by Daniel Manou

Oswego, NY- As underage drinking and drug use grows around the country, Oswego County is trying to find ways to not only control this epidemic but turn it into a positive trend.

On a daily basis alcohol is in the public’s eyes whether from advertisements, stores or people using it around them regardless of the viewers age. According to a multi-year study by Farnham Family Services alcohol is the most used drug among minors in Oswego County. However, compared to the last survey, this year’s results are showing progress. Prevention Services Director Penny Morley believes the results of this year’s survey is heading in the right direction.

“We did a youth development survey in 2013 and another one in 2016, and our numbers are going down, youth that are reporting underage drinking,” she said.

Although Morley acknowledges the comparison of surveys shows only a small drop in underage drinking, she is still pleased with the numbers.

“Just a few percentage points, but even just a few percentage points is better than having an increase”, said Morley.

According to the survey nearly 70 percent of high school seniors have used alcohol. Most minors reported the easiest access is from their own home.

In an effort lead by Oswego County Undersheriff Gene Sullivan, police have attempted to stop underage parties. Sullivan has been working to shut down these parties and educate minors about the dangers of underage drinking since 2011. However, he has directly seen what consequences arise.

“By the end of the night we would have fights, vandalism would occur and in the worst case scenario people driving away from that party, getting into crashes some of them were fatalities,” Undersheriff Sullivan said.

In 2014, Farnham instituted the Oswego County Prevention Coalition in response to the 2013 survey and has worked alongside schools to educate the youth. According to the 2016 results, ninth grade, the same age period when alcohol is most dangerous to children, was where the usage jumped the highest.

“Anyone that uses before the age of 15 has a much higher likelihood of addiction as an adult, their brains are not fully formed at that point”, said Morley.

With the tactics that have been put in place and continue to be worked on, there have been signs that they have made an impact.

“I think there’s been tremendous progress, but it’s been painfully slow. It’s a difficult message to deliver”, said Undersheriff Sullivan.

Even with the long awaited results showing optimism, both Morley and Sullivan know their job isn’t done.

OSWEGO, N.Y. – Linda Cohn, the Oswego alumnus and sportscaster celebrated her 5,000 episode on ESPN’s SportsCenter on Sunday. Cohn became the first SportsCenter anchor to reach such a mark. Cohn has been a trailblazer for women in sports, but there was still one goal she longed for. Getting a sub named after her at the famed Oswego Sub Shop.

The staple in downtown Oswego is one of the most exclusive clubs for Oswego alumni like Cohn. From Al Roker to Steve Levy, the Oswego Sub Shop is where SUNY Oswego graduates come to be enshrined, in a sandwich.

When skimming the menu, Cohn’s name was nowhere to be seen, but one fan and fellow alumnus is looking to change that.

“She was like, actually I haven’t reached that celebrity status yet because I don’t have a sub at the Oswego sub shop,” said Paul Esden.

Esden, a producer at ESPN radio in Syracuse, N.Y. spoke to Cohn and started the trending topic.

Paul said, “I made the hash tag, I made the meme, and I was like let’s just see what happens.  Cohn’s hash tag #GetCohnASub, has Oswego alumni rallying around her and the sub shop making plans.

“We’d definitely get her input and design it accordingly,” said William Green, the once owner of the Oswego Sub Shop. He sold the family restaurant to his son just a few years back.

Green said, “I had no idea that she was that popular or did that many shows.”

He remembers when Al Roker and Steve Levy got their subs and hopes Cohn will be the same kind of ambassador, they’ve been.

“They never come in here asking for anything, they’re doing it just out of the gratitude and respect of the sub shop,” said Green.

Odds are Cohn shouldn’t have to wait long. Green added, “I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a sub named after her, within the week.”
Cohn’s much-deserved sub is waiting. The Sub Shop even has a spot reserved.

        This past weekend, members of the Police Department along with investigators from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, SUNY Oswego police officers and local business owners; worked together to try and combat underage drinking and the use of fake ID’s.

        Over 24 people were issued citations for attempting to use fake identification on Friday night. All fake ID’s were confiscated by DMV investigators.

        The operation was conducted at three bars on West Bridge Street; Alley Cat’s on 23 W. Bridge Street, The Raven on 39 W. Bridge Street and The Sting on 49 W. Bridge Street.

        This initiative is part of Governor Cuomo’s “No Excuses” Campaign which has conducted sweeps called “Operation Prevent” across the state to prevent underage drinking in New York State and keep New York Roadway’s safe.

        Mayor Billy Barlow has been outspoken about the efforts made to prevent underage drinking, saying “The collaborative effort between local law enforcement, DMV investigators, local bar owners, SUNY Oswego and the city of Oswego, emphasizes the importance of these types of sweeps in our community.”