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.

The Oswego State men’s hockey team defeated conference foe, Buffalo State, 4-3 on Friday night at the Marano Campus Center Arena. With the victory, the Lakers improve to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the SUNYAC while the Bengals drop to 3-2-1 on the season and 0-1-1 in conference play.

It did not take long for Oswego to find the back of the net as Joseph Molinaro scored his first goal of the season just five minutes into the game. However, Buffalo State responded with a score of their own to make it a tie game. Although there was not any scoring in the second period, the third made up for it. Aaron Huffnagle and Cameron Berry each scored for the Lakers during the period in five on five action. With Buffalo State down by one and time running out, the Bengals pulled their goalie for an extra skater. However, that move allowed Mitch Emerson to score an empty net goal which sealed the win for the Lakers.

In his third start for Oswego, goaltender David Richer stopped 21 shots. Buffalo State’s Ian Sylves made 35 saves during his time in the crease.

The Lakers will look to maintain their undefeated SUNYAC record tomorrow night against Fredonia in another home matchup. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm.