Five years after the storm: Area remembers '98 tornado
MORRIS - Five years ago today, around dusk, the sky darkened ominously and the area was hit by a tornado that flattened trees, destroyed homes and killed a man in the town of Oneonta. On May 31, 1998, Giovanna Fusco was sitting at the kitchen table in her cozy, blue ranch house on county Route 13 in Morris. Her daughter, Anna Maria, sat in the living room, holding her young daughter, Ariana. The family's cat, Elvis, was playing in the front yard when, seemingly out of nowhere, a violent wind struck their home.
Family store wins award the organic way
The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will recognize several businesses, individuals and groups at its annual dinner June 19.
Reporter's Notebook: Mechanic kept pupil in college
When 60-year-old Afton resident Carol Wilber graduated from the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville recently, she wasn't the only one who got a present.
Otego to see race for Otsego County board
OTEGO - Republican James Salisbury of Otego has decided to challenge incumbent Democrat Ronald Feldstein of Otego for the District 3 seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Franklin to vote on library budget
FRANKLIN — Dwindling income and increasing costs have prompted the board of directors of the Franklin Free Library to turn to residents of the Franklin Central School District for additional financial support.
Worcester school chief to start July 1
The Worcester Central School District's new superintendent will start July 1. Maureen A. McNolty, a middle-school principal from Gansevoort, was unanimously chosen recently as the successor to district Superintendent Marilyn Lubell, who announced her retirement earlier this year.
Four years later, many area students test worse
State test results show eighth-graders' competency levels in English have dropped in many local districts since the same students took the standardized tests four years ago. Roughly 60 percent of districts in Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie and Chenango counties had middle school students scoring lower than they did in 1999, when the standardized test was first given. District officials looking for answers are offering several theories, including one that says middle school students are strapped with academic and adolescent issues they never experienced in elementary school.
Sales tax up as of Sunday
ONEONTA —Shoppers will pay a little more for some items Sunday, when a statewide sales tax increase takes effect.
Delaware hospitals to benefit from loans
DELHI — Two loans announced Tuesday will help Delaware County hospitals upgrade their facilities. A $1 million loan from the Catskill Watershed Corporation will help O'Connor Hospital build an addition; and a $290,000 loan will help Delaware Valley Hospital update its technology information system.
Oneonta hires events director
ONEONTA — The city Common Council has hired a part-time events coordinator to manage festivities for the next eight months.
Milford officials consider recycling tar from roof of Oneonta business
ONEONTA - Someday soon, people in Milford may be driving over the former roof of the Oneonta's Corning Inc. plant. Half of the 35,000-square-foot asphalt roof is being replaced by the Weathermaster Roofing Co. of Binghamton. Until recently, Weathermaster had planned to have Vet's Disposal of Oneonta take the 122 tons of waste to the Montgomery Otsego Schoharie Solid Waste Management Authority. However, Bill Jeffery — sales manager at Vet's — and company officials from Weathermaster are trying to give the material away to be used in paving roads.
Organizers blame rain for festival bust
WALTON — A rainy, cold Memorial Day weekend spelled disaster for the Catskill Mountain Blues, Bikes and BBQ Festival, according to Jason Stanton, Delaware County STOP-DWI coordinator.
Rural Three celebrates law agains indoor smoking
ONEONTA —About 30 people, many from health and anti-tobacco organizations, attended the Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities' celebration Wednesday for the state's new anti-smoking law.
Cherry Valley to return money awaiting turbines
CHERRY VALLEY - The town Planning Board has voted to give back about $2,300 it had held in escrow for Global Winds Harvest, which had proposed building about 40 windmills in town.
Area speller gets tough draw
A local spelling champ is done at nationals after misspelling a word many people probably can't even pronounce.
Visitors compare justice systems
DELHI — A group of professionals from Ghana and Togo met with Delaware County Court officials Wednesday to compare judicial systems.
Hate crime going to court
ONEONTA —The man accused in the first hate crime case handled in Oneonta town court is still scheduled to appear in court this morning.
Bird law upsets crews
DELHI — A law protecting migrating birds could wreak havoc with bridge repairs, farmers haying, loggers cutting trees, construction projects and even people driving cars — if they kill a bird or destroy an occupied nest. Phil Pierce, Delaware County Public Works deputy director, said the state Department of Transportation recently alerted county officials that the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to disturb an occupied nest of protected migrating birds between April 1 and Aug. 15.
Cooperstown chorus gives `superior' performance
COOPERSTOWN —About 90 high school choral students proved Friday that their pipes are "superior," whether singing on stage or screaming on roller coasters.
ONC BOCES issues pink slips again
The Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services faces another round of possible teacher layoffs, although projected numbers are lower than in recent years.
Two men guilty of assault in Delaware court cases
DELHI — A man who beat his ex-wife's boyfriend with a baseball bat and another who attacked his wife with scissors appeared in Delaware County Court on Tuesday.
Student odyssey starting early
It will be an early morning for two area Odyssey of the Mind teams leaving today for the World Championships in Iowa.
Biology professor wins school teaching award
ONEONTA — Douglas A. Hamilton, associate professor and chair of the biology department at Hartwick College, was presented The Margaret B. Bunn Award for Excellence in Teaching during commencement on May 24.
Village haunted by 10-year-old murder case
NEW BERLIN — Few want to talk about it, but 10 years ago this month, April M. Dell'Olio, 15, was found innocent of murdering her 17-year-old boyfriend, David S. Eccleston of New Berlin. Dell'Olio's attorneys didn't deny she had stabbed Eccleston repeatedly; she'd admitted that. But Joseph McBride and Stephen Dunshee convinced the jury that the freshman honor roll student had suffered a "brief reactive psychosis," while stabbing the senior basketball star of New Berlin Central School.
Girls celebrate running for health
COOPERSTOWN — A group of young girls that stresses health through running is playing host to a Family Fitness Celebration in Cooperstown next month.
Hartwick graduates 250 seniors
ONEONTA — As rain rolled down Oyaron Hill Saturday afternoon, about 250 Hartwick College seniors crossed a stage in Binder Gymnasium and ended their years as undergraduates on the hill's steep slope.
Session planned on new butt law
ONEONTA —A celebration and information session about an upcoming state ban on smoking in workplaces will be held Wednesday in Oneonta.
Memorial Day service moves indoors
ONEONTA — The recent war in Iraq was a significant focus of those who spoke during Monday's Memorial Day ceremony in Oneonta.
Blazes destroy house, camper
Separate blazes Sunday destroyed a house in the town of Maryland and a camper near Harpersfield.
Paying freedom's price
Remembrance of soldiers who died in Iraq won't dominate Memorial Day speeches, said several of those who will talk in ceremonies Monday. Many said they will mention the war, but remarks will be in keeping with the traditional nature of the day of observance, which honors those who died in this country's wars. Communities throughout the area plan parades, services and other events for the national holiday Monday. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by Gen. John Logan following the Civil War, according to a website devoted to the holiday.
Delaware honors EMS vols
DELHI — A dinner honoring Emergency Medical Services volunteers Friday was the beginning of what organizers say they hope will become an annual tradition.
Protests heat up over smoking ban
ALBANY — The simmering battle over the state's upcoming smoking ban has all the makings of a spaghetti western: There have been threats, civil disobedience and now mugs of a notable few on what some say too closely resemble wanted posters.
Cherry Valley greets postal chief
Cherry Valley's postmaster was formally installed at about 1 p.m. Friday during a ceremony at the community center in the village, the restored, former Cherry Valley Central School.
Troop C honors fallen comrades
SIDNEY — Troop C in Sidney held its annual Memorial Day service Thursday to remember those troopers who died in the line of duty. "Your presence here sends a message to all that we remember our fallen brothers and that their memory and gift will not be forgotten," troop Commander Maj. Thomas Kelly said during his talk to the several dozen in attendance at the Sidney station. Although he has spent much of his career with Troop C, this is the first year Kelly has presided over the ceremony as commander.
Soggy weekend forecasted
Anyone planning outdoor activities for Memorial Day weekend should pack a slicker.
Cig ban may be eased
ALBANY — Two months before the state's strict anti-smoking law is set to kick in, a movement is developing to water it down.
Seat time an issue for Regatta amateurs
Most people who follow the General Clinton Canoe Regatta have heard about Serge Corbin's 19-year winning streak in the pro-class.
New old maps on display in Delhi
DELHI — The Delaware County Clerk's Office will showcase its collection of newly stabilized historic maps at a special public event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, according to Debra Lambrecht, records management specialist.
School board candidates make cases
ONEONTA — Oneonta school board candidates gave their thoughts on fiscal policy, state testing and educational and extra-curricular programming during a public forum Thursday.
Winney Hill to hook into town sewer
ONEONTA — More waste is in the pipeline for the city's wastewater treatment facility - waste with the town's name on it.
Court rejects appeal by Eckhardt
ALBANY — An appeal filed by Bruce Eckhardt, locked away in 2001 for murdering his estranged girlfriend and hiding her body in rural Pennsylvania three years earlier, was rejected Thursday.
Grant to aid in overtime costs
ONEONTA — The city of Oneonta Police Department will receive a $25,000 boost to help cover its overtime and drug-enforcement costs.
Catskill blues festival to kick off on Saturday
WALTON — Even a wet Memorial Day weekend won't dampen the great music, food and fun at the Catskill Mountain Blues, Bikes and BBQ Festival, according to Jason Stanton, Delaware County STOP-DWI coordinator.
Shaffer still struggling with system
COOPERSTOWN - She fought the law and the law won, but she's still fighting. Now 32, Vicky Shaffer was back in Otsego County Family Court on Tuesday. She wants to see her daughter, 8-year-old Brianna, on weekends, on Mother's Day and occasional other holidays, unsupervised by third-parties monitoring every word. Currently, she's allowed to see Brianna four hours at a time at a site in Amsterdam and has to pay $80 a week for the privilege. This charge, she said, is for the visitation monitor mandated by Family Court.
Abduction 'panic' unfounded
The report of an attempted child abduction in East Meredith earlier this month prompted a rash of other unfounded reports of abduction incidents in Delaware County, state police at Oneonta said Wednesday.
Founding member of LEAF is honored
Elizabeth Currier, a woman who spent the last two decades spreading knowledge about alcohol and drug addiction, will be honored next month.
Oldest cemetery still a mystery
MARGARETVILLE — There won't be a Memorial Day celebration in Delaware County's oldest cemetery, because the location of the ancient Dumond burial ground is still unknown.
Springfield man seeks support for path
SPRINGFIELD - George Rutler says he wants Springfield town residents to demonstrate their support for building a walking path around the town's community center.
Delaware County seeks OK for sales tax increase
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Wednesday seeking permission to apply to the state Legislature for a sales tax increase if the board decides it will be needed to keep property taxes from going up.
Otsego County adjusts its request for a sales tax increase
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives approved a "home rule request" Wednesday night, asking the state Legislature to boost the sales tax rate to 8 percent in the county, beginning Dec. 1.
Sidney village plans road work
SIDNEY — Road repairs and sidewalk replacements are scheduled for summertime by the village of Sidney's Department of Public Works, village Engineer John Woodyshek said.
Oneonta city bars face tighter inspections
ONEONTA — An ordinance changing the way bars and nightclubs are inspected for code violations became law Tuesday with Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller's signature.
Oneonta school board Oks budget plan
ONEONTA — Oneonta school district residents will vote next month on a proposed budget with a tax levy increase that has been pared down to 4.82 percent.
Oneonta school board candidates to speak
ONEONTA — The Oneonta League of women Voters is sponsoring a candidates' forum for Oneonta Board of Education candidates at the State University College at Oneonta tonight.
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Delaware bars ban Quick Draw lottery
The mesmerizing balls that land on winning Quick Draw lottery numbers are not flying in Delaware County bars this week, according to Dan Zale, owner of the Hamden Inn. Zale said all 14 bars in the county that sell New York state lottery tickets have joined a statewide boycott to protest the passage of a law banning smoking in all bars, restaurants and virtually every other business in the state. On March 26, the state Legislature passed an anti-smoking law that goes into effect July 24.
Scores decline for 4th-, 8th graders
More than 50 percent of area school districts saw a decline in the number of fourth- and eighth-grade students who meet state standards in English.
School to expand pupils' horizons
Educators at Schenevus Central School are helping to expand the horizons of students whose interests reach beyond typical academics.
Churches oppose proposed earlier Pit Run start time
ONEONTA — Petitioners asked the Oneonta Common Council on Tuesday to change the start time of the Ricky J. Parisian Pit Run, but the council decided not to vote until further consideration was given.
School to keep teacher
DELHI — Classes at the A.L. Kellogg Elementary in Treadwell will be reconfigured next year based on the recommendations of parents and teachers.
Former nurse admits stealing
COOPERSTOWN - A former licensed practical nurse at The Meadows, Melissa Rubin, has pleaded guilty to first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and petit larceny.
'Hijacked' politicians pursue Web protection
ALBANY — If you typed the names of a few local lawmakers into a search engine recently, you might have thought they were trying to sell you drug paraphernalia.
Drunken driving heard in Delaware
DELHI — Drunken driving and probation violation cases were heard Monday in Delaware County Court before Judge Carl Becker.
Liquor authority backs off
ALBANY —Wine and liquor stores across the Empire State are now cleared to open for business this coming Sunday, Gov. George Pataki's administration conceded Tuesday.
Otsego Conservation Association brochure directs recyclers
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Conservation Association has published a recycling brochure telling Otsego County residents how to pass on or dispose of items that might otherwise go to a landfill.
`Grandma Carol' graduates from college
AFTON — Like many others who got their college degrees Saturday, Carol Wilber said she'll miss her classmates. But Wilber is rather unusual, because her classmates, she said, called her "Grandma Carol." At age 60, Wilber graduated from the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville with an associate's degree in horticulture. After taking some more classes this summer, the former Amphenol employee who lives in Afton said she plans to return to the job market by spring.
Delaware seeks hike in sales tax
DELHI — On Wednesday, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors will consider a resolution to ask the state Legislature for permission to raise the sales tax to 8 percent.
Business offers a test paddle
Portlandville-based The Paddle Shack lets customers take their prospective purchases out for a spin - on the Susquehanna. The store, which opened April 26, sells kayaks and canoes and related gear, owner Drew Rossman said.
Drug suspect pleads innocent
DELHI — A man arrested in a drug raid on the campus of the State University College of Technology at Delhi pleaded innocent in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Crackdown on city bars edges closer
ONEONTA — A public hearing on a proposed ordinance cracking down on bars and nightclubs will be held at the Oneonta Common Council meeting tonight.
Goose chase prompts historian's revelation
Delaware County's newly appointed historian, Patrick Grimes, said his first assignment made him realize the importance of town and village historians in the quest to keep track of local history.
Monday, May 19, 2003
SUCO grads remember past, look to the future
ONEONTA — Katie Whittaker's forecast for her future was as bright as the sun that accompanied Saturday's 114th commencement at the State University College at Oneonta. With brother David standing next to her for moral support, Whittaker, a meteorology major from Norwich, prepared to walk with her class of about 1,200 at the Alumni Field House. "I'm excited," said Whittaker, whose interest in weather studies began, she remembers, in ninth grade. "I'm going to apply for a job at WKTV (in Utica)."
Jury faults county for 1994 crash
An Otsego County Supreme Court jury delivered a $2 million dollar verdict against the county Friday regarding the death of a Milford woman in a 1994 traffic accident.
These students were made for walking
SOUTH KORTRIGHT — Fourth-graders at South Kortright Central School vied to add up columns of figures as they tallied how many steps they took last week and computed the mileage their steps represent.
Area scholar to go global on Fulbright
A 1998 Stamford graduate said she will be furthering her international understanding soon, thanks to a Fulbright Fellowship grant.
A day at Noah's Ark
NEW BERLIN - For generations now, little students have been learning their ABCs at the Pre-school at Noah's Ark in New Berlin.
Local man gets greatest gift
DELHI — For more than a quarter of a century, Herman Bugge of Delhi has anonymously given the gift of joy to hundreds of children. Now, an unknown donor has given him the gift of life. On April 2, Bugge was the recipient of a donated heart. Just five weeks later, he was at the O'Connor Hospital Health Fair on Friday, promoting organ donation. In 1975, Bugge became a secret Santa Claus for the children of Delhi, Treadwell and Meredith. He was continuing a tradition begun by Wilfred Jurgens in 1955.
Area looks at quality of after-school care
ONEONTA - Different work shifts and after-school programs help Kristine Palmatier and her husband coordinate child care for their four children.
City ups home values
ONEONTA — The average residential assessment in the city has increased, but the size of the increase depends on where you live, city officials said Friday.
Edmeston school has health fair
EDMESTON - People were feasting Friday, and feeding their minds, at Edmeston Central School's annual food and health exposition.
Royalty from India visiting Oneonta
ONEONTA — Indian royalty are visiting the city of Oneonta this weekend. Raghuvendra and Ganga Singh, of Dundlod, India, arrived in Oneonta on Thursday to promote a sister-city project between Oneonta and Dundlod, a village of about 8,000 people.
Professor: Supreme Court may toss sodomy case
ONEONTA — Hartwick College students and professors heard a presentation Thursday about how the U.S. Supreme Court might rule on the gay rights and privacy issues of Lawrence v. Texas.
Friday, May 16, 2003
Duo still spinning after all these years
For a quarter of a century, the Wolfman and Charlie the "K" have been serving up vintage rock 'n' roll at WRHO, 89.7 on your FM dial. Every Friday at 6 p.m. they start their show with a song by Elvis. Then, until 9 p.m., it's on to maybe Chuck Berry or another star from the days when cars had fins and the Beatles were teenie boppers, practicing guitar in garages. "For years, we didn't play anything by the Beatles, because we felt they'd ruined rock 'n' roll," said Charles Hartley, by day a physics professor at Hartwick College in Oneonta.
New milk plan in question
ONEONTA — After listening to a nearly hour-long presentation Thursday on a national program to raise the price of milk paid to producers, the more than 200 farmers still had many questions.
Website offers spot to grade teachers
ONEONTA — SUCO Geology Professor Tracy Allen "rocks," according to one evaluation on RateMyProfessors.com — a website that encourages college students to anonymously review professors' teaching abilities.
Masonville to have GOP supervisor primary
Longtime Masonville resident Stephen Tiska announced Tuesday he will run in the September Republican primary for town supervisor against an incumbent of almost 26 years.
Kosovo refugees to graduate from Hartwick
ONEONTA — They've nearly done it — two refugees from war-torn Kosovo who enrolled at Hartwick College more than four years ago said they are now looking forward to commencement.
Local troopers honored
Three area troopers received recognition Thursday at the annual state police awards ceremony, according to a release from Gov. George E. Pataki.
Marine, once a local youth, dies during Iraq war
A former South Kortright student who died while serving as a Marine in Iraq is remembered fondly by former classmates and teachers, said Kathleen LaVigne, a social studies teacher at South Kortright Central School.
Chancellor names three at SUCO for awards
ONEONTA - Two faculty and a member of the professional staff at the State University College at Oneonta have been named recipients of the 2003 SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence.
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Quilters piece together a scholarship project
ONEONTA — A student scholarship fund has been created in memory of a retired Charlotte Valley Central School teacher who died earlier this month. Family and friends of Lynne Hoffman, who died May 5, have established the Lynne Hoffman Memorial Scholarship Fund that will offer scholarships to Charlotte Valley students pursuing a degree program. Hoffman, who taught at Charlotte Valley in Davenport for 20 years, retired in 2001. To support the fund, a quilting cooperative is planned, said Hoffman's sister, Joan Holowaty.
Governor zaps funds for schools
ALBANY — Insisting the State Legislature's budget will drive jobs out of New York and worsen an already staggering crisis, Gov. George Pataki on Wednesday vetoed lawmakers' plans to increase school aid and reduce a tuition hike for in-state SUNY students.
Band to honor area's railroading history
Train whistles and engines will be heard in St. Mary's Parish House in Oneonta this Sunday, but it won't be because the D&H is making an unscheduled stop.
Kids' melodies being put on CD
Mozart was writing music at age 5. Ten-year-old Ethan Cypress may not be Mozart, but the Center Street Elementary School student has taken a stab at composing.
Dairy meeting set for tonight
Area dairy farmers will have an opportunity tonight to ask about a national plan by producers to increase wholesale milk prices.
'Bull Durham' stars give to food bank
COOPERSTOWN - Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins and Ron Shelton, the co-stars and director of the film "Bull Durham," have each contributed $1,000 to the Cooperstown Food Bank
Robbery case dropped
STAMFORD — The investigation into an alleged robbery at the Red Carpet Inn was dropped when the victim refused to cooperate with state police, according to Investigator Laura Gregory of the State Police in Margaretville.
Some Delhi Tech seniors work on one more project
DELHI — Food and books are already piling up on the Delhi Tech campus as Project Graduation gets under way, according to Aaron Moriarty, president of Phi Theta Kappa.
SUNY trustee set as speaker
DELHI — State University Trustee Edward F. Cox will give the keynote address at the 86th annual commencement exercises at the State University College of Technology at Delhi on Saturday.
Pataki says state can't afford 911 expansion
ALBANY — Funding for the statewide rollout of a system letting emergency responders pinpoint where cellular phone calls are coming from was vetoed Wednesday by Gov. George Pataki.
Governor nixes tax collection from Indians
ALBANY — Gov. George Pataki vetoed the Legislature's plan Wednesday to force him to collect sales and excise taxes on fuel and tobacco sold on Indian reservations.
Blue-law repeal vetoed
ALBANY — Getting rid of New York's decades-old blue laws will now require a veto override.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Otsego County reviews drug clinic
COOPERSTOWN — The Otsego County Board of Representatives is considering whether to privatize its Chemical Dependencies Clinic. Faced with a tough year financially, the board is trying to determine whether the clinic's services could be provided more economically if parts of it were operated by private agencies, according to Carl Higgins, board chairman. The 2002 county budget required a 4 percent increase in the tax levy.
Fraud rings in on local firms
ONEONTA —Phone systems at a handful of Oneonta businesses were hacked over the past week, ringing up thousands of dollars worth of calls to the Philippines, owners said.
Otego historical group has new home
OTEGO — The walls may not talk, but what's inside will speak volumes when the Otego Historical Society holds an open house at its new headquarters.
Town OKs Home Depot
WEST ONEONTA — It looks like construction could start some time this summer on the new Home Depot store planned for Oneonta's Southside, a company spokesman said.
Meeting on sewer plan tonight
WEST ONEONTA — A proposal to extend sewer service to a planned subdivision off Winney Hill Road will be the subject of a public hearing tonight at Town Hall.
Honorary degrees to be among those handed out at SUCO
ONEONTA — Thousands of parents, family members, alumni and friends are expected Saturday to honor the Class of 2003 at the State University College at Oneonta's 114th commencement.
Several score high water marks
ONEONTA — Several municipal water systems received high marks from an environmental watchdog group that monitors how well drinking water supply information is reported to the public. This is the fourth year the Citizens Campaign for the Environment has given letter grades to municipalities based on Annual Water Supply Statements — public reports required by state and federal governments, describing the quality of the drinking water.
Retiree honored for tireless work
ONEONTA —Some may consider retirement a time to relax. Not Velma Green. "That's the only way to be happy, if you're doing something," Green said.
Nurses going public with concerns
SIDNEY — The Hospital has had higher-than-normal nursing turnover rates since January, hospital officials said.
State bills to test nonprofits' exemptions
ALBANY — The state Camp Directors' Association, the Boy Scouts and other outdoor recreation not-for-profits said a plan by state lawmakers to limit property-tax exemptions is "misguided" and would hurt the future of many thousands of New York's youngsters.
Meetings yield ideas for road projects
Nearly 30 Bainbridge village residents have participated in workshops the state Department of Transportation has been holding since October about upcoming village bridge and road repairs, a state DOT official said.
Attacker's shadow lingers
DELHI — Three teenagers attacked by a man who broke into their apartment looking for his ex-girlfriend say they are now living in fear — dreading the day he is released from jail. But the attacker says they have nothing to worry about — he is paying the price for his actions and plans to move on with his life. Margaret Anderson, 19, of Andes and Shalamar Whitbeck, 19, and Eric Jones, 19, both of Delhi, were at Jones' Division Street apartment in Delhi on Jan. 18 when Joey L. Hall, 23, of Andes kicked in the door and left Anderson lying on the floor in a pool of blood, according to Whitbeck.
Teens were caught unaware
DELHI — On Jan. 18, Shalamar Whitbeck and Margaret Anderson were at Eric Jones' apartment when they heard a loud pounding at the door at about 2 a.m.
Man gets easement to protect historical home
DELHI — A historic Delhi property will be protected from subdivision and commercial development thanks to a Delaware Highlands Conservancy easement, according to Barbara Yeaman, Conservancy board member.
Gays, supporters march for tolerance
ONEONTA — Led by a gay pride flag embossed with the letters PFLAG, nearly 50 gays, lesbians and straight people marched through Oneonta on Saturday to promote diversity and acceptance.
Few attend youth forums
ONEONTA — Two recent forums addressing the problem of after-school care for young people were poorly attended, organizers said Sunday.
Pa. man, pinned between trucks, dies
MIDDLEFIELD —A man was killed Friday when he was pinned between a U-Haul and a moving van, Otsego County sheriff's deputies reported.
Stamford considers longer terms of office
The Stamford Village Board is considering adopting a law to lengthen the term of office for the mayor and trustees from two years to four years, according to Mayor Waylen O. Bray.
Firefighters come through for former chief
WELLS BRIDGE — It's not very often volunteer firefighters get to help one of their own, but it happened here recently, Fire Chief Dan Peterson said.
Saturday, May 10, 2003
New mama adopts orphan
DELHI — Mother's love is colorblind, at least in Isabella's case. The black-and-white border collie's mothering instincts took over when she met little orphaned Annie, and she never even noticed the tiny, brown, shorthair puppy looked nothing like her fluffy black and white girls. Isabella arrived sick and pregnant at the Humane Society of Central Delaware County in Delhi on March 15. She was a stray from the town of Worcester, according to Cheryl Dietzman, the shelter office assistant and foster mother to Isabella and her litter.
Job market still tight for grads
ONEONTA —Hartwick College senior Michele Schesny managed to end her job search after sending just one resume.
Folk art days starting anew
ONEONTA — The sounds of lace-making tatting tools most likely won't be able to compete with the fiddle music this Saturday. But both will be heard as UCCCA kicks off its fourth season of folk art festivals.
2 more arrests connected to April drug bust
ONEONTA — Two more suspected drug dealers have been arrested in connection with last month's narcotics sweep in the city of Oneonta, city police and U.S. Attorney's officials said.
Four charged in Roxbury burglary
ROXBURY — Three of four people arrested late last month in connection with a burglary of a seasonal residence are to appear in court Thursday.
Firm pushes plan for senior housing
COOPERSTOWN - Tony Scalici, executive director of Otsego Rural Housing, wants to build housing for senior citizens.
Bassett: Heart program off to strong start
COOPERSTOWN —When William Robert Thompson went to Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital with chest pains, none of the tests seemed to indicate anything, he said. But the hospital kept him overnight and scheduled a catheterization, which takes pictures of the arteries, the next morning, April 14. Thompson, a Schenevus resident and pastor of the First Baptist Church, was sitting on the examining table when it happened, he said.
'Hatchett' teaches teenager a lesson
DELHI — A Brooklyn teenager learned a hard lesson Wednesday morning, when he thought his mother had been the victim of a robbery and assault, according to Delaware County Chief Deputy Charles Newman.
Saturday event gets in touch with nature
BURLINGTON - Saturday morning, nature lovers are invited to walk one of the most diverse parcels of land in Otsego County, the Greenwoods Conservancy in Burlington.
Hatch Act prevents alderman from running
ONEONTA — An Oneonta alderman who works for a local nonprofit agency says he will not run for re-election in order to comply with federal regulations.
Historic preservation efforts to be recognized
RICHFIELD SPRINGS - The winners of the 2003 Historic Preservation Awards will be feted at the Richfield Springs Public Library in Richfield Springs today.
Local hospitals pull for funding in Legislature plan
ONEONTA —Area hospital administrators say they are hoping the state Legislature's restoration of health-care funding withstands veto attempts from Gov. George Pataki. "It's a survival issue for a hospital like us," said Anne Flanagan, interim CEO at The Hospital in Sidney. "We're small and rely on each and every individual that's working in the hospital to care for patients. We don't have any flexibility in terms of discretionary spending."
Board will fill DSS holes
COOPERSTOWN - After hearing an impassioned plea for speedier help for the poor, the county Board of Representatives agreed Wednesday to fill three vacant positions in the Department of Social Services.
Delhi Tech drug bust bags four
DELHI — Four students were arrested in a drug raid Wednesday morning on the campus of the State University College of Technology at Delhi, according to college officials and police.
G-MU student moves way ahead of the class
Next month, Mer Mietzelfeld will be among the throng of students bidding farewell to high school in preparation for life as a college freshmen.
Mohawk agreement put off late
ALBANY — Within hours of a planned signing ceremony Wednesday, Gov. George Pataki and the St. Regis Mohawk Indians abruptly put off a deal to end decades of land-claim battles and allow the tribe to open a casino in the Catskills.
Parents, students decry denial of tenure
ONEONTA — About a half-dozen people Wednesday came to the defense of an Oneonta High School English teacher who has not been recommended for tenure.
Gay groups plan Saturday march for `tolerance'
ONEONTA — The alleged assault of an openly gay woman in Huntington Park in March was the impetus for a planned "March Towards Tolerance" on Saturday, coordinators said.
Blast destroys Jefferson seasonal home
JEFFERSON — An explosion that destroyed a house in Jefferson on Wednesday morning brought back memories of another explosion that rocked North Blenheim 13 years ago, according to Schoharie County Sheriff John Bates.
Delaware board says DEP interfering with home rule
DELHI —The Delaware County Board of Supervisors took another stand against the New York City Department of Environmental Protection in defense of home rule at meeting Wednesday.
Three quit puffing
ONEONTA —Three area residents have found another payoff to quitting smoking - $1,000. The Rural Three for Tobacco-Free Communities Coalition announced the winners of its second annual Quit and Win contest Tuesday night. LaBerta Mattice of Gilboa, Kevin More of Oneonta and William Lachick of Delaware County were each awarded $1,000 for quitting smoking and remaining smoke-free for the month of April. But the benefits go beyond the money, the winners said.
Otsego rep won't run; race begins
MILFORD - Two candidates are running to succeed Richard Thompson of Milford as the representative from District 5 on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Oneonta elementary school teacher honored
ONEONTA — National Teacher Day had added meaning at Riverside Elementary School on Tuesday when an educator was named Oneonta Wal-Mart's 2003 Teacher of the Year.
Lawyer looks to unseat veteran
ONEONTA - Rep. Hugh Henderson, R-Oneonta, said Monday he will run for re-election to the District 4 seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Council OKs pursuit of armory
ONEONTA — City officials say they are interested in taking over the Oneonta Armory, which is scheduled to close at the end of next month.
Hartwick students work on civil rights tributes
ONEONTA — Artist Jean Lacy of Dallas is spending this week at Hartwick College, working with the students in Associate Professor of History Edythe Quinn's Civil Rights Movement Seminar.
'Bull Durham' stars giving money to food bank
COOPERSTOWN - Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins and Ron Shelton, the co-stars and director of the baseball movie, "Bull Durham" have decided to make a donation to the Cooperstown Food Bank. Robbins' agent Chris Widmaier, said the gift will be made soon, though he was unsure how large it will be. It will total more than the $377 collected for the food bank last Wednesday during two screenings of "Bull Durham" at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, he said.
Unatego teachers face layoffs
Double-digit staff cuts are planned for the Unatego Central School District, which did not receive the amount of restored school aid it had anticipated, Superintendent Rex Hurlburt said Monday.
Publishing preserves history of Worcester
From a 1905 fashion show to teenagers of the Civil War era, Worcester native William Fern Ferguson collected photos and stories to chronicle the history of his hometown.
Organizer: Event raises $102,586 to fight cancer
DELHI — The funds raised by the first American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Delaware County far exceeded expectations, Jody O'Connell, an event organizer, said Monday.
Two drivers hurt in crash
UNADILLA —A collision between a tractor-trailer and a state Department of Transportation arrow truck sent two men to the hospital Monday and closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 88 for more than two hours, state police at Sidney said.
Otsego County clerk race to have primary
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County's acting county clerk, Kathleen Sinnott-Gardner, confirmed Monday she is running for county clerk this year.
Sisters are 'on the job'
SIDNEY — Growing up on a farm in Sidney Center, the sisters played together and did chores together. Now, Michelle Marshall, 30, and Helana Allen, 24, are one of the few pairs of sisters in New York who also work as state troopers. The two serve in Troop C, headquartered in Sidney, where Marshall, who is married, has been a trooper for 51/2 years. Allen graduated March 19 from the New York State Police Academy in Albany. She is completing her 10-week training at Troop C before she will relocate for her assignment with Troop D in Oneida, she said. The two are serving in different rotations so they don't work together.
The Daily Star's Jim Hamilton dies
ONEONTA — Former Daily Star newsroom employee and baseball columnist James Hamilton died on Sunday at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital Nursing Home. He was 75.
Local voices heard at rally
ALBANY - About 60 from the Oneonta area joined thousands of teachers, administrators, parents, students and union leaders in Albany on Saturday to rally for greater spending on education.
Survey: Board not inspiring confidence
ONEONTA —Results of a survey commissioned by the Otsego County Chamber indicate citizens don't have confidence in the Board of Representatives, according to the head of the research firm.
Fire department moves to new home
UNADILLA — After more than a decade of planning, members of the Unadilla Fire Department began moving into its new home on Clifton Street in mid-April, said fire Chief Carl French.
Miller looks to improve finances
ONEONTA — Hartwick College's new president says he will work to bring the school, which has been recently plagued by fiscal woes, back into a state of "financial equilibrium." Richard P. Miller Jr., vice chancellor and chief operating officer of the State University of New York, was unanimously endorsed Friday by the college's 11-member board of trustees. Miller, 60, will succeed Richard Detweiler as the college's ninth president, effective July 1.
`Hate crime victim' hedges
ONEONTA — The alleged victim in the first hate crime accusation in Oneonta to come to court said Friday he did not want the case to go to trial.
Church marking century of worship in Oneonta
ONEONTA — Not everyone knows it, but when members of Oneonta's Lutheran congregation moved from Grove Street to Center Street, they brought four stained glass windows with them.
Some student projects bring history to life
COOPERSTOWN - About 300 middle school and high school students converged on Cooperstown on Friday to display their talents and knowledge during New York State History Day.
Bomb case returns to court
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County Court on Friday, Ethan W. Brush acknowledged he was not meeting the conditions of his probation.
Snow cleanup funds given
Nineteen counties in New York received federal disaster funding as a result of snowfall around Christmas and New Year's, according to federal and state offices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Teen charged in robbery, arson cases released
DELHI — A Meridale teenager charged with allegedly robbing Smoker's Choice in Delhi on Feb. 13 and setting a fire at Delaware Academy on May 22 was released from jail Friday after bail was lowered to $10,000, said defense attorney Michael Jacobs.
Assigned lawyers to get higher fees
Fees for lawyers assigned by courts to represent indigent clients would be raised under the budget approved Friday by the Legislature.
Friday, May 2, 2003
Restored aid makes haste locally
Area superintendents who learned this week of the Legislature's plan to restore state aid say they need to scramble to put it into their budgets. Lawmakers restored more than $1 billion in aid Wednesday to education to help the state's approximately 700 school districts avoid double-digit tax increases and program cuts. Districts have until May 14 to rework budgets in time for the public vote on June 3. School officials say they remain cautiously optimistic about the restored aid, which will not be a reality until a budget is passed.
Pork stirs controversy
ALBANY — Taxes and fees are going up and the state's fiscal crisis isn't going away, but lawmakers Thursday approved spending about $200 million on pet projects.
Unatego student wins for Law Day
COOPERSTOWN - Jessica Hendricks, a 17-year-old senior at Unatego Central School, won the Liberty Bell Award on Thursday at the Law Day ceremony in Otsego County Court.
Area sellers not behind liquor change
A state budget deal that will allow liquor and wine stores to be open Sundays is a bad idea, according to several local liquor-store owners.
Police: Muehl didn't return to scene
MILFORD - Investigator Michael Ten Eyck of the Otsego County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday that a story about an accident involving Delaware County Chief Assistant District Attorney John Muehl had an error in it.
Business Beat: Wilber declares divident; officials re-elected
The Wilber Corp., parent company of Wilber National Bank, declared a quarterly dividend of 37 cents per share at the corporation's annual meeting Saturday. The bank has assets of $716 million, the corporation said.
Plant open for tour
SIDNEY — The groundwater treatment plant that will play a major role in the remediation efforts at the Richardson Hill landfill in Sidney was dedicated Thursday.
Book fair to be in Delhi today
DELHI — The 27th Annual Delaware Academy and Central School Book and Media Fair today will feature 18 authors and media professionals whose works encompass topics from around the world, organizers said.
Zim's Shoes to bid farewell
ONEONTA —Zim's Shoes is closing after 55 years in downtown Oneonta. Owner Steve Zimniewicz, 58, said he made the "very emotional" decision last week because he wants to retire and his lease expires the end of July. "I have a boat and I like to play golf, so that's on the schedule for August," he said. The store will remain open until its inventory is liquidated, he said.
Hartwick may pick Miller
ONEONTA — Hartwick College likely will have a SUNY administrator as its next president.
Legislature: Sales taxes, fees to rise
ALBANY — State lawmakers Wednesday finally released details into how they intend to pay for their new $93 billion budget, and taxpayers would be picking up the tab.
Students show animal know-how
Two area students used their dairy knowledge and horse sense to win chances to compete in national events.
Hartwick professor will fast for fallen
ONEONTA —A Hartwick professor plans to fast in honor of soldiers killed in Iraq, and a group of students has organized to create a website supporting the troops.
Otsego Chamber survey finds people wary of the economy
ONEONTA —A majority of Otsego County residents are concerned about the economy and don't view the county as a good place to find a good-paying job, a survey commissioned by the Otsego County Chamber reported.
Patients laud Bassett trauma center
COOPERSTOWN - Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown has received an award for pleasing patients who use its emergency and trauma department.
