store clerks and students. And today, they are headed to war.

• Singing A Different Tune
Joseph McGarry started college planning to become a music teacher. Then, through some twists and turns and what he believes is likely the work of the Holy Spirit, he ended up in seminary.

• SU players testify before grand jury
Three members of the Syracuse University men's basketball team testified Friday before a county grand jury investigating allegations they sexually assaulted a female student last fall.

• Book Helps Teach Reading
Do kids really understand what they're reading?

• Crime & Safety
A Syracuse man was in police custody about five minutes after an armed robbery early Friday, city police said.

• Students to spread Internet safety message
Fowler High School junior Jazmyn Warren uses the Internet for everything. But after attending an Internet safety seminar this week, she said she plans to rethink what she posts in cyberspace.

• Suspended principal apologizes
Dean F. Goewey, the Oswego elementary school principal who was suspended in November 2006, has reached an agreement with the Oswego City School District, ending a nearly two-year-long dispute.

• These Teens Give Back
Donna Roth is tired of hearing stories of teens who get into trouble, who are self-centered, who don't give anything back to society.

• Go-green lunches on menu at ES-M
Soon, East Syracuse-Minoa school students will eat their pizza and pasta from plates made of grass, reeds and sugar cane.

• Meridian Firefighters Carry On
The Meridian Fire Department is getting by on fundraisers and hope.

• Teachers write new book about reading
Do kids really understand what they're reading?

• Bail reduction hearing set for Sept. 4
Õ7C. ThibeaultÕ Charles "Randy" Thibeault Sr. will have to wait until Sept. 4 before his request for lower bail will be heard in Cortland County Court.

• Book Helps Teach Reading
Do kids really understand what they're reading?

• Go-green lunches on menu at ES-M
Soon, East Syracuse-Minoa school students will eat their pizza and pasta from plates made of grass, reeds and sugar cane.

• Fundraisers sustain Meridian firefighters
The Meridian Fire Department is getting by on fundraisers and hope.

• Briefs
New survey takes look at churchgoing habits

• Christian origins of YWCA evident
My story last week on the origins of the Serenity Prayer took me to the archives of the local YWCA.

• What I Believe
"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord," Ephesians 5:19

• 7 graduate from basic firefighter training
Seven firefighters from Auburn and Cortland graduated Thursday from the basic firefighter training program held by the Auburn Fire Department.

• County wants development talks
Cayuga County lawmakers may be willing to kiss and make up with a group of local civic leaders, but it doesn't look as if the two sides will be getting back together anytime soon.

• Museum welcomes old-fashioned gamers
In one corner is dominoes. In another, pick-up sticks beckons.

• Suspended Oswego principal returns
Dean F. Goewey, the Oswego elementary school principal who was suspended in November 2006, has reached an agreement with the Oswego City School District, ending a nearly two-year-long dispute.

• Agricultural museum puts dollhouses on display
Displays of Victorian dollhouses will be at the Ward O'Hara Agricultural Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

• Auburn native received into Catholic community
At 7 p.m. Friday, Auburn native Anne Marie Saphara was received into the Roman Catholic women's community and will begin her novitiate. As a novice, Saphara will study, minister and decide whether to commit to life as a Franciscan sister.

• Candlelight vigil to remember church shootings
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Auburn is holding a candlelight vigil Sunday night in remembrance of the shooting tragedy that left two dead Sunday at a Tennessee church. The service will start at 7 p.m. at the church, at 607 N. Seward Ave., and is open to the public.

• Children invited to colorful puppet show in Fulton
Catskill Puppet Theater comes to the Fulton War Memorial at 1 p.m. Monday.

• Cool off at Scriba's ice cream social on Sunday
The town of Scriba will hold an ice cream social from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Scriba Town Park.

• Dream Big hockey and golf tourney starts today
Professional hockey player and Oswego native Erik Cole will be in town this weekend for the Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation Golf & Hockey Classic.

• Family-owned farms can apply for special status
The New York State Agricultural Society is seeking applications from farms located west of Interstate 81 in continuous ownership by the same family for 100 years or more to apply for Century Farm status.

• Goldilocks' trial at Oneida library set for Saturday
Storybook character Goldilocks goes on trial for breaking and entering Saturday evening when the Oneida Public Library Drama Camp presents "Innocent! The Trial and Tribulation of Goldilocks."

• Milk prices drop below $4 a gallon for August
The top price that local retailers can charge for milk has dipped for August.

• Oneida council expected to reject roof work bids
The Oneida Common Council on Tuesday is expected to reject the current low bids on the City Hall roof replacement project.

• Share your higher beliefs with readers
Want to share your beliefs with other Central New Yorkers?

• Verizon workers' unions prepared to strike today
Unions representing about 65,000 workers for Verizon Communications were prepared to strike at midnight today, when their five-year contract expires, if they could not reach an agreement on a new contract.

• Verizon workers' unions ready to strike tonight
Unions representing about 65,000 workers for Verizon Communications were prepared to strike at midnight today, when their five-year contract expires, if an agreement on a new contract isn't reached.

• Camp brings cultures together
Steven Young has a Ukrainian flag hanging in his room.

• County suspends four in pay scheme
Four Onondaga County employees face being fired and prosecuted as the result of an alleged scheme to leave work early but still get paid.

• Death after K-Rock concert a mystery
A Westmoreland man fell at least twice on July 19, the day he attended the K-Rockathon concert in Weedsport - once at the concert and once after he and his friend arrived home, according to the friend.

• Ring Sisters Riding High
Any cowboy worth the spurs on his boots would agree with the old saying that there's nothing better for the inside of a person than the outside of a horse.

• Why ex-altar boy robbed the church
Michael P. Delaney Jr. had a $180 problem.

• Agency s former director sentenced
The former director of the Native American Service Agency was sentenced Thursday to a three-year conditional discharge for stealing from the organization.

• Close-Knit Operation
A drawing hangs in the window of A Yarn for All Seasons knitting store in the town of Manlius.

• Pompey justice race town's first since '87
For the first time in more than two decades, voters in the town of Pompey will have a choice when it comes to electing a town justice this fall.

• Schumer plan pushes hybrid school buses
To help school districts shrink their fuel bills, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has proposed expanding a tax credit program that makes hybrid buses less expensive for schools.

• Fulton woman faces new theft allegations
A Fulton woman already facing charges of grand larceny in the theft of $27,000 from her former employer has been accused of stealing from another business where she worked.

• Security guard shot at park pool
A security guard working Wednesday night at Lincoln Park Pool was wounded in a shooting at the park, Syracuse police said.

• County, nuke officials discuss emergency plan
Representatives of the company that is looking into building a new nuclear plant in Central New York met with Oswego County officials Thursday to discuss emergency planning.

• Fly-fishing Catches On
There's no sitting onshore when you're fly-fishing - just ask 13-year-old James Gowans.

• Statement details toddler's beating
A former lineman on the Pu-laski High School football team is facing felony assault charges after he beat his 18-month-old daughter and burned her with cigarettes because she would not stop crying, Fulton police said.

• Couple at home despite tragedy
Jane and John Woodman did not buy their new home as a statement. They were simply on the hunt for a spot to settle down, which led them to take a look at Syracuse, where they noticed a 151-year-old house for sale in the Elmwood neighborhood.

• Cultural Exchange on Ice
Steven Young has a Ukrainian flag hanging in his room.

• Teen father's statement details toddler beating
A former lineman on the Pu-Õ7GuppyÕ laski High School football team is facing felony assault charges after he beat his 18-month- old daughter and burned her with cigarettes because she would not stop crying, Fulton police said.

• Onondaga County suspends workers
Four Onondaga County employees face being fired and prosecuted as the result of an alleged scheme to leave work early but still get paid.

• Post-Standard Corrections
biz b-6 friday all editionsCorrection A story Thursday about Oswego County car dealerships contained several errors. The headline and story incorrectly said Burritt Motors, of Oswego, bought the Laqua's Chevy-Pontiac-GMC dealership and service territory in Fulton. Burritt, as the closest Buick dealer, has acquired Laqua's Buick service territory, said Chris Burritt, president and general manager. In addition to Burritt, Sharon Chevrolet, in Phoenix, purchased a portion of the Laqua's Chevrolet territory, but the territory boundaries have yet to be established by General Motors, said Sharon Fox, president of Sharon Chevrolet. Laqua's stopped operating as a GM dealership Wednesday.

• First-stop agency finds support
A straw poll of Cayuga County legislators Thursday night endorsed the principle of setting up a "first-stop" agency to encourage economic development in the county.

• Phosphorus timeline draws criticism
Another group is protesting the length of time given to the village of Groton for lowering the amount of phosphorus it deposits each day into Owasco Lake.

• Pupils Sharpen Skills
Even though school is closed for the summer, there's lots of learning going on at Casey Park Elementary in Auburn.

• Thibeault bail reduction hearing set for Sept. 4
Charles "Randy" Thibeault Sr. will have to wait until Õ7C. ThibeaultÕ Sept. 4 before his request for lower bail will be heard in Cortland County Court.

• How Franklins stay road-worthy
After a century of swapping parts and scouring auctions to keep their cars on the road, collectors of automobiles that were designed and manufactured in Syracuse at the turn of the century are getting a little help from overseas.

• Mentz to mark 200th anniversary
Mentz historian Michael Riley said no one knows for sure where the name "Mentz" comes from.

• 2 from CNY take steps toward becoming nuns
A Fulton native will profess temporary vows as a sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities Saturday during the 10 a.m. Mass at the St. Anthony Convent Chapel in Syracuse.

• Author to discuss book about Upstate grave sites
Chuck D'Imperio, author of the recently published "Great Graves of Upstate New York: Final Resting Places of 70 True American Legends," will talk about his work at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Oneida Public Library.

• DA expects grand jury to peruse homicide case
Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara said Wednesday he expects to present a case to a grand jury that could lead to the indictment and arrest of a suspect linked to the Jan. 24 death of a Vernon man.

• Deputy city clerk arraigned in time sheet case
An Auburn deputy city clerk is accused of submitting a false time sheet on which she claimed she attended a seminar.

• Formation of stroke survivors group studied
The Manor at Seneca Hill is looking into organizing a group for new stroke survivors and their caregivers.

• Fulton native to take temporary vows
Fulton native Caryn Crook will profess temporary vows as a sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities on Saturday during a 10 a.m. Mass at the St. Anthony Convent Chapel in Syracuse.

• Head Start still taking applications for 2008-09
Oswego County's Head Start program is accepting application for the 2008-09 school year.

• Market to feature 'Charlie the Reading Dog'
The Mexico Farmers Market, which has moved to the front lawn of Mexico High School on Main Street until the end of August, will have a special treat for children Aug. 11.

• Memorial benefit to honor man killed in stabbing
The Wesley P. Valentine Memorial Benefit is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Alliance Bank Stadium on Syracuse's North Side.

• Mid-York council offers free child care referrals
In light of the announcement by Oneida Healthcare Center that its Wee Care Day Care will soon close, the Mid-York Child Care Coordinating Council Inc. reminds residents of its free child care referral service.

• Montezuma man convicted of cruelty to horses
A Montezuma man was convicted of three counts of cruelty and neglect of animals this week after nine horses were taken from his property in July.

• Publicize your fall events in Autumntime section
The Post-Standard will publish Autumntime on Aug. 28 in Neighbors. The section includes stories and calendar listings of events through November.

• Regional DOT director given 30-day suspension
Carl Ford, Syracuse's regional director for the state Department of Transportation, received a 30-day unpaid suspension Thursday, a DOT spokesman said.

• Service notifies residents of sex offenders in area
The Madison County Sheriff's Office has launched a service called Family Watchdog in which county residents can be notified when a registered sex offender moves within five miles of any address they are concerned about.

• Students raising funds for February trip to Spain
S&P World Tours, a group that takes Syracuse high school students abroad, is raising money to take 18 students to Spain in February.

• Threshold price for milk down from July
The top price that local retailers can charge for milk has dipped for August.

• Traffic pattern changes continue with I-690 work
Motorists traveling east on Interstate 690 can expect more traffic pattern changes and ramp closures as road work continues, the state Department of Transportation said.

• Trees block transmissions of 2 emergency towers
Overgrown trees between the Brookfield and Fenner emergency towers are blocking communication paths between the two devices, according to Madison E-911 director Paul Hartnett.

• Albany Backlog Delays School Work
Tully school officials wanted to use special state money this summer toward a $2.7 million project to improve energy efficiency throughout the district.

• DNA links suspect to Davis murder
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick admitted Wednesday one of the most frustrating things about the murder of Ann Davis was having surveillance videotapes of the suspected killer using the victim's ATM card but not being able to identify him.

• Fowler principal transfers Friday
Today is Laura Vieira-Suarez's last day as Fowler High School principal.

• Odd, even, odd, even, odd, odd, even, TICKET
On a day like today, when a month ends with an odd-numbered day, the Syracuse Parking Violations Bureau prepares for a spike in parking tickets and angry phone calls.

• Officer answers a call for pot
As North Syracuse police searched a car that reeked of marijuana, the driver's cell phone kept ringing. Finally, police said, an officer asked if he could answer it.

• Study: Lead in artificial turf not harmful
Representatives of two Central New York school districts that closed their artificial turf fields this year, partly because of health concerns, are hopeful a federal report released Wednesday is good news.

• Suspended top cop earns $76,000
The Village of Marcellus has paid police Chief David Wilkinson $76,000 over the last 19 months to do nothing, and the village board said it's time to do something about it.

• Visitors Welcome
Central New York has a new state park.

• Ex-prof awards college $2M gift
A retired Cornell University professor who never attended Tompkins Cortland Community College has given the school the biggest gift in its history to fund a scholarship program for adults struggling to afford college.

• Fulton dad accused of beating toddler
A Fulton teenager was accused Wednesday of beating and burning his 18-month-old daughter, city police said.

• Internet providers purge porn sites
Nearly a dozen Internet service providers have purged their servers of child pornography at the demand of state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

• A Developing Obsession
Editorial assistant Desiree Feigel-Dart spoke with Deborah Stearns, a long-time member of the Syracuse Camera Club. Name: Deborah Stearns

• He Has Stories to Tell
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Marc Sorbello, who was recently hired as the assistant director of community relations by Auburn Memorial Hospital. Name: Marc Sorbello

• Finding Future Leaders
When Johmarr Ogletree and his family lost most of their belongings in a house fire last January, Ogletree didn't waste any time doing what he knew was right.

• Police Blotter
Syracuse Police

• Web program helps students prepare
Syracuse's new Plato credit recovery program kicked off this spring at two city sites, and a handful of rising sophomores are testing a version of the program this summer at Henninger High School.

• A Golden Moment
Editorial assistant Desiree Feigel-Dart recently spoke with Sarah Green, who won a gold medal in the balance beam at the recent New York State Level 5 Gymnastic Championships, run by the USA Gymnastics. She also tied for 12th in floor exercise and was 15th in the all-around. The championships took place May 30 through June 1 at Gymnastics Unlimited in Orchard Park, and included gymnasts from 64 gyms all over New York state. Name: Sarah Green

• Lasting Creativity
Swimming, gymnastics, art, music, pony rides, even a bouncy castle. What kid wouldn't want these activities on their summer roster?

• Police Blotter
DeWitt Police Driving while ability is impaired by drugs Michelle L. Foster,30, of 7632 Thompson Road, North Syracuse, July 19; also charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance; third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. Charged at 3700 block of Erie Boulevard East, DeWitt.

• Campaign memorabilia to be displayed
With the presidential election just months away, plans are under way at the Manlius Historical Society to feature campaign memorabilia and other election artifacts at the Manlius Historical Museum this fall.

• ES-M graduate finds purpose in Navy
After graduating from East Syracuse-Minoa High School in 2004, Anthony Maurillo tried Onondaga Community College and worked a full-time job at the Carrier Dome, but neither felt right.

• F-M, J-D students, alumni join forces for benefit musical
A group of students and graduates from Jamesville-DeWitt and Fayetteville-Manlius high schools are performing "Keep a Dream in Your Heart: A Broadway Revue" to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Central New York. The show is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at F-M High School.

• Musical Time Machine
The past and the present converged the evening of July 24 at the Marcellus Free Library. Upstairs, in the Friends of the Library Community Room, extra chairs had to be found to seat the crowd that filled the 1,500-square-foot space to attend an interactive discussion, slide show and free concert given and performed by Bells & Motley Consort.

• Police Blotter
DeWitt Police Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Edmund S. Taylor,25, of 133 Austin Ave., Syracuse, July 17, third-degree; also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana; and following too closely. Charged at Thompson Road, East Syracuse.

• 'Secret Garden' can be found this weekend in Jordan
The Jordan-Elbridge Community Theatre will perform the Tony Award-winning musical "The Secret Garden" on Friday and Saturday at the Jordan-Elbridge High School Auditorium.

• Jeffrey Beyel named math champ at Driver Middle School
Jeffrey Beyel was named the Driver Middle School champion in the fifth-grade New York State Mathematics League Contest. In all, 98 fifth-graders competed in this event and they were given 30 minutes to complete 30 challenging math problems. Driver Middle School is in the Marcellus school district.

• Let's Play Ball!
North Syracuse area residents will be treated to some of the best in youth baseball this week as the Babe Ruth All-Star 13-15 year-old Middle Atlantic Regional tournament kicks off today at two local fields.

• After 15 years, Octoberfest returns to B'ville
Octoberfest is coming back to Baldwinsville after a 15-year absence.

• Clubs cruise in with $1,500 donation
The Baldwinsville Volunteer Center received a $1,500 donation from the Central New York area Classic Car Clubs during an awards ceremony at the recent Syracuse Nationals event at the state fairgrounds.

• Police Blotter
DeWitt Police Driving while ability is impaired by drugs Michelle L. Foster,30, of 7632 Thompson Road, North Syracuse, July 19; also charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance; third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. Charged at 3700 block of Erie Boulevard East, DeWitt.

• Lambda Kappa Mu sorority honors students
Arts: Monique Roberts, Cicero-North Syracuse.

• West Point cadets will dedicate plaque at Baker
Two West Point cadets on Monday will present a plaque to their alma mater, C.W. Baker High School, in Baldwinsville. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. Monday outside the high school, 29 E. Oneida St., or in the lobby if it rains.

• Acres of Onions in Ruins
In the northwest corner of Danny Dunsmoor's onion fields, there's a patch of onions that escaped a damaging wind and hail storm that struck July 24.

• Oswego man accused of sexually abusing girl
A 50-year-old man from Oswego is facing several felony sex abuse charges after an investigation into an incident in the town of Oswego earlier this year.

• Troopers: Pulaski man refused to return vehicles
State police in Pulaski have arrested a Pulaski man, accusing him of taking money to install turbo systems to boost the horsepower on two vehicles but not doing the work.

• Vandals again hit West Monroe park
The town park in West Monroe has once again been the target of vandals.

• Retired prof gives 2-year school $2M
A retired Cornell University professor who never attended Tompkins Cortland Community College has given the school the biggest gift in its history to fund a scholarship program for adults struggling to afford college.

• SLOW To-Go Works Fast
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan recently interviewed Ursula Rutledge, of Parish, who owns SLOW To-Go, a whole foods business in Oswego. Name: Ursula Rutledge

• Study: Artificial turf lead is not harmful
Representatives of two Central New York school districts that closed their artificial turf fields this year, partly because of health concerns, are hopeful a federal report released Wednesday is good news for them.

• Oneida day care center to close
Oneida Healthcare Center is getting out of the day care business.

• Weary of Water Weeds
For the first time in 28 years, the Vogt family reunion at Kyser Beach was canceled.

• Retired prof gives 2-year school $2M
A retired Cornell University professor who never attended Tompkins Cortland Community College has given the school the biggest gift in its history to fund a scholarship program for adults struggling to afford college.

• 'Roses to the Living'
Editorial assistant Brenda Duncan interviewed Joseph DiGiorgio, of Canastota, who was the 2008 recipient of the Canastota Rotary Club's "Roses to the Living" Service Award. Name: Joe DiGiorgio

• 2 panels approve OCC construction
The $38.6 million first phase of Onondaga Community College's proposed five-year construction program won unanimous approval Wednesday from two Onondaga County legislative committees.

• Another Old Home Day
Jeff Hinman, of Chittenango, has been stomping around the annual Whitelaw Old Home Day celebration for as long as he can remember.

• Ex-surgeon general Julius Richmond dies
Dr. Julius B. Richmond, a former U.S. surgeon general who helped found the national Head Start program in Syracuse more than 40 years ago, died Sunday at his home in Chestnut Hill, Mass. He was 91.

• Liverpool district officials react to audit
The Liverpool school district mishandled $250,000 in taxpayer money and equipment because of a "complete breakdown in financial controls," the state comptroller's office said Wednesday.

• NEW CITIZENS
The following individuals became U.S. citizens Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Syracuse: Christian Jose Aleman, Nicaragua. Suzana Arsovski, Macedonia. Lugi Audi, Italy. Kurt Hilary Bowman, St. Vincent. Elvis Bustamante, Cuba. Carlos Alberto Carballo, Cuba. Diana Yu-Ying Chen, Taiwan. Arthur Ramos Felarca, Philippines. Tania Cristina Florencio, Brazil. Virgilio Flores, Mexico. George Jing Fu, China. Harminder Grewal, India. Usman Habib, Pakistan. Munevera Halilovic, Bosnia- Herzegovina. Andrew Hunt, United Kingdom. Hasan Huseinbasic, Bosnia- Herzegovina. Momtaz Begum Khan, Bangladesh. Khue Van Kieu, Vietnam. Polina Krynytska, Ukraine. Minh Quang Lam, Vietnam. Sang Ho Lee, Korea. Clara Rocio Leon De Cota, Mexico. Yuehua Lin, China. Ping Chieh Lin, Taiwan. Amarilys Lugo, Cuba. Sabra Mehmedovic, Bosnia- Herzegovina. Juan Jesus Miranda, Cuba. Nick Jerry Niceforo, Canada. Can Thi Nguyen, Vietnam. Mirsada Nezir Osmanovic, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dusan Palider, Slovakia. Deval Vijubahi Patel, India. Carmen Lorena Reohr, Guatemala. Bisaleta Salihovic, Bosnia- Herzegovina. Saumil Shah, India. Fawzia Shwani, Iraq. Harcharn Singh, India. Eugenio Soriano, Mexico. Ara Tadevossian, Armenia. Caroline Haiyan Tong, China. Galina Yevseyev, Kazakhstan.

• Still a Land of Opportunity
Growing up in her native India, Dr. Harminder Grewal was always fascinated by the United States. She saw America as a "beacon of freedom and opportunity for all."

• Calls about jobless benefits swamp Labor Department
John Menneci was pleasantly surprised last week when he got a letter from the state Department of Labor saying he was eligible to apply for extended unemployment insurance benefits of $270 a week for 13 weeks.

• Group folds 'Blueprint' plan
An Auburn civic group, spurned by a Cayuga County legislator who said it was trying to manipulate government policymaking, has dropped its push to create a new economic development engine in the county.

• TC3 receives $2 million gift
A retired Cornell University professor who never attended Tompkins Cortland Community College has given the school the biggest gift in its history to fund a scholarship program for adults struggling to afford college.

• Police Blotter
Onondaga County Sheriff's Department

• Art in the Park organizers seek artists
Artists have until Aug. 15 to enter their work in the Art in the Park exhibit this fall at Auburn's Hoopes Park.

• Church to host Blueberry Bash in August
Everything blueberry will be featured at a luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 9 when the Bernhards Bay Methodist Church hosts a Blueberry Bash. Music will be provided by Chuck Erler and his band. There will be a variety of blueberry items, such as pie, muffins and sundaes. Pizza and beverages will also be sold, but there is no charge to enjoy the music. Participants should bring lawn chairs or blankets.

• Community band to play free concert in August
The Canastota Community Band will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 17 on the lawn of Zem's Ice Cream on James Street in the village. The band, under the direction of Paul L. Shiffer Sr., will play marches, ballads and show tunes.

• Fulton teen accused of assaulting infant daughter
A Fulton teenager was accused Wednesday of beating and burning his 18-month-old daughter, city police said.

• Granby crash sends vehicle occupant to hospital
One person was taken to University Hospital after a crash in Granby on Wednesday afternoon, according to Oswego County 911 dispatchers.

• Hospital gets new director of patient accounts
Auburn Memorial Hospital recently hired Rose McCort asÕ7McCortÕ its director of patient accounts.

• Kayak and canoe race part of festival Aug. 9
A kayak and canoe race will be held Aug. 9 as part of the weekend-long Magic In Minetto Family Festival.

• Knitting club welcomes young people to meetings
The Canastota Public Library Knitters invite teens or pre-teens interested in learning a new skill to attend any meeting in August from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

• Lakeside Boat Launch to close for triathlon
The Cazenovia Lakeside Boat Launch will be closed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 10 during the Cazenovia Triathlon. Call the village office at 655-3041 with any questions.

• Milk prices drop below $4 a gallon for August
The top price that retailers can charge for milk has dipped for August.

• Morrisville State athletics gets $30,000 from bank
Oneida Savings Bank has made a $30,000 donation to the Morrisville State College Athletic Department that will go toward renovating the football locker room.

• Plan trip along canal with help of Web site
Parks & Trails New York, a statewide nonprofit organization, has launched a new Web site, www.ptny.org/bikecanal, dedicated to the Erie Canalway Trail, a cross-state route between Buffalo and Albany along the legendary Erie Canal.

• Syracuse Diocese to merge 2 Cortland parishes
The two Roman Catholic Churches in Cortland, St. Anthony of Padua and St. Mary, will merge when the pastor of either parish changes.

• Testing of sirens at 3 nuclear plants next week
The emergency notification sirens surrounding the three nuclear power plants in Scriba will be tested between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. No response from the public is required during the tests, which are conducted four times a year.

• Where's Dick Case?
Dick Case is out of the office. His column returns Aug. 12.

• Where's Dick Case?
Dick Case is out of the office. His column will resume Aug. 12.

• Where's Dick Case?
Dick Case is out of the office. His column returns Aug. 12.

• Airport room a salute to military travelers
Leroy Bowen wasn't looking for anything elaborate. After a career in the Army, Bowen retired and took a job at Syracuse's Hancock Airport, where he works as lead agent for the Transportation Security Administration.

• Audit Blasts Liverpool Schools' Management
Liverpool school administrators secretly gave away computer equipment, mishandled taxpayers' money and improperly handed out special favors to management, a state audit says.

• Getting Wet, Saving Gas
Kim Bono has had a season's pass to Thunder Island in Granby for a few years now.

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