Story and photography by Dan Bernardi, Staff Writer

Chevy Court Pavilion played host to two celebrity competitions at the New York State Fair. On Aug. 30, local media were paired with Dairy Princess' from around New York State in a milkshake making contest. On Aug. 31, local celebrities squared off in a “Backyard BBQ.” Central New York radio and TV personalities cooked up their favorite beef recipes in an effort to be called, “Master of the Grill.” (more)

Photo by Dan Bernardi Corso's Cookies, located in the Dairy Building at the NYS Fair is offering a free milk ticket to anyone who purchases a gourmet cookie.

By Dan Bernardi, staff writer

Tina Corso-Hess opened Corso's Cookies nine years ago. 2010 marks the second time the bakery, which specializes in gourmet baked goods, has attended the New York State Fair. Last year, Corso's booth was located in the Center of Progress Building, which limited the company to only serve pre-made cookies.

This year Corso's Cookies moved into the Dairy Building, next to the Rainbow Milk Bar, and has become part of a Fair tradition. Now bakers at Corso's are freshly making their cookies, cupcakes and brownies site on scene in the Dairy Building, using the oven they started their business with almost 10 years ago.

For many fairgoers, it is a yearly custom to buy a glass of milk for 25 cents at the Rainbow Milk Bar. Now anyone who buys a gourmet cookie at Corso's receives a free milk ticket. Owners Pete Hess and Tina Corso-Hess hope to start a new tradition of milk and cookies at the Fair. Corso's Cookies is located on Lakeside Road in Lakeland.

Photo by Timothy Kane

Kaidence Cronin, left, 3, of the Onondaga Nation and Isabelle Wilson, 4, from The Akwesasne Mohawk Nation participate in the Smoke Dance at the Onondaga Nation Arena, Nedrow. Bear Kennedy and his cousin Ray Kennedy, of Big Bear Entertainment and Promotions spent three months putting together the Smoke Dance competition. Participants come from as far away as Wisconsin and Canada. Some of the various Native Americans represented included: The Senecas, The Mohawks, The Oneidas, The Onondagas and The Six Nations of Canada. According to Bear Kennedy, the event was held to raise cultural awareness among Native Americans as well as the general public.

Photo by Teresa Gorman “Say Yes to Education” Marketing Director Susan Feightner watches over an information table at the annual Syracuse "State of the Schools" address recently.

By Teresa Gorman, staff writer

Jacob O'Connell and Sanjeev Kumar said they are looking forward to their senior year of high school at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central.

They have already decided to apply to Syracuse University and SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry for college. (more)

Photo by Michael Aaron Gallagher Plans for the renovation project were also on display.

By Michael Aaron Gallagher, staff writer

ProLiteracy, a Syracuse-based organization of adult literacy and basic education programs, held a block party to announce the move of more than 60 employees to the Case Supply building in the city's Near West Side neighborhood. (more)

Submitted Photo From left to right: Kristin Earle of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity, Bill Simon, Valu Home Centers VP of Operations and Suzanne Williams of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity hold a check in the amount of $7,610.

The Syracuse Habitat for Humanity affiliate received the check on behalf of Valu Home Centers. Nationally, Valu Home Centers presented a check in the amount of $179,021 to Habitat for Humanity. Valu also selected Lisa Merriman of Depew, as the winner of a 2010 Ford Focus. (more)

Security forces airmen go through a protection routine at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The security forces unit, responsible for both missile and base security, is the largest unit of its kind in the Air Force.

By Rich Lamance,

Joint Hometown News Service

Malmstrom Air Force Base on Montana is known as "Big Sky country," with rolling plains, few trees and lots of, well, sky.

It's also where the son of a Liverpool couple calls home, with a job of protecting the U.S. in an area slightly larger than the state of Maryland. (more)

Submitted photo Lois’ rudder partially folds up for use in the shallow canal system. Her companion tug, C.L. Churchill is alongside.

Unique Lake Champlain barge with sails offers free tours.

Some special guests from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum will be helping Baldwinsville to celebrate 100 years of operation for Canal Lock E24. (more)