Halloween a little trickier this year
ONEONTA — Nine-year-old Ross Wyman of Oneonta said he plans to wrap himself in toilet paper tonight. To dress as a mummy, for Halloween, of course, while his 12-year-old brother dresses as a playing card. Across the nation, children and adults of all ages are preparing themselves for the annual tradition of putting on a costume and yelling "trick or treat," at their neighbors' doorsteps. But local residents say this Halloween is a little bit different from other years.
Area drivers must be hands-free Thursday
ONEONTA — An accident caused by a distracted driver using a cellular phone convinced Oneonta resident Heather Schneider to support recent legislation banning the use of hand-held phones while driving. Schneider, 24, said she was in the FoxCare Center parking lot about a year ago when a driver talking on her cell phone hit a light pole, sending it crashing onto the building.
Cooperstown Lions Club honored by chamber
COOPERSTOWN - Fifty years ago, the Cooperstown Lions Club met for the first time, dedicating themselves to being a force for good in the community.
Cast your vote: Muller or the new guy
ONEONTA — Economic development and public safety issues dominated a public debate Tuesday between city of Oneonta mayoral challenger Joseph Lipari and incumbent Kim Muller.
Cobleskill Tech dedicates dairy facility
COBLESKILL — Students at the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill are getting a "higher-tech" way to learn the dairy-farming trade, college officials said.
Schoharie candidates night to begin airing
A "Meet the Candidates" program featuring Schoharie County candidates will be aired this week through Election Day on both Time-Warner Public Access Channel 17 and MidTel Cable Access Channel 3.
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
'He was trying to be a gentleman'
About 100 students attended a candlelight service at the State University College at Oneonta on Monday in memory of William McInerney, the student who was killed by a public transit bus Friday night. "We've all been cheated because we've only known Will a short time," said Paul Butler, of the campus ministry, who led the 7 p.m. service in front of Tobey Hall. However, Butler said, those who knew McInerney should be thankful for having that opportunity.
Winter forecast looks bad — maybe
What kind of winter weather is awaiting us this year? It depends who you ask. Methods of weather prediction run the gamut from science to folklore. But the best chance at an accurate picture of future weather, according to a local meteorology professor, is produced by a federal agency.
SUCO student hit by OPT bus dies of injuries
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta student hit by a public transit bus late Friday died of his injuries, sources said Sunday.
Group sets speaker for cancer conference
STAMFORD — An expert on a holistic approach to cancer treatment will be the main speaker at a conference on cancer care on Saturday in Stamford.
Sidney man gets six years for arson, burglary
DELHI — A Sidney man was sentenced Monday in Delaware County Court to serve six years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree arson, second-degree burglary and second-degree criminal mischief, all felonies.
Arrest made after brawl
ONEONTA — A fight among patrons at The Alley bar on Water Street early Sunday left several injured and resulted in five or six arrests, Oneonta city police said.
Hancock novices seek seat
A new town and county supervisor will be elected in Hancock as political upstarts Samuel Rowe Jr., a Republican, and Democrat James Rotzler face off on Nov. 6.
Monday, October 29, 2001
College-bound looking to stay close to home
Several months ago, Joshua Garcia narrowed down his college-choice criteria to one thing — he wanted to go to a school within New York state. But since Sept. 11, the Oneonta High School junior has narrowed his choices down a little more. He now wants to stay within two or three hours of his home.
Season giant for local pumpkin growers
They start to show up on doorsteps and porches in September. And, by now, they are everywhere. In fact, the pumpkin has been a part of Halloween for about 100 years. Local growers have supplied the area with a bumper crop of the orange fruits this year that will be used for everything from painting faces to carving jack-o'-lanterns.
Saturday, October 27, 2001
Area schools to get more aid
ALBANY — The Oneonta and Norwich city school districts will be receiving aid boosts under a new $200 million education-spending plan approved by state lawmakers. The Oneonta City School District will receive $171,369 — up $26,301 from what was included under the state's bare-bones budget that was first approved in August. Meanwhile, the Norwich City School District will get $59,352 — an increase of $9,100 over what was first allocated two months ago.
'Test' leads to 3 arrests
Three students from Morris Central School were arrested Friday after allegedly shooting each other in the leg in what police described as a "test of courage." The students were charged with felony second-degree assault after shootings occurred Monday afternoon in Mount Vision, troopers said. Members of the MCS junior class, "entered into an agreement to test their courage by systematically shooting each other in the right calf with a .22 caliber rifle," troopers said.
Chenango ballot full of choices
The political fate of one mayor, five supervisors and one alderman will be decided in Chenango County on Nov. 6. A number of races for town council and four highway superintendents have contests.
SUCO student hit by bus
ONEONTA — A State University College at Oneonta student was transported to the hospital after being hit by an Oneonta Public Transit bus at about 10 p.m. Friday night.
Seward: Economic boost on the way
Otsego County will soon be designated as home to one of the state's newest economic development zones, state Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford, announced this week.
Schoharie County man dies in crash
CARLISLE — Schoharie County deputies are investigating an accident that left a Middleburgh man dead Thursday night.
Postcards show local history
SIDNEY — "Wish you were here" could take on a new meaning if a Trout Creek man has his way. John Marano calls his efforts to print postcards of local homes and historic scenes "a work in progress."
Friday, October 26, 2001
400 commemorate victims of violence
"There is no difference between being raped and being run over by a truck except that afterward men ask if you enjoyed it." These words, from a poem written by an anonymous victim of sexual assault, were read at Thursday's Take Back the Night march, an annual Oneonta event commemorating victims of violent crimes. About 400 participants wound through the city, chanting and making stops along the way to read poetry at sites where victims have been attacked.
Area counselors ready for rise in substance abuse
In the quest for an escape from the often-disturbing scenes on television and in newspapers, an increasing number of people may turn to alcohol and drugs for comfort, local substance abuse experts said this week. Earlier this week, New York state used an annual meeting of alcohol and drug treatment providers to help gauge the effects of the recent terrorist attacks and stressful aftermath on substance abuse.
Concert to benefit Red Cross
ONEONTA — The First United Methodist Church in Oneonta will be filled with the sounds of classical arias and patriotic songs in a Saturday concert to benefit the American Red Cross.
Delhi tech to mark program's 40th year
DELHI — The State University College of Technology at Delhi will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the nation's first veterinary science technology program with alumni, instructors, friends and supporters at 1 p.m. Saturday in Farnsworth Hall on the college campus.
Man, 22, charged with rape
ONEONTA — Otsego County Court officials opened a sealed indictment Thursday, charging an Oneonta man with rape, sodomy and sexual abuse.
Grocery was Friendly for 55 years in West End
ONEONTA — Kay Hotaling stocked the shelves of Your Friendly Grocery with basic foods, some knickknacks and, of course, bread and milk, for more than five decades.
20 high-level sex offenders listed in area
WESTFORD — A man living in Otsego County is the latest person from the area to be listed on the state sexual offender registry, and the addition should be seen as a growing trend, officials said.
Thursday, October 25, 2001
Club to celebrate Treadwell's past
TREADWELL — For 75 years the Treadwell Community Improvement Club has done the housekeeping for the tiny hamlet of Treadwell. On Nov. 3, it will host "A Step Back In Time" at the Treadwell United Methodist Church in celebration of its past. The event will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. "The club has an active say in a community that pays Franklin taxes and sends kids to Delaware Academy Schools," said Debbie Tuthill, club president.
Shaffer loses custody, again
For the second time in three years, Otsego County Family Court has denied Vicky Shaffer custody of her daughter. Family Court Judge Brian Burns on Tuesday ruled against an agreement signed in May by Shaffer and Mark Winslow, the girl's father. The agreement relinquished custody of Brianna, 6, to Shaffer if she returned to the area after hiding with the girl for more than three years.
N.Y. Senate OKs casino expansion
ALBANY — KA-CHING! New York was well on its way to getting big-time gambling Wednesday night with state Senate approval and the state Assembly expected to follow suit.
Tax levy up in Delaware budget draft
DELHI - A 4 percent increase over last year's tax levy in Delaware County could occur, according to the county's tentative 2002 budget.
Court date set in case against Dewar officials
ONEONTA — A November court date has been set in the civil lawsuit against three directors of the Dewar Foundation, officials for the state Attorney General's office said Wednesday.
Board extends option to buy land for jail
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors agreed at Wednesday's bimonthly meeting to a 90-day extension on the option to purchase 16 acres of land for the new county jail site.
Oneonta mayoral candidates taking steps toward Nov.6
ONEONTA — With less than two weeks to go before the Nov. 6 election, city of Oneonta mayoral candidates Kim Muller and Joseph Lipari continue to work the campaign trail.
Wednesday, October 24, 2001
Man, 24, in serious condition after one-car crash in Masonville
MASONVILLE — A 24-year-old man was in serious condition following a one-car accident in Masonville on Tuesday. The crash happened at about 9:30 a.m. about six miles from county Route 23 in Sidney Center, officials at the scene said. There were no passengers in the car.
Middle school test scores down
Local middle school students are failing to meet required standards in math and English, state education officials announced Tuesday. Districts statewide are seeing a similar scenario, they said. Tests results unveiled Tuesday by the state Education Department show that 39.4 percent of the 199,000 students who took the eighth-grade math exam this year met the state's required standards. That's down slightly from 40.3 percent last year.
Area woman elected to state school board
ONEONTA — For five years, Martha Stayton has been leading the Oneonta City School District as a member of the school board. Now she will help to lead school boards across the state.
Highway official to resign
DELHI — The superintendent of highways for the town of Delhi announced Tuesday that he will resign his post Nov. 23.
Magee: Gambling plans aren't sure bet for state
ALBANY — If the state's going to allow a slew of new Indian-owned casinos, it may as well open up to the commercial gaming giants as well, Assemblyman Bill Magee said.
State close on casino package
ALBANY — State lawmakers honed in on an agreement Tuesday for the largest gambling expansion plan ever for New York state and were hoping to vote on the package by today.
Quarterback to help Take Back the Night
ONEONTA—Bringing an end to domestic violence and sexual assault is the goal of Thursday's Take Back the Night march, an annual event commemorating victims of violent crimes, organizers said.
Attacks stir memories of Beirut
MILFORD — On Sept. 11, Robert Coulman watched television in horror as two commercial airliners, hijacked by terrorists, slammed into the World Trade Center. For the 74-year-old Milford Center resident, the unfolding tragedy harkened back to Oct. 23, 1983 — 18 years ago today — when his son, Marine Sgt. Kevin P. Coulman, and 240 other American soldiers died in a terrorist bombing of the U.S. Marine Headquarters building in Beirut, Lebanon. "You still feel the pain," Coulman said, "and after Sept. 11, it brought the whole thing back again."
Local Realtors: Business booming
Real estate broker Frank Lumia said he has seen a definite change in his customers since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. "People are not putting things off anymore," he said. "They have decided that now is the time to do something." For an increasing number of people who had been living in the New York metropolitan area, this includes purchasing real estate in this region.
Schoolboy crush becomes success for Oneonta writer
ONEONTA — When 50-year-old Earl W. Roberts III of Oneonta was a sophomore in high school, he didn't imagine his crush on a math teacher would gain national attention.
Teacher charged with sex abuse
NORWICH — A teacher at a religious school was arrested Saturday on charges of allegedly having sexual contact with a child under 11, according to Norwich city police.
Man sentenced on two felony charges
DELHI - A South New Berlin man was sentenced Monday in Delaware County Court to serve one to three years in prison on a guilty plea to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal mischief, both felonies.
Historic district could deliver benefits to city
ONEONTA — About 25 business owners and community members attended an informational meeting Monday on the possibility of designating part of Main Street as a historic district.
Hearings set for NYSEG rate proposal, merger
ALBANY — The state Public Service Commission has scheduled public hearings on the multi-year electric rate plan proposed by New York State Electric & Gas Corp. and about the proposed merger of the company with Rochester Gas and Electric Corp.
Open-space plan would protect farmland
ALBANY — Farms, watersheds and bird-migration areas would be protected, and canoeing and fishing opportunities would be expanded throughout parts of the Oneonta region under a new state plan to preserve open space.
Monday, October 22, 2001
Area pacifists search for focus
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have rallied for peace in both the United States and several European counties since the start of American-led bombing raids of Afghanistan. In this area, however, pacifists have been quiet. "It would take one other person to say, 'Alice, let's do this,'" said Alice Siegfried, an Oneonta potter and past peace activist.
Walton looks to go 'Live' on ABC
WALTON — Regis, Kelli and Walton? It could happen. The Walton Chamber of Commerce has put together a tourism package for possible inclusion on an upcoming promotion on daytime talk show "Live! With Regis and Kelli." Newly elected president Rich Morley said he expects to find out this week whether the show producers will choose the town for inclusion in a New York state tourism promotion.
Unatego students injured in crash
UNADILLA — Three Unatego Central School soccer players and a passenger were hurt in a one-car crash while returning home from the school Saturday, following the team's league-championship victory over Greene.
Panel says survey shows burn-barrel opposition
A survey conducted this summer by the Otsego County Burn Barrel Committee found that two-thirds of county residents don't want trash burning in the county.
Saturday, October 20, 2001
Fire damages Brooks
ONEONTA — The owners of Brooks House of Bar-B-Q's said it will be business as usual Saturday despite a fire Friday night that damaged part of the restaurant. City of Oneonta firefighters were called to the popular landmark restaurant on state Route 7 at about 8 p.m. They spent almost two hours battling a blaze that started above a barbecue pit inside the restaurant and spread to the roof of that section of the building.
Local doctors prepare for anthrax
Area doctors and health care officials say they are brushing up on what they need to know about anthrax. Though infection isn't likely locally, doctors say they are turning to the Internet and other sources for more information. "The public needs to understand that we're not in a high-risk area," said Bonnie Hamilton, public health director for Delaware County. "We just try to assure people that they don't need to worry."
Delhi chefs bring home the gold
Three Delaware chefs kicked their cooking up a notch and brought home medals from a prestigious culinary competition in Indiana.
Forum set on drinking, racial strife
ONEONTA — Alcohol, violence and the downtown bar scene will be the subject of a forum held by the city of Oneonta's Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights.
Walton debating intersection safety
WALTON - A mother of three Walton Central School students has written the school and village boards about an intersection she views as hazardous for children to cross. The intersection where Delaware Street intersects with state routes 10 and 206 is on the route her three girls - two in elementary school and one in the high school - travel to school.
Friday, October 19, 2001
Students contest Underground Railroad
ONEONTA — It is estimated that as many as 100,000 people escaped from slavery using the Underground Railroad System. Thursday morning, eighth-graders at Oneonta Middle School simulated the journey of several slaves, using a state-of-the-art computer program called "Pull of Polaris." "For students to become involved in a subject helps them to understand the topic," Betsy Bloom, a social studies teacher at OMS, said.
Oneonta may contest census
City of Oneonta officials say they might contest what could turn out to be an undercount of its residents during last year's U.S. Census. At the top of the list is what appears to be an undercount, or at least a miscount, of the city's college student population, said Joseph Bernier, Oneonta's community development director. "We've learned that the dormitories at the (State University College at Oneonta) were put in the wrong census tracks," Bernier said.
Catskill casino proposal may get boost
ALBANY — State lawmakers, desperate to plug hemorrhaging state revenues since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, are expecting a massive gambling expansion bill next week that will likely include casinos in the Catskills, video slot machines at horse tracks and Powerball.
Meeting to address good, bad of a historic district
ONEONTA — Walking down Main Street in Oneonta, people may feel like they're stepping back in time. Now, the city historical society is looking at designating part of the street a historic district.
Guilford Mills plant remains without buyer
COBLESKILL — No buyer has been found for the Guilford Mills textile plant in Cobleskill, set to shut down in November and lay off more than 500 workers, local officials said.
Fox doctor fined, leaves
ONEONTA — An Oneonta urologist recently disciplined by the state Department of Health is no longer affiliated with A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital or Northern Catskill Urologic Associates, officials said Wednesday. Lewis A. Rogatnick was charged with misconduct and given five years of probation and a $5,000 fine. He is also required to perform 100 hours of community service and complete a course in ethics, the health department website said.
Oneonta residents on path for award
Two Oneonta residents who have promoted a pathway to nature have been named Conservationist of the Year by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Moira Goldfarb and Thomas Gergel, co-chairs of the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway, were chosen as two of the driving forces behind the local trail, said conservation association officials this week.
Oneonta drill to test ability of firefighters
ONEONTA — The city of Oneonta Fire Department will be testing its firefighter expertise and station apparatus Saturday during a planned fire drill at the city's Nader Towers apartment building.
Write-in candidate mounts campaign
OTEGO — The recent controversy surrounding the possible location of a youth prison in Otego has spurred a challenge to the town's representative on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
MOSA creates stink at board meeting
COOPERSTOWN — Rep. Donald Lindberg told the Otsego County Board of Representatives on Wednesday that two of the county's MOSA representatives should be relieved of their positions.
Powder, suspicious package found on campuses
ONEONTA — A small amount of a powdery white substance was found in the Maintenance and Operation Center at the State University College at Oneonta on Wednesday morning, officials said.
150 attend Hartwick forum on Islam, Taliban
ONEONTA — Westerners often overlook the pacifist aspects of Islam, focusing on the violent aspects blamed for recent terrorist attacks, a Hartwick College professor said Wednesday night.
Wednesday, October 17, 2001
Delaware HazMat called out again
For the second day in a row, Delaware County's Hazardous Materials Team was contacted for a possible anthrax contamination case. And for the second day in a row, no hazardous material was found, officials said. "So far there is nothing that gives us reason to believe there is a credible anthrax case in this area," said Maj. William Foley, commander of state police Troop C based in Sidney.
4 suspended by SUCO for frat 'hazing'
ONEONTA — Four State University College at Oneonta students pledging a fraternity were suspended for a year Monday after participating in a hazing activity last month. Junior Joe Randazzo, 20, sophomore Kevin Leuis, 20, and freshman Matthew Reis, 18, were among those penalized by SUCO's disciplinary board for assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct and hazing, they said Tuesday.
Student gets inside look at U.S. Congress
When Mr. Smith went to Washington, he came home a congressman. But when Schenevus High School senior Jennifer Barton went last week, she just learned how to be one.
Park price rises to $65K
ONEONTA — The city of Oneonta has approved spending another $12,300 that will go toward completion of the municipal skateboard park in Neahwa Park.
Frats report they'll meet city demands
ONEONTA — Nine State University College at Oneonta students who were facing eviction from their downtown Oneonta apartments say they have made steps toward getting their fraternities recognized by the college.
NBT, CNB merger gets shareholders' OK
NORWICH — NBT Bancorp Inc. and CNB Financial Corp. announced Tuesday that they received stockholder approval for their pending merger.
State fines, suspends nurses
Two nurses from Delaware County have been suspended and fined by the state Board of Regents.
Tuesday, October 16, 2001
Oneonta powder 'suspicious'
ONEONTA — Otsego County Sheriff's deputies said they have yet to identify a white, powdery substance that was discovered in a box of tissues Monday by a town of Oneonta resident. Local law enforcement officials, including the Delaware County Hazardous Materials Team responded at about 8:30 a.m. to the Angel Heights subdivision, where residents of 128 Angel Drive reported finding the substance between a layer of tissues in a box that had been previously opened and used by the family, deputies said.
Winslow: I never intended to give Brianna away
COOPERSTOWN — Mark Winslow never intended to give custody of his daughter to her mother, Vicky Shaffer, he said at the conclusion of a hearing in Otsego County Family Court on Monday. "I had no other alternatives," Winslow said. "This may have been the last chance I had to get my daughter back."
Mt. Upton show 'moor' than average scary show
MOUNT UPTON — A lawn chair would be out of place on the English moor, and it will only be in the way in Mount Upton on Saturday — unless it is carried by a ghost.
Business Beat by Laura Alys Ward
ONEONTA—December reservations can now be booked at the hotel on Main Street in Oneonta, which should open next month, owner Daniel Homik said Monday.
Rapist gets probation
DELHI — A Hobart man was sentenced to 10 years of probation Monday after pleading guilty in Delaware County Court to one count of second-degree rape, a felony.
Catholic Charities given $48,353 grant
Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego counties was awarded a $48,353 grant as part of $11.5 million the state is providing to 21 counties.
Seward to head disaster panel
ALBANY — State Sen. James L. Seward was tapped Monday to head a new panel charged with ensuring that communities statewide are ready to respond to disasters.
Police continue investigation into racial slurs
State police at Oneonta continue to investigate an incident at Milford Central School where racial slurs were found spray painted on a door and window Friday morning.
Monday, October 15, 2001
School marred by slurs
Spray-painted racial slurs directed against the principal appeared on a door and window of Milford Central School in Milford on Friday morning. "It was just disgusting what they wrote," said 17-year-old William Laible, a Milford high school senior. Laible said he saw the "N word" scrawled in blue spray paint on the window to the office of the school's fifth-through-12th-grade principal, Lynda Bookhard, who is black.
Unadilla to mark the historic spots for preservation
UNADILLA — Sometimes, it takes a secret ingredient to finish a recipe. In the case of Unadilla, the yearlong bicentennial celebrations inspired the historic preservation committee to complete a project begun more than 10 years ago, members said. On Oct. 25, at 6 p.m., the village of Unadilla will dedicate two historical markers noting the listing of the village on the National Register of Historic Places and providing information on the town.
CROP Walk raises $9,000 to fight hunger
ONEONTA — The events of Sept. 11 affected this year's Oneonta CROP Walk, organizers said Sunday. About 250 people raised $9,000 in the 24th annual Oneonta walk to fight hunger on Sunday, said event coordinator Bill Whitaker.
MOSA raises Otsego GAT, tipping fee
The Montgomery-Otsego-Schoharie Solid Waste Management Authority has increased the number of tons of garbage that Otsego County will have to deliver next year by about 1,500 tons, officials said Sunday.
Saturday, October 13, 2001
Oneonta tightens H2O security
ONEONTA — The city of Oneonta has beefed up security around its municipal water supply in response to last month's terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. The action is part of a recent review of the city's emergency response plan that is targeted at both community planning and the city's internal response system, Mayor Kim Muller said this week.
Local charities may take hit
The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties recently added to the national outpouring of donations for victims of the terrorist attacks with its own $10,000 contribution. The donation, said organization officials, will go to the September 11th Fund, established, in part, by the United Way of America to assist victims of the World Trade Center attack.
Delaware names Citizen of the Year
Two Oneonta men were recognized Friday as Delaware County Emergency Medical Services' Citizens of the Year after pulling five people from a burning car in the town of Davenport earlier this year.
Guitar fest to serenade Oneonta
ONEONTA — The first annual Classical Guitar Fall Festival in Oneonta, offering performances by local musicians and a concert and master class by an award-winning guitarist, will be held this weekend.
Pittsfield race for supervisor has three faces
PITTSFIELD - Voters will have three options when they select Pittsfield's supervisor on Nov. 6. Incumbent Donna Wells, 59, of Dunham Road is seeking a second two-year term.
Hartwick panel questions U.S. military response
ONEONTA — Students and professors at Hartwick College expressed dissatisfaction with government retaliatory actions in Afghanistan during a panel discussion in the Andersen Center for the Arts on Thursday. Katherine O'Donnell, professor of sociology, said she would prefer to see perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks against the United States brought to justice through the United Nations and international court systems.
Students count flags after school
LAURENS — Onlookers smiled as a parade of 60 children from Laurens Central School walked through the town counting flags on Thursday afternoon. "There's another one! Sixty-two!" exclaimed fifth-grader Stephanie Papa as she spotted a flag on Brook Road. Counting flags, raking lawns and planting bulbs are a few of the ways more than 500 local children celebrated the second anniversary of the "Lights on Afterschool!" program on Thursday.
School money hasn't arrived
School officials said Thursday they do not yet know if they will benefit from an extra $363 million the state is providing schools. In fact, some superintendents said they hadn't even heard if more money might be provided.
Former official to run
DAVENPORT — A former Davenport town councilman will run again for a seat on the board in the November election.
Fire may be hate crime; arsenal found
Possible hate crimes and explosives surround two recent Deposit area incidents that have involved state police Troop C, along with other agencies.
SUCO grad-turned-author to talk, sign books
ONEONTA — A State University College at Oneonta graduate, and author of two books, will return to Oneonta Saturday to sign books and talk about fiction writing.
After five years, chamber president to resign
The president of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has announced he will resign at the end of October to shift his focus to "more personal objectives."
SUCO's alumni weekend starts today
ONEONTA — Hundreds of alumni, parents, family members and friends will be in town this weekend for Homecoming/Family Weekend at the State University College at Oneonta.
Four vying for two seats on town board
WEST ONEONTA —Four candidates, including one incumbent and three newcomers, are running for two open seats on the Oneonta Town Board.
Oneonta YMCA might extend day care
ONEONTA — The Oneonta YMCA is looking at extending its nursery school day care service to a full day program.
Thursday, October 11, 2001
Oil truck flips; spill closes exit
ONEONTA — A 260-gallon oil spill on Interstate 88 closed exit 14 in Oneonta for more than two hours Wednesday, but no one was hurt and ecological damage was minimal, officials said. A trailer carrying a 320-gallon tank of latex emulsion oil dislodged from the blue Chevrolet pickup truck hauling it shortly after 10 a.m., said Norman C. Jacobsen, assistant chief of the city fire department.
Area teachers incorporate events
Five years ago, terrorism was not a popular project topic for students in Oneonta High School teacher Joe Hughes' participation in government class. The Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon may change that, he said Wednesday.
4-H alums celebrate service
Lynn Green is a Cooperstown attorney, but he raises beef cows and grapes on the side. He attributes many of the skills needed for each job to the five years he spent as a 4-H member.
County taking over land by eminent domain
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Wednesday to acquire a small piece of land in Hancock by eminent domain procedure law.
Landfill closed again
UNADILLA — The on-again-off-again landfill in Unadilla is off-again. The construction and demolition debris landfill was closed Wednesday, according to officials at Waste Recovery Enterprise L.L.C., which operated the facility.
NYSEG project placed on hold
ONEONTA— New York State Electric & Gas Corp. officials say they are waiting for the OK to begin a cleanup of coal-tar contaminants in a groundwater source in Oneonta's Neahwa Park.
Wednesday, October 10, 2001
Stores report run on Islam, Nostradamus books
Books about the Islamic faith have seen a rise in popularity since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon last month, local bookstore and library employees said Tuesday. After the Sept. 11 attacks, "there was a mad dash for all books about Islam," Harlene Allen, a clerk librarian for the Cooperstown Library said. "We had a Koran. Somebody took the Koran."
Otego board nixes prison
OTEGO — And then there were two. At a special meeting Monday, the Otego town board voted unanimously to withdraw its name from consideration for possible siting of a prison, according to town officials.
Fire destroys storage barn
PITTSFIELD — A fire destroyed a barn in the town of Pittsfield on Sunday night, but no one was injured, Pittsfield Fire Chief Bob Rumovicz said Monday.
Strikes evoke mixed feeling among clergy
Local religious leaders expressed mixed reactions on Tuesday toward U.S. airstrikes in Afghanistan and said greater numbers of parishioners are attending services.
Countryside faces shortfall close to $1M
A "budgetary oversight" is being blamed for the loss of $950,000 in projected 2002 revenue at the Countryside Care Center in Delhi, according to Delaware County officials.
Woman pleads innocent to possessing crack cocaine
DELHI — An Oneonta woman pleaded innocent in Delaware County Court on Tuesday to a felony charge of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Oneonta ponders taxi cab regulations
ONEONTA — City of Oneonta officials are continuing to look at the city's code as it applies to taxi cab enforcement.
Woman stuck in cave rescued
SCHOHARIE — A woman was trapped in a cave for almost nine hours after her leg became caught between two rocks in Gage Cavern in Schoharie on Sunday, Schoharie County deputies said. Shioka Kudo of Milford, Mass. became stuck about 450 feet from the cave's entrance at about 1:30 p.m., but emerged unharmed and cheerful 81/2 hours later, deputies said.
Oneonta man to realize Olympic torch dream — again
ONEONTA — An Oneonta man will participate in the Olympic torch relay for the second time when the flame passes between Utica and Syracuse in late December Jeffrey R. Gardner, 31, was one of five area people selected out of a pool of 210,000 nominees to participate in the 65-day relay in which the flame will travel from Greece to Salt Lake City, Utah.
Restored tavern looking for place in modern history
ANDES — Two years after completion of restoration work that was 20 years in the making, the historic Hunting Tavern in the village of Andes is still vying to find its niche.
County board hopefuls seek Oneonta's vote
Otsego County Board of Representatives candidates Kevin Hodne and Joseph Raymond are hitting the streets with their campaign platforms as election day nears.
Landfill wins round in court against Unadilla
UNADILLA — A company operating a Unadilla landfill has received a temporary restraining order that will allow it to stay in business until the appeal of an earlier court decision can be heard, officials said.
Soldiers' families have mixed feelings
A 1996 graduate of Oneonta High School is getting his college education during the week while preparing for war on the weekend.
Group: Postpone expansion of teen program
ALBANY — A statewide lobby group for county governments is urging the state Legislature to hold off for one year raising the age limit for troubled teens placed under family court supervision.
Monday, October 8, 2001
Local residents wary, but positive
ONEONTA — Like many Americans, Oneonta resident Stephen Decker views Sunday's military strikes against the Taliban with a mix of support and apprehension. "I'd hate to see any other casualties on either side," said Decker, 23, "but we have to do something." Area residents were generally in favor of the decision Sunday to start the military campaign against terrorism in Afghanistan, although some reservations were expressed.
Historic house tour to benefit Franklin storefronts
FRANKLIN — People who step into Franklin's past on Saturday will be helping improve the village's future. Ten historic homes and a number of community buildings and churches will be part of the Village Improvement Society's first house tour. The self-guided tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at Chapel Hall, across from the school, on Institute Street in the village.
Profs predict strikes won't stop terrorism
U.S. military strikes in Afghanistan will do little to end terrorism and may polarize some Islamic people, local professors and a clergyman said Sunday. These actions will probably not lead to the end of the Taliban or the capture of Osama bin Laden, they said.
Series will celebrate SUCO's history
ONEONTA — The James M. Milne Library at the State University College at Oneonta will offer "Media Old and New," a series of presentations about the history of the college, this week in celebration of State Archives Week.
Saturday, October 6, 2001
Area experts: Poverty rates still high here
ONEONTA — Poverty rates may be dropping nationwide, but locally they are as high as ever, area officials said this week. Data from the 2000 National Census indicates the nation's poverty rate dropped from 11.8 percent in 1990 to 11.3 percent in 2000.
Walton contest something to crow about
They don't call Walton "the scarecrow capital of the world" for nothing. For more than five years, the creative seasonal decorations have dotted the lawns of residents and businesses.
DEP cancels hunting on NYC land
The 2001 deer hunting season has been canceled on New York City's water supply lands in what an area hunter referred to as "the trickle down effect" from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Court ruling clears doctors of negligence
Two Oneonta doctors were exonerated Thursday in a lawsuit filed by an Oneonta woman who said they were negligent in diagnosing and treating her husband's cancer, leading to his death.
Groups are valuable to communities
Since 1962, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has been working to build a stronger local economy for our region.
Downtown frats given ultimatum
ONEONTA — Several college students facing eviction from their downtown Oneonta apartments for hosting allegedly illegal parties were given a second chance Thursday by Oneonta city officials. The Board of Public Service has given the State University College at Oneonta students 10 days to begin the process of getting their Greek organizations recognized by the college as legitimate — a tall order according to at least one city official.
Runners prepped early for Pit Run
ONEONTA — Preparations for Sunday's eighth annual Pit Run began early for the 15 individuals who participated in HealthLinks at FoxCare's Pit Run Training Program. "It was a real good mix of people," said Michele Rabeler, HealthLinks' fitness director.
Oneonta to go country for Saturday family fest
ONEONTA — Main Street will be closed to traffic and open to entertainers at Saturday's second annual Downtown Country Family Festival in Oneonta.
Artifact discoveries to be discussed
SIDNEY — Evidence of a prehistoric culture recently unearthed in Sidney during an archaeological study at the village airport will be presented during a meeting of the Sidney Historical Society at 7 p.m. Thursday.
School bus hit; no one injured
MASONVILLE — No injuries were reported after a stopped school bus was hit by another vehicle on state Route 206 in Masonville Thursday morning.
Appellate court judge rejects landfill's request
UNADILLA — An appellate court judge on Thursday denied the latest court motion filed by a landfill company in its ongoing legal battle against the town of Unadilla, the town's attorney said.
These properties have merit
ONEONTA — Jack Ewen has heard rumors his house may have been a speakeasy in the 1920s, but he doesn't believe it. "We think that may have been down the road a bit," he said.
Thursday, October 4, 2001
Professors: Terrorist mentality can be understood
ONEONTA — Terrorism is a rational act of fear and hatred, State University College at Oneonta professors said during a forum on campus Wednesday night. "Terrorism is a rational choice induced by asymmetrical power," Fida Mohammed, professor of sociology, said during the meeting at the Craven Conference Room of Morris Hall. "It is a very deliberate, calculated attack."
Fox, Bassett review plans
The threat of domestic bioterrorism, a rising concern nationwide since Sept. 11, has spurred area hospitals to review and upgrade disaster policies to increase emergency preparedness, officials said Wednesday. Staff at M.I. Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown and at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta take part in disaster training on an ongoing basis, hospital officials said.
OHS plans monumental day
ONEONTA — The Oneonta High School Alumni Association is preparing for a monumental occasion Saturday.
Contaminated Bainbridge site to be cleaned up
BAINBRIDGE — The uncertainty that has been surrounding a contaminated site in Bainbridge is expected to be resolved by the end of the year, officials said.
County mulls role in Unadilla landfill case
COOPERSTOWN — Waste Recovery Enterprises has filed a restraining order to keep its construction landfill in operation while its case against the town of Unadilla is is appealed.
Rep passes; motion fails
COOPERSTOWN — A resolution failed at the Otsego County Board of Representatives meeting Wednesday because a member said he needed a personal moment.
Wednesday, October 3, 2001
Home heating cheap, for now
Energy prices are down and supplies are up as the home-heating season approaches, but no one can say for sure if the situation will last through the winter, local industry officials said Tuesday. "We hope the trend continues," said Rudy Ballard, president of Reinhardt Home Heating of West Oneonta. With energy prices lower than they have been at any point during the last 18 to 24 months, the sluggish economy could start to warm up, he said.
Hartwick board faces budget-cut challenge
ONEONTA — The Hartwick College board of trustees will meet next week to form strategies to cope with budget constraints that led to layoffs in August. Spending endowment money and poor investment returns added up to financial trouble and layoffs, college officials said.
Genealogist to get honor in Delaware
A 92-year-old genealogist is among honorees being recognized by the Delaware County Historical Association for historical work in Delaware County.
Otsego groups look to help rescuers
The Otsego County Chamber, with help from the county tourism office, is organizing efforts to provide free or inexpensive local getaways for the rescue workers of the World Trade Center attacks.
'360 heroes were in those buildings'
ONEONTA — Etched lovingly in pen and ink by a man who knows of what he draws, the print depicts three determined firefighters battling a blaze.
Landfill apparently operating illegally
UNADILLA — A controversial landfill facility in the town of Unadilla is apparently doing business illegally following a judge's order to stop operations.
Agencies suffering from late budget
ALBANY — Some state schools, not-for-profit agencies, health providers and other groups say they are facing layoffs and program cuts because the state Legislature's "baseline" budget has kept them from getting the money they've come to expect each year.
SUCO forum address attacks
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta will have the first in a series of three presentations on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Craven Lounge of the Morris Conference Center on campus.
Summer 'too dry, cold'
WALTON — Local weather for September, and the summer overall, did not match the picture issued by a national meteorological agency on Wednesday.
Tuesday, October 2, 2001
Top court rejects 'black list' case
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday that it would not hear the 1993 'black list' case brought by a group of African-American men against SUCO and local police agencies. Scott Fein, attorney for the plaintiffs, called the high court's decision a "minor setback" and said the legal battle will be pursued at both the state and federal level.
Woman is poster girl at age 70
ONEONTA — At 70, Alice Siegfried of Oneonta is a poster child. An avid biker and member of the national "Saved by the Helmet Club," Siegfried is featured in a poster campaign advocating bicycle safety sponsored by the state Health Department.
State insurance officialto address chamber
State insurance department Superintendent Gregory V. Serio will speak of New York's insurance crisis at the Otsego County Chamber's second annual Small Business of the Year Banquet on Thursday.
Man pleads innocent to assaulting officer
DELHI — A Walton man pleaded innocent in Delaware County Court on Monday to charges he hit a town of Walton police officer who missed four days of work.
National Guard troops to patrol state airports
ALBANY — Armed National Guard troops will be posted at passenger security checks at all state airports with airline service starting Friday, officials announced Monday.
Views on gun control tested by Sept. 11
ALBANY — With government slowly returning to it's political routine, gun control is emerging as one issue shaken by the Sept. 11 terror attacks, advocates from both sides of the aisle said.
Former Daily Star editor promoted to VP
A former editor of The Daily Star has been named vice president for news at Ottaway Newspapers Inc., company officials announced Monday.
SUCO official contributes to text about Erie Canal
ONEONTA — F. Daniel Larkin of the State University College at Oneonta, an expert on the history of New York state canals, served as managing editor and principal contributor for the book "Erie Canal: New York's Gift to the Nation."
Space phenomena may affect television viewing
ONEONTA — Cable television and satellite dish subscribers will once again be subjected to a natural phenomenon that may cause them to experience temporary interruptions to their television viewing.
Monday, October 1, 2001
Memories of a movement
ONEONTA — Advice on family planning, help for victims of domestic violence and rape, and women's empowerment. Today we may take them for granted; three decades ago they were suffering birth pains in the Oneonta area. And now a group of local authors has tried to document the growth in women's services and institutions over the past 30 years as part of a project to archive the local women's movement.
Bush will honor fallen firefighter
An Otsego County fire coordinator who died 20 years ago in the line of duty will be honored by President George W. Bush during a memorial service Sunday. Walter G. Morrison of West Exeter died at age 46 on July 18, 1981, from a heart attack while fighting a barn fire in Roseboom.
Friends linked by 40 years of golf
STAMFORD — Forty years after they began playing, two old friends returned to Stamford Saturday to continue a tradition. George Ehrmann of Richfield Springs and Edgar Badgley of Cooperstown began their annual golf tournament for two at the Stamford Golf Club in 1962. For the 40th anniversary, the two returned there.
