The Daily Sentinel takes a look at the top stories of 2021 that shaped our year.
1st — Though it has changed over the years, Madison County’s Camp Lookout continues to make summers magical for children and make memories that span generations
2nd — The state will open nine new vaccination sites in locations with a high concentration of state employees after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said workers in New York City’s airports and public transit system will join workers in other state agencies who will be required to get coronavirus vaccinations or face weekly testing.
3rd — Syracuse women’s basketball coach Quentin Hillsman resigned amid an external review of his program over his alleged threats and bullying of players.
4th — An investigation found that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed nearly a dozen women in and out of state government and worked to retaliate against one of his accusers, New York’s attorney general announced Tuesday, hastening calls for the Democrat’s resignation or impeachment.
5th — Buck Construction, LLC of Whitesboro has withdrawn its application from the city Planning Board to build a 50-lot first phase of a 69-lot total major subdivision located off Charles Anken Boulevard citing the skyrocketing costs of construction materials.
6th — J. Kevin O’Shea, Ironwood Drive, as well as several members from the community, made their arguments against a 31-acre solar array proposed for their neighborhood off Ironwood Drive during the city Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. The request, by Turin Road Solar, LLC, for a special area variance was voted down unanimously by the board members.
7th — Former NFL player Jack Brewer was in Rome and spoke to young athletes at the YMCA. Brewer routinely holds sports camps and speaks to young people to encourage them and remind them of the amazing things they can do.
8th — Charlene E. Emeterio, a licensed psychotherapist, has ventured into the world of publishing in an effort to provide comfort to the grieving with the release of her new book, “Dying to Live: Messages From Beyond.”
9th — The Central New York chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart came together with an array of community members and leaders to recognize Military Gold Star families and Purple Heart recipients on National Purple Heart Day.
10th — The husband and wife duo of Wes and Lauren Cupp stole the show during the 2021 Thirsty Owl New York Speedgolf Open Championship that wrapped up Monday morning at Rome Country Club. Sunday’s opening round was played at Teugega Country Club. Wes won the Open Division title and Lauren set a new world record for women’s Speedgolf on Sunday at Teugega.
11th — Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned over a barrage of sexual harassment allegations in a fall from grace a year after he was widely hailed nationally for his detailed daily briefings and leadership during the darkest days of COVID-19.
12th — Rome Historical Society, 200 Church St., is putting a call out to community members willing to share their memories of Griffiss Air Force Base and current Griffiss Business and Technology Park in a video interview.
13th — After several minutes of discussion, Rome Common Council voted unanimously to amend Chapter 70 of the city ordinance to regulate the illegal operation of off-road vehicles within city limits during its regular meeting held in Common Council Chambers of City Hall.
14th — Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-22, New Hartford, has congratulated Rome Lab’s designation as the Quantum Information Science Research Center for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, an exciting new development for our region.
15th — To commemorate the second canceled Woodsmen’s Field Days, and to honor two legendary loggers, Charlie’s Liquors is offering a limited edition set of Wishin’ For Woodsmen’s wines.
16th — After two playoff holes, Ryan Borruso defended his crown and won his fourth Rome City Men’s Amateur Golf Championship on Sunday at Rome Country Club over Anthony Occhipinti. It’s the second time that he’s won back-to-back years, first doing it in 2017 and 2018.
17th — Lauren Cupp won her eighth Rome City Women’s Amateur Golf Championship on Monday at Rome Country Club. The field was 12 ladies, spilt into four divisions, the Open Division, Senior Division, Super Senior Division and Super Duper Senior Division.
18th — Oneida County released guidelines for the reopening of local school districts — including the use of masks indoors and on buses regardless of vaccination status — in a bid to preserve in-person learning and reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in local school districts.
19th — The Rome Police Department promoted and swore in a new deputy police chief during a ceremony at City Hall. David J. Collins is the department’s first Black deputy chief.
20th — Flooded streets, basements and backyards, downed trees and power lines as well as the emergence of impromptu rivers, lakes and streams — were prevalent across northern Oneida County and southern Lewis County as the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred wreaked their havoc.
21st — A record-breaking rainfall has flooded multiple neighborhoods and parks throughout the City of Rome, leading to days of clean up and recovery for its citizens and first-responders. Meanwhile, meteorologists warn that more rain and flooding is possible over the next few days.
22nd — The Rome City School District has been honored in the Champion of Change for Kids Recognition Program, which celebrates programs that optimize existing resources to address issues of equity, demonstrate strong student academic performance and introduce unique learning environments that are cutting-edge and future-oriented.
23rd — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine Monday, a milestone that could lift public confidence in the shots and spur more companies, universities and state and local governments to make vaccinations mandatory.
24th — Andrew Cuomo defended his record over a decade as New York’ governor and portrayed himself as the victim of a “media frenzy” hours before Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul became governor in a midnight transfer of power. Hochul is the state’s first female governor.
25th — Kathy Hochul became the first female governor of New York and in her first hours on the job sought to bring a sense of urgency to tackling big problems that went unaddressed during Andrew Cuomo’s distracted final months in office.
26th — King Pin Lanes, 7157 E. Dominick St. in Rome, is celebrating its 65th anniversary of serving the Mohawk Valley with family fun recreation and some high class bowling.
27th — While the majority of Common Council members were in agreement that city administration was working hard to remedy damage to infrastructure and area homes caused by major flooding that occurred Aug. 19, others felt the mayor and administration failed to properly communicate emergency messages, such as home evacuations, with members of the community and council.
28th — Amid a backdrop of rising COVID-19 cases in the region, school districts and officials say they are taking the necessary steps to keep both children and staff safe with schools set to reopen in less than two weeks.
On her first day, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a universal mask mandate in all public and private schools.
29th — John Duddleston is out to prove that those with bleeding disorders can still compete. Factor Endurance Network, the non-profit organization the Roman created, is a group of athletes who help promote his message while competing in triathalons and similar events.
30th — The Rome City School District will no longer utilize Staley Elementary School, closing the facility immediately. As a result of the decision to close the nearly 60-year-old building constructed on the Mohawk River floodplain, the school’s students will be redistributed to other buildings and school will be delayed for all Rome students until Monday, Sept. 13.
31st — In an appearances in Rome, Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-22, New Hartford, highlighted ongoing investments at Griffiss Business and Technology Park that have cemented the park as being a key national defense resource because of what it hosts.
