Winter may get even today
Despite recent mild weather in the area, don't expect flowers to bloom anytime soon. The brief brush with spring-like weather is over, regional weather experts said Wednesday. Residents may be seeing the effects of a winter storm moving up from the southwest when they wake up this morning, meteorologists said. By noon today, they predicted up to 7 inches of snow and warned of freezing rain in the early afternoon.
Otsego officials scout Chenango landfill operation
NORTH NORWICH - Officials from Otsego County and MOSA went to Chenango County's recycling center in North Norwich on Wednesday as part of a fact-finding tour of area facilities. What they found out is that Chenango County seems to have an efficient, well-run recycling program and landfill operation.
Squad has UV girls bouncing
About 40 girls at Unadilla Valley Elementary School are proving there's more to dribbling than just bouncing a ball. The third- through fifth-graders are part of the "UV Flurries," the school's first basketball dribbling squad. "I like it a lot," said UV third-grader Lindsay Azolio, a member of the Flurries. "I can practice dribbling, and I never got to do that before."
SUCO plans to build dormitory
ONEONTA — Construction of a 200-bed residence hall will begin in the spring at the State University College at Oneonta, college officials said this week.
Bush's spokesman to visit Cooperstown
COOPERSTOWN — President Bush's top spokesman, an award-winning National Geographic author and a futurist will highlight the third annual Cooperstown Winter Cultural Series, which begins Saturday. Feb. 2
Relatives of Jefferson, Hemings to talk about race
ONEONTA — Two descendants of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings will be in Oneonta at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, for a discussion on race relations. The program, titled "The Affairs of Race in America: A Conversation in Black and White," will be at the Hunt Union at the State University College at Oneonta.
Shaffer seeks dismissal of charge, judge
COOPERSTOWN - Vicky Shaffer is seeking to have a felony indictment of first-degree custodial interference against her dismissed and to have Otsego County Judge Brian Burns recuse himself from the case, said her attorney, Joseph Ermeti of Sidney.
Planner quits over firehouse controversy
UNADILLA — The village of Unadilla needs to fill at least two vacancies on its planning board following three recent resignations. Unadilla Mayor Ed Frazier said the board regretfully accepted the resignation of planning board member Anne Siegel at a special Tuesday meeting called to deal with several issues. Siegel said she had been planning to resign after the recently completed comprehensive plan was accepted by the village board. However, the controversy over the firehouse petition drive hastened her decision, she said.
State insurance-fraud office opens
ONEONTA — The proximity of a major insurance company was a factor in the state's decision to open an insurance frauds investigators' office in Oneonta, state officials said Wednesday.
Couple appeals homeless shelter verdict
ONEONTA — Two Oneonta residents have filed an appeal in their civil suit against the construction of a proposed homeless shelter in the city's Sixth Ward. Marc and Gina Colone-Spaziani are basing the appeal on last year's state Supreme Court decision, which dismissed their claim that the city illegally zoned a piece of property on Depew Street to make way for the shelter.
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
Charter One robbed in Worcester
WORCESTER — Otsego County sheriff's deputies continued their search Tuesday night for a man who robbed a Worcester bank and was reported to have fled on foot. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the Charter One Bank at 141 Main St., said deputies, who confirmed there was a weapon displayed during the 1:19 p.m. holdup but declined to elaborate. The suspect was described by witnesses as a white male, about 5-foot 8-inches, with a thin to medium build.
Spitzer: Crowley overbilled districts
ALBANY — The milk contracts of 23 Oneonta-area school districts will be reviewed by the state after an investigation found that a Binghamton dairy was charging some schools too much for the beverage.
Man wins free year of electricity
Oneonta resident Norman Loucks says he knew something was up when he returned home Tuesday morning to find balloons stuck to his front door. "My girls' birthdays are this Saturday and I thought it was about that, but then I put two and two together," Loucks said.
Liquor store to close
ONEONTA — The Southside Mall in Oneonta is about to lose its spirits. S&S Liquor will close Feb. 11 after 12 years in the mall on state Route 23.
4 sentenced for drunken driving
COOPERSTOWN - Burglary, drunken driving and vehicular assault were among cases heard in Otsego County Court this week.
Defying racism part of baseball's legacy
COOPERSTOWN - More than 12 million students will take an electronic field trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Feb. 12 to learn how players have risen above racial and cultural biases.
State delays Sidney housing demolition
SIDNEY — The planned start of the Sherwood Heights redevelopment project in the village of Sidney is on hold as officials try to gain state approval.
Major state road projects in jeopardy
ALBANY — A slew of major state transportation projects, including transforming state Route 17 into Interstate 86, are in jeopardy because of a possible unexpected shortfall of $371 million.
$2M set aside for N.Y. anti-terror network
ALBANY — Police agencies statewide will now be able to share information regarding potential terrorist threats as part of a $2 million counter-terrorism initiative unveiled Tuesday by the Pataki administration.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Library getting a face-lift
FLEISCHMANNS — A historic library in Fleischmanns is receiving a new face, thanks to donations of villagers and county agencies. The 100-year-old Skene Memorial Library has already gotten a new furnace and coat of paint, but there is more to come, officials said. "The next project is the front steps," said library board member Jerry Grabel.
Audit: Delhi lost $1.35M in school aid
Eight months after the Delhi school district imposed a 38.4 percent tax increase to repay more than $1 million owed to the state, an auditor has found the state may owe the district a similar amount. Former district officials erred in filing paperwork, causing both monetary mistakes, Delhi Superintendent Maria Rice said Monday.
Experts on Iraq have harsh words for U.S.
ONEONTA — U.S. government officials have falsely linked Iraq to Sept. 11 to justify attacks against the country, a former U.N. official said at a SUCO forum Monday night.
Meeting draws strong opposition to prison
WALTON — About 350 people attended a meeting Monday about the proposed construction of a youth prison in Walton by a state agency.
Man guilty in Delaware court
DELHI — A Franklin man pleaded guilty Monday in Delaware County Court to a charge of contempt of a protection order.
Interest seems low in historic designation
Interest among downtown Oneonta property owners in designating Oneonta's Main Street as a historic district has been lukewarm at best, Greater Oneonta Historical Society officials.
School boards meet with lawmakers
About 75 school board members and superintendents met with local legislators Saturday at an annual discussion of issues affecting education.
Schenevus school cited for high marks
A state organization has named a local school district a "pathfinder" for its students' improvements on fourth-grade math and English tests.
Monday, January 28, 2002
January '02: Less raw, more thaw
A streak of unseasonably warm weather may continue with record-breaking temperatures in the Oneonta area today, a local National Weather Service observer said. The record for Jan. 28, set in 1916, is 55 degrees, "and we have a good chance of tying it or breaking it," said David K. Mattice, an NWS observer at Goodyear Lake. Warm weather caused by a high-pressure system in the South has settled across the region, melting snow, lowering heating bills and curbing ski vacations.
Boy's mom charged in shooting
The mother of the North Norwich teen who is accused of accidentally killing his friend with a shotgun was charged with a misdemeanor Saturday in connection with the incident, state police at Norwich said.
Japanese teacher doubles as pupil
SIDNEY — Seaweed is an acquired taste for some third-graders in Sidney Center. That was one of the lighter lessons learned during the visit of an elementary school teacher from Japan to Sidney Central School last week.
Three nabbed in string of thefts
NORWICH — Three arrests have been made in a continuing investigation with Chenango County deputies into a series of daytime burglaries that occurred in Chenango and Delaware counties, state police at Norwich said.
OHS grad on ambulance duty at Olympics
An Oneonta High School student is going to the Olympics in two weeks, but not as an athlete. A.J. Fleming, a 1992 graduate, won't be a spectator, either — at least most of the time.
Pataki: More gambling will boost revenue
ALBANY — New York lawmakers' massive gambling foray may not end with last year's approval of six new Indian casinos: Gov. George Pataki is proposing pulling out more stops to expand the Quick Draw lottery game.
33 student partiers issued tickets for noise
ONEONTA — A party in a Harmon Avenue house led to 33 noise arrests early Friday after college revelers refused to keep it down, Oneonta city police said.
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Couple's home is cat's meow, meow, meow
EDMESTON - Want a cat? Richard and Barbara Townsend have about 300 in their barn on Taylor Hill Road in Edmeston, and most are available for adoption. The Townsends have been rescuing cats for about nine years, first in New Jersey and for the last year and half, here. They began saving cats when they found a very hungry one at the bird feeder in their back yard.
Group: Nursing homes lose in health bill
ALBANY — Nursing homes throughout the Oneonta region could lose more than $1 million over the next three years as a result of a tax included in a controversial new health-care package passed recently by state lawmakers.
Smoke-free dining on the rise
Two years ago, restaurant owner Heather Clark would feel the cigarette smoke when she left work at the end of the day.
Oneonta town gives ambulance contract to city
ONEONTA — The city of Oneonta will continue on as provider of ambulance services in the town of Oneonta, town Supervisor Duncan Davie said Friday.
Small cities can apply for economic grants
Municipalities may now begin applying for this year's round of Small Cities Community and Economic Development grants from the state.
City forms technology committee
ONEONTA — A task force on technology has been added to the Oneonta Common Council's roster of committees and task forces.
Musical inn trying to fill its guest list
WALTON — Two months ago, Joseph Fulco bought a Victorian house in Walton that needed a lot of attention. It was the old Cup and Chaucer Inn, a bed and breakfast on North Street, and he and his wife intend to keep it as such but with a musical twist.
Teen aims to be off to see the `Wizard'
COOPERSTOWN - Sixteen-year-old Maggie Cantwell of St. Louis wants to take her aunt to see Ozzie Smith inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this summer.
Friday, January 25, 2002
Blaze destroys home, shop
The third house fire this week in Otsego County gutted a business and residence on state Route 28 in the town of Hartwick early Thursday morning. Dennis Coleman's taxidermy business and home were destroyed in the blaze, said Donald Roseboom, Hartwick Seminary fire chief. "We were called out about 3:15 a.m. and it was fully involved," Roseboom said. "It took a half to three-quarters of an hour to knock it down."
Tripp won't run again in Cooperstown
COOPERSTOWN - After six years as mayor, Wendell Tripp has decided not to seek re-election. Trustee Carol Waller has been nominated by the Republican party to run in Tripp's place.
Literary organization expands it borders
There are always big plans brewing at Bright Hill Press/Word Thursdays. Beginning in 1992, what has become a local literary institution has grown from holding poetry readings to offering radio shows, staging literary festivals, publishing poetry and fiction and more.
Grant applications available
MARGARETVILLE — Grant applications for planning economic development projects are available from the Catskill Watershed Corp. to nonprofit organizations and businesses.
Little Delaware players to perform
ONEONTA — Young musicians will offer classical music in two Sunday afternoon concerts. The Little Delaware Youth Ensemble, a string orchestra, will perform two winter concerts to mark the end of the fall semester.
Speaker: Let's cut red tape
ONEONTA — Helping small businesses grow by cutting through bureaucracy was the topic of a presentation Thursday at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta.
Anti-violence group organizes forum
A local anti-violence group has been created to promote discussion and action concerning world events following Sept. 11.
Thursday, January 24, 2002
Bassett planning $52M upgrade
COOPERSTOWN - Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown is planning a $52 million renovation that will create a 22,000-square-foot fifth floor on top of its inpatient wing and reduce the number of beds by 40. The first part of the project is scheduled to begin next summer, pending approval from the state Department of Health and the Cooperstown Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees.
Hospitals get $5M to recruit workers
Just over $6 million in grants has been earmarked for area hospitals to recruit and retain employees as part of the Health Care Reform Act recently approved by the state Legislature. Officials at M.I. Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown and A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta said the funds will be used to support ongoing staffing efforts.
Farmers win junior honors
It's hard to believe that an annual meeting can be a moo-ving experience, but that is what young people found out at the New York Junior Holstein Convention in Albany last weekend.
Delaware names contractor for jail cells
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution at its Wednesday meeting naming Tindell Corp. of Spartanburg, S.C., as the contractor to prefabricate the 100 cells for the new county jail.
Nightclub's changing plans concern city
ONEONTA — A building owner's plan for a night spot on Market Street appears to be deviating from his original idea for a club for an older crowd, said city officials who gave the proposal conceptual approval last year.
Ruling could change trash flow
COOPERSTOWN - Municipalities may again be able to control where garbage within their boundaries is taken, thanks to the refusal of the U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 7 to hear a petition by the United Haulers Association of Utica.
Job Corps seeking mom-mentors
ONEONTA — Mentoring Moms, a Job Corps program connecting young mothers with community mothers and grandmothers, will hold its first meeting today.
$200M needed for security, Pataki says
ALBANY — It will cost $200 million, about the same it now costs to run the state's entire Division of Criminal Justice for a year, to properly secure New York in this post Sept. 11 era, according to Gov. George Pataki's proposed budget.
Board catches static at cell-tower meeting
KORTRIGHT — Concerned Scotch Hill Road residents fired questions at the Kortright Town Board during a meeting Monday night and asked it to repeal a permit granted for a cellular tower installation.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Schumer: Feds should pay for security
FRANKLIN — Democratic U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer stepped out of his role as government official Tuesday. Instead, he acted as a teacher and a business leader, fielding questions from high school students and community officials. At about 10:30 a.m., Schumer spoke to 11th- and 12th-graders at Franklin Central School. Schumer talked about the repercussions of Sept. 11 and answered questions.
No boost given to education funding
ALBANY — Gov. George Pataki on Tuesday offered a flat-line budget for the state's public-school system, keeping funding at $14.2 billion while also proposing to overhaul the way that aid is distributed.
Tractor Supply stepping in
ONEONTA — Farmer John Sears of Middlefield said he was pleased to hear that Central Tractor of Oneonta will reopen as a Tractor Supply Co. store.
Some area shoppers not surprised
Some shoppers at local Kmart stores said they were surprised the retailer had filed for bankruptcy, but others said they had seen signs of possible problems.
Budget covers highway projects
ALBANY — Despite the fiscal fallout of Sept. 11, major road and transportation projects for the region are on track, according to state officials.
Area officials: It's not enough
Area superintendents expect changes to local school aid announced by Gov. George Pataki on Tuesday will make their jobs harder as they struggle to balance budgets against rising costs and additional state mandates.
Critics: Pataki trying to raise SUNY tuition
ALBANY -— Tuition would remain the same at State University of New York schools for a seventh straight year under Gov. George Pataki's proposed $88.6 billion budget for 2002-03.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Fire destroys house in Milford
Two people escaped injury Monday during an early morning blaze that destroyed a house in the town of Milford, Milford Fire Department officials said. David Freed, Al Rubin and two dogs were uninjured in the fire that gutted a portion of the two-story residence they rented at 111 Knott's Motel Road, off state Route 28. Milford Fire Department officials said heavy smoke had filled the house when they responded to the fire, which was called in at about 2:14 a.m.
Pataki plan expected to be trim
ALBANY — When Gov. George Pataki faced re-election in 1998, he proposed an executive budget that increased spending by nearly 10 percent. But even though all indications are that he'll seek a third-term this year, don't expect Pataki to offer the same sort of inflated spending plan when he presents his proposed 2002-03 budget to lawmakers today.
Unions may help ease sub shortage
Substitute teacher unions may help answer the problem of a decreasing pool of candidates, some state and national union officials said.
G-MU girl wins 'gold key' art award
What does Gilbertsville-Mount Upton ninth-grader Mer Mietzelfeld have in common with Andy Warhol, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates?
Pets killed in blaze
SCHUYLER LAKE - Three dogs died Monday afternoon when a two-story house on Taylor Road in Schuyler Lake was gutted by fire, officials said.
Iraq could be next U.S. target
ONEONTA — A former weapons inspector and a humanitarian aid activist will talk about Iraq as a U.S. target during a program Monday at the State University College at Oneonta.
Students keep the dream alive
ONEONTA — A speak-out in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. spurred a discussion of King's legacy and international current events at the State University College at Oneonta on Monday.
Monday, January 21, 2002
'We need visionaries today'
ONEONTA — Marcia Davis said she hopes today's young people will prove to be a generation of visionaries who will work toward the end of racism, poverty and violence. Davis, the keynote speaker at Sunday's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Hartwick College, said younger generations should "begin to envision what a new world could be and begin to pursue it with passion."
Firehouse vote forced in Unadilla
UNADILLA — For the second time in nearly seven years, Unadilla village voters will be going to the polls to vote on a new firehouse. Saying "the people have spoken," Unadilla Mayor Edwin Frazier told the nearly 50 residents gathered for an informational meeting Sunday that enough signatures had been presented to the village to force a vote on the proposed bonding of a new firehouse.
Students nominated to service academies
Matthew Mattson of Downsville said he was overjoyed when he received a call from Rep. Sherwood Boehlert telling him he had been nominated for appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Delaware seeks Empire Zone status
DELHI — The newly elected president of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce wants the state to rewrite rules to declare the county an economic development zone as a step toward boosting economic growth.
Man shot arrested on gun charges
COOPERSTOWN— The man shot three times at his former home in Hartwick in April was charged Sunday with illegally possessing the gun used to shoot him that day.
Driver jailed in fatal crash
SCHOHARIE — A Carlisle man was charged Saturday following an investigation into an Oct. 25 accident that killed one passenger and seriously injured another, Schoharie County deputies said.
Rural Dems interview candidates
ONEONTA — New York's two leading Democratic candidates for governor were interviewed by the Democratic Rural Conference's Executive Committee on Saturday in Oneonta.
Saturday, January 19, 2002
Central Tractor to honor coupons
ONEONTA—Previously non-redeemable gift certificates purchased from the soon-to-close Central Tractor Farm and Family Center in Oneonta will now be honored at the local store, according to a court order issued this week.
Arts grant application deadlines draw near
ONEONTA — Deadlines for grants worth $7,650 for artists' projects will be in early February, Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts officials said.
Drought warning in area continues
DELHI — Snow in the forecast for this weekend could start turning around the state's drought situation, a weather watcher said Friday.
Brothers together again after 40 years
Brothers Edward and Howard De Long don't know why they were separated when they were children. But Friday morning, at the Quickway on Oneida Street in Oneonta, the brothers saw each other for the first time in 40 years.
Morris forfeits basketball season
Morris Central School canceled the remainder of its 2001-02 varsity boys basketball season Thursday following the suspensions of two players, Morris Superintendent Michael Virgil said. Two players were dismissed from the team Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the visiting locker room at Edmeston before the start of a game Tuesday night.
Dewar lawsuit settled
ONEONTA — Oneonta lawyer Frank Getman will pay $500,000 to the Dewar Foundation and has resigned as its president as part of a lawsuit settlement decided this week.
Mom: My girls lied
COOPERSTOWN - The mother of two girls who have accused their stepfather of sexually molesting them testified in Otsego County Court on Thursday that she doesn't believe her daughters are telling the truth.
Audubon Society goes with the wind
A local environmental group is hoping that the answer is indeed blowing in the wind. The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is placing a financial bet that the Madison Windpower Project, southwest of Utica, can help lead the way to a cleaner environment.
Tap Works to hold 9/11 benefit show
ONEONTA — Oneonta Tap Works will hold a show to benefit a Hartwick College graduate who lost her husband and brother, also a Hartwick graduate, in the World Trade Center attacks of Sept. 11.
Grant to help Deposit, firm
The town of Deposit and one of its largest employers will benefit a lot from a $330,000 grant awarded Thursday, officials said.
Sources: Morris boys smoked pot
Marijuana use in the visitors' locker room led to the Morris boys basketball team forfeiting Tuesday night's game at Edmeston, multiple sources confirmed Wednesday. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, five sources said more than one Morris varsity member used marijuana in a locker room at Edmeston during the junior varsity game. Varsity players normally go to their respective locker rooms to dress while the junior varsity game is being played.
C'Town public: Keep mascot
COOPERSTOWN — A majority of speakers at a public hearing Wednesday night said they supported keeping the traditional Cooperstown Redskins nickname, logo and mascot.
Two more girls say they were molested
COOPERSTOWN - Two more girls testified in Otsego County Court on Wednesday that they were sexually molested by Daniel Harp of Franklin.
NAACP, colleges plan two days of MLK events
ONEONTA — "Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off" is the theme for a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Sunday at Hartwick College.
SUCO to honor King's life and work
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta will offer several opportunities to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday in a commemoration of his life and work.
Heavenly tree brought down to earth
WEST LAURENS — High winds on Sunday destroyed a historic tree at a West Laurens cemetery, a caretaker there said.
Wednesday, January 16, 2002
Lawmakers cut deal on health
ALBANY — A sweeping multi-billion dollar health plan that will be paid for in part by a hike in the state's cigarette tax was poised to pass through New York's Legislature on Tuesday night. But some Oneonta-area lawmakers expressed reservations about the deal, calling it a hastily put-together plan that relies too heavily on fiscal uncertainty.
Olivo's dad: 'Gang' tried to kill my son
COOPERSTOWN - Ronald Olivo of Shoreham stood outside the Otsego County Courthouse on Tuesday demanding justice for his son, who was left in a coma after a brawl in Oneonta almost a year ago. Olivo went inside for a pre-trial hearing for three defendants charged with assault after the fight last February.
Council vote puts shelter back on track
ONEONTA — There will be no negative environmental impact associated with proposed zoning changes for the planned construction of a homeless shelter on Depew Street, Oneonta aldermen said Tuesday.
Officials: Ex-nurse pilfered Demerol
SIDNEY — A former nurse at The Hospital in Sidney was arrested Monday for allegedly taking pain medication out of syringes at the facility, officials said.
Area providers mixed in response
Local health providers expressed mixed opinions Tuesday about Gov. George Pataki's plan to improve health care workers' salaries.
Retired justice recognized for service
Roxbury's retired town justice has been recognized by the Roxbury Democratic Committee for serving almost four decades on the bench.
School bard to vote on policies
ONEONTA — The Oneonta City School District Board of Education is slated to approve several new policies at its regular board meeting tonight.
Girl, 11, tells court she was molested
COOPERSTOWN - An 11-year-old girl testified Tuesday in Otsego County Court that she was molested twice last year by Daniel Harp of Franklin.
Firehouse close to being built
UNADILLA — Nobody spoke about a petition drive to force a vote on a proposed firehouse at the Unadilla village board meeting Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 15, 2002
Crowded houses
ONEONTA — "It's always this crazy in here," says 15-year-old Ryan Carpenter, looking around his crowded living room. And he would know. Ryan's mother and father, Roxane and Roger Carpenter, recently adopted three children, Monique, 9, Oscar, 12, and Luis, 14 — all siblings from California. And his aunt, Karen Paffenroth, just moved back to Oneonta after 18 years in California, with Peggy-Lynn, 7, and Kristina, 5 — Ryan's adoptive siblings' birth-sisters.
Temporary OFO shelter challenged
ONEONTA — An Oneonta human services agency announced plans Monday to operate a temporary homeless shelter in Unadilla, but officials there said the proposal must first face zoning-board scrutiny.
Four students honored for leadership, service
Prove your leadership, win a laptop from the governor. Four local high school students active in community service received Gov. George Pataki's second annual Youth Recognition Award on Monday.
Two rapists sentenced
DELHI — Two sex offenders charged with multiple rape counts in separate cases received differing sentences Monday in Delaware County Court.
Principal's civil rights suit unresolved
COOPERSTOWN - David Pearlman's federal civil rights lawsuit against the Cooperstown Central School District and its superintendent of schools, Mary Jo McPhail, is working its way through the court system, attorneys said Monday.
G. W!ll!kers! awarded for safe wastewater
An Arkville-based company is scheduled to receive an award today commending its installation of an environmentally safe pre-treatment wastewater system. G. W!ll!kers, a manufacturer of garment-dyed children's clothing, will be awarded a 2001 Governor's Pollution Prevention Award for use of a dissolved air flotation system. The system removes clothing dye from the wastewater without using toxic chemicals.
Crisis pregnancy centers under fire
Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has launched an inquiry into crisis pregnancy centers after receiving complaints alleging the centers have contacted family or clergy of pregnant women to dissuade them from having abortions, a spokesman said Sunday.
Saturday, January 12, 2002
School helps pump them up
EDMESTON - Three mornings a week, adults from the Edmeston area go back to school — to pump iron, that is. They meet in the basement of Edmeston Central School, in the Edmeston-Burlington Fitness Center, at about 7:30 a.m. For the next hour and a half, with the sound of "Boogie Nights" and other dance tunes thumping from the sound system, they work out on the Universal Gym, the ski machine and various equipment, keeping their bodies in shape.
Officials see changes ahead
This year could be marked by an improving economy, while the events of Sept. 11 could lead to some exciting changes in health care and higher education, community leaders said last week.
Otsego loses $50K investment, sues firm
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County has filed a lawsuit to recover $50,000 from Griffin Grant Writing and Consulting of Mill Valley, Calif.
Oneonta issues snow regs reminder
ONEONTA — City of Oneonta officials are reminding residents about the rules for parking on city streets and for sidewalk snow removal for the winter.
Free to good home: Llamas
COLLIERSVILLE — Mary and David Buck have more than 200 llamas. And now they're looking to give them away — but not to just anyone. "I am determined to have these animals go to a good place, where they will be used for a good cause," Mary Buck said Friday. "I will not let them starve."
Jury still out on state police shifts
ALBANY — The eight-hour workday for state police troopers could soon be a thing of the past if the union gets its way. Most of the rank-and-file want 12-hour shifts, delegates said.
Legislation takes aim at diminishing EMT squads
Legislation sponsored by Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, and signed into law by the governor will help the maintain the diminishing ranks of area emergency squads. The law extends the recertification time of emergency medical technicians from three to five years.
Friday, January 11, 2002
This politician keeps his promises
ONEONTA — Those who view the campaign promises of typical politicians as having little or no chance of ever being fulfilled should take heart. Mark Johnson of Oneonta is one elected government official who kept his promise to his constituency. But then again, Johnson is not your typical politician. Last fall, Johnson, a Riverside Elementary School sixth-grader, ran for and won the vice presidency of his student council.
Dad gains sole custody of daughter
COOPERSTOWN - Sole custody of 7-year-old Brianna Winslow was awarded to her father, Mark Winslow of Johnstown, on Thursday in Otsego County Family Court. The girl's mother, Vicky Shaffer, formerly of Laurens, had shared custody with Winslow, but lost that status with Thursday's ruling.
Pearlman suspended for 3 months
COOPERSTOWN - Cooperstown Central School's Board of Education suspended middle school principal David Pearlman for three months "without pay and district-paid benefits" effective Thursday. His salary is $70,351 a year.
Teen charged in shooting
The 13-year-old North Norwich boy who state police at Norwich say accidentally shot his 11-year-old friend was arrested Thursday on charges stemming from the incident.
Women to share art
ONEONTA — Six local women will pool their talents for an exhibition that opens today at the Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts.
Search stymied by victim's history of disappearances
ONEONTA — An Alzheimer's patient who wandered away from his home Tuesday and was found dead Wednesday in the woods off Upper West Street had gone astray a number of times before, Oneonta City Police said.
Otego zoning decision delayed
OTEGO — A decision on adopting zoning regulations for the town of Otego has been delayed until after a February meeting takes place, town officials said.
Unison's future up in the air
The future of a Norwich aerospace plant won't be known until the acquisition of the company it is a part of is completed, officials said Wednesday.
Painting styles to be presented
ONEONTA — Artists Jack Beal of Oneonta and Philip Pearlstein of New York City will have paintings featured in an exhibition at Hartwick College starting Thursday.
Thursday, January 10, 2002
Elderly man found dead
ONEONTA — A 77-year-old Alzheimer's patient missing since Tuesday morning was found dead in the woods off Upper West Street at about 5 p.m. Wednesday, city of Oneonta police said. Ralph Goodhill, who disappeared from his home on Brigham Road between 11:30 a.m. and noon Tuesday, was found about 200 yards off the road before the Blend Hill Road intersection, said Sgt. Gordon Saggese of the Oneonta Police Department.
Town of Oneonta may not renew ambulance contract
WEST ONEONTA — The future of ambulance coverage in the town of Oneonta is in the hands of town councilmen who are contemplating discontinuing service from the City of Oneonta.
Board chair assigns reps to committees
COOPERSTOWN - After delivering a cautionary speech on spending at Wednesday night's meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, Chairman Carl Higgins, R-Edmeston, handed out committee assignments.
Lawmakers look to tax cuts to help rebuild
ALBANY — Gov. George Pataki's plan to cut taxes and hold the line on spending at a time when New York is facing the loss of billions of dollars in revenue left leaders of the state Legislature scratching their heads Wednesday.
Sled-trail grants announced
Life on the trail may be a bit smoother for snowmobilers in the coming years, thanks to recent state grants to local counties.
Hancock man guilty of attempted murder
DELHI — After deliberating for nearly six hours, a jury returned a guilty verdict Tuesday on all eight charges in a trial of a Hancock man accused of trying to murder his stepdaughter.
Wednesday, January 9, 2002
Repair becomes rescue in New Berlin
SOUTH NEW BERLIN — After 17 years on the road servicing appliances for Sears, Patrick Sherry of Laurens said he had seen it all. But Sherry said he never expected to be involved in rescuing a man early Friday afternoon while making a repair call at a South New Berlin home. At about the time Sherry was calling on Brian Brennan to fix his washing machine, 84-year-old Johnson City resident Steve Mares was getting frustrated with poor luck ice-fishing on nearby Chenango Lake.
Pearlman guilty on 13 counts
COOPERSTOWN - David Pearlman, longtime middle school principal at Cooperstown Central School, has been found guilty of insubordination and conduct unbecoming of a principal, charges arising from his relationship with a female student.
A summary of state charges
COOPERSTOWN - David Pearlman, suspended middle school principal at Cooperstown Central School, has been found innocent of 56 and guilty of 13 specifications grouped under two charges brought by the district.
Blood supplies `seriously' low
Blood supplies are the lowest they've been since before Sept. 11, local and national American Red Cross representatives said Tuesday.
Apartment, office burglarized
ONEONTA — Oneonta city police are investigating several burglaries that were reported recently.
Unions: Hire local laborers to build jail
Members of the Central New York Labor Federation will demonstrate at the Delaware County Office Building in Delhi today to persuade county legislators to use local labor in building the new county jail and public safety building.
Nervous attorney pleads murderer's case
ALBANY — Parent-murderer Gordon "Woody" Mower Jr. said he'd be willing to face the death penalty if the state's top court gives him a new trial, his lawyer said, but any second chance now is a long-shot.
Tuesday, January 8, 2002
First snow lingers on area roads
DELHI — Twice the expected amount of snowfall in areas of Delaware County had road crews plowing early Monday morning and closed schools from Stamford to Hancock. Norman Hoyt, a plow driver for the town of Delhi, said trucks pulled out of the town garages at 2 a.m. Monday. "We got a little more than what we thought we were going to," he said. "Back in the hills, we probably got 18 inches or so."
Harry Potter's 'magic' stirs local controversy
ONEONTA — With the help of his sorcerer's wand, Harry Potter has stirred up some local controversy. About 80 people have signed a petition saying they oppose "the teaching, the use of or the viewing of Harry Potter Books and films."
Mower tries to have plea overturned
ALBANY — Gordon "Woody" Mower Jr., the Otsego County parent-murdering teen caught after being featured on "America's Most Wanted," is pushing a long-shot appeal to the state's highest court.
Area firms recognized for service
Two area insurance firms have been listed among the state's top companies for fewest consumer auto-insurance complaints.
Wanted: Applicants at job fair in Oneonta
ONEONTA — Area residents can check out more than 50 employers Wednesday at the Otsego County Job Fair, business officials said Monday.
Shelter opponents speak out
ONEONTA — Opposition to the construction of a homeless shelter in Oneonta's Sixth Ward remains strong among a number of city residents.
Monday, January 7, 2002
Area hit with first snowstorm of season
It may be a little late for Christmas, but some area residents will be waking up this morning to the first significant snow of the season. The National Weather Service reported Sunday night that between 3 and 5 inches of snow could be on the ground by this morning, while up to 10 inches were possible in parts of the Catskills.
Milford teen dies in crash
ONEONTA — A 19-year-old Milford man died early Sunday morning following a one-car accident in the town of Oneonta. Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in the crash that killed Cory J. Beisler, state police at Oneonta said. Beisler was driving his car north on East Street in the town of Oneonta at about 4 a.m. when the accident occurred, troopers said.
Area man's play named N.Y.'s historical drama
DELHI — A play written by a longtime Delaware County resident for Delaware Heritage received recognition from Gov. George Pataki as the state's historical musical drama and will be performed locally this summer.
'He was Curtis' best friend'
The mother of an 11-year-old North Norwich boy who was killed Friday in an "unintentional shooting" said her son was well acquainted with the boy who fired the shot.
Saturday, January 5, 2002
Hartwick gears up for yearlong party
HARTWICK - The town of Hartwick turns 200 this year, and a series of monthly events has been planned to celebrate the occasion. "Many towns celebrate their bicentennials in an extended weekend, but we decided to go all out and have events all year long," said Anita Harrison, president of the Hartwick Historical Society.
Local charities near goals
With their yearly campaigns having recently ended, several local United Way charities are expecting to meet or surpass fund-raising goals, officials said. The Sidney United Way and Chenango United Way have exceed their goals, while the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties is on target to meet its yearly projection, officials said.
Storms in South put 5-day freeze on jail project
DELHI — The bidding date for the 100 prefabricated cells for the proposed Delaware County jail has been moved back five days in part because of snowstorms in the South, officials said.
Village seeks troublesome roof drains
SIDNEY — Testing and repairs by the village of Sidney to its water and sewer lines have eliminated earlier problems of runoffs into the Susquehanna River, village officials said.
Friday, January 4, 2002
Otsego recycling plan questioned
COOPERSTOWN - Will Otsego County build a materials recycling facility in Oneonta? No one is sure. About a year after the $707,000 MRF was proposed, the Otsego County Board of Representatives is working to iron out details so the proposal's merits and drawbacks can be examined and debated.
22-year-old becomes justice in Meredith
MEREDITH — After a swearing in ceremony Thursday night, the town of Meredith may have the distinction of employing New York state's youngestjustice. John W. Bagley, a 22-year-old Republican and lifelong resident of Meridale, will officially begin his justice duties next week.
Economy, health coverage on state's agenda
ONEONTA — Economic development and tackling the increasing cost of insurance in upstate New York will be legislative priorities in the coming fiscal year, state lawmakers said Thursday.
Delaware chamber names president
DELHI — The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has named Mary Beth Silano as president, effective immediately, Susan Doig, chairwoman of the chamber's board of directors, said Thursday.
Court upholds conviction in sex abuse case
The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a former Mount Upton man, found guilty in Otsego County Court in December 2000 of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.
Writers' group to offer workshops
Writers In the Mountains is offering workshops to encourage beginning and published writers. A variety of classes are offered to help a writer find and develop his or her voice, and classes are held at various locations in the area.
Lot size among issues in Otego
More than 50 people attended a Wednesday meeting to discuss proposed zoning regulations for the town of Otego, local officials said.
Thursday, January 3, 2002
Central Tractor to sell stock and close doors
ONEONTA — Central Tractor Farm and Family Center on Oneonta's Southside will close as soon as all merchandise is sold, company officials said Wednesday. Several customers in the store Wednesday afternoon — alerted to the closure by window signs — wondered aloud where they will shop for agricultural supplies. "I don't know where else we would go," said Lois Roam of Milford Center, who was at the store buying a Carhartt brand jacket for her husband.
No change for Otsego board chair
COOPERSTOWN - Republican Carl Higgins of Edmeston was re-elected chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives on Wednesday, beating Democrat Roberta Puritz of Oneonta by a vote of 9-5. Higgins, 68, who has served on the board since 1974, has been chairman since 1985, the longest tenure as chairman in the county's history.
Poster project fights DWI
They don't have their licenses yet, but the eighth-graders at Unatego Central School already know about the dangers of drinking and driving.
City approves pay benefits
ONEONTA — A failed proposal to extend pay benefits to city employees who have been called to active military duty since Sept. 11 was resurrected and approved by Oneonta aldermen Wednesday.
Former city school chief on job path
ONEONTA — A former Oneonta superintendent, whose 1998 lawsuit against the district is unsettled, is a finalist for an administrative position in the region.
Advocates: Mental health won't get enough in budget
ALBANY — New York state's community mental health industry is at its financial breaking point, advocates charged Wednesday, and thousands with mental illnesses won't get the treatment they need unless the state comes through with more cash.
Magee: Let's crack down on ad-faxes
ALBANY — A popular state law that tied telemarketers' hands last year didn't go far enough, a local assemblyman charged Wednesday, leaving commercial telefaxers tying up phone lines to advertise everything from bargain cruises to investments that are too good to be true.
Aldermen set hearings on zoning laws
ONEONTA — Legislation to allow for the construction of a homeless shelter in Oneonta's Sixth Ward has been put on the fast track for Common Council approval.
Majority needed to OK motions, Spitzer says
ONEONTA — A dispute among city officials regarding Common Council voting procedures was settled Wednesday by the state's attorney general.
Wednesday, January 2, 2002
Thousands enjoy First Night
ONEONTA — About three hours before the dawn of the new year, 100 people cheered as juggling pins flew around 13-year-old Brittany Miosky's head. Brittany, an eighth-grader at Oneonta Middle School, was chosen as a volunteer in a show called TWO: High Energy Juggling, which was part of Monday's First Night celebration in Oneonta.
Local runners carry Olympic torch
On Monday, Oneonta resident Jeffrey R. Gardner accomplished a once-in-a-lifetime feat — for the second time. Gardner, a 1988 Oneonta High School graduate and a 1992 Hartwick College alumnus, was one of five area residents who participated in the Olympic torch relay Sunday and Monday, when the flame passed through Syracuse.
Mayor Muller sworn in for second term
ONEONTA — Oneonta's City Hall was packed during Tuesday afternoon's swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Kim Muller and newly elected county board members representing city districts.
Legislative luncheon planned for Thursday
ONEONTA — The Otsego County Chamber will play host to a "Local State-of-the-State" legislative luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Thursday at the Holiday Inn of Oneonta/Cooperstown on state Route 23 in Oneonta.
Firehouse proposal moves forward
UNADILLA — Plans are being made for a public hearing on a proposed new firehouse for the village of Unadilla.
Program to explore issues faced by American Indians
ONEONTA — Continuing its recent tradition of themed January and spring terms, Hartwick College will launch "Native America: Lessons in Survival," a program designed to explore past, present and future issues faced by American Indians.
