To help enhance and encourage new businesses in the downtown area, the Village recently purchased the properties at 6 and 12 W. Van Buren St. Since the properties were zoned commercial more than 29 years ago, the Village will be pursuing options for commercial development including restaurant, retail, office and other similar uses consistent with development in downtown Oswego.

The Village will demolish the Village-owned houses at 6 and 12 W. Van Buren next week. The work will take place from Monday, October 30 through Friday, November 3.

The sidewalk on the west side of Madison St., the sidewalk and parking spaces in front of 6 and 12 Van Buren, and the alley west of the houses will be closed. The new parking spaces on the north side of Van Buren will also be inaccessible during the demolition work.

The Village's free leaf collection program continues through November. Public Works crews will pick up leaves by zone on the following dates:

Zone A: Weeks of October 30 and November 20
Zone B: Weeks of November 6 & 20
Zone C: Weeks of November 13 & 20

For the best service, place leaves in piles on the parkway grass near the curb by 7 a.m. on the Monday of your collection week. Do not rake leaves into the street which can cause flooding. Identify your leaf zone and get additional information.

Walk into a holiday wonderland on Friday, December 1 at Oswego's Christmas Walk presented by Allied First Bank.

From ice sculpting demonstrations to the emergency vehicle light parade, this free event is packed with festive activities for all ages. 

Want to participate in the event? Businesses and organizations can apply to host a booth by November 4. Learn more about Christmas Walk opportunities.

Drop off donations until October 31 for the Love Purse drive organized by State Senator Linda Holmes. The project helps area domestic violence survivors and women in need with donations of new purses filled with personal care items, toiletries and notes of encouragement.

View a list of suggested items and additional drop-off locations.

Thanks to our generous community members who have already donated! 

Drop off donations at Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill and the Oswego Police Department, 3355 Woolley Road.

Lead poisoning is preventable. The key is keeping children away from lead sources. Here are the facts.

• Children under six are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure due to their developing bodies.
• When inhaled or swallowed, lead can result in damage to the brain and nervous system, learning and behavior problems and developmental delays.
• About 3.3 million American households, including 2.1 million low-income households, with children under six experience exposure hazards from lead in deteriorated paint, dust and soil.

With National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week underway, learn what can you do. Get your child tested. Get your home tested. Get the facts.