OSWEGO, NY— The time has finally come. Oswego’s own Taco Bell has finally opened and with promotions to celebrate. 

On Wednesday morning, locals attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the fast-food chains new location. The new addition to Oswego’s dining options has taken about 6 months to construct, and after numerous delays caused by weather conditions a gas pipe running through the property has finally opened on October 30. The marketing director, Jessica Woodburn has been waiting for this moment. 

“So I think that everyone here in Oswego has known that this has been a long time coming we’ve been working diligently to find a location and due to situations out of our control,” said Woodburn. “We had a couple of locations fall through but then we were able to get this fantastic location on George Street. We’re excited we’re finally open people have been very patient and we think that today is just going to be a phenomenal opening day.” 

A familiar face was seen at the grand opening, Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow. 

“Well it’s great to finally have Taco Bell in Oswego. We had a many years ago and it left Oswego, but now it’s back and it’s finally here and we’re so excited. There’s a huge demand here in the city. Between people in the SUNY community and people who just overall love Taco Bell and are tired of driving to Fulton or North Syracuse to get it. I think they’ll do really well and we’re happy to have them,” said Barlow. 

Some of their favorite Taco Bell orders? 

“Chicken Quesadilla with a Mountain Dew,” said Woodburn. 

As for Mayor Barlow, “I like the box of tacos, the cinnamon twists, and then the Baja Blast which I think you can only get at Taco Bell.”

OSWEGO N.Y.— Beyond Cyber Awareness Month, online scams continue to threaten identities. A cyber attack happens every 39 seconds in the United States alone, according to a study by the University of Maryland. 

Young adults appear to be a primary target. A report from the Federal Trade Commissions says that young adults are 20 percent more likely to lose money in an online scam than their senior citizen counterparts, who more often fall victim to telemarketing scams. 

SUNY Oswego’s Campus Technology Officer Sean Moriarity warned students to take precautions and explained how hackers can use your identity at any time, even decades from now. 

“Young people are young,” Moriarity said, “Some day they’re going to be more wealthy than they are right now, so it is important to stay vigilant.”

In light of Cyber Awareness Month, Oswego’s Campus Technology Services hosted a variety of events to educate students about cybersecurity, including an email-phishing quiz, two-factor verification contest, and a phishing derby. 

For week three of the annual SEFA Bake-Off at SUNY Oswego, 23 employees put out their finest baked goods for people to judge and enjoy.

All proceeds donated went to help the State Employees Federal Appeal (SEFA). Cathy Johnson, the manager of the Bake-Off competition, has been running the event for four years.

“Every year we work with employees on the campus to get them to donate a portion of their paycheck to our community for charitable contributions like the Humane Society or United Way or many others” said Johnson.

During the Bake-Off, the employees who baked them are not present.

“There’s kind of a mystique about who’s baking what because you’re supposed to have a blind system of casting your votes” said Johnson.

The winner of the competition will receive not only bragging rights, but an 18-piece nonstick baking kit.

Over two-hundred-and-thirty dollars was raised for the SEFA organization on Tuesday from the Bake-Off, the students and faculty enjoyed their baked goods, and the votes were cast to see who will win the grand prize.

Oswego, NY — With many Oswego students coming to Oswego from different parts of New York and other states, events like Friends and Family Weekend are a good way for residents to have their home come to them, and for their families to see their home away from home. 

As a celebrated tradition at SUNY Oswego, students are able to reunite with loved ones, and show them what the Oswego community has to offer. 

For some students, it is an exciting way to show their family the accomplishments they’ve made so far. Students Anyissel Hernandez and Breanna Walker have done exactly that. 

“I really miss them so when they come here I feel like supported and everything. Like it’s just nice to see them, hang out with them, just to see how I’m doing,” said Hernandez. 

As for the family and friends, it’s a good way to see how their student has settled in to SUNY Oswego, as well as becoming familiar with the campus and town. 

One family, the Minor, Callender, and Hechanova family, a blended family from New York City were excited to see some Oswego favorites. 

“We checked out the lake, the barbershop, yeah. Walmart,” said the family. 

One of the activities for the weekend, the Oswego Men’s Hockey Exhibition Game against Nazareth. 

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes, we are going to check the hockey game out,” the family said. 

A two-decade tradition, Friends and Family Weekend opens up opportunities not only for students, but for those who are unfamiliar with the town of Oswego. 

Between learning about Oswego staples and the exciting hockey games, for one weekend, the Oswego communities grows just a little bit bigger. 

“Go Lakers!”