SU plans to build new hotel near University Ave. parking garage

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Targets fall 2027 opening, addresses shortage of hotel rooms SYRACUSE — Syracuse University (SU) anticipates opening a new hotel across from the University Ave. parking garage in the fall of 2027 — a move that will address the recently reduced inventory of available […]

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New passenger terminal at Watertown airport is on the way

Construction, Design & Real Estate, North Country, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Officials recently marked a key construction milestone HOUNSFIELD — Officials expect the new passenger terminal at the Watertown International Airport to open this September. The project reached an “important construction milestone” when crews lifted one of the last steel beams into place during a ceremony held on Friday, Dec. 20 at the airport, located in

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Officials recently marked a key construction milestone

HOUNSFIELD — Officials expect the new passenger terminal at the Watertown International Airport to open this September.

The project reached an “important construction milestone” when crews lifted one of the last steel beams into place during a ceremony held on Friday, Dec. 20 at the airport, located in the town of Hounsfield, in Jefferson County.

Construction workers were invited to sign the beam that morning at the construction site, and a short ceremony followed a few hours later. It included remarks by Jefferson County Administrator Ryan Piche and William Johnson, chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Legislators. Crews then put the beam in place.

A topping-off ceremony is a “longstanding construction tradition” that celebrates the completion of a building’s structural phase by placing a significant beam into place — the final or tallest beam, per the Jefferson County announcement.

Jefferson County, as the owner and operator of the airport, signed a contract with McFarland-Johnson, Inc. (MJ) of Binghamton to complete planning, engineering design, and construction administration for the new facility. MJ — and its project team including BCA Architects and Engineers of Watertown — have designed the new passenger terminal measuring about 25,000 square feet (more than double the size of the existing terminal) just to the west of the existing building along the nearly completed new airport access road.

Project construction is currently in the first of two phases. Jefferson County anticipates the second phase to include the construction of a connector between the new building and the existing terminal as well as improvements to the existing terminal to enable the operation of a restaurant.

Several grants from the state and the FAA are helping to pay for the overall project, along with grant matches provided by Jefferson County. The new passenger terminal is currently scheduled to open to the public in September 2025.

Project details

The new terminal will incorporate features that have never previously been available at the Watertown International Airport that will “significantly enhance the passenger experience,” per the announcement.

Crews will build an automated baggage belt within the baggage claim to allow for incoming baggage to circulate through the space and for passengers to spread out as they await their baggage to arrive. They’ll also construct a passenger boarding bridge (also known as a jet bridge) connecting the new second floor waiting area directly to the aircraft.

Passengers will no longer have to deal with the weather elements while entering or exiting the aircraft and can walk through the climate-controlled bridge that will be constructed so that it can accommodate two aircraft parked at the airport terminal.

Crews will install a new heating and cooling system within the building using geothermal heat pumps which the facility says will reduce the airport’s operational costs as compared to a traditional heating and cooling system and also reduce its on-site CO2 emissions.

SUNY Oswego wins award for supporting adult learners

Education & Training, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — SUNY Oswego says its division of extended learning recently received the UPCEA 2024 Excellence in Enrollment Management Award. The honor recognized the school for outstanding work in academic advisement and support for adult learners enrolled in its main campus in Oswego, its Syracuse campus, and online programs, per the SUNY Oswego announcement. Previously

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OSWEGO — SUNY Oswego says its division of extended learning recently received the UPCEA 2024 Excellence in Enrollment Management Award.

The honor recognized the school for outstanding work in academic advisement and support for adult learners enrolled in its main campus in Oswego, its Syracuse campus, and online programs, per the SUNY Oswego announcement.

Previously known as the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, UPCEA’s membership includes leaders in online and professional continuing education, the school said. The award is affiliated with the UPCEA Marketing, Enrollment and Student Success Network.

It “reflects the dedication and innovative strategies” implemented by SUNY Oswego’s academic-planning team supporting students who balance education, work and family commitments.

“In the last 40 years, enrollment management has evolved from a theoretical concept in undergraduate education to a highly sophisticated framework for attracting, retaining and graduating students,” Jill Pippin, SUNY Oswego’s dean of extended learning, said in the announcement. “The UPCEA Excellence in Enrollment Management Award recognizes an outstanding online and professional continuing education organization (unit or individual) that models best practices and combines process excellence with superior results.”

The team, led by Assistant Dean Greg Ketcham, includes Melissa Semione, Sarah Wehrle, Karen Archibee, Nora Covington, and Lisa Brancato. Their work “exemplifies” SUNY Oswego’s mission to “create accessible, inclusive and student-centered educational experiences that enable adult learners to thrive academically and personally,” Pippin added.

The academic planning team’s concierge-style approach to student support ensures every learner receives individualized guidance throughout their educational journey, SUNY Oswego said. From admission to graduation, academic planning coordinators (APCs) serve as advocates, mentors, and cheerleaders for their students, the school added.

Pathfinder Bancorp to pay Q4 dividend of 10 cents in early February

Banks & Credit Unions, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBHC), the bank holding company of Pathfinder Bank, has declared a cash dividend of 10 cents per share of its common stock. The fourth-quarter 2024 dividend is payable on Feb. 7 to all shareholders of record on Jan. 17, according to an announcement from James A. Dowd, president and

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Lockheed Martin Owego awarded $198 million contract from U.S. Navy

Manufacturing & Engineering, Southern Tier, Technology

OWEGO, N.Y. — Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Owego recently won a $198 million contract from the U.S. Navy to provide maintenance, program

United Way of the Mohawk Valley names new board member

Nonprofits, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

UTICA — The United Way of the Mohawk Valley recently announced a new addition to the Utica office board of directors. Utica native Colin LaReaux is a local attorney and entrepreneur with a history of community involvement through his nonprofit work fundraising for pediatric-cancer patients and their families in Central New York. “We are excited

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Oswego Health Medical Practice adds PA to ENT team

Health Care, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — Oswego Health Medical Practice recently added physician assistant Zachary Revette to its Lakeshore ear, nose, and throat (ENT) team. Before joining Oswego Health in December, Revette worked as pharmacy technician at Kinney Drugs, where he developed expertise in medication counseling and prescription management, according to an Oswego Health announcement. At Lakeshore, he joins

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Van Slyke receives Hero Award from NYCAMH

Health Care, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Nonprofits, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism

Longtime advocate for improving health and safety on dairy farms FLY CREEK, N.Y. — Bassett Healthcare Network’s New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health

SUNY Oswego faculty member named to Hispanic Leadership Institute

Education & Training, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — A communication studies faculty member at SUNY Oswego was recently named one of 10 emerging Hispanic leaders and allies who are fellows for SUNY’s 2025 Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI) class. “I’m excited but also feel a great sense of responsibility because it’s not just about me but everybody who supported me,” Francisco Suárez

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“I’m excited but also feel a great sense of responsibility because it’s not just about me but everybody who supported me,” Francisco Suárez said in the SUNY Oswego announcement.

Those supporting him included Jennifer Knapp, dean of the SUNY Oswego’s School of Communication, Media and the Arts (SCMA), and Michael Riecke, who chairs the school’s communication-studies department, and everybody who wrote letters of recommendation.

“I think any new opportunity you have to grow, you should take it,” Suárez noted. “As a professor, I’m always promoting the idea of learning and finding ways to empower yourself.”

HLI is a “demanding,” nine-month experience which positions fellows to further develop higher-education leadership skills and proficiencies. HLI fellows participate in training sessions and webinars, speak with national and statewide leaders, and “master” personal assessment tools, SUNY Oswego said.

HLI creates a pipeline for professional opportunities across SUNY and ensures alumni are networking and receiving continuous support and mentorship, the school added.

The class of 10 are mostly people with administrative backgrounds, so he is happy to bring the perspective of the classroom into the cohort. Suárez also said the definition of leadership encompasses many things people might not normally consider.

Suárez is already active in campus and community activities, including supervising interdisciplinary SCMA projects; serving on his school’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee; and continuing as the department’s Quest coordinator.

“I feel like there’s a lot more I’m ready to learn to really enhance my leadership skills,” Suárez said. He also sees this as an opportunity to learn how to create change in policy and culture for the university “to keep it moving forward,” per the school’s announcement.

One way Suárez has used his leadership and industry skills is in serving on the board of trustees of the new Pulso Central (Central Pulse), which says it is the first and only Spanish-only radio station in Central New York.

He is also well-known for his award-winning “From Suárez’s Basement” video podcast, where he interviews a variety of people — many behind-the-scenes in the entertainment industry, many of whom have worked on the most popular movies and TV shows and won prestigious awards.

With support from the New York State, State Assembly, and Senate Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, SUNY’s Hispanic Leadership Institute has supported 71 of SUNY’s brightest Hispanic faculty, staff, and allies. The program supports these leaders through “rigorous” executive training and provides a network to support growth in their positions, SUNY Oswego said.

Shineman Foundation awards $585K to regional nonprofits

Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — The Richard S. Shineman Foundation announced it awarded grants totaling $585,000 to not-for-profit organizations in Oswego County during its fall 2024 grant round. These grants will support initiatives in health and human services, education, food insecurity, and youth development, furthering the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for residents in the

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OSWEGO — The Richard S. Shineman Foundation announced it awarded grants totaling $585,000 to not-for-profit organizations in Oswego County during its fall 2024 grant round.

These grants will support initiatives in health and human services, education, food insecurity, and youth development, furthering the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. The largest award, $300,000, was granted to the Oswego Health Foundation to expand the Oswego Hospital Emergency Room. The project includes dedicated rooms for pediatric psychiatric care, addressing the unique needs of some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals, according to a Shineman Foundation news release.

Other significant foundation grants included:

Human Concerns Food Pantry: Awarded $100,000 for its expansion project and $3,500 to fund Thanksgiving meals for families in need.

ConnextCare: Received $73,000 to establish a school-based health center in the Oswego City School District, providing essential medical services to students.

Friends of Recovery Oswego County: Awarded $14,000 to enhance its Recovery Community Organization (RCO), connecting individuals to long-term recovery support.

David’s Refuge: Granted $18,000 to fund overnight respite stays for 69 families, offering caregivers a chance to rest and recharge.

SUNY Oswego Research Foundation: Received $10,000 to create an ADA-accessible trail at Rice Creek Field Station, expanding access to recreation and educational programs.

The Shineman Foundation also supported projects promoting environmental stewardship and education:

Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust: Received $25,000 to advance environmental-conservation education for families.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST): Awarded $25,000 for its upcoming “GROW” exhibit, focusing on agricultural science and food systems.

Education and youth initiatives were also key priorities with these grants:

CiTi BOCES: Awarded $5,000 to develop an engineering-design lab aligned with New York State Science Learning Standards.

Weston T. Hyde Educational Foundation: Received $3,500 to provide nutritious snacks and drinks to more than 1,200 students in CiTi BOCES programs.

The foundation also made several smaller grants focused on community enrichment:

Paige’s Butterfly Run: Awarded $3,500 to assist families of children with cancer in Oswego County.

Fulton Community Basketball: Granted $2,000 to fund inclusive recreational activities for youth.

Oswego County EMO UAS Division: Received $2,500 for public-education materials about drone and robotics programs.

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation says it is a catalyst for positive change in Oswego County, committed to enhancing the quality of life through strategic philanthropy. With a focus on economic vitality, social cohesion, and nonprofit capacity building, the foundation seeks to inspire and empower organizations to create lasting community improvements.

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