California family snaps up 500-acre Moynihan estate
PINDARS CORNERS — Retired Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan and his wife, Elizabeth, closed the sale of Derrymore — a 500-plus-acre estate in the hamlet of Pindars Corners — on Thursday. The new owners, Steven and Susan Wade, are from Santa Clara, Calif. The couple have two children, Daniel, 17, and Katherine, 15. Wade has been a professor of finance at Santa Clara University since 1994.
Senate Oks patient's bill
Making HMOs liable for patient care may increase the cost of health care in New York, local hospital and insurance company officials said Thursday. Defying a veto threat, the Democratic-controlled Senate passed the sweeping patients' rights legislation Friday night, promising millions of Americans new health-care protections and the ability to sue their HMOs. The 59-36 vote sent the bill to the House, where the White House and Republican leaders were hoping to rework it to restrict lawsuits.
Poets converge on Hartwick
ONEONTA — Renowned poets from around the country will be on the Hartwick College campus as part of the Catskill Poetry Workshop from Saturday to Friday.
P&C, union arrive at labor agreement
ONEONTA — A tentative contract agreement has been reached between the company that owns P&C food stores and its employees' union, officials for both organizations said Friday.
Many local residents applaud legislation
ONEONTA — Insurance companies should be held responsible when they deny patients care, area residents said Friday. Many are tired of health maintenance organizations making decisions doctors should be making, they said.
Chamber to honor Audiosears
Audiosears of Stamford has been named Business of the Year by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to Audiosears, the chamber will recognize several other individuals and groups for their service to the county's business community at its annual dinner in August.
Mom out on bail
One day after turning herself in to sheriff's deputies, Vicky Shaffer was released from jail Friday on $20,000 bond, pending a family court hearing in Cooperstown on Monday.
Friday, June 29, 2001
Sweet spot: Dry spring yields tasty strawberries
HARTWICK SEMINARY — Strawberry fields may be forever for The Beatles, but around here, the picking season lasts only about three weeks. Mary Jane Wilson, of Cooperstown, was picking strawberries at Ingalls Strawberry Farm in Hartwick Seminary on Thursday afternoon with her grandson, Cory Daniels, 14.
Wanted mother surrenders
More than three years after disappearing with her 3-year-old daughter, Vicky Shaffer turned herself in Thursday, Otsego County deputies said. Brianna Nicole Winslow was reunited with her father, who had been searching for his blonde, blue-eyed daughter since April 1998, said Sgt. Richard Devlin Jr. Shaffer, 30, was charged with first-degree custodial interference on an Otsego County Family Court Warrant, Devlin said, and she was scheduled for arraignment in Oneonta Town Court late Thursday night.
Neighborhood festival not berry ordinary
ONEONTA — Two dozen neighbors and a banquet table with a dozen strawberry-themed desserts filled Sid and Elizabeth "Smitty" Levine's back yard at 8 Roosevelt Ave. on Thursday.
GOP's Brenner resigns position
ONEONTA — Otsego County Republican Committee Commissioner David Brenner officially resigned his post as head of the organization this week.
Hospital talks moving slowly
SIDNEY — With contract negotiations at an impasse, CSEA workers at The Hospital say they plan to get talks moving again, while hospital officials aren't budging from their offer of wage increases.
Election petitions due soon
Anyone interested in running for public office in Delaware County in the November elections must file a petition with the county Board of Elections between July 9 and 12.
Republicans may tap Moran or Farrell for mayor
ONEONTA — Fifth Ward Alderman Rodger Moran could be the city's Republican candidate to oppose incumbent Democratic Mayor Kim Muller in the November election.
Thursday, June 28, 2001
Old Time music alive in Bainbridge
BAINBRIDGE — It's time to strike up th band — the Bainbridge Old Time Band that is. There will be musical history in the air when the 20-musician band begins its season Friday with a concert at the Bainbridge village green at 7 p.m.
Study: Weight issues confront area
COOPERSTOWN — More than half of central New York residents are overweight or obese, according to a survey by Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. Health Census '99 found that 66.8 percent of men and 49 percent of women in the central New York area are overweight or obese, officials said Wednesday. About 40,000 residents responded to questions on the survey mailed in late 1999. Bassett released the results earlier this week.
Grants help LEAF create two programs
COOPERSTOWN — Two programs will be created by the Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation with the help of two grants totaling $191,086, LEAF officials said Wednesday.
Assembly grants Delhi six years to repay
ALBANY — The state Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill giving Delhi Central School District six years, instead of three, to pay back $2 million owed to the state.
State bill gives boost to number, pay of city judges
ALBANY — Plans to relieve case backlogs in several county and family courts across New York could hinge on the state budget, but relief for a handful of city courts is waiting for Gov. George Pataki's signature.
Labor strife lingers
P&C company and union officials said Wednesday they hope a contract will be hammered out soon between the firm that owns P&C food stores and its employees' union.
T.S. Pink to have energy burden eased
ONEONTA — A local soap manufacturer, which has grown steadily since its formation in 1991, has received a state award of cheaper electricity, Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford,said Wednesday.
Officials mull stakes in teen-home site search
DELHI — Of the four sites being considered statewide for a 300-bed state secure juvenile residential facility, two of the locations are in towns in neighboring counties, separated by little more than 20 miles — Bainbridge and Walton. And with the promise of more than 300 jobs accompanying the $75 million facility the state Office of Children's and Family Services is planning to build, there is a lot at stake for the town and county where it is located. Local officials said they didn't know the location of the two other possible sites.
Car-phone ban popular in area
ONEONTA — Officials at cellular phone companies said Tuesday they support recent legislation making it illegal to use hand-held cellular phones while driving, though cell-phone users had mixed reactions. Shawn Kauffman, 30, of Delhi, was at Cellular One in the Southside Mall in Oneonta, changing his calling plan Tuesday afternoon. "As a paramedic nurse, I think it's great, because it means safer driving," he said.
Hands-on pet store in mall brings smiles to young faces
The Southside Mall is now home to a pet store, offering puppies, fish, hamsters, iguanas and more. "The area needed a full pet store," said owner Don Gunther, 54, of Franklin.
Greenway trail blazes support in community
ONEONTA — More than 50 people attended a meeting Tuesday on the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway project — a proposed $1.4 million trail.
Students cook up top honors
ONEONTA — Six Oneonta Job Corps culinary arts students won three first- and second-place prizes at a Culinary Arts Expo and Competition held in Atlantic City, N.J., earlier this month.
It came out of the sky! Man finds meteorite
On his way to his mailbox one Saturday in May, a Bovina man stumbled across a meteorite — thought to be 4.5 billion years old — picking it up while tossing stones at a pesky woodchuck.
Landfill lawsuit may soon end
SIDNEY — A settlement in the case involving the cleanup costs for municipalities involved with the Sidney town landfill on Richardson Hill may be imminent.
Tuesday, June 26, 2001
Mother, daughter play sisters in 'Nunsense'
After graduating from Oneonta High School on Saturday, senior class president Melissa Herion, 17, decided to join a convent with her mother. Well ... sort of. Herion and her mother, Carol, will debut tonight as singing nuns in Orpheus Theatre's "Nunsense," the first of four dinner-theater musicals opening in the banquet room of Stella Luna Stazione on Market Street in Oneonta. The mother-daughter team has participated in more than a dozen local productions, they said.
Tougher SUNY teaching standards worry some
Newly approved standards that toughen the state's teacher-education curriculum may discourage students from entering a profession that is already unattractive to some because of its low salaries, educators and prospective teachers said Monday.
Local lawyer has case closed
ALBANY — A former Delaware County prosecutor has lost his law license for at least a year for neglecting estates he represented and not keeping accurate records of his escrow accounts.
Teen denied youthful offender status
DELHI — Todd M. Wormuth was denied youthful offender status during his sentencing hearing in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Oneonta could gain property downtown
ONEONTA — The city of Oneonta could take possession of the former West Nesbitt property on Market Street within the next two months, city officials said.
Two area banks discuss merger
NBT Bankcorp Inc. and CNB Financial Corp. have entered into a "definitive agreement" to merge and the deal could be completed by the end of the year, company officials said Monday.
Assembly Dems want speed limit on sleds
ALBANY — Snowmobile riders zipping around New York may have more to worry about than getting smacked by a tree limb or staying warm if a group of Assembly lawmakers gets its way.
Monday, June 25, 2001
Schools send off their seniors
Hundreds of seniors from the Class of 2001 said good-bye to Regents exams and high school teachers forever as they graduated from more than 30 area schools over the weekend. School officials, class presidents, top-ranking seniors and guest speakers bestowed words of wisdom in public and private venues on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The sun shone brightly over Otsego Lake as 95 Cooperstown High School seniors were awarded diplomas on the grounds of the Fenimore Art Museum on Sunday.
Presbytery getting home in Bainbridge
BAINBRIDGE — They are raising the roof in Bainbridge — literally. Workers building the new mission center of the Presbytery of the Susquehanna Valley are putting the roof on the building. The groundbreaking for the $525,000 facility was May 20 at the Bainbridge Business Park.
Grads reflect, rejoice
COOPERSTOWN — Gushing parents watched as 95 excited students, dressed in black robes and caps with black and orange tassels, accepted diplomas on the grounds of the Fenimore Art Museum on Sunday afternoon.
94 graduate from Delaware Academy
DELHI — With the threat of rain looming Saturday morning, 94 Delaware Academy students sat together as the Class of 2001 for the final time during commencement.
OHS sends 132nd class out into the world
ONEONTA — At about 11 a.m. Saturday, 140 students in blue and yellow caps and gowns marched down the aisle of the Oneonta High School auditorium to the sound of the concert band playing "Pomp and Circumstance."
Valedictorian urges Walton graduates to forge unique paths
WALTON — Class valedictorian Cassie Fairchild began her address to the Walton Central School Class of 2001 by saying that she was the same as all of her other classmates. A few minutes later, however, she wrapped up her speech by retracting her initial statement.
Saturday, June 23, 2001
Parents' pride boils over at Laurens
LAURENS — Laurens Central School Salutatorian Mary Jane Potocnik urged her fellow seniors to "forge unknown territory and make their own paths" during the school's commencement ceremony Friday night. "Although we can't be sure of the terrain, we must venture along our individual paths," said Potocnik, who, along with several of her peers, offered up nuggets of wisdom to the outgoing Class of 2001.
Study: OHS behind on Title IX
ONEONTA — Oneonta High School may not provide equal opportunities for male and female athletes, according to a recent study. The study, done by Al Sosa, a member of the State University College at Oneonta physical education and women's studies departments, indicates that there may be fewer athletic opportunities for female students than male students. This, he said, would be a violation of Title IX legislation.
Afton seeks funding
AFTON — Voters in the Afton Central School District will go to the polls July 10 to decide whether to authorize the school to spend the additional amount needed to start its building project.
Candidates set for Otsego races
COOPERSTOWN - At least three races for seats on the Otsego County Board of Representatives are in the offing. One Republican and one Democrat said Thursday that they'll run against two incumbents, and two candidates are vying for the 14th District seat now occupied by retiring Rep. Ellen Falin, an Oneonta Democrat.
'Familiar paths' parted from at UV
NEW BERLIN - Valedictorian Sarah Malloch at Unadilla Valley Central School noted Friday that high school graduation was not the culmination of the students' lives, but a parting from familiar paths.
Leatherstocking's Promise announces youth grants
COOPERSTOWN — Fifteen organizations that serve area youth recently got a boost, with the help of local teens. Leatherstocking's Promise — The Alliance For Youth has announced its first-ever teen solutions mini-grant awards of up to $2,500 to support a variety of programs in Otsego County.
Reporter's Notebook: System works after all
COOPERSTOWN - Bruce W. Eckhardt has been a model prisoner at the Otsego County Jail, according to Sheriff Donald Mundy. He's quiet, respectful, gets along with officers as well as prisoners, Mundy said.
Two from Class of '25 to reunite Saturday
EDMESTON - Two members of the Edmeston High School Class of 1925 plan to attend a school reunion Saturday, remembering the good times they had 80 or so years ago.
Friday, June 22, 2001
Top students prepare speeches
"First I would like to thank my parents, faculty and fellow students for all the support that has carried me the through the good and bad times." Anyone who has been to a high school graduation ceremony has probably heard valedictorians, salutatorians or class presidents make a remark like that during their speeches. It's as if they were writing their speeches from the same manual. This year however, some area valedictorians say they are trying to put a new spin on the old, traditional message.
Unatego voters pass school plan
WELLS BRIDGE — When he heard the vote totals on Thursday, Unatego Superintendent Rex Hurlburt Jr. sighed with relief and said "thank you" to the voters who passed the budget. Voters in the Unatego Central School District approved a $13,839,109 2001-02 budget by a vote of 402 to 288. This was the second time they voted on the budget. In May, voters defeated a $13,870,500 budget 341-259.
Hit the ground running — school's out
ONEONTA — T-minus 10 minutes — it's nearly 1 p.m. at Oneonta's Greater Plains Elementary School and there are more than 300 students about to blast off for summer vacation.
Plans for nursing home move ahead
Cooperstown News Bureau COOPERSTOWN - Plans to build a new Otsego County nursing home are moving forward, county board Chairman Carl Higgins, R-Edmeston said.
Group sports booster plan
ONEONTA — A girl's sports booster club is definitely in the works, parents who attended an interest meeting Wednesday night said. "We had 19 to 20 people attend," organizer Al Sosa, of Oneonta said. "I think there is enough interest to have a second meeting."
Citizen task force sought
WEST ONEONTA — A former Oneonta Job Corps employee proposed the formation of a citizen task force that would serve as an "impromptu watch dog" over the Job Corps.
Boards asked to meet after 7 p.m.
ONEONTA — Time will tell whether city of Oneonta boards and commissions will heed a recent request that they comply with the meeting times set forth in the municipal charter.
Delaware tobacco decision stirs feelings
DELHI — The reaction of Delaware County Board members was mixed a day after voting not to securitize its tobacco settlement. "I think it was a major mistake," Masonville Supervisor and Finance Committee member Jack Thomas said.
Thursday, June 21, 2001
Local girl places 3rd in history competition
COOPERSTOWN - Amy Rowland mines the past like a 49er, and the result is that her exhibit, "The California Gold Rush: Creating New Frontiers For Women," placed third in this year's National History Day competition. Students who do well in local and then statewide competitions can enter the annual contest, which was held this year from June 10-14 in College Park, Md., near Washington, D.C.
Baccalaureates adapted for 'inclusive' era
In the age of gender equality and political correctness, local baccalaureates — sermons delivered to a graduating class — are becoming increasingly inclusive and nondenominational, area clergy said Wednesday. Senior classes from Stamford, Cooperstown, Schoharie, Milford and Gilboa-Conesville central schools, dressed in regalia, still participate in the tradition, school officials said. Other schools, including Oneonta High School, have no such organized class activity.
Delaware says 'no' to offer
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors voted, 13-6, not to securitize its tobacco settlement Wednesday evening.
Oneonta board extends chief's contract
ONEONTA — The Oneonta school board voted Wednesday to extend Superintendent James C. Piscitelli's contract for four years and to offer him a yearly increase in salary.
Otsego meeting focuses on EMS problems
COOPERSTOWN - The co-chairs of Otsego County's Emergency Management Services Advisory Council said Wednesday theysupport forming a task force to study the delivery of such services here.
Convict arrested again
ONEONTA — A 33-year-old Oneonta man arrested two years ago for possession of stolen property is back in prison for trespassing, city police said Wednesday.
Unatego project to get N.Y. aid
WELLS BRIDGE — The state will be paying most of the costs of the Unatego Central School building project.
Wednesday, June 20, 2001
Bill would OK conditional teacher hires
ALBANY — In an attempt to avert a staffing crisis in schools statewide, a bill passed by Senate Republicans on Tuesday would allow districts to hire teachers and other employees before knowing whether they've completely cleared criminal-background checks. Starting July 1, schools will be required under a new state law to conduct criminal-background checks on all prospective employees.
Some BOCES staff may get to keep jobs
Some ONC-BOCES staff members who received pink slips earlier this month may have jobs after all, district officials said Tuesday. Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services staff members will be told at a meeting with the BOCES administration this afternoon that they may be able to keep their jobs, Deputy Superintendent Jeffrey Hahn said.
Firm to get money for development
ONEONTA — Custom Electronics Inc. in Oneonta recently received state funding to develop technology which could improve the functionality of spacecrafts and military machinery.
School chief to leave
WEST WINFIELD - Dick Young, Mount Markham Central School's superintendent, will leave the district Aug. 10 to become superintendent of the Alexander Central School District.
Mayor cites successes, challenges for city
ONEONTA — Democratic Mayor Kim Muller emphasized teamwork and partnership as keys to helping Oneonta grow and prosper during her State of the City address Tuesday night.
Teens charged in pool damage
ONEONTA — Three Oneonta teens were arrested early Tuesday for breaking into the Neahwa Park pool, said police, who responded to a report by two men who had been in the park looking for worms.
Board to look at issues of safety
ONEONTA — The Oneonta city school board will vote tonight on modified versions of the District Conduct Code and Building Level School Safety Plans.
Communication leads second budget meeting
UNADILLA — Ways of improving communications between the school and the community were discussed at Tuesday's meeting on the proposed $13,839,109 budget for the Unatego Central School, which was held at Unadilla Elementary School.
Unkempt cemeteries cause uproar
ONEONTA — Norma and Stanley Nordberg of Sidney went to the Oneonta Plains Cemetery in the town's West End over Memorial Day weekend to pay respects to deceased family and friends.
Tuesday, June 19, 2001
Urns stolen from cemetery
WORCESTER — The Otsego County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft of six cast-iron cemetery urns, worth more than $1,000 each, in two separate incidents.
DMV: DWI arrests hit 12-year low
ALBANY — Last year, New York logged the least amount of drunken driving arrests in a dozen years, but the most alcohol-related crashes in nearly a decade, according to recently released statistics from the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
Eckhardt trial costly for Otsego
COOPERSTOWN - Bruce W. Eckhardt will begin to pay for murdering Donna L. Evans when he's sentenced by Otsego County Judge Michael V. Coccoma, at 9 a.m. July 23.
The Otesaga earns 'four-diamond' rating
Visitors seeking one of the best hotels in New York state need look no further than Cooperstown, home of The Otesaga. The lakefront inn was recently rated a "four-diamond" hotel by AAA Motor Club, making it one of few upstate hotels to achieve such distinction.
Weight gain can reduce success of breast-feeding
Women who gain excess weight during pregnancy are much less likely to be successful at breast-feeding, according to a study done by the Bassett Research Institute and Cornell University.
Coal-tar work in Oneonta could change
ONEONTA — The cleanup of coal-tar contaminants in a groundwater source in the city's Neahwa Park could enter another phase within the next year, utility officials said Monday.
Unatego to hold two hearings
WELLS BRIDGE — Voters in the Unatego Central School District will have two opportunities this week to ask questions about the revised $13,839,109 proposed school budget for next year.
Temple Beth El to have dedication
ONEONTA — Temple Beth El will celebrate the dedication of its renovated facilities and sanctuary with a religious ceremony and a concert on Sunday, June 24.
Teens finding summer jobs
For many area teens, summer is an opportunity to work for some extra cash. Whether spending or saving, high school and college students looking for jobs are in luck this year, area officials and local teens said.
Prof wins annual Walker art prize
ONEONTA — The best-of-show award in the ninth annual Jeane Pearce Walker Prize for the Arts was won by Phil Young of Oneonta for an engraved copper tubing piece. The Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts was host for the awards at the Wilber Mansion in Oneonta on Friday.
20th Applefest to raise money for United Way
The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties is polishing plans to sponsor an apple festival this year as a way to grow its fund-raising efforts. The local United Way has set a goal of $330,000 for its 2001 funding campaign, officials said.
Chenango sites to start campaign early
Four companies or organizations have agreed to conduct their United Way campaigns in advance of the general campaign this year, officials with Chenango United Way in Norwich said.
Cooperstown benefactor wins preservation award
A supporter of preservation and revitalization in Cooperstown has been named as a recipient of the Pillar of New York Award by the Preservation League of New York.
Hearing on Unadila sewer project funding set
UNADILLA — The Riverside sewer project in Unadilla is back on track after congressional help removed the funding roadblocks that had threatened it. Bids are expected to be awarded by the July 10 town board meeting, officials said.
Forum to examine standardized testing
ONEONTA — Parents will meet Tuesday to learn more about a testy subject — state standardized exams. The forum, titled "State Testing: A Good Idea Gone Bad," will address various questions about the controversial subject, said Carolyn Wolf-Gould, a member of a local committee concerned about testing.
Saturday, June 16, 2001
Firm looks to the future
ONEONTA — Expansion plans will allow for greater diversification and efficiency at R.J. Millworkers Inc. in Oneonta, company officials said this week. Owner Randy Morley said the $603,000 expansion project includes buying four buildings on Lewis Street, across from the current 7,500-square-foot manufacturing plant. Two of the buildings will be rented out, while the other two — a 10,200-square-foot building and a 1,400-square-foot building — will be used by the company.
Jury finds Eckhardt guilty
COOPERSTOWN - After deliberating more than 19 hours over three days, a jury in Otsego County Court convicted Bruce W. Eckhardt of second-degree murder Friday. Eckhardt, 54, is slated to be sentenced at 9 a.m. Monday, July 23, according to Otsego County Judge Michael Coccoma. The maximum sentence for second-degree murder is 25-years-to-life in prison.
OHS students learn 4th 'R' — responsibility
ONEONTA — For some Oneonta High School students, class isn't just about learning the standard subjects; it's about giving back to the community. Students in the OHS Public Affairs class are learning how to better inform themselves — and others — about the community, teacher Tom Jennings said.
Milford school board reviews use of building
Reacting to an unfavorable U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the Milford Central School District this week began a re-evaluation of its building use policy. The school board met Thursday, three days after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a local Christian youth group that had sued the district for use of its cafeteria to hold after-school religious instruction.
Pataki seeks to squelch death penalty loophole
ALBANY — A death penalty loophole, which wiped out Schoharie County contract-killer Daniel Edwards' murder conviction last year, would be closed under proposals the governor reintroduced Friday.
Delhi district calls for volunteer help
Volunteer efforts may alleviate the blow of thousands of dollars in programs and staffing eliminated by the budget voters passed in Delhi on Thursday, district officials said.
Otego won't have ban
Local opposition sparked the Otego Town Board to vote down a moratorium on the building of new manufactured homes Wednesday night, board members said Friday.
Friday, June 15, 2001
Teen dies in car crash
A Gilbertsville teen died Thursday after her car struck a tree on county Route 8 in the town of Butternuts, state police at Sidney said. Rebecca M. Gross, 17, a junior at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School, was taken to a hospital in Oneonta, where she was pronounced dead, troopers said.
No verdict yet in trial
COOPERSTOWN - After deliberating two days, the jury in Bruce W. Eckhardt's kidnapping and murder trial was unable to reach a verdict by Thursday night. Eckhardt, 54, is charged with three counts of murder and first-degree kidnapping in the 1998 death of his estranged girlfriend, Donna L. Evans of Westford.
The Hospital denies doctor privileges
SIDNEY — The Hospital board of trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to revoke the hospital privileges of Dr. Baseem Rimlawi, effective immediately. Susan Graham, one of the registered nurses who attended a meeting Wednesday, said "a great cloud has been lifted here" when she learned of the board's actions.
Stranded students say thanks for help
A group of high school students from Ohio depended on the kindness of strangers in April when its bus broke down outside Richfield Springs. This week, the students expressed their gratitude for the help extended to them.
Treadwell women's club still active after 75 years
It's not just another monthly meeting for the women's club in Treadwell. The General Federation of Women Clubs recently celebrated its 75th year of dedication to the community. While other county divisions of the national society fade away, Treadwell's remains strong.
Fire chief: Blaze suspicious
MIDDLEFIELD — A suspicious fire caused a two-story house at 115 Pottery Lane in Middlefield to burn to the ground early Thursday morning, Milford firefighters said.
State official seeks to boost small business
ONEONTA — Lt. Gov. Mary O. Donohue met with Otsego County business leaders Thursday to discuss various issues they face. Donohue said she left the meeting at the Oneonta Holiday Inn with a positive feeling. "We're showing respect for the community; we're giving back," she said.
Jury reports charges
COOPERSTOWN - Jason R. Rogers of Oneonta was indicted Thursday by the Otsego County grand jury on a charge of second-degree attempted murder. According to the indictment, Rogers shot Ronald Chris Wagner several times April 30 with a rifle at Wagner's home on Moze Lane in Hartwick.
Bridge to be replaced
UNADILLA — The state Department of Transportation has awarded a $2.6 million contract to replace the bridge that spans over the Unadilla River in the village of Unadilla on state Route 7, state Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman announced Thursday.
Thursday, June 14, 2001
Jury will sleep on it
COOPERSTOWN - After deliberating about seven hours in Otsego County Court on Wednesday, a nine-woman, three-man jury was unable to reach a verdict in Bruce W. Eckhardt's kidnapping and murder trial. The jury was sequestered for the night and is slated to resume deliberations at 9 a.m. today. Eckhardt, 54, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in the 1998 death of his estranged girlfriend, Donna L. Evans.
Nurses protest doctor's return
SIDNEY — The Sidney Hospital Board of Trustees heard complaints Wednesday about a doctor who nurses said sexually harassed them prior to his being placed on medical leave. The statements came during a board meeting apparently called to discuss Dr. Baseem Rimlawi, an obstetrician-gynecologist who practices at the Gelder Medical Facility. In the past, Rimlawi had operating privileges at The Hospital. But according to Hospital Chief Executive Officer Russell Test, Rimlawi has been on medical leave since May 11.
SUNY Chief: Make teacher college harder
ALBANY (AP) - Students in state teacher colleges should be better versed in the subjects they will teach and double their student teaching time under a proposal to be voted on next week by the State University of New York's trustees.
Oneonta native to sing in hometown
An Oneonta native with Broadway aspirations will return to his hometown this week to offer renditions of classic Italian songs, contemporary pop and Broadway hits.
Bonacic urges tougher regulations
State Sen. John J. Bonacic on Wednesday urged the Environmental Protection Agency to require tougher standards to make the New York City watershed agreement successful.
Supervisors don't agree on tobacco money
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors voiced differing views Wednesday on what to do with the portion of money the county is to receive as part of New York state's 1999 settlement with the tobacco industry.
Board approves borrowing $4M
ONEONTA — The Oneonta city school board unanimously approved a motion Wednesday to authorize the issuance and sale of notes up to $4.4 million to cover expenses for the coming school year.
Wednesday, June 13, 2001
Cracked sidewalk irks city residents
ONEONTA — If you care about your mother's back, don't traverse the sidewalks on Irving Place in Oneonta's Third Ward. Residents of the street said they have circulated at least two petitions and complained to city officials for years about the condition of their crumbling walks, which, city officials acknowledged, haven't been attended to in more than 25 years.
Tax loss is Delhi's gain
The Delaware Academy and Central School District has $200,000 coming to it, but it won't show up in the budget residents will vote on for a second time Thursday. On Tuesday, two days before the vote, state officials said the district will be fully reimbursed for a tax loss it suffered when the state Power Authority took over a substation previously leased by the New York State Electric & Gas Corp.
Deliberations being today in Otsego
COOPERSTOWN -Today, 41/2 weeks after Bruce W. Eckhardt's kidnapping and murder trial began in Otsego County Court, the case will go to the nine-woman, three-man jury.
Flag Day events set for this week
Two local towns will observe Flag Day with parades and ceremonies on Thursday and Saturday. Sen. James L. Seward will join Unadilla residents at the village's annual Flag Day Parade and Ceremony on Thursday. This year's festivities coincide with the village's 200th birthday.
Colored Troops Institute to meet
ONEONTA — The United States Colored Troops Institute for Local History and Family Research at Hartwick College will hold its annual meeting in Oneonta next weekend.
C'town girl wins spelling bee
Melanie Garcia faced those words, then spelled "chaotic" correctly followed by "chronic" to win this year's Otsego Northern-Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services Spelling Bee Contest.
State officials seeking sites for development
ONEONTA — Officials from the Empire State Development office visited potential economic development sites in Oneonta, Richfield Springs and Laurens on Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday, June 12, 2001
Court OKs religious club meetings
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a local Christian youth group Monday that had sued Milford Central School for use of its cafeteria to hold after-school religious instruction. "It's a victory for free speech in this country," said John Whitehead, one of the club's attorneys.
Sides rest in trial
COOPERSTOWN - Testimony in Bruce W. Eckhardt's kidnapping and murder trial ended Monday morning in Otsego County Court. Eckhardt, 54, is charged with burglary, kidnapping, three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of first-degree murder in the death of Donna L. Evans, his estranged girlfriend. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
SUCO establishes scholarships
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta has honored four local residents by establishing scholarships in their names.
Some residents upset with coverage
Some local people said Monday they are disturbed by the "media circus" that surrounded the execution of convicted terrorist Timothy McVeigh.
Delhi district voters can choose cuts or more cuts
Voters in the Delaware Academy and Delhi Central School District have two choices on Thursday. They can approve a budget with thousands of dollars in cuts to staff, activities and programs and swallow a 38 percent estimated increase in the tax levy.
Hearing on moratorium set
OTEGO — The Otego Town Board is expected to decide soon on whether to place a moratorium on the building of new manufactured homes in the town.
Dairy fest attracts record crowds
Sunny skies, warm weather and an appearance by Gov. George Pataki contributed to a record turnout at the third annual Meredith Dairy Fest. Organizers estimated that the weekend event drew about 25,000 people — several thousand more than last year. "Governor Pataki was here on Saturday, shaking hands with everyone," said event co-chairman Bob Pelinsky.
OHS seniors act up for a cause
High school seniors won't be the only ones receiving a graduation present this month. Proceeds from Oneonta High School's senior class play, "Marvin's Room," will benefit the local chapter of Catskill Area Hospice. "They help so many people in our area," said senior Paul Masse, 17, the play's director. "Hospice, nationwide, is an excellent source of care for cancer patients and AIDS patients."
Telephone bills ring up computer fraud
Have you inspected your telephone bill lately? If you think the local area is sheltered from phone scams, think again. John Huckins, 70, of Milford, opened his latest AT&T phone bill expecting to find a $35 charge but was shocked to find his bill totaled $391. The majority of the bill, $296, was for calls made to Vanuatu, an island in the southwest Pacific, west of Fiji.
Man shares Buffalo Soldier history
SIDNEY — Surrounded by mementos, including a replica of the flag from his great-grandfather's regiment, Charles Swain discussed the history of the Buffalo Soldiers on Sunday at the Sidney municipal airport. The program was part of a dedication commemorating a 1911 encampment by a regiment of the African-American soldiers in Sidney.
Saturday, June 9, 2001
Home sales increase locally
Home sales in Otsego and Delaware counties have increased 15.7 percent from last year, according to the New York State Association of Realtors. The increase, measured between April 2000 and April 2001, was well above the state average, which dropped 1.1 percent, NYSAR officials said. "Houses are selling before the sign is even up in the yard," said Bob Shultis, a home mortgage consultant at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Oneonta. "Every broker I've talked to says they have a shortage of listings."
Crime-scene expert testifies
COOPERSTOWN - Bloodstain patterns found in Donna Evans' bedroom indicate someone was struck with a blunt object while lying on the bed, a crime-scene reconstruction expert testified in Otsego County Court on Friday. Previously during Bruce W. Eckhardt's kidnapping and murder trial, state police forensic investigators testified that the DNA in many of the tiny bloodstains found in the room "are consistent with" Evans' DNA.
Cousins at the top of their senior class
For Michelle and Wendy Johnson, both seniors at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, brains run in the family. The cousins have proved themselves to be the academic wizards of the Class of 2001, ringing in at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in their class of 60 students.
Man faces DWI charge
EXETER — A drunken driver crashed into a tractor towing a manure spreader, then ran away from the scene of the accident and was arrested the next day, Otsego deputies said Friday.
City council gives project green light
The city of Oneonta this week became the lead agency for future development of the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway. On Tuesday, aldermen voted unanimously to give their full support to Phase 1 of the project, which involves the development of a multi-purpose, five-mile trail that will stretch along the Susquehanna River.
Hartwick Citizens Board honors alumnus
ONEONTA — An Oneonta businessman recognized by the Hartwick College Citizens Board as Citizen of the Year has not only been an advocate for the school but also a recipient of its degrees — twice.
Friday, June 8, 2001
Eckhardt's mother takes stand in trial
COOPERSTOWN - Bruce W. Eckhardt's mother testified in Otsego County Court on Thursday that he showed up unexpectedly at her house in Oxford, N.J., on the morning of July 17, 1998. That was the morning after his estranged girlfriend, Donna Evans, 58, of Palmer Road, Westford, was kidnapped and killed, according to Otsego County District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons.
FFA degree is Walton family's fifth
WALTON — Add another chapter to the history of the Walton FFA. When Christina Walley received her Empire degree at the 76th annual FFA state convention in May, she became the fifth member of her family to do so. And that, according to Walton Central School agricultural instructor Renwick Russell, is the first time that he recalls so many members of one family earning the state-level degree.
IDA approves loans to firms for expansion
ONEONTA — The Otsego County Industrial Development Agency has approved $275,000 in loans Thursday to two area companies for expansion projects that include the promise of more jobs.
Chief starts at Job Corps Center
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Job Corps Center welcomed a new director this week. Dennis Lamberd arrived in Oneonta on Monday from the Cassadaga Job Corps Center in Chautauqua County, where he was director of education training for five years.
Ampitheater to be built at Bear Spring Mountain
An amphitheater will be built at Bear Spring Mountain's Launt Pond Recreation Area in the town of Walton, state officials said. Delaware Heritage will facilitate an open meeting at Launt Pond for community organizations interested in using the amphitheater at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Thursday, June 7, 2001
Local projects get grants
NORWICH — More than $2 million in state grants for parkland and historic preservation were announced by Gov. George Pataki during a visit to Norwich on Wednesday. Projects in the city of Norwich, Cooperstown and 11 other localities in central New York will benefit from the awards announced by Pataki. The funds will come from money provided by the 2000-01 Clean Air, Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Fund.
Otsego BOCES may cut 60 jobs
The Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services has informed 60 teachers and aides that they might not have a job when the 2001-02 school year begins this fall. A decline in enrollment among the 19 schools within the district was cited as the reason for the cuts, which represent about 25 percent of the teaching staff.
Expert: Skull found in Pa. is victim's
COOPERSTOWN - Hours of expert testimony in Bruce W. Eckhardt's kidnapping and murder trial in Otsego County Court on Wednesday revealed the identity of a skull but ended in disagreement over DNA.
Events to reflect history Sunday
SIDNEY — Encampments and re-enactments of the buffalo soldiers are part of the activities planned Sunday at the Sidney Municipal Airport to commemorate a moment in local history.
OM students to return from contests
Area teams were returning Wednesday by car and bus from the Odyssey of the Mind World Competitions, held in College Park, Maryland, June 2-5, officials said.
Fresh Air children need local hosts
The Fresh Air fund has entered its 125th year of providing memorable summers for inner-city youth. And the organization is seeking families in Otsego County who will open their hearts and homes to a Fresh Air child for two weeks.
Self-help focus of city summit
ONEONTA — The ideas flowed freely at Wednesday's Oneonta Economic Development Summit, where area business and community leaders discussed what drives the city's economy and how to steer it in a better direction.
Teacher becomes student at city summit
ONEONTA — For Oneonta Middle School teacher Betsy Bloom, Wednesday's Economic Development Summit was an invaluable learning experience.
Wednesday, June 6, 2001
Area vets recall D-Day
Fifty-seven years ago today, Burdette Evans was neck-deep in the English Channel, swimming to Utah Beach as the Battle of Normandy began. Strapped with 75 pounds of gear, he and thousands of other men stormed the beach and forced their way past machine gun nests with German soldiers at the trigger. They plodded through minefields — soaking wet.
Hunter tells jury about discovery of human skull in Pa.
COOPERSTOWN - A hunter from Bangor, Pa., told jurors in Otsego County Court on Tuesday how he happened to find a skull in rural Upper Mount Bethel Township on Dec. 13, 1999. The testimony came during the third week of the trial of Bruce W. Eckhardt, who is accused of kidnapping and murdering Donna Evans of Westford on or about July 16, 1998.
Hotel to offer shining knights
DELHI — In the near future, hotel guests in Delhi may not have to walk far from their rooms to witness courtly chivalry. Groundbreaking is expected this summer in Delhi for a new concept hotel by a major chain.
Methodist ministers move to, from local congregations
Several local United Methodist churches are receiving newly appointed pastors who were reassigned as a result of the Wyoming conference, which was held this past weekend in Scranton, Pa.
Oneonta police sergeant retires
ONEONTA — Three months after being suspended from the city of Oneonta Police Department, veteran officer Sgt. Mark Howard has retired from the force.
Roxbury Arts Group gets grant
The Roxbury Arts Group will be able to expand its theater and headquarters, thanks to $25,000 in state money secured by a local senator.
Work on skatepark gets rolling — again
ONEONTA — Work has resumed on the skateboard facility in Oneonta's Neahwa Park. Tuesday morning, a crew of students from Oneonta Job Corps' cement masonry trade returned to the site to finish construction on the planned 22,500-square-foot skatepark.
Tuesday, June 5, 2001
Firm fined for illegal discharges
Officials for Audiosears in Stamford said Monday the company is close to settling with the federal Environmental Protection Agency for illegal discharges. Issued in February, the EPA complaint states the company violated federal pretreatment standards by exceeding the amount of wastewater pollutants it discharged from the plant into the village of Stamford's wastewater treatment plant.
Jury hears tapes
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County Court on Monday, the jury listened to two tape recordings of Bruce W. Eckhardt's telephone conversations with Donna Evans' daughter, Melissa Johnson of Franklin. The conversations between Eckhardt, who's accused of kidnapping and murdering Evans on or about July 16, 1998, and Johnson were recorded at the request of the state police.
SUCO's field house to be dolled up soon
ONEONTA — Next week more than 400 hand-crafted porcelain dolls will transform SUCO's Alumni Field House into many little girls' dream bedroom.
Doors open to post office
HARPERSFIELD — The community's newly built post office will be dedicated at a ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, said Postmaster Jeanine Tourtellotte.
Police: Student made threat with fake ax
SCHENEVUS — A Schenevus Central School student was arrested for appearing to threaten a faculty member with a fake ax on Friday, Otsego County sheriff's deputies said.
Shooting suspect pleads innocent
DELHI — Harry Elmendorf Jr. was returned to Delaware County jail after his arraignment Monday in Delaware County Court on charges relating to the alleged shooting of his stepdaughter and son-in-law in Hancock.
Critics: Housing could shrink
ALBANY — Proposed state building regulations are going to wipe out a long New York history of trying to assure comfortable homes for the disabled, advocates for handicapped people said.
Monday, June 4, 2001
Couple angling for first-class koi farm
SIDNEY CENTER — Tucked away on their hillside farm in Sidney Center, Charles and Maria Wagner are helping people throughout the country find new ways to enjoy their back yards. The couple have developed their interest in koi fish to become one of the largest distributors of the exotic species in the Northeast.
Education still key in AIDS fight
Twenty years after the onset of the AIDS epidemic, education remains the key component in the fight against the deadly disease, according to area AIDS support-group officials. Because new infections have leveled off nationwide and improved medicines now allow patients to live longer, people may not be as wary as they once were of the devastating effects of AIDS, said Lea Folland, executive director of Catskill Rural AIDS Services.
McCall vows to open up budget process
MILFORD CENTER — New York state Comptroller H. Carl McCall brought his campaign to become the Democratic nominee for governor next year to Otsego County on Sunday.
Oxford Academy takes top two awards at Pageant of Bands
Oxford Academy and Central School won top honors at this year's Sherburne Pageant of Bands. The school received the Albert Whitney Overall Achievement award and the Frank L. Miller Outstanding Director award at the 53rd annual competition Saturday.
Saturday, June 2, 2001
School nurses hurting
Add another casualty to the list of professions adversely affected by a shortage of workers. School nurses say they are experiencing greater workloads and more stress. They're treating more students who have more chronic illnesses and who use a greater number of medications. "It's definitely harder from when I went to school," said Carolyn Crosby, who has been the nurse at Laurens Central School for two years. "It has changed drastically."
Hikers get new guide
COOPERSTOWN - From a high spot on the walking trail near Arnold Lake in the town of Hartwick, you can see all the way to the Catskills, according to Seth Richter, Otsego County planner.
Hartwick planners OK Dreams Park plans
HARTWICK - Everyone who spoke at a public hearing in Hartwick on Thursday was opposed to the expansion of the Cooperstown Dreams Park. But the Hartwick Town Planning Board approved the project's site plan that night, member Orrin Higgins said Friday.
College group elects officers, sets scholarship
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta Foundation Board of Directors has established a scholarship in memory of a former faculty member at the college.
Meeting set on water management
A federal agency seeks public comment at a June 14 meeting in Delhi about whether New York City can continue to avoid filtering drinking water from its Catskill/Delaware water supply.
Pupils have lesson about Catskill/Delaware watershed
South Kortright Central School students recently met peers from Brooklyn to learn how forests of the Catskill/Delaware watershed affect New York City's drinking water.
Friday, June 1, 2001
Hartwick's present a light in a tunnel at Fox Hospital
Employees and residents strolling through a main corridor at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital may notice that something has changed. A colorful mural now graces the tunnel that connects the main hospital building to the nursing home, replacing what was only weeks ago a monochromatic stretch. "It's much more therapeutic than the blank blue-gray walls," said Maggie Barnes, the hospitals' director of community affairs. "Now it has such spirit and personality." The mural was a present from Hartwick College in honor of the hospital's 100th birthday last year.
Second juror discharged in Eckhardt murder trial
COOPERSTOWN - A second juror was discharged Thursday during a busy day of testimony in Bruce W. Eckhardt's kidnapping and murder trial in Otsego County Court.
Cooperstown tenants voice concern about use proposal
COOPERSTOWN — Tenants in the apartment house at 29 Pioneer St. told village trustees recently they are worried about what will happen to them if a special use permit is granted allowing the apartments to be rented on a week-to-basis.
Residents can tour Lansing juvenile facility
BAINBRIDGE — Bainbridge residents concerned about the potential development of a secure juvenile residential center in their town will have the opportunity to see first-hand how a similar facility operates.
May: Hot, cold, dry and wet
The month of May brought sunshine, rain, sleet and even snow in some areas, local weather observers said Thursday, and the diversity made it impossible to predict the day's outcome.
OM teams to compete in world contest
BAINBRIDGE — Area teams are leaving today for the Odyssey of the Mind World Competitions. A team from Sidney High School and two from the Greenlawn Elementary School from the Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District will be participating in the event, which begins Saturday and continues through Tuesday at College Park, Md.
Pataki: No plan may be result
ALBANY — The state would be better off with no formal budget than with agreeing on the Democrats' bloated wish list, Gov. George Pataki charged Thursday, leaving open the possibility of the state running without a fiscal plan.
