Hurt soldier home to heal
A 1996 Richfield Springs High School graduate is home recuperating from injuries in a ambush in Baghdad on July 8, family and army officials said. Ryan Elliott, 25, of Columbia was team sergeant with the Army's 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, working near Baghdad, when the Humvee he was driving, with two other soldiers and civilian interpreter passengers, came under fire, according to accounts provided by the Army. "People ask me, `Was I scared when it happened?'" he said on Thursday from his parent's home, where he is about halfway through a 30-day medical leave, according to army officials.
Local soldiers' parents view war differently
For a couple of parents living in the area, having children serving with the armed forces in Iraq has brought differing views on the fighting there.
Bees killed; owner, 11, not quitting
Three days after finding thousands of bees in his blue-ribbon exhibit at the New York State Fair dead, 11-year-old James Johnson "J.J." Goblet of Schoharie said he will not be discouraged from continuing his hobby.
Former pastor, wife to be honored
ONEONTA — Retired Oneonta minister William Bouton and his wife, Sylvia, will be recognized next month by Opportunities For Otsego for their years of community service.
Town history on display in Delaware
Delaware County's towns will have an opportunity to showcase the things that make them special, thanks to Patrick Grimes, the new county historian.
Six Icelanders stop in Meredith
MEREDITH — Six Icelandic horses that flew in from Iceland on Monday are now staying at a Meredith farm while they wait to demonstrate their toelt gait when they perform on the ice in Albany next week.
Disaster aid to be available
ALBANY — Delaware County was declared eligible for federal disaster assistance Friday to help homeowners and businesses pay for damage caused by a series of late July storms that rocked parts of upstate New York.
Storms knock out power across area
Lightning and strong winds from a storm that passed through the area Friday are being blamed for power blackouts that hit several towns and villages in the area, said an official with New York State Electric & Gas Corp.
No one hurt in accident
ONEONTA — A two-car accident on West Street occurred Friday at 2 p.m., Oneonta police said. There were no injuries
Four hurt in two-car crash
A two-car accident in Delhi on Friday afternoon sent four people to the hospital, Delaware County deputies said. The accident occurred at about 2:20 p.m., deputies said, on Meeker Turn, south of the village of Delhi on state Route 28.
Pataki: More jobs projected for Otsego
ALBANY — Gov. George Pataki said Thursday more than 400 new jobs will be created in the Oneonta area, under a plan approved by the state that redraws the boundaries of Otsego County's Empire Zone. The revisions, which the county has sought for more than two months, will include replacing 282 acres in the zone with land elsewhere that has greater potential for economic development.
Bainbridge to feature music, vendors
Organizers are putting the final touches on two days of entertainment for this year's Bainbridge Days, to be held today and Saturday at sites in and around the village park.
Woman pleads innocent to animal cruelty
SIDNEY — A woman arrested for 62 counts of animal cruelty in July pleaded innocent to the charges Thursday in Sidney Town Court.
Local part of telethon begins Sunday
ONEONTA — A national telethon to raise money for the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association this weekend will again have a local angle.
Giving the gift of life — and 120 pints of it
DELHI — When Robert Peet donated blood Thursday, he didn't set any records — but he did reach a personal milestone of donating 15 gallons of blood.
Got RPM? Dairy drink, that is ...
MILFORD —The first batch of a carbonated-milk beverage geared towards teenagers and young adults rolled off the production lines of Mac Farms on Wednesday. The makers of Refreshing Power Milk, or RPM, said they plan to market the new drink to teens, young adults and women as a healthy alternative to sports and non-nutritional fluid replacement beverages. RPM is "intended to be the Gatorade of milk," said Mary Ann Clark, a registered nurse and Mac Farms' vice president for technical services.
Shoes show style in benefit exhibit
WEST KORTRIGHT — These shoes may have originally been made for walking, but they have evolved into whimsical works of art.
Hamlet gets help
Twenty-four East Worcester residences will get free upgrades, thanks to a $400,000 grant Otsego County received this week.
Resort plan meets resistance from residents of Titus Lake
HARPERSFIELD — A group of property owners has joined forces to stop a resort development from spoiling the pristine beauty of Titus Lake, said Deb Sellevold, who lives on the Harpersfield lake.
Three schools delay opening
Several area schools will delay opening because of work on building projects, officials said Tuesday. Rex Hurlburt, Unatego Central School superintendent, said the Sept. 3 planned opening will be postponed to Sept. 8 because of time needed for asbestos abatement at all campuses and delays in obtaining materials for the elementary schools. Sidney Central School has announced similar delays because of asbestos abatement.
OHS SAT score higher than national
ONEONTA — Oneonta High School Principal Scott Rabeler said he isn't surprised students in the class of 2003 scored higher than the national average on the SAT exam.
Teens tour abroad in summer program
ONEONTA — Last month, 34 high schoolers from upstate New York took off for Europe and spent three weeks as student ambassadors.
Federal grant to help area businesses
A block grant totaling $363,000 from the federal government that was announced this week will get a new Otsego County agriculture and business program off the ground.
In court, teenager protests DNA test
DELHI — A Meridale teenager charged with robbing Smoker's Choice in Delhi on Feb. 13 and setting a fire at Delaware Academy on May 22 appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday to protest a request for DNA testing.
Court gives teen 'youthful' status
DELHI — A teenager charged with breaking into the Moose Lodge in Sidney was granted youthful offender status in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Local artists receive grants
Four local artists have received a total of $2,320 through the Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts' Special Opportunity Stipend Program.
College students arrive
ONEONTA — State University College at Oneonta sophomore Noelle Hilliard said she and her roommate love the set-up of their third-floor dorm room in Hulbert Hall. Her parents, Kent and Judy Hilliard of Garrison, are equally thrilled. A year ago, the couple had to schlep a truckload of their daughter's belongings up six flights. "It was terrible," Judy Hilliard said Monday morning, as she and her husband prepared to move Noelle in for the fall semester.
Police to increase patrols in Oneonta
ONEONTA — After a summer of relative quiet on bar-lined Water Street in Oneonta, police patrols in the downtown area and in the neighborhoods will be stepped up with the influx of college students.
Four murder defendants arraigned
DELHI — Four of the seven men charged in the July 12 beating death of Timothy Cutting appeared for continued arraignments in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Sales-tax exemption may up sales
ONEONTA —Shoppers can pinch a few more pennies this week, as a sales-tax exemption on clothing and shoes goes into effect today.
Districts, ambulances can now contract
ALBANY — Fire districts, and not just municipal governments, can now contract with private ambulance companies to provide emergency medical services under a bill signed into law last week.
Fund-raiser a success
The 42nd annual New Berlin Youth Days was a success, said committee president Larissa Hanslmaier, one of a group of 10 who helped organize the event in the village, on Monday.
City job program builds tolerance
ONEONTA — Beneath a cool canopy of leaves Thursday morning, in the wooded stream flats of Wilber park, 17 teenagers mixed cement, shoveled paths and carted away dead limbs. The first members of a new youth employment program, administered by the city of Oneonta, they had worked in the park since June. Max Mueller, a 23-year-old Oneonta native, and Will Gibson, 21, of Cooperstown shared responsibility as project leaders throughout the summer.
Winter may be another white whopper
Button up the overcoats, the Northeast might be in for a another bitter — and white — winter, at least according to one traditional source.
Historian keeps the stories alive
MIDDLEFIELD — A town's past is reawakened in the pictures and pages of a historian's new book, "Middlefield: Otsego Lake's Eastern Shore."
Daily Star writers win awards
ONEONTA — The Daily Star won three awards in the 2002-03 writing contest sponsored by the New York State Associated Press Association, the AP announced Thursday.
Retiree goes back to school
ONEONTA — Former Delaware County public school administrator John Burkhart says he looks forward to his new role as principal at St. Mary's Roman Catholic School.
Mars closest it's been in 60,000 years
ONEONTA —It's the red planet, the Roman god of war, and the inspiration for a slew of science fiction books and movies. All this month, Mars is closer to Earth than at any time in the past 60,000 years, shining brighter than any other celestial body except the moon and Venus. On Wednesday, at its nearest, Mars will be 34.6 million miles from Earth - and it won't be that close again until Aug. 28, 2287.
Delhi Tech names scholars
DELHI — Nine Delaware County graduates have been named Presidential Scholars and will receive a full tuition scholarship at Delhi Tech, according to college officials.
Reporter's Notebook
In a story this week, relatives of 8-year-old Andrew Burch of New York Mills said they were proud of the little boy's courage under pressure.
Benefit set for girl, 13, who has leukemia
HAMDEN — Hamden residents have joined forces to hold a fund-raiser on Saturday for the family of a 13-year-old girl who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
Delaware Republican picnic planned as community affair
DELHI — The annual Delaware County Republican Picnic has a new location and a new mission — to celebrate the county's men and women who have served or are serving in the armed forces.
Clerk's office grows tense
COOPERSTOWN - Morale and performance have gotten worse in the Otsego County Clerk's Office since Cynthia Lipari was appointed clerk last month, according to most of her staff and some county residents. Lipari, however, insists that isn't the case. Claire Kepner, account clerk-typist in the clerk's office, says Lipari has done poorly at both managing staff and serving the public. "We used to be allowed to help people a lot more," Kepner said. "Then Cindy told us that we can show people where the deed and mortgage books are, but they're supposed to do the work themselves.
Vets will wait until '04 for new vans in Otsego
ONEONTA —County vans that take veterans to the VA medical center in Albany are on their last legs, but there aren't funds in this year's budget to replace them, county officials said this week.
Petitions lead to Delaware races
Following the filing of independent nominating petitions, a race for Davenport supervisor emerged and several candidates guaranteed themselves positions on the ballot in the general election. The deadline to file petitions was 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Brown guilty on all counts
COOPERSTOWN - An Otsego County jury convicted James Brown on Wednesday of first-degree assault, first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree robbery and second-degree kidnapping. The verdicts came after a more-than two-week trial at which jurors were told Brown kidnapped a girl in downtown Binghamton on Aug. 30, forced her to have sex with him, burned her eyes with a cigarette lighter, stabbed her repeatedly in the face, took her purse and then pushed her out of his car, naked and bleeding, by the Schenevus exit of Interstate 88.
City changes parking rules
ONEONTA — Motorists parking downtown will need to take another look before leaving their cars, as parking rules are set to change next month.
Students jump for school supplies
ONEONTA — Local elementary school students can thank a group of young jump-ropers for some of the calculators, glue sticks and loose leaf paper they'll be using this fall.
Delhi Ames plaza may have new anchor store
A real-estate company has petitioned the Village of Delhi to annex 20 acres adjacent to Ames Plaza to accommodate the possible construction of a supermarket, town and village officials said.
County board passes bridge, gun resolutions
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors dealt with guns on county property and a controversial Bloomville bridge project Wednesday.
School program costs to double
ONEONTA — A potential lack of state funding may mean parents of students in the after-school program will have to pay what amounts to a $350-a-year enrollment fee.
Sidney schools opening delayed
SIDNEY — The Sidney School District's school year will begin a week later than originally scheduled, Superintendent Dominic Nuciforo said Wednesday.
Otsego jury deadlocked on two counts
COOPERSTOWN — An Otsego County jury declared a deadlock Tuesday night on two robbery charges against James Brown, 36, of Milford. In a note sent to Otsego County Judge Michael Coccoma at about 8:45 p.m., jurors stated they had agreed to a verdict on charges of assault, rape, sodomy and kidnapping but did not believe they could come to a verdict on two charges of first-degree robbery. At the judge's insistence, the jury let him know only that it had agreed to verdicts on the several charges but did not disclose what the decisions.
Overseas Internet scam targets local couple
ONEONTA — An Otego couple advertising puppies for sale over the Internet was allegedly swindled this month out of $5,000 by a person claiming he wanted to buy one of the dogs.
Hartwick sells Stonehouse farm
ONEONTA — Hartwick College officials Tuesday announced plans to sell the campus' Stonehouse farm property on state Route 7 to a senior housing developer.
Oneonta police department may expand
ONEONTA — The Oneonta police force could be a few members stronger following Tuesday night's Common Council meeting.
Dead bird found in Unadilla
When Chuck Fisk and his wife found a dead crow in their yard in Unadilla on Monday morning, he called the state Health Department.
Brown admits attack, denies rape
COOPERSTOWN - James Brown testified in Otsego County Court on Monday that he did not kidnap, rape, sodomize or rob a 15-year-old Binghamton girl Aug. 30. But he did stab her with a pocket knife, burn her face with a cigarette lighter and push her out of his car, naked, by Interstate 88, he said. According to Brown, who is charged with assault, rape, sodomy, robbery and kidnapping, the encounter began about 12:30 a.m. when he stopped at a Hess Mart in downtown Binghamton.
N.Y. politicians charge up on energy matters
ALBANY — Long overshadowed by issues such as drug-law reform, terrorism and a statewide smoking ban, New York's energy policy has been thrust into the spotlight by Thursday's historic blackout.
Cooperstown's residents and business owners add to village's beauty
The residents of Cooperstown are helping the village put on a pretty face. The judges of this year's Clark Foundation Beautification Contest commended home and business owners for their use of color and choice of plants in gardens, hanging baskets and window boxes.
Programs set to help citizens save energy
Just days before the largest blackout in history, a state agency sent out a four-page brochure highlighting its energy-saving programs.
For farmers, 'A hard year'
Many area farmers said last week they were using the first extended break of sunny weather in a while to catch up on their haying. Farmers and farm officials say they are wondering what to expect from a season that began with a colder-than-normal May and continued with above-average rains each month. "It's been a hard year," said Milford farmer Paul Naujeck, who sells hay and corn he grows on about 500 acres.
Main Street loan program gets grant
Wilber National Bank has partnered with Otsego County to provide more funds to a county loan program that helps Main Street businesses get a facelift, the planning department announced last week.
Prosecutor rests case in rape trial
COOPERSTOWN - The 16-year-old girl who says James Brown raped and stabbed her last Aug. 30 was cross-examined most of the morning Friday, and by the end of the day, Otsego County District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons rested his case. The girl had testified Thursday that she sneaked out of her second-story bedroom window in Binghamton late Aug. 29 by climbing down knotted sheets.
Lights working locally; cutbacks encouraged
The lights were back on — with some burning more dimly than others — throughout the area by Friday morning after a massive power outage hit the Northeast on Thursday, according to energy local officials.
Margaretville woman to be named Citizen of Year
A 94-year-old woman who has dedicated countless hours to volunteering and raising money for Margaretville Memorial Hospital will be thanked for her efforts at the Harvest Moon Ball on Oct. 4, said Deborah Muise, corporate communications director.
Children by the hundreds reading
A number of summer library activities are being supported this year by a program from the state Education Department aimed at getting 1 million children reading.
Writers' group to celebrate book publication
Writers in the Mountains will celebrate the publication of "Out of Our Minds," a collection of members' works, during a reception at the Roxbury Arts Group from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24.
Outages spotty throughout area
ONEONTA — The power outage that began shortly after 4 p.m. on Thursday kept many area towns dark well into the night. Many outlying towns, including Walton, Sidney and Downsville didn't have power as of 11 p.m. Thursday and parts of Oneonta, Cobleskill and Norwich also were without power. In Oneonta, lower Main Street had electricity, as did parts of Chestnut Street and the Southside, but Main Street's business district and many nearby residences did not.
Accuser tells of brutal ordeal
COOPERSTOWN - A 16-year-old girl testified in Otsego County Court on Thursday that James Brown raped her, jabbed a hot cigarette lighter into one of her eyes, then stabbed her repeatedly in the face before he pushed her, naked, out of his car in the early-morning hours of Aug. 30.
Area banks: We're secure
ONEONTA —Following the robbery of a Worcester bank earlier this week, a couple of local banks said they feel their security measures are adequate.
Reunion preserves Walton friendships
WALTON — A group of 70-something Walton High School alumni gathered for lunch Tuesday to put the finishing touches on the plans for their 60th high school reunion.
Delhi team cooks up a gold medal
The Delhi Tech culinary team won a gold medal at the American Culinary Federation's National Student Team Championship in Washington last month.
Politician speaks in Otsego
COOPERSTOWN - Michael Benjamin, candidate for the Republican and Conservative party's nominations for the United States Senate, was the guest speaker Wednesday at the Otsego County Women's Republican Club's luncheon and fashion show.
Boy builds boardwalk for Davenport bog
DAVENPORT — Thanks to a recently completed scouting project, the fragile environment around an area bog should be protected from visitors. When Alex Vogler needed an idea for an Eagle Scout project, his mother, an assistant professor of biology at the State University at Oneonta, provided the source. Donna Vogler uses the Emmons Pond Bog in Davenport, which is owned by Nature Conservancy, for ecology class field trips.
Juror absence delays trial
COOPERSTOWN - The jury in James Brown's rape-assault trial was sent home Wednesday morning without hearing testimony because one juror's husband is in the hospital.
No more babies to be delivered at DVH
WALTON — As of 5 p.m. Aug. 29, babies will no longer be delivered at Delaware Valley Hospital, Dotti Kruppo, director of community relations, said Wednesday, and emergency surgeries will cease at the same time.
Area job rate grows
ALBANY — Otsego and Delaware counties had modest job growth in 2002, but the Southern Tier as a whole remains in the economic doldrums, according to a state comptroller's report released Wednesday.
Events to aid cancer victims
ONEONTA —Three separate fund-raisers will be held in Otsego County this Saturday —each aiming to help cancer patients in its own way.
No arrests yet in Charter One theft
WORCESTER —Otsego deputies are continuing their search for the man who robbed the Charter One Bank in Worcester on Tuesday morning.
Chairman to run for Otsego town supervisor
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego Town Planning Board Chairman Tom Breiten announced his candidacy Wednesday for the Republican nomination for Otsego town supervisor.
Councilman: Road projects half done
WEST ONEONTA — More than half of the town's 14 road construction projects are complete, Councilman Carleton Delameter Wednesday at the Oneonta Town Board's meeting.
Bank robbed in Worcester again
WORCESTER —A branch of Charter One Bank robbed in 2002 was hit again Tuesday morning. A lone, armed man stole an undetermined amount of money from the bank at 141 Main St., said Sgt. Richard Devlin Jr. of the Otsego County Sheriff's Office. The same branch was robbed Jan. 27, 2002. The man, armed with a handgun, entered the bank and ordered the tellers to the floor, deputies said. One teller who did not immediately respond was struck on the side of the head by the man and knocked to the floor.
Juror's absence delays trial
COOPERSTOWN - Testimony in James Brown's kidnapping-rape-assault-sodomy-robbery trial stopped abruptly late Tuesday morning when a juror received a telephone call about a family emergency.
Some parents eager to spend child credit
ONEONTA — Beth Moakler and her three children ventured into the Oneonta Wal-Mart's school supply aisles Tuesday and cut through their long list of necessities.
Teen won't face kidnapping charges
DELHI — A Meridale teenager charged with robbing Smoker's Choice in Delhi on Feb. 13 and setting a fire at Delaware Academy on May 22 will not face kidnapping charges, said defense attorney Michael Jacobs.
Witnesses go before jury
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County Court on Monday, a tractor-trailer driver from Wisconsin related how he found a 15-year-old girl naked on Interstate 88 in the early morning hours of Aug. 30 last year. Gary McKeel, who works for Roehl Transport, said he was driving west on the highway at about 3 a.m. when "I noticed a girl in the median. She was naked and waving her arms." McKeel's testimony came during the trial of James Brown, 36, of Portlandville.
Oneonta man donates kidney to woman
ONEONTA — Robert Apicella says he knows what it's like to care about people who are less fortunate than himself.
Groups to help senior citizens
ONEONTA — Two area organizations are teaming up to help senior citizens learn to recognize and fight consumer fraud.
Hospitals get funds from state
ONEONTA —Area hospitals will receive more than $1.6 million in grants this year through a rural health care program, Gov. George E. Pataki announced Monday.
Few children eating free lunches
SIDNEY — The same program that provides free lunches and breakfasts in schools during the academic year also offers nutritionally balanced meals for children during the summer. But with just a few sponsoring agencies providing the service, only a fraction of the students eligible are served. "You can't expect children to be nutritionally ready for September if they haven't had a nutritionally good meal (during the summer)," said Frances O'Donnell, coordinator of the child nutrition program of the state Education Department, which administers the Summer Food Service Program.
Area Episcopal clergy opposed to gay bishops
ONEONTA —Area Episcopal clergy said they disagreed with the approval of the church's first openly-gay bishop, while some parishioners declined to comment, often stating they hadn't made up their minds on the issue.
Bruno's cancer shocks area lawmakers
ALBANY — The Oneonta region's state senators Friday reacted with shock to the news that Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno is battling prostate cancer, but expressed optimism that the Rensselaer County Republican would beat the disease and continue to lead the legislature's upper house.
Conflict forces gun show move
WALTON — A gun show that drew more than 9,000 people to the Delaware County Fairgrounds last Labor Day weekend won't be held in Walton this year, according to Carmen Olsen, show organizer.
4 indicted on murder charges
DELHI — Four of seven men arraigned in Delaware County Court on Friday face murder, manslaughter and gang assault charges in the July 12 beating death of Timothy Cutting in Sidney. A Delaware County grand jury handed up indictments Thursday evening, and the three other defendants were indicted on charges ranging from second-degree manslaughter to endangering the welfare of a child.
Police testify in rape trial
COOPERSTOWN - James Brown repeatedly stabbed a 15-year-old girl in the face after burning her with his cigarette lighter, raping and sodomizing her, Otsego County District Attorney William "Jack" Gibbons said Friday.
Referral service set to help
A new referral service aims to make it easier for people starting a business in the Catskills.
Low-income housing program gets grant
ONEONTA — Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Counties has received more than $50,000 to partially fund its low-income housing program.
Private Drawers goes public
A lingerie store has opened on Main Street in Oneonta. Private Drawers, located at the former Elena's Tuscan Market, opened for business July 20, according to owner M.D. Poole. The store features Brazilian, American and European lingerie, displayed in antique furniture, which is also for sale.
Bassett to expand community screening
COOPERSTOWN —Bassett Healthcare plans to expand its Community Heart Program to reach people with less access to medical care, and the family members of those with early heart disease, the program's directors said Friday.
Blueberry season a family affair
Vicky Bennett is standing in the grass, her chubby fingers wrapped around the wire handle of a nearly empty cardboard box. She is looking up at her mother; several feet of bushes with glossy, green leaves; blue sky dotted with cotton-ball clouds. There is a soft plop as her mother drops a large blueberry into the box. Vicky looks down, selects a berry and pops it into her mouth.
Schumer: Milk price stabilization bill drafted
A draft of legislation to help farmers achieve a stable milk price has recently been completed, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced Friday. The Senate is expected to consider the legislation this fall.
Friday, August 8, 2003
Jury picked in rape case
COOPERSTOWN - A jury has been selected in the trial of James Brown, a 36-year-old man who is accused of kidnapping, assaulting, robbing, raping and sodomizing a 15-year-old girl last Aug. 30. The trial is scheduled to resume at 1:30 p.m. today with instructions by Otsego County Judge Michael Coccoma.
Fire in Morris home kills woman; family away
A fire swept through a mobile home on state Route 23 early Thursday morning, killing a 42-year-old town of Morris woman, Otsego County fire officials said.
Youths dominate fair fine-arts competition
Floral Hall, a display barn at Otsego County Fairgrounds in Morris, more than lived up to its name this year, bursting with flower, produce, culinary and craft entries. Richard Ballard, director of Floral Hall, said 2003 was a bumper year for entries, especially from youths.
Bulldozer stolen in Cooperstown
What's big and yellow and on the lam? A large bulldozer stolen earlier this week from a construction site in Cooperstown. A 2000 John Deere 650H LGP bulldozer was stolen from the corner of Maple Street and state Route 28, said Philip Hale, president and owner of Utica-based Marcy Excavation.
State: Armory weapons collection is ours
New York State Military Museum officials said Thursday a weapons collection taken from the Oneonta armory is state property and should be displayed at the museum.
Arts festival set for Saturday in city
ONEONTA —The first City of the Hills Arts Festival will be held Saturday on Main Street. Organizers hope to draw some 3,000 to Main Street downtown, where close to 50 artists will be selling their work, festival coordinator Kathleen Frascatore said.
Otsego board buys 56 PCs
COOPERSTOWN — The Otsego County Board of Representatives considered issues about the solid-waste authority and approved computer purchases this week.
Hodges pond derby coming on Thursday
ONEONTA — Fish in Hodges Pond, beware of Aug. 14. That's when the Oneonta Recreation Department will have its 46th Annual Fishing Derby in Neahwa Park. The event is open to children between the ages of 5 and 16, and fish of any age.
Collection ownership contested
ONEONTA — An arms collection formerly housed at the Oneonta armory has become the focus of a city investigation. Over the past seven months, the city worked with the New York State Office of General Services to obtain the Academy Street building, culminating in a transfer of keys July 28. But before the ownership transfer was complete, the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs had the arms collection removed and placed in a newly opened war museum in Saratoga Springs.
11 on jury in rape trial
COOPERSTOWN - Eleven jurors were selected Wednesday in the trial of James Brown, a 36-year-old man accused of kidnapping, assaulting, robbing, raping and sodomizing a 15-year-old girl last Aug. 30. The races of the defendant — who is black — and complainant — who is white — were discussed in Otsego County Court on Wednesday.
Local bridge's designers garner national praise
BOVINA — A group of engineers, contractors and state Department of Transportation officials gathered Wednesday at the bridge over the Little Delaware near St. James Episcopal Church to receive a federal 2002 Excellence in Highway Design award.
Sidney teachers to vote on tentative contract
SIDNEY — The Sidney Central School teachers' union tentatively approved a contract Monday following a 12-hour meeting with the state mediator, according to those involved. "It was 11:15 p.m." when we signed it and shook hands, Sidney Teachers Association President Claudia Jenkins said of the proposed pact.
Pataki to seek aid for Otsego
The toll this spring's wet and cold weather has taken on summer crops prompted Gov. George Pataki on Wednesday to seek federal disaster aid for farmers in 33 counties. Locally, only Otsego County is involved in the governor's request.
Reps aim to save money, merge services
COOPERSTOWN — The Otsego County Board of Representatives agreed Wednesday to streamline the process for hiring nurses and declined to pay for social workers at Cherry-Valley Springfield and Worcester central schools.
Teens hurt in crash
ONEONTA — A teenager was critically injured Wednesday in a one-car accident on upper East Street in the town of Oneonta, state police at Oneonta said. Ryan Rodriguez, 17, was taken to A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta and later transported by helicopter to Albany Medical Center with severe head injuries after the 6:30 p.m. accident on East Street, about a mile north of the reservoir, troopers said.
Delhi hospital chief resigns for position in another state
DELHI — The administrator of O'Connor Hospital in Delhi has resigned to take a similar position in Wheatland, Wyo., officials said. Peter Hamilton, chairman of the O'Connor Hospital Board of Trustees, said that Kenneth Leisher plans to leave Sept. 12.
Oneonta school board studies need for aides
ONEONTA — Oneonta school officials are looking into the number of teacher's aides that will be needed to handle the district's special education class needs.
Fight against cancer to continue on foot in Oneonta
ONEONTA —David Cartin is in remission, but he's still fighting cancer. The Mount Vision resident is a co-facilitator for an American Cancer Society Man To Man group for prostate cancer survivors and a volunteer with the planning committee for Oneonta's first Relay for Life this weekend.
Age is not a hurdle for one area athlete
COOPERSTOWN - At 60, Doug Geertgens, retired Cooperstown Elementary School principal, may be reaching his prime. In the World Masters Championship held in Puerto Rico last month, Geertgens won a bronze medal in the 300-meter hurdles, placed fifth in the hundred meter hurdles, fifth in the long jump, eighth in the triple jump and 10th in high jump in his age group. This tune-up against some of the world's best older athletes no doubt prepared him for the Empire State games, held a week and a half ago in Buffalo.
City now owns armory on Academy Street
ONEONTA — Mayor Kim Muller said at Tuesday night's Common Council meeting that the armory changed hands and is now property of the city. She said the state unceremoniously handed over the building's keys July 28.
Otsego jury pool shrinks
COOPERSTOWN - Seventy-three prospective jurors were screened Tuesday in the first day of James Brown's trial in Otsego County Court. Brown, 36, of Portlandville is charged with kidnapping, assaulting, robbing, raping and sodomizing a 15-year-old girl last August.
Bikers ride in Pit's honor
A motorcycle rally in memory of state Trooper Ricky J. Parisian held Saturday drew 170 participants from all the Northeast.
Delaware judge gives sentences
DELHI — Driving while intoxicated, child pornography and probation violation cases were heard this week in Delaware County Court.
Grants to give face lifts in Roxbury, Grand Gorge
The Appalachian Regional Commission recently awarded the town of Roxbury funds to administer a Main Street facade and marketing planning project in the hamlets of Roxbury and Grand Gorge.
Sidney murder suspect turns down plea deal
DELHI — One of the suspects in the death of Timothy Cutting refused a plea bargain Monday, following claims by his attorney that he could provide enough evidence to charge several other suspects.
Sexual assault trial to begin today
COOPERSTOWN - The trial of James Brown of Portlandville, who is charged with kidnapping, assaulting, robbing, raping and sodomizing a 15-year-old girl last August, is scheduled to begin today in Otsego County Court.
Milk prices propped up by cheese
Several factors in the dairy industry are pushing milk prices paid farmers higher, officials said, reversing a nearly two-year trend. While farmers have not seen the effects yet on their monthly milk checks, officials said, more money will be coming in the next three months.
WSKG to highlight Oneonta arts
ONEONTA —The area's artistic offerings will be in the spotlight in September. Binghamton public television station WSKG is filming a documentary on the arts in the Northern Catskills, according to Producer Bill Jaker. "I think there's an exceptional story to be told," he said.
Woman arraigned on perjury charges
DELHI — An Arkville woman who allegedly changed her version of the events surrounding a series of burglaries and a man who allegedly stole several cars appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Ambulance changes branches in Oneonta
ONEONTA — A used city ambulance that swapped garage spaces and joined the police department's fleet could get a makeover after tonight's Common Council meeting.
Conservatory to hold concert
ONEONTA - The Catskill Conservatory will present a concert Wednesday in memory of Frank Holden, one of the charter members of the Catskill Chamber Players.
Otsego deputy recalls decades of service to U.S., state
COOPERSTOWN - Recently, Otsego County Deputy John Munson received an old photograph of himself in a different uniform. The photograph, cut from the April 9, 1964, edition of the New York Daily News, showed Munson and five other soldiers bearing the casket of Gen. Douglas MacArthur down Park Avenue in Manhattan.
E-911 centers grapple with cell calls
A moving target is hard to locate — especially in an emergency. But that is what emergency services coordinators say they often have to do when they receive a call from a cellular telephone.
Program helps local girl get acquainted with career
ONEONTA —Alison Heaney will have much to report about her summer vacation. In the past two weeks, the sixth-grader from North Franklin has hiked Yosemite, licked a giant Sequoia, found a dolphin tooth in the San Francisco Bay and dissected a squid.
Black bears make their presence known
Black bear sightings are happening throughout Otsego and Delaware counties, and now there is also a moose on the loose, according to Rick Georgeson, state Department of Environmental Conservation Region 4 public relations spokesman.
Two local women take top honors in fair Derby
MORRIS — Otsego County Fair officials attributed a sag in this year's attendance to Friday's soggy weather. Fair Manager Judy Harris said about35,000 came out for the festivities this year, down about 5,000 from last year. "Friday was an off day," Harris said, "It rained most of the day, then cleared up at the end." Still, Harris said she was happy with the overall production.
Saturday, August 2, 2003
Same-sex unions get cheers, jeers
This week's statements by President Bush and the Vatican opposing the drive to legalize gay marriage are being praised and criticized by area residents, including clergy and state legislators. In what amounted to a one-two punch against the support of gay marriage, President Bush and Vatican officials came out strongly this week against same-sex unions. During a news conference Wednesday, Bush said he believed there should be a law against gay marriage, and the Vatican on Thursday urged Catholics and non-Catholics to oppose laws granting legal rights to gay couples.
Security concerns prompt reviews
A week after the killing of a New York City councilman inside City Hall, local officials expressed differing views on tightening security in area government buildings.
Amphitheater to be dedicated, named after local naturalist
WALTON — John Burroughs will take an imaginary trip down the Delaware River on Saturday to dedicate the amphitheater at Bear Spring Mountain, said Robert Terry, executive director of Delaware Heritage.
Homeless cats find places to stay
The West-Nesbitt cats are all on their next of nine lives. Patti Timoney, Susquehanna SPCA executive director, said most of the more than 20 feral cats rescued in July from the Market Street feed mill in Oneonta were placed throughout Otsego County.
Independent petitions have time, leeway
COOPERSTOWN - The year's last petitioning period, for candidates seeking to get on the ballot as independent candidates, is under way, said Lucinda Jarvis, Otsego County's Democratic deputy elections commissioner.
Stamford board working on returning park to former glory
The Stamford Village Board is putting together a plan to redevelop the park on Mount Utsayantha and is seeking advice from anyone interested in the project, Mayor Waylen Bray said.
Fair-goers just love the taste
MORRIS — Elephant ears, funnel cakes, sausage-and-pepper sandwiches, cotton candy. These concession-stand treats go with county fairs like canapés go with country club cocktail parties. And on Thursday afternoon at the Otsego County Fair, the sun-baked midway was teeming with folks licking ice cream cones, sipping lemonade and picking at greasy piles of fries topped with ketchup and gooey cheese sauce.
Audit offers ways for Delaware to raise revenue
DELHI — Establishing tipping fees at the county landfill would mean an extra $1 million for Delaware County, which is facing a budget shortfall for next year.
