According to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday around 1:30 pm, Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to 124 W. Conklin Ave in Nedrow regarding a suspicious death. On arrival, deputies found Kevin Mills on the floor, deceased. Sheriff detectives have been working on this case and determined that Mr. Mills died via Homicide.
More information will be made available, as this is a developing story…
]]>Urges New York Stargazers to be Wary of Scams, Fake Merchandise and Phony Accommodation Listings
Announces Expansion of Ongoing I LOVE NY Eclipse Safety Awareness Campaign to Include Messaging Promoting Glasses Distribution Across the State
Builds on Statewide Preparations for Once-in-a-Generation Celestial Event
Governor Kathy Hochul today launched a statewide effort to protect New Yorkers ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The effort includes statewide distribution of limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses at 30 locations throughout the state – including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the NYS Thruway – as well as a reminder for stargazers to be wary of scams, fake merchandise and phony accommodation listings. In addition, the Governor expanded an I LOVE NY campaign to urge New Yorkers to take proper safety precautions during the eclipse. Today’s announcement builds on previous actions to prepare the state, as well as New York stargazers, for the once-in-a-generation celestial event.
“The total solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-generation experience for our state, and it’s critical that New Yorkers have the tools and information to enjoy it safely,” Governor Hochul said. “From heightening awareness of scams to providing thousands of New Yorkers with eclipse glasses, I’m focused on giving everyone the resources they need to safely experience this extraordinary event.”
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York State with the roughly 100-mile wide path of totality entering in the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 p.m. and departing northern New York just before 3:30 p.m. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to 2 ½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast.
I LOVE NY Eclipse Glasses
During the eclipse, it is especially unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection and can result in serious injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer – regular sunglasses are not a safe replacement.
A limited quantity of I LOVE NY eclipse glasses will be available beginning today at locations throughout the state, including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the New York State Thruway (at the Applegreen C-Stores). A full list of locations distributing I LOVE NY glasses, as well as other sources for eclipse glasses, are available here. Glasses will be limited to two pairs per person, while supplies last, with a limited amount distributed daily. The glasses were approved by the New York State Department of Health and carry an ISO certification.
A digital marketing campaign was launched in January to promote general awareness of the eclipse and viewing options across New York State. Messaging of the campaign has expanded to include safety and preparedness information as well as information on eclipse glasses distribution. The campaign will continue to run up until the eclipse on April 8.
Protecting Stargazers From Scams
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips for the hundreds of thousands of consumers planning to travel to New York State to witness the solar eclipse over New York. Consumers need to be informed of their rights, shop smartly to safeguard their hard-earned money and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams.
According to the Better Business Bureau, scams associated with the 2024 solar eclipse may include:
To safeguard against these scams, consumer should:
Any consumer who encounters a marketplace problem while enjoying the eclipse in New York can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.
Additional Preparations for Total Solar Eclipse
New York State is committed to providing a safe and fun eclipse experience, recognizing the convergence of public safety and tourism promotion. Travelers are encouraged to plan an extended getaway for a more enjoyable event, including avoiding post-eclipse traffic like the massive backups following the Great Eclipse of 2017, which bisected the United States from Oregon to South Carolina.
Educational Information and Viewing
Earlier this month, Governor Hochul announced the eclipse events and activities scheduled at New York’s State Parks, in coordination with NASA. I LOVE NY has launched the multi-platform “Come for the Eclipse, Stay for New York” campaign to present New York as THE place to be to witness this event. The campaign and a special eclipse website highlight viewing location information in the five regions that will experience the path of totality, a variety of attractions and special eclipse-related events happening across the state across its digital platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter/X. A downloadable special edition eclipse poster is also available, created through I LOVE NY’s partnership with acclaimed artist and professional astronomer Dr. Tyler Nordgren. Visit iloveny.com/eclipse for viewing locations and additional safety tips.
]]>Home Energy Assistance Program Helps Eligible Households Pay Their Heating Bills
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of additional home heating assistance to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their energy bills, are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has extended the deadline for Regular and Emergency HEAP applications to April 12 and is now accepting applications for a second emergency benefit from eligible New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits.
“Energy prices remain high, putting a burden on struggling New Yorkers trying to pay their bills,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers are applying for HEAP benefits, and by extending the program through April 12 and offering a second emergency benefit, we are continuing to provide critical relief to low- and middle-income households.”
HEAP, which is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is federally funded and can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. Normally, eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit each winter and could also be eligible for a single Emergency HEAP benefit if they face an energy crisis. Those that have already received a regular and emergency benefit this winter will be able to apply for an additional emergency benefit, if they are facing a utility shut off or are running out of heating fuel and cannot afford to replenish it.
Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $976 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size, how they heat their home, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,838, or an annual gross income of $70,059 and still qualify for benefits.
More than 1.4 million Regular HEAP benefits totaling $198 million have been issued this heating season since the program opened November 1, with an additional 49,000 Emergency HEAP benefits totaling $30 million provided since January 2.
Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871. The deadline for the Regular, Emergency, and second Emergency benefit is April 12. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additionally, assistance through the 2023-2024 Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program remains available to help eligible homeowners repair or replace their furnace, boiler, and other direct heating equipment necessary to keep their home’s primary heating source working. Benefit amounts through the HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace the essential heating equipment – up to $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.
Eligible homeowners can also continue to apply for a HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit to keep their home’s primary heating source working at peak efficiency. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local department of social services for more information.
]]>“Spatchcock Funk,” is a fun, no-holds-barred cooking show making its debut on WCNY-TV, streaming services, and across PBS television stations. Hosted by Matt Read, the show covers everything from easy-to-follow recipes for delicious food and killer cocktails to how to throw the perfect party.
“WCNY is excited to introduce this cutting-edge and entertaining cooking show to the PBS family of great cooking shows,” said Mitch Gelman, president and CEO of WCNY. “Created and crafted in Central New York, the collaboration with Matt, Alex, and the Spatchcock Funk team enhances our ability to serve the community—and the nation—through captivating and mouth-watering programming.”
The show has two co-founders, Alex DeRosa, the director and visionary, and Matt Read, the host and chef, and an entire crew that shows up at the parties in each episode. It takes the typical cooking show format and cracks it wide open, with a little more flair, some cheeky jokes, and an open invitation to anyone looking to spice things up in the kitchen.
“Our goal with ‘Spatchcock Funk’ was to give people a reason to spend time with their friends and family and understand the importance of that,” said Matt Read, host and co-founder of Spatchcock Funk. “We want to lead the charge for bringing people together over cocktails, food, and anything that makes us feel whole. We’re all better together. Being together with a beer or two doesn’t hurt either.”
The 10-part television series will air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. through the end of May on WCNY-TV. The series is sponsored by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and Bear Creek Restaurant Inc.
For a preview of the show, visit Preview ‘Spatchcock Funk’ . To learn more about Spatchcock Funk, visit spatchcockfunk.com. For viewing information, visit where to watch .
]]>Syracuse, NY – Today March 18th Maurice Brown, Onondaga County Legislator will host a town hall regarding our Housing issues.
“The answers to the problems facing our community lie within our community. To get those answers, I need to hear from you.” said Brown “I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts”
The Town Hall will take place on Monday, March 18th at 6pm. The Town Hall will take place at the Westcott Community Center (826 Euclid Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210)
Maurice Brown, Onondaga County Legislator
Public Town Hall on Housing
Monday March 18th at 6pm (Doors open at 5:45)
Westcott Community Center
826 Euclid Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210
October 11 – 13, 2024
By William Shakespeare, Adapted by Raoul Bhaneja, Directed by Robert Ross Parker, Produced by Hope and Hell Theatre Co.
Hamlet (solo) combines the ancient art of storytelling and the modern “one-man show,” a thrilling evening which focuses on the three most essential elements of theatre: The Actor, The Text, and The Audience. This production is best described as “bare bones” in its presentation with Raoul Bhaneja playing seventeen parts in a two-hour version using only Shakespeare’s text. This critically acclaimed production has been enjoyed by audiences as diverse as the people of Inuvik, a community north of the Arctic Circle and the next generation of Britain’s young actors at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. An exceptional and rare experience for both the novice and the Shakespeare enthusiast!
December 6 – 22, 2024
Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse, Directed by Matthew Winning
The inspirational story based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become one of the world’s most beloved musicals.
February 21 – March 2, 2025
By Charles Smith, Directed by Temar Underwood, Redhouse Artistic Director
Three generations of notorious Dumas appear in this swashbuckling play filled with tales of war, sword fights, masked balls, and romantic escapades. General Thomas Dumas, the son of a French aristocrat and a black servant woman, was one of Napoleon’s most prized generals. His son, Alexandre Dumas père, author of The Three Musketeers, lives a life as daring and full of intrigue as the characters in his own plays and novels. His son, Alexandre Dumas fils, struggles to come to terms with his father’s apparent immoral lifestyle, his own racial heritage, and rumors of his grandfather’s defection.
April 4 –13, 2025
By Annie Baker, Directed by Katherine McGerr
In a run-down movie theater in central Massachusetts, three young minimum-wage workers mop the floors and attend to one of the last 35mm film projectors in the state. A hilarious
and heart-rending cry for authenticity in a fast-changing world.
May 23 – June 1, 2025
Music by Jeanine Tesori, Book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron, Based on the Graphic Novel by Alison Bechdel. Broadway star and former Redhouse Artistic Director Hunter Foster returns to direct this production, which he was to direct in 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down live performing arts.
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.
“All 24/25 Redhouse Mainstage productions are about an individual yearning to belong in a world that may not accept them as they are – whether that’s about racial or gender identity, economic condition, or just finding a sense of joy, peace, and beauty amidst ugliness all around,” said Temar Underwood, Redhouse Artistic Director. “Redhouse is dedicated to community engagement through its artistic programs. Local auditions for roles in the upcoming season will take place June 12 – 14 at Redhouse,” he added. “This season also affords local CNY children the opportunity to mesmerize audiences with their talent and charisma in both The Sound of Music and Fun Home. Helmed by Director of Education Marguerite Mitchell, Redhouse Arts Center’s Education Department offers a wide variety of youth programs that can prepare local kids to join professional and community actors on the Redhouse stage.”
Sales of season subscription packages open today, which give subscribers up to 15% off regular ticket prices, priority seating prior to the general sale, and the ability to exchange seats at no additional cost. Prices are as follows:
From March 15 – 29, 2024 only, subscribers can purchase the 5-show package for the price of 4 shows, which is 28% discount on regular tickets. Single tickets sales open in August.
Either visit www.theredhouse.org or call the box office at 315-362-2785 to purchase subscriptions or for more information about programs.
Our 24/25 Season Sponsors: CXtec, Hayner Hoyt, Pathfinder Bank and M&T Bank.
Additional support provided by The Allyn Family Foundation, CNY Arts, and NYSCA. Opportunities to sponsorship are still available.
Redhouse Arts Center is a professional, nonprofit theater serving the community by providing leading and inclusive experiences through its theater and educational programs. Redhouse produces a full season of theater each year, provides theater education experiences and community outreach, and offers rental opportunities throughout its state-of-the-art venue. www.theredhouse.org
The first due companies used hoses stretched to the rear of the home to extinguish the fire on the deck, while other teams of firefighters searched the interior of the home for any trapped occupants. Searches were negative; all the occupants had escaped prior to the fire department’s arrival. Other teams of firefighters had stretched hoses into the house to check for fire spread. Crews working inside found that the fire had spread to interior walls and into the attic. Teams used tools to open holes in walls and ceilings and get water on the fire. Thanks to the efficient work of crews at the scene, the fire spread was cut off and the damage was limited.
The home suffered moderate damage to an exterior deck, where the fire started. The interior of the structure also suffered fire, smoke, and water damage. Syracuse Fire Investigators determined that the fire was caused by unattended cooking on the exterior deck. The fire was declared out after approximately 30 minutes. Four occupants were displaced by this fire. They were being assisted by the Red Cross. There were no injuries reported to civilians or to Fire Department personnel.
A total of 37 Fire Department personnel responded to this incident, including command and support staff. Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance, Syracuse Police, American Medical Response, National Grid, and the American Red Cross also responded to the scene.
Pixabay Photo
]]>The Syracuse Common Council meetings are listed in our Calendar of events
Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers Weekly Schedule Urban CNY Calendar link
Monday, March 18th
Meeting re: The amendment to the STEAM School lease
Tuesday, March 19th
Wednesday, March 20th
Thursday, March 21st
Friday, March 22nd
No meetings scheduled
The Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers is located on the third floor of City Hall
]]>According to the Syracuse Police Department, on Saturday, March 16th at about 4:15 p.m. Officers responded to 1524 South Salina Street, in regard to an assault investigation. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, believed to be between 30 and 40 years of age, who presented with a facial laceration. The victim was transported to Upstate Hospital for treatment, where he is listed as being in critical condition. The preliminary investigation suggests that the male was assaulted and suffered head trauma as a result. The identity of the victim is unknown at this time.
The investigation is active and on-going. Anyone with any information about this incident is strongly encouraged to contact the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222.
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