New York State passed a law banning plastic bags on March 1st of this year. However, the state will not begin implementing fines on retailers until at least April 1st. Most stores are switching to paper bags, but these tend to come at a charge because they are more expensive than the previously used single-use plastic bags.
Bosco’s manager. Theresa Himes, says the local grocery store has also began selling reusable bags to customers “We discontinued the plastic ones. We’re using paper bags for some people that don’t have the reusable or don’t want to purchase them.”
Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags when shopping, to not only reduce waste but money, as well. If anyone is in need of any reusable bags, they can stop by City Hall to pick some up for free.
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SUNY Oswego Stabbing
OSWEGO, N.Y. – A fight across the street from the Shineman Center early Sunday morning resulted in a man being sent to Upstate Medical University Hospital. When University Police arrived at the scene they found an 18-year-old man had been assaulted and stabbed four times in the shoulder.
Witnesses say that four males in dark clothing with hoodies pulled over their heads, came out of a dark colored 4-door Honda before attacking the freshman. A female was driving the car, and it was last seen heading east on Washington Boulevard.
The argument is believed to have begun earlier in the night in front of the American Legion on Bridge Street. The victim’s injuries are not life threatening and he is in stable condition.
The incident is currently under investigation by State University Police and is asking anyone with information to contact them at 315-312-5555.
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Port City Co-Op Antique Store
by Sabina Longo, WTOP10-TV
Port City Co-Op is an antique store that is hidden on West Second Street in downtown Oswego. The store celebrated its two year anniversary on Tuesday, November 1. Linda Demassi had the idea to open up Port City Co-Op and help bring more local businesses to Oswego.
Originally the store opened with ten vendors but now there are 37. With more vendors selling their items, the store needed to be expanded and that is when the owners of Port-City bought out the soap store that is located nextdoor.
Antiques and unique items are not the only reason why people shop here. Mary Waite is a regular at Port City and says she loves all the different items because it brings back nostalgic memories. It reminds her of her childhood.
Linda Demassi encourages people to shop local because, “it’s huge to shop local, for the economy, the city. Shopping local is huge to keep the small businesses”
Port City Co-Op is opened on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 5pm, Thursday to Friday from 11am to 6pm, Saturday from 11am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
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Underage Drinking
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.
