BOCES chief takes new job
ONC-BOCES Superintendent William R. Miles will step down from his post this summer to start a new job at a school in Westchester County, he said on Tuesday.
State senators hope to lower business taxes, attract jobs
ALBANY — A four-mile stretch in the village of Laurens would be home to Otsego County's first state-designated Empire Development Zone, where new or expanding businesses would be offered sweeping tax breaks as a way to trigger job creation.
Oneonta teacher honored for raising school standards
The Oneonta city school board will honor third-grade teacher Margaret Golden tonight for her part in helping to raise learning standards for all the students of New York.
Dad testifies for defense in murder case
NORWICH — Days after Joshua C. Neadom's mother was called as a witness for the prosecution in the murder trial of her son, the defendant's father was called to testify for the defense on Tuesday.
Woman to bike across nation for charity
A retired math teacher from Cobleskill will bike across the country, from San Diego, Calif., to St. Augustine, Fla., to support two local charitable organizations.
Delhi school looks to state for help in paybacks
DELHI — Taxpayers in the Delhi school district are facing a potentially large tax increase due to an overpayment of state aid and the removal of a power substation from the tax base.
Archeologists busy on Route 28
HARTWICK SEMINARY - Archeologists from the Public Archeology Facility at the State University College at Binghamton have been busy recently in the state Route 28 corridor between Cooperstown and Milford where several projects are under way.
High court set to hear local case
Lawyers will present arguments before the Supreme Court on Wednesday in the ongoing legal battle between a local Christian youth group and Milford Central School.
Attorneys for the Good News Club and the school will have 30 minutes each to present their case in front of the nation's top nine justices.
Hotel to get new lease on life
ANDES — The Andes Hotel, which has dominated Andes' Main Street for 136 years, is now under new ownership and will be getting a facelift.
Deputies to do their own fund raising
PHOENIX MILLS - For years, the Otsego County Deputy Sheriffs' Benevolent Association has contracted with fund-raising agencies to handle its annual campaign.
Man in prison gets more time
DELHI — A Delhi man will do the maximum time in prison for attacking a fellow inmate at the Delaware County jail.
Alvin M. Hogencamp, 21, was in Delaware County Court on Monday to be sentenced on a felony second-degree assault charge.
Witness takes stand for defense
NORWICH — The defense called its first witnesses Monday in the trial of Joshua C. Neadom in Chenango County Court.
Man attempts to enter plea
DELHI — A Nineveh man appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday for arraignment, but an attempt by his lawyer to enter a guilty plea to one count and innocent pleas to four other counts brought court to a halt.
Monday, February 26, 2001
A night at the Saba Gras
The Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts held the second annual Northern Exposure Saba Gras Masked Ball, a Mardi-Gras-themed fund-raiser, at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta on Saturday.
State to study turkeys
Wild turkeys wearing fluorescent orange streamers will help wildlife officials determine how turkey flocks disperse as they move from wintering areas and begin seeking nesting sites in the spring.
Area students take Odyssey of the Mind
ONEONTA — The 2001 regional competition for the international Odyssey of the Mind program was Saturday in State University College at Oneonta's Hunt Union.
Workshop to focus on future of Downsville
DOWNSVILLE — Colchester residents will choose a project to improve the future of their town at the next community visioning workshop.
The second of two workshops will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Downsville Fire Hall, according to
Meeting on Sidney housing project set
SIDNEY — The next step in the development of the Sherwood Heights section of Sidney will be a public meeting scheduled to be held tonight.
Committee aims to help town operate more efficiently
DAVENPORT — A new committee in the town of Davenport hopes to improve the safety of three town-owned buildings and make town government more responsive to its citizens, according to committee members.
Saturday, February 24, 2001
Man repairs replica ship's crow's nest
COOPERSTOWN - A little bit of the Half Moon, a replica of Henry Hudson's famous ship, is being restored in Cooperstown by woodworker Bill Ralston.
SATs losing status with educators
Liz Morris is the type of student colleges dream about. She's at the top of her class, outgoing and seriously considering her future.
She said she was satisfied with her 1,230 overall score on the SAT but her 530 on the math portion was not an accurate reflection of her abilities.
At-A-Glance chief to retire
Doug Willies said he has taken a few lumps during his nearly 21-year career with At-A-Glance.
"Fortunately, there hasn't been a lot" of rough spots, said the At-A-Glance president and chief executive, who plans to retire Friday. In fact, he said, the compliments are getting a little embarrassing.
Trial sheds light on community
Some interesting sociological trends appeared during the jury selection for the murder trial of Joshua C. Neadom these past two weeks in Norwich.
Defendant's mother testifies
NORWICH — Witnesses, including the defendant's mother, testified Friday as the district attorney sought to use statements made by Joshua C. Neadom to prove his guilt in the murder of Edward Pastore Jr.
Voting to be forum topic
ONEONTA — The nation's Electoral College system and proposals to change to a popular vote will be the focus of a program in Oneonta on Tuesday night.
Teen chosen to attend Naval Academy
A Unadilla teen has been offered an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, announced recently.
Kristina Marie Struble, daughter of Karl Struble and Nancy Dalton, is a senior at Unatego Junior/Senior High School, where she is a member of the soccer, basketball and track teams.
Friday, February 23, 2001
Delaware home to dairy princess dynasty
For the second year running, Delaware County is home to the New York state dairy princess.
Fittingly enough, Kendra Inman, 18, lives on a farm in Bovina Center where, she speculates, there are definitely more cows than people.
Inman was announced the winner in Liverpool on Tuesday, after two days of competition with 31 other county princesses, all aged between 16 and 24.
E-mails concern mayor
A man who sent "aggressive" e-mails to city and community officials about his opposition to Opportunities For Otsego's proposed homeless shelter was questioned by city of Oneonta police during this week's Common Council meeting.
City police probe report of burglary
ONEONTA — Oneonta city police are investigating a reported burglary at a local restaurant.
Police said one or more people may have been responsible for breaking into the Burger King at 525 Main St. between 11 p.m. Feb. 14 and 4 a.m. Feb. 15.
Man flees house afire
WORCESTER — A Worcester man didn't have time to put on shoes before leaving his burning house, which a fire destroyed early Thursday morning, the East Worcester fire chief said.
Otsego reps create post
COOPERSTOWN - By a vote of 8-to-4 Wednesday evening, the Otsego County Board of Representatives created a department and position for a geographical information systems expert.
School tax-break deadline March 1
Homeowners have five more days to send in applications for a break on their school property taxes.
Forms for STAR, the state's School Tax Relief program, are available in local assessors' or town clerks' offices. They are due March 1.
State police testify at murder trial
NORWICH — State police interviews and cellular-phone records were the focus of the trial of Joshua C. Neadom in Chenango County Court on Thursday.
Thursday, February 22, 2001
Sidney supermarket to close
SIDNEY — The bankruptcy sale of Grand Union's supermarkets will cost Sidney one of its two grocery stores. The unexpected decision to close the Grand Union on Delaware Avenue comes as C&S
Beating case sent to grand jury
ONEONTA — The evidence against three men who allegedly participated in the Feb. 10 assault on Oneonta college student Joseph Olivo has been sent to an Otsego County grand jury for review.
Oneonta City Court Judge Walter L. Terry III ruled on Wednesday there was reasonable cause to believe that Elvis Rodriguez, Colin Davidson and Eric Andrews were involved in the beating of Olivo, 20, in the city's parking garage.
2001 Grammy winners
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Complete list of winners at 43rd annual Grammy awards:
Album of the Year: "Two Against Nature," Steely Dan.
Ideas given to DOT
ONEONTA — As part of a state-sponsored study, about 50 residents went to the Holiday Inn on Wednesday night to discuss traffic concerns along Oneonta's Southside, stretching from lower Main Street to Pindars Corners.
Witness tells of defendant's actions
NORWICH — The prosecution called a string of witnesses, most of whom received a degree of immunity in exchange for testimony, on Wednesday in the Chenango County murder case against Joshua C. Neadom.
Hartwick College professor named Carnegie Scholar
ONEONTA — The chairman of the economics department at Hartwick College was recently named a 2001-02 Carnegie Scholar by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for his work in peer-interactive teaching.
Women join missions to help in India
Two women with local ties recently returned from India after completing two very different humanitarian missions. Chay Samudrala, daughter of Dr. Babu Rao Samudrala of Delhi, orchestrated the delivery of $5.9 million in medical supplies to help victims of the Jan. 26 earthquake.
MOSA refuses refund for Otsego County
COOPERSTOWN - The MOSA board of directors declined Wednesday to refund Otsego County nearly $246,000 paid last year to subsidize solid waste delivered beyond the county's quota of 32,032 tons for 2000.
Wednesday, February 21, 2001
Area shrinking bridge-repair gap
According to Federal Highway Administration statistics, more than 40 percent of the bridges in New York state need repair. However, officials in Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie counties said deficiency ratings in their counties are a lesser percentage. Otsego County matches the statewide average, officials said.
Altered food to be discussed
COOPERSTOWN - Various perspectives on the health and safety of genetically engineered foods will be offered at 7:30 tonight at a meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Board Chairman Carl Higgins said he hopes the presentation will help board members decide whether to support two resolutions that have come before the board.
Laurens post office features young artists
LAURENS — Where does one go in Laurens to see the work of talented young artists?
The post office, of course.
For more than a year, the post office has taken on a dual role as an art gallery for the work of Laurens Central School students.
Council OKs zoning laws
ONEONTA — Oneonta aldermen voted Tuesday to approve three zoning ordinances that could pave the way for the construction of a homeless shelter on Depew Street in the Sixth Ward.
Crash victim improves; another doesn't
MILFORD — The condition of a 12-year-old girl injured in a crash Friday has deteriorated, while another victim's condition has improved, M.I. Bassett Hospital officials said Tuesday.
Man faces abuse charge
DELHI — A Davenport Center man was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Tuesday for allegedly sexually abusing two children.
Historical group gets $105,000 grant from arts council
The New York State Council on the Arts recently awarded $213,346 in grants to nine local art and historical organizations in Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie and Chenango counties in its fourth and final round of funding for the fiscal year 2001.
Man testifies about planning robbery
NORWICH — Anthony Escalante said that, when he heard the first shotgun blast go off during the July 17 robbery of Edward Pastore Jr., he thought Xavier Valentine was trying to scare people in the house on Lewis Road in Norwich.
Plan would bring shad to Cooperstown
A project in Pennsylania is being designed to help shad to swim up the Susquehanna River to spawn.
Pennsylvania plans to build a $4.2-million fish passageway at a recreational dam at the forks of the Susquehanna River in Sunbury so migratory shad can swim unimpeded to ancestral spawning grounds in the river's northern reaches.
Officials report vaccine shortage
At least two local hospitals are feeling the impact of a nationwide shortage of adult tetanus vaccine, officials said Tuesday.
In one of the worst drug shortages in years, hospitals around the country are rationing adult tetanus shots, reserving them for burn victims and other severely injured patients.
Tuesday, February 20, 2001
Area hospitals prepare for nursing shortage
When Bassett Healthcare Human Resources Director Bruce Wilhelm made plans to attend a seminar last week on recruiting foreign nurses, he was in familiar company.
Public health affected
Maura Coleman, an Otsego County public health nurse, said she's hoping the county board comes up with a strategy to address staffing problems in the department.
Chamber honors SUCO
The Otsego County Chamber has selected the State University College at Oneonta as its business of the year, and Edward W. Stack, retired president and director of The Clark Estates, as its citizen of the year, officials announced Monday.
Saba Gras to offer parade, music, masks, beads
The Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts still has tickets for the second annual Northern Exposure Saba Gras Masked Ball, to be held at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta on Saturday.
Professor to speak on black community
A professor at Hartwick College in Oneonta will give a lecture in recognition of Black History Month at 3:30 p.m. Friday.
Woman urges awareness
Not everyone is eager to talk about congenital heart defects. But Oneonta resident Kelly Tavarone isn't afraid. "The whole point is so many children die from it," she said, "and if you're not bringing awareness to it, more children are going" to die,
Travels to Cuba on agenda again
ALBANY — A controversial Cuban voyage planned last year by 150 state officials, and then killed by the Treasury Department as contrary to policy, is being planned again.
Oneonta school expenses rise
ONEONTA — The Oneonta City School District is facing three fronts of the perfect storm as it prepares its budget this year, school officials said.
Cousin, baby boy arrive same day
COOPERSTOWN - By the time we got home, it was late at night, but she was waiting in the kitchen. She'd expected Uncle Chet and me, but controlled her surprise as Cousin Bruce, in worn jeans and work boots, tramped in behind us.
DOT officials to talk about Southside traffic
ONEONTA — A traffic study of Oneonta's Southside will be the topic of a public meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, state Department of Transportation officials said.
Council to vote on zoning changes
Oneonta city aldermen will consider a zoning change proposal tonight that would make way for the construction of a homeless shelter on Depew Street in the Sixth Ward.
Assault suspects to be in court
ONEONTA — Three of the five suspects charged in the Feb. 10 assault on Oneonta college student Joseph Olivo are scheduled to appear in city court this week.
Richfield Springs troopers to move
RICHFIELD SPRINGS - The new $320,000 state police station in Richfield Springs is nearly completed and should be occupied by Wednesday, said state police Capt. Kevin Molinari.
Monday, February 19, 2001
Snowmobiling getting safer
Snowy winters and a sound economy have helped the snowmobile industry boom in New York state. Every year, more of the speedy machines race about the countryside.
Roseboom teen killed in car accident
A Roseboom teen-ager was killed Friday on state Route 28 in the town of Milford when he lost control of his vehicle because of slippery road conditions, state police at Oneonta said.
Program helps people get to work
Chenango County residents whose transportation problems are standing in the way of employment opportunities could get a lot of mileage out of a new local program.
'Dirty War' survivor to give talks
ONEONTA — Silvia Malagrino, a Chicago-based artist, associate professor at the School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois and ex-political prisoner and torture survivor in Argentina, will appear at Hartwick College on Wednesday, Feb. 21, and Thursday, Feb. 22.
Walton places first in Drug Quiz Show
DELHI — Forty-three students representing eight Delaware County schools converged at the State University College of Technology at Delhi on Wednesday to compete in a fast-paced game show, where the correct final answer earned the winning teams a chance to qualify for the state finals in May.
Saturday, February 17, 2001
Car-seat clinic aims to boost child safety
ONEONTA - A clinic to show people the proper ways to install child safety seats will be held today at Otsego Automotive on Oneida Street in Oneonta from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Police searching for answers
ONEONTA — All the suspects seem to be present but not necessarily accounted for a week after an early-morning parking garage rumble left a State University College at Oneonta student comatose and fighting for his life.
Bar owners asked to contact officers during possible conflicts
Oneonta city police are asking downtown bar owners to notify them whenever they sense serious trouble brewing among their clientele.
City police met with 20 tavern owners and employees Friday to discuss how to prevent violence associated with the downtown bar scene.
Andes walking program expands
ANDES — When Jennifer Finkle launched a walking program, she said, she never dreamed that it would evolve into a community fitness center.
Village voters to see races in Delaware
Four Delaware County villages will have mayoral races in this year's election, but Fleischmanns may have set a record for the most candidates running for office in a single year.
Man pleads guilty to forgery
DELHI — A Trout Creek man facing forgery charges changed his plea to guilty in a plea bargain in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Jokes spice school topics
Education was the topic at a breakfast last month with state Board of Regents Chancellor Carl Hayden.
But it also gave people a chance to rib Rob Robinson, president and chief executive officer of the Otsego County Chamber, which sponsored the event.
Witness tells of intruders, shooting
NORWICH — It was Misty Graef's turn on the witness stand Friday to recount the final moments in the life of Edward Pastore Jr.
The testimony of the 18-year-old Norwich woman came as the first week ended in the Chenango County trial of Joshua C. Neadom for second-degree murder and five other charges stemming from the July 17 murder of Pastore.
Job Corps to lay off 10-20 percent
ONEONTA — New operators of the Oneonta Job Corps Center expect to layoff 10 to 20 percent of the staff when they officially take over running the center at the end of this month, an official said Friday.
Man dies after crash
MIDDLEFIELD - Eric T. Darling, 28, of Middlefield, died Thursday evening after his snowmobile crashed into a creek bank in Middlefield, a quarter-mile south of Route 166 near Hubbell Hollow Road, according to state police at Oneonta.
Several hurt in accident
Several people were seriously injured in a multiple vehicle accident Friday night on state Route 28 south of Portlandville, state police at Oneonta said.
Friday, February 16, 2001
Sewer plant, city, town halls highlight tour
ONEONTA — Most visitors to Oneonta probably wouldn't opt to spend their time at the city's wastewater treatment plant. But that's just what Lebanese officials Georges Wakin Yammine and Chaiban Nasr did Thursday afternoon.
Two more charged in beating
ONEONTA — City police have charged two more men in connection with last weekend's gang-style brawl in the city's parking garage.
Colin A. Davidson, 21, and Eric Andrews, 24, are facing first-degree gang assault charges for the roles they played in Saturday's bloody melee that left 20-year-old Joseph Olivo critically injured, police
Grant to help Hartwick science
ONEONTA — State Sen. James L. Seward returned to his alma mater on Thursday to announce a $110,000 grant that will buy equipment for the newly renovated science building at Hartwick College.
Fake Ids prevalent in local bars
The majority of college students in Oneonta, including at least two bargoers involved in Saturday's parking garage fight, are under the age of 21.
How, then, do the bars become filled to the brim with students weekend after weekend?
Roxbury students ready to compete at state levels
Roxbury Central School is headed to the state finals of the Science Olympiad, a national science tournament, after its junior-high and high-school teams placed among the top three finalists in regional competition in Albany on Saturday.
Witness recounts man's last moments
NORWICH — His voice often choking with emotion, Thomas W. Abbott testified about the last minutes in the life of Edward Pastore Jr.
Thursday, February 15, 2001
Great Backyard Bird Count takes off Friday
Put the cats away.
For four days starting Friday, the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology will hold their fourth annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Dr. John Davis, president of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, said a field guide and, perhaps, a pair of binoculars are the only necessary equipment.
Police to meet with bar owners
ONEONTA — City tavern owners have been asked to meet with the Oneonta Police Department on Friday to discuss how to prevent violence associated with the downtown bar scene.
The meeting, which is not open to the public, was prompted by last weekend's city parking garage brawl that has left Oneonta college student Joseph Olivo, 20, in critical condition at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
Residents, camp chief discuss problems
ONEONTA — Oneonta residents bothered by summer baseball camps grumbled to the president of Cooperstown Baseball World during a meeting at Oneonta City Hall on Wednesday night.
Dreams Park CEO wants to build 200-room hotel
HARTWICK - Cooperstown Dreams Park CEO Louis Presutti III's vision to provide lodging for his visitors has grown to a $2.5 million, 200-room hotel to be built directly across the state highway overlooking the park.
Delaware to review jail proposal
DELHI — Delaware County's proposed $21.5 million jail will be the subject of a special meeting at 1 p.m. March 1.
Voters to decide school upgrade
DOWNSVILLE — A proposed $3.1 million heating and air conditioning project will go before voters in the Downsville Central School District on Feb. 27.
Child custody case delayed
ONEONTA — A court date scheduled this week in the case of a man accused of kidnapping his son 14 years ago has been postponed until next month.
In 1987, Daniel Greene picked up his 2-year-old son Ryan Patrick Greene for a weekend visitation and didn't return him to his mother's house.
Civil War diary focus of program
JEFFERSON — The author of a book based on a Civil War soldier's diary will speak to students and sign books at Jefferson Central School on Friday.
Edmeston to plow Otsego County roads, for now
EDMESTON - At Tuesday night's meeting, the Edmeston Town Board did not decide whether to continue plowing county roads, according to town Supervisor Russell Dutcher.
Lawyers elicit testimony about drug culture
NORWICH — Not long after jury selection finished Wednesday, lawyers in the case involving the murder of Edward Pastore Jr. delivered on their promise to discuss the drug community in Norwich.
Wednesday, February 14, 2001
Area teens want fun; love waits
Romeo and Juliet may have died for love in the 16th century, but local students say teen romance is not taken quite as seriously in the 21st century ... even on Valentine's Day.
"Kids nowadays are out to have fun," said Jessica Meigel, 16, a sophomore at Cobleskill-Richmondville
Police arrest man sought in beating
ONEONTA — Oneonta police have picked up one of the three men wanted for questioning in connection with last weekend's bloody brawl in the city's municipal parking garage.
Chenango Land Trust honors local excellence
The Chenango Land Trust recently honored several area residents with awards honoring their excellence in land conservation and historic preservation activities.
'Polar bears' to take a dip
ONEONTA — Jamie Waters was vacationing in Alexandria Bay a few years ago when he saw some people jumping into the frigid waters. To his surprise, not only were they having a good time, but they were also raising money for charity.
Pupils catch Albany action
ALBANY — For a brief time Tuesday, Riverside Elementary fifth-grader Bayla Akulin had a bird's-eye view of her state Senate at work.
From the chamber balcony's vantage point came a clearer picture of how the lawmakers she and about 50 classmates recently learned about were in action.
Pennies add up — to 191 pounds
GILBOA — How many fifth-graders does it take to hoard 191 pounds of pennies?
Sixteen. And they're all in Gilboa-Conesville teacher Cathy Straus' class.
Hartwick man to invite Amish to Otsego
HARTWICK - A plan is under way to attract more Amish farmers to Otsego County.
On Feb. 22 and 23, when the Lancaster, Pa., farm auction is under way in the heart of Amish country, Orrin Higgins of Hartwick will be distributing brochures advertising Otsego County's available farmland.
Murder trial has seven jurors
NORWICH — Seven jurors were seated Tuesday to hear evidence in the Chenango County trial of Joshua C. Neadom, who is charged with murder.
Tuesday, February 13, 2001
SUCO student remains in coma
ONEONTA — State University College at Oneonta student Joseph Olivo remained in critical condition Monday night, two days after police said he was struck in the head during a brawl in the city of Oneonta parking garage.
Meanwhile, the man who has been charged with first-degree assault in the case, 20-year-old Elvis Rodriguez, was released Monday morning from A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital and taken to Otsego County jail, where he is being held on $250,000 cash bail.
Beating shocks students
ONEONTA — Students at the State University College at Oneonta said Monday they were shocked and horrified by the violence involving SUCO students that erupted downtown early Saturday morning.
"I would never expect something like this to ever happen here," said Jenn Parker, 18, a freshman majoring in psychology. "It's sad that there has to be stuff like this going down. It's just stupid."
Dog rescued from river in Milford; doing fine
MILFORD - Quick work by the Milford Fire Department and Emergency Squad on Monday morning saved a dog from drowning in the Susquehanna River.
At about 9 a.m., Carol Smith of county Route 33 in Milford saw and heard a dog in the river and called 911.
BOCES building project over budget
Cutbacks or alternative sources of funding may be needed to rein in costs of the $10.5 million ONC-BOCES construction project that is $800,000 over budget, Deputy Superintendent Jeffrey Hahn said Monday.
City school board sets workshop schedule for budget
ONEONTA — The Oneonta city school board has set a timetable for developing the 2001-02 school budget. Last week, the district unveiled preliminary budget figures that showed spending up 5.16 percent to $24.74 million. Taxes in the draft proposal were up 9.37 percent to $13.18 million.
Chief's home burns
The home of Treadwell Fire Chief Robert Hazlett Jr. burned to the ground Saturday night shortly after he fought a fire that destroyed another home in Unadilla, Delaware County emergency services officials said.
Board to harmonize with employers' needs
DELHI — While still in its formative stages, a recently established three-county work-force board already reflects some changes from its predecessor organization.
Otsego reps OK funds for archeological study
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives has approved spending $16,562 to conduct advanced archeological studies at the location of a proposed new county nursing home just south of Cooperstown on state Route 28.
Meeting to explore state help for sewer hookups
UNADILLA — Unadilla residents who need their properties connected to the proposed sewer district may be eligible for state help to meet the cost of the hookup.
Monday, February 12, 2001
Student critical after fight
ONEONTA — One college student is in critical condition and the suspect in the beating is hospitalized under police guard with arm fractures following a fight between two groups of students early Saturday, Oneonta police said.
Joseph Olivo, 20, of Shoreham, suffered severe head injuries from blows to the head, possibly from a tire iron or golf clubs, after a fight spilled from the Alley tavern on Water Street into the parking garage, according to police.
Olivo, a student at the State University College at Oneonta, was listed in critical condition Sunday night at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
Biographer says Clinton will be back
COOPERSTOWN — As he has been nearly every day since leaving office, former President Bill Clinton was the topic of conversation Saturday night in Cooperstown.
During a speech at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, author David Maraniss, who wrote a 1995 biography of Clinton, said the former president's controversial departure fit a pattern Clinton repeated throughout his eight years in office.
Judging is just a matter of taste
DELHI — Delhi Tech's Hospitality Center had a room full of food Sunday — but only three people were allowed to eat it.
Five teams from around the state demonstrated their range of culinary skills for a panel of three judges during the American Culinary Federation's New York State Junior Team Championship held Sunday on the State University College of Technology at Delhi campus.
Downsville workshops to brainstorm Colchester grant
DOWNSVILLE - Residents in the town of Colchester have an opportunity to do something to change the future of their community.
The first of two community visioning workshops will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Downsville Fire Hall, according to Helen Budrock, acting director of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development.
Program to explore Latin American art and social justice issues
ONEONTA — Hartwick College in Oneonta will launch its spring term with a program that explores contemporary and historic Latin American issues of art and social justice.
"Encuentros/Encounters: Art and Social Justice in Latin America" is an extensive, semesterlong program with a special emphasis on Chile, Argentina and Mexico, and the Latino/a experience in the United States.
Saturday, February 10, 2001
Otsego faces plowing crisis
BURLINGTON - The town of Burlington has opted to stop plowing county roads within the town after its contract with Otsego County expires this spring, according to Betty Anne Schwerd, town supervisor.
Burlington will become the second of the county's 24 towns to take this step.
Year will be a challenge, local pols say
ONEONTA — As three area lawmakers work through this year's state budget, all said, they expect a challenging year in Albany.
At an Otsego County Chamber breakfast Friday, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, R-Bainbridge, cited efforts to change the school-aid formula as one of the toughest challenges facing the legislators.
Dance lends hand to area cancer patients
Rivals in the Schenevus and Worcester school districts put their differences aside last month for a worthy cause.
The two schools, longtime competitors in athletics and other school endeavors, joined forces to organize a "Super Dance," which raised more than $4,300 to help cancer patients at Bassett Healthcare's Louis Busch Hager Center pay for medicine.
Shelter proposal sparks criticism
Anyone searching for fireworks this week could have found quite a show at City Hall.
It was on Tuesday night, during the Oneonta Common Council's public meeting on the proposed homeless shelter. Most of the 50 or so people in attendance seemed to support the planned $500,000 project on Depew Street in the Sixth Ward.
And then — about 45 minutes into the meeting — it was former Sixth Ward Alderman William Shue's turn to speak, which he did with no lack of vigor or volume for about 15 or 20 minutes.
"You are a bunch of hypocrites!" the Valleyview Elementary School teacher opined to those who spoke in favor of the shelter.
Utility: Technology betters service
ONEONTA — The days of busy signals and waiting on hold during a power outage are gone, NYSEG officials said. So are the days of merely reporting that the lights are out.
An automated computer system at New York State Electric & Gas Corp. is allowing the company to more efficiently handle power interruptions and tell customers when their electricity should be restored.
NYSEG offers patients support
ONEONTA — A 48-year-old man paralyzed and bed-ridden with Lou Gehrig's disease. An elderly person who uses an oxygen machine and lives on a remote country road. A kidney patient on home dialysis.
For these New York State Electric & Gas Corp. customers, a power outage can become a life-threatening situation.
That's why the company has eight customer advocates whose job is to make sure that their needs are met when the lights go out.
Man gets 23 years to life for murder
NORWICH — Chenango County Judge W. Howard Sullivan sentenced two people to long prison terms Thursday for the parts they played in the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Norwich man last summer, Chenango County Court officials said.
Delhi district to air Kellogg school options
DELHI — The future of the A.L. Kellogg School in Treadwell will be discussed with district residents at three meetings during the next two weeks.
Reporter to cover arts, religion; editor to format front page
A reporter and copy editor recently joined The Daily Star news team in the Oneonta office.
Brian Chambala works on the copydesk at night, and Laura Alys Ward is a reporter covering arts, religion and general assignments.
Friday, February 9, 2001
Ex-'Duke' pursues Nicols film
COOPERSTOWN - The life of Cooperstown native Henry Nicols, who died last year at 27, may become a television movie produced by John Schneider, actor, singer and former star of the Dukes of Hazzard.
Schneider, whose brother, Robert Schneider, lives at 22 Pioneer St. in the village, met with the Nicols family last week and agreed to produce an outline of the movie for the family to review. The movie will not be a documentary but will trace Henry's battle with AIDS and his decision in 1991 to let others know about his life-threatening condition.
Murder trial set to begin
NORWICH — The only trial to result from the July 17 murder of Edward Pastore Jr. is scheduled to begin next week.
The case against Joshua C. Neadom, 22, of Norwich, is scheduled to begin Tuesday in Chenango County Court in Norwich with jury selection. The other five people arrested in connection with the murder have pleaded guilty to various charges.
Neadom has been charged with second-degree murder for his alleged role in arranging the robbery that resulted in Pastore's murder, Chenango County District Attorney Joseph A. McBride said.
Agencies seek short-term foster parents
DELHI — If you have ever wondered whether you would enjoy being a foster parent, this may be your chance to find out, on a part-time basis.
Hamden fest takes off chill with chili
HAMDEN — Not much heats up a cold, blustery winter day like a steaming, hot bowl of chili, or better yet, 21 different varieties of chili all vying for the title of the best chili in Delaware County.
Reps reject motion to create position
COOPERSTOWN - After an extended debate Wednesday, the Otsego County Board of Representatives opted not to create a position of geographical information systems specialist.
Bus buys under review
ONEONTA — The Oneonta City School District may have to buy an extra bus to take students to the new St. Mary's School, school officials said Thursday.
Few challengers in Chenango County
Political races seem scarce in Chenango County villages the week before petitions are due.
With Tuesday's deadline looming for candidates to file petitions that would put their names on the ballots, most local village clerks were hesitant about stating who is running.
Otsego voters to see at least three races
The Otsego County villages of Cooperstown, Unadilla and Cherry Valley each have one contested race for a trustee seat in upcoming village board elections, according to village clerks.
IDA approves $100,000 loan for Web firm
ONEONTA — A new software development started by local entrepreneurs received a $100,000 loan from the Otsego County Industrial Development Agency on Thursday night.
Church seeks radio space
Having trouble finding gospel music on the radio dial?
That could change. Spirit and Truth Christian Assembly, a church in the town of Oneonta, has applied to start its own low-power FM radio station under a recent federal initiative.
Sidney town eyes cutting justice post
SIDNEY — The Sidney Town Board will study the possibility of eliminating one of its two justice positions after it accepted the resignation of Justice Dennis Martin on Thursday night.
Thursday, February 8, 2001
Local man awarded for soccer field work
If turf managers dream of beautiful, well-groomed green playing fields, then Kevin Meredith's field of dreams may be at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta.
Meredith, 50, has spent the last 10 years tending the Wright National Soccer Campus playing fields, and on Jan. 19, his dedication paid off when Sports Turf Managers Association awarded the 2000 Soccer Field of the Year Award.
The Wright National Soccer Complex earned the Field of the Year Award for its exceptional quality and playability under frequent high use, according to Steve Trusty, STMA executive director.
Oneonta recycling facility gets OK
COOPERSTOWN - By a 10-to-3 vote Wednesday, the Otsego County Board of Representatives resolved to build a $707,000 materials recycling facility to be housed in the Oneonta Transfer Station.
The MRF would be operated by RRT-Andela, and most of the equipment would be built by Andela Tool and Machine Inc. of Richfield.
City council power fight continues
ONEONTA — When Alderman Sean Farrell had to ask Mayor Kim Muller on Tuesday night to give him back his committee posts, it was clear the mayor had gained the upper hand in a power struggle that had been simmering for months.
State funds health project
An area project focusing on rural health education has recently received three more years of funding from the state.
During the next three years, the state is expected to provide $200,000 annually to the Rural Health Education Network of Delaware, Otsego, Montgomery and Schoharie counties, according to the project, which is based at the Bassett Research Institute in Cooperstown.
Officials suspect meningitis case
ONEONTA - James Kennedy, a Hartwick College sophomore from Kailua, Hawaii, is being treated in Hawaii for a suspected case of meningococcal meningitis, the college announced Wednesday.
Kennedy was hospitalized and is in stable condition, the college said.
CitiHope, local physician to help India's victims
CitiHope International has launched a multi-million dollar mission to deliver medical aid and supplies to the survivors of the devastating Jan. 26 earthquake in western India.
In partnership with the Indo-American Trade and Conference Council, CitiHope International will airlift pharmaceuticals to Gujarat, the state hardest hit by the quake.
Oneonta OKs lacrosse team
ONEONTA — The Oneonta city school board on Wednesday unanimously approved the creation of a lacrosse program at Oneonta High School.
The new team, however, is a team in name only and will gain no support from the district beyond transportation services to and from games.
Otsego reps face burning, other issues
COOPERSTOWN - The room was filled to capacity for Wednesday's meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, as people addressed the board on issues ranging from burn barrels to MOSA, to homelessness, to conditions at the county's Public Health Nursing agency.
Oneonta group to aid in relief
ONEONTA — A local non-profit organization with ties to India is accepting donations to help victims of the devastating earthquake that has injured, killed or destroyed the homes of nearly 700,000 people.
School spending up 5%, taxes 9% in draft
ONEONTA — The Oneonta City School District unveiled preliminary budget figures on Wednesday that show spending increasing more than 5 percent and taxes going up more than 9 percent for 2001-02.
Wednesday, February 7, 2001
Tractor-trailer ties up traffic
ONEONTA — A tractor-trailer accident between exits 15 and 16 on Interstate 88 disrupted traffic on Monday and Tuesday, state police at Oneonta said.
The accident occurred at 5:49 p.m. Monday, when the driver of a westbound rig, Dallas Lee Hicks, 65, lost control on the snow-covered roadway, troopers said.
Regents set tech rules
The state Board of Regents on Tuesday gave high-school students in vocational programs greater flexibility in meeting their course requirements by modifying graduation requirements.
Grant promotes healthy hearts
SIDNEY CENTER — Students and adults in Sidney Center and Masonville are benefiting from activities sponsored by a grant program designed to promote healthful lifestyles.
OFO shelter debate continues
ONEONTA — The subject of a proposed homeless shelter in the city of Oneonta's Sixth Ward dominated proceedings for more than two hours during Tuesday night's Common Council meeting.
Tickets to UCCCA ball still available
The Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts still has tickets available for the second annual Northern Exposure Saba Gras Masked Ball, to be held at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Revaluation set for Otego
OTEGO — The Otego Town Board has accepted a proposal by George Cade Appraisal Service of Cherry Valley to carry out a revaluation of town properties, town officials said, and work is to begin in the spring.
Salesman in business 48 years to retire
DAVENPORT — Talking to a local couple, retiring floor-covering salesman Bob Polley said he knows he will miss the customers.
"I have gotten some phone calls that darn near brought a tear to my eye," said Polley, who recently announced his plans to close Direct Flooring and Interiors on state Route 23.
Winter weather covers area
A winter storm blanketed the area with several inches of snow Monday, causing school cancellations and several minor fender-benders in Delaware and Otsego counties.
While the National Weather Service had predicted 5 to 8 inches of snow, by 4 p.m., National Weather Service Observer Frank Ward said, he had already measured 7 inches of snow at his home in Walton.
However, he said, he did not think that the snowfall was cause for much concern.
Local deer kill up 20%
Last fall's local deer take increased about 20 percent over the deer harvest of 1999, state Department of Environmental Conservation statistics show.
Jack Moser, DEC wildlife biologist and deer specialist, said the combined total deer take in Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie counties, part of a nine-county region, rose about 19.3 percent in 2000.
"It was a tremendous increase," said Moser. "No matter how you look at it, it was a heck of a year."
Local man wins National Grange art contest
Almost all year, New Kingston resident Dan Flanagan works as a commercial artist, producing designs and illustrations for businesses and organizations around the country.
For two or three weeks each year, though, he just paints for fun, he said.
Second man arraigned in BB-shooting spree
DELHI — A second man who was allegedly involved in a 1999 shooting spree that caused $75,000 in damages was arraigned on 18 felonies charges in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Travels with Uncle Chet
ALBANY - Three was a little crowded in the front of the pickup as we cruised along the interstate, heading home that winter night.
Uncle Chet, at the wheel, kept the conversation alive with those old reliables — politics and women. Bush, he said, had no mandate for cutting taxes instead of paying off the national debt.
Kingston Hospital in talks with MMH
ALBANY — Hospital merger talks could link the financially struggling Margaretville Memorial Hospital in Delaware County to Ulster County's Kingston Hospital, officials said.
Top executives from both health-care institutions, and Kingston's parent company, met in Albany on Monday with state Health Department officials and state Sen. John J. Bonacic, R-Mount Hope.
Unadilla residents to share stories, history
UNADILLA — Starting Saturday, longtime Unadilla village residents will have a chance to share their memories of living and working in their community.
The oral history project is the February event in the yearlong Unadilla bicentennial celebration.
Oneonta board to appoint member
ONEONTA — The Oneonta city school board will vote Wednesday on appointing retired college professor Susan M. Hughson to finish the term of a board member who resigned last month.
Child abuser comes back
DELHI — A man who was convicted of sexually abusing a child in May 1998 has completed his prison sentence and is again living in Delhi.
Terry A. Pitt, 33, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison after his March 23, 1998, guilty plea to second-degree sodomy.
Unatego contract closer to OK
After two postponements and 11/2 years of negotiations, the Unatego Central School board is scheduled to vote on a new contract with teachers tonight.
Teachers have already approved the contract and all it needs is the board's OK.
Monday, February 5, 2001
Professor tries to rekindle interest in naturalist writer
ONEONTA — A professor at the State University College at Oneonta has edited a book of essays by John Burroughs, the well-known naturalist writer of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Charlotte Zoe Walker, a professor of English and women's studies, has published "The Art of Seeing Things: Essays by John Burroughs."
Winter storm forming
A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect today for Otsego, Delaware and surrounding counties. Snowfall is expected throughout the day, with 1 inch by daybreak and accumulations of 5 to 8 inches by nightfall. With highs in the lower 30s, the chance of snow is near 100 percent.
"Conditions are favorable for a storm," local National Weather Service observer David Mattice said Sunday. "There is currently a low-pressure system over the coast of Virginia that is expected to move northward and intensify."
Lawyer honored for e-zine
A Hancock lawyer with a flair for computers and the Internet has been named contributing editor of the state Bar Association's electronic magazine.
Leonard E. Sienko Jr. helped launch the first issue of E-Brief in October.
Oneonta man dies in crash
An Oneonta man died early Sunday morning when the snowmobile he was riding struck a tree, state police at Oneonta said.
Fourth annual Emancipation Memorial Ball planned
ONEONTA — The United States Colored Troops Institute for Local History and Family Research at Hartwick College will hold its fourth annual Emancipation Memorial Ball on Saturday, Feb. 24, in the Agora, Dewar Hall.
Saturday, February 3, 2001
Area man describes disaster
Dan Crowell said India is not a quiet place, and last week's devastating earthquake didn't sound like the rumble of a passing truck.
"The only way to accurately describe it is that it was the sound of the earth moving," said Crowell, a 25-year-old Phoenix Mills native who was making breakfast in his house in Ahmedbad, about a 100 miles from the quake's epicenter, when the Jan. 26 earthquake struck.
Airport to improve
Business at the Oneonta Municipal Airport could take off with the planned installation of an Automated Weather Observation System, airport and city officials said this week.
The city of Oneonta recently received a $150,000 Federal Aviation Administration grant to install the system, known as AWOS, that will allow commuter planes to approach the airport in bad weather without the need for an FAA certified weather observer.
Black History Month events set
Area colleges and organizations have planned an eclectic set of events in recognition of Black History Month, which is observed each February.
State to test more at Bainbridge site
BAINBRIDGE — Another round of environmental testing is scheduled at the former Perry Builders site in Bainbridge by late this month, according to state officials.
Gauges to help control flooding
The Unadilla River at Rockdale is one of three area waterways scheduled for improved water gauges to help with flood control.
Kent's: Same name, new owners for Walton store
WALTON — A spur-of-the-moment shopping trip turned into a life-altering experience for a Delhi couple, who ended up buying the store instead of the merchandise.
"I was on my way into Kent's to buy Beanie Babies and noticed the 'For Sale' sign in the window," said Gayle Morley. "I called my husband and said, 'what do you think about buying this store?'"
Catskill Watershed Corp. to offer development grants
MARGARETVILLE — The Catskill Fund for the Future has earmarked $800,000 in grants for economic-development programs this year, and applications are available from the Catskill Watershed Corp.
Friday, February 2, 2001
Chenango drug bust nets five
Police made five arrests and seized a quarter-pound of cocaine, four handguns and about $30,000 during a series of drug arrests in Chenango County on Thursday morning, according to state police.
At 7 a.m., police executed the warrants at two residences in McDonough and a third in South Plymouth.
Leonard G. Bucaro, 61, and Barbara A. Bucaro, 60, both of 1141 state Route 23 in McDonough, were charged with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony.
Residents plan to protest tower
The Maryland town Planning Board will meet Saturday morning on Hubbard Hill to inspect the site for a proposed cellular tower.
Town resident Richard Gantner said he'll be there, too, but as a protester against the project that he and some of his neighbors have been fighting for months.
Lawyers representing Independent Wireless One said the company is seeking a special-use permit from the town to build a 125-foot tower on Hubbard Hill.
Student businesses net more than just profit
ONEONTA — Renae Alvarez is only 13, but she already knows what it's like to start a business, make a product and sell it for a profit.
Alvarez is one of several students who recently finished an entrepreneurship unit in their home and careers class at Oneonta Middle School.
Cooperstown Winter Carnival to begin today
COOPERSTOWN — Cooperstown will kick off the first weekend of its annual winter carnival today.
The theme this year is Space Odyssey.
Asa Guhl, who serves on the Winter Carnival's board of directors, said, "This year's theme seemed appropriate.
Hospital, unions take steps to settle
SIDNEY —There has been activity this week concerning two contracts that cover workers at The Hospital in Sidney. Registered nurses, represented by Teamsters Local 693l, are scheduled to vote on a new contract Wednesday.
Mower appeal denied
ALBANY — Parent-killer Gordon "Woody" Mower Jr. lost his bid to reverse his sentence of life behind bars Thursday when an appeals court shot down all the legal arguments he made.
The unanimous decision by the state Supreme Court Appellate Division, Third Department, essentially throws away the keys on the killer.
Board reviews bills for snow removal
ONEONTA — More than 20 people who were billed by the city of Oneonta in December for not shoveling their sidewalks could end up receiving a break on the original charges.
Oneonta district continues search for office
ONEONTA — The search for new administrative offices in the Oneonta City School District should be nailed down by Feb. 21, school officials said Thursday.
Thursday, February 1, 2001
Coby Tech aims to curb violence
COBLESKILL — In the wake of a brutal off-campus assault late last semester, Cobleskill Tech administrator Steven Ackerknecht said he sees an educational opportunity.
"If you try to put things under the rug, that's the worse thing you can do," said Ackerknecht, vice president for student affairs at the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. Instead, he has helped spearhead an effort to try to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
Other colleges have few reports of violence
Cobleskill Tech is not alone when it comes to confronting violence.
The most recent annual report to the federal government shows violent incidents reported on all local college campuses. In 1999 the State University College of Technology at Delhi reported five aggravated assaults on its campus, according to the report.
Volleyball helps keep seniors at top of game
SIDNEY — Most people associate age 65 with retirement. But for a number of volleyball players in Sidney, it could also be the median age of one of their teams.
The Wednesday morning volleyball group that plays every week in the Sidney Civic Center is open to anyone who likes to play the game and is serious about it, said 68-year-old Joe Menzel, one of the organizers of the group.
Chuch groups support plan
ONEONTA — Church-linked charities support President Bush's plan to open federal grant programs to religious groups, while leaders of secular agencies say they are wary of the possibility of having religious strings attached to assistance.
'Conscience clause' draws mixed reaction
The resolution of a dispute in the state Legislature about women's health care could have a major impact on area women. Last week, the Republican-controlled state Senate passed a women's health-care bill that included a "conscience clause."
Board announces changes in fair
WALTON — Performers and schedule changes at this year's Delaware County Fair were among plans reviewed at a board meeting Saturday.
The 115th Annual Delaware County Fair is to feature a performance by Mark Chesnutt, a country music performer with a long list of No. 1 hits, officials said.
Ousted member re-elected
WALTON — More than 375 people attended the Delaware Valley Agricultural Society meeting on Saturday and restored a former member to the board.
Changes afoot in Sidney village, town courts
SIDNEY — Decisions by the two justices for Sidney town and village courts to step down from the bench, and actions by trustees, have eliminated the need for one contest in the March 20 village elections.
Dennis Martin and Frank Schaeffer have presided over both the Sidney town and village courts since the mid-1980s.
