News

Cortland County seeks nominations for poet laureate

Cortland County seeks nominations for poet laureate

Photo: Saga Communications


CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – Cortland County is looking for its next poet laureate.

The Legislature is now accepting nominations for the position. The successful candidate will be appointed to a 2-year term on February 26, and applications are due by the end of the day on February 13.

The poet laureate will serve as the official poetry ambassador for Cortland County, producing at least eight original works, conducting a minimum of 12 public presentations, providing at least one public reading at the State of the County Address, partnering with each of the county’s five public libraries for a presentation, and engaging with local grade schools and arts and culture organizations.

Eligibility Requirements 

  • must be a resident of Cortland County for at least six months before appointment
  • must be available year-round for engagements within the county
  • must possess a body of literary work, including no less than two traditionally published poems
  • must be willing to serve the entire term
  • must acknowledge and adhere to the non-partisan nature of the position

Required Nomination Material

  • biography, resume, or curriculum vitae, one page maximum
  • statement of vision and interest, one page maximum
  • 2-3 sample poems
  • one video reading an original poem, less than two minutes

Nominations must be sent to rcleland@cortlandcountyny.gov by February 13. This is a non-paid position.

Recent Headlines

6 hours ago in National

Democratic Sen. Klobuchar says she’s running for Minnesota governor after Gov. Walz dropped out

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Thursday she is running for governor of Minnesota, promising to take on President Donald Trump while unifying a state that has endured a series of challenges even before the federal government's immigration crackdown.

7 hours ago in Sports

LeBron James wipes away tears during tribute, says he doesn’t know if he’ll play in Cleveland again

LeBron James doesn't know if Wednesday night will end up being his last trip to Cleveland as a player. If James doesn't return, the Cavaliers and their fans continued to let James know how much he means to them.

7 hours ago in Entertainment

As if! ‘Clueless,’ ‘The Karate Kid,’ ‘Inception’ among 25 movies entering National Film Registry

As if they'd leave "Clueless" off the list. Cher Horowitz fans, rejoice: Amy Heckerling's 1995 teen comedy is one of 25 classic movies chosen this year by the Library of Congress for its National Film Registry.

7 hours ago in Sports

Sabalenka into fourth straight Australian Open final and facing Rybakina again

Not even a point penalty for hindrance slowed Aryna Sabalenka's run to a fourth consecutive Australian Open final. The top-ranked Sabalenka overpowered Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 Thursday night to move within one victory of a third Australian Open title in four years.

7 hours ago in National

Situation in US South grows more dire after days of ice, frigid temperatures and widespread outages

It could be days before power is restored across the South, where more subfreezing temperatures are expected by Friday in areas unaccustomed to and ill-equipped for such cold. The situation is reaching a breaking point for the elderly and those with medical conditions who lack electricity, some of whom are trapped by roads made impassable by ice and fallen trees.

1 day ago in Entertainment, Music

What to know about the 2026 Grammys

Sunday's Grammys mark a return to normalcy after the 2025 show was altered to focus on Los Angeles-area wildfire relief efforts.