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University Police Helps Students Safely Clear Residence Halls
By: Tomas Rodriguez
As the pandemic forced students to leave their residence halls coinciding with spring break, approximately 2,500 returned to campus in order to either check-out or retrieve personal belongings. They were allowed to do so stretching between May 8 and the 18.
University Police, along with Facilities and Residence Life and Housing outlined a plan that would help students move out safely by breaking down timeframes. The days were divided into two time slots –9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The number of students on campus averaged 250 per day.
Students had to choose from various options, which Residence Life and Housing then had to approve.
“We take the same precautions that we have since mid-March, including wearing face coverings when in close contact with other persons and disinfecting our patrol vehicles and equipment regularly,” University Police Interim Chief Kevin Velzy said. “As far as a college policy, we will continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC, and our government leaders.”
If the university was to outline a social distancing and face covering policy, students who did not comply would face disciplinary consequences.
“This is an interesting time for the entire world. We are all learning day by day how to adjust and move forward with caution based on the data we have, the research that is going on, and making the best decisions we can for the good of all,” Velzy said. “We hope that everyone, especially our students, are having a safe and productive summer, and we hope to have everyone back on campus as soon as practicable.”
An official statement from President Stanley as to what the final decision for the Fall will look like is expected to come in the following weeks.
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Fake ID’s Seized Following joint effort to Combat Underage Drinking
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.”
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Shelter Opening in Oswego for People Without Water
This year’s cold in Oswego is not only breaking records, but apparently water lines as well.
Mayor Thomas W. Gillen said the below zero temperatures have caused water lines in some neighborhoods to freeze, leaving the residents of those areas without water.
“It’s possible people will be without utilities, specifically water, for an extended period of time, potentially for several days,” the mayor said.
Oswego is currently working with the American Red Cross of Central New York to house impacted people in Laker Hall, a building on the SUNY Oswego Campus.
Mayor Gillen declared a state of emergency in the city to address the situation as quickly as possible.
He advises all residents to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled, to make sure they are okay.
If you know anyone who needs help, call 911, or (315) 343-1212 for other assistance.
