Latest news with #Baratta
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Syracuse Police is looking for recruits for cadet program
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The Syracuse Police Department is helping to shape the future of law enforcement through its cadet program. 'We prepare them for police work. Becoming a Syracuse police officer. We get them ready for the people academy,' said Victoria Baratta, director of SPD cadet program and retired SPD officer. The one-year paid program was launched just a few years ago, allowing those as young as 18 to apply, like Nathaniel Coleman. 'Coming out of high school it was a good opportunity for me because the age requirement for the cadet program is only 18 so I was able to jump right into it,' said Coleman. Coleman has been in the program for about 46 weeks, and so far, he says it's been a positive experience. 'It's been really great, learning a lot about law enforcement all sorts of stuff I would've never known otherwise, and just learning the ins and outs of the department through doing different work rotations, classroom work,' said Coleman. The program includes classroom instruction, physical fitness training and hands-on training with law enforcement, all while preparing cadets for the police exam. 'Anyone who wants to be a Syracuse Police officer and they're really dedicated to that goal, this is a good program for them to get their feet wet. They will find out what it's like to be a police officer. They will learn about the police department from the inside, out,' said Baratta. SPD says those 18 to 34 can apply. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, must not have any felony convictions, no unlawful use of controlled substances within the last 3 years, and must consent to a background check and fingerprinting. Those interested in applying can email Baratta at vbaratta@ or call 315 442 5302. Click here for more details. Applications are due by Friday, May 23. The program is set to begin this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
From leadoff spot, Lincoln-Way Central's Filippo Baratta beats Homewood-Flossmoor's heat. ‘I just love attacking.'
As the team's leadoff hitter, Filippo Baratta was ready to flip the switch for Lincoln-Way Central. The senior outfielder was the first one to take a swing Monday against the scorching heat generated by Homewood-Flossmoor pitcher Antonio Brown Jr., a junior right-hander. For Baratta, it was all in a day's work. 'I just love attacking that first pitch and getting the next guys up,' Baratta said of facing Brown. 'He threw strikes, but I'm out there making plays and that is all you can ask for.' Baratta came up with what the doctor ordered for the Knights, contributing two hits and an RBI in a 3-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference victory over the host Vikings in Flossmoor. Junior right-hander Alex Panos struck out four in six innings for Lincoln-Way Central (12-7, 7-2). He allowed just three hits and a walk. Brown, who reached speeds of more than 90 mph, struck out six while allowing four hits and two earned runs in five innings for H-F (10-15, 5-6). A two-year starter committed to Southwestern Illinois, Baratta flashed his electric speed in scoring in the third inning on a fielder's choice by junior designated hitter Austin Welsh. With the Knights up 2-0 in the fourth quarter, Baratta closed out the scoring with a smash that ricocheted off Brown. It's also part of what impressed Welsh. 'He just goes up there, has an approach, swings and gets on base,' Welsh said of Baratta, who's called 'Flip' by his teammates. 'That's what we need — base runners who help us create runs. 'This is how he has played his whole life. He can put the ball into play when he needs to. He only makes friends. He's our No. 1 guy.' Baratta's speed and athleticism are crucial elements of the Knights' offense. 'I'm ready to use my speed and do whatever is necessary to help win games,' Baratta said. 'I treat every game like the playoffs and never let up.' Lincoln-Way Central coach Ryan Kutt said Baratta's talent for getting on base is impeccable. Kutt said Baratta has a .400 on-base percentage this spring. 'He's always going to find a way to get on base two or three times a game,' Kutt said. 'He's a guy who just runs and flies around the bases. We always want to put that pressure. 'His work ethic and attitude just separate him from a lot of people.' In that way, Baratta looks to create havoc on the bases with a frenetic, hard-edged style. 'I like to play hard and fast and create winning plays for the team,' he said. 'I'm the same way out in right field. I love checking balls down, watch our pitchers throw strikes and make any play.' Likewise, Baratta is that same brash player from last season. The only difference, according to Kutt, is being more experienced and confident. 'I think the difference is maturity,' Kutt said. 'He is the same exact player he was a year ago. Now that he is a senior, he's a lot more vocal and has done a great job of being a leader. 'We're an old group, with 16 seniors, but not a lot of guys with varsity experience. Having those stripes from last year is huge for us.' Baratta began playing organized baseball at age 5. He was inspired by older cousins. In his free time, Baratta loves listening to music and lifting weights. His favorite aspect is seeing teammates excel and take advantage of their opportunities. 'I love everything about the game, but especially what I call the ups and downs,' Baratta said. 'It's a difficult game to play well, so I go out there, play hard and do what I can to win games. Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Originally Published: May 5, 2025 at 11:04 PM CDT
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marvin Park skate park officially opens in Owego
OWEGO, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The wait is over for skaters in Tioga County, as the chamber held a ribbon cutting in front of its new professional skate park. The skate park is located in Marvin Park, also home to the Tioga County Fairgrounds. The project was funded through state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative, costing around $500,000. Before the skate park, there was just a concrete slab that people would skate on, but now, there's rails, ramps, benches, and a whole lot of excitement. The mayor of Owego, Mike Baratta says, people have already been using the park for months, and its always active. 'Do it the right way because it is a one of a kind feature really in Tioga County. I couldn't tell you where the next, I know there's one in Elmira and maybe Binghamton. But, people come from all around. You know, since it's been done, and not officially open, there's been people on it every day, every night,' Baratta said. He says there's lights so people can skate during the evenings. There's a sign out front containing basic skate park rules and expectations. The skate park was named in honor of Ryan Roofner, who was a local skateboarder who was killed in a car accident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Long COVID survivor reflects on struggles 5 years after pandemic's surge
Monday marks five years since North Carolina put a state of emergency into effect because of COVID-19. Businesses, workplaces, and families were all impacted. Confirmed cases of COVID topped five million in North and South Carolina. Some of those patients are still dealing with it, including one woman who told Channel 9′s Erika Jackson her life has changed forever. ALSO READ: Teen loses parents to COVID-19, finds resilience in community 'I have to pace everything. I have to plan out my entire day, to pace myself, to make things possible,' Brooke Keaton said. Anything was possible for Keaton five years ago. She had a full plate as a private school teacher in southwest Charlotte and a mom of two girls. But that all changed in December 2020 when she got COVID-19. She said she couldn't shake off severe fatigue and memory loss. 'Just doing something small, my heart would be racing. I had spells where I would black out for a few seconds from just standing up,' Keaton said. She credits a segment on TV for giving her and her husband answers. 'He turns it on, he was like, 'They're talking about everything, all the things you're talking about, and they're calling it long COVID,'' Keaton said. Dr. John Baratta, founder and medical director at UNC at Chapel Hill's COVID Recovery Clinic, told Channel 9 the length of long COVID differs from person to person. 'For some people, it is a few months. For others, it is one or a few years. And for others, I unfortunately expect it will be a lifelong condition.' Dr. Baratta said millions of people worldwide have experienced a form of long COVID. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly seven percent of adults and more than one percent of children surveyed in 2022 reported experiencing long COVID symptoms for at least three months. 'Sometimes, these effects can be mild and mostly a nuisance in a person's life, although other times they can be severe and debilitating, essentially preventing people from doing their daily activities, either at home, at school or at work,' Dr. Baratta said. The CDC said people with long COVID generally have severe fatigue or a prolonged fever. But patients can also have a lingering cough, chest pain or neurological issues. Anyone who had the COVID-19 virus can experience long COVID. 'Women are most at risk, unfortunately, by almost a three to one margin,' Dr. Baratta said. 'It's not totally understood why this is the case. though, women do frequently seem to be more at risk for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, so this may be playing into their increased likelihood to get long COVID.' Dr. Baratta said the best protection against long COVID is to avoid getting COVID-19 to start with by getting vaccinated and maintaining healthy habits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't have a treatment on the market for long COVID but research is underway into using the anti-viral medication Paxlovid. 'There is some basic research behind the possibility of this antiviral medicine treating long COVID symptoms, even months or years after the infection,' Dr. Baratta said. He advises patients like Brooke Keaton to maintain a healthy diet and conserve their energy. For Keaton, that meant going on disability. She swapped teaching kids in the classroom for teaching people worldwide about long COVID. 'I'm still loving on people. I'm still a support system. Life is different but I have a different calling right now,' Keaton said. Read more about the UNC COVID Recovery Clinic, and how to schedule virtual visits, on the school's website. WATCH BELOW: AMERICANS Act would reinstate service members fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccine
