City alderman can't rent space to bar, state says
Oneonta Alderman Sean Farrell's request to rent out his Water Street property as a bar has been denied by the New York State Liquor Authority. State officials rejected the councilman's petition despite numerous letters of support from past and present city officials.
Otsego districts may change
COOPERSTOWN - Following the release of figures from the 2000 census, national and state election districts will soon be reapportioned. It appears now that districts for the Otsego County Board of Representatives may also need to be reapportioned.
Students work to kick some ash in Delaware
WALTON — The Delaware County Ash Kickers are on a mission to fight tobacco use in Delaware County. On Wednesday, which is National Kick Butts Day, they are spreading their message in a big way with a big shoe — a big red shoe.
Trout fishing season to start
Anglers, who have waited all winter for the first day of trout season, will have to wait a while longer for prime fishing conditions. "There is no question, it's going to be rough out there on Sunday.
Rules: Take no more than five fish
Department of Environmental Conservation officials remind anglers that the creel limit for brook, brown and rainbow trout is five. The open season for trout in most state waters runs from April 1 through Oct. 15, but there are exceptions and officials urge checking the Fishing Regulations Guide.
Vigil for peace, civility planned for Oneonta
ONEONTA — Oneonta is to have a march of peace in civility next month, college officials said. The State University College at Oneonta has arranged a community gathering, walk and candlelight vigil titled "Keep the Peace ... for Civility in Oneonta" on Tuesday, April 24. As part of National Crime Victims Week, the event will encourage understanding and conflict resolution.
Friday, March 30, 2001
Oneonta society finds home
ONEONTA — After a 62-year wait, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society has finally found a permanent home in a vacant three-story building on Main Street in Oneonta. Formerly Galinn's jewelry store, the circa-1865 building at 183 Main St., will house more than 5,000 items representing local history. "We've looked at several different places, but this one was really the ideal place for us," said Sally Mullen, society president. "After 62 years, we are delighted to finally have a home."
Fashion fair springs into fund-raising
ONEONTA — The Oneonta chapter of the American Association of University Women will add a touch of fashion flair to its annual fund raiser this weekend. Proceeds from this year's "Fling into Spring Fashion Fair" on Sunday at the Elks Club in Oneonta will go toward several scholarships for local women.
Court to review murder case
ALBANY — State prosecutors are joining the fight to help reinstate the first-degree murder verdict against confessed Schoharie County killer Daniel Edwards.
Officials meet, plan to prevent mad cow
ALBANY — Just over a week ago, a herd of sheep suspected of being infected with "mad cow disease" was confiscated from a Vermont farm and hauled off to slaughter by a band of federal agents clad in bullet-proof vests.
Clinton to speak at Delhi Tech
DELHI — A formal invitation, accompanied by a personal letter, landed U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as the keynote speaker at the State University College of Technology at Delhi's 84th commencement, May 12.
Sidney board ponders games
SIDNEY — Whether to allow games of chance to be played in Sidney on Sunday will be decided after a public hearing Monday night on the issue.
Philosophers to converge on Oneonta
ONEONTA — Is there a biblically based argument that supports abortion? Does a contradiction exist between the extolled Christian value "Do unto others" and Christian missionary practices?
Two of 3 plead guilty to reduced charges
SIDNEY — Two of the three Sidney residents arrested earlier this month during an investigation into marijuana trafficking in Sidney have pleaded guilty to reduced drug-related charges.
Thursday, March 29, 2001
Ebbets rises on backs of cards
COOPERSTOWN - Bryan Berg built a replica of Ebbets Field this week out of 25,000 baseball cards. Working in the atrium at the National Baseball Hall of Fame with reporters, students and photographers watching, Berg, 27, methodically built his house of cards into an excellent model of the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Police investigate rash of burglaries
Local authorities are investigating eight burglaries that have occurred in Delaware and Otsego counties during the past few weeks. Police said at least two people are involved in the break-ins, which have occurred at small restaurants and diners in the area. The burglars gained access to the buildings by using a rock to break a window, then stole money and sometimes whole cash registers, state police at Oneonta said.
Area schools react to threats
CHERRY VALLEY - Fears of violence hit Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School this week as students were locked in classes while state police and school officials searched for the author of a worrisome note.
Bill would lower insurance costs for some firms
ALBANY — Farmers, contractors, pizza shop owners and newsstand vendors. They are just some of the 100,000 people across New York who would benefit from a two-house bill introduced in the state Legislature that aims to make health insurance more affordable.
Hospital Oks imposition of contract
SIDNEY — The Hospital Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to impose a contract on its 180 CSEA employees, as recommended in a February factfinder's report.
City police probe burglaries
ONEONTA — Oneonta city police are looking for a link between several burglaries involving the attempted removal of safes over the last three months.
Delaware supervisors approve resolution for grant funding for bridge
DELHI — A large portion of the $333,750 cost of rebuilding Fitches Covered Bridge will be funded by the Federal "Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program," said Wayne Reynolds, director of the Delaware County Department of Public Works.
Students to offer international dance, other delights
DELHI — Egyptian rose cookies, Italian pizza and French fondue are just a few of the delicacies that will tempt the palates of those attending International Day at the Delhi Middle School today.
Wednesday, March 28, 2001
Fleischmanns recount solves little
FLEISCHMANNS — Even after the votes were recounted in Fleischmanns on Tuesday, election results for a trustee race were still up in the air. The Fleischmanns election results were put on hold because of a tie between two trustee candidates and requests by three candidates that the Board of Elections re-canvass the ballots to verify the vote totals.
Anne Frank's friend tells her story at SUCO
ONEONTA — More than 700 people came to the State University College at Oneonta on Tuesday to hear Hannah Pick-Goslar, a Holocaust survivor and childhood friend of Anne Frank, tell her story. Parents, children, students and teachers packed the Hunt Union Ballroom to attend the hourlong lecture, which Pick-Goslar delivered while sitting on a stage and speaking into a wireless microphone.
Broome DA takes Oneonta bat case
ONEONTA — A special prosecutor from Broome County has been assigned in the case of an Oneonta High School senior who allegedly hit a fellow student with a baseball bat during a fight at the school on March 7.
Sorority gives nursery a colorful makeover
ONEONTA — The nursery at St. James' Church in Oneonta is getting a new look thanks to the efforts of a sorority at the State University College at Oneonta.
Dreams Park plan review continues
HARTWICK - About 45 people attended a special meeting Tuesday of the Hartwick town Planning Board, which has been reviewing a proposed $3.697 million expansion of the Cooperstown Dreams Park on state Route 28 in the town.
Bloomville planners to review proposal for 150-foot cellular tower tonight
BLOOMVILLE - The possible impact of a cell tower on health is the concern of a group of residents of the town of Bloomville. Residents said they plan to attend the Kortright Planning Board meeting in the town hall at 8 p.m. today.
Hospital CSEA to picket today
SIDNEY — Sidney CSEA hospital workers will be picketing at 5 p.m. today outside The Hospital to protest the anticipated actions of the board of trustees.
Main Street revitalization series set
Revitalizing Main Street will be the focus of a series offered by the Catskill Center starting next week. The Main Street Training Institute consists of eight informal breakfast meetings at locations throughout Delaware County.
Margaretville hospital to join Kingston care system
Financially embattled Margaretville Memorial Hospital has entered into a "preliminary agreement" to join the Kingston Regional Health Care System, a family of health-care organizations including Kingston Hospital.
Teen faces menacing charge
A Schenevus Central School student was arrested after he waved a multi-purpose tool with a knife on it at two girls on a school bus, Otsego deputies said.
United Way goals set for years ahead
ONEONTA — The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties is set to increase its fund-raising goal by $180,000 over the next five years.
Tuesday, March 27, 2001
Parents question lock policy
More than 50 parents and community members attended the Oneonta School District Safety Committee meeting Monday evening to voice concern about the district's new "locked-door" policy.
Otsego branch of Red Cross merging with Binghamton
The local branch of the American Red Cross is merging with its sister chapter in Binghamton, officials said Monday. The Otsego County chapter of the worldwide disaster-relief organization will become part of the Southern Tier chapter on April 1.
Literacy program provides confidential help for adults
ONEONTA — It's never too late to learn how to read. With the help of the organization Literacy Volunteers of Otsego & Delaware Counties, it's also confidential and free.
Foot-and-mouth could threaten elk
A proposal to re-introduce elk to the Catskills has been side-tracked by concerns about mad cow and foot-and-mouth disease, according to Arthur Johnson, wildlife manager of state Department of Environmental Conservation Region 4.
Panel to consider means to prevent animal disease
Protecting Americans from mad cow disease and perhaps foot-and-mouth disease will be discussed when a task force convenes at the Legislative Office Building in Albany at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, according to Assemblyman Bill Magee.
Planners to review Dreams Park projects
HARTWICK - Jan Scrafford, who lives on state Route 28 near the Cooperstown Dreams Park, wants to draw a crowd to tonight's special meeting of the Hartwick Planning Board.
Arsenic no worry, official reports
Local officials said they don't expect local drinking water supplies to be affected by the recent decision to delay regulations issued in the waning days of the Clinton administration.
Man pleads guilty to forgery, must pay restitution
DELHI — A Trout Creek man was sentenced on forgery charges in Delaware County Court on Monday. Jason Lambrecht, 22, of Trout Creek, pleaded guilty Feb. 13 to two felony counts of forgery in a plea bargain.
Oneonta vehicle policy under review
ONEONTA — Modifications are under way of a recently approved policy restricting Oneonta city employees' use of city-owned vehicles.
Pastor was champion to children, friend says
WALTON - The Rev. Eugene F. Willis was known as a champion of all children, and he dedicated almost half his life to helping children with special needs, those who knew the late pastor said Monday.
Monday, March 26, 2001
Schools still try to settle gender issues
A new report concludes that gender equity in schools should not occur at the expense of one sex over the other, but rather through educational approaches that work for both boys and girls. "Today, what hampers an equitable education in our schools is not equal access to classes and programs, but a set of traditional cultural stereotypes that puts limits on what girls and boys can be," said Jacqueline Woods, executive director of the American Association of University Women.
Unadilla to honor 'good neighbors'
UNADILLA — Both of the recipients of this year's Unadilla Chamber of Commerce awards have been part of the community for a long time. Ken Truhn, the Good Neighbor Award winner, came to Unadilla with his wife, Dorothy, in 1947. And the Great American supermarket, honored as the Business of Year, was built in the 1960s.
Local Dems hear gubernatorial hopefuls
The appearance in Corning of the two Democratic contenders for their party's gubernatorial nomination shows the continuation of a recent trend among state politicians to court support from rural areas, said Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller.
Colchester volunteers to start planning projects Tuesday
DOWNSVILLE — Colchester residents came up with a list of 17 projects to improve the future of their town, and four teams have volunteered to tackle a few of them, but the teams need help.
Town councilwoman elected to state post
Oneonta Town Councilwoman A. Marie Lusins has been elected second vice president of the Association of Towns of the State of New York.
Garrattsville teen wins pageant
A high honor roll student and varsity athlete was crowned Miss Otsego County Teen-ager at a pageant held at Hartwick College on Saturday.
Saturday, March 24, 2001
Local artist carves Stations of the Cross
FRANKLIN — When local folk artist Kenneth Stalter received a commission from Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Franklin to carve the 15 Stations of the Cross, he admitted, he was nervous. "I had never done anything like that before," he said.
Area critics in Roberts' camp
It's that time of year again in Tinseltown, as the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences prepares to grant trophies to its perception of the trade's best of the best. Four local Oscar experts agreed that Julia Roberts is the actress most likely to take home the statuette for her performance in "Erin Brockovich."
Afton school hit by threat
Several parents picked up their children from Afton Central School on Friday after a custodian discovered a bomb threat written on a wall, Afton Superintendent Vernice Church said.
Banned Worcester author dies
Long after Helen Smith Bevington left Worcester, she was still causing trouble. The 94-year-old author and poet, who died last week, wrote a 1965 memoir, "Charley Smith's Girl," that included details about love affairs in the rural Otsego County town where she grew up.
Right town, wrong state
A Home Depot store is indeed coming to Pittsfield ... Massachusetts, that is. Local television viewers were apparently fed some misinformation Wednesday when WKTV News Channel 2 reported that a Home Depot was all set to move to Pittsfield, in Otsego County, in 2002.
Roseboom case flares up again
ROSEBOOM - Not all the smoke has cleared after the Roseboom burn barrel trial. During that trial, heard in Richfield Town Court in January, Carmine and Lisa DiPippo of state Route 166, Roseboom, were acquitted of a state Department of Environmental Conservation Law that prohibits willfully burning injurious materials or emitting smoke that prevents people from reasonably enjoying their properties.
Beating suspect released on bail
The first man to be charged by city police in the Feb. 10 beating of Oneonta college student Joseph Olivo is out on bail. Twenty-year-old Elvis Rodriguez, charged with first-degree assault in connection with the beating, was released on a $40,000 bail bond March 16, one week after Otsego County Court Judge Michael V. Coccoma ruled that Rodriguez's original $250,000 bail be reduced.
Mayor presents development plans
SIDNEY — About 25 people attended a specially called meeting on Friday at the Sidney Civic center to hear how the village of Sidney plans to develop its Sherwood Heights area.
Ithaca firm to manage project
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives has selected an Ithaca firm to manage construction of a new county nursing home.
Friday, March 23, 2001
Sale to benefit choral society
ONEONTA — Two of Oneonta's most dedicated community volunteers are selling their art and music possessions to benefit the Catskill Choral Society.
Fleischmanns to recount
FLEISCHMANNS — They will be recounting the votes in Fleischmanns, but it's check marks, not chads, that need to be re-examined.
C'town principal involved in labor dispute
COOPERSTOWN - After nearly two years, the labor dispute between the Cooperstown Central School District and its longtime middle school principal, David Pearlman, continues.
P&G to cut 9,600 jobs; effects on Norwich plants not yet known
Procter & Gamble announced Thursday that it will be cutting its work force by 9,600 worldwide. It will not be known for months, however, how the cuts will affect workers at the two Norwich plants, according to company officials.
SUCO to award honorary doctorates
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta has announced that it will award honorary doctoral degrees to former assemblyman Clarence D. "Rapp" Rappleyea and renowned pianist Jerome Rose at commencement ceremonies May 19.
District changes site of safety meeting
ONEONTA — Next week's meeting in which city school officials will discuss a new policy of locking classroom doors while school is in session has been changed to a new location.
Local residents lobby in Albany
As part of a statewide contingent, about 40 local residents visited Albany on Wednesday to lobby legislators on issues of particular concern to older voters.
Catskill Hospice auction to be held on April 1
The second annual Catskill Area Hospice auction will be held on April 1, at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. The auction, which will run from 4 to 8 p.m., will feature a wide variety of items donated from local businesses and individuals.
Seward seeks more funds for Otsego
State Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford, has proposed a plan to improve 911 emergency networks by channeling a share of the state's wireless phone surcharges to counties.
Worcester seniors plan games to raise funds
Members of the Worcester Central School senior class are looking forward to bonding one last time before graduating and scattering to the winds in June.
Thursday, March 22, 2001
Farmers mixed on milk pricing
Dairy farmer Russell Danforth admits he's been one of the beneficiaries of the year-old switch to a new milk-pricing formula. "Considering everything, it's helped a little," said the Jefferson dairy farmer, who milks about 60 Jersey cows. "Not a lot, but a little," he said.
New policy locks city classrooms
ONEONTA — A new rule approved by city school Superintendent James C. Piscitelli requires classroom doors to be locked at all times while school is in session.
Local canine invokes spirit of Huck Finn
COOPERSTOWN - Like his namesake, Lazarus, the year-old dog, had come back from the dead after he was fished out of the river by the Milford Fire Department and Emergency Squad last month. Now, he's come back again.
Loser in mayoral race charges irregularities
FLEISCHMANNS — Final election results in the Fleischmanns village election were not available Wednesday, but a poll-watcher provided uncertified numbers and indicated that the election results may be challenged.
Board OKs ballot items
ONEONTA — The Oneonta city school board approved four items that will appear on the ballot in May when voters decide the school budget.
Delhi district faces budget crisis
DELHI — More than 150 residents of the Delhi school district spent Monday night discussing the financial crisis the district is facing, according to Superintendent Maria Rice.
City seeks grant for downtown projects
ONEONTA — City of Oneonta officials are looking for state funding to jump-start the city's newest downtown revitalization projects.
IDA elects chairman
BAINBRIDGE — Bainbridge Town Supervisor Hugh Kearney was elected chairman of the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency at the organization's Feb. 28 meeting.
Police investigate dorm, tavern thefts
ONEONTA — Oneonta city police are investigating the report of a burglary at a dorm on the Hartwick College campus late last week.
Stabbing court date postponed
ONEONTA — This week's court date for a State University College freshman charged with stabbing a fellow student has been rescheduled for April, city court officials said.
Wednesday, March 21, 2001
Stamford mayor loses bid
Stamford's incumbent mayor, who ran as an independent candidate after not being endorsed by either major party, was ousted Tuesday by voters. Waylen O. Bray won the seat by a vote of 171 to incumbent Mayor John Finocan's vote count of 117.
Area residents: Relief may help
After the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by half a percentage point Tuesday, local professionals and residents said the cut may stimulate consumer confidence and sales in the area. The action left the federal funds rate at 5 percent, and further cuts are expected at the next Federal Open Market Committee meeting on May 15, analysts said.
Prof given rights award
A professor at the State University College at Oneonta has won an award for his work raising awareness about human rights issues. Dennis Banks, a professor of curriculum and instruction at SUCO, will receive the 2001 Intellectual/Academic Freedom Award from the New York State Council for the Social Studies.
Man sentenced to 5 years in jail
COOPERSTOWN - Michael Harageones, 17, of Unadilla was sentenced in Otsego County Court on Tuesday to five years in prison for second-degree assault, a crime that occurred on or about July 23 in the town of Maryland when he was driving recklessly and hit and injured a motorcyclist.
Bainbridge gets loan for project
BAINBRIDGE — The village of Bainbridge is among municipalities that will benefit from $84.5 million in loans announced Tuesday by Gov. George E. Pataki.
Cooperstown Oks blinking-buoy plan
COOPERSTOWN - The Cooperstown Village Board of Trustees has issued a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act for a plan to install blinking, lighted buoys around Otsego Lake to outline the lake's new 200-foot no-wake zone.
Theatre best site for arts center
There continues to be a stream of misinformation regarding the viability and safety of the Oneonta Theatre as a new performing arts center (K. Yager letter to the editor on Feb. 21).
Hospital may impose contract on workers
SIDNEY — The Hospital's board of trustees will receive a recommendation to impose a one-year contract on its CSEA members. The decision followed a public meeting of The Hospital's Human Resource Committee on Tuesday, according to The Hospital Chief Executive Officer Russell Test.
DOT planning to make safer intersections
ONEONTA — Ray Canner said he has seen more accidents at the intersection of state Route 23 and the West Davenport road in Pindars Corners than he can remember.
Tuesday, March 20, 2001
Snow joke, spring is here
If there's one thing the official arrival of spring will bring, it is ... more snow. Don't be fooled by the official beginning to the season at 8:31 a.m. today.
Student charged in fight no longer enrolled, SUCO says
ONEONTA — A State University College at Oneonta freshman charged Sunday in the stabbing of a fellow student is no longer enrolled at school, officials at SUCO said Monday.
Grant denial may cost homeowners
UNADILLA — The proposed Riverside sewer district in Unadilla may cost homeowners more than originally expected. This change came with notification that the project will not receive funding from a state bond act.
Child abuser sentenced to 7 years in jail
DELHI — A Hancock man was sentenced to seven years in jail on Monday in Delaware County Court, for having deviate sexual intercourse in Hancock with a child who is now 10 years old.
Oneonta Fire Department seeks grant for upgrade
A federal grant could help pay for what city of Oneonta Fire Department officials are calling a much-needed upgrade of the department's radio-communications system.
Man gets jail for Christmastime harassment
DELHI — A Margaretville man who broke into a house and made harassing phone calls on Christmas Day was sentenced in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Travels with Uncle Chet: Changes and the changing in our lives
COLUMBUS - Uncle Chet's and Priscilla's estrangement has lasted so long, no one cares who wins or loses, they just want it over. It's become a phase of life like adolescence: the 50s, those years between marriage and divorce.
Monday, March 19, 2001
Senior stress
With seven college applications in the mail and only one acceptance letter so far, Nicole Thomas said she is starting to feel a little stressed out. The University of Delaware, her last choice, has accepted her.
Chenango dealership case in court
NORWICH — Both of the lawyers involved in the January trial against Chenango County Chrysler agreed that there were problems with the jury's verdict in the case.
City police report 'mellow' St. Patrick's Day
ONEONTA — Although the bars were filled with patrons on St. Patrick's Day, police said the downtown scene remained mellow. Sgt. Gerald French of the Oneonta Police Department was the shift sergeant on duty from noon to midnight on Saturday.
Three area OM teams advance to world contest
Three area teams will be returning to the Odyssey of the Mind world competitions this year. Two Greenlawn Elementary School teams from the Bainbridge-Guilford Central School district and one from Sidney High School earned the chance to compete at the next level because of their performances at Saturday's state OM competition, which was held at Binghamton University.
Public hearing on hospital contract set
SIDNEY — Both sides in the negotiations for a new Civil Service Employee Association contract at The Hospital in Sidney expect a contract to be imposed following a public hearing scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday.
SUCO student charged after campus stabbing
ONEONTA — A 19-year-old student at the State University College at Oneonta was arrested Sunday on charges in connection with the stabbing of another male SUCO student, university police said.
Saturday, March 17, 2001
Census shows rural trend
ONEONTA - People in this area continue to move from villages and cities to the countryside, according to preliminary census figures released this week. While the population of Otsego County grew from 60,517 to 61,676, or up 1.9 percent in the 1990s, the population of the city of Oneonta dropped from 13,954 to 13,292, or 4.7 percent, the Census Bureau reported.
Tourism credited for Delaware hike
Delaware County's population grew slightly and shifted substantially since the U.S. Census Bureau took its last head count in 1990, according to figures released this week. Harpersfield Supervisor James Eisel, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, said he was pleased to learn that the county population increased by 1.8 percent to 48,055, an increase of 830 people over the 1990 figure of 47,225 — and was thrilled to learn that his town saw a 10.6 percent increase. "It's good news for the county," Eisel said. "It's a nice increase."
Man pins down secret to boosting scholarship
Ray Champlin of Harpersfield doesn't want to call attention to himself. But Champlin, a member of the Stamford Rotary Club's executive committee and a former Rotary president, said he does enjoy the club's annual scholarship bowlathon, which he started in 1996. "I do get a kick out of it," said Champlin, who carries a 198 bowling average. He said local businesses feign resistance — "No, you bowl too good" — before agreeing to sponsor him for the event. This year, he collected enough sponsorships from local businesses to make each pin worth more than $3.
Reporter's Notebook: TV ad touts local care
Area TV viewers watching WBNG of Johnson City or WKTV of Utica may have gotten a small surprise recently. In one instance, a few minutes before The Late Show on CBS-affiliate WBNG, a Bassett Healthcare ad popped up. Michael Stein, vice president of external affairs at Bassett, said it's the first time in more than three years that the hospital has purchased television ads. The last time, he said, the ads focused on cancer treatment.
Planners seek ban on cell towers
NEW BERLIN - The town of New Berlin Planning Board resolved Thursday evening to ask the New Berlin Town Board to institute a moratorium on building new cellular telephone towers in the town. The planning board voted for the moratorium while reviewing a controversial application to erect a 180-foot tower in Amblerbville. The moratorium, if adopted by the town board, would not apply to this proposed tower, but to future applications.
OFO may get grants
Opportunities For Otsego may receive grants from two charitable foundations to aid its plans to build a homeless shelter, officials of the Oneonta-based nonprofit said Friday. This week, the Sandy River Charitable Foundation and the Patrick Committee of the First United Methodist Church indicated support for the proposed Depew Street shelter, OFO said.
Tech schools to expand majors
All five State University Colleges of Technology are adding more four-year programs, which will allow students to receive bachelor degrees in several fields. In February, the SUNY Board of Trustees approved changes in campus masterplans that included adding four-year programs in technology-related disciplines at the State University Colleges of Technology at Alfred, Canton, Cobleskill, Delhi and Morrisville.
Friday, March 16, 2001
City prepares for St. Patty's celebrations
ONEONTA — It could be the only national holiday that is recognized outside its native land. So it shouldn't be much of a stretch to say that St. Patrick's Day is pretty popular with a lot of people in a lot of places, especially in America, where green beer and good cheer flows all day on March 17. On St. Patty's Day, clusters of mostly college students have traditionally been seen stumbling up and down Oneonta's Main and Water streets on their way to local watering holes, some of which open their doors to revelers as early as 8 a.m.
State, area populations increase
ALBANY — The populations of Otsego and Delaware counties rose slightly over the past decade, both experiencing growth of just under 2 percent, according to U.S. Census figures released Thursday. But in neighboring Schoharie and Chenango counties, the population dropped between 1990 and 2000, as Census data in those counties reflected decreases of 0.9 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively.
NYSEG seeks rate freeze
NYSEG has filed a plan with the New York State Public Service Commission to freeze electricity prices through the middle of 2008.
Dancers take steps to honor Irish heritage
ONEONTA — Just back from a trip to the Old Sod, an Irish step-dancing group is ready to celebrate the spirit of Ireland with the Oneonta community.
Delaware appoints disease observers
DELHI — Delaware County has a new rabies and West Nile virus coordinator who is already dealing with one possible rabies case and two dead birds that are being tested for the virus.
Sixth Ward group targets homeless shelter
A group of Sixth Ward residents concerned about a proposed homeless shelter has sent an 11th-hour memo to city officials challenging the project.
MOSA to pay counties' subsidies
COOPERSTOWN - The MOSA board of directors voted unanimously Thursday morning to return subsidies paid for excess solid waste last year to member counties.
Police probe thefts
ONEONTA — Oneonta police are continuing their investigation into last week's break-in at Edward Teleky Jewelers on Dietz Street.
Rising taxes hurt cities
Declining populations and rising property taxes are hurting many upstate New York cities according to a report issued by the New York State Conference of Mayors on Wednesday.
Thursday, March 15, 2001
Maples slow to give sap
In the old days, Frank Brodie used to skip school to help make maple syrup. This year, if the 58-year-old Roseboom resident was still in school, he might now be in class.
Area schools: New cards nothing new
Local educators had a lukewarm reaction to a new system of presenting school report card data that was unveiled Wednesday. School officials said the new system will help them determine what they need to do to raise student achievement, but it hasn't really told them anything they didn't already know.
Laurens to play host to colorguard show
LAURENS — It takes a special student to join the colorguard. While some teen-agers are out on Saturday night dates, members of the colorguard are performing in front of hundreds of spectators.
Unatego land purchase for athletics voted down
WELLS BRIDGE — Unatego Superintendent Rex Hurlburt called Tuesday's overwhelming defeat of a proposition to buy land for athletic fields "a pretty clear message" from the voters.
Couple escapehome blaze
ONEONTA — A fire heavily damaged the home of a city of Oneonta couple Wednesday. James and Elaine Clavin, of 6 Roosevelt Ave., had been inside the house when the fire broke out, but they escaped unscathed, according to Oneonta fire officials, who arrived on the scene at about 2:40 p.m.
Teens plead in bat case
UNADILLA — Five teen-agers charged with burglary, a felony, have pleaded to a misdemeanor charge, were sentenced to jail time and are eligible for youthful offender status, Unadilla Town Court and Otsego County officials said Wednesday.
Delhi students to mourn for classmate
DELHI — A group of 25 students from the State University College of Technology at Delhi are traveling to Peekskill today to attend the funeral of a fellow student who was killed in an automobile accident on Sunday, according Joel Smith, college spokesman.
Oneonta businesswoman noted for success
A local woman has received an Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from Working Woman Network, a national organization that promotes and recognizes the achievements of women in business.
No arrest in OHS incident
ONEONTA — Charges have not been filed in the case of an Oneonta High School senior who allegedly hit a fellow student with a baseball bat.
Mayor: City responding to attack
ONEONTA — Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller said the city government is taking action to decrease violent outbreaks among students downtown. Measures will include hiring additional police officers, holding a meeting with tavern owners and sending a letter to parents of students in unrecognized fraternities, she said.
SUCO to hold unity events
ONEONTA — Students and administrators at the State University College at Oneonta said they are planning more events to help promote violence awareness and prevention in the campus community.
Davenport tax break stirs anger
To the consternation of some Delaware County residents, a Davenport business has received a $55,000 tax break over 10 years. The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency granted the break to Tom Howard, who recently built a retail and office building on state Route 23.
Teacher honored in Washington, D.C.
SIDNEY — An award from the president can open a lot of doors. Sidney High School science teacher Richard Townsend found that it can also get you invited to some interesting places as well.
Delaware Oks funds for plan against tobacco
One thousand pompons, carrying the message, "Delaware County — Smoke Free, Do Your Part," will be handed out at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Men's Basketball Championship on Thursday as part of the Delaware County Anti-Tobacco campaign.
Meeting on Sherwood Heights set
SIDNEY — The public will soon have an opportunity to learn about the redevelopment plans for the Sherwood Heights section of Sidney.
New Berlin Board to consider tower
NEW BERLIN — The New Berlin Planning Board is scheduled to discuss a proposal by a Pennsylvania company to site a cellular tower in the town during its regular meeting in the town hall at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Stamford mayor runs as independent
STAMFORD — The two men running for mayor in the village of Stamford have served on the village board together in the past, vied for the position of mayor before and have similar concerns and goals.
Supervisors OK payment in lawsuit
NORWICH — An insurance claim against Chenango County was the subject of discussion at a Chenango County Board meeting Monday.
Town justice post open
The Davenport Town Board has opted not to fill a justice position, Supervisor Todd Rider said Monday. During a meeting Saturday, the board accepted the resignation of 13-year Justice Barbara Elmore but declined to fill her post, leaving Herman Riese as the lone justice until an election is held in November, Rider said.
Two hurt, one charged in crash
RICHFIELD SPRINGS — A snowmobile accident Friday night led to injury to two riders, state police at Richfield Springs said, and the arrest of the operator for driving while intoxicated.
Teen faces arson charge
COBLESKILL — A village of Cobleskill teen-ager is in jail for allegedly setting a fire that destroyed his former residence Tuesday afternoon, Cobleskill police and fire officials said.
Tuesday, March 13, 2001
Traditional homes make comeback
COOPERSTOWN - Stick-built homes made a comeback in Otsego County in the late 1990s, according a building report issued recently by the Otsego County Planning Department. In 1997, only about 10 percent of the county's new houses were stick-built or modular, and 90 percent were mobile homes, according to Diane Carlton, the county's planning director.
School plan may increase aid to area
ALBANY — A plan to revamp the state school-funding formula could bring districts throughout Otsego County an average aid increase of 10 percent, a group pushing for education reform said Monday. "Unless we act now, we're going to lose another generation of kids," said Regina Eaton of the Alliance for Quality Education, which backs the landmark January court decision declaring New York state's existing school-aid formula unconstitutional.
Tourism group looks to create new image for Catskills
A new regional marketing effort hopes to boost tourism in the Catskills by creating a more exciting image for the area, said Lynne Hoppe, president of the Catskill Association of Tourism Services and tourism director at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.
Delaware judge denies easing of sentence in DWI case
DELHI — A Sidney man who appeared in Delaware County Court for sentencing on charges of driving while intoxicated tried to get a reprieve from jail because he has prostate cancer.
Blaze ruins trailer
Fire destroyed a trailer with an addition Saturday morning at the intersection of Sheehan and Pumpkin Hollow roads in East Meredith, according to the East Meredith fire chief.
'Grandma' sentenced in cocaine case
DELHI — A 69-year-old Arkville drug dealer was sentenced Monday to three to nine years in state prison, despite her attorney's attempts to get her a lighter sentence.
City, OFO outline rules for shelter residents
ONEONTA — A list of 13 criteria for the operation of a proposed homeless shelter in the Sixth Ward will likely be presented to the Oneonta Common Council for consideration next week.
Sergeant takes action against Oneonta
An attorney for Sgt. Mark Howard said the veteran Oneonta police officer is taking legal action in response to his recent suspension from the force. The sergeant has not been at work since March 1, when he collapsed at the police department after being told by Oneonta Police Chief John J. Donadio that he was suspended.
Police make dug arrests
SIDNEY — An investigation into drug trafficking in the village of Sidney has resulted in arrests of several Sidney residents.
Monday, March 12, 2001
Schools may win fight over projects
A proposal by Gov. George Pataki that threatens to delay about 5,000 school building projects across New York will not make it into the state budget, lawmakers said Friday. Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford, announced Friday that the Senate majority will reject a piece of Pataki's education aid package that would prioritize school construction projects based on need and cap state money that helps pay for them.
Even smaller towns using Web to attract tourists
Andes is not the only town in the area with its own website, but it may be one of the smallest. George Calvert, president of the Andes Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the site, said he hopes the website will help attract visitors to the town of about 1,300.
Charges not filed in OHS case yet
ONEONTA - No charges have been filed against an Oneonta High School senior who allegedly hit a fellow student with a baseball bat during a fight in the boys' locker room Wednesday.
Fleischmanns to decide fate of village court
FLEISCHMANNS — When Fleischmanns residents go to the polls March 20, they will choose one of two candidates for village justice — and also vote on whether to abolish the village court.
Leadership Otsego now accepting applications
Leadership Otsego, a yearlong class designed to teach leadership skills, has started accepting applications for its third class of participants. Started in 1997, the program has graduated 23 county residents in its first two runs.
Chamber survey launches yearlong project
SIDNEY — The design of a yearlong project to increase educational opportunities in the Sidney, Bainbridge and Unadilla area will be clearer after local participants from business and industry return their survey forms this week.
Saturday, March 10, 2001
Rules repeal irks workers
Stephen Zukaitis, an Oneonta-based carpenters' union representative, said he is disappointed in the government. Congress voted this week to overturn a set of workplace safety rules designed to prevent repetitive-motion injuries.
WPE owner fighting hackers
When William Pierce mentions his work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he's a little afraid his customers will get the wrong idea. Pierce, owner of a local Internet service provider, said he doesn't pay any attention to what customers do online. Instead, he said, he's working with the FBI to improve cyber-security by fighting hackers trying to compromise computer servers.
Cooperstown Lions to celebrate 50 years
COOPERSTOWN - On Dec. 8, 1950, 20 residents of the Cooperstown area met to form a Lions Club, according to Alton Dunn Jr. of Cooperstown, who was there. "There were some members of the Oneonta Lions Club who helped us get started. It's hard to say who the prime mover was among us, but a number of people wanted to form a club," he said. A few weeks later, on Jan. 23, 1951, those 20 men and 14 others gathered to sign the club's charter and the Cooperstown Lions Club was born, Dunn said. Over the last 50 years, this club has helped many people in various ways, particularly with a program that provides glasses and other vision services for people in need.
Another storm leaves layer of 5 to 8 inches
A 5- to 8-inch blanket of snow fell across the area Friday, just two days after the season's worst winter storm socked the Northeast with more than a foot of the white stuff. National Weather Service officials in Binghamton said the latest precipitation was the result of a weak storm out of south central Canada that moved through the Great Lakes and re-formed along the East Coast.
Court ready for prisoner 'misconduct'
Amazingly enough, sometimes when things don't turn out as bad as expected, people are disappointed. In general, the Delaware County Court runs like a well-oiled machine. Most of the cases follow a prescribed course of action, beginning with an indictment, followed by an arraignment and usually concluding with a plea bargain and sentencing. An offbeat case breaks up the tedium and keeps things interesting. Alvin Hogencamp was one of those interesting cases.
Unatego proposes to buy land
The Unatego Central School district's plan to buy 82 acres of land has aroused concern about how the district will pay for it. The school will hold a vote Tuesday on the proposal for the $75,000 land buy. Polls will be open at the high school from noon to 9 p.m.
Shelter criteria under review
Criteria for the operation of a proposed homeless shelter in Oneonta's Sixth Ward will be discussed by members of the Common Council on Monday.
Otsego reps choose project manager
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives has chosen a construction manager for the county's $22 million nursing home to be built off state Route 28 just south of Cooperstown. The board has agreed informally that Bovis Lend Lease of Ithaca will manage the project, board Chairman Carl Higgins, R-Edmeston, said Thursday. The decision was made after the full board interviewed candidates Wednesday and will not become official until the board approves the choice by resolution, he said.
Bed tax to fund arts and cultural programs
COOPERSTOWN - A total of $87,635 has been awarded to 29 tourist-related organizations in Otsego County. The grants, given annually, were approved by the Otsego County Board of Representatives during a meeting Wednesday.
Friday, March 9, 2001
Proposal may benefit local libraries
ALBANY - A $95 million proposal pitched Wednesday would update, renovate and invigorate libraries statewide and also provide Internet access to more New Yorkers. State Sen. Hugh Farley and state Education Commissioner Richard Mills said a major effort is needed to continue to make public libraries a critical element in education. Currently, many communities have no library and other libraries are funded at pennies per resident it serves.
Teen hit with bat
ONEONTA — An Oneonta high school student was beaten with a baseball bat during a fight in the boys locker room Wednesday, students and school officials said. Jon Connolly, 17, expected to be this season's starting pitcher for the baseball team, was listed in stable condition Thursday afternoon at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital and later released, according to nursing staff.
'Wiley' not just any horse, of course
Wellington G. Fox is not just a winner but a champion. Fox, nicknamed "Wiley," has been declared the 2000 national hunter-jumper champion by the American Morgan Horse Association in an open competition.
Panel suggests burn-barrel education
COOPERSTOWN - Members of the Otsego County Burn Barrel Committee want the county board to survey attitudes about backyard burning, then teach county residents about the hazards of the practice and finally to pass a law banning the burning of solid waste.
Oneonta ministry offer 'open walks' at labyrinth
ONEONTA — A 30-by-30-foot white and aquamarine canvas labyrinth, a replica of the labyrinth on the stone floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France, is on its way to Oneonta, a college ministry official said.
USPS freezes building projects
Six local post offices are included in a U.S. Postal Service freeze nationwide on new facility construction or major repair projects, officials announced Thursday.
Upstate Homes receives grant to renovate
PORTLANDVILLE — A state grant will help Upstate Homes for Children and Adults pay part of the bill on a $4.4 million project to renovate the campus' main school building.
Thursday, March 8, 2001
Drug costs worry some local seniors
ONEONTA — Dorothy Konchar doesn't need to be prompted to talk about the cost of prescription drugs. "You want the bill?" asked the 71-year-old Milford resident, who said she spent about $2,600 on prescription drugs last year.
Otsego sues DEC, Sidney waste firm
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted Wednesday to file a lawsuit against Waste Recovery Enterprises of Sidney and the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
Delaware trout fishing getting national look
DELHI — Delaware County's world-class trout-fishing streams garnered nationwide attention when Field and Stream magazine featured the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce fishing guide in its March issue.
Chilean author to speak at Hartwick College
ONEONTA — Latin American writer Diamela Eltit will visit the Hartwick College campus to present a writing workshop and a lecture Friday.
Couple accused of selling drugs
DELHI — A yearlong investigation by the Delaware County Drug Enforcement Unit led to the arrest of a Delhi couple Tuesday night, deputies said Wednesday.
Soccer institution honors chairman
ONEONTA — The National Soccer Hall of Fame has named a room and established a scholarship in honor of its board chairman, Douglas B. Willies of Oneonta.
Oneonta district needs to find savings
ONEONTA — It's not his first choice, but personnel reductions may be necessary to trim the Oneonta City School District's budget, Superintendent James C. Piscitelli said Wednesday.
Oneonta students to present show
ONEONTA — More than 40 players will take the stage at Oneonta High School at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in performances of "Singin' In the Rain."
Magee aims to promote N.Y. wines
ALBANY — It's so difficult for diners to get New York wines at some restaurants across the state, one vintage lawmaker is proposing a measure that would make it easier to get the wines to them.
Wednesday, March 7, 2001
Snow may cost kids vacation
Families might want to rethink vacation plans scheduled for spring break or Memorial Day weekend because cancellations caused by this week's snowstorm have left some local school districts with no more snow days in their calendar.
Taliban gets local attention
ONEONTA - In an era of violence to men, women and children from the Balkans to Indonesia, an attack on religious artwork in Afghanistan has wrought a cry of anguish heard round the world. In that tortured nation, sacked by the Soviets in the 1980s then fought over by warlords, members of the ruling fundamentalist Islam sect, the Taliban, are trying to rid the land of what they believe are graven images.
Oneonta residents mind the law in snow cleanup
In the midst of a snow emergency, more Oneonta residents are obeying weather-related laws by seeking off-street parking and keeping their sidewalks shoveled, city officials said.
Blinking-buoy rule lighting up Otsego Lake residents
COOPERSTOWN - The idea of having 23 blinking buoys anchored 200 feet off the shore of Otsego Lake is not popular with some lakeside residents, but thus far, state officials insist that the lake's new motorboat no-wake zone must be marked this way.
Bank, hospital honored at ball
ONEONTA — Two local people, a bank and a hospital were honored at the United States Colored Troops Institute's Fourth Annual Emancipation Memorial Ball held at Hartwick College recently.
Petition creates delay in law changes
ONEONTA — At Tuesday's Common Council meeting, Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller said a last-minute petition opposing a proposed homeless shelter would delay her decision to sign three zoning ordinances that would help clear the way for the shelter.
Man's grandson saw shooting
Donald Cronkhite of Morris may have been across the country from Monday's California school shooting, but, he said, it was still too close for comfort.
Trustees to consider games on Sunday
SIDNEY — Should permission for local organizations in Sidney to sponsor fund-raising games of chance be extended to Sunday? That is a question the Sidney Village Board will be considering at a meeting Monday.
Tuesday, March 6, 2001
March Madness
A blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday was downgraded to a storm warning late Monday afternoon. Frank Ward, a local NWS observer, said that the condition downgrade does not mean less precipitation should be expected; it means that wind speeds will not be as high as originally predicted.
Project examines opera's history
COOPERSTOWN - When Peter Macris came to Oneonta 37 years ago to teach German at the State University College, he said, he dreamed of forming an opera company. Just before arriving, he'd spent quite a while in Europe, where the operatic tradition is deeply ingrained, and not just in cities.
Oneonta zoning law on agenda
ONEONTA — A proposed Depew Street homeless shelter may be another step closer to approval during a city Common Council meeting tonight.
Opera company proposes expansion for housing unit
SPRINGFIELD CENTER - The Glimmerglass Opera plans a $500,000 expansion of Malton Place, the former Deer Run motel, on state Route 80 in the town of Springfield, according to opera board Chairman Bob Schlather, a lawyer in Cooperstown.
City school looks for ways to cut
ONEONTA — City school officials are exploring the financial and educational benefits of bringing special education students who receive services at other schools through BOCES back to Oneonta.
Travels with Uncle Chet
COOPERSTOWN - We were taking a sanity break, a late-winter hike on the land last Saturday when I asked Uncle Chet about his new burden, Cousin Bruce. He answered laconically that Bruce had no trouble finding the fridge or the nearest watering hole.
Monday, March 5, 2001
Hillary presents upstate plan in Oneonta
ONEONTA — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Oneonta Saturday, accompanied by Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, to promote her plan to spur job growth in upstate New York.
Two days of heavy snow expected
Shoppers snatched milk, bread and water off grocery store shelves Sunday as a roaring blizzard began dumping what could become nearly 2 feet of snow in the Oneonta area. Weather forecasts called for the storm to continue today and into Tuesday, with up to 30 inches of accumulation possible in some places.
Man gets grant for hay innovation
WALTON — Hay doesn't just come in bales anymore, and if one local hay dealer has his way, it won't be just generic hay anymore, either.
Clinton visit was well received
The crowd of about 100 people that greeted Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton was overwhelmingly supportive.
Stormwater drainage to improve
The Catskill Watershed Corp. has awarded 11 grants totaling more than $1.4 million to municipalities and a business to correct stormwater drainage problems associated with water pollution.
Meeting on CWC grant process set
MARGARETVILLE — An informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, for prospective applicants for Catskill Watershed Corp. economic development grants.
Pen-pal program links sick children
ARKVILLE — An Arkville mother and a Scottish artist have joined forces to launch "Pen Pals Across the Water," a program designed to forge links between chronically ill children.
Smaller size paper today
Your Daily Star is a little trimmer today, but our diet of local, national and international news hasn't been reduced at all.
Saturday, March 3, 2001
Farmer turns to elk for alternative
ROSEBOOM - After years as a dairy farmer, Everett Yerdon of Ziefle Road in Roseboom has turned to raising animals that were here before Holsteins, Jerseys and Guerseys — North American elk. "We sold our cows in 1995," he said. "We weren't making any money, though we still had hopes for better days, but the biggest problem was finding help."
Hillary may face protests
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's announcement that she will be in Oneonta on Saturday has gotten a lot of attention, and if some people get their way, she may not receive the warmest of welcomes.
Officer speaks about incident
ONEONTA — Sgt. Mark Howard said Friday he was suspended by Oneonta City Police Chief John Donadio immediately before Howard suffered a stress-related attack Thursday in the chief's office.
The Daily Star to change size
On Monday, The Daily Star will begin publishing its editions in a narrower format as it reduces its press web width from 271/2 to 25 inches, said Daniel Swift, publisher. It is the first significant reduction in page size in more than a decade, Swift said, but the number and length of news stories and other content will not be affected.
Reporter's Notebook: School bells ringing of love
A group of seniors at Oneonta High School gathered in the school's publication room on Feb. 7 to speak candidly about teen-age love. "All we know about high-school relationships, we learned from Saved by the Bell," said John Grigoli, 18, referring to the 1989-94 teen sitcom on NBC. The other students in the "pub" — Jeremy Beck, 18, Tim Miller, 17, Kristin LaBuz, 17, Jimmy Puritz, 18, Erik Neander, 18, and Andrew Couden, 18 — enthusiastically agreed.
Bible use offends, parent says
A Franklin Central School teacher who had her fourth-grade students look up Bible verses as part of an English lesson has infuriated parents and provoked accusations that administrators downplayed the incident.
Police probe thefts
State police at Oneonta are investigating three Wednesday morning burglaries on state Route 23 in the town of Oneonta and in Davenport Center.
Towers a threat to birds, Audubon official says
SPRINGFIELD CENTER - Communications towers are killing millions of songbirds in the United States, according to John Davis, president of the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society. When the towers are taller than 199 feet, they must by law be lit, and the lights, typically red, attract migrating birds, Davis told the Springfield Planning Board on Thursday night. The birds become confused, run into the lattice work or guy wires and die, Davis told the planners, who are considering four applications to build cellular towers in the town.
Friday, March 2, 2001
Hillary to visit Oneonta
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will be making a stop in Oneonta on Saturday with Rep. Sherwood Boehlert.
It will be Clinton's first visit to this area since she announced her candidacy in Pindars Corners.
Officer suffers 'anxiety attack'
ONEONTA — An Oneonta police sergeant, apparently upset about being reassigned, suffered what police Chief John Donadio described as an "anxiety attack" Thursday afternoon in the chief's office.
Sgt. Mark Howard, who has been with the force more than 20 years, was taken by paramedics to A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, where he was treated and released, Donadio said.
Musical 'World Tree' set to come to SUCO
In April, a 22-foot tree will be taking center stage at the Alumni Field House at SUCO.
"The World Tree," which is composed of bells, chimes and gongs, will be the centerpiece of a performance by multi-Grammy-award-winning musician and composer Paul Winter on April 21 at the State University College at Oneonta.
Norwich jury acquits murder suspect
NORWICH — Mary and Charles Neadom held hands and prayed as the jury entered the Chenango County courtroom late Thursday night to deliver the verdict in the murder trial against their son.
Delaware supervisors approve jail plans
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has decided that the county's multi-million dollar jail will have a garage and might eventually have a second floor, but a $915,000 pistol range is out of the question.
Officials balk at the idea of no-wake buoys that blink
The new 200-foot no-wake zone in Otsego Lake has to be marked for boaters, and local officials are trying to avoid the blinking lights the state wants to see on the lake.
Thursday, March 1, 2001
Amish farmers drawn to Otsego
SPRINGFIELD - A combination of high-quality soil and affordable land is drawing Amish farmers to Northern Otsego and southern Herkimer counties. The Byler family has purchased the former Walrath farm on VanAlstine Road in Springfield, and three Amish families are about to divide and occupy the former Collins farm near the junction of Mount Tom and McShane roads, also in Springfield.
Local reaction mixed in Milford case
Opinions were divided following arguments before the Supreme Court Wednesday in the case of a local Christian youth group that has sued Milford Central School.
The Good News Club offers religious instruction to children ages 6 to 12. It claims a First Amendment right to meet at the school.
Oil painters to have studio
COOPERSTOWN - A school for active and aspiring oil painters has opened in Cooperstown, with classes conducted in a studio in the Key Bank Building on Main Street.
Town of Hartwick aquifer to be studied
HARTWICK - Experts from New York Rural Water Association have agreed to study the Route 28 aquifer in the town of Hartwick over the next six months to one year, according to Steven Winkley, a ground water technician with the organization.
Jury in Norwich murder case sequestered
NORWICH — Was he a class clown who was set up to take the fall for a murder by a rival drug dealer, or did he arrange for the robbery that resulted in the murder of Edward Pastore Jr. on July 17?
School draft budget revised
ONEONTA — The Oneonta City School District released a new 2001-02 draft budget on Wednesday that shows taxes and spending down from previous figures and closer to what officials would like to present to the public.
Developer may face site-plan review
SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield town Planning Board has sent letters to the developer who wants to build a youth baseball camp on county Route 31 in the town.
