Losing weight tops list of resolutions for 2002
Carrie Edson of Mount Vision says 2002 is the year she's going to do it. She's finally going to shed the 75 extra pounds that have threatened her health. "I am going to start again this year," said Edson, 25, who had the same goal last year. "I was good for a couple months (last year), then I don't know what happened."
Brawl, custody cases top area list
In 2001, the world's top news story also became one of this area's biggest. While the local response to the Sept. 11 attacks was not unique — one would be hard pressed to find a town or city that wasn't affected, or didn't open its arms and wallets to help out — area stories generated by those terrible early days were considered by The Daily Star news staff to be among the most important of the year.
First Night entertainment line-up set
Dancers, bands, string quartets, storytellers, vocal groups and jugglers will take center stage this evening as part of Oneonta's First Night 2002, a nonalcoholic New Year's Eve celebration. The theme of the fifth annual event is "Bridging Cultures."
Delaware finishes bridging history
The last of three historic covered bridges recently restored in Delaware County opened its deck for traffic when Fitch's Bridge in Delhi reopened Dec. 21.
Despite violence, a safe year
Although several local criminal justice stories received a number of headlines this year, one story probably went unnoticed by most readers. Crime statistics in the area showed a greater drop than overall state numbers, law enforcement officials said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has recently reported that crime overall dropped 20 percent in upstate New York between 1995 and 2000, said state police Capt. Thomas P. Kelly of Troop C in Sidney.
Deputies now bullet-proof
Deputies in Delaware County have become a little bit safer, now that they have been fitted with Kevlar body armor.
First Night aims to bridge cultures
Fireworks, a parade, a 5k race and 23 downtown sites of multi-cultural entertainment await revelers at Oneonta's fifth annual First Night celebration on Monday.
Violence, development mark 2001 in Oneonta
In 2001, downtown Oneonta welcomed a new hotel, weathered the age-old problem of violence and worked on bouncing back from a late-year economic slump.
Tobacco funds on the way
ALBANY — Much of the nation's cigarette industry is expected to cough up an estimated $272 million to New York state on Monday as part of the 1998 $200 billion court settlement between big tobacco and the states.
Thursday, December 27, 2001
Back in time to buy more
ONEONTA — Mary Helen Griesenbeck, 8, and her grandmother Rena Adams ventured to the Southside Mall in Oneonta on Wednesday to return some clothes — Christmas presents that weren't exactly right. They returned home with a microwave and HitClips — "little machines that play music," Mary Helen said.
Late budget, testing shape year for schools
A late state budget, student standardized testing, a Supreme Court case and SAVE legislation were among issues that made headlines at local schools this year. Because of the late budget, school officials were forced to draw up local district budgets early in the year without knowing what money they would receive from the state.
UCCCA awards $33,270 in grants to local arts groups
Free concerts, workshops, festivals, voice lessons, dances and art exhibits will be made possible next year through funding granted by The Upper Catskill Council of the Arts in Oneonta.
21 organizations receive money
The following groups have also been awarded grants by The Upper Catskill Council of the Arts in Oneonta, which provides funds through the 2002 Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts:
State may carve up Boehlert's district
The state Legislature will soon reapportion congressional districts to conform with the 2000 census, and New York state will lose two representatives, dropping from 31 to 29.
Garage blaze wrecks Caddy
ONEONTA — A fire damaged a garage and destroyed a car at 8 Taft Ave. in Oneonta on Wednesday, fire officials said.
Unity, community themes for Kwanzaa
Armed with several Kwanzaa recipe books, Monet Jackson of Oneonta was in her kitchen Wednesday preparing traditional foods of the seven-day celebration of African-American culture.
State distributes $85,562 locally
ONEONTA — Area arts organizations will benefit from local assistance funds distributed by the New York State Council on the Arts, state Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford, said.
Wednesday, December 26, 2001
OHS grad still haunted by attack on Pentagon
ONEONTA — More than three months have passed since a Boeing 757 crashed into the Pentagon at 350 miles per hour. Amely Moore, 26, a 1994 graduate of Oneonta High School, was in the Pentagon on Sept. 11 when it happened. "I have had nightmares," said Moore, who is home for the holidays. She said she was working in her first floor office in the north wing of the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building's western face shortly after 9:30 a.m., killing 189 people.
Couple's donation improves The Hospital
SIDNEY — The desire of a local couple to show their appreciation to the community has given The Hospital in Sidney several rooms devoted to such things as family consultation and meditation. It was slightly more than a year ago that Joseph Renton was in The Hospital and noticed the lack of space for things such as personal conversations or private reflection.
Fatal crash blamed on excessive speed
Excessive speed was the likely cause of a weekend accident that claimed the life of an Oxford teen, state police said Monday.
Sidney fire truck may not cost taxpayers as much
SIDNEY — The decision by the Sidney village board of trustees to purchase an aerial ladder truck is not expected to have the impact on taxes originally anticipated, officials said.
Santa-to-be receives heart transplant
Something happened to delay a Bainbridge boy's plans to play Santa Claus at a Pittsburgh hospital — he received a heart transplant.
Police charge hunter with felony assault
RICHFIELD SPRINGS — A Richfield Springs man was arrested Sunday on felony charges following an investigation into a Dec. 9 hunting accident that injured a relative, state police said.
Monday, December 24, 2001
Transplant patient's Christmas dream to come true
SIDNEY — Employees at The Hospital in Sidney are helping a Bainbridge teen play Santa Claus this Christmas as he awaits a heart transplant. Adam Youngs, 15, has been in a Pittsburgh hospital waiting for a heart transplant for about six months. He needs the operation because of a rare disease that can't be treated with medication. The Youngs family has been living in special housing until the operation is performed at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.
G-MU teacher wins fellows award
Even though Susan Currie teaches science, she treats her job as a fine art. And for her dedication to and enthusiasm for the craft, Currie was awarded the Science Teachers of New York State Fellows New Teacher Award.
CWC seeking property listings for 'Site Finder' system
MARGARETVILLE — The Catskill Watershed Corp. is seeking listings of available commercial properties — both land and buildings — for inclusion in Empire State Development Corp.'s statewide "Site Finder" system.
Oxford teen-ager dies in crash
OXFORD — One person died and at least two others were hurt in a two-car motor vehicle accident Sunday in the town of Preston, according to state police at Norwich.
Saturday, December 22, 2001
Children glow at holiday show
ONEONTA — The flash bulbs lit up like Rudolph's nose during this week's kindergarten holiday program at Valleyview Elementary School. Nearly 40 children from Patricia Follett's and K.C. Feiler's kindergarten classes donned paper reindeer antlers and took the stage Thursday to sing songs for the holidays.
Two oaths not to be
Two winners of November elections in Otsego County are not going to take their oaths of office as planned. In the town of Butternuts, George Clum, who won election to the town council, has discovered he cannot serve, according to town Supervisor Keith Lilley. And in Unadilla, Paulette Judd, who won election as tax collector by one vote last month has informed the town board that she cannot take the job, town Supervisor James Westcott said.
Bainbridge wants surveys back for project on future
ONEONTA — The more responses received to a recent random survey in Bainbridge, the more accurate will be the information produced, said the director of the organization collecting the results.
County likely to stay in MOSA
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County is not apt to pull out of MOSA until the present agreement with the solid waste authority expires in 2014, according to John Nader, chairman of Otsego County Post MOSA Committee.
Friday, December 21, 2001
Barely getting by
Sandra Merkle, 37, of West Edmeston, a licensed practical nurse, stays home with her youngest boy, 13-month-old Tyler. She had been on welfare. Now the family receives Medicaid for health insurance, $250 a month in food stamps and federal rental assistance.
Regents ask for increase
ALBANY — The state Board of Regents on Thursday proposed a massive overhaul of New York's education-aid formula, calling for a system that funnels more cash to poor schools while reducing funds to wealthy districts by as much as 15 percent.
No easy way out for those in system
COOPERSTOWN - The nation's welfare system seems designed to keep people alive, not to help them get ahead, according to Steve Schultz of West Edmeston.
Signs point to 'yes' in Hobart
A sign posted in the village of Hobart welcoming people to a community focused on revitalization was unveiled to the community Thursday.
C'town displays win travel award
Three attractions in Cooperstown smacked a collective grand slam at a travel exposition in Rhode Island and walked away with the award for Best in Show Display.
Sidney Realtor remembered
SIDNEY — For 44 years, Thomas DeMulder used his passion for real estate to help shape development in Sidney and the surrounding area.
State forces NYSEG to cut rates 13%
Customers of New York State Electric & Gas Corp. will see their residential electricity bills drop 13 percent next month in a temporary decrease ordered by the state Public Service Commission.
Thursday, December 20, 2001
Farmer's cows sleep on waterbeds
OXFORD — Can it be long before Muzak is piped in? Some Holsteins are resting easier at the Marshman farm in Oxford since the dairy started installing waterbeds for them last spring.
Richfield Springs student killed
A sophomore honor student at Richfield Springs Central School was struck by a vehicle and killed Tuesday night while walking home, state police at Herkimer said Wednesday. At 8:21 p.m., troopers said, 17-year-old Earl Graves IV, was walking alone on state Route 20, east of Richfield Springs, when he was hit by a car moving in the same lane and direction.
Many schools score 100% on tests
Local high school seniors fared well on English and math Regents exams last year, with most students achieving passing grades of higher than 55.
Regents math, English scores improve
ALBANY — While more students are passing state Regents exams in math and English, too many are still getting by with grades below 65, state Education Department officials said Wednesday.
Band teachers ask board for more space
ONEONTA — Two band teachers asked the Oneonta school board on Wednesday to consider expanding music facilities in an upcoming building project.
Welfare-to-work: Is is working?
COOPERSTOWN - Five years after the nation's welfare system was overhauled, far fewer people are receiving cash assistance from the government.
Employment not the end of the struggle
WALTON - Patricia Rubera, 27, of Walton went to the Delaware County Department of Social Services for help because she was broke and had two kids to support.
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Chaplain changed by WTC service
It's been more than two weeks since the Rev. Judith Thistle returned from ground zero in Manhattan, but she said she's still feeling the drain on her emotions. A few days ago, Thistle, head chaplain at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, was walking through the halls of the hospital with a co-worker when she came upon a green rubbish bin.
Time Warner to hike cable rates in January
Watching cable television will cost 8.5 percent more next year, when Oneonta area subscribers will pay about $410 to $440 for standard service. Time Warner Cable rates are to increase for the second time within six months, with this latest hike effective in January, officials said.
Study casts doubt on mammograms
Despite recent news reports, there is no substitute for regular mammograms for early detection of breast cancer, a local doctor said.
Military-pay benefit motion fails because of too few votes
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Common Council Tuesday failed to pass a motion that would have extended pay benefits to city employees who have been called to active military duty since the Sept. 11 attacks.
Mayor: No helmet law for skatepark
ONEONTA — Skateboarders will be the masters of their fate when it comes to any future regulation of the Oneonta skatepark, city Mayor Kim Muller said Tuesday.
EPA wins case in Sidney
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has received $3.5 million in a federal court judgment against two companies it found responsible for hazardous waste at the Sidney Landfill Superfund site, according to an EPA press release.
Tuesday, December 18, 2001
They've got mail ... lots of it
ONEONTA — A steady stream of holiday cards and packages passed through the Oneonta post office on Monday, which was considered the year's busiest mailing day for the postal service. The U.S. Postal Service expected to handle more than 200 million extra cards and letters Monday, when people who spent the weekend preparing Christmas cards and packages dropped them in the mail.
Unpaid school taxes decline
The amount of unpaid school taxes in 2001 has decreased from a year ago in Otsego, Schoharie, Chenango and Delaware counties, officials reported Monday.
Reading no bit part for actor
WORCESTER — John Randolph Jones has appeared in four Broadway shows, several movies and countless commercials.
Deputy injured while arresting DWI suspect
A Hartwick man allegedly injured an Otsego County deputy after being arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges Thursday, deputies said.
Events planned
ONEONTA — Several events have been planned in conjunction with the Martin Luther King-U.S. Colored Troops project. They include:
Monday, December 17, 2001
Donated quilt traces history of The Hospital
SIDNEY — Nobody can accuse Nellie Cole of having idle hands. The 76-year-old Sidney resident has donated a quilt that chronicles the history of the The Hospital in Sidney from its earliest days. The work will soon be given a prominent place in the main lobby, officials said. Cole has made about 50 quilts since she learned the art in 1986, she said. "If I don't give them to friends and family," she said, "I donate them to The Hospital."
Warm winter has weather experts sweating
With the holiday season heating up, area weather experts are expressing concern. Their anxiety, however, doesn't center on the possibility of snow being around for Christmas, but rather on the mild, dry weather that could continue for some time.
Schools: Fed tests wont affect N.Y.
Area school administrators agree that federal education measures will have little impact on local schools already subjected to the state's testing programs. The House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly passed President Bush's education plan that would require millions of students to take annual reading and math tests.
Saturday, December 15, 2001
Christmas stars (and stripes)
ONEONTA — Across the state and across the country, Americans are dreaming of a red, white and blue Christmas. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Americans have been displaying their patriotic feelings by wearing red, white and blue and hanging flags prominently. Now, with the holiday season in full swing, many people have foregone the traditional red and green lights and garlands, opting for patriotic decor instead.
Small businesses get big awards
In Chenango County, small business is a big deal. The Chenango County Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Salute to Small Business Dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the City Club Restaurant in Norwich.
Fire department to update equipment
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Fire Department is poised to seek another round of federal funding to complete its purchase of communications equipment.
Manslaughter charges filed in fatal crash
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County grand jury indicted a Middlefield woman Friday on seven charges, including drunken driving and manslaughter, related to a fatal car crash that occurred Sept. 8 on county Route 33 in Middlefield.
No fanfare, but hotel open
ONEONTA — The Clarion Hotel in downtown Oneonta opened quietly and without fanfare last weekend, ending more than a decade of review and financing delays. Economic development and tourism officials said Thursday that the addition of the 78-room, $4.8 million hotel will undoubtedly help boost the local economy.
Fatal-DWI driver sentenced
A former Colgate student was sentenced in Madison County Court on Thursday for a drunken driving crash that killed three former Norwich students and a friend of the driver last winter. Robert Koester, 21, of Troy received the maximum sentence of 1 1/3 to four years in state prison.
Hartwick hires firm to manage grounds
ONEONTA — Hartwick College in Oneonta has hired Aramark Facilities Services to manage the maintenance and operations of its grounds, college officials said Thursday.
Stripped-down N.Y. budget may affect inmates
ALBANY — State agencies and employees may not be the only ones to see cuts in programs in what's expected to be a stripped-down budget plan for next year, prison inmates will too.
'Messiah' going for casual look
Come, be a singer or just look like one this weekend, when the Catskill Choral Society asks the public to sing along with its performance of Handel's "Messiah."
Residents' tanks filled with cheap gas
ONEONTA — Gasoline prices stood between $1.15 and $1.17 per gallon, according to a survey of area stations. That's about 50 cents less than seven months ago.
Thursday, December 13, 2001
SUCO: No-growth budget would hurt
ONEONTA — A no-growth state budget would hurt local State University of New York campuses, college officials in Oneonta and Delhi said Wednesday, but the extent has yet to be determined. An internal memo from SUNY administrators in Albany to campus presidents said the Pataki administration wants zero growth in funding for the university system for the upcoming fiscal year.
Counties raise tobacco-fund grades
The American Lung Association gave Otsego and Delaware counties improved scores for their use of tobacco settlement funds this year. Otsego County's grade rose from last year's "F" to a "B" — after spending $1.62 per resident on smoking cessation programs. Delaware county was also given a "B," up from an "F" last year — for spending $1.77 per person on services.
Delaware County locks up jail land-buy
DELHI - The Delaware County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved the purchase of more than 15 acres of land for the new county jail site.
Changes to school project under review
SIDNEY — Sidney Central School Board of Education members made no decisions Tuesday about changes needed for an upcoming building project to stay within budget, school officials said Wednesday.
Oneonta mulls zoning change
ONEONTA — An Oneonta neighborhood is the subject of a potential zoning change to help curb noise and other problems associated with some student apartments.
Wednesday, December 12, 2001
Three months later, area still coping with 9/11
ONEONTA — Commitment to family, appreciation of opportunities available in America and changes in political understanding are themes area residents in downtown Oneonta mentioned Tuesday while reflecting on the events of Sept. 11. "It's threatened our existence," said Beth Maloney, 21, of Laurens. "People are being more generous now, and to a certain extent we've all pulled together."
Sales figures mixed for retailers this season
ONEONTA — Local and national retailers have reported sales gains and losses in an unseasonably warm holiday season following the Sept. 11 attacks. Weather is a factor for declining sales at Alpine Ski Hut Inc. at 150 Main Street in Oneonta, which sells skis, bicycles, ice skates and accessories.
Reps, DA can't agree on use for grant
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County District Attorney's Office has landed two $50,000 state aid-to-prosecution grants, but it can't spend the money.
State buys 111 acres along Beaverkill River
ALBANY — The Pataki administration announced Tuesday the acquisition of 111 acres along the Beaverkill River, which state officials said will benefit trout fisheries and protect the watershed.
Otego prepares to enter the zone
OTEGO — The Otego Town Board will meet at 7 p.m. today to set a date for an upcoming public hearing on proposed zoning regulations.
Local boy headed for big screen
TROUT CREEK — Lights. Camera. Drums? After spending years watching movies, Trout Creek resident Erik Young will soon be appearing in one.
Keeping it real for Christmas
Across the country and here in the Oneonta area, Americans will be celebrating Christmas the "real" way this year. More people will be waking up Christmas morning to presents under real evergreen branches, as retailers of natural Christmas trees — both nationally and locally — report increased sales.
SUNY fund-raising efforts paying dividends
Recent fund-raising efforts have been fruitful at the State University College at Oneonta and the State University College of Technology at Delhi, where overall gifts have increased in the last fiscal year, officials said.
Former trustee receives 5 years for sex abuse
DELHI - A former village of Deposit trustee was sentenced Monday to five years in prison after pleading guilty in Delaware County Court to first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, a felony.
A safer Otsego is goal of DMV grant
COOPERSTOWN - A map to be generated with money from a state grant will help Otsego authorities set safeguards for the county, officials said Monday.
Youth prison gets support in Bainbridge
BAINBRIDGE — About 150 people attended a meeting Thursday at Bainbridge Town Hall to discuss the state locating a secure juvenile detention center in Bainbridge.
Sidney to hold meeting today on school project
SIDNEY — Architects and construction managers for the next phase of the Sidney school building project will present options at a special meeting in the high school cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. today.
Snow-regulations set
ONEONTA — City of Oneonta officials are reminding residents about the rules for parking on city streets and sidewalk snow removal for the winter season.
Monday, December 10, 2001
Children may not be getting enough sleep
JoAnne Stanton has a hard time getting her 5-year-old son Brian to bed at night. "He just doesn't want to go," the Delhi woman said. "First, he wants a drink of water. Then a book. Then a snack. He keeps getting up." By the time she gets him to sleep, it's usually close to 11 p.m., she said, and then he's up at 7 the next morning to get ready for kindergarten. Brian falls just an hour short of the nine hours of sleep experts recommend children get each night, but that one hour could have dramatic effects on his behavior, they say.
Looking at the world through a pinhole
CHERRY VALLEY - As the world of photography becomes ever more digital and technical, Jim Kosinski of Cherry Valley is headed in the other direction. Kosinki has designed a pinhole camera and he uses it to teach local students both the science and art of photography.
Hospitals awarded state funds
Nearly $1.4 million is headed to hospitals across the Oneonta region, as part of a state program aimed at enhancing rural health care.
Jews mark beginningof Hanukkah holiday
ONEONTA — About 200 people gathered at Oneonta's Temple Beth El on Sunday for events marking the start of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Policy brings home-school rules to forefront
ONEONTA — For Jean Naples, mother of five children, teaching at home has become a way of life. For the past 15 years, she has home schooled, her children, buying her own textbooks and materials, covering the pertinent materials, all while raising her children.
Ex-Hartwick student acquitted of rape charges
COOPERSTOWN - After deliberating about an hour Friday, a seven-man, five-woman jury acquitted former Hartwick College student Timothy McCasland of rape and sexual abuse charges. McCasland, 24, of Brighton, Mass., had been accused of the rape of Melissa O'Leary, 23, of Chicago, a former student at the State University College at Oneonta.
Artist decks Bushes' tree
For the second time in six years, a Delhi artisan helped spruce up the official White House Christmas tree. Anne Gohorel, 39, received a letter from first lady Laura Bush in early August, inviting her to create an ornament to hang from the tree through the 2001 holiday season. "It's the national house, and it contributes to the spirit of the country," said Gohorel, a certified elementary and art teacher. "It's unique that I was asked twice."
Hands needed to help with food baskets
ONEONTA — Opportunities For Otsego is getting ready to distribute this year's holiday food baskets for families in need of a little extra on their tables this holiday season. However, OFO officials said volunteers are needed this year to help put together and distribute about 500 holiday baskets at the Community Connections county food bank in Oneonta.
Candlelight ceremony set for Sunday
The local chapter of Compassionate Friends will join the organization's Worldwide Candle Lighting on Sunday night in honor of children who have died.
Men charged in thefts from home
NORWICH — Three men from Norwich were arrested this week for allegedly stealing furniture from a seasonal residence in the town of Columbus, Chenango deputies said.
Friday, December 7, 2001
Remembering Pearl Harbor
ONEONTA — The early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941 found 16-year-old Jack Giemont and his family sleeping soundly in their Ford Island duplex in Pearl Harbor. Then a succession of three deafening blasts about 8 a.m. shook the Giemont quarters, jarring the family out of its slumber.
Plea deal rejected by judge
ONEONTA — The Oneonta City Court judge sent the custodial interference case against Daniel and Rosemary Greene to the Otsego County grand jury Thursday. Daniel Greene, 49, and his wife, Rosemary, are charged with first-degree custodial interference, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. They are accused of fleeing with Daniel Greene's son in 1987.
Where were they?
It was exactly 60 years ago today that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, killing almost 2,400 people.
Oneonta woman lives life of variety
ONEONTA — For most people, having the band in a toney Chicago supper club strike up "And Love Walked In" as they strode into the establishment would be sufficient bait to live the theatrical highlife for the rest of their days.
Expert: Drought may affect water quality
Water quality in the area will be affected next year if significant rain doesn't fall before the next frost, a water expert from Walton said Thursday.
Family struck twice in week
WALTON — For the second time in a week, members of a Walton family are dealing with the death of one of their own.
Oneonta's First Night celebration set
Dancing, singing and other nonalcoholic revelry will accompany fireworks, a parade and a race at Oneonta's fifth annual First Night celebration.
Fox: $750,000 needed to equip hospital for disaster
ONEONTA — Fully preparing A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital for disaster could cost $750,000 and could take years to complete, hospital officials said during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Parties testify in rape case
COOPERSTOWN - Four witnesses testified Thursday in Otsego County Court about an allegedly forcible rape that occurred about three years ago in an apartment on Market Street in Oneonta.
SUCO gets OK for computer art major
Graduates ready for Hollywood are about to emerge from the State University College at Oneonta with the help of a new major.
Thursday, December 6, 2001
Agencies: We need more volunteers this season
It may be the season for giving. But how many people are donating their time? Not enough, according to officials at local county agencies who said Wednesday there is a shortage of volunteers to help with food bank programs, in classrooms and with clerical tasks. Most officials cite a greater number of working parents as a chief cause for the problem.
Bell-ringing rules bent at Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart policies implemented late last year require Salvation Army volunteers to ring donation bells outside and at least 15 feet away from the store entrances, a corporate spokeswoman said Wednesday. Bell ringers now are limited to no more than 14 days at each store and no more than three days in a row. However, this policy isn't being enforced at the Oneonta store.
Chiropractors honored for care
ONEONTA — A local chiropractic office team proved earlier this week that its staff members are not only fixing bad backs, but also smoothing out the kinks in patient care and office performance.
Family to give Bassett $700,000
COOPERSTOWN - Susanna and Louis Busch Hager Jr. have pledged $700,000 to Bassett Healthcare's Heart Care Initiative.
Otsego budget OK's; taxes to rise 4%
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives on Wednesday approved a $73,829,650 budget for 2002 that will require a 4 percent increase in the property tax levy, and said 2003 could be worse.
Reps debate need for county manager
COOPERSTOWN - In the middle of a discussion Wednesday about next year's budget, the Otsego County Board of Representatives began to debate the need for a county manager.
Retired state police to be recalled
ALBANY — The state's voluntary recall of retired state police is set to become official next week with the swearing in and refresher training Dec. 18 for about 100 former troopers.
Wednesday, December 5, 2001
Custodial cases may come to different ends
Two cases in which local parents are accused of illegally disappearing with their children appear this week to be headed for different outcomes. Both Daniel Greene, 49, and Vicky Shaffer, 30, are charged with first-degree custodial interference, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison.
Area insulated from downturn
The economic hard times that have hit the Binghamton area — most recently with the layoff of 400 people at the IBM plant in Endicott — have so far not struck Delaware, Chenango or Otsego counties.
CD release party planned at SUCO
More than 30 hip-hop, R&B and reggae artists will perform at the State University College at Oneonta on Saturday to celebrate the release of the music industry club's latest CD, "The Hip Hop Cafe."
Oneonta's $12.9M budget passes; tax hike to follow
ONEONTA — Aldermen on Tuesday approved a 2002 budget of $12.9 million supported by a $3.7 million tax levy that boosts the property tax rate by 6.81 percent.
Child-advocacy group investigating Brianna's case
A group called Justice For Children is investigating the case of Brianna Winslow, 7, whose mother, Vicky Shaffer, is accused of hiding her from her father and authorities for three years.
Police: We'll make arrest in hate crime
State police have suspects but no arrests have been made in an incident at Milford Central School where racial slurs were found spray painted on a door and window in October.
Interested buyers boost car sales
ONEONTA — Zero-interest financing offers helped October car sales reach record heights nationally and locally despite the economic dip following Sept. 11, car dealers said last week. "October was the biggest sales volume month this business has ever had," said Scott C. Davis, vice president of Otsego Automotive Inc. on Oneida Street in Oneonta.
Officials rethink Oneonta security
ONEONTA — Oneonta city officials are looking at ways to be more prepared, if necessary, in the fight against terrorism. Mayor Kim Muller, Fire Chief Robert Barnes and Police Chief John Donadio said they gleaned valuable information from attending last week's Summit on Terrorism and Public Safety in New York City.
SUCO professor given poetry award
ONEONTA — To the contemporaries of poet Donald Petersen, winner of The New Criterion Poetry Prize, his work is meticulous as well as timeless.
Jefferson man sentenced to prison in rape case
DELHI - A Jefferson man was sentenced in Delaware County Court on Monday to serve two terms of three to nine years in state prison for two sex-related crimes.
Assault suspect still free on bail
DELHI - A Bronx man pleaded innocent in Delaware County Court on Monday to felony charges of first-degree assault and second-degree assault.
Educators question revised Regents curve
While state officials say they are raising standards for high schoolers, students may actually have an easier time passing Regents exams, local educators said Monday.
Profs defend free speech
ONEONTA — A report issued by a conservative academic group that criticized professors who have disagreed with government actions following Sept. 11 was the subject of a panel discussion at the Autumn Cafe on Monday night.
Monday, December 3, 2001
Delhi bulls its way to title
Fan support helped propel the Delhi Bulldogs to the Class C state football championship on Saturday in Syracuse. And emotions were still running high following post-game festivities, team members and fans said Sunday.
Farmers to talk about ag issues
Everything from cattle crossings to world trade will be on the agenda Tuesday when farmers gather during the annual meeting of the New York Farm Bureau in Albany, local farmers said. "We talk about a whole bunch of things," said Roger Hamilton, six-year president of the Delaware County bureau.
Area residents mark 14th World AIDS Day
Remembering the victims of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and raising awareness of the disease were the goals of World AIDS Day services in Oneonta and Delhi on Saturday, organizers said.
NEH grant a big star in theater arts offering
ONEONTA — Puppets will take the spotlight in staging and programming at Hartwick College starting Tuesday, thanks to a $25,000 federal grant, college officials said.
Proposed detention center to be topic
BAINBRIDGE — Some interested Bainbridge residents will be holding a meeting Thursday about the proposed siting of a maximum security juvenile detention center in the town, an organizer said.
NYCAMH awarded grant for research
COOPERSTOWN — The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health has been awarded a $5 million federal grant to fund research on tractor overturns, a leading cause of occupational fatalities in farming, and other farm hazards.
Saturday, December 1, 2001
'A sad day for Beatles fans'
And then there were two — only two left of the Fab Four, as the youngest Beatle, George Harrison, 58, died Thursday of cancer. Surrounded by family and friends, professing love for humanity, the composer of "Something" "Here Comes the Sun," and "As My Guitar Gently Weeps," died while visiting friend Gavin De Becker in Los Angeles, the Associated Press reported Friday morning.
Delhi Tech students know their golf turf
Seven students from the State University College of Technology at Delhi recorded aces after receiving scholarships at a turf and grounds exposition in Syracuse. The students, who are enrolled in Delhi Tech's Golf Course Operations and Turf Management programs, received the scholarship awards at the New York State Turf Association's 2001 Turf and Grounds Exposition.
Magee sour over milk-bill veto
ALBANY — Gov. George Pataki's veto of a bill that would have exempted food and beverage vending companies from having to obtain milk-dealer licenses is a blow to New York's dairy industry, a local lawmaker said Friday.
Meteoroligist: Temps not unprecedented
ONEONTA — November's mild weather in upstate New York reminds Landon Cullipher of home. Cullipher just moved to Oneonta from Florida.
