Man gets probation for dumping water in computer
DELHI — A man who damaged a computer by pouring water on it was sentenced to jail time in Delaware County Court on Monday. Phillip J. Mann, 38, of Walton was arraigned on an eight-count indictment June 3.

SUCO chemist chosen for research award
ONEONTA — John Schaumloffel, assistant professor of chemistry at the State University College at Oneonta, is the principal investigator for a research award of $88,874 from the National Science Foundation's Major Research Instrumentation program.

Monday, August 26, 2002

Learning to grieve
ONEONTA — Before their older sister died last year, Alex and AnnMarie Mowers of Otego loved to spend time with her. The blonde trio jumped on their trampoline together and colored at their picnic table. Sheri used to paint her little sisters' fingernails and style their hair. After her death in a car accident last May at the age of 16, 10-year-old Alex and 9-year-old Ann Marie often found it too painful to discuss Sheri. But, with time and the help of grief counseling from Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., they said they've learned they don't have to be sad all the time to respect Sheri's memory.

Soccer Hall names field for benefactor
ONEONTA — Some birthday presents are just too big to be wrapped. The National Soccer Hall of Fame honored Gene Bettiol Sr. on his 70th birthday by naming one of its fields for him.

Cemetery history preserved in print
A four-month sojourn in the Middlefield Baptist Cemetery made history come alive for Dominick Reisen, Middlefield town historian. Last Monday, Reisen's new book, "Inscriptions from the Middlefield Baptist Cemetery" arrived from the printer.

Board approves home purchase
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday gave approval to buy a home for foster children.

Actor's sisters return for reunion
Three of actor Mel Gibson's sisters attended a Laurens Central School reunion this weekend for those who graduated between 1960 and 1969.

Saturday, August 24, 2002

Neighbor cries fowl over ducks
MARYLAND — They're sitting ducks — literally. Thirteen web-footed fowl that recently made their home on a private pond in Maryland could be in danger of dodging bullets and/or dogs if they don't find new digs, said the man who owns the pond. "What do I want with ducks?" said Dan Ahne, a resident of county Route 56 whose small pond has been home to some of the ducks for the last two months. Ahne says he never gave his next-door neighbor, Joe Kaufmann Jr., permission to put ducks in his pond, which is situated behind Kaufmann's house.

Chief justice gets ticket
It's not every day that the U.S. Supreme Court chief justice drives through Sidney on Interstate 88. But it's even bigger news when he gets a speeding ticket. Trooper James Gregory of the state police at Oneonta issued a ticket to Justice William Rehnquist on July 16, Capt. Kevin Molinari said Friday.

Seniors set to party in Delhi
DELHI — Thursday will be party time at the Delhi Senior Community. The community will hold a garden party at 7 p.m. in the courtyard at 7 Main St. in Delhi, said Joanne Leddy, building director.

Delaware court sends two to jail
DELHI — Two women have been sentenced to jail time in separate Walton cases involving grand larceny and dealing crack cocaine. Delaware County Judge Robert Estes heard the cases and handed down sentences Monday.

Teen guilty of theft charges
A jury found an Oneonta teen-ager guilty Wednesday on several charges stemming from two church burglaries and the theft of a car, court officials said Friday.

Hospital CEO leaves
Russell Test, chief executive officer at The Hospital in Sidney, has left to pursue other career options, officials said Friday.

NYC DEP purchases land in local counties
WALTON — New York City bought several important tracts in the Schoharie Reservoir watershed, officials with the city's Department of Environmental Protection said Friday. The vacant properties include four separate parcels totaling 618 acres in the town of Conesville in Schoharie County and the town of Prattsville in Greene County.

Fleischmanns aims to improve
Ideas for improving the community are flowing in Fleischmanns, but help is needed from residents to put the ideas in motion, said Helen Budrock, Catskill Center for Conservation and Development assistant director.

Cardiologist opens shop at Fox Memorial Hospital
ONEONTA — A cardiologist has begun seeing patients at a new Oneonta office, officials from Oneonta's A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital announced during a reception Friday afternoon.

Friday, August 23, 2002

Two families flee farmhouse fire
KORTRIGHT — An electrical fire caused by a television Thursday left two families temporarily homeless, said Dan Joslin, a resident of the house. The Bloomville Fire Department responded to the call at the farmhouse owned by Geoff Grace on state Route 10 at about 2 p.m. Bloomville requested mutual aid from Hobart, Delhi, Bovina and Stamford, Capt. Shawn Kauffman of the Delhi Emergency Squad said. "It's electrical, and it was caused by a television," Kauffman said. "It moved into the walls and got into the attic. It's a smoky, miserable fire."

Parole board tells Knapp 'no' in 1st try
Ricky Knapp was denied parole Thursday after serving less than 20 years in prison for the death of State University College at Oneonta student Linda Velzy, prison officials said.

Owners charged with fake looting
ONEONTA — The owners of the Gamers' Bizarre in Oneonta have been charged in the staging of a burglary while Monser Bros. Tire Sales burned last week on the next block, city police said.

Day for the young
NEW BERLIN — The 41st annual New Berlin Youth Days got into gear in the village Thursday. A full schedule of events will continue through Sunday. The annual event supports village youth programs, organizers said

One motion denied, another OK'd
A motion to dismiss the custodial interference case against Vicky Shaffer, set for trial next week, has been denied. Otsego County Court Judge Brian Burns denied a motion to dismiss Shaffer's case based on a state speedy trial statute, a court clerk said Thursday.

Three face conspiracy charges
ONEONTA — Three Oneonta men were arrested Wednesday after allegedly attempting to dupe a Maryland woman during a cable hook-up, state police at Oneonta said Thursday.

Otsego County farmers review farm bill, say milk support prices insufficient
Otsego County dairy farmers had an opportunity Wednesday to learn about provisions of the national farm bill that may benefit them. The county Farm Service Agency held a meeting at Cooperstown Elementary School, which about 80 farmers attended.

Thursday, August 22, 2002

Teens feel pinch of police changes
NEW BERLIN — A re-establishment of a police department for the village is being considered as residents' concern about crime, involving mostly young people, grows. "We have a lot of good kids in the village," said Mayor Carol Riley, but there "is a faction of kids who are running wild." Within the past week, there have been at least eight arrests of people in their teens and early 20s for charges including loitering, disorderly conduct and curfew violations.

Shaffer lawyer asks for drop
COOPERSTOWN — An attorney for Vicky Shaffer has asked that her custodial interference case, scheduled for trial next week, be dismissed. Otsego County Court Judge Brian Burns is expected to rule today on the request made Wednesday by Sidney lawyer Joseph Ermeti, who has served as Shaffer's defense attorney.

Fair honors good Olde Franklin
Twenty-three years ago, a handful of volunteers in the village of Franklin organized a street fair to raise money to save Stone Hall.

Grants to upgrade homes in Sidney, Hamden
More than a million in state grants will go toward completing construction on a local wastewater system and upgrading area housing.

Delaware to seek Empire Zone status
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday set a public hearing for next week on a local law authorizing an application to establish an Empire Zone in the county. The hearing will be in the Sen. Charles D. Cook County Office Building on Main Street in Delhi at 1 p.m. Thursday.

Otsego reps face redistricting questions
Local leaders and community members questioned county representatives about the possibility of redistricting the Otsego County Board of Representatives during a forum Monday night.

Manager honored for supporting guard
When Sgt. Larry Relyea of the National Guard went to ground zero for two months after the Sept. 11 attacks, he wasn't sure he would have a job when he came back.

Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Subway showered with responses
ONEONTA — After a flood of criticism, the owner of Oneonta's Subway sandwich shop said Tuesday he will pay for the cold water employees gave firefighters during Friday night's blaze at Monser Bros. "It's a terrible miscommunication," Robert Beblavy said Tuesday. "Looking at everything that transpired, I think my employees did a good job." Three workers said Monday that Beblavy told them they would have to pay for the $34 of water they gave firefighters on the already sultry Friday night. Beblavy said Monday the employees shouldn't have given water away at his expense.

More crows found with W. Nile virus
Three more birds infected with the West Nile virus have been found in Otsego County, health officials said Tuesday.

Man crowned for love of hop
Al Bullard of Milford just might be the first local "king" honored with a crown of hops.

Windmill cited for $2.5M grant
If it receives local approval, a controversial windmill project discussed in Cherry Valley could receive $2.5 million in state support announced Tuesday.

Study to be tool for marketing city projects
ONEONTA — An economic impact study of the Oneonta Municipal Airport will be used as a marketing and potential funding tool for future projects, city officials said Tuesday.

Tractors focus on farming history in Roseboom parade, celebration
ROSEBOOM — For 25 minutes Sunday, state Route 165 was closed for-slow moving vehicles from another era.

State money to help attract tourists
ALBANY — Six farms throughout the Oneonta region will share $91,000 in state grants as part of a pilot program aimed at making New York's farms educational tourist attractions. The funding, which comes from the state Senate's Agritourism and Education Program, will also provide farmers the chance to promote their operations and products, Senate officials said.

Tuesday, August 20, 2002

Water issue boils at Subway
ONEONTA — Subway sandwich shop workers who handed out cold water to firefighters during last Friday's blaze at Monser Bros. say they are in hot water with their boss. Vanessa Perreca, Thomas Angellotti and Josephine Schneider said they thought they were doing the right thing when they took four cases of water, worth about $34, from Subway and handed it out to thirsty firefighters at the scene on Wall Street. But three days later, the three say they are dumbfounded that their employer wants them to replace the water.

Investigators yet to find cause
ONEONTA — Fire investigators are still searching for clues to Friday's blaze that destroyed Monser Bros. Tire Sales Inc. in downtown Oneonta.

Seniors show their colors
ONEONTA — Through watercolors, pen and ink and needlepoint, four residents of St. James' Manor in Oneonta have shown that "art is ageless." Imogen Stapleton Colvin, Agnes Palmer, Ilene DeSilva and Lee Nusser submitted work for "Art is Ageless," the annual show sponsored by The New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

Conserve water, some municipal officials urge
Two local municipalities urged local residents Monday to conserve water, while officials in other areas said similar orders may be soon coming.

Natural gas leak leads to evacuation in Oneonta
ONEONTA — About 200 people were evacuated from a home and five businesses by city firefighters Monday as NYSEG crews repaired a broken natural-gas service line on Ceperley Street in Oneonta, officials said.

Stamford man accused in theft waives grand jury appearance
DELHI — A Stamford man who was arrested Aug. 9 for allegedly buying thousands of dollars worth of merchandise using stolen credit card numbers appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday.

Monday, August 19, 2002

Killer Ricky Knapp up for parole
Howard and Carol Velzy likely will never forget Halloween in 1983. It's likely Ricky Allen Knapp won't forget either. On that Monday, Knapp was sentenced to 25-years-to-life in prison for the death of the Velzys' 18-year-old daughter, Linda. Now, 19 years later, Knapp is up for parole from Mid-Orange Correctional Facility in Warwick. He will appear before the Division of Parole this week, and, if parole is granted, would be out of prison by the end of October. That possibility disturbs the Velzys.

25 years ago, they brought daughter to Oneonta
Twenty-five years ago this week, Carol and Howard Velzy brought their 18-year-old daughter, Linda, to the State University College in Oneonta for the first time.

Overturned murder conviction still shocks, baffles
The issues surrounding the retrial of Ricky Allen Knapp created a fury of controversy in the early 1980s that still exists today. People involved in the case say they remain shocked — and somewhat baffled — at a court of appeal's decision to overturn Knapp's murder conviction on the basis of several legal technicalities.

Knapp's Record
The following is a chronological record of Ricky Allen Knapp's run-ins with school authorities and law enforcement, based on police and newspaper reports.

Sunflowers help brighten lazy, hazy, maze-y days of summer
LAURENS - Like the yellow brick road, the maze through three acres of sunflowers at John and Pat Matteson's dairy farm in Laurens seems surrealistically bright.

Cause of Monser Bros. fire sought
ONEONTA — The cause of the fire Friday night that destroyed Monser Bros. Tire Sales Inc. in downtown Oneonta hasn't been determined, said fire officials at the scene Sunday afternoon. Investigators from city, county and state units haven't ruled out either accidental or intentional causes, they said.

Owner: We plan to rebuild
ONEONTA — Monser Bros. owner Howard Gelbsman said the fire won't stop his business from serving the community.

Fishing derby winners listed
The Oneonta Recreation Department presented its 45th annual Fishing Derby in Neahwa Park's Hodges Pond on Aug. 13. The event was open to children and teens ages 5 to 16.

DEP to open watershed lands to hunters
New York City environmental officials said last week they plan to open nearly 24,000 acres of city-owned watershed lands for deer hunting during the 2002 season.

Murder case aided growth in services
When Ricky Allen Knapp attacked two State University College at Oneonta students in 1977, a group of Oneonta women realized it was time for change.

Saturday, August 17, 2002

Monser Bros. Burns
ONEONTA — Firefighters from Oneonta, Franklin and Otego battled smoky flames at the Monser Bros. building on Wall Street late Friday night. Clusters of people stood on street corners watching despite acrid smoke that wafted along the street, forcing some spectators to cover their mouths. Monser Bros. Tire Sales is located at 15 Wall St., which is a short street downtown. Firefighters broke windows, and the sound of shattering glass could be heard a block away. The Monser Bros. building was glowing an orangish red and smoke billowed from the windows.

Jobs scarce for local grads
Oneonta resident Nicole Berard is ready to be an elementary school teacher. Having graduated from the State University College at Cortland in May, she has her degree in hand and has sent out more resumes than she can count.

Night of honors in Hartwick
HARTWICK — It's a night when volunteer firefighters give credit to their own.

Six men arrested in crack bust
ONEONTA — Five suspected crack-cocaine dealers were arrested early Friday morning in the town of Oneonta as part of a planned multi-agency bust, said city of Oneonta police.

Delaware villages, NYC deal almost done
An fight between four Delaware County villages and New York City over the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants may be over, said Lewis Dibble of Delaware Engineering.

Redistricting to be topic at Monday forum
COOPERSTOWN - A forum will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the Telecenter on Main Street in Oneonta to address plans for redistricting the Otsego County Board of Representatives.

Properties up for awards in Oneonta
ONEONTA — Nearly 50 properties in the city and more than 30 in the town of Oneonta have been nominated in this year's Properties of Merit awards program.

City to honor longtime employees
ONEONTA — A ceremony will be held next week to recognize employees who have worked for the city for 25 years or more.

Friday, August 16, 2002

Students on their way back
ONEONTA — The next two weeks will see the city population swell with the arrival of college students for another academic year. U-Hauls and cars packed with students' belongings have been filtering into the city during the past week, signaling the start of another fall semester. Classes at the State University College at Oneonta begin Aug. 26, and Hartwick College starts a week later on Sept. 3. Zack Sanzone, a Hartwick junior from Rome, said he spent the summer on campus as a tour guide.

N.Y. photo contest brings farm to city
One day, subway riders in New York City might see the work of local photographers as they make the morning commute.

National telecommunications woes strike home
ALBANY — The telecommunications industry collapse has not only gutted pension funds and rocked Wall Street; it's also strained a major piece of the system that keeps New Yorkers wired to the world.

N.Y. tries not to get left behind
ALBANY — State officials — worried that rural New York will be left behind in an economy increasingly dependent on technology — are studying how to expand upstate's access to advanced telecommunications.

BanJo executive guilty of stealing
An Oneonta radio executive pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing from his former employer in Bradford, Pa., according to published reports.

Andes finalizing plans for road rally
Final plans are under way in Andes for the second annual Rally New York on Sept. 13 and 14. The event is part of the Sports Car Club of America Northeast Division Championship, according to Andy Wos, co-chairman.

Charges dismissed for accused in naked burglar case
ONEONTA — Charges against an Oneonta man accused of burglary and weapons possession charges were dismissed Thursday in Oneonta City Court, said a lawyer for the accused man.

Thursday, August 15, 2002

Ames shuts down
ONEONTA — North Street resident Darlene Fairbairn often walks to Oneonta's Ames to purchase all kinds of general merchandise. But "bargains by the bagful" will soon be well out of walking distance for Fairbairn and other Ames customers. All 327 stores in the discount retail chain will liquidate and close, company officials announced Wednesday.

Boehlert & Walrath: Same party, differing views
ONEONTA - Two Republicans with differing views, incumbent Sherwood Boehlert of New Hartford and challenger Dr. David Walrath of Auburn, are vying for the GOP nomination to represent the 24th congressional district.

Feeling blue at the fair
WALTON — Take an apple pie, an American flag and a teddy bear and put them all together at an old-fashioned country fair and you have a recipe for a blue ribbon day. That's just what Roger Northrup, 60, of Walton did when he decided to enter the baking and art competitions at the Delaware County Fair. At the end of the judging, Northrup walked away with two blue ribbons and one red ribbon.

Bill aids farmers with tardy dealers
ALBANY — Farmers doing business with dealers who fall behind on their payments will now have a little more protection. A bill signed into law by Gov. George Pataki gives farmers a full year from the point of sale and delivery of their product to submit claims to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets against dealers who default.

Home's building begins
COOPERSTOWN - A ground-breaking for Otsego County's 174-bed nursing home was held Wednesday morning at the 18.5-acre site off Phoenix Mills Crossroad, just south of Cooperstown.

State to help with history
A program to improve a historic area of Norwich got a boost Wednesday by Gov. George Pataki's announcement of a grant for the project.

Sidney School Board faces technological decision
SIDNEY — The Sidney Central School Board will discuss how to best meet students' telecommunications needs after receiving a report Thursday on a controversial communications tower proposal.

Wednesday, August 14, 2002

Group studies Otsego Lake alewife stock
COOPERSTOWN - The alewives of Otsego Lake are being scrutinized this week by a team of international fish researchers. What they learn here, they hope to apply to studies of the Great Lakes and other bodies of water around the world.

Some dairy sign-ups on hold
A mandated training session made it impossible for some area farmers to sign up for the national dairy program during Tuesday's designated starting period. The ongoing sign-up process at Farm Service Agency offices in each county was complicated by a four-day training session that began Monday for New York offices.

Park makes fair directory say 'wow'
WALTON — Most people would view the tiny park in a quiet, cool, secluded niche as a lovely spot to sit and rest, but Gary Tweedie, Delaware County Fair director, sees it as a "Wow!"

Man indicted in fatal crash
COOPERSTOWN - The driver of a car involved in a fatal accident in Milford last month has been indicted on five charges in an indictment handed up Monday by the Otsego County grand jury.

Fleischmanns might dissolve
A second Delaware County village is looking at the possibility of dissolution, with the presentation of a petition to dissolve the village of Fleischmanns at the village board meeting Aug. 5.

Wetlands restoration kicks off
COOPERSTOWN - With a ribbon-cutting ceremony staged between rows of corn just south of Cooperstown, a $1.6 million effort to restore wetlands in the upper Susquehanna River basin began Tuesday.

Officials say district seats to be filled soon
ONEONTA — Several open administrative seats in the Oneonta City School District will soon be filled, officials said Tuesday.

Oneonta talks exotic pet enforcement
ONEONTA — City officials are looking into tightening the leash on residents who own exotic pets. Eighth Ward Alderman Asa Allison raised the issue at last week's Common Council meeting, noting that he was concerned for the safety of firemen who might encounter these animals during emergency situations.

Tuesday, August 13, 2002

11-year-old serves as ambassador to Australia
He didn't ask for the role, but 11-year-old Shawn Sperbeck found himself ready, willing and able when called upon to be a goodwill ambassador to the land down under. The Schenevus Central School student, who completed sixth grade in June, recently returned from 16 days in Australia with the People to People Student Ambassador program.

Fresh political face seeks to unseat Magee
Political newcomer Roger Dorn said Monday he has what it takes to knock six-term incumbent Bill Magee out of his 111th district assemblyman's chair.

Officials haven't identified burnt body
SCHOHARIE — The identity and cause of death of a body found in a burning van in Blenheim on Sunday is still unknown, Schoharie County Sheriff John Bates Jr. said on Monday.

Business Beat
Monday, August 12, 2002

Physics will be retaken
Some of the state's top high school students will be in school cafeterias this week retaking the Regents physics exam that caused a controversy in June because of poor passing rates. In this area, Tuesday is exam day for those trying to improve their scores. Schools statewide ordered 30,000 of the special makeup exams, said state Education Department spokesman Tom Dunn. The exam follows June's physics test, after which several schools reported higher than normal failure rates or poor performance in the new form of the science test.

Area wetlands restoration to begin
COOPERSTOWN - An effort to restore wetlands near Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna River will begin with a ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday on land owned by the Leatherstocking Corp. about two miles south of Cooperstown.

Oneonta native linked to greens
When the 102nd U.S. Women's Amateur Golf Championship is telecast from the Sleepy Hollow Country Club on ESPN on Aug. 15-17, viewers may spot Oneonta native Tom Leahy.

Man faces fine in gasoline-dumping case
A town of Maryland man could face a fine of up to $25,000 if convicted for dumping gasoline on his property, said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials.

Nursing school to survey 5,000 in Delaware
Large Manila envelopes, bearing an eight-page health-care research survey, will be arriving at 5,000 Delaware County homes sometime in the next few weeks, according to Lindsay Lake Morgan, assistant professor of nursing at Binghamton University.

Saturday, August 10, 2002

Shopping spree leads to arrest
STAMFORD — A Stamford man was arrested Friday morning for allegedly buying thousands of dollars worth of merchandise using stolen credit card numbers, Delaware County deputies said. Jacob Chaikin, 61, of 31 Harper St., was charged with felony counts of fourth-degree grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, said Maj. Charles Newman of the Delaware County Sheriff's Department. Chaikin had been using numbers he got from credit card receipts found in Dumpsters used by village businesses, Newman said.

Opera guild heads to kitchen for fund raising
COOPERSTOWN — Hungry, but want something totally different? You might find it in "A Glimmerglass Potpourri," a new cookbook presented by the Glimmerglass Opera Guild.

Delaware fair set to be red, white and blue
WALTON — Patriotism is the theme of the 116th annual Delaware County Fair, said John Jackson, fair board president.

Shaffer trial set to begin Aug. 26
COOPERSTOWN - Vicky Shaffer's trial on a charge of custodial interference is scheduled for Aug. 26 in Otsego County Court.

Gas prices flat
ONEONTA — Despite complaints from local consumers about high prices, the cost of gas has remained relatively steady throughout the summer, gas experts reported Friday.

Friday, August 9, 2002

Man robbed at his home
SCHENEVUS — A man was robbed at knife-point by two men while fixing a lawn mower outside his rented home Thursday afternoon, state police at Oneonta said. The victim, whose name wasn't released, said he was punched in the face and forced into his residence at 8399 state Route 7, troopers reported. Troopers have no suspects. Once inside, his hands and feet were tied by rope, and the men stole goods and cash, troopers said. The victim — in his mid-40s — described one as a white male in his 20s and the other as a black male in his 30s, troopers said.

Few local ceremonies planned for 9/11
A solemn ceremony for the anniversary of the terrorist attacks will be held in Oneonta on Sept. 8, but few other local communities are planning memorial services.

Archive grant won in Oneonta
ONEONTA — When Eliakim R. Ford, one of Oneonta's founders, died in the 1800s, he left behind some mementos. Now, two educators at Riverside Elementary School have won a grant to gather Ford's items — along with other historical primary documents — for lessons for fourth-grade students.

DEP to lift basin limits: Falling levels of phosphorus let officials drop restriction
DELHI — Lower levels of phosphorus in the Cannonsville Reservoir are allowing the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to lift the restriction, officials report. In 1997, the Cannonsville basin was classified as phosphorus restricted under the Watershed Agreement.

Oh deer: Fatal disease leads to state import ban
ALBANY — A temporary ban on the importation of deer into New York will be extended so state officials have more time to develop a long-term plan aimed at preventing the spread of a fatal disease now afflicting wildlife in other parts of the country.

Thursday, August 8, 2002

Cadets get help from tipsy volunteers
ONEONTA — Bill O'Donnell has been drinking — a lot. He's had about 15 drinks, but he can still walk up and down stairs, have a coherent conversation and tell a decent joke. But can he drive? That's the question 14 students at the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy were asking themselves Wednesday night during sobriety-testing training exercises. "I think he might fool some of them," said Capt. James Small, director of the academy, where the officers are trained part-time for six months. "He's an experienced drinker."

Local sign-ups set for farm-bill payments
Assistance for dairy farmers is one step closer with the announcement Wednesday of an enrollment date in the national dairy program.

Teddy bears turn 100; party set in Oneonta
ONEONTA — It's going to be picnic time for teddy bears this weekend at Wilber Park.

Otsego board approves new nursing home
COOPERSTOWN - By a vote of 10-2, the Otsego County Board of Representatives voted Wednesday to build a 174-bed nursing home on state Route 28 just south of Cooperstown.

Clark Foundation rewards beauty
COOPERSTOWN — The Clark Foundation announced the winners of its 2002 Beautification Contest on Wednesday.

Another crow found with West Nile
DELHI — Public health officials announced Wednesday that a crow in Delaware County tested positive for the West Nile virus.

Experts warn farmers of potato leafhoppers
Agricultural experts are warning farmers of possible insect damage to their alfalfa crops, but few area farmers are reporting any unusual problems.

Wednesday, August 7, 2002

Cops: Meth found in local man's car
RICHFIELD SPRINGS - A Burlington man accused of possessing just over 3 grams of methamphetamine remained in the Otsego County jail on $5,000 bail Tuesday after his felony hearing in Richfield Town Court. Harold G. Pritchard, 38, of 243A county Route 19 is charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

NYSEG solicits wind customers
COOPERSTOWN - About 800,000 customers of the New York State Electric & Gas Corp. will be asked this month if they want to purchase wind-generated power and help the environment.

Area crows have W. Nile
Two Chenango County crows have tested positive for the West Nile virus, health officials said Tuesday.

Oneonta tour to offer old-fashioned churchin'
ONEONTA — Residents are invited to explore eight Oneonta houses of worship inside and out this Saturday as part of a free walking tour presented by the Greater Oneonta Historical Society.

Sidney begins razing, 'at last'
SIDNEY — As he watched the Beale Boulevard building coming down on Tuesday, Sidney Mayor Jim Warren turned and said, "At last." The vacant dwelling is one of 17 units being demolished in this phase of the Sherwood Heights redevelopment project in the village.

Liquor rights at issue in city
City of Oneonta officials are looking closer at the issuance of liquor licenses to downtown bar owners. The last several months have seen the Common Council's Public Safety Board asking bar owners for business plans.

Delaware court hears theft cases
DELHI — A man who broke into a church, a woman who stole from a grocery store and a man accused of injuring another man during a robbery appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday.

Oneonta tries animal-control consolidation
ONEONTA — Oneonta city officials are looking to consolidate contracts for animal control services. Aldermen voted Tuesday to send out a request for proposals for "Animal Control Services," which would mean potentially contracting one company to deal with both the enforcement and handling of animals, said city Personnel Director John Insetta.

Poet, writer to read from works at Word Thursdays
TREADWELL — Word Thursdays will present Maine poet Richard Foerster and Sidney Center writer Marjorie Bradley Kellogg this week. The two will read from and sign copies of their books after the open reading, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Extension plans fair activities
Cornell Cooperative Extension has lined up many events for the Delaware County Fair, which begins Monday and runs through Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton.

Tuesday, August 6, 2002

Fire guts home, burns farmer
PITTSFIELD - A 72-year-old Pittsfield man sustained serious burns when his house burned down Monday. Gerald Ramey of 513 Ramey Road was in serious condition at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse on Monday night, according to a nursing supervisor. Earlier, the Pittsfield ambulance had taken him to Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.

4-H counselors are 'institution'
DELHI — Two long-term counselors at 4-H Camp Shankitunk smiled as they described what keeps them coming back, year after year, to spend their summers at the secluded, rustic spot in the Delaware County woods.

Job Corps grad off to Hartwick
ONEONTA — A 20-year-old piano player from Trinidad will become the first Oneonta Job Corps Academy student to study at Hartwick College this fall. Junior Garraway, who recently completed Job Corps' electrician trade program, will major in music education. "I really enjoy teaching," he said Monday. "It is what I want to do."

Travels with Uncle Chet: They're watching, providing some TIPS
COLUMBUS - It was hot and the air clung like a wet shower curtain. Cousin Bruce and I had started early on the roof, but it was slow going because nothing was square. The barn had been framed according to the good-enough-for-government-work standard, and every joist needed to be a little different. "It's this rough-cut stuff," Bruce pointed to the offending top plate. "It's six inches here, five-and-three-quarters there, all over the place." "The price was right," I replied.

Group seeks washing stations
COOPERSTOWN - The newly formed Otsego Lake Association aims to convince local officials to set up boat washing stations at public motorboat launches on Otsego Lake to keep out zebra mussels. The wash stations would use hot water to kill zebra mussels and their larvae. Boats would be washed before they are launched into the lake.

Panelists talk trash
ONEONTA — Garbage and recycling were topics at "The Otsego County Environment: Issues and Concerns," a community forum at the Autumn Cafe in Oneonta on Monday night. "The environment needs a lot more attention than it gets," said Teresa Winchester, executive director of the Otsego County Conservation Association, one of three panelists.

Woman sentenced for stealing
DELHI — A Margaretville woman was sentenced in Delaware County Court on Monday after merchandise that was stolen from a local antiques store was sold on eBay.

Monday, August 5, 2002

Fair expects to top 2001
Even a heat wave couldn't deter about 40,000 fairgoers from rides, games, music, and other entertainment, Otsego County Fair organizers reported Sunday on the last day of the annual six-day event. When tickets are tallied, organizers said they expect attendance to be slightly higher than last year.

College transition can be 'difficult'
ONEONTA — Oneonta High School graduate Cory Herold is ready to head to Virginia Tech in two short weeks. He spent the first half of his summer purchasing a miniature refrigerator, a new stereo system, a fan and all the "dorm-room essentials," he said. "I'm working this summer, and I have money, so I kind of went over the deep end," the soon-to-be engineering major said. But experts — namely, college officials and students who have been there — say it's not the material things that can make or break a freshman year.

'Jazz-Aid' to help girl toot her own horn
A group of professional jazz artists is holding a benefit concert in Andes so a 17-year-old budding musician will have a trombone of her own.

Marilyn's candle still burns for area fans
Forty years after the death of actress Marilyn Monroe, some local fans still can't say, "goodbye, Norma Jeane."

Windmill firm seeking link to power grid
SPRINGFIELD - Global Winds Harvest Inc., the firm that proposes to erect 27 wind turbines in Cherry Valley, is seeking permission to connect its turbines to an electrical switching station on county Route 54 in the town of Springfield.

Delhi man drowns in pond
BOVINA — A 41-year-old Delhi man drowned Sunday morning in a private pond in the town of Bovina, officials said.

Saturday, August 3, 2002

Storm darkens area
ONEONTA — Lightning and high winds were blamed for widespread power outages Friday in Otsego, Chenango and Delaware counties that left more than 2,000 people without electricity. Kathy King, a spokeswoman for New York State Electric & Gas Corp., said 2,500 customers in Oneonta, Norwich, Stamford, Grand Gorge and Andes lost power after 4 p.m.

Home might fall short: County not sure if Countryside will meet codes
DELHI — Delaware County officials are taking a hard look at how to improve and update the county's Countryside Care Center nursing home. But the county may not be able to upgrade the existing facility in Delhi to meet codes, they said.

Clerks call move down a step up
COOPERSTOWN - The court clerks in Cooperstown have gone underground. To the bottom floor of the Otsego County Courthouse, a former coal bin, to be exact. But going one flight down from their previous location, in the county office building next door, has been the equivalent of taking several steps up in the world.

Man faces drug probe
A Burlington man remained in jail Friday, a day after being arrested for allegedly cooking up drugs at his home, New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team investigators said.

Franklin school to boost reading program
FRANKLIN — A grant of more than $250,000 will allow Franklin Central School to improve its reading program for elementary school pupils, district officials said Friday.

Concert, dancing, rides — all part of the fair
Country western singer Tracy Byrd will give several rounds of songs to an audience at the Otsego County Fair in Morris at 8 p.m. Saturday.

NLRB to hear CSEA case
ONEONTA — Unfair labor practice charges have been filed by the National Labor Relations Board against the private food-service contractor for the Oneonta City School District.

Cleanup of Otsego Lake shores set for Sunday
COOPERSTOWN - The crew at the State University College at Oneonta's Biological Field Station on Otsego Lake will clean debris from the shores of the lake Sunday. "People should leave items on the ends of their docks for us," said Bill Harman, director of the Biological Field Station.

Friday, August 2, 2002

Local farmers: We haven't seen a dime
It has been more than two months since the national farm bill was signed into law, but local dairy farmers have yet to feel its affects. "The public assumes that because they have read about the great farm bill, we are getting paid more," said South Kortright dairy farmer Barbara Hanselman. "But it hasn't happened yet."

Hirsch sues the Greenes
COOPERSTOWN - Suzanne Hirsch of Otego has filed a $20 million lawsuit in state Supreme Court against Daniel Greene and Rosemary Greene, formerly of Oneonta. Paperwork was filed July 16 in Cooperstown, although the Greenes had not been served notice of the lawsuit as of Thursday afternoon.

Music fest set for Sat.
SIDNEY — It's almost time for the hills around downtown to be alive with the sound of music. The second annual summer arts and music festival will take place Saturday at several locations around Main Street.

Republican seeks D.C. seat in homecoming
A man who grew up in Delaware County has returned to run for Congress in the newly created 22nd District. Eric Hall, 31, is challenging Democratic Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey of Saugerties. Hall filed petitions to run on both the Republican and Conservative Party lines.

Third generation follows rabbit tracks
MORRIS — Satin, tan, American sable. These are not the latest in Martha Stewart's line of sassy paint hues. In fact, they are just a few of the many rabbit breeds that were judged Thursday as part of the 4-H Rabbit Show at the Otsego County Fair.

A day to remember: Andes prepares for 106th celebration of war hero
For the last 106 years the second Saturday in August has meant a celebration in Andes. The annual event marks the anniversary of the Anti-Rent War skirmish on Dingle Hill that killed Undersheriff Osmond Steele, according to George Calvert, Andes Chamber of Commerce president.

Thursday, August 1, 2002

Hancock water clearly a winner, taste testers say
DELHI — As the temperature neared 90 degrees Wednesday, more than 40 people quenched their thirst with four varieties of Delaware County water. It was the first phase of the 16th annual Best Tasting Water in New York State contest.

Town: Play ball
WEST ONEONTA — Oneonta Town Planning Board members approved plans Wednesday for a youth baseball camp that has been bitterly opposed by residents who live near the proposed project.

Mussels threaten lakes
COOPERSTOWN - Zebra mussels — pesky exotic mollusks — have been found in Canadarago Lake and a group is trying to keep them from migrating to Otsego Lake.

FCCLA conference builds leaders
ONEONTA — High-schoolers from across New York sported smiles and furrowed brows as they designed outfits from newspapers at the State University College at Oneonta's Morris Hall on Wednesday afternoon. "We're building teamwork and communication skills," said junior Amber Bazemore of Bolivar, one of more than 100 students attending the four-day state Summer Leadership Conference sponsored by the Family Career Community Leaders of America.

Bench still has gender inequity
ALBANY — The gender gap among state supreme court judges has narrowed over the last 15 years, but a new court system study says this region still has inequality in the courts.

Murder trial date unsure
NORWICH — The murder trial of an Oxford man charged with killing his wife is expected to take place sometime after Nov. 4, court officials said.

Farmers like it hot: July heated up at end but was still below average
Although the recent heat and humidity has made many people uncomfortable, some farmers say this month's weather has been good for crops. "When it gets hot and humid, that is good corn weather," said Franklin farmer Danny Buel. He added, "We had enough sunny days to be able to catch up with haying. You can't ask for more than that."

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