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Friday, January 31, 2003

Shakespearean effort turned in by student duo
FRANKLIN — Using balsa wood, toothpicks and a glue gun, two Franklin Central School students have brought a little piece of English history to their Delaware County school. Other students made masks or wrote essays for theater class at Franklin Central School last year. But Ben Lennon and Eric Stark, both 17-year-old juniors, decided to build a nearly 4-by-2-foot model of the Globe Theatre, where William Shakespeare staged his plays in London. "This was supposed to be a two-week project," Stark said. "But we wanted to do a decent job on this, so we took our time." Ten months later, the two turned in their balsa wood model, including a thatched roof of more than 3,000 toothpicks.


'They did it again': Regents accused of alteration
What was once love became just friendship on a state English exam taken by high school juniors Tuesday, a local teacher said. Contrary to new guidelines, state education officials changed the word "love" to "friend" in a key passage of a poem used on the English Regents exam, said Judy Lazina, who teaches high school English at Walton Central School.


Hospital workers seeking changes
SIDNEY — With concerns about the facility's management and other issues, about 20 employees of The Hospital went to the monthly board meeting Wednesday to voice complaints.


Area police chief under fire
Fleischmanns Police Chief Jacob "Jake" Sabo can't prosecute traffic tickets until he can prove he is a certified police officer, according to Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup.


Sabo's past has holes
Fleischmanns village Trustee Bill Bourdon said Police Chief Jacob "Jake" Sabo was hired more than 16 months ago with the recommendation of the state attorney general's office.


Localities may see rising costs for Empire Zone
ONEONTA —Proposed cuts to Empire Zone funding could make it a little more difficult to get Otsego County's zone up and running.


Village group to consider museum
A museum might return to Gilbertsville after a near five-year absence if an upcoming meeting of the Butternuts Historical Association and Museum is successful, organizers said.


Peace march planned
People opposed to war against Iraq have decided to appeal to the United Nations on Feb. 15.


Veterinarian: Horses taking steps to recovery
WALTON — Starving horses rescued from a barn over the weekend are expected to survive, a veterinarian said.


Thursday, January 30, 2003

Sidney school children finding pearls of wisdom
MASONVILLE — A fourth-grade class in Masonville received a hands-on lesson about inner beauty Monday. School psychologist Shannon McCabe used a box of oysters to show students what can lie beneath an otherwise plain exterior: a pearl. The lesson was part of the character education program at Sidney Central School district, which includes Masonville. Sidney Center Elementary students were scheduled to have a similar lesson this week. McCabe said the lessons began several years ago and have included such topics as kindness and sharing. The program included reading the classic tale of "The Ugly Duckling" and "Victoria's Smile" by Rita Geller, a story about a young cancer patient who moves to a new school.


Officials: School aid cuts would leave area hurting
Less state money for education could mean two things locally — higher taxes for area residents and program and staff cuts for schools, area education officials said Wednesday. No local schools were spared the ax in Gov. Pataki's proposal for state aid to education next year, according to the budget he released Wednesday.


Former addict shares recovery
ONEONTA — Andrea Strother said her battle with drugs and alcohol started when she was 9. After an arrest, conviction and rehabilitation, Strother said, she has been clean and sober for more than eight years and she wants to help others find freedom from the blur of addiction.


Politicians blast Pataki proposal
ALBANY — Joining the onslaught against Gov. George Pataki, state lawmakers criticized the governor's proposed spending plan for public schools Wednesday.


Medicaid spending plan worries some officials
Local officials concerned about Medicaid costs reacted with caution and concern Wednesday to Gov. Pataki's proposal to cut more than $1 billion from the health care program.


Speaker: TV doesn't make viewers
ONEONTA — Television did not cause the violence in today's society, a speaker told students and professors Wednesday night at the State University College at Oneonta.


Business Beat: Otego Country Store Closes
After more than 15 years, the Country Store in Otego will close at the end of business today. "It's gonna be greatly missed," said employee Patty Brown, a resident of Otego who has worked at the store since September.


Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Right, left saw different State of Union address
President Bush was long on eloquence but short on substance in laying out his domestic and foreign policy agenda for the coming year, said one local college professor who watched the president's address Tuesday. "You could tell the speech was designed in such a way that it was delivered to counter specific criticisms of policies that emerged recently and to counter poll numbers," said Andrew Seligsohn, an assistant professor of political science at Hartwick College. Although well-written and well-delivered, Bush's speech did not suggest that policies such as his $674 billion tax cut plan will really stimulate the economy, Seligsohn said.


Local hospitals giving rape victims emergency contraception
Most local hospitals provide emergency contraception to rape victims, according to a statewide survey released Monday. However, The Hospital in Sidney and Margaretville Memorial Hospital — which reported seeing zero to 10 rape victims in 2002 — do not dispense emergency contraception on site, the survey said.


Event organizer gets fair shake for his effort
WALTON — Fairgoers wandering the Delaware County Fairgrounds often take a break on one of the 70 benches, but few may stop to wonder who was responsible for their placement.


Libraries aren't being quiet about need for funds
When Marie Bruni began as director of Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta, the library received about $15,000 each year in state aid. Now, 20 years later, the state gives Huntington about $5,000 a year, Bruni said.


BOCES program closed three days
After three days of canceled classes, it remained unclear Tuesday whether a new boiler system would be up and running in time for the Otsego Area Occupational Center in Milford to be open today, school officials said.


Views mixed on prospects for economy
Local appraisals of the job market and the economy were mixed after consumer confidence nationwide was reported to drop for the second month in a row. "I think everybody's having a hard time right now," said Mary Beth Silano, executive director of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. "It's not just here, it's nationwide."


Full text of President Bush's State of the Union Address

Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Horses die, others taken to sanctuary
MASONVILLE — A Masonville woman surrendered five horses she was caring for to the Peace Plantation after four other horses in her care died, according to state police. Bill Sherman, a veterinary technician at Peace Plantation, said Latiefa Abdu-Shahid of Cuyle Road called the animal sanctuary on Friday looking for help when the horses she was boarding began to die. "She said she didn't know why the horses were dying," Sherman said. "She thought one of them might have fallen and broken its neck or that the hay was bad." Sherman said he told Abdu-Shahid to call a veterinarian.


Area's namesakes having better luck with weather
The high today in Oneonta will be 52 degrees. That's in Oneonta, Ala., a town of 5,576 according to the 2000 census. In New York state, Oneontans can expect cloudy skies, a high of 21, with snow likely at night.


Local voices call for Iraq, economy in State of the Union
The economy and potential attacks on Iraq are the two main issues area residents said they want to hear about during the president's State of the Union address tonight.


Eight's company for cello-playing ensemble
ONEONTA —Eight cellos, one room. The Tarab Cello Ensemble, an octet of current students and recent graduates of Eastman School of Music in Rochester, will perform tonight in Oneonta.


Oneonta police: Sweeps `paying off'
The manager of Oneonta's newest downtown bar said Monday changes are in order, three days after police made 11 underage drinking-related arrests at the Main Street dance club.


Tuition hikes to hit hard, NYPIRG says
ALBANY — When SUNY's Board of Trustees recommended on Jan. 17 that tuition be raised 41 percent, Chancellor Robert King said the load would be carried by those who could afford it most.


Monday, January 27, 2003

Schools looking for balance at lunchtime
ONEONTA — Ten-year-old Asia Mendez is something of an anomaly among fifth-graders. She eats her fruits and vegetables — along with those of her classmates at Greater Plains Elementary School — every day. "I like eating a lot of healthy things, but other people say it's disgusting," she said Thursday, while eating a school lunch of pizza, noodles, pudding and a classmate's orange from home. Getting students to do what Asia does — eat their vegetables — is just one of the problems directors of school lunch programs deal with every day.


Looking to sun leads to grant for college
DELHI — A professor's interest in solar energy led to the State University College of Technology at Delhi receiving a $143,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.


Super Bowl: A workingman's holiday
ONEONTA — While the Super Bowl was being played in sunny San Diego, many who watched the game in this area had to travel through the cold and snow to one of the many parties. One of these took place at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta.


Fights lead to drug busts
ONEONTA -Two men were arrested in separate incidents this weekend on charges of possessing drugs with intent to sell, police said.


11 nabbed in underage-drinking raids
ONEONTA - City police and troopers raided downtown bars Friday night, arresting several on charges of underage drinking, police said.


Release of heating money `welcome'
ONEONTA - President Bush authorized an extra $200 million in heating aid Friday, sending an additional $36 million to New York state.


Area news briefs

Saturday, January 25, 2003

January cold near records
ONEONTA — What do cars, car washes, vending machines and people have in common? None fares very well in freezing temperatures. And it's been cold — so cold, in fact, that this month will likely go down in the record books as one of the coldest Januarys ever, according to a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Binghamton. "It's on pace to finish in the top five," meteorologist Dan Padavona said Friday. So far this month, he added, temperatures have been running 5.9 degrees below normal.


Bicentennial is over, but the honors aren't
It's been more than a year since they blew out the candles for Unadilla's 200th birthday, but the bicentennial organizer will be in for some recognition.


Veteran-turned-activist says `no' to war with Iraq
ONEONTA — Imagine a country so war-torn that hospital equipment is more than a decade old, schools don't have blackboards, pencils or updated textbooks and thousands of children have died from poverty and sickness.


Topic: Risk of disease to deer
ONEONTA —State officials will have a public meeting Wednesday about preventing the introduction of chronic wasting disease into New York. The neurological disease is found in deer and elk, causing the animals to become emaciated, display abnormal behavior and, eventually, die. The disease, which was first seen in Colorado in the 1960s, has spread as far east as Wisconsin and Illinois.


Queens student charged in threat
A Queens high school student was arrested in connection with a threat that prompted local schools to be on alert Thursday in case of an attack, authorities said Friday.


School evacuated after threat
About 250 students were evacuated from the Otsego Area Occupational Area Center in Milford on Friday after someone phoned in a bomb threat, school officials said.


City to help group pay for nomination
ONEONTA — The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will receive some financial aid from the city to assist its quest to have Oneonta's Main Street designated as a historic district.


Friday, January 24, 2003

Sidney teachers pull for shared decisions
SIDNEY — More than 60 teachers attended the Sidney Board of Education meeting Thursday night to ask the board to break the bottleneck over whether shared decision-making should remain part of the teachers' contract, as it has been since 1991. School officials earlier said neither side has budged. The current teacher contract expired June 2002. There are about 175 members in the Sidney Teachers Union, officials said. All schools are required to have a shared decision-making plan, administrators and Sidney Teachers Association officials said.


CSEA stalemate still a fight in Delaware
DELHI - More than a year after the expiration of a Delaware County Civil Service Employees Association contract, negotiations are at an impasse, County Personnel Director Lorna Taber said. There was a joint declaration of impasse on Feb. 27.


Former Oneonta worker will always have a place in Central Garage
ONEONTA — The name Leon Decker and the city of Oneonta's Central Garage go hand in hand. That is why city officials saw fit this week to dedicate the municipal garage in his name.


Schools react to warning of violence
Area school officials said they took the necessary precautions Thursday after being warned about a threat of possible violence. New York state police officials said troopers received information of a potential threat to a school in New York, though no specific school or location was identified, The Associated Press reported.


Cooperstown gets grant
COOPERSTOWN -A state grant of $200,000 for the Linden Avenue Extension was presented to Cooperstown Mayor Carol Waller on Thursday.


Business Beat: Cafe to feature Italian food
Chef Tony Pepaj opened Cafe Milano on Wednesday in Cooperstown. The restaurant, at 22 Chestnut St., features mostly northern Italian cuisine, with some southern Italian, American and Asian fare, Pepaj said.


N.Y. drops in anti-smoking list
ONEONTA —New York ranks 25th in the nation in funding tobacco prevention programs for children, according to a report released Wednesday. Last year New York ranked 24th.


Group gets funds toward non-alcoholic club
ONEONTA — A local coalition working to a put a non-alcoholic dance club in the city has received a $12,500 grant.


Thursday, January 23, 2003

Unadilla heater passing early tests
NEW BERLIN - Unadilla Valley Central School's geothermal heating system is getting a workout as the weather has been bitterly cold since the new school opened Jan. 7. "For the most part, the heating system has been fine," said Charles Stratton, school superintendent. "We have a few areas to improve, but the classrooms have been warm." The library, gymnasium and some offices have been cool as the temperature outside hovered near zero, and a crew is working to improve the situation, he said. "Actually, this cold snap has been a blessing," Stratton said.


Sufferers plead for medical pot
ALBANY — Bruce Dunn of Otsego County has lived in chronic pain since nearly being crushed in a car accident more than 14 years ago. The spinal cord injury he suffered left the nerves in his neck damaged severely.


Franklin school group serving pieces of history
FRANKLIN — Girls in hoop skirts will help illustrate a lesson in school history tonight in Franklin. The old photo will be one of many that students in the school's enrichment program will use to illustrate the history of Franklin Central School.


Delaware jail on time, on budget — officials
DELHI — Delaware County's new jail is progressing on time and within budget, according to a presentation at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday.


Oneonta board seeks ways to keep after-school program
ONEONTA — The city school district may have to find another way to pay for its after-school program because the grant funding runs out in June, school officials said Wednesday.


Pakistani students at SUCO meeting federal guidelines
ONEONTA — Eight Pakistani students studying locally were questioned, fingerprinted and photographed in Albany on Tuesday as part of new federal guidelines to prevent terrorists from entering the United States, college officials said Wednesday.


Burglar from Bainbridge given six months in jail
DELHI — A Bainbridge man who stole a car and then burned it was denied youthful offender status in Delaware County Court on Tuesday.


Wednesday, January 22, 2003

30 years later: Abortion still hot-button issue
Thirty years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court decided by a 7-2 vote that a woman's right to an abortion was constitutionally protected. But whether abortions will remain legal is uncertain, and most experts read the court as divided 5-4 for abortion rights. In the years since 1973, the court has restricted abortion rights. It has allowed laws to stand requiring parents of minors to be notified of abortions and requiring waiting periods before the operations. Congress has ruled federal funds no longer can be used to pay for abortions, making the procedure mostly exclusive to middle- and upper-class women.


Area voices differ with abortion views
ONEONTA —A day before the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, area residents expressed a variety of opinions on whether abortion should continue to be legal. "It's a very controversial subject, but I'm a Christian," said Oneonta resident Phyllis Estes, who said she felt the decision should be overturned. "I feel God is the giver of life, and he is the only one who can take life away."


SUCO squad wrests national award for service
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta wrestling program received national recognition last week for its involvement in Oneonta's annual Pit Run.


`Bears' taking to cold lakes
MILFORD - Polar Bear jumpers will plunge into the icy waters of Otsego and Goodyear lakes again this year to raise money for people in need.


Oneonta council Oks funding for plans to raze building
ONEONTA — Demolition of the former West-Nesbitt Feed Mill on Market Street could take place sometime this summer, said city officials who are looking into engineering costs for the project.


Oneonta detetive named
ONEONTA — Oneonta city police officials have chosen a veteran officer to fill the department's detective sergeant position.


Aid may help with crop loss
Farmers in Chenango and Delaware counties who lost crops because of severe weather last spring may be eligible for federal low-interest loans. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, R-Bainbridge, announced the availability of the disaster-assistance loans late last week.


DWI arrests lead to prison term
DELHI — A former Delaware County employee faced his ninth driving while intoxicated charge in Delaware County Court on Tuesday.


NYSHA Research Library wins $5,000 grant
The Research Library of the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown has received a $5,000 grant from the Baird Foundation of Buffalo for a pilot-project to develop a Web-based visual database of NYSHA's photographic archive of the Smith and Telfer Studio.


Annual literary workshops for children planned
Word Thursdays will offer its ninth annual season of Winter Literary Workshops for Kids at its home at the Bright Hill Center, located at 94 Church St. in Treadwell, on five Saturdays: Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22, and March 1.


Tuesday, January 21, 2003

Designer feeling her way
ONEONTA —It was one of the biggest moments in international sports history. In the 1950 World Cup, soccer powerhouse England was defeated by the U.S. team, a group of amateur and semipro players assembled at the last minute. "Until modern times it was considered the athletic upset in all of sports," said costume designer Jane Anderson. Anderson traveled from Los Angeles to the National Soccer Hall of Fame this week to do research for a movie about that game, titled "The Game of Their Lives." She fingered a blue blazer worn by one of the World Cup athletes at the Hall on Monday.


Oh baby, it's cold outside
How cold is it outside? Cold enough that if you sat in a refrigerator, you'd probably warm up. Not that it's recommended, of course. On the other hand, area residents suggested a variety of ways Monday to keep warm in the sub-zero temperatures predicted for the next few nights.


Be careful of frostbite
Frostbite, freezing of the skin and underlying body tissue, is always a risk in cold temperatures. With lows dropping below zero in the next week, physicians at Bassett Healthcare's Primary Care Clinic offered the following information about frostbite.


TV signals, they are a-changin'
SCHENEVUS - Remember rabbit ears and rotors? Most of them went to the junkyard years ago as people hooked up their television sets to cable and satellite television services for better reception.


Buildings lost in Jefferson, Sidney Center fires
Firefighters from more than a dozen area departments battled blazes in bitter cold Monday at several fires in the area, fire officials said. No one was hurt in the fires but three dogs died in a house fire in Jefferson, fire officials said.


Pups died; woman charged
An Afton woman was arrested Friday on animal cruelty charges for alleged actions that caused the death of 10 newborn puppies, Chenango County deputies said.


Bassett Healthcare expands heart treatment
Bassett Healthcare has named cardiologist Andrew M. Rashkow as director of cardiac catheterization services, as the Cooperstown-based hospital complex moves forward with plans to offer additional heart disease treatments in the region.


Some candidates in Delaware County gear up for village elections in March
DELHI — The terms of most of the mayors in Delaware County's 11 villages are ending, but thus far, only one incumbent has announced he will not run for re-election in March. Several are circulating petitions, and others haven't made a decision about running again.


Monday, January 20, 2003

Groups mark MLK day with concerns of war
ONEONTA - They talked of war Sunday as they gathered to commemorate a civil rights leader described a man of peace. "Oh, the irony, to stand here to celebrate a life of peace in a time of war," said Dr. Rosenna Bakari, a professor of educational psychology at the State University of New York at Oneonta.


Churches hurting over priest's treatment
SIDNEY — A week after learning one of their priests had been put on leave for alleged sex abuse, both church leaders and parishioners reacted Sunday with a mix of disbelief and anger at the diocese.


Area buses join protest trek to capital
Buses carried about 100 area anti-war demonstrators to Washington on Saturday. Among those was Cathy Maxam of Otego. "There were thousands and thousands of people there," she said. "It was wonderful."


Teams that play together, learn together
Student athletes got together for a leadership conference at South Kortright Central School on Thursday to play tag and eat pizza — with parents, school administrators and coaches. "I had a good time," said Dana White, 18, a senior and varsity athlete. "It's not often you see your coaches running around doing what you're doing."


After-school program in jeopardy
When Amy Robertson was looking for a house to buy last year, she chose one in Morris because the local school had an after-school program. "I know my children are safe after school," said Robertson, who has a son and a daughter. "I could not be able to hold down a full-time job without CROP." But now, parents like Robertson may be forced to give up the after-school care and enrichment activities provided to their children by the Creating Rural Opportunities Program.


Saturday, January 18, 2003

Killer gets max
NORWICH - Peter M. Wlasiuk was sentenced Friday to the maximum of 25 years to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Patricia Wlasiuk. Wlasiuk, 33, was convicted of second-degree murder Nov. 21 when a nine-woman, three-man jury found he killed his 35-year-old wife in April, then staged an accident at Guilford Lake to make it seem as though she had drowned. In sentencing Wlasiuk before a nearly full courtroom, Chenango County Judge W. Howard Sullivan told him, "You are a sick and evil man and no doubt will kill again if you are released from prison.


Man snowbound since Christmas rescued
ONEONTA — Russell Zito said he moved from Brooklyn to Laurens seven years ago in search of the solitude that only bucolic upstate New York can offer.


Trustees seek 41% hike
ALBANY — State University of New York trustees Friday proposed a tuition hike of up to $1,400, claiming more money was needed to help the cash-strapped public-college system through New York's fiscal crisis.


Local students say they won't drop out, but raise would hurt
ONEONTA — Paying $1,400 more for college could be tough, but not impossible, local State University students said Friday after learning their tuition might go up 41 percent.


Income tax to back debt under plan
ALBANY — State budget experts are now turning directly to your taxes to guarantee New York's debt. Since last spring, the state's been rushing ahead with plans to refinance nearly half its total debt with a deal that first freezes 25 percent of the personal income taxes the state collects.


Trucker honored by state for 60 years of clean driving
ONEONTA — Louis Bobnick said his spotless driving record can be attributed to the three Cs. "I've been a careful driver, a courteous driver and I've used a little common sense," he said. "That's all it takes."


Oneonta police to take on state review
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Police Department has begun a state program to update and evaluate its operation standards and procedures.


Television's impact on civility to be topic
ONEONTA — Media expert Robert Thompson will present a critique of modern television and its impact on American civil behavior in the first installment of the second annual "Keepin' It Civil" series at the State University College at Oneonta.


Friday, January 17, 2003

Local real estate showing no lag
ONEONTA —Despite reports of a slowdown in the housing market, area real estate brokers say business is going strong. "This is the best year we ever had, and we've been in business 30 years," said George Bergleitener, president of Delaware County Real Estate in Stamford. "It's a fantastic market. I can't keep enough listings in the house." A survey released this month by the New York State Association of Realtors said sales of existing single-family homes in the state decreased 19.7 percent in November compared with the previous month and 8.6 percent from last year.


Bands carrying tune to Boston
SIDNEY — When the bass thumps and cymbals crash at a Boston competition this weekend, a group of Sidney High School students plan to be in the thick of things.


Fugitive caught in Middleburgh
An Alabama woman accused of murdering her husband almost nine years ago was arrested in Schoharie County on Wednesday, authorities said. Schoharie County Sheriff John Bates said Martha Faye Staggs, 65, was arrested on a warrant issued by the Jefferson County Circuit Court in Alabama.


Demand `large' for electricity choice
ONEONTA - Some 30,000 customers chose an alternate source for their electricity under NYSEG's choice plan, the company announced Wednesday.


Oneonta to study city zoning code
ONEONTA — Oneonta officials are looking at rewriting the city's zoning code — a document that hasn't been the subject of a major revision since the mid-1970s.


Three aldermen to seek re-election
Three of Oneonta's Republican aldermen said this week they plan to run again for office in November. Several other council members say they are undecided, and two others say they haven't given it much thought yet.


Thursday, January 16, 2003

Impact of Kmart loss uncertain
ONEONTA —The effect of Kmart's departure was uncertain Wednesday, a day after the corporation announced the closing of more than 300 stores, including the one in Southside Mall. J.C. Penney Manager David Barrow said he would expect Kmart's departure to affect mall traffic. "Kmart, no matter what, brings customers into the mall," he said. Barrow wouldn't comment as to whether Penney's would move into that space. A local Kmart manager said Tuesday the store at Southside Mall employs about 60 people. The Kmart in Sidney will remain open. Southside Mall Manager Tonya Harmon said Tuesday she didn't expect the closing to adversely affect mall business.


Volunteer's 'just always done it'
A mentor and a father figure. Seventy-two-year-old Robert Todd is this and more, according to the people with whom he has volunteered on area emergency squads and fire departments over the last 50 years.


Search on for college chief
ONEONTA — A committee has formed, a time line is set and Hartwick College is off to a start in its search for a new president, officials said last week. President Richard Detweiler announced his retirement in October, effective this June.


Smoking ban gains support
Oneonta restaurateur Elisabeth Webster said a statewide ban on smoking in public places would not affect business at her eatery one bit. That's because Webster's restaurant, Alfresco's Italian Bistro, has been non-smoking all 17 years it has been open.


Otsego reps share ideas about improving government
COOPERSTOWN - After a brief meeting Wednesday night, the Otsego County Board of Representatives held an informal session to explore how county government can be made more efficient.


Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Oneonta Kmart shutting doors
ONEONTA —The Kmart in Southside Mall will close after almost 20 years, one of more than 300 store closings, Kmart Corp. announced Tuesday. "That's a shame," said Cooperstown resident Alma Millen, 69, who was shopping at the mall Tuesday. "I mean Ames is gone, now Kmart." The corporation will close 326 stores and shed 30,000 to 35,000 jobs, the company stated. Oneonta's Kmart employs about 60 people, according to store manager Dave Pierce, who declined to comment further. The Kmart in Sidney was spared from this round of closings, according to a store employee who asked not to be named. That store, which employs more than 100 people, opened in July 1994.


INS change hard for students to follow
ONEONTA - International students studying locally criticized new Immigration and Naturalization Service guidelines that require school officials to provide extensive information about them to the government.


Secretary proves more than a secretary
Rose Shulgay jokingly refers to herself as "just a secretary." But to her colleagues, she is much more than that.


Professor works on inspired program
ONEONTA — When college professor Sandra McKane saw her daughter, Charlotte, a second-grader, collecting money to buy items for needy families, she said she was inspired.


Groups look for ways to curb underage drinking
ONEONTA —About 50 people attended a forum Tuesday morning to brainstorm on ways to reduce underage drinking in Otsego County. Having machines to scan licenses and identification cards, registering beer kegs when sold and peer education were some ideas discussed.


Events planned for MLK Jr. Day
ONEONTA — Several events, including a six-day program of lectures, speakers and dinners, are planned locally to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. day Monday.


Crews, residents still trying to remove snow
ONEONTA — It is not quite a month into winter and city residents and public service crews have already put a lot of time and effort into clearing snow from sidewalks, roads and parking lots.


As smokers avoid taxes, state loses, group says
ALBANY — The state could have made up more than half of this year's expected budget shortfall had it forced Indian tribes, Internet retailers and cross-state-border consumers to pay required cigarette taxes for the past two years, small business advocates charged Tuesday.


Tuesday, January 14, 2003

Temps colder than usual
It's cold .... even for the middle of January, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Binghamton said Monday. "You always get cold spells during the winter, but temperatures are still running 10 to 15 degrees below normal," meteorologist Michael Sempa said. Whereas highs are normally in the upper 20s to 30 degrees, and lows in the low to middle teens, temperatures since this January have been colder. And the below-normal temperatures, which aren't expected to make it out of the low teens over the next week to 10 days, will likely continue the rest of the month. "It's probably going to be below normal through the end of the month," Sempa said. A prolonged wave of cold air sweeping down from Siberia is to blame for the frigid temperatures, he said.


Area priest faces sex abuse allegation
SIDNEY — A child sex abuse allegation against a local Catholic reverend — dating back to the late 1950s in Brooklyn — shut down two churches indefinitely, officials said Monday.


Schumer in favor of 'proactive' approach
ONEONTA — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer reiterated his support for U.S. military action against Iraq, questioned aspects of President Bush's $670 billion tax cut and addressed the struggles of area dairy farmers Monday.


United Way tops goal
Several new fund-raising campaigns held in schools and business are being credited with helping a local United Way beat its goal, officials said.


Officials: Area more ready for attack
ONEONTA —Area public health departments said they feel more prepared to deal with a bioterrorist attack compared to a year ago, officials said.


Accused arsonist released on bail
ONEONTA — A Marlboro man accused of setting fire to empty pizza boxes in a Hartwick College dorm over the weekend was arraigned Monday, Oneonta city court officials said. Kevin M. Domanski, 19, was charged with second-degree arson and driving while ability impaired Sunday morning after allegedly using a lighter to set fire to a pile of pizza boxes in a laundry room in Saxton Hall.


Prison time affirmed
DELHI — A Delhi man will still do the maximum time in prison for attacking a fellow inmate at the Delaware County jail, even though a five-judge state appellate court panel determined the original sentence had to be vacated.


Assault, burglary, DWI cases heard in court Monday
DELHI — An Arkville woman admitted hitting a man with a bicycle tire pump during a session in Delaware County Court on Monday.


Monday, January 13, 2003

Local reserves ready for call
Area National Guard and Reserve members say they are ready to be called for service in a possible war with Iraq. Oneonta city policeman George Flavell Jr., who has been on active duty with the Air Force reserves since 9/11, said this week it is just a matter of time before he gets the call. Currently, 51,358 reservists are on active duty, most assigned to homeland security since 9/11. That number peaked at more than 85,000 in late July. If the United States goes to war with Iraq, Pentagon officials expect to need at least 100,000 more and possibly twice that, the Associated Press reported last week.


Oneonta program comes to dairy aid
ONEONTA — Farmers looking for an alternative to waiting for a monthly milk check are among those expected to benefit from a series of workshops starting Feb. 4, officials said.


Three businesses, eight people homeless after Deposit blaze
Fire struck the business district of Deposit on Saturday for the second time in nearly two weeks, fire officials said. The fire that started at 2:23 p.m. at 149/151 Front St. destroyed a building that housed three businesses and two apartments, said Deposit Fire Chief Robert Rynearson. It was owned by John Riegle who had a karate school at the property.


Underage drinking subject of meeting
ONEONTA —County organizations are having a "Brainstorming Breakfast" Tuesday morning to come up with strategies to combat underage drinking. "We're looking for a real plan, not just to get in there and talk," said Carol Roe, program manager for prevention services at the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions Inc.


Farms get beautification grants
Several Delaware County farms will benefit this year from O'Connor Foundation Beautification Grants administered by the Watershed Agricultural Council of Walton. The program matches $2,000 spent by each farm on beautification projects including barn restoration and repair, farm stand signs and complementary landscaping.


Recycling, waste issues to be discussed
COOPERSTOWN - What to do with bale wrap, that ubiquitous white plastic on hay bales throughout the area, will be discussed at a meeting scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 23 at the Otsego County Office Building.


Area news briefs

Saturday, January 11, 2003

Back in class — as subs
Some college students home for winter break this year are returning to school. Their old elementary and high schools, that is, to work as substitutes for absent teachers and support staff. "It's a great idea," said Oneonta resident Ryan Jones, a Binghamton University junior. "You already know the school system, so it's really convenient." Since most colleges break earlier and resume later than schools, students can get in several weeks of substitute teaching while home. And the college students, some of whom are preparing for careers in education, said working in their former schools is a fun, and beneficial, way to make money for the second semester.


Bettiol Jr. dies of cancer
ONEONTA — Friends and colleagues remembered Eugene A. Bettiol Jr. on Friday night as an astute businessman, a civic activist, but, most of all, as a caring man who put the needs of the community first. Bettiol, 47, died Friday at his Oneonta home after battling cancer.


SUCO gets place in `Playbill'
ONEONTA — The theater program at the State University College at Oneonta has been featured in one of the longest-running national theater publications. National theater honorary society Alpha Psi Omega chose SUCO's program to be part of its 2002 issue of "Playbill."


Unadilla man found guilty of raping teen
DELHI — A Unadilla man was found guilty of first-degree rape following a four-day trial in Delaware County Court, according to Allison P. Barnes, county court clerk. Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said the jury deliberated almost seven hours before finding Chad D. Walters, 22, guilty on Friday.


Protests set for Sunday
ONEONTA - People opposed to the Bush administration's alleged drive to attack Iraq and constrict civil liberty at home are stepping up their protest. Some plan to wave signs and banners at motorists from an overpass on Interstate 88 this Sunday.


Business Beat: Sprouthouse opens in Hobart
The Sproutlady has come to Main Street in Hobart. "A lot of people know alfalfa or mung bean sprouts from when they go to a restaurant," said Sproutlady Rita, who owns the Sprouthouse at 638 Main St. "We've got about 30 varieties of other sprouts as well."


Grants help spruce up Delhi's Main Street
DELHI — The streets of Delhi are looking better, thanks to projects funded by a county program, officials said.


Fire destroys restaurant
Firefighters from 12 departments in two counties spent eight hours fighting a Friday-morning blaze that ultimately destroyed a Mexican restaurant on Main Street in Fleischmanns, fire officials said. The electrical fire, called in at about 7 a.m., destroyed La CaBana Mexican Restaurant, which had a hotel above it, said Todd Wickham, chief of the Fleischmanns Fire Department.


Friday, January 10, 2003

Can I come out? Snow banks may be hiding danger
Local drivers may be wondering what lies around each snowbank these days. However, despite several reported accidents, police said drivers are taking proper precautions, for the most part. Delaware County Deputy Joe Andreno said he investigated two accidents Wednesday, both caused by snowbanks blocking the view of the highway. At 9:20 a.m. Geanine Eisel, 30, of Prattsville was headed north on state Route 28 when Ralph G. Davidson, 91, of Delhi was pulling out of his driveway to make a left turn. "He looked before he pulled out, but his visibility was limited by the snow," Andreno said. "As he pulled out, she was beeping her horn, but it was too late, the vehicles struck almost head-on."


Snowmobile trails reopening
SCHULYER LAKE - The Exeter Trailblazers and other snowmobile clubs around the state will be riding their trails this weekend, now that their insurance crisis is over. "I've taken down the 'trails closed' signs, and we're open again," Warren Robinson of the Trailblazers said late Thursday.


50 years later, barman not tapped out just yet
MEREDITH — In the last 50 years, the clientele and beverage choice have changed, but Andy Mokay has always been behind the Meredith Inn's bar.


Colleges say they are OK on new fire rules
ONEONTA — Initiatives to ensure safety at colleges and universities across the state will have little — if any — effect on local campuses, officials said Monday. "We're in full compliance," said Bill Dorritie, director of safety and security at Hartwick College, a private college in Oneonta.


Students get another day off
DELHI — Delaware Academy will not open today, but classes will resume Monday, Superintendent Maria C. Rice said. Students in Grades 9 through 12 have not had classes this week because a boiler exploded Sunday.


Cleanup continues at Schoharie court
SCHOHARIE — The Schoharie County Court building could reopen as early as the middle of next week, after a fuel oil spill closed the building last week, officials said. A malfunction in the heating system caused about 20 gallons of fuel oil to spill into the building's elevator shaft Jan. 2.


Man to conduct survey of smoking attitudes
It's caught on in California and New York City. But will a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants fly in Cooperstown? Mark Takefman, a resident of Cooperstown for seven years, has received a $2,000 grant from the Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities. He will use the money to conduct a survey of Cooperstown bar and restaurant owners' attitudes toward smoking.


Thursday, January 9, 2003

Schenevus class heavy on winners
Several students in a Schenevus classroom apparently have the right artistic touch for judges of a calendar contest. For several years, students in Monica Sheremeta's program have been entering their artwork in an annual calendar contest held by the Otsego Northern Catskill Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Until this year, nobody from the class had been chosen for the top prizes. But drawings from three students were chosen for the awards. Twelve-year-old Gregory Ryder of Worcester won the top prize for his drawing that combined an eagle with the Statue of Liberty, an American flag and the World Trade Center towers.


Education cuts could go deep in area
If the state cuts education funding, local districts already strapped for money may be forced to cut people and programs for the upcoming school year, school officials said Wednesday. And funding cuts may be inevitable if Gov. George Pataki's State of the State speech Wednesday is any indication.


Jobless aid bill breezes through
President Bush signed an emergency bill to provide additional unemployment benefits to some 2.5 million people hours after passage by a GOP-controlled Congress that brushed aside Democratic protests that the measure didn't go far enough. In a meeting with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders, Bush said the legislation "will bring some comfort" to unemployed workers.


Hanley budget director for Delaware again
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors returned a former budget director to that position during an organizational meeting Wednesday.


Law aims to make roads safer for pedestrians
ONEONTA — A change in state traffic law later this month will give a leg up to pedestrians who use crosswalks. State Department of Transportation officials say the amendment, which will require motorists to stop for pedestrians even if the driver and pedestrian aren't in the same lane, could save lives and millions of dollars a year.


Anonymous gifts to pay for softball field at Oneonta High School
ONEONTA — Board of education members accepted two anonymous $40,000 donations during their meeting Wednesday night to build a softball field at Oneonta High School approved by the public nearly two years ago.


Otsego job fair to attract employers, workers
ONEONTA - Nationwide, jobless rates are at an eight-year high, and Congress has approved an extension of unemployment benefits. But organizers of the 2003 Otsego County Job Fair on Jan. 23, say the county's situation is not as grim.


Snow banks become hazard
Delaware County Deputy Joe Andreno said he investigated two accidents within two hours Wednesday that were caused by snow banks blocking the view of the highway. At 9:20 a.m. Geanine Eisel, 30, of Prattsville, was headed north on state Route 28 in Delhi when Ralph G. Davidson, 91, of Delhi, was pulling out of his driveway to make a left hand turn.


Pataki keeps mum on cuts in budget, departments
ALBANY — Nearly two months after Gov. George Pataki's administration ordered immediate 5 percent across-the-board state spending cuts to help close the looming deficit, his staff won't say exactly if or how that's been accomplished. But they did say there will be thousands fewer state employees soon, as compared to 16 months ago.


Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Unadilla says 'no' to new dump law
UNADILLA — The proposed Unadilla law that would have allowed a controversial landfill to operate in the town was defeated Tuesday by a nearly 2 to 1 vote. Residents rejected the law by a vote of 590 to 384, with results yet unofficial. The current law banning all dumps in the town will remain in effect. Unadilla town Attorney Albert Clune said, "Hopefully it will put the issue to rest." But speaking from his home Tuesday, landfill critic Henry Egli said, "If this had been handled properly we would never have gone through this effort." Egli was active in the Committee to Save Mount Moses, which was opposed to the landfill and named for the area where the landfill was located.


Economic proposal pleases some locally
ONEONTA —President Bush's proposed economic growth plan was received favorably Tuesday by some in the area's financial sector. "It's going to put money in people's pockets and, in our area, small business and consumers are the drivers of our economy," said Jamie Reynolds, vice president of NBT Bank in Oneonta. "So I'm encouraged that this is the right thing to do."


Schools to get 'phenomenal' guest
Students from four Delaware County schools will get a taste of the musical life this winter through presentations by a local concert pianist. Justin Kolb, who performs close to 50 solo recitals a year around the world, will present music enrichment programs during this month, February and March at Stamford, Andes, Margaretville and Roxbury central schools.


Council fills police lieutenant's position
ONEONTA — A 23-year veteran of the Oneonta city police department has been promoted to the position of lieutenant. The Oneonta Common Council on Tuesday approved the appointment of Detective Sgt. Joseph Redmond, who began in 1979 as a patrolman on the city force.


Aldermen make board appointments
ONEONTA — Oneonta aldermen Tuesday approved a number of new appointments and re-appointments to the city's boards and commissions.


Lawyer still can't practice
ALBANY — A former Delaware County prosecutor, suspended in 2000 from the practice of law, is still unfit to be a lawyer, a state appeals court said in a decision released Tuesday.


Aid for heating may be restored
Millions of dollars worth of cuts to HEAP funding may be partially restored, Sen. Charles Schumer's office announced Tuesday. The Bush administration proposed a $300 million cut to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the nation's biggest source of home-heating aid, in December. According to Schumer's office, the administration reversed itself Tuesday and restored about 40 percent of the planned cuts.


FCC fines radio firm
ONEONTA —BanJo Communications Group Inc., was fined $12,000 by the Federal Communications Commission last month for rule violations, the FCC announced. The group was fined after an inspection of its Norwich-based radio stations in March showed that Emergency Alert System equipment was incorrectly set up, BanJo President Jim Johnson said.


Blaze razes building
A barn housing an antiques shop burned to the ground in Sloansville on Monday afternoon, officials said, in a blaze that drew four fire departments, caused more than $30,000 damage and injured one firefighter.


Oneonta district gets grant to teach children safety from abductors
ONEONTA — The Oneonta City School District has been awarded a state grant for development of a child-abduction prevention program. School district officials announced the $23,065 grant Tuesday.


Hartwick to present programs on `Sustainable Living' with opening talk Thursday
ONEONTA — An expert in creating sustainable communities and helping cities and companies improve economic and environmental performance will be the first speaker in Hartwick College's "Sustainable Living" Speaker Series.


Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Area about blown out
ONEONTA - Tired of shoveling and ready to buy a snow blower? Better move quickly, because after two big snow storms in the past two weeks, new snow blowers are in very short supply locally. David Handy, who owns the Sharon Springs Garage Inc., said his state Route 23 Southside Oneonta store has no snow blowers left. "I have one 81/2-horsepower machine in the Sharon Springs store and one nine-horsepower machine in Troy," he said. "Oneonta's sold out; I've never seen anything like this." This week, he said, he hopes to have five snow blowers that operate off a tractor's three-point hitch. When more walk-behind models will arrive, he was uncertain as of Monday afternoon. "The ones we've got in Sharon Springs and Troy will probably be gone soon," said Handy. "We might have had 40 calls today."


Teacher may be off to race
A local teacher has been named a finalist in a national program for bringing the excitement of an Alaskan sled dog race into her Jefferson classroom. Andi Cammer, a first-grade teacher at Jefferson Central School, was named last week one of the three finalists in Alaska's Iditarod Trail Committee's Teacher on the Trail program.


Boiler blast puts kids home for 4 days
High school students at Delhi Central School have four unexpected days off this week because a boiler in the basement exploded, school officials said Monday. "One of the boilers literally exploded," Superintendent Maria Rice said. "There was evidence of an explosion all over the boiler room."


Lawmakers talk deficit, upcoming year
ONEONTA —They talked about taxes, health insurance and the economy, but the state deficit was the topic of the day at the local "State-of-the-State" luncheon Monday. "I guess the message is that we're going to have some difficult decisions to make and it's not going to be easy," Assemblyman Bill Magee said at the event, which also featured Assemblymen Marc Butler and Dan Hooker and state Sen. Jim Seward. The state's budget deficit has been estimated at as much as $10 billion.


Pataki mum on details
ALBANY — The state's finances are in free fall. Taxes could go up, services could be cut, and layoffs of state workers can't be ruled out. But if you are looking to Gov. George Pataki's annual State-of-the-State speech Wednesday to learn how you may be affected by it all, don't hold your breath.


Local trails quiet
RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Despite two big snowstorms in the past two weeks, snowmobilers are not zipping down their trails. Because of an insurance problem, most of the state's snowmobile clubs have shut down their trail systems, while their lobbyist takes on insurance company Travelers Property Casualty.


Robbery suspects in court
DELHI — Two suspects in a Delhi robbery last fall appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday. The third suspect in the case is scheduled to appear later this month. Bronx resident Eugene Jason Boone Rivera, 20, pleaded innocent to felony charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, second-degree assault and fourth-degree grand larceny. He was released on his own recognizance. A trial date was set for July 21.


Unadilla dump law to go before voters today
UNADILLA — Unadilla polls will be open today from noon to 9 p.m. for a vote on a local law that will affect a controversial landfill. If approved by voters, the regulation will allow the construction and demolition debris landfill built by Waste Recovery Enterprise LLC to operate, officials said.


Monday, January 6, 2003

Oneonta center finds funding without county
ONEONTA - Soon, Otsego County may have a visitors' center in Oneonta, whether or not it is authorized by the county Board of Representatives. Plans call for the center to be in the Telecenter on Main Street, in a building owned by Wilber National Bank and operated by Hartwick College. Money to fund the visitors' center will come from a $75,000 grant provided by state Sen. James Seward, R-Milford. An additional $50,000 grant may be provided by Assemblyman Bill Magee, D-Nelson, although Magee said Friday that he will have to hear more about the proposed center before committing funds to the project. "I'm supportive of the Telecenter, but I want to make sure this project will benefit all of Otsego County," he said.


Photo ranks among '02 best
One of Ezra Shaw's photos was selected for Time magazine's best photos of the year issue. And he didn't even know it. Not until last week, when the Delhi native was flipping through the issue at a newsstand and saw his picture of New England Patriots defensive lineman Bobby Hamilton celebrating his team's victory over the Oakland Raiders last January.


BOCES chiefs riled by pay-hike veto
Local administrators said this week they oppose Gov. Pataki's veto of a bill that would have lifted a decade-old salary cap for BOCES superintendents. The cap, two local superintendents said, takes power away from BOCES boards of education and discourages highly qualified candidates for the job.


Arby's does well locally
Arby's in Oneonta was the No. 1 restaurant in sales increase last year out of some 3,200 franchises, the chain's parent company announced last month. Manager Randy Hall, who has worked at Arby's for more than 20 years, said the increase was around 25 to 30 percent. Owner Alfred Lavker attributed the increase to a variety of factors.


OT costs mount in snow removal fight
The recent snowstorms are putting a strain on county and local budgets as the cleanup continues, officials said. "We have the budget in place to pay for it," said Chenango County Director of Public Works Randy Gibbon. "It just means it's going to be expensive."


Saturday, January 4, 2003

Kicking us when we're down
ONEONTA - It's white, but it isn't Christmas this time. Schools and businesses closed and road crews geared up for a busy weekend as another nor'easter was expected to bring heavy snowfall to the region Friday and Saturday. "By the sounds of it, we're going to be busy every day," said town of Delhi Highway Superintendent Robert Howard. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning through Saturday morning for Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties, predicting as much as 14 to 24 inches. The highest storm totals were expected over the western Catskills. By 7:30 p.m. Friday, 91/2 inches of snow had fallen at Goodyear Lake, according to National Weather Service observer David Mattice. "We're not out of the woods with this storm yet," he said. "There's a secondary low-pressures system trying to get organized off Long Island Sound, and if that happens, it will pump some more moisture in here and give us some additional snowfall."


Leaders double as local prognosticators
When it comes to predicting the future, you never know where you are going to find wisdom. So, The Daily Star asked various community leaders what they foresee in 2003. Here are their responses:


Seniors in bowling frame of mind
ONEONTA — Bowling is striking a chord with local senior citizens on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. "We get 20 to 30 seniors each time," said Sue Spinola, who works at Holiday Lanes Family Recreation Center on state Route 23 in Oneonta. "You'd be surprised at how much they can bowl." The oldest bowler, who attends on Thursdays, is 94, she said.


Otsego Chamber sets legislative priorities
ONEONTA — The creation of a county executive, Medicaid reform and a reduction in New York state's health-care costs are among the issues on the Otsego County Chamber's 2003 agenda, chamber officials said Friday morning. "It's a very aggressive list," said Terry Lifgren, chairman of the chamber's board of directors. "We know that the economic times are such that we must take some drastic measures."


Friday, January 3, 2003

New arrivals mark New Year
The second time's a charm for Delhi resident Stephanie Rosa who gave birth to the area's first baby of the new year. Lauren Emma Rosa, daughter of Stephanie and Edward Rosa, was born at M.I. Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown on Wednesday at 3:07 p.m. The baby, delivered by certified nurse midwife Susan Cataffo-Heiland, weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. Born two days after her Dec. 30 due date, Lauren joins her sister, 3-year-old Alexis, who was born Jan. 3, 2000. Alexis' due date had been set for Jan. 1. But Rosa said she and Edward didn't plan for either daughter to be born as New Year's babies. "We had been trying for a year with Alexis, and Lauren was basically a surprise," Rosa said from her hospital room Thursday.


Students killin' time on break
For the first time since August, Cooperstown resident Carlie Hosnedl has time to sit down with a book other than a textbook. "I read 10 books at a time," the Carnegie Mellon University freshman said Thursday. "I just go back and forth from one to another." Hosnedl — and dozens of other local freshmen — arrived back in the area last month for the first extended break of their college careers.


2002 was a wet one
Last year was the second wettest on record in the Oneonta area, local National Weather Service Observer David Mattice said Thursday. "2002 was a slightly warmer than normal year and a much wetter than normal year," said Mattice, who collects data and keeps records from his home at Goodyear Lake.


Unadilla to decide on dump Tuesday
Unadilla voters will decide Tuesday on a proposition expected to determine the fate of a controversial landfill in the town. The polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. for residents to vote on a local law passed by the Unadilla town board in October. If approved by voters, it will allow the construction and demolition debris landfill of Waste Recovery Enterprises LLC to operate near the intersection of state routes 8 and 7.


Redistricting stays hot topic
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives discussed three redistricting plans at Wednesday's meeting, then the matter was referred back to the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. One option discussed would reduce the board from 14 to nine members, a second would make minor changes to a few districts and incorporate weighted voting, and a third would reduce the board from 14 to 13 with the city of Oneonta losing one representative.


Higgins back for 19th term as board leader
COOPERSTOWN - Carl Higgins was elected chairman of the Otsego County Board for the 19th time Wednesday. With Rep. Eugene Wells, R-Springfield, serving as temporary chairman, 11 board members voted for Higgins to continue his leadership role. Two representatives, Cathy Rothenberger and Roberta Puritz — both Oneonta Democrats — did not vote for Higgins.


High-schooler back to heart of life
BAINBRIDGE — After five hours of ice fishing on Chenango Lake on Monday, Adam Youngs of Bainbridge didn't have much to show for it. "I caught one little perch, but it was a good one," he said. Considering where he was a year ago, however, the 16-year-old said he wasn't concerned about the catch.


Thursday, January 2, 2003

I swear: Becker in office
DELHI — For the first time in 20 years, Delaware County has a new judge. Carl Becker, 54, of Stamford took his oath of office Wednesday, nearly two months after defeating Democratic incumbent county Judge Robert Estes in the November election. More than 60 people attended the 12:30 p.m. swearing-in ceremony at the Delaware County Court House. County Sheriff Thomas Mills — who ran unopposed for his second term — was also sworn in, along with Undersheriff Douglas Vredenburgh and chief deputy sheriff Major Charles Newman. The undersheriff and chief deputy sheriff positions are appointed. After being sworn in by state Supreme Court Justice Carl Mugglin, Becker was helped into his judge's robe by his wife, Christine. He reflected on the past year and spoke of the challenges ahead.


Weather doesn't frighten revelers
ONEONTA - Neither snow nor cold nor, in this case, rain has kept Oneonta from its First Night. "I don't think it really dampened anything," said First Night Chair Jim Koury, who said he saw a lot of people at the parade and various other venues. "I was, overall, very pleased." Tuesday night's weather forecast called for lows in the lower 30s with occasional rain showers. And that's just about what occurred.


Hyde, trooper's killer, nabbed in escape try
State corrections officers on Tuesday thwarted an escape attempt by a prison inmate who is serving 43 1/2 years-to-life for the 1994 killing of state police Investigator Ricky Parisian.


Higgins likely to continue as board leader
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives will choose a chairman this morning, and the clear favorite is incumbent Chairman Carl Higgins, R-Edmeston. Higgins, 69, is completing his 18th consecutive year as chairman, by far the longest tenure in board history. To come even close, one would have to go back to the board's second chairman, John McKillup, who was elected chairman in 1805 and eventually served 10 years at the helm.


Otsego sets pay rates
COOPERSTOWN - At Monday night's board meeting, the Otsego County Board of Representatives set a salary schedule for 2003 that includes:

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