CSEA, Otsego reach impasse
COOPERSTOWN - Contract negotiations between Otsego County and the Civil Service Employees' Association are at an impasse, the CSEA has announced. The union, which represents about 520 county workers, and the county are at odds over salary and health-care benefits, union spokesman Mark Kotzin said Wednesday. "Basically, the county has said there will be no raises in 2003 unless there are changes in the health insurance package," Kotzin said.
County, nurses remain divided
DELHI — Delaware County's 16 public health nurses have been without a contract for 19 months, and the two sides can't even agree on what they should talk about.
West's creation brought east at museum
COOPERSTOWN - West has come east this summer, landing at Fenimore Art Museum, where the exhibit "Window on the West" is on display.
DOT: Plans firming up for Southside
WEST ONEONTA - The state Department of Transportation announced more concrete plans Wednesday for improving traffic along the Southside corridor.
Sidney to feature music, crafts Saturday
SIDNEY — The third annual Sidney Arts and Music Festival will take place this Saturday in Sidney starting at 9 a.m. on Main Street in the village with a crafts sale.
Area officials shrug off low population estimates
Area officials say they don't have much confidence in the U.S. Census Bureau's latest population estimates, which show overall drops in Delaware and Chenango counties and increases in Otsego and Schoharie. According to the recently released figures, the population has dropped in every town in Delaware County — except Tompkins — since the last census was taken in 2000.
Fire razes Butternuts home
GILBERTSVILLE - A Butternuts family escaped injury early Tuesday morning when fire destroyed their home on Shaw Brook Road in the town of Butternuts.
Not just students hit the books in summer
As the days of summer flip quickly past, so, too, do pages of a variety of summer reading favorites — a variety that even stretches beyond the Harry Potter series.
Dog days came early for those in 4-H show
MORRIS — Six dogs walked proudly away from a show barn at the Otsego County Fair on Tuesday afternoon, with winning ribbons and their young trainers in tow.
Sidney man does time, held for extradition
DELHI — A Sidney man almost got out of jail Tuesday in Delaware County Court, but he was held for extradition to Georgia on a automobile theft charge.
Rape trial to start Monday
COOPERSTOWN — James Brown of Portlandville, accused of crimes against a girl, is scheduled to go on trial Monday, Otsego County District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons said Tuesday.
Electric cars donated to campuses
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta and Delhi Tech have received a number of electric cars as part of a program to reduce pollution and cut operating costs.
Franklin woman charged with animal cruelty
SIDNEY - A Franklin woman was charged with 62 counts of animal cruelty Saturday after state police responded to a complaint from a neighbor, officials said. Ramona E. Woodruff, 50, was charged with animal cruelty, state police at Sidney said. Walton veterinarian Dr. Peter Huyler examined the animals Friday, including 15 horses, 26 dogs and some sheep and pigs, and found some to be malnourished, troopers said. Woodruff is to answer the charges in Sidney Town Court on Aug. 28.
Oneonta fan: `He always made me laugh'
ONEONTA —Local senior citizens recalled many characteristics of comedian Bob Hope Monday —his dedication to entertaining troops, his delivery and timing, his self-depreciating humor about his nose.
Vincent Stark: Citizen activist
GILBERTSVILLE - Lucinda Jarvis, Otsego County's deputy elections commissioner, remembers Vince Stark well.
Man pleads guilty to stabbing
A former Hartwick College student pleaded guilty in Otsego County Court on Monday in the second-degree knifing assault of another college student last October.
Oneonta schools to get refurbished
ONEONTA — A $14.7 million building project to repair and refurbish portions of the Oneonta school district's academic buildings is moving into the design phase, school officials said this week.
Uecker brews humor at Hall
COOPERSTOWN — Bob Uecker stole the show Sunday afternoon at Clark Sports Center before an estimated 18,000 fans that included former President George Bush. Eddie Murray and Gary Carter were enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but it was Uecker — winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasters — whose self-deprecating wit drew heavy laughter.
Some local history for sale on eBay
Local history is for sale on the Internet, where an array of mementos and artifacts are available for the right price.
Otsego fair begins Tuesday
MORRIS — Frantic squeals shrieked from inside a red animal trailer backed into the mouth of a white livestock barn Sunday afternoon at the Otsego County fairgrounds.
Judge could put stopper on soda deals
A legal challenge before a state judge in Albany could leave some school districts, including Oneonta, and their lucrative contracts with soda companies flat.
Delaware youths mark smoking laws
About 20 Delaware County youths joined teenage anti-tobacco activists from 17 counties Sunday to celebrate the Clean Indoor Air Act.
Masonville encourages cleanup
MASONVILLE — The Masonville town board is encouraging people to clean up their properties of such unwanted items as junk cars, old appliances and trailers in a program titled "Masonville Pride," Supervisor John Thomas said.
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Gibbons loses ballot lines
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County will likely have a Republican primary for county clerk but not for district attorney this September as a result of rulings made Friday by the county Board of Elections. At about noon, Otsego County Elections Commissioner Douglas Hamilton and Deputy Elections Commissioner Lucinda Jarvis decided incumbent District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons' re-election petitions were invalid.
Retailers: Tourism lacking
COOPERSTOWN - Cooperstown merchants are hoping the induction of baseball standouts Gary Carter and Eddie Murray this weekend will give their businesses a needed boost.
How old is too old to drive? Opinions vary
ONEONTA — When geriatric specialist Dr. Doug DeLong tells a patient that driving may no longer be a good idea, he knows just how devastating the news can be for the aging motorist.
Reporter's Notebook: Recent storm also brought the gawkers
The severe thunderstorms that blew through Delaware County on Monday brought out the best in people who volunteered to help in the cleanup, but it also brought out a lot of people who wanted to see the damage.
Pataki's keg-law signing welcomed
ALBANY — Calling it a blow to underage drinking, Gov. George Pataki signed legislation Friday requiring the registration and tracking of beer kegs.
Keep it outside now
ONEONTA —On their first day under the statewide smoking ban, some bar owners and bartenders said it was too early to tell what effect it would have on business. "It's been a slow day, but I don't know that I can attribute it to the ban," Herb Ryan, owner of the Broadstreet Tavern in Norwich, said Thursday afternoon about the Clean Indoor Air Act. Some bartenders suggested a reporter call back in a couple weeks or months. While at the Hideaway in Sidney, bartender Ronda DeMorier said customers weren't sticking around as long because they couldn't smoke.
Church looks back on 100 years
Members of the Aldrich Baptist Church celebrate their 100th anniversary as a congregation this weekend.
Society seeks schoolhouse
HARTWICK — Acquisition of a one-room schoolhouse on county Route 11 is being sought by the town's historical association, which owns the building but not the land.
Guilty verdict in rape trial
COOPERSTOWN - After deliberating nine hours Wednesday and Thursday, an Otsego County jury convicted Saverio Mastronardi of statutory rape, sexual abuse and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
First West Nile bird located in Deposit
The area's first appearance of West Nile virus was confirmed Thursday in a Deposit area crow, Delaware County Department of Public Health officials said.
Stained-glass company buys empty Story House property
The former Story House bookbinding and distribution facility in Charlotteville was purchased last week by WRW Studio LLC of Norwich, T.L. Wright Realty in Cobleskill announced.
Fire co. owner arrested on felony charges
HARTWICK — The owner of a fire equipment company in Milford was arrested Thursday for allegedly using another company's marking to re-certify compressed gas cylinders, officials for the U.S. Attorney's office in Binghamton said.
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Smoking ban begins today
ONEONTA - A statewide ban on smoking in the workplace goes into effect today, stamping out butts in bars, restaurants and all but a few businesses. The Clean Indoor Air Act, meant to protect the health of patrons and workers from second-hand smoke, prohibits most indoor smoking in public buildings and businesses. Hamden Inn owner Dan Zale, who has protested the law in the past, said he had no plans to rally against it today and intends to comply with the ban.
Prof gets grant to help with book
ONEONTA — A Hartwick College professor has been awarded a state grant to further her research on a black community that thrived in Westchester County between the late 18th and early 20th centuries.
No verdict reached in teen rape case
COOPERSTOWN - After deliberating about five hours Wednesday, an Otsego County jury was unable to reach a verdict in the case of accused rapist Saverio Mastronardi, 21, of Oneonta.
Feds eyeing local co.
A local fire equipment company is under federal scrutiny for allegedly using another company's marking to re-certify compressed gas cylinders.
Camp Shankitunk takes heavy damage in storm
The storm that slammed Delaware County on Monday left 4-H Camp Shankitunk in shambles and turned surrounding woods into a tangled mass of fractured tree trunks and limbs.
Teacher switch upsets parents
ONEONTA — Three parents of students at Center Street Elementary School told Oneonta school board members Wednesday they disagree with the principal's decision to move a second grade teacher to a different grade next fall.
Bald eagles lose nest
HAMDEN - The bald eagles that had been raising a family of two in a nest in Hamden found themselves homeless following Monday's storm.
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Delaware cleans up after storm
DELHI — The storm that roared through Delaware County at Monday night, felling trees, interrupting electricity, ripping off roofs and flattening cabins, was not a tornado, National Weather Bureau officials said Tuesday. "It wasn't a tornado, it was straight-line winds," said Dan Padavona, National Weather Bureau forecaster. The winds reached 90 to 100 mph, officials said. At a 2 p.m. media conference Tuesday, county Board of Supervisors Chairman James Eisel said he and several other officials toured the county to get an overview of the damage.
Swing dance set
ONEONTA — Those looking to kick up their heels, even people with two left feet, can come out swinging on Saturday.
Power outages remain in Delaware County
DELHI — Some residents in Delaware County may be without power until Thursday or Friday because of storm damage, NYSEG officials said Tuesday.
Oneonta PD full when 3 officers join
ONEONTA — Three local officers are set to enter a police academy in Utica in August and should be ready to fill vacancies at the Oneonta department in six months.
Gibbons election lines in jeopardy
By Friday afternoon, it may be clear whether Otsego will have primary races for county offices this year, as the elections commissioners are slated to rule on objections to nominating petitions. Two such races are pending, as two candidates have filed petitions to run as Republicans for the district attorney and county clerk posts. One candidate in each race, however — those not endorsed by the county's GOP committee — faces challenges to the petitions.
Redemption center targeted again
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Redemption Center suffered two more break-ins during the weekend, bringing the week's total to three.
Home repair grant given
The Western Catskill Community Revitalization Council Inc. in Stamford recently received a state grant to help homeowners, according to spokeswoman Linda Stratigos.
2 Springfield stores struck by thieves
SPRINGFIELD —Money collected in honor of a child with leukemia and other items were stolen in two break-ins Sunday night, state police at Richfield Springs said.
Thunderstorm knocks out area power
Trees and wires were down, blocking roads and causing power outages, but dispatchers reported no injuries during Monday night's thunderstorm in the area.
Woman faces drug, homicide charges
DELHI — A woman scheduled to go to trial in Delaware County on drug charges now faces manslaughter charges in Arizona in the death of her 6-month-old daughter.
Monday, July 21, 2003
Jobs hard to find for area teens
Many local high school and college-age students, looking to line their pockets with summer income, have found it tough to nail down a job. Athena Leverock, 17, who graduated in June from Oneonta High School, said she hasn't been able to find a job despite several applications. "I looked a while ago, in the spring during school," she said. Leverock said she applied to Cooperstown Baseball World and several Main Street Oneonta businesses, but to no avail.
Big gathering held for little planes
GILBERTSVILLE — Hundreds of airplanes took to the sky above Gilbertsville's Polo Field throughout the weekend — yet all the pilots kept their feet on the ground.
New visa rules could delay foreign students
ONEONTA — New visa guidelines that require U.S. consulate officials to more closely monitor foreigners could cause delays in the arrival of students for the fall semester, a local college official said.
State works to reform voting rules
ALBANY — With some $184 million hanging in the balance, a state task force is putting the finishing touches on a plan to reform New York's voting system so that it complies with the new federal Help America Vote Act.
Experts: Plant sap can burn skin
Towering plants with lacy yellow flower clusters are taking over the sides of roads and filling vacant fields. But if you see them, don't touch them, Paul Cerosaletti, Delaware County Cooperative Extension horticulturist, said. "It's wild parsnip, and there is a chemical in the sap that causes burns and blisters when it's exposed to ultraviolet rays in sunlight," Cerosaletti said. "The condition is called phyto-photo-dermatitis. It's every bit as bad as poison ivy — or worse."
Grand jury to hear 7th case
SIDNEY — The cases against all seven people charged in the beating death of Timothy Cutting, 29, of Sidney will be presented to a grand jury, as the final felony hearing was heard in Sidney Village Court on Friday.
Never too old for love
STAMFORD — The bride is planning to wear a raspberry lace gown. The groom is donning a suit for the first time in years, and special white slipcovers are being made for the couple's wheelchairs, as Robinson Terrace gets ready for its first wedding.
Kids give darnedest interviews
Gathering quotes and informational tidbits from kids — say between the ages of 7 and 11 — can be tricky business. They're shy and say precious little, or they realize they're in the spotlight and words spill from their mouths in great torrents.
Shankitunk like a second home for many
DELHI — Newly appointed Cornell Cooperative Extension Director Helene Dillard came to Delaware County on Thursday to the state's oldest continuously operating 4-H camp — and found herself immersed in lore.
4 more sent to jury in Sidney
SIDNEY — Loreen Duffy said she was on the phone last Friday when she heard the news of the murder of Timothy Cutting, 29, and when her son William told her he was at the party where Cutting died. Duffy spoke of that moment shortly after the case against her son was sent to the Delaware County grand jury at his felony hearing Thursday. Duffy was one of seven defendants charged with second-degree murder and first-degree gang assault in the beating death of Cutting. Suspects said the incident began as an underage drinking party and ended with Cutting's death after he made sexually inappropriate remarks to a 15-year-old girl.
Family remembers Cutting as 'lively'
SIDNEY — Shortly after the felony hearing against William Duffy was over, the funeral service for the man he and six others are accused of killing, Timothy Cutting, was ending as well.
SUCO adds to field station
COOPERSTOWN — About 260 acres of farmland donated to SUCO will be developed to expand programming at the school's Biological Field Station in Cooperstown.
Court Oks casinos in N.Y.
ALBANY — Casinos in the Catskills and electronic slot machines at horse-racing tracks are legal under New York's constitution, a state Supreme Court justice ruled Thursday.
Police rewrite noise laws
COOPERSTOWN — Armed with a re-written local law, police will no longer have to listen to a judge dismiss violations because the village noise ordinance was unenforceable.
Man critical after crash
MILFORD — A drug-related, one-car accident Tuesday night on state Route 7 in Milford put Matthew S. Nelson, 40, of Maryland in A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, state police said.
Grand jury gets 2 cases in Sidney killing
SIDNEY — Events that led to the death of Timothy Cutting last week began with some inappropriate comments about a girl, according to testimony from one of the defendants. That and other details of the beating death of Cutting, 29, were released Wednesday during testimony in the first of seven felony hearings for defendants charged with second-degree murder and first-degree gang assault in the killing of the Sidney resident last week. The comments came while people were drinking at a birthday party, according to the statement defendant Scott Crosson, 16, gave investigators the night the body was discovered.
Girl says sexual comments led to fight
SIDNEY — Standing outside the court building Wednesday was a 15-year-old Sidney High School ninth-grader, who wanted to see how her friends fared at their felony hearings.
Sidney water wins local Best Tasting test
DELHI — Sidney's water stood up to the challenge against three other contenders and won the first phase of the 17th annual Best Tasting Water in New York State contest on Wednesday at the Farmer's Market on Courthouse Square in Delhi.
Healthy body, healthy mind
WALTON — Heather Caswell and her white dog, Mollie, run through the streets of Walton on a daily basis — celebrating life.
Bottle theft foils fund-raiser
ONEONTA — When burglars lifted an estimated 14,000 returnable bottles and cans from an Oneonta redemption center on Sunday night, they stole a local Boy Scout Troop's funds, store owners said.
Smooth sailing so far, says 'Wick's Miller
ONEONTA — Hartwick College's newest president says his management style can be found in Chinese Taoist philosopher Lao-Tzu's "On Leadership."
Redistricting tabled by Otsego board
COOPERSTOWN —Otsego County's Intergovernmental Affairs Committee did not take any action on redistricting at Wednesday's meeting.
Board Oks application for grant
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution Wednesday, authorizing Sheriff Thomas Mills to apply for a grant to fund a study of the county's communication system.
Man indicted on larceny charges in Delaware court
DELHI — A Delhi man jailed on a probation violation charge two weeks ago appeared in Delaware County Court on Wednesday for arraignment on a sealed indictment.
Dorms under construction at two area campuses
Major construction projects are in the works this summer at three area state universities. New dorm construction is taking place at the State University College at Oneonta and the State University College of Technology at Delhi, and the building of a new child-care center at the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill marks the most significant construction on campus in several years. Meanwhile, smaller, maintenance-type renovations are on tap for Hartwick College, officials at the Oneonta school said.
Hearings set today for two suspects in Sidney killing
SIDNEY — The combination of alcohol and people acting in groups can be deadly, an area social worker said on the actions of the seven charged in the beating death of Timothy Cutting in Sidney last week.
Artist puts `music' in metal
For one Jefferson artist, inspiration can come from old bicycle seats. "Those, if you look at them upside down, make a great face, with the springs as eyes," Jackson, 55, said. "I realized there's a lot more to bicycles than transportation."
State grant to pay for radon screening
ONEONTA —Otsego County received a $44,000 state grant for radon education and testing, the Otsego Public Health Partnership announced last week.
Seminar celebrates Cooper, daughter
ONEONTA — Area authors James Fenimore Cooper and daughter Susan are the subjects of scholarly presentations this week at the State University College at Oneonta.
Autopsy: Sidney man died of severe head, body trauma
SIDNEY — Police released a cause of death in the slaying of Timothy Cutting on Monday, but said little other information is expected to be released before felony hearings scheduled for later this week.
Few say they know the suspects
SIDNEY — In trying to piece together a better picture of the seven individuals charged in the death of 29-year-old Timothy Cutting, the only thing for certain is that, for most of the people contacted, the seven are largely unknown.
West-Nesbitt no longer home to 23 felines
ONEONTA — The cats have been let out of the mill — all 23 of them. The West-Nesbitt feed mill on Market Street in Oneonta, besides having been a long-standing community business, was home to a colony of feral cats for more than 20 years.
Ten area teens take musical trip to Europe, find much more
A charter bus pulled up to Delaware Academy in Delhi in the opening minutes of Saturday morning. Ten sleepy-eyed teenagers, bags in hands, tumbled off into the waiting grasp of their families. Those students spent the last 17 days on a musical tour of Europe.
Three petitions challenged by Monday
Three challenges to election petitions for Republican candidates for county clerk and district attorney were filed by Monday afternoon, according to the county Board of Elections. Vincent and Margaret Dobler of Milford each filed a challenge against incumbent District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons of Edmeston, according to Betsy Cunero, an election specialist at the board.
STOP-DWI: Community is partially to blame for alcohol-related deaths
Underage drinking has led to two tragic deaths in Delaware County and left eight people facing manslaughter and murder charges in the past two weeks — and the community needs to take responsibility, said Jason Stanton, Delaware County STOP-DWI coordinator.
Seven charged in Sidney murder
SIDNEY — Seven men ranging in age from 16 to 23 were arraigned Saturday on murder charges in the death of 29-year-old Timothy Cutting. Police charged the men with second-degree murder, a class A felony, and first-degree gang assault, a class B felony. The suspects appeared before Justice Walter A. Goodrich of Sidney Village Court. The suspects are being held without bail in Delaware County jail pending felony hearings Wednesday and Thursday, District Attorney Richard Northrup said. If convicted on both counts, each faces a minimum of about 25 years, he said.
Restaurants to serve local fare
Farm-fresh foods will be featured on the bill of fare at five area restaurants and on a special Twilight on the Rails event during the summer celebration of the Taste of the Catskills, according to Amy Kenyon, of the Watershed Agricultural Council.
Finding area products
A website to help people find out where they can find products grown and raised close to home is available at www.FarmToTable.org, said Karen Rauter of the Watershed Agricultural Council.
Residents: Sidney still a save place
SIDNEY — Most of those interviewed this weekend following the murder of Timothy Cutting in Sidney on Thursday or Friday said they still feel safe in the area.
NYC couple set to restore `Twin Sisters'
Two striking Greek revival houses that sit side-by-side on Main Street in Mount Vision are being restored by a couple from New York City.
Program promises summertime fun
DELHI — If you are between the ages of 11 and 14 and you like adventures in the wilderness — the Sun Dog Adventure Program may be just the ticket, according to Ricardo Sierra, program coordinator.
Victim recalled as friendly, responsible
SIDNEY — Walking away from the wooded area Sunday where her uncle was found dead on Friday, 19-year-old Katherine Bowker Cutting of Walton said, "I remember the way he used to smile."
Body found in Sidney
SIDNEY — Sidney police said Friday night they were investigating the suspicious death of a 29-year-old white male found earlier in the day. The body was found about 2 p.m. in a wooded area near the railroad tracks on Cartwright Avenue in the village, by a person walking through the area, Sidney Police Lt. Michael Hood said. The death was suspicious, Hood said, because of the nature of the injuries. He would not explain further.
Officials: West Nile here to stay
Cooler than normal weather is keeping mosquitoes from biting this summer as they normally do, local officials said, which in turn is keeping cases of illness from West Nile virus down.
Oneonta schools to focus on ELAs
ONEONTA — The Oneonta School District will focus next year on improving state-mandated test scores for students with disabilities as part of its overall plan for the 2003-04 school year.
Reporter's Notebook
Discussions about the problems facing the dairy industry often bring comments from area farmers with eyes looking north.
Otsego asks for citizens' input
The town of Otsego is seeking citizen input toward the renovation of its Comprehensive Plan. The plan, last revised 10 years ago, requires a description of the assets and deficits of the town, town officials said.
Dining al fresco is problematic at Portabello's
FLY CREEK - Five tables and 20 chairs are causing commotion in Fly Creek. They're situated under red and blue Budweiser umbrellas, and they constitute the furniture at Portabello's Restaurant's Sidewalk Cafe on state Route 28.
Laurens teen twirls onto team
Amy Preston loves to show off. Standing on the front lawn of her Laurens home Tuesday, she pulled on a pair of fingerless leather gloves and picked up a white wooden rifle. She calls it her baby. A hand on each end, she wrenched it twirling into the air, far above her head. She watched it peak, come spinning down and smack squarely into her waiting hands. The strap and its fittings snapped as they slapped her gloves. Such moves have earned her a chance to shine on a national level as one of the youngest members of the Syracuse Brigadiers, a choreographed drum, bugle and color guard corps.
Oneonta's 6th Ward to have primary
ONEONTA — In the races for Common Council, Sixth Ward Alderman Michael Nader will face a challenger, Gerard Webster, in a primary Sept. 9.
Races are on for Otsego DA, clerk
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County may have three primary races this summer, as Republican candidates for district attorney, county clerk and the District 2 seat on the county board have filed election petitions. The deadline for filing with the Elections Board was 5 p.m. Thursday.
Delaware to see 3 supervisor races
DELHI — Three Delaware County supervisors will face challengers in the Sept. 9 primary election, and three towns will have new supervisors in January.
Union expected to OK strike
ONEONTA — Area Verizon employees were expected Thursday to authorize their national union to strike against the company, should current contract negotiations fail.
Chenango features races for the fall
With Thursday's deadline for submitting petitions for Chenango County and town elections, a few races are shaping up.
Report: Area plants among those giving off toxins
SIDNEY — Amphenol Corp. in Sidney and DMV International in Fraser are among area facilities listed in a federal report on 2001 toxic emissions permitted to be released into the environment.
Police sting leads to two arrests
Two convenience store clerks were arrested Wednesday afternoon after allegedly selling beer to a 17-year-old during an underage alcohol purchase sting, the Otsego County Sheriff's Office announced.
Thursday, July 10, 2003
AmeriCorps could receive more money
ONEONTA — Local AmeriCorps programs facing funding cuts could see some relief after an additional $100 million for the program was approved in committee Wednesday afternoon. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved President Bush's supplemental appropriations request and voted unanimously for an amendment — offered by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. — adding $100 million for the cash-strapped program. The full Senate could vote on the bill in the next week or two. The additional funding would prevent the loss of 20,000 volunteers under cuts announced in June by AmeriCorps' umbrella agency.
Edmeston school to present $6.25M expansion plan
EDMESTON - The school board of Edmeston Central School has proposed a $6.25 million project to expand the school's grounds and building, Dave Rowley, school superintendent, said Wednesday.
Delhi family plays together in Greek drama
FRANKLIN — When lights go up at the Franklin Stage Company this summer, three members of a Delhi family will be part of the performance of a classic Greek drama.
Oneonta B&Bs may join forces
ONEONTA —Those in the accommodations field stand to gain by sticking together, according to a couple of local business owners.
Area hospitals: Not seeing blood shortage
Blood shortages on the national level caused the Red Cross to issue an emergency group appeal Tuesday, but some local hospitals say their supplies are not below normal.
Privacy laws limit ridership on Otsego buses
COOPERSTOWN - New federal regulations meant to protect patients' confidentiality are keeping some riders off Otsego County's bus system. The federal medical privacy law that took effect in April prohibits health-care providers from disclosing much patient information to people other than the patients themselves. The intent of the regulations, which stems from the Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act of 1996, is to protect patients from those who might use their health records against them.
St. Mary's School seek tuition increase
ONEONTA — Parents of students at St. Mary's Roman Catholic School will be asked to consider paying a dollar a day more in tuition for 2003-04, school officials said Tuesday.
Fox wins national recognition
ONEONTA —A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital was lauded for exceeding patient expectations and for performance in ambulatory surgery care, Director of Community Affairs Maggie Barnes announced Tuesday.
Becker: DEP out of jurisdiction
DELHI — County Judge Carl Becker ruled Thursday the New York City DEP police department doesn't have jurisdiction in Delaware County.
Dems unveil plans
ONEONTA — Local Democrats met Tuesday night at Sego Cafe & Wine Bar to announce new candidates running for Oneonta City and Otsego County positions.
Grant to give rides to seniors
DELHI — The Delaware County Office for the Aging has received a grant to help seniors receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy with transportation, according to Director Tom Briggs.
West-Nesbitt's story coming to end
ONEONTA — The metallic "brrraaapp" of a jackhammer Monday morning signaled the final chapter of West-Nesbitt's history, as demolition began on the Market Street feed mill. The 78-year-old mill will be dismantled throughout the coming weeks to make way for a performing arts center. The mill — which used to produce tens of thousands of tons of animal feed each year — was one of Oneonta's long-standing businesses, operating for 71 years. In 1996 West-Nesbitt closed its doors amid safety and economic concerns, a week after an employee died in an accident.
Pataki names Lipari clerk in Otsego
Cynthia Lipari, a Republican candidate for Otsego County clerk, was appointed to the post Monday by Republican Gov. George Pataki.
Milford looks to get technical
A grant recently awarded to Milford Central School will bring high-tech research tools to students and the community.
Former clerk charged with felonies rejoins village
Lynette Dibble, who was Richfield Springs' village clerk until February when she was charged with two felonies in connection with bookkeeping for a local club, is working for the village again on a part-time basis.
Aldermen get ready for election
ONEONTA — Candidates wishing to run for spots on the Oneonta Common Council face deadlines to file petitions in Cooperstown.
Otsego County races simmer
COOPERSTOWN - Candidates for Otsego County clerk and district attorney must file petitions with the county Board of Elections Office this week, with a deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday.
Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape
DELHI — A Unadilla man found guilty of first-degree rape following a four-day trial in Delaware County Court in January was trembling and had tears running down his cheeks as he was sentenced in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Southside 'bumper-to-bumper'
ONEONTA - Congested is a popular word. While opinions varied as to the severity of the problem, many used the term this week when asked to describe traffic through the Southside. The Department of Transportation is slated to begin a capital improvement project in 2006 to ease the situation. But in the meantime, the retail district keeps expanding, with the addition of two large stores —Home Depot and Lowe's —plannedin the next couple of years. "I'm really surprised (by the traffic). You figure you're up in the country," said Laurie Bullock, 53, of Ashburn, Va. Bullock said she travels to Oneonta once or twice a month to visit her boyfriend.
Paintings of Meridale to remain in area
DELHI — Four paintings depicting early 20th-century Meridale were donated to the Delaware County Historical Association by the artist's granddaughter, said Tim Duerden, director of the association.
Area group takes religion abroad
ONEONTA — A group of area missionaries traded in celebrating the Fourth of July this year for church-building in Cambodia.
None injured in fire at Amphenol
SIDNEY —A fire broke out in an Amphenol plant building Sunday afternoon, but no one was injured and the building is still operational, fire officials said.
Strawberries help to sweeten the summer
HARTWICK SEMINARY — What's the best way to raise strawberries? "On a spoon," Paul Ingalls, a second-generation area strawberry grower, says, only half-jokingly. Ingalls, who has spent nearly 30 years growing and selling the popular summertime berry on his farm in Hartwick Seminary, said he's in a tricky, risky, but ultimately rewarding business. On a sun-soaked afternoon earlier this week, Ingalls took a breather from running his stand on Route 28 to talk the finer points of the fruit of his labor.
Dairy cooperatives OK scaled-down plan
A scaled-back dairy program was passed Thursday by a national group of milk cooperatives, even as farmers saw signs of a break in record-low prices, officials said.
Local weather observer hands over the reins
DELHI — After almost four decades of monitoring Delhi's rain, snow and temperature fluctuations, John Bramley has passed the official thermometer to his neighbor, Jim Brundege.
For years, it was up with weather
At 8 a.m. every day for the past 39 years and four months, John Bramley has checked the precipitation and temperature highs and lows from the day before.
Farrell focused on Zim's vacancy
ONEONTA —Seventh Ward Alderman Sean Farrell said he'd like to see another retail store replace Zim's, when the long-lived shoe store departs the end of this month.
Hanford Mills holds 'old-fashioned' 4th
EAST MEREDITH — People looking for a way to celebrate the Fourth of July at a slower pace found just that at the Hanford Mills Museum on Friday.
State pork hangs in limbo
ALBANY — Despite an agreement in the state budget to set aside $200 million for pork-barrel projects, the money is being held up in a battle between legislative leaders and the governor.
Teen charged in fatal crash
FRANKLIN — An Oneonta man was arraigned in Franklin Town Court on Wednesday on manslaughter and other charges related to a crash that killed David G. Allen, 18. Michael Driggs, 18, was charged with one felony count each of criminally negligent homicide and second-degree vehicular manslaughter. He was also charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, and failure to keep right, a traffic violation, Delaware County Sheriff Thomas Mills said.
Summer program offers breath of fresh air
Two boys took off running through a grove of maples in the back yard of a rural Oneonta home. They scrambled under an electric fence into a field and stopped, just inside. Wide grins spread on their faces.
LWV urges Otsego to adopt 9-member board
COOPERSTOWN - The presidents of the League of Women Voters of the Oneonta Area and the Otsego County Chamber urged the Otsego County Board of Representatives to put a nine-member-board redistricting plan on the November ballot.
Ice Cream Run, Olde Home Day join forces
HAMDEN — The ninth annual Ice Cream Motorcycle Run for Kids' Sake and the eighth annual Hamden Olde Home Day have joined together to present a full day of activities Saturday.
Otsego may consolidate nursing, close office in Oneonta
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County's Public Health Nursing Service may soon operate out of one office instead of two, according to Eugene Wells, chairman of the county's Health, Education and Agriculture Committee.
Week provides pilot a rough ride
DELANCEY — A pilot who made an emergency landing without incident Thursday wasn't so lucky when he tried to take off again Tuesday. David Snyder, 73, of Doylestown, Pa., flew into a tree, knocking a wing off his plane, when he tried to take off from the same abandoned airstrip where he landed last week, according to Alex Gielskie, who owns the property where the incident occurred.
Family gives back to Worcester school
Members of a Worcester family whose 12 siblings graduated from Worcester Central School between 1940 and 1960 are giving back to their alma mater.
City being sued
ONEONTA — A city ordinance is under scrutiny as a landlord filed suit in state supreme court trying to get the city to allow him to rent to more than three unrelated people.
Milk plan scaled back
The plan by national milk producers to shrink the milk supply as a way of breaking a cycle of low prices has been scaled back to get more support, officials said Tuesday.
Council approves `Glorious' event
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Common Council on Tuesday night approved the Catskill Choral Society's motion to hold a garage sale on Main Street but said the society must adhere to some requirements.
Charges pending in fatal accident
DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said charges are pending in the fatal accident in which David G. Allen, 18, died Saturday morning.
Groups decry delay on fire-safe cigarettes
ALBANY — State anti-smoking groups Monday blasted the tobacco industry and Gov. George Pataki's administration for missing today's deadline to begin enforcing a law meant to make cigarettes safer. By today, the state was supposed to have regulations in place ensuring cigarettes sold in New York were less likely to start fires. Instead, it could be another six months before that happens, and six months more before the tobacco industry would need to fully comply.
Dog dies in wreck
ONEONTA —A poodle drowned when a sports utility vehicle was accidentally driven into a pond on Upper East Street on Monday afternoon.
SUNY trustees go with $950 ceiling on tuition hike
ALBANY — State University of New York trustees Monday overwhelmingly approved a $950-per-year tuition hike for in-state undergraduate students — an amount opponents called "whopping" despite being far less than the board's initial recommendation.
Area 4-H members pitch in at Otsego fairgrounds
MORRIS - When fairgoers come to Martin Hall at the Otsego County fairgrounds this summer, they'll find the inside spruced up, thanks to local 4-H Club members.
State Do Not Call list goes federal
Area residents who have previously signed up for the state Do Not Call Registry are automatically enrolled in the new federal program that started Friday, officials said.
Grant freshens seafood shop
BLOOMVILLE — More than 300 live lobsters waved their claws in a converted milk storage tank as Mike Dacey talked about how his business has grown since he began delivering fresh fish in a van 16 years ago.
Open-air venue completed
BINNEKILL PARK — A community open-air amphitheater officially opened on Main Street in Margaretville on Monday.
