The message of Easter
The need for Easter's Christian message of love and hope is as strong as ever following the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, local clergy said. Easter, a festival that commemorates the Christian belief of Jesus' resurrection, will be celebrated Sunday. Many local churches have held special services this week, including Good Friday observances.
Oneonta weighs collection options
ONEONTA — Focusing on repeat offenders is the best and most effective way for Oneonta to collect thousands of dollars in unpaid parking tickets, city officials said. A total of $47,408, including late fees, is owed the city in unpaid tickets, according to city parking ticket data going back to 1998. An average of 3,760 parking tickets were issued annually those years.
Parking garage rules will be studied
ONEONTA — Some who park illegally in the city parking garage over the next few weeks will not be issued tickets, said city officials, who are taking a closer look at the availability of downtown parking spots.
Towns immobilized by storm
Stinky refrigerators, bottled water and fallen branches marked the second day of power outages for residents of the Cherry Valley and Roseboom area of Otsego County. High winds and heavy icing Tuesday night caused losses of power for thousands of residents and debris-filled roads. By Thursday afternoon, about 1,000 residents were still without power, according to Niagara Mohawk officials, and although area roads were open, fallen branches and brush still needed to be cleared.
Footie founders honored
ONEONTA — Two couples were recently honored by the Oneonta Soccer Club for helping to get the organizational ball rolling 20 years ago. Nelson and Gail DuBois and Dick and Joyce Miller were honored for their longtime involvement in the club during the group's annual banquet at Hartwick College last week.
Aide pleads guilty in sex case
SIDNEY — A former Sidney school bus aide, who was arrested in March for allegedly having sex with a student, received a conditional discharge after pleading guilty to the lesser of two charges during a felony hearing at Sidney Town Court on Thursday.
Four-footer take on patrol job
AFTON — With the addition of its latest member, the Afton Police Department expects to be taking a little bigger bite out of local crime.
City police arrest defense attorney
ONEONTA — A Delaware County lawyer who successfully defended a man in the recent high-profile parking garage brawl trial was arrested Thursday morning after allegedly becoming disorderly on Chestnut Street, Oneonta City Police said.
Thursday, March 28, 2002
Area report cards show gender discrepancies
Girls are better at English, and boys excel in math. At least that's what local state test scores indicate. Eighth-grade girls scored better on the mandatory state English/language arts test at about 80 percent of local schools, and at about 60 percent of local schools, boys at that level scored better on math tests, according to data released by the New York state Department of Education on Wednesday.
Career day offers hands-on learning
WELLS BRIDGE — Dog groomers, police officers, medical workers, business owners and bank employees shared their knowledge with students at Unatego High School's second annual "Career Awareness Day" on Wednesday.
Oneonta board Oks amublance contract
For the second time this month, the Oneonta Town Board has approved a new, three-year contract with the city of Oneonta for ambulance services.
Pipers practicing for NYC parade
The sound of Scottish pipes and drums will echo through the streets of New York City on National Tartan Day, and Hobart's Pipes and Drums will be part of the history-making celebration.
Spending cap put on jail work
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to cap the cost of the county's new jail at $23 million.
Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Brawl defendants acquitted
COOPERSTOWN - After deliberating for about two hours Tuesday, an Otsego County jury found Elvis Rodriguez and Colin Davidson innocent of all charges connected to the Feb. 10, 2001, brawl at the Oneonta parking garage.
Clune's motive still a mystery
A day after John Clune was shot and killed after allegedly robbing a bank in Albany County, police and even some of those who knew him best are trying to piece together what led him to do it. Investigators Tuesday interviewed Clune's family, friends and co-workers to gather any information that would explain a motive for the robbery that led to a high-speed chase through Schoharie County.
Lawyer argues that governor should decide casino policies
ALBANY — How many Indian-owned casinos the state gets and which tribes get them should be decisions left to Gov. George Pataki, a state lawyer told an appeals court Monday, and he shouldn't need the Legislature's backing to make them.
Weather leaves some in the dark
Tuesday's mix of rain and ice caused power losses, fallen trees, flooded basements and flooded roads in areas of Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie counties, dispatchers and weather officials said.
SUCO writing prof honored for excellence
ONEONTA — A professor of English who has taught for nearly 40 years at the State University College at Oneonta has been awarded the 2002 Susan Sutton Smith Prize for Academic Excellence.
Three Delaware hospitals to get $50,000
Three Delaware County hospitals will receive a total of $150,000 through the New York State Community Service Provider Assistance Program.
Tradition! Late budget likely again
ALBANY — Resigning themselves to an 18th-straight failed attempt at passing an on-time budget, state lawmakers left the Capitol on Tuesday for a near two-week vacation to observe religious holidays.
Oneonta man killed after chase
An Oneonta man was shot and killed after a 30-mile chase by police in rural Schoharie County after he allegedly robbed an Albany County bank of about $20,000 on Monday morning, authorities said. John Clune, 44, was shot by a sheriff's deputy and two state police officers before 11 a.m. in the town of Sharon and was pronounced dead at Bassett Hospital in Cobleskill at 11:11 a.m., police said.
Neighbors: Clune was a nice guy
ONEONTA — John Clune was the last person you'd expect to rob a bank, some of those who knew him said Monday. Clune, 44, was shot and killed by police in the Schoharie County town of Sharon on Monday morning after allegedly robbing a bank in Albany County and leading state police and deputies on a high-speed chase through Schoharie County.
State lawmaker to speak about proposed prison
A state assemblyman is among those scheduled to speak at a Bainbridge informational meeting about the proposed maximum-security youth facility on April 1.
Man pleads innocent to sex abuse charge
DELHI — A Sidney Center man was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday on charges of child sexual abuse. Duane D. Pratt, 34, of Pine Swamp Road, pleaded innocent on all five counts of the indictment, according to his attorney, Frederick Neroni.
Agency to receive money to help elderly, disabled
ONEONTA — A local human services agency has been awarded partial funding to launch a program to help the elderly and disabled continue to live in their homes.
Local properties nominated for historic register
ONEONTA — Three local properties have been nominated for listing on state and national registers of historic places, officials at the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced Friday.
Hearing set on Sidney budget proposal
SIDNEY — The purchase of a new fire truck and increased costs for health insurance and state retirement-fund payments are the main factors behind a proposed increase in Sidney village taxes for the upcoming year, Sidney Mayor Jim Warren said.
Monday, March 25, 2002
Nursing still a woman's world
When 55-year-old Chuck Sweet attended nursing school at Milford BOCES 15 years ago, he was the only male in his class. A nursing student today might encounter a similar situation. Today, nursing schools, such as Hartwick College and the State University College of Technology at Delhi, still have an overwhelming majority of female students. Local hospitals report that while nursing applicants, as a whole, have dramatically decreased, male applicants are still greatly outnumbered.
Delaware Academy senior named Miss Otsego County Teen-ager
ONEONTA — A senior at Delaware Academy was crowned Miss Otsego County Teen-ager 2002 at a pageant at Hartwick College on Saturday night. Michelle Ambrose, 18, of Franklin said she was "extremely excited and shocked" when she was named the winner at the Anderson Center for the Arts theater.
Saturday, March 23, 2002
Sides rest their cases
COOPERSTOWN - Former SUCO student Elvis Rodriguez testified Friday in Otsego County Court that he didn't assault anyone with weapons during the Feb. 10, 2001, brawl at the Oneonta parking garage. Rodriguez is charged with the first-degree gang assault, first-degree assault and second-degree assault of former SUCO student Joseph Olivo, who suffered serious and apparently permanent brain injuries during the brawl.
Pearlman says he wants his old job back
Suspended Cooperstown Middle School Principal David Pearlman said Friday that if district officials create a new job for him, he will fight to return to his old position. Pearlman was suspended for three months after a state hearing officer found him guilty of insubordination and conduct unbecoming of a principal.
Coalition for youth honors volunteers
During the past two years, a local coalition has helped educate, nurture and protect the teens and children of Otsego County. But officials at Leatherstocking's Promise — The Alliance for Youth say they would be nowhere today without the help of more than 200 volunteers.
McCall: Lives could be saved
ALBANY — Lives might be saved if the state used the millions it makes from cellular-phone surcharges for what it was meant for, instead of things such as dry-cleaning and lawn-mowing services for the state police, state Comptroller Carl McCall charged in an audit released Thursday.
Drug case sent to Delaware grand jury
WALTON — A notebook with names and phone numbers, a cell phone, empty plastic bags, a box of baking soda and two or three Baggies containing a white powdery substance were enough to keep three alleged drug dealers in jail Friday.
Facts about death differ
ONEONTA — Details began to surface Friday in the death of a 94-year-old Robynwood resident with dementia who apparently died of exposure to freezing temperatures early Monday after slipping away from the adult home in Oneonta.
State needs to put children first
Data from a new survey of school districts by the New York State School Boards Association graphically demonstrate how enactment of a no-growth state education budget would dramatically shift more of the burden for financing education back to the local property tax.
Local critics: Academy Award races close
The votes are in for the 74th Annual Academy Awards, and local and national critics agree the competition is nothing short of a horse race this year. Sunday will reveal the latest recipients of the golden statuettes known as Oscars.
Friday, March 22, 2002
Website tipped Walton sting
A Tioga County man says it was a tip to his anti-drugs website that eventually led to the drug bust in Walton on Tuesday. Steven H. Steiner, founder of DAMMADD — Dads and Moms Against Drug Dealers, said a tip was received on the DAMMADD website in October about a drug sale that was about to take place in Walton.
Witness says he was high at brawl
COOPERSTOWN - Prosecution witness Rasheen Nelson told jurors in Otsego County Court on Thursday that he was using the drug Ecstasy and drinking beer before the Feb. 10, 2001, brawl at the Oneonta parking garage.
SUCO seeks to redefine party image
ONEONTA — More than 100 students at the State University College at Oneonta are involved in a campaign to reduce their peers' use of alcohol by shattering misconceptions about student drinking habits. Research has proven college students' inflated ideas concerning alcohol consumption by fellow students breeds risky drinking behavior, SUCO counseling officials said last week.
Some skeptical of plan
ONEONTA — SUCO students expressed a mixture of skepticism and optimism concerning a campaign the college is undertaking to reduce alcohol abuse by advertising the percentage of students who drink infrequently and other statistics.
Burglar hits Walton firms and churches
WALTON — A recent string of burglaries at Walton restaurants, churches and automobile service centers continued early Thursday morning, Walton Police Chief Mel Woodin said.
Hearing yields no big changes
No major changes were made to Otego's proposed zoning regulations following Wednesday's public hearing before the Otego Planning Board, officials said.
Sidney gets OK to raze buildings
SIDNEY — Demolition of 17 vacant buildings in the Sherwood Heights section of Sidney is expected to begin within two weeks, village officials said Thursday.
Better police-student relations goal of program
BAINBRIDGE — Many students who meet a police officer often do so when there is a problem. However, the Bainbridge Police Department, in cooperation with the school, businesses and community, is looking to change that, officials said Wednesday.
Thursday, March 21, 2002
Witness: Davidson said he beat man motionless
COOPERSTOWN - Rasheen Nelson, one of five black and Hispanic men involved in the Oneonta parking garage brawl on Feb. 10, 2001, testified Wednesday that Colin Davidson told him "he hit someone and the kid started shaking, and then he stopped." Nelson also testified that Elvis Rodriguez hit someone with a golf club during the fight and was in turn hit by someone wielding a weapon.
Dentist injured in crash
An Oneonta dentist was in critical condition after a two-car accident in the town of Laurens on Wednesday afternoon, state police at Oneonta said. A slushy road contributed to the crash that also resulted in injuries to two women from Laurens, troopers said.
Director: 911 'has bugs,' but it's improving
Paul Doig, a Downsville resident who lost his barn to a fire on March 11, wonders if the county's new 911 system slowed down the response time. "I called 911 and it took quite a while before the fire department got here," Doig said. "After I called 911, I went back outside, hooked up a hose and had water on the fire before I heard the fire siren go off. It was kind of a screwed up deal, and I am not one bit impressed with 911," he said.
Award results in Congressional appearance
After 35 years on the job, Cooperstown science teacher Frances Scelsi Hess said she is ready to talk before just about any audience — including a congressional science panel.
Groups get money from vitamin suit
New York's $19 million share of a vitamin price fixing settlement will be distributed among food banks and other community groups around the state.
Report cards to break down by race, wealth
ALBANY — This year's school report cards will for the first time break down student performance by race and economic status. Required under federal legislation passed this year to hold schools more accountable, the new data should help districts determine whether their instruction "is fair to certain groups," said state Deputy Education Commissioner James Kadamus.
Board trims budget plan
ONEONTA — The Oneonta City School District budget proposal just keeps going down. Recent budget adjustments show a tax levy increase of 5.43 percent, said Superintendent James Piscitelli, with a budget total increase of .15 percent to $24,364,538.
City sets occupancy restriction
ONEONTA — Lower occupancy numbers will be enforced as part of the leasing of summer rentals to Cooperstown Baseball World families this summer, city officials said.
Former Andes mayor remembered
Former Andes Mayor Walter E. Armstrong, 79, died Saturday, three days after his daughter-in-law was killed in an accident as she and his son were headed to Andes to spend time with him.
Students present `A Civil Action' in Delaware court
DELHI — The topic was toxic, the trial brief and the verdict a surprise to anyone familiar with Jonathan Harr's book, "A Civil Action." The New Visions Law and Government class worked for three months, researching and then re-enacting a lengthy legal case using Harr's book as a guide.
State bill proposes ban on using domestic dogs, cats for food
ALBANY — Reacting to reports of a dog-flesh farm in Sullivan County, Albany lawmakers have proposed a bill to outlaw the use of domestic dogs and cats for food, and prohibit the sale of their fur or flesh in New York.
Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Walton sting nets 5 arrests
A late-night drug bust at 6 Maple St. in Walton resulted in the arrest of five people, Delaware County Undersheriff Doug Vredenburgh said Tuesday. The Delaware County Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at the basement apartment of Virginia "Jenny" Cochrane, 35. Vredenburgh said the raid netted powder and crack cocaine, marijuana and cash.
Olivo beaten by Davidson, witness says
COOPERSTOWN - SUCO student Michael Zielonka testified Tuesday in Otsego County Court that Elvis Rodriguez and Colin Davidson struck young men with weapons during the Feb. 10, 2001, brawl at the Oneonta parking garage. During that brawl, Joseph Olivo, a student at the State University College at Oneonta, received serious and apparently permanent brain injuries.
Board to vote on new post; possibly for Pearlman
Suspended Cooperstown Middle School Principal David Pearlman is among the candidates for a position school board members may create at tonight's meeting, school officials confirmed Tuesday.
Bank, pair awarded as 'good neighbors'
UNADILLA — A father-son team of "good neighbors" and a local bank will be honored in Unadilla in April. The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hand out its annual awards on April 7, when it honors James and Robert Ludwig as its good neighbor of the year and Charter One Bank as the business of the year, chamber President John Frascatore said.
City makes offer to police prospect
ONEONTA — City of Oneonta officials are making a dent in the chronically depleted Oneonta Police Department roster. Aldermen Tuesday made a job offer to Judith Bik, of Oneonta, to the position of police officer.
Hobart to involve residents in reshaping town
HOBART — Hobart's Main Street will soon be under construction, and village officials are seizing the opportunity to try to shape the future of the village at the same time.
Spring still holds onto winter coat
The calendar says it's spring but spring-like it isn't. The date and the burgeoning daffodils and crocuses shouldn't fool anyone. Between 1 and 3 inches of snow were forecast to fall today in higher elevations of the area.
State awards OFO $584,100 grant
ONEONTA — Opportunities For Otsego has been awarded a $584,100 state homeless housing project grant, state officials said Tuesday.
Bar owner to appeal code ruling
ONEONTA — An Oneonta bar owner will look to the city zoning board to see whether changes made to his Sixth Ward pub fall under city code guidelines.
Illegal drinkers targeted in sting
ONEONTA — Two arrests were made at one of nine local bars checked this weekend as part of the state police's statewide Underage Drinking Initiative, Sidney troopers said. Locally, bars and restaurant-bars in Sidney, Unadilla, Afton, Bainbridge, Rockdale and Guilford were checked.
Delaware awarded $2M from state for composting project
DELHI — More than a year after the Delaware County Board of Supervisors voted to build a co-composting facility at the county landfill in Walton, the county has been notified it will receive a promised grant from the state.
Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Snow days turn into holidays
Many local students, who have had fewer snow days this year because of the mild winter, will be getting the time off anyway this spring. Because contracts with teachers require schools to limit the number of class days, local superintendents said they are required to turn unused snow days into days off for teachers and students, either by making spring vacations longer or by shortening the school year in June.
Bouncer tells jury of role in fight
COOPERSTOWN - A SUCO student who worked at The Alley bar in Oneonta told jurors Monday in Otsego County Court about the Feb. 10, 2001, brawl that left Joseph Olivo, 21, with serious brain injuries.
Slippers roads cause minor accidents
ONEONTA — No one was injured in 11 car accidents in Oneonta, including two rollovers, which were caused by slippery roads Monday, State Police at Oneonta said Monday at 9 p.m.
SUCO's history in words, pictures
ONEONTA — Time travel isn't necessary to see what the State University College at Oneonta looked like in its early days, thanks to a new pictorial history book documenting its 110 years.
Fund freezes could results in BOCES cuts
State fund freezes could cause local school districts to cut BOCES programs, which, in turn, could require BOCES administrators to cut programs and staff, school officials said Monday.
Chamorro assault case to go to grand jury
SIDNEY — The case of the Sidney high school state-champion wrestler who allegedly choked another student, will not be heard in Sidney village court today as originally scheduled.
At the polls:
Elections to fill vacancies for village offices are today in area villages. In most villages, polls are open noon to 9 p.m. In Gilbertsville, polls are open 2 to 7 p.m.
Businesses oppose plan to hike bed tax
An Otsego County board committee is discussing a proposal to raise the county's 2-percent bed occupancy tax. But the idea does not sit well with area hotel and bed and breakfast owners, who collect the tax on overnight accommodations from their customers. The plan, which is being considered by members of the county board's Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, could involve raising the "bed tax" to 3 percent or possibly 4 percent.
'Last resort' car insurance on rise locally
ALBANY — A growing number of drivers in the Oneonta area are being forced to pay higher-than-average costs for car insurance. State figures show that applications to New York's assigned-risk pool from the region that includes Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie and Greene counties jumped 94 percent — from 1,399 in 2000 to 2,713 last year.
Woman named First Lady of the Year
Bainbridge resident Jane Benson says she's "never done anything exceptional." But many people who know her apparently disagree.
McCall accepts local nomination
ONEONTA — State Comptroller and Democratic gubernatorial nomination hopeful H. Carl McCall came to Oneonta on Sunday to receive the endorsement of county Democratic leaders.
New Sherwood Heights homes to go on market
SIDNEY — The marketing of new homes in the Sherwood Heights area of Sidney is expected to begin in two to four weeks, a project consultant said Tuesday.
Everybody's Irish for St. Pat's partying
ONEONTA — Hundreds of revelers sported green shirts, plastic hats, beads and leis as they crowded downtown sidewalks and taverns Sunday afternoon to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Saturday, March 16, 2002
Witness tells of brawl in Oneonta parking garage
COOPERSTOWN - Former SUCO student Joseph Olivo was beaten by two young men with weapons while three other men held his friends at bay, a witness said Friday in Otsego County Court. The testimony came on the fifth day of Elvis Rodriquez's and Colin Davidson's assault trial. Each 22-year-old man is charged with first-degree assault and gang assault, felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Police: St. Pat's will be busy
ONEONTA — There will be a sea of green flooding the bars and pubs of downtown Oneonta on Sunday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Oneonta City Police said they will be out patrolling in force, even though no real problems are anticipated. "We're expecting volume rather than serious incidents," said Police Chief John Donadio, referring to the usual violations that occur when people mix alcohol with more alcohol. Donadio said he expects a quiet holiday because it falls on a Sunday, when bars don't open until noon.
Dogs no obstacle for local trainer
Local dogs are jumping through hoops to partake in a business run by a Hartwick woman. For five years, Teresa Konopka has run Kilmoreen Training, a dog obedience and training school. With about 40 canine customers, Konopka devotes three nights and one morning every week to showing dogs how to go through obstacle courses, run relay races and obey their owners.
Unadilla residents to vote on firehouse
For the second time in seven years, Unadilla residents will decide Tuesday whether to build a firehouse in the village. This time, village officials said, they are hoping the effort they made to explain the issue will result in winning voter approval. In 1995, the proposal for a Main Street station was rejected by a wide margin.
Former trustees in Fleischmanns to vie for mayor
FLEISCHMANNS — Issues in the Fleischmanns election run the gamut from instituting a police department in the village to quelling discord between factions over whether to dissolve the village. Voting will be Tuesday.
`Small Business Day 2002' set in Albany
Local business owners will have the opportunity to voice concerns to state legislators and government officials at "Small Business Day 2002" in Albany later this month.
Friday, March 15, 2002
Students put best foot forward
ONEONTA — If she had lived in Oneonta, Imelda Marcos probably would have loved to attend Riverside Elementary School. The sixth-graders at Riverside have created a plethora of plaster of Paris and clay shoes, in various colors, shapes and sizes. The students gave the shoes, which took several months to create, names, slogans and prices, and displayed them in the hallway outside art teacher Claudia Scheim's classroom.
Cops detail brawl scene
COOPERSTOWN - Five law enforcement officials testified Thursday in Otsego County Court as District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons opened his case against two men accused of assaulting SUCO student Joseph Olivo during a brawl at the Oneonta parking garage.
Nonpublic schools get high marks
Local fourth- and eighth-graders at nonpublic schools fared better than those across the state on state math and English tests.
Grant to help Sidney police with upgrade
SIDNEY — A recent state grant will help the Sidney Police Department use the latest in record-keeping software, Commissioner Craig Whitten said Tuesday.
Not enough sign up for lunches, area schools say
Contrary to national study findings, local school officials said Thursday they think more students than those who participate are eligible for free or discounted meals at lunch time.
Revitalization key issue in Margaretville
MARGARETVILLE — Concerns about the Margaretville revitalization project prompted the three-way race for two trustee seats in the village election to be held Tuesday.
Presentations on retail trends planned
ONEONTA — Barbara Wold, an internationally acclaimed retail consultant, will make two presentations at the Telecenter, at 254 Main St., next week to help retail merchants tap into visitor spending, presenters said.
Thursday, March 14, 2002
Statements at trial tell of conflict
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons told jurors Wednesday that Colin Davidson beat SUCO student Joseph Olivo with a tire iron during the Feb. 10, 2001, brawl at the Oneonta parking garage. Elvis Rodriguez, brandishing a "yellow-handled tool," helped to keep Olivo's friends at bay as he was beaten senseless, Gibbons said. Rodriguez also assaulted another man during the fight, the district attorney said.
Crews seek better ties to state, feds
ALBANY — Local front-line emergency responders are more prepared now for terror attacks than they were before Sept. 11, but they've found new problems trying to coordinate with the state, a Senate task force was told Wednesday.
Semper fi: Marines renew friendship
Two strangers meet and they become fast friends. Time and events separate them and they lose touch until someone or something brings them back together.
Four hurt in two-car crash
Three people were airlifted to Albany Medical Center following a two-car, head-on collision Wednesday morning in the town of Middletown, according to state police at Margaretville.
Trustee race set in village
Three people are on the ballot for two trustee positions in the village of Bainbridge on Tuesday.
Director details benefits of $15.3M Catskill Watershed grants
DELHI — In the five years since the New York City Memorandum of Agreement was signed in 1997, Delaware County has received more than $15.3 million from the Catskill Watershed Corp., the Delaware County Board of Supervisors learned Wednesday.
Take this job and love it
COOPERSTOWN — Twenty-three-year-old Jarrod Graves has spent the last several years traveling across the country doing construction work.
Firms push for Pataki plan to freeze rail taxes
ALBANY — State bigwigs have spent years pushing for high-speed trains across the Empire State. They've floated plans for passenger rail service up the Hudson's west shore and between Binghamton and Port Jervis.
Oneonta board reduces tax hike
ONEONTA — Taxes will tentatively increase 5.84 percent, with the school district budget going up .36 percent, school officials said Wednesday night at a regular meeting of the Oneonta City School District Board of Education.
Spring Fair set for March 23 at SUCO
ONEONTA — Organizers of last year's Spring Fair and Paul Winter concert say the events were so successful that they are planning another spring fair later this month.
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Nine jurors picked in trial
COOPERSTOWN - Nine jurors were selected Tuesday in the trial of two men accused of assaulting former SUCO student, Joseph Olivo, during the February 10, 2001, brawl at the Oneonta parking garage. Olivo, 21, sustained serious head injuries during that fight and has been left unable to speak, feed himself or walk.
Otego man calls out telemarketers; fines levied
For Otego resident Stephen Baldwin, a quiet dinner used to seem like an impossible dream. "It seemed almost every night, just about the dinner time, I would get a call from a telemarketer," said Baldwin, a dialysis social worker for Bassett Healthcare.
Four hurt in crash
ONEONTA — A two-vehicle collision Tuesday in the town of Oneonta sent four people to A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, said state police at Oneonta.
Students to take shots at Delhi scholarship
DELHI — A lot of high school students are shooting for college scholarships, but only nine of them will be in Delhi this week shooting baskets to win a $1,000 scholarship.
Rape defendant released
SIDNEY — Soon after beginning her testimony, the 17-year-old alleged rape victim of a Unadilla man was unable to continue answering questions at a felony hearing Tuesday in Sidney Village Court.
War to be topic
ONEONTA — War-time politics and Afghanistan will be the topic of a program at the State University College at Oneonta on March 20.
SUCO announces four-year scholarships
ONEONTA — Two area students are among 38 students offered Oneonta Presidential Scholarships for the 2002-03 academic year, officials at the State University College at Oneonta announced Tuesday.
Sexual abuse case sent to grand jury
SIDNEY — The case against a 17-year-old Sidney boy charged with sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl was sent to the Delaware County grand jury following a felony hearing Tuesday in Sidney Village Court.
Teachers: Give school money
ALBANY — New York's schoolchildren should be the last to suffer the fiscal consequences of the Sept. 11 attacks, teachers said Tuesday as they lobbied Albany lawmakers for more education aid than Gov. George Pataki proposed.
Deputies seek man in larceny
MORRIS — A man caught on videotape stealing money from a Morris Laundromat last month is being sought by Otsego deputies.
Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Brawl trial underway
COOPERSTOWN - The trial of two men charged with brutally beating SUCO student Joseph Olivo on Feb. 10, 2001, began Monday in Otsego County Court. Elvis Rodriguez and Colin Davidson, both 22, are charged with gang assault and the first-degree assault of Olivo.
SUCO ranks low; says it's better
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta ranked lower than other SUNY schools on the U.S. News 2002 list of best colleges, but college officials said the institution has improved since those statistics were gathered more than a year ago.
Defendant pleads guilty
COOPERSTOWN - In a last-minute deal late Friday afternoon, Michael Lawson, one of three men who had been facing a trial on charges stemming from the Oneonta parking garage brawl of Feb. 10, 2001, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault.
Cows at college to get new dorm
They won't be sending out any change of address cards, but nonetheless the Cobleskill dairy cows will be moving Wednesday.
'South Pacific' youth movement set for OHS stage
ONEONTA — Washing men right out of their hair is just one of the moves Oneonta High School junior Kelley Cyzeski will help the cast of South Pacific relate to an audience next month.
Students: What's in a number?
ONEONTA — Students at the State University College at Oneonta shrug off the college's bad magazine rankings and offer plenty of reasons they wanted to enroll.
Bank robbed on Southside
ONEONTA — State police on Sunday said they were still looking for the man who robbed the Central National Bank branch in the Southside Mall on Saturday and fled with an undisclosed amount of money. The perpetrator was filmed by the bank's surveillance system, but hadn't been apprehended by late Sunday night, police said.
Cooperstown senior dies in one-car crash
A Cooperstown High School senior died Saturday from injuries received in an early-morning accident in the town of Worcester, state police at Oneonta said. She appeared to have fallen asleep while driving, troopers said.
Loan to help Deposit firm
Bluestone could turn more green this year for a Deposit corporation thanks to a $670,400 loan.
Mayor, justice, trustees on ballot in Cooperstown
Races for village justice and the board of trustees will highlight Tuesday's village of Cooperstown elections, which are scheduled from noon to 9 p.m. in the village firehouse.
Area minister recounts experience with MLK
ONEONTA — What has been lost during many discussions about Martin Luther King Jr., said Rev. Harry G. Myers, of the Lauren's Presbyterian Church, is that he was "a down-to-earth" human being.
High wind, then cold raise havoc
Saturday came in like a lamb and went out like a lion. Area residents woke up to sun and spring-like temperatures, but a cold front Saturday night and Sunday morning brought with it 60-mph winds, a slew of minor car accidents and collapsed power lines.
Saturday, March 9, 2002
Women, their history stand out this month
Nancy Scanlon, a 42-year-old businesswoman from Oneonta, doesn't remember many women being featured in her grammar school textbooks. "We learned about Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks a little," said Scanlon, owner of Sport Tech on Main Street in Oneonta. "But that was pretty much it." Since then, however, things have been making progress, she said.
Brawl trial set to start Monday
COOPERSTOWN - Friday afternoon, the second of three defendants charged with assault and gang assault in the beating of SUCO student Joseph Olivo was released from the Otsego County jail.
Fly Creek harmony to sound
FLY CREEK - Uh-oh! The Fly Creek Philharmonic is about to unleash a medley of old favorites on a suspecting public.
Deputies: Fumes may have killed woman
WALTON — A town of Walton woman died Friday, possibly after inhaling household cleaning chemical fumes, Delaware deputies said.
Talkin' 'bout freedom of expression
LAURENS — For many, the idea of speaking in public is downright terrifying. For a few rare souls, though, talking in front of a crowd is exhilarating.
State praises Laurens for school plan
A local school district's evaluation of itself has been named one of the best in the state, school officials said this week.
March looking lamb-like
The lion might rear its ugly head for a couple of days next week, but the rest of March is shaping up to be pretty lamb-like, area meteorologists said Friday.
Takin' it to Main Street
ONEONTA — Aesthetic improvements to Otsego County's main streets would spur economic growth and development, a Sullivan County planning official said Thursday at an invitation-only forum sponsored by state Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford. Alan J. Sorensen, commissioner of planning and community development for Sullivan County, said main streets are a "barometer of a county's economic health."
Shaffer charges reduced
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County Judge Brian Burns has ordered that a felony charge of custodial interference against Vicky Shaffer be reduced to a misdemeanor.
`Y' to become `T' at routes 23, 205 intersection
The intersection at state routes 23 and 205 in the town of Oneonta is on the road to being safer. A $1.9 million contract has been awarded for a project to redesign the intersection, state Department of Transportation officials announced Thursday.
To students, this guy rocks
Phillip Martin rocks, according to a group of third-graders from Hawaii who recently spent a day with the Hartwick College student learning about geology.
Professor to speak on Israelite history
ONEONTA — Associate Professor of religious studies Gary Herion will present "Ancient Israel's Faith and History" as part of Hartwick's Faculty Lecture Series at 3:30 p.m. today in Room 125, Clark Hall.
Thursday, March 7, 2002
Otsego Oks $29M for project
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted Wednesday to build a $29 million nursing home on state Route 28 just south of Cooperstown. Two years ago, the county board authorized borrowing $21,924,000 for the project.
Oneonta to seek state grant for downtown arts center
ONEONTA — A contract for the sale of a former downtown Oneonta feed mill is nearing completion, city officials said. The city of Oneonta, which acquired the West Nesbitt feed mill on Market Street last November, has been negotiating a sale of the property to Orpheus Theatre for the planned construction of a $10 million performing arts center on the site.
Bainbridge woman to be noted for work
BAINBRIDGE — A statewide committee has chosen a Bainbridge woman to receive an award named for a pioneering African-American woman.
County court roundup
The following cases were heard in Otsego County Court in Cooperstown on Monday:
Worcester students win Drug Quiz
Six students from Worcester will test their knowledge of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco products during a competition in Syracuse next month.
Farmland preservation to be topic
COOPERSTOWN - Efforts to preserve farmland in Otsego County by allowing farmers to sell the development rights to their land are moving forward this spring.
Man dies in car crash
MIDDLEFIELD — A 72-year-old man was pronounced dead at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown Wednesday after crashing his car into a tree, Otsego County deputies said.
Building in Hobart goes down in history
A Hobart building was named to the National Register of Historic Places last month, an honor which is fitting considering it's owned by the Hobart Historical Society.
Wednesday, March 6, 2002
Amphenol to lay off about 50 workers
SIDNEY — For the second time this year, Amphenol Corp. in Sidney will lay off more than 50 people, company officials said Tuesday. The layoffs are expected to be temporary. A business slowdown is responsible for the layoffs, said Rob Paterson, director of human resources.
Group: Extend deer season
ALBANY — Out of control wildlife populations are eating some New York farmers right out of business. So says the Farm Bureau of New York, which is now pushing for a longer deer-hunting season in an attempt to curb the financial losses sustained by the state's agriculture industry.
Maple syrup makers see sweet season
Mild days and chilly nights may turn the next month or so into a sweet syrup season, local maple producers said Tuesday.
Disabled woman to compete in pageant
COOPERSTOWN - Elizabeth Dunn of Cooperstown will vie to become Miss Wheelchair New York 2002 at a pageant to be held Saturday at the College of St. Rose in Albany.
SUCO hires longtime employee as provost
The interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at the State University College at Oneonta has been appointed to the permanent position after serving on an acting basis for nearly three years.
Local residents lobby in Albany against prison
ALBANY — Groups opposed to state plans for a new $73 million youth prison in either Bainbridge or Walton lobbied lawmakers in Albany on Tuesday with hopes of killing the proposal.
Scholarship created in memeory of student
A memorial scholarship fund at Unatego High School has been established in memory of a student who was killed last year in a car accident, said school officials Tuesday.
Hartwick inspires local songwriter
A 67-year-old Hartwick man has written a book of 20 songs about the history of the town of Hartwick in honor of its bicentennial next week.
Tuesday, March 5, 2002
Family gets temporary home
ONEONTA — An Oneonta businessman is helping a Cherry Valley family whose home was destroyed by fire last month. A two-story, single-family house at 24 River St. in Oneonta will become a temporary residence for Martin and Patricia Farnelli and seven of their children, who were burned out of their Cherry Valley home in February.
Schools seek to trim tax hikes
Preliminary numbers show tax levy increases for several local school districts in the double digits, educators said Monday. In draft versions of their budgets, Cooperstown, Milford and several other districts reported that tax levy increases might be higher than usual, despite smaller rises in spending.
Cars collide; no injuries
PINDARS CORNERS — No one was injured in a two-car collision on state Route 23 in Pindars Corners at about 2:45 p.m. Monday, state police at Oneonta said.
Man, 19, peads guilty to assault
DELHI — A 19-year-old man accused of stabbing a State University College of Technology at Delhi student last November appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday to answer two assault charges.
Peace between Palesinians, Israelis possible, panelists say
ONEONTA — A Saudi Arabian peace proposal is a "step in the right direction" toward peace between Israel and Palestine, an Israeli Consulate official said at an Oneonta forum Monday night.
Otsego Dems endorse McCall
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County's Democratic Committee has endorsed state Comptroller H. Carl McCall for governor.
Disabled dog leads to career change
It was a disabled dog that pulled Deb Crute down a new career path, which she says she thinks is just the cat's meow.
Area Girl Scouts put on their thinking caps
ONEONTA — About 150 local Girl Scouts visited countries such as Switzerland and Tonga on Sunday without even getting on an airplane. Troops from Oneonta and Laurens celebrated Thinking Day a little late this year. The day is a time to think about Girl Scouts around the world, said Amy Blechman, leader of Indian Hills Girl Scout Council Service Unit 643, which includes the two towns.
Woman attacked at I-88 rest area
WORCESTER — State police at Oneonta are investigating a sexual assault that occurred Saturday morning at the Worcester rest area off of Interstate-88. A 24-year-old woman was traveling alone, troopers said, when she stopped at about 5 a.m. to use the restroom off the roadway on I-88 westbound.
Area priests: No knowledge of sexual abuse
The Rev. Paul Roman of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Oneonta said in more than 30 years of service, he hasn't personally known of any cases of priests sexually abusing children. However, because of the media, "I know it's there," he said.
Court rules against former jail guard
ALBANY — Fear for his own safety was not a valid reason for former part-time Delaware County jail guard Craig Kreger to collect unemployment benefits, a state appeals court ruled Thursday.
Program aims to give main streets a boost
DELHI — A new loan and grant program to create jobs and revive the look and feel of small-town main streets was announced Friday by Delaware County officials.
Delaware tries to forestall nurse shortage
The State University College of Technology at Delhi and the Rural Healthcare Alliance teamed up this year to address nurse shortages in Delaware County through an initiative called "Stay close. Go far."
Schoharie seeking input on economy
The Schoharie County Planning and Development Agency is seeking volunteers to brainstorm and implement ways to improve the county's economy, which is experiencing a spike in unemployment following hundreds of layoffs last year.
Saturday, March 2, 2002
Market tight for new job-seekers
ONEONTA — Hartwick College senior Cathy Paolucci, 21, said trying to secure a post-graduation job has been a humbling experience. "You come out of college and you think that everyone is going to want you," she said. "But that hasn't been the case." Paolucci, who is studying math and education, said she would like to work in collegiate athletic administration.
Charity springs for gymnastic gear
The gymnastic program at the Oneonta Family YMCA landed a fabulous score this week from a central New York charity organization. The Ronald McDonald House gave the program a $7,091 grant to help purchase new gymnastic equipment. Assistant Coach Susan Rowland said the equipment is needed badly.
Search no more for cemeteries
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County's planning department has just completed a map of the county's 315 cemeteries — everything from Adams Cemetery in Hartwick to Yerdon Cemetery in Middlefield.
Sidney planners wait on tower
The Sidney Town Planning Board on Thursday delayed its approval of an area Internet provider's plan to build a communications tower in Sidney Center.
Friday, March 1, 2002
Parking-garage beating trial to be `difficult'
COOPERSTOWN - Two weeks from Monday, three suspects in the brutal beating of SUCO student Joseph Olivo are set to go on trial in Otsego County Court. Olivo, 21, formerly of Shoreham, has been left paralyzed, unable to speak or swallow by the incident. "It's like he's in a coma, but his eyes are open. He's hurt real bad," Tracy Hughes, his father's longtime girlfriend, said Thursday.
Cherry Valley gym getting back in shape
Good, old-fashioned spit and polish is being used to restore the old Cherry Valley school gymnasium to its past glory. Located at the former Cherry Valley Central School on Genesee Street, the gym was leased last fall by the village and town so it could be turned into a community activities center for athletic recreation, performances, banquets and meetings.
Ads will target burn barrels
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County's Burn Barrel Education Committee plans to launch an advertising campaign to alert people to the hazards of burning household trash, according to Mary Ashwood of Roseboom.
Gilboa may go 'electric'
After a state audit was conducted last summer and a $40,000 lien was filed by the IRS last month, the town of Gilboa has decided enter the computer age, according to Town Supervisor James Brown.
Unadilla man charged following chase, police say
ROSEBOOM — A Unadilla man was charged with five misdemeanors and many violations after trying to escape Otsego County sheriff's deputies by car and by foot Wednesday, deputies said.
