North Syracuse launches 911 Pet Fund for animal emergencies
The village of North Syracuse has established a 911 Pet Fund, so that, through community fundraisers and donations, such animals can receive the care they need immediately.
RR signals malfunction holds light red at Heid’s Corner
On 11 different occasions from January through May 21, the railroad crossing signal in the village of Liverpool has malfunctioned causing the traffic light at Heid’s Corner to hold a steady red stop-signal against southbound traffic on Oswego Street. The uninterrupted red light causes traffic to back up into the village and local police must step in to direct traffic.
L’pool policeman Jerry Unger credited with cracking complex case
The crime occurred near Buffalo. The perp’s vehicle had been rented in Fulton. The suspect’s family lived in Syracuse. In spite of the disparate locales involved, Liverpool Police Officer Jerry Unger played a crucial role in cracking the case.
Stirpe announces Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday April 27
In an effort to help keep unwanted and expired prescription drugs off the streets and ensure they are properly disposed of, Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced April 27 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Now in its sixth year, Central New York families are encouraged to dispose of their unwanted medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday.
North Syracuse PD welcomes the return of one of their own
The North Syracuse Police Department announced Wednesday that its members are celebrating the return of one of their police sergeants from deployment in Kuwait.
Martial arts studios encourage women to learn to protect themselves
After a woman was murdered and a child raped at knifepoint at Great Northern Mall March 14, residents have been clamoring for a way to protect themselves. A number of free classes have been introduced to help women, in particular, learn techniques to use in a similar situation. But the free self-defense classes provided by some local martial arts studios aren’t new offerings in response to the tragedy. Both Impact Martial Arts and Karate John’s have offered free women’s self-defense classes for years.
Guest column: Remembering
For the past few weeks I enjoyed profiling three women who express themselves through art. Engaging in artistic work is our way of finding first, capturing next and ultimately sharing beauty. Beauty, when we experience it, makes us look up in awe, makes us stop and pause and reflect, and it makes us feel sated. It takes us away from the usual. In all my travels I have seen many sights of beauty, but none really as surprising, as rich and as real as those evenings driving home or to one of our local shops on Route 31. Stopped at a traffic light at the right time of evening, in the right season, the most glorious sunsets suddenly, it seems, appear. From nothing. From nowhere. The orange/blue/purple sky is a reminder that sometimes, we have enough.
EDITORIAL: Making sense of tragedy
Lori Bresnahan was among the best. A dedicated parent, she loved her daughter, whom she adopted from China. She cared for her aging mother. She was passionate about her career as a school librarian, having worked in the Liverpool schools for several years, bringing such celebrations as Chinese New Year to the school and inspiring a love of reading in her students. Lori died terrified and in pain. She deserved so much better.
Murder in the suburbs
A note written in a child's scrawl joined several bouquets of flowers underneath a stream of police tape on VerPlank Road at a makeshift memorial for Lori Bresnahan. "I personally think you were the best librarian and you always helped me," the note read. Those words are typical of those used to describe Bresnahan, who was attacked the night of Thursday, March 14, while leaving a gymnastics class at Great Northern Mall with a 10-year-old child. David Renz, 29, of Cicero, forced his way into Bresnahan’s car, bound her and sexually assaulted the child, then drove them to VerPlank Road, where his car was waiting. The child was able to escape and was helped by a passing motorist. Meanwhile, Bresnahan suffered several stab wounds and later died at Upstate University Hospital. The child is currently recovering from her injuries.
SAFE Act not a solution to gun violence
Violence and crime are big problems in many regions of the country and the world. In Onondaga County, specifically within the city of Syracuse, crimes take place on a daily basis, many of which are committed with a firearm. As a community, we have become desensitized by the gun violence that takes place within the city. The city of Syracuse, Onondaga County and the state of New York need to invest in real solutions to the escalating crime and gun violence. The New York SAFE Act is not a solution to the gun violence that takes place in the city of Syracuse. If I thought for one minute the SAFE Act would make the public safer, I would have been in full support. Unfortunately, without the input from law enforcement officers, mental health professionals and the general public, a hasty law was adopted that does little to prevent violent crimes and turns law-abiding citizens into criminals.
Former Skaneateles car dealer Pat Bombard in custody
Being held without bail for failing to pay restitution
Former Skaneateles car dealer Pat Bombard was taken into custody by Onondaga County Sheriffs on Feb. 22 for violation of probation. Bombard failed to pay over $120,000 restitution to a Skaneateles resident whom he has swindled.
WSYR-TV station aired images of Liverpool theft suspect
Thanks to video technology, a man suspected of swiping three bottles of expensive vodka on Feb. 6, at Nichols Discount Liquor store in Liverpool, has been identified. An arrest warrant has been issued for Michael Bertrand, 55, who allegedly stole three bottles of Grey Goose vodka from the store at 301 First St. He can be seen on the store video recorded that Wednesday afternoon stuffing the bottles down his pants before stopping at the cash register to pay for an inexpensive liqueur bottle. The cost of the stolen bottles was about $125.
Protecting our students
Last week we had a meeting for parents to explain the security measures that we have in place in Liverpool Central School District buildings. After we showed the folks in the audience what security measures we had in place, we asked the really important question of the night: “Do you believe that the district should add further measures to our security protocol? And, if so, what?”
Underage Drinking Initiative leads to three arrests
On Feb. 15, the New York State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative in the towns of Cicero, Clay and Salina, including the villages of Liverpool and North Syracuse.
LCSD holds informational meeting for parents
The Liverpool Central School District held a safety and security informational meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4 to relay new policies and procedures and answer questions from community members. Prompted by concerned parents and guardians in light of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy that took place in December, Superintendent Richard N. Johns sought the opinion of the community after C&S Companies conducted an audit on the district’s behalf.
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