Archive: Around Town

An apartment building that will be attractive to graduate students has been approved for a location between the CFCU branch and the Homewood Suites in the Village of Lansing.  The building will have 39 apartments, 26 covered parking stalls, and two commercial spaces. 

"It's a unique project.  All in all I think the Village feels it fits in fairly well," says Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer Marty Moseley.  "It has some commercial components that tie in with the Suites and the bank, and also has residential units, which ties in directly with apartments across the road."

Johanna KirkwoodLate last year, Johanna and Bob Kirkwood moved from their home in Rochester, NY to Lansing to be closer to their son, Jim Kirkwood and his family.  Johanna had very recently started experiencing symptoms of dementia attributed to Alzheimer’s disease.  Their sons wanted them closer to one of them, so they could help their aging parents.

A few months later, Jim’s father needed to run a quick errand, as he had many times without issue.  When he returned, Johanna was nowhere to be found.  It was determined that law enforcement should be called in.  The local community response was overwhelming.  Tragically, after days of scouring the immediate area in frigid temperatures, emergency responders found Johanna’s body less than a mile from home.

Lansing High School Principal Eric Hartz told the Board Of Education Monday what his staff is doing to address a growing number of factors preventing some students from graduating on time, or at all.  Hartz said that improved student tracking is helping to identify students in need of extra help.

"We want to get students where they need to be and out in four years, on time," Hartz said.  "We are trying to make them college and career ready, and there are challenges along the way."

In 2009 the school had a 100% graduation rate.  By 2010 it was down to 85%.  Of 127 seniors 1% earned an IEP Diploma, 5% remained enrolled, 2% transferred to GED prep programs, and 7% dropped out.

Each year in November, National Diabetes Month is observed to raise awareness of the disease and encourage individuals to speak with their health care providers about their potential risk.

“It is important that we not limit our focus of diabetes to the month of November, but make a commitment to raise awareness of this ever-growing disease each month of the year,” Congressman Tom Reed said. “Diabetes is very personal to me, as my son lives every day with this disease. I urge everyone to be aware of the risk factors and discuss your individual risk with your health care provider. Diabetes is a serious, potentially debilitating disease, and early detection is the key to treatment.”

On Tuesday, November 13th, Cayuga Radio Group honored a group of local teachers at the 22nd Annual Apple for the Teacher Awards Banquet. The 2012 Apple for the Teacher Award recipients included: Pete Aagaard (Homer Jr. High School), Dara Anissi (Lehman Alternative Community School), Judy Cogan (Ithaca High School), John D’Antonio (Groton Elementary School), Bryan Ford (Dryden High School), Diane Hallett(Northeast Elementary School), Mary Helen Hoag (OCM BOCES), Steve Kirsch (Boynton Middle School), Marian Luce (Appleby Elementary School), Julie Lundeen (Smith Elementary School), Crista Stark (Barry Elementary School), and Ben Wells (Cortland Jr./Sr. High School).

The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce now offers business and culture tours to international destinations. In 2011, sixty travelers took the Chamber’s first 'Mission to China' to visit and learn about China’s cultural and global significance. In May, 2012, another group traveled to Ireland for a tour of coastal cities and fishing villages.

In 2013 the Chamber is offering two all-inclusive trips: Turkey and China. The trips include airfare, airport shuttle bus from Ithaca to JFK, luxury hotel accommodations, meals, all sightseeing fees, transportation in private coaches, and expert, English-speaking tour guides. The trips are open to the public with special pricing for Chamber members.

Hi! I'm Sophia! Aren't I just the most beautiful thing?! I came to the SPCA of Tompkins County after I sadly was abandoned in an apartment. How could anyone do this to me?! I am one of the sweetest and most beautiful cats around. When you enter the room, I'll greet you with a soft meow, followed by a few head-butts to make sure I have your attention. I'd be a great companion for someone interested in a mellow and loyal cat, who is willing to brush me to keep my coat smooth and healthy. Please give me a chance!

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Cargill Deicing Technology invited Lansing residents to listen to a mine shaft Monday.  The residents are neighbors of a potential new shaft planned for a property off of Ridge Road (NY Route 34B) near Sweazey Road.  At an earlier meeting residents expressed concerns about noise, traffic, and the facility's impact on their property values.  To address one of those concerns, Mine Manager Russ givens said he wanted residents to have a chance to experience the noise factor first hand.

"They will be able to hear and feel what an air shaft sounds like, or doesn't sound like, for that matter," he said.

A large group Lansing people went on safari Saturday, braving the wild auction beast to the music of Reporter.  Yes, it was the annual CDC (Corporate Development Committee) dance and auction, attracting about 170 people to the Lakewatch Inn.  Many of them were in costume and anxious to bid to support technology purchases for the Lansing schools.

High School teacher Dan Ferguson says this year's auction was unique in that a number of high school artists donated their work to be auctioned.  Other items included tablet computers, vacations, graphics software, New York Yankees tickets, a Cargill mine tour, a flight around the Finger Lakes, and a myriad of items including an hour of college counseling, theater tickets, restaurant gift certificates, math tutoring, house painting, and even tech support.

Hi! I'm Peanut! I'm a wonderful gal and so, so sweet! I am extremely social and affectionate, and will stick to you like glue if you spend a simple second with me. There's nothing I love more than people once I get to know you. I will make a fine dog participating in all of the daily activities that family members can offer. I absolutely LOVE walks and behave very well on-leash. I came to the SPCA when my previous owner didn't have enough time to commit to raising a pup. The nice SPCA folks are confident that I will be a great exercise partner as I have a lot of energy once I'm up and going. If you're looking for an intelligent dog that wants nothing but to be with you all day (and who doesn't?), then I'm the one for you!



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Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick signing the giant 'get well' cardIthaca Police Officer Anthony Augustine - who was shot in the line of duty last month – got a special delivery on Monday, November 5, 2012 at the Ithaca Police station, 120 East Clinton Street, Ithaca at 11:00AM from the Cayuga Radio Group.

Augustine was hospitalized in Syracuse for about a week and has since returned home to continue his recuperation. On Monday, CRG employees will deliver a giant ‘oversized’ get well card that’s been signed by hundreds in the Ithaca community. The card was constructed with help from Ithaca Agway and Cayuga Lumber. It stands seven feet tall and is over six feet wide, and spent several weeks on display at various locations.

Hi there! I'm Sookie. I came to the SPCA when my previous owner could no longer take care of me as their girlfriend was allergic. Who would do such a thing? I simply will never stop purring and am quite anxious to get in a new home. I was said to have had "2 seizures" but the SPCA folks, unfortunately, were not able to contact my previous owner to get information in regards to what may have actually happened. The SPCA veterinarians have examined me and performed a full neurological examination and no abnormalities have been noted at this time! I might need extra monitoring and trust in you providing regular veterinary care just as you would for any other feline family member. I am a wonderful girl who wants so desperately to go home; will you make my dreams come true?


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