Students find wheels of government can turn with excitement
DELHI — Five students from two Delaware County schools spent their senior years in the New Visions Law and Government class, attending classes in the Delaware County Courthouse and experiencing government in action while earning academic credits. "This was the most exciting experience of high school for me," said Dustin Purdy, 17, of Delhi.
For cell towers, the sky's no limit
COOPERSTOWN - Like dandelions, cellular towers can rise almost overnight. In the Otsego County town of Worcester, two years ago there were none. Now there are two, dominating the landscape. In the town of Springfield, Otsego County, the town's planning board is considering applications to build four towers.
WalkAmerica event exceeds $61,000 goal
ONEONTA — More than 600 people turned out Sunday at Neahwa Park in Oneonta to help shatter expectations for March of Dimes' WalkAmerica 2001, according to event organizers.
Hundreds gather for SUCO 'Unity Day'
ONEONTA — More than 300 students gathered for food, games, and the music of a dozen bands during the first campuswide "Unity Day" at the State University College at Oneonta on Sunday.
Chiropractor sentenced for tax evasion
ALBANY (AP) - A Schoharie County chiropractor who failed to pay nearly $105,000 in federal taxes over a three-year period was sentenced Friday to 13 months in prison.
Saturday, April 28, 2001
Day care gains support
A study that raised eyebrows last week by linking aggressive behavior in children with day care isn't telling the whole story, local child-care providers said this week. If a child is experiencing behavior problems, "there's no way in the world it's just because of the day-care center," said Laura Edwards, owner of Kids' Kollege Nursery School & Day Care in Sidney.
YMCA plans to have a ball helping fund scholarships
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Family YMCA is planning a night of fun to benefit its scholarship fund on May 11. The scholarships are for children to attend camp, where activities include swimming, boating sports and arts and crafts projects. The Oneonta Family YMCA Members and Friends Spring Social will be at the Morris Conference Center on the State University College at Oneonta campus from 6 to 11 p.m.
Volunteers to clean up Delaware County
More than 250 volunteers will fan out across Delaware County on Saturday tackling all kinds of projects during a spring cleanup event. Community Service Day, sponsored by the State University College of Technology at Delhi O'Connor Community Service Center, is orchestrated by Barbara Hein, center director. Most of the volunteers are students, faculty and staff from the college. Other volunteers planning to participate include AmeriCorps, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H members and community residents.
Students to perform Sunday
A recital will take place Sunday evening in the William Cole Recital Hall at the State University College at Oneonta. Cellist Minako Yoshiwa and pianist Mai Kimura, SUCO students, will perform Beethoven's Cello Sonata No. 3, Opus 69, and Kimura will perform Schumann's Symphonic Etudes. "It's the kind of work you would expect to hear in Carnegie Hall," said Janet Nepkie, cellist and professor of music at SUCO.
Reporter's Notebook: A few notes on music, musicians
Jam-rock band moe. will take the stage at the State University College at Oneonta Saturday ... that is, unless alumnus Al Schnier, singer and guitarist, gets arrested by campus police. By the time he graduated in 1990, Schnier, a philosophy major, had $250 in campus parking fines, he said.
Murderer's appeal to be heard
ALBANY — The state's top court will hear arguments Wednesday on whether it was legal for a killer to bargain with his own life. Lawyers for Schoharie County killer Daniel Edwards will argue at the Court of Appeals on Wednesday that he was illegally coerced into taking a plea bargain leading to life in prison without parole. He was facing a death penalty trial at the time. It's a case that could throw a wrench into the state's death penalty law and other earlier plea deals.
Town to save money
Town of Oneonta taxpayers will save money on state-mandated yearly water tests at the town's closed landfill, town officials said. At the town's request, the state Department of Environmental Conservation recently agreed to reduce its monitoring of water near the landfill site, located off Morningside Drive.
Pupils' quizzes to benefit others
A fifth-grader at South Kortright Central School answered 223 out of 225 math questions correctly, earning a prize and helping sick children simultaneously. Geoffrey Garrett raised $262.84 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the 22nd Annual Math-A-Thon, according to Bruce Haight, a social studies teacher at South Kortright. Geoffrey won a RCA personal CD player and several other prizes.
Boehlert to seek advice of farmers on farm bill
To prepare for upcoming discussions on federal farm legislation, U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, will meet Monday with several farmers and experts on land use in Oneida and Madison counties.
Jam rockers moe. to play
Indie jam-rockers moe. will bring their eclectic Buffalo-born sound to the State University College at Oneonta on Saturday. "We have something unique and interesting going on that sets us apart from the other jam bands," said Al Schnier, 33, singer and guitarist, and a SUCO graduate.
Alumni brighten SUCO music fest
ONEONTA — Jazz, classical music of India and a reception will be featured presentations at the spring Music Festival in Oneonta starting Sunday. The State University College at Oneonta and the Catskill Conservatory have announced plans for a free Spring Music Festival at the College from Sunday through Tuesday.
Friday, April 27, 2001
NYC students travel upstate for 'organic' experience
MILFORD - Students from New York City have been visiting Otsego County's food producers this week in a program sponsored locally by the Otsego Area Occupational Center. On Wednesday, they visited Cliff and Patty Brunner's dairy farm in Hartwick, and on Thursday they were at the Cooperstown Cheese Co. in Milford, learning about the benefits of organic milk products.
Teen home set to open by this fall
A new home for teen-agers with mental health problems is scheduled to open in the city of Oneonta this fall. A house at 11 Elmwood Ave. has been chosen as the site for the eight-bedroom facility that will provide round-the-clock care for emotionally disturbed boys and girls from Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie counties.
State group honors Hospice volunteer
Seven years ago, Donald Blake of Summit began working as a Hospice volunteer. Now, 1,500 volunteer hours later, he has been named the New York State Hospice Volunteer of the Year.
SUCO professor earns award
ONEONTA — A history professor who joined the State University College at Oneonta 1998 has received his second SUCO award.
Norwich city designated 'StormReady'
NORWICH — If a storm warning is issued for the city of Norwich, weather officials said they know the community is ready to meet the challenges.
Thursday, April 26, 2001
Break won't dampen events
COBLESKILL — A broken water line may have caused the evacuation of students from the Cobleskill Tech on Tuesday, but plans for alumni weekend are still on. Repairs are complete on the broken line and plans are continuing on most of the upcoming alumni weekend activities although classes have been canceled through Friday, said Holly L. Cargill-Cramer, director of public relations at the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill.
Superintendent gets no-confidence vote
MARGARETVILLE — Teachers at Margaretville Central School on Monday night urged the board of education to remove the superintendent. Margaretville Teachers Association President Daniel Cohen told the school board that 46 of the 50 teachers in the district voted in favor of a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Marcia Lamkin.
Local girl takes first place at state Holstein show
Showing cows is a lot of work. You have to wash them and clip them and brush their hair and grow them big and healthy. All that hard work paid off recently for 16-year-old MacKenzie Waro, who won first-place in her age division at the New York State Holstein Association's Junior Showmanship Competition in Syracuse last week.
Students create warm welcome
ONEONTA — Students at Riverside Elementary School were sorting personal hygiene items Wednesday to go into "welcome bags" for homeless families. The packages will be presented to officials of Opportunities For Otsego during an "School Pride" assembly at 10 a.m. Friday, May 4, officials said. OFO will give the bags to families.
Cut would hurt students, local organizers say
Reading is Fundamental, a 35-year old program providing free paperback books to children, may lose funding under President George W. Bush's 2002 proposed education budget. "The fact that it is not included in the president's budget is a shock, considering his wife is a librarian," said Helen Rees, librarian at Greater Plains Elementary School in Oneonta.
Sidney Police Department gets $22,500 state grant
SIDNEY — The Sidney Police Department will receive equipment through a state grant to help officers on patrol. The $22,500 grant from state Division of Criminal Justice Services will help pay for two mobile data terminals and the necessary software.
5 raise hands to run for 3 school board seats
ONEONTA — Three school board seats are up for election in Oneonta this year and five people have filed petitions to run. A retired teacher, a college instructor, a doctor and a consultant turned in the 100 signatures needed to appear on the ballot, school officials said.
Cast of writers to be in Delhi
DELHI — A ghost writer who floats between a cabin in Fleischmanns and an apartment in New York City is one of the featured speakers at the Delaware Academy and Delhi Central School 25th annual Book and Media Fair on Friday.
Vigil held to promote peace
ONEONTA — About 500 community members and college students gathered at the city of Oneonta parking garage Tuesday night to promote peace and discourage violence. The "Keep the Peace ... for Civility in Oneonta" vigil, which was sponsored by the State University College at Oneonta in cooperation with local educational and religious organizations, drew community residents and students from SUCO and Hartwick College.
Music policy perplexing for local stores
No official guidelines exist regarding sales of explicit albums to children, leaving it up to local retailers to decide whether to sell such music to young people. "They don't give us a policy — that's the problem," said Nick Boccio, owner of Village Music on Main Street in Oneonta.
Local girl waxes on, off, earns belt
Move over Ralph Macchio, there's a new karate kid in town. Nine-year-old Marlana Hinkley of Harpersfield recently earned a black belt in karate, Tang Soo Do style.
Meals to offer food, friends, prize-winning apple cake
Good food, good company and a change of pace are elements that bring crowds of senior citizens flocking to the evening senior meals, JoAnn DeWitt, Delaware Opportunities assistant project director, said.
Doubleday Field may have endowment
COOPERSTOWN - An agreement allowing the Friends of Doubleday to raise funds to maintain Doubleday Field may conclude soon, Stuart Taugher, a member of the Cooperstown Village Board of Trustees, said Tuesday.
Lobbying efforts show need in health field
The combined efforts of a union and a health-case association was unusual if not unprecedented, two local hospital officials said Tuesday. Civil Service Employees Association and the Healthcare Association of New York joined forces Monday to ask the state for support.
AG's office warns of scheme
SIDNEY — A scheme reported in areas including Norwich and Sidney has caused a consumer alert to be issued Tuesday by state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.
Unadilla sewer project bids pending
UNADILLA — Lower than expected bids received for the proposed Riverside sewer district in Unadilla may result in lower costs for residents.
Tuesday, April 24, 2001
Special ed kids meeting standards
The number of special education students meeting higher standards continues to grow, a state Education Department report shows.
C-SPAN takes look at Cooper's work
COOPERSTOWN - C-SPAN, broadcast live from Cooperstown on Monday, focused for two hours on the works of venerable hometown novelist James Fenimore Cooper.
C-SPAN strives for balance, not profits
COOPERSTOWN - What kind of television network broadcasts programs about weighty authors, congressional sessions, debates from a century-and-half ago?
Area families go without, gasp, TV
ONEONTA _ No TV? No problem, says 4-year-old Lucy Krikorian, whose whole family has taken a pledge to keep the television off for the rest of the week.
Mediator wins award for community work
ONEONTA — A mediator with 15 years of experience in bettering community relationships was named recipient of the second annual Peace Builder Award by Mediation Services Inc. in Oneonta.
Monday, April 23, 2001
Spring fair brings community to life
ONEONTA — More than 1,000 community members attended the Oneonta Spring Fair on Saturday, organizers said, where dozens of local organizations had display booths in the Alumni Field House at the State University College at Oneonta. "The fair was such a marvelous outpouring of community organizations of so many different kinds," Paul Scheele, an event committee member, said Sunday. The Spring Fair was held in conjunction with the 2 p.m. Paul Winter performance of "The World Tree" in the Dewar Arena.
Woman likes to clown around
SIDNEY — Barbara Field knows how to deal with a clown. In fact, the Mount Vision resident has helped many people become one — if even for only a little while. For more than a year, Field has brought her experiences with mime and clown techniques to a variety of audiences.
Driver charged with DWI in crash
SMYRNA — Two people died after a two-vehicle head-on crash in the town of Smyrna on Friday night, state police at Sidney said, and the driver of one vehicle was charged with drunken driving.
Skatepark hits skids:
ONEONTA — Extra manpower may be needed to help finish building the partially completed skateboard facility in Neahwa Park, Oneonta Job Corps officials said this week. Job Corps students have been volunteering their services since last spring by building the cement "half-pipe" structure that is part of the planned 22,500-square-foot skatepark.
Author seeks 'one great thing'
A debut novel by a local author recently has been released on paperback through Harper Perennial. Michael Blaine, of Jefferson, last year published "The Desperate Season," which has sold 10,000 copies internationally.
Speakers to focus on Chile
ONEONTA — A Princeton University professor who specializes Latin American politics and a human rights activist from Chile who survived torture will be in Oneonta next week to talk about the impact of Augusto Pinochet.
Farmer spreads word on goats
RICHFIELD -Until last month, June Baker had never been farther away from home than Canada. But on March 17, she left her goat farm on Perkins Road in Richfield and flew to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Her mission: As part of Winrock International's farmer-to-farmer program, she was to help farmers there make their goats more productive.
Census shift causes local voting change
Population shifts in Delaware and Schoharie counties will result in slight changes in the weighted voting system used by each county's Board of Supervisors. In Delaware County, the population grew slightly and shifted east since the U.S. Census Bureau took the last head count in 1990. The county's population increased by 1.8 percent to 48,055, an increase of 830 people over the 1990 figure of 47,225.
Grammy-winner celebrates diversity, natural beauty
ONEONTA — Not many recording artists have enjoyed the career longevity of Paul Winter, a Grammy-award-winning musician, producer and environmentalist who will appear Saturday at the State University College at Oneonta.
Unadilla to have no rise in taxes
UNADILLA — Taxes won't increase in village, officials said, but property owners will pay more in the next fiscal year.
Otsego names solid waste coordinator
COOPERSTOWN - Longtime Otsego County planner Terrance A. Bliss has been selected the county's new solid waste coordinator.
Otsego deputies: Man hit woman with gun
UNADILLA — Two Unadilla brothers were arrested Wednesday after a domestic dispute in which a woman was allegedly hit in the head with a handgun, Otsego County deputies said.
Towns lack funds to fight flood
RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Canadarago Lake has flooded again this spring, but the towns that ring it - Richfield, Otsego and Exeter - don't have the money to cure the problem. "We need to fix the dam and dredge part of the lake, but we don't have the money for either project," said Sally Zahniser, president of the Canadarago Lake Association and a member of the Richfield Town Board.
Local brokers upbeat
The Federal Reserve's half point interest rate cut will stimulate the national and local economy and improve consumer confidence, area stockbrokers said Wednesday. "I would say that it's very positive," said Eric Shields, branch manager and senior vice president of First Union Securities in Oneonta. "This is the best
looking market we've seen in a year."
Anti-smoking grants given to local groups
Organizations in Delaware, Chenango and Otsego counties have been awarded Youth Empowerment Grants as part of Gov. George Pataki's $60.5 million anti-smoking campaign.
Program puts wheels on working aspirations
Otsego 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.
Shelter foes sue city, OFO
ONEONTA — Two Sixth Ward residents have filed a civil suit in state Supreme Court in an attempt to stop the proposed construction of a homeless shelter in their neighborhood.
Sign holders to be permanent in Cooperstown
COOPERSTOWN - After years of discussion, six and maybe seven permanent sign holders are coming to Cooperstown to help direct customers to local businesses.
Project to honor girl, thank community
UNADILLA — Eileen Scott recalls that when her 8-year-old daughter died last summer after a traffic accident, the outpouring of monetary assistance and emotional support from the Unadilla community meant a great deal to her and her husband, Kevin.
Otsego to get tobacco funds, official says
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County is due to receive an installment of $632,000 in tobacco settlement money this week, according to state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.
Films, drumming performance to tell of heritage
ONEONTA — African-Latin American culture, religion and history will be the focus of programs at Hartwick College tonight with films. And on Friday, traditional Haitian drumming and music will be performed.
Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Local man translates lost German 'passion' piece
ONEONTA — After finding a possibly forgotten German musical composition in the Milne Library of the State University College at Oneonta, a local church music director translated the piece into English and taught it to his choir.
Animal bodies found
WALTON — A lamb, wrapped in a child's Twister game sheet, and a sheep, wrapped in burlap and a blue tarp and then bound with barbed wire, were found dumped at two different locations along state roads in Walton.
AARP targets 'predatory' mortgage lenders
ALBANY — If truth in advertising required full disclosure, many recent home equity loan offers might say, "Congratulations! You're a qualified sucker," advocates for homeowners and the aging charged Tuesday.
Residents: Snow prediction no shock
News of predicted snow did not surprise area residents Tuesday, who said they expect the unexpected in terms of regional spring weather.
City, Baseball World near agreement
ONEONTA — Oneonta aldermen Tuesday approved several changes to a five-year contract between the city and Cooperstown Baseball World.
Meeting set on facing disaster
COOPERSTOWN - Bassett Healthcare will present a two-day conference May 4 and 5 on how to cope with mass casualty incidents.
MMH to benefit from state funding
ALBANY — A half-million dollars secured by state Sen. John Bonacic will help Kingston Regional Healthcare System take ownership of the financially strapped Margaretville Memorial Hospital, officials announced Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 17, 2001
Schumer seeks help for local farmers
DELHI — A group of Delaware County farmers sat with U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer in Delhi on Monday to discuss the state of farming locally and nationally. "This is the only way to get out and find out what's on people's minds," Schumer, a Democrat, told the group. "I really care about agriculture, even though I am a Brooklyn resident.
Libraries also on senator's list
Libraries throughout the Four County Library System are desperately in need of updated facilities, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer said. Schumer met Monday with David Karre, executive director of the Four County Library System, and several library directors and librarians to discuss legislation that was introduced on April 2 to establish a $5 billion matching grant program.
Program makes learning personal for area students
MARGARETVILLE — A group of fifth-grade students learned firsthand how government works when they took on the roles of officials to pass laws that they could live by.
Woman 'lucky' in crash
HARTWICK — A Cooperstown woman escaped with minor injuries Monday after her vehicle veered off the side of the road and flipped three times, fire officials said.
Earthquake relief worker tells of woes
ONEONTA — An earthquake relief worker who recently returned from El Salvador delivered a lecture and slide presentation to Hartwick College students on Monday to promote awareness of devastation in that country.
Report: Amphenol among nation's biggest polluters
SIDNEY — Amphenol Corp. of Sidney was among companies that released the largest amounts of toxic chemicals into the environment in 1999, according to a recently released federal report.
'Wick's Greek policy under fire
ONEONTA — Hartwick College's recent decision to conduct unannounced inspections of its fraternities and sororities has prompted some Hartwick students to protest the school's overall policy governing the Greek system.
Monday, April 16, 2001
Easter dinner offers food, fellowship
ONEONTA — The Easter dinner served at The Lord's Table on Sunday offered more than just a meal to many of the people who participated. Carl Osterhoudt, a 77-year-old Oneonta resident, said that he had other options for the holiday but he wanted to share the day with his friends at the dinner, which included ham, yams and potatoes.
Biggest, smallest parties growing
COOPERSTOWN - The latest voter registration figures in New York state contain some small changes. The Conservative, Liberal, and Right-To-Life parties all are shrinking, and the Green Party more than tripled in size both statewide and in most local counties, according to the state Board of Elections.
Businesses pitch in to help jazz up school
SIDNEY — They were be-bopping and swinging in the Sidney High School auditorium thanks to the support of local business and industry.
Task force to study Otsego EMS issue
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County's Public Safety Committee has asked that a task force be appointed to evaluate the state of emergency medical services within the county.
Officials vow to fix school seepage problem
ONEONTA — City school officials say it's time to fix a persistent moisture problem that's caused floors in the science wing to sweat and has discolored floor tiles.
Car museum included in Tourism Trail
NORWICH — Lovers of mechanical beauty and classic automotive design probably have already experienced the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich. Now, a regional tourism plan will introduce the site to a wider audience.
Saturday, April 14, 2001
Gas prices rise sharply across area
The best bet at local gas stations appears to be filling your tank quickly before the price goes up again. Gasoline prices have been rising steadily, jumping by as much as 15 cents per gallon in three days at the Hamden Country Store and 14 cents over the course of the last week at the Red Apple in Oneonta, where prices stood at $1.54 Friday.
Jury indicts two in beating
COOPERSTOWN - Two suspects in the Oneonta parking garage melee of Feb. 10 were indicted late Thursday by an Otsego County grand jury.
Well-known local doctor dead
ONEONTA — Prominent neurologist Dr. John O. Lusins died Friday after suffering a massive heart attack at his home in the town of Oneonta. Lusins, 61, collapsed in his barn at about 10 a.m. after a morning ride on one of his horses, said A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital spokeswoman Maggie Barnes. He was taken by ambulance to Fox Hospital in Oneonta where he was pronounced dead an hour later.
Old friend help teach students about world
Since graduating from Laurens Central School six years ago, Amy Trask and Jason Hahn have made sure to keep in touch, even though she has moved to North Carolina and he lives in Africa. And Trask, an elementary school teacher in Roxboro, N.C., has even gotten her young students into the act of corresponding with her long-time friend. Trask and her third-, fourth- and fifth-graders have been writing to Hahn, a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger for the last two years, and Hahn has written back to them about his experiences.
Reporter's Notebook: Nurses urge health at fair
While the Delaware County Board of Supervisors tended to the business of running the county Wednesday, the county Public Health nurses were holding a health fair in the lobby of the county office building.
Panel: Water a pristine resource
ONEONTA — This area's pristine water quality provides an excellent opportunity to attract business but is often overlooked, participants at a recent Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting said.
Fair to feature Oneonta's arts, groups, more
More than 30 local organizations will exhibit display booths at the first Oneonta Spring Fair, a daylong celebration of spring and community. The fair, free and open to the public, will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at the State University College at Oneonta Alumni Field House. The event will be held in conjunction with the 2 p.m. Paul Winter performance of "The World Tree" in the Dewar Arena.
Native American mascots, logos are out
AFTON - Local schools are phasing out the use of Native American mascots and logos, something state Education Commissioner Richard Mills asked them to do in a ruling issued last week. At Wednesday's meeting, the Afton Central School Board of Education decided to stop using the "Indian" logo and mascot by the end of the school year, said school Superintendent Vernice Church. "There was some discussion before the decision on how we were going to do it," Church said.
Two arrested in series of burglaries
Two men were arrested Thursday in connection with nearly a dozen smash-and-grab burglaries that have taken place in Oneonta and surrounding communities during the last several weeks, state police at Oneonta said. Richard J. Siar, 20, of 1 Rose Ave., Oneonta, was charged with third-degree burglary, a felony, and resisting arrest after troopers caught him allegedly breaking into the 3950 Auto Mart on Main Street at about 2:20 a.m.
Robbery attempted
ONEONTA — City police are investigating an attempted armed robbery at an Oneonta grocery store. At 3:05 p.m. Thursday, a man walked into Your Friendly Grocery store at 148 River St., got a Coke and put it on the counter, police said.
ATV crash kills youth
Former Delaware Academy Middle School principal Michael Shea remembers 15-year-old William Vail as a student who was always smiling. Vail, of Treadwell, died at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday when he was thrown from the four-wheel all-terrain vehicle he had been operating on East Handsome Brook Road, not far from his residence, state police at Oneonta said.
P&G plant to be sold to N.J. firm
NORWICH — More than a year of rumors about the future of Procter & Gamble's North Norwich plant ended Thursday with the announcement that a letter of intent was signed last week to sell the facility to a New Jersey company.
Pittsfield history told in new book
PITTSFIELD - Over the last three years, the Pittsfield Historical Society has worked to compile a history of this sylvan town in the Unadilla Valleyn in book form.
Official warns of foot-and-mouth
ONEONTA — Farmers must continue to work together and do their part to prevent an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the United States, a state agriculture official said Thursday.
FBI hits a home run with return of baseballs to Cooperstown
ALBANY — Safe at home — finally. After missing 29 years, four baseballs signed by presidents William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover are back at the National Baseball Hall of Fame andMuseum in Cooperstown.
Thursday, April 12, 2001
Sharon Springs in state of disaster
The town and village of Sharon Springs in Schoharie County remained in a state of disaster Wednesday after rain and snow-melt flood waters filled 20 homes and businesses and flooded U.S. Route 20 earlier this week. "This is the worst that it's been, ever," said Judith Cary, emergency management services director of Schoharie County.
Town wins battle
The town of Roxbury and the Roxbury Central School District have won the first round of a legal battle with New York City over the taxable status of a $47 million water treatment plant in Grand Gorge. State Supreme Court Justice Joseph P. Hester Jr. last week dismissed the city's claim that the parcel is entitled to a total exemption from taxation.
Feline goes for swim; fire dept. come to rescue
It turns out the fire department really will come rescue a cat stuck in a tree. Just ask Oneonta resident Bob Mahoney, who was walking his dog at a fishing access site on state Route 205 Wednesday.
Board OKs steps for judge
Delhi News Bureau DELHI — Delaware County's Board of Supervisors unanimously passed two resolutions Wednesday supporting the addition of a second county judge to handle the caseload in criminal, family and surrogate's courts.
Sidney board to support OM students
SIDNEY — The Sidney Odyssey of the Mind team will receive financial help from its school district as it raises the money needed to compete in its final competition of the year.
Churches to set table for Easter
ONEONTA — Area churches will continue their tradition of holding a community dinner on Easter Sunday. The third annual Oneonta Community Easter Dinner will be held at The Lord's Table, 18 Elm St., Oneonta, from 1 to 3 p.m. Easter Sunday, organizers said.
Youth camp projects on hold
HARTWICK - Two youth baseball camp projects — expansion of the Cooperstown Dreams Park and construction of baseball fields for Cooperstown Baseball World — are on hold in the town of Hartwick, pending further environmental review.
Hunting death not a felony
DELHI — Felony charges are not being filed in a hunting-related death, and two other shootings during the 2000 hunting season have been deemed accidents, according Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup.
Walkers raise $18,500 to fight MS
More than 180 people took to the streets of Oneonta earlier this month and raised almost $18,500 in the first MS Walk held in the Oneonta, organizers said.
Wednesday, April 11, 2001
Safety of train averted spill, officials say
Toxic chemicals. Explosives. Flammable liquids and gases. They're all shipped by railroad through this area almost every day. And despite the potentially disastrous situation caused by Monday's head-on train crash and derailment in East Worcester, it's probably the safest mode of transporting those products through populated areas, Oneonta Fire Chief Robert Barnes said.
Wet April delays planting
Wet and muddy conditions resulting from an exceptionally snowy March has caused a delay in the planting season, local farmers said Tuesday. "You can't work the land if it's muddy. You have to wait until things dry out," said Frank Bachler, Meredith town supervisor and owner of Sky-High Farm in Meredith. The snow from winter has been melting, causing muddy fields and some flooding.
Meeting on disease planned
A public meeting to discuss foot-and-mouth disease will be held at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Student will present 'World Expo' projects
ONEONTA — Riverside Elementary School will be transformed into an international convention center today as 52 students finish more than a month of work studying world cultures.
Soccer Hall appoints staff
ONEONTA — The National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta has expanded its management team, filling four executive positions, hall officials said Monday.
Local woman wins national honor
ONEONTA — A local woman chosen as the Northeast regional category winner of an Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from Working Woman Network received the national award in her category last week.
Delaware supervisors to vote on 2nd judge
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors will again vote on a proposal asking the state Legislature for a second judge to help cover an increased caseload in Delaware County.
Springfield Town Board hires adviser
SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield Town Board agreed Monday evening to hire a consultant for the town's busy planning board. Nan Stolzenburg of West Berne will be retained by the town for three months initially, according to Jeanette Armstrong, Springfield town clerk.
Woman dies after crash
A Downsville woman died in her yard, from natural causes, after the family car struck and went through her garage Monday, Colchester Police Chief Christopher D'Addezio said.
Joint bidding could add up to savings
ONEONTA — Savings and more efficiency could be the bottom line of a cooperative purchasing agreement between the city of Oneonta, Otsego County and the Oneonta City School District.
Students, colleges, groups set details for April 24 march
ONEONTA — The Newman Campus Ministry of Hartwick College and the State University College at Oneonta will sponsor an essay contest for community elementary school children in conjunction with the April 24 "Keep the Peace ... for Civility in Oneonta" event.
Tuesday, April 10, 2001
Trains crash; cars derail
EAST WORCESTER — Two freight trains crashed head-on and derailed Monday, but their crews escaped serious injury by jumping off before the collision, authorities said. The Canadian Pacific Railway trains crashed about 7 a.m. just north of a switch point in East Worcester.
Burn barrel case heats up
ROSEBOOM - The Roseboom burn barrel controversy took a new turn Monday. State Assistant Attorney General Gary Simpson said he'll try to persuade the Otsego County District Attorney's office not to pursue a criminal mischief charge against Scott Peterson, who admitted during a trial in January that he had kicked in his neighbors' burn barrel.
Children will hear 'teaching' symphony
On Wednesday, more than 800 elementary school children will be the first in the local area to hear a symphony geared toward teaching children about musical instruments.
Man faces felony in connection with kitten's death
SIDNEY — A Sidney man will face felony charges today in a case involving the death of a kitten. Local Humane Society officials said they await a decision in the case because another cat the man owns might be affected.
Board approves bingo on Sunday
SIDNEY — The Sidney Village Board approved two local laws Monday that will allow games of chance and bingo to be played on Sunday by properly licensed organizations.
Poll: Citizens prefer night meetings
ONEONTA — If given the choice, city of Oneonta residents would rather attend city government meetings at night than any other time of the day, according to a poll taken by the Oneonta League of Women Voters.
Weaving, politics to be topics this week at Hartwick College
ONEONTA — Representatives from a Mayan women's weaving cooperative and a women's organization located in Chiapas, Mexico, will participate in two programs at Hartwick College on Wednesday and Thursday.
Delhi man takes plea in cocaine case
DELHI — A Delhi man facing felony cocaine charges pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court on Monday. Richard Penson, 47, and his wife, Lynda Penson, 47, both of 8 Edgerton St., were arrested March 7 after execution of a search warrant, according to Delaware County Undersheriff Douglas Vredenburgh.
School to give money for Odyssey of the Mind
BAINBRIDGE — The two Odyssey of the Mind teams from Bainbridge-Guilford's Greenlawn Elementary School will get support from their school as they work to raise money needed to compete in their final competition.
Warmth brings minor flooding
A warm day, more than 2 feet of snow still clinging to the hillsides and rain combined to cause minor flooding in Schoharie and Delaware counties on Monday.
Orpheus arts-center project progressing, founder says
Six months after Orpheus Theatre announced plans to open a performing-arts center in downtown Oneonta, progress has been made, officials for the organization said Friday.
Monday, April 9, 2001
Home-school success stories
Elizabeth Newbold will never have a class rank, receive a college recommendation from a guidance counselor or even graduate from high school. But she has already been accepted at Pennsylvania State University and Iowa State University and is anxiously awaiting to hear from the two other colleges she applied to, including her top choice, Cornell University.
Pedicabs rolling into C'town
COOPERSTOWN - Pedicabs are coming to Cooperstown. Four of the large tricycles will be in service by this summer, offering visitors and local residents a new way to get around town, according to Mark L. Takefman of 28 Maple St., who has founded the Glimmerglass Pedicab Co. Inc.
Violations at local gas stations result in record EPA fine
The Xtra Mart gas stations in Bainbridge, Afton and Greene were among facilities cited by the federal EPA in a record settlement announced Wednesday. The Environmental Protection Agency reached a settlement with Mid-Valley Oil of New Windsor for violations of federal storage-tank regulations, according to an agency release. The company, which owns 200 gas stations in central New York, including the three local stations, has agreed to pay a penalty of $400,000 in settlement of the charges, the highest EPA penalty ever imposed in this type of case, the EPA statement said.
Car club to make pitch for Andes rally
A proposed Sept. 8 road rally, to be held in Andes and surrounding towns, will be the subject of an open discussion at Andes Central School on Tuesday. The Andes Town Board is conducting the 8 p.m. meeting, which will be held in the school gym. Representatives of the Sports Car Club of America regional rally board will be on hand to make a presentation about the event and to answer questions.
Delhi teen wins annual poetry competition
A Delhi teen won first place Saturday in the Word Thursdays Share the Words Catskill Region High-School Poetry Competition. Kristina Plath, 18, a senior at Delaware Academy in Delhi, was announced the winner after three heats of competition held in the lobby of the Frank W. Cyr Center in Stamford.
Habitat chapter dedicates new home
A dedication service for a newly-built Habitat for Humanity home was held for a partner family in Hartwick on Sunday. About 50 Habitat volunteers, family and friends arrived at 115 Weeks Road to show support for Lenny and Colleen Webb and their children, Michael, 17, and Traci, 14, during the two-hour service. "I'm really happy. It's really exciting now that we have our own house, instead of renting," said Michael, a junior at Cooperstown High School.
Saturday, April 7, 2001
LEAF focuses on drug courts
ONEONTA - The role of drug treatment courts was the focus of this year's LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addiction's annual gathering at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta on Friday. Experts spoke about many aspects of the nation's drug problems during the gathering, and workshops on drug treatment, drug testing and community supervision were held for those who work with users of illegal drugs.
Main Street institute under way
WALTON — The Main Street Training Institute kicked off the first of eight sessions Friday morning in the Walton Village Hall. About 35 people gathered from throughout Delaware County to go over Main Street revitalization basics.
Stamford mayor offers village on-line presence
STAMFORD - Stamford's recently elected mayor has been providing an on-line voice for the community since May 11, 2000 when he first posted The Stamford Voice on the Internet.
Workshop focuses on drug testing
ONEONTA - In 1989, when drug testing by employers was relatively new, 13 percent of potential employees failed the tests. By 1998, only 4 percent failed such tests, but that doesn't mean fewer people are using drugs, according to David R. Conley, president of Medlab Inc., a testing service in Buffalo. "What that means is 75 percent got better at beating the system," he said.
Teacher finds lessons in D.C.
Sidney High School science teacher Richard Townsend discussed his travels to Washington, D.C., in March to receive the 2000 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Relating the experience, Townsend talked about the dinner at the State Department where Dr. Francis Collins, the director of the Human Genomic Research Institute, spoke, and the earlier reception at the Smithsonian Institute.
Rep: Murder trial to be costly
COOPERSTOWN - The upcoming trial of Bruce W. Eckhardt, who is accused of kidnapping and murdering Donna Evans of Westford in 1998, promises to be very expensive, Rep. Ronald Feldstein, D-Otego said. Feldstein, a member of the county's Public Safety Committee, made this report at Wednesday's meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives. He said that both the county District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons and Public Defender Richard Rothermel have warned the Public Safety Committee that the case will hit their budgets hard.
Arrest made in city assault
ONEONTA — A man suspected by Oneonta city police to have played a role in the Feb. 10 beating of Oneonta college student Joseph Olivo was charged Friday in connection with the incident.
Oneonta aims to attract businesses
ONEONTA — Oneonta aldermen received an update this week on the downtown business sector from Downtown Developer Jeff House. To get the word out about available vacancies in the downtown area, House said Tuesday, he is working with City Clerk James R. Koury to post vacancies on the city's website.
Sex abuse case may go to Chenango grand jury
The case against a Bainbridge man who is charged with sexually abusing a teen-age girl may be heard by a Chenango County grand jury this month.
Friday, April 6, 2001
Woman calls for signs at scene of accident
BAINBRIDGE — Shelly Ross still can't find words to describe the moment, a week ago today, when 10-year-old Matthew Mathewson rode his bicycle into the path of her Ford Bronco. The 23-year-old becomes silent when asked to recall the incident that occurred on county Route 38 and sent the boy to the hospital. She struggles to come up with adjectives to describe the moment, before shaking her head slowly and saying that she isn't ready to revisit the moment.
State: Indian mascots out
ALBANY — Native American mascots and logos have no place in New York's public schools and should be changed as soon as possible, the state's top education official ruled Thursday. "I have concluded that the use of Native American symbols or depictions as mascots can become a barrier to building a safe and nurturing school community and improving academic standards for all students," state Education Commissioner Richard Mills wrote in a long-awaited four-page decision.
Children to bring Shakespeare to SUCO
ONEONTA — A dozen aspiring actors from Orpheus Theatre's School for the Dramatic Arts will present "Playing Shakespeare" at the State University College at Oneonta on Sunday. The presentation, a program of scenes and monologues from Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," is open to the public and will begin at 8:30 p.m. in room 212 of the Fine Arts Building. The students, aged 12 to 15, will recite a monologue and act in a scene from the play.
Bainbridge police to use state grants for upgrades
BAINBRIDGE — The Bainbridge village Police Department is using state grants to help pay for upgrading operations. The department has recently received notification that it will be awarded a $10,800 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. The money will be used to purchase needed equipment, said Acting Chief Michael Hood.
Greene case in city court
Another court date has been scheduled for next month in the case of a man accused of kidnapping his son 14 years ago. Attorneys for Daniel and Rosemary Greene and attorneys for Otsego County met with City Court Judge Walter L. Terry III in Oneonta City Court on Thursday. Neither of the Greenes were in attendance.
Delhi school taxes could increase 50%
DELHI — Taxpayers in the Delhi Central School district are facing a worst-case scenario school tax increase of 49.49 percent, Superintendent Maria Rice said. "This is a very difficult period for taxpayers and we can't seem to get a break," Rice said. "The challenges in trying to keep the increase down are even greater than we thought they were."
Schools project increases in taxes
A survey taken of local school districts on Thursday indicates that spending and taxes are going up. Many districts are close to approving or have already passed spending plans they will present to the public on May 15, the day New Yorkers vote on school budgets. A sample of six area districts shows spending increasing from about 5 percent to 25 percent. Tax increases jumped anywhere from less than 3 percent to nearly 10 percent.
Thursday, April 5, 2001
Newsday article raises local ire
Community leaders and college students this week criticized a Long Island newspaper story that accused Oneonta of harboring racial tension and offering students little but the opportunity to get drunk. The story, published March 29 in Newsday, focuses on the parking-garage beating on Feb. 10 and attempts to link racism and student drinking to the community.
Town uses bowl vote
FLEISCHMANNS — Fifteen days after the March 20 village elections, the trustee tie was finally resolved by drawing a name out of a silver bowl. Fleischmanns Village Clerk Lorraine DeMarfio said a meeting was held Wednesday morning and Matthew Farrell emerged the winner, beating current Mayor Donald Kearney for a two-year term on the village board. Supreme Court Justice Carl Mugglin presided over the proceedings and made the decision to break the tie by drawing a name.
Olivo still in coma
The college student who was beaten unconscious during a downtown Oneonta brawl spent his 21st birthday on Tuesday in a coma in a Long Island health center. Joseph Olivo, of Shoreham, remained in a coma Wednesday at St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Port Jefferson. Olivo, a student at the State University College at Oneonta, was severely beaten in the early hours of Feb. 10 after an argument between two groups of patrons in a tavern escalated into a 10- to 12-man fight on the bottom level of the city parking garage.
Program pairs Job Corps with Oneonta schools
ONEONTA — Job Corps students studying culinary arts, clerical work and other fields now have another opportunity to get hands-on, real-life training thanks to a partnership with the Oneonta City School District. The school board recently approved a school-to-work program with the center that will allow Job Corps students to shadow school employees during the day.
Student says reporter misquoted comments
State University College at Oneonta senior Jamel Washington was the only student quoted by name in the March 29 Newsday article written by reporter Andrew Smith. Washington, majoring in music industry, said he was approached by Smith last month while in the cafeteria of the Hunt Union. In the article, Smith wrote that Washington, a black student from the Bronx, said he found the arrests of only black and Hispanic men in the brawl "bothersome." However, on Tuesday, Washington said he had not expressed any such concern to Smith. "I never commented on the arrests," he said. Also, his only direct quote used in the article, "It's all racial," was taken out-of-context, he said.
Sports field to be built soon in city park
ONEONTA — Work will begin soon on a $373,563 project to improve and develop portions of Neahwa Park. Included in the plan is the construction of a $115,000 multi-purpose playing field to be used this summer by the Cooperstown Baseball World program.
School spending plan finalized
ONEONTA — City school officials on Wednesday revealed the final draft of the 2001-02 budget, which goes to the school board next week for a vote. The $24.32 million budget carries a 3.74-percent increase in spending and a tax levy increase of 4.5 percent to $12.6 million.
Otsego's culverts in need of repairs
COOPERSTOWN - Many culverts under Otsego County's 447 miles of county roads are in poor repair, highway experts said Wednesday at a meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives. Just assessing their condition may cost between $100,000 and $130,000, officials said.
Bassett restores prescription program
COOPERSTOWN - Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown has decided to reinstate its Patient Assistance Prescription Program, which was suspended late last month. The program allows people who don't have prescription drug insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid to receive prescriptions directly from pharmaceutical companies at little or no cost.
Wednesday, April 4, 2001
Hungry deer create hazard
Hundreds of hungry deer graze along the roadsides, front legs splayed, heads down, oblivious to passing traffic. In the ditches and fields lie scores of deer carcasses — the remains of the unfortunate ones that wandered into the paths of vehicles as they foraged for food. The winter has been hard on the herd, according to Bill Sharick, state Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologist at the Stamford office. "This is the time of year when the deer want to start eating more nutritious food," Sharick said. "They have been living on woody browse, and in the spring they head for the southern slopes where the green shoots usually appear first, but because of the snow pack they are finding little or nothing to eat."
Chenango Habitat honored for service
You can usually find them hammering or putting up siding on a house. But last week, many members of a local volunteer organization were at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The Oxford Masonic Lodge #175 presented the Chenango County Habitat For Humanity with the Dewitt Clinton Award for Public Service on Friday. This was the first time the Oxford Masons have presented the award, said Anthony T. Calisi, a district officer for the Grand Lodge of New York State. The honor recognized the work of Habitat and its volunteers, he said.
Local AIDS activist remembered for work
UNADILLA — Russell Hanson loved gardening, cooking and, of course, his dog and cats, his mother, Ramona, recalled Tuesday. But other people said they remembered Hanson, 32, who died Monday of complications from AIDS, as someone who spoke fearlessly about the deadly infection and how to prevent its spread. "He was not afraid to speak out about his infection and about his life," said Lea Folland, the executive director of Catskill Rural AIDS Services, who applauded Hanson's willingness to educate others about AIDS. "What better legacy can you leave than helping others?"
Power fight continues in Oneonta
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Common Council embroiled itself this week in what has clearly become an individual power struggle between Seventh Ward Alderman Sean Farrell and Mayor Kim Muller. Tuesday's meeting saw several aldermen coming to the defense of Farrell and city Attorney David Merzig, both of whom were recently referred by Mayor Kim Muller to the city's Ethics Committee.
Lawmakers look to fight fraud
ALBANY — Fraud is driving New York's automobile insurance rates sky high, costing consumers an estimated $1 billion statewide and forcing the average driver to pay at least $250 more per auto-insurance policy, industry officials said. Now, both houses of the state Legislature are pushing plans to crack down on the criminal conduct in an attempt to bring the state's soaring insurance rates back under control.
Sidney trustees adopt 2001-02 budget
SIDNEY — The Sidney village budget was approved unchanged from the proposed plan Monday after a public hearing on the matter during the trustees' organizational meeting. A public hearing on allowing games of chance to be held on Sundays by licensed organizations was rescheduled for Monday, April 9.
Congregation collects for hungry during Lent
COOPERSTOWN - The congregation at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cooperstown has collected a large store of food for the hungry during Lent. Boxes of cereals, pasta, soups, packages of rice, other grains, sauces and many other staples are piled high in the front of the church. Next week, they will be delivered to the Cooperstown Food Bank, according the Rev. John Rosson, priest at the church.
Tuesday, April 3, 2001
Trooper car, vehicle crash in Oneonta
For 23-year-old John Quick, Saturday was supposed to be just another day working two jobs to support his fiancee and 6-month-old son while taking a semester off from college. But as he turned into the driveway of Cathedral Farms Restaurant and Country Inn in the town of Oneonta, a state trooper responding to a call caused a serious change in plans for Quick. Trooper Brent Bowman slammed into Quick's 1992 Chevy Cavalier about 4:45 p.m. The impact sent Quick's car into a stone wall that supports a sign on the restaurant lawn.
Public nurses: Pay lacking
ONEONTA - Nurses at the Otsego County Public Health Nursing Service say they love their jobs, but they want more money. Nurses there with a two- or three-year degree start at $25,783 and make $30,093 after five years, and salaries for nurses with four-year degrees run from $28,364 at step one to $32,919 after five years on the job.
Woman urges nuclear caution
An anti-nuclear campaigner, named by Ladies Home Journal Magazine in 1999 as "one of the 100 most important women of the 20th Century," delivered two presentations at the State University College at Oneonta on Monday.
Former Oneonta woman runs for mayor in Pa.
A little bit of Oneonta has made its way into Allentown, Pa. Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, a former Oneonta resident now running for mayor of Allentown, says her 10-plus years living in the "City of the Hills" helped shape her sense of community.
LEAF plans meeting on drug courts
The LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions annual gathering on home, school and community issues in Oneonta on Friday will focus on drug treatment courts this year.
Crews to dig more at airport site
SIDNEY — Digging will be starting again at the Sidney municipal airport, as the village looks for a location for needed airport equipment.
Boy, 10, still in coma; police don't filecharges
The 10-year-old boy who was hit by a sport utility vehicle in Bainbridge on Friday remains in a coma at Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, according to Chenango deputies.
Class size under fire
ONEONTA — City school Superintendent James C. Piscitelli said he is willing to consider the "reallocation of resources" to pay for another sixth-grade teacher at Greater Plains Elementary School next year.
Delaware judge hears four DWI cases
DELHI — Four men, each charged with felony driving while intoxicated, appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday.
WIC program educates, offers food vouchers
When you walk through the doors of our larger supermarkets, small town grocery stores and some "mom and pop" stores here in Otsego County, you are likely to pass a small yellow sign with "WIC Accepted Here" printed in black letters.
Immunizations
The Delaware County Public Health Nursing Service will offer the following immunization clinic: • Thursday, April 19, Hancock Health Center, 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Hall finally gets signed baseballs
For the first time in nearly 30 years, the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown will be able to display a complete set of presidentially autographed baseballs.
Local DAs support decision on cameras
Local district attorneys said Sunday they had no personal objection to a decision made by the New York State Bar Association allowing still and video cameras back into most state courtrooms without the consent of the parties in a case.
College to honor alumnus
The State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill will honor one of its own at commencement May 19.
Sidney budget plan includes tax hike
SIDNEY — The Sidney village budget for 2001-02 will be discussed tonight at a 7:15 public hearing that will take place in the Civic Center board room.
