Crews recover twins' bodies
DELHI — Black-suited divers recovered the bodies of infant twins from their mother's car in the cold, muddy waters of the Delaware River's West Branch on Thursday morning. Ten-month-old Grae and Brahm Dykstra, a girl and boy, were pronounced dead by Delaware County Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Ucci under bright sun and cold wind at the riverside shortly before 10 a.m.
1 of Sidney 7 accepts plea
DELHI — One of the seven defendants in the Timothy Cutting murder case is getting a deal and another defendant is getting out of jail on bail.
Defendants' statements differ on events of July 12
Statements from six of the seven defendants in the beating death of Timothy Cutting offer differing versions of what happened the night of July 12 at a wooded hangout in Sidney known as "the castle."
Dollars for Scholars gets a gift of its own
ONEONTA — For more than a decade, Oneonta Dollars for Scholars has been giving, in the form of almost $200,000 in scholarships for Oneonta High School seniors.
Delaware corrections building opens
DELHI - Delaware County's newly completed public safety building and correctional facility will be unveiled to the public for the first time today.
Warm Halloween brings more police patrols
ONEONTA —Goblins and ghouls of all ages have optimum conditions to celebrate this Halloween —good weather and a Friday night —but area law enforcement officials said they're ready to handle troublemakers.
Guardrails, plowing debated
ONEONTA — East Street guardrails and snow plowing were among the issues Town of Oneonta highway superintendent candidates answered at a Tuesday night debate.
Baby twins in car swept into river
DELHI - Rescuers worked into the night Wednesday, searching for two infants — boy and girl twins — buckled into a car that was swept into a rain-swollen Delaware River shortly after 6 p.m. Officials said a 43-year-old Sidney Center woman was driving home from work, headed south on county Route 18, which parallels the Delaware River's West Branch, when she hit a flooded section and her car was pulled into the river's fast-moving water. Officials declined to release the woman's name Wednesday night, and the search for the infants was continuing at 11:45 p.m.
SUCO: SUNY hazing rules need careful thought
ONEONTA — The State University of New York should gather more input from its 64 campuses before passing a policy that would beef up sanctions against hazing, one SUCO official said Wednesday.
Sidney celebrates history of flight
SIDNEY — Don't expect to see Snoopy in the cockpit of the Sopwith Pup above the circulation desk at the Sidney Memorial Public Library.
Tiska challenges Thomas again
A longtime resident who has sought the job before is challenging longtime Masonville Supervisor John "Jack" Thomas in the Nov. 4 election.
Newcomer challenges 20-year Otsego rep
Incumbent Republican Hugh Henderson faces Democrat Carol Malz, an Oneonta lawyer, in the race for the District 4 seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Hopefuls differ on changing board
Vying for the District 6 seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives are incumbent Republican Donald Lindberg of Worcester and Democrat Lawrence Bobnick, former superintendent at Worcester Central School.
Push for Andes revote stopped
DELHI — An attempt by Andes residents to initiate a revote on dissolving the village has been derailed by acting Supreme Court Justice Michael V. Coccoma.
OHS grad serves in Iraq
ONEONTA - When Samantha Montalvo enlisted in the military while still at Oneonta High School, she may not have known exactly where the Army would take her. But she did know that she hoped to "go off and do something interesting." "I didn't want to end up one of those old and crusty people that are in the Army for 20 years and didn't have a combat badge," she said Tuesday. Now such a badge is sewn onto the left shoulder of her uniform. Sgt. Montalvo, 23, is home on leave for 15 days.
Sabo guilty on one count, innocent on two others
DELHI — After about nine hours of deliberation Tuesday, a Delaware County jury found the former Fleischmanns police chief guilty of a felony count of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.
Sporting-goods store to open in mall
ONEONTA —A sporting-goods store will open in the Southside Mall in late November, a spokesman for Maine-based Olympia Sports said Tuesday.
Candidates disagree on weighted voting
Rep. Ronald Feldstein, D-Otego, said he wants to serve another term on the Otsego County Board of Representatives to help guide the county's economic development and "take care of unfinished business."
Milk prices remain high
In November, for the third month in a row, farmers will not receive additional payments from the national dairy program, as prices remain above the program's trigger.
Debate tackles waste, parking
ONEONTA — Candidates for the Oneonta Common Council spoke their minds on city issues at a debate Tuesday night.
Search for artifacts goes on at airport
SIDNEY —The future of the Sidney airport and a long-range plan for village development were among topics discussed at Monday's meeting of the Sidney village board of trustees.
Brown gets 100 years in I-88 rape case
COOPERSTOWN — James Brown of Milford was sentenced Monday in Otsego County Court to 100 years in prison. Brown, 36, was convicted in August of kidnapping, raping, robbing, sodomizing and assaulting a 15-year-old Binghamton girl in August 2002. The girl, who was kidnapped from Binghamton, was found by a truck driver on the side of Interstate 88 in the town of Maryland. At the time, she was naked and bleeding around her eyes, where she had been stabbed repeatedly and burned.
The victim's statement
COOPERSTOWN — The victim in the sexual and physical assault case against James Brown described her experiences and the impact on her life during the defendant's sentencing Monday.
Man who lost primary to run as write-in
Republican Tom Enstrom of Pittsfield is running as a write-in candidate for the Otsego County Board of Representatives on Nov. 4, despite losing a primary to incumbent Republican James Powers in September.
Veracity questioned by both sides in Sabo trial
DELHI — The jury in the Jacob Sabo trial will begin deliberations today after Delaware County Judge Carl Becker explains the charges against the former Fleischmanns police chief at 9:30 a.m.
Group proposes new youth center
ONEONTA —The Oneonta Community Alliance for Youth has resurfaced with a new mission —creating a youth center for area teenagers.
Costume search can be frightening
On Wednesday, Charyl Manwarren of Norwich was in the costume aisle of the Oneonta Wal-Mart Supercenter looking for outfits for her two daughters. She said was hoping Tayli, 9, would be going as a witch. But because nothing seemed to fit, Manwarren said, Tayli "may go as anything that fits." She has been looking for a costume for about two weeks. Finding the right costume is serious business for many people as the days wind down to Halloween, one of the most popular special days of the year.
SUCO grad involves Scouts in the theater
ONEONTA — Sara Jo Wyllie concocted the perfect witches' brew for kids Saturday at the State University College at Oneonta's Goodrich Theater.
Gibson seeks Second Ward seat
ONEONTA — Jacqueline Gibson, in her run to represent Oneonta's Second Ward, said she wants to carry the torch of responsible government and continue improving the city.
Robinson seeks Second Ward seat
ONEONTA — Second Ward candidate Paul Robinson, a Democrat, said he wants to improve citizens' quality of life through smart city spending and attracting new businesses.
New York facing another budget crisis
ALBANY — The state's budget crisis early this year ended with billions in borrowing, hikes to personal income and sales taxes, and higher fees for everything from traffic tickets to getting married.
NY taxed by power costs
ONEONTA - How many Californians does it take to screw in a light bulb? None, according to an old joke. Californians cannot afford to turn on the lights. But electric prices in California were lower than in New York state, according to Laura Floge, a Kingston resident who spent some time on the West Coast. "The energy crisis in California was so publicized," said Floge, who was shopping in Oneonta on Thursday. "When I came back here I was like, 'Oh, my gosh.' It seems like it's high."
Sabo defends his job application, work
DELHI — Jacob Sabo took the stand Friday in the fourth day of his trial in Delaware County Court and testified about his job application, permanent residence, work history and a traffic stop.
Conference puts women's issues in perspective
ONEONTA — Women in the workplace and other issues of the women's movement — past and present — were raised Friday, the first of a two-day conference at Hartwick College.
Accident victims' conditions improve
The conditions of two teenage passengers injured in an accident Sunday in Bainbridge have improved, hospital officials said Friday.
Halloween haunts
More than half of a century ago, Minnie Marsh White, a local well-to-do woman, wanted to take a trip to Florida. But gas rations of World War II curtailed those plans. Distraught, she took her life by hanging herself in her attic.
Group: Organization is key to farming success
DELHI — More than 150 people interested in preserving farmland in the Catskills attended a meeting in Delhi on Thursday to hear the findings of a team of six international consultants who toured the region this week. The Catskills Countryside Exchange made its presentation at Alumni Hall at the State University College of Technology at Delhi. During the nearly 90-minute talk, members offered suggestions to four problems presented by the group's local organizing committee, chaired by Amy Kenyon of the Watershed Agricultural Council.
Couple recalls fear during stop by Sabo
DELHI — During the second day of testimony in the Jacob Sabo trial in Delaware County Court on Thursday, Craig and Faith Cherry of Fleischmanns described their experience when Sabo stopped them for speeding on state Route 28 on Aug. 20, 2002.
Blood alcohol limit set at .08% for snowmobilers
ALBANY — Come Nov. 1, snowmobile operators will have the same blood-alcohol limits as people driving cars in New York under a bill Gov. George Pataki signed into law this week.
Students suspects in threats
Norwich school district officials say they have identified some high school and middle school students as potential suspects in a bomb threat investigation.
SUNY test plans decried
ONEONTA — SUCO faculty have joined a growing number of their peers across the state in rejecting a plan to use standardized exams to measure the performance of SUNY's 64 campuses. The State University College at Oneonta Faculty Senate last week passed a resolution opposing SUNY's plans for the universitywide assessment. Standardized tests are already required of elementary and secondary schools, but instituting a generic test across the SUNY system, which serves more than 410,000 students, is a concern, said two SUCO professors this week.
Mills still for standardized tests
ALBANY — The state's top educator asked lawmakers Wednesday not to interfere with testing standards as activists repeated their calls to do away with "high-stakes" exams as the primary way to judge student achievement.
Sidney teens to clean up the town
SIDNEY — Sidney students will be taking it to the streets again this year, as the Community Day program returns to the high school.
Witnesses describe Sabo's application
DELHI — Two former Fleischmanns mayors and the former prosecutor from the Vermont Attorney General's Office testified Wednesday in the second day of the Jacob Sabo trial in Delaware County Court.
Meeting on road changes planned
A public meeting on plans to improve state Route 28 from Goey Pond Road in the town of Hartwick to county Route 26 in the town of Otsego will be at the Hartwick Fire Station at 7 p.m. Nov. 3.
Benefit to be held for fire victims
A fund-raiser will be held next week in Sharon Springs for the families of two people who died in a mobile home fire Oct. 16.
Foreign team to share ideas on farming
The future of farming in the Catskills will be discussed tonight by a team of international consultants touring the area to learn about land issues and agriculture, those involved said.
Cooperstown area gets tourism grant
The Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts on Wednesday announced a grant of $12,500 for a tourism survey in the Cooperstown-Sharon corridor.
Foundation honors ex-mayor and wife
ONEONTA —The couple who serve together are lauded together. The Future for Oneonta Foundation presented James and Charlotte Georgeson with the Mr. and Mrs. Oneonta award at the foundation's annual luncheon last month. "She was active and I was active, and it was kind of extra nice that we got it together," James Georgeson said. The award, in its fourth year, recognizes "a couple in the community who had contributed significantly to making the community a better place to live," said foundation board member Joan Moyer.
Area math scores go up
Although the rate of improvement has slowed, test scores continue to increase for local elementary and middle school students who took the fourth- and eighth-grade state standardized math tests.
Otsego clerk candidates go before public
ONEONTA - The three candidates for Otsego County clerk offered differing views on implementing technology and on their own qualifications for office during a forum at the State University College at Oneonta on Tuesday night.
Lipari releases office audit
Otsego County Clerk Cynthia Lipari has released an audit of the county Clerk's Office, showing some accounts with more money than expected and another account that is overdrawn.
Smoking ban foes suffer court setback
ALBANY — Tavern owners battling the state's smoking ban may get a reprieve under a plan the state is due to release next month, but they lost the first court battle to block the law's enforcement.
Hobby store opens in Oneonta
A store selling trains, dollhouses and other hobby paraphernalia opened in Oneonta this month, said owner Philip Francis.
Otsego board candidates debate in forum
ONEONTA — During a forum sponsored by the Oneonta League of Women Voters on Tuesday, eight candidates for the Otsego County Board of Representatives said they would be willing to pay for part of their health insurance.
Jury chosen in Sabo trial
DELHI — A jury has been selected in the trial of Jacob J. Sabo, the former Fleischmanns village police chief accused of fraud and menacing.
Program set for Sidney youths
SIDNEY —Sidney-area youth will soon have a place to go on Saturdays, thanks to an expanded schedule at the Tri-Town Boys and Girls Club, officials said.
Grant awarded for respite care
DELHI — A nationwide pilot program to train volunteers to give primary-care providers a break from the stresses of caring for the elderly or disabled is expected to begin in Delaware County in January.
City, League thank each other
ONEONTA — At a public hearing Tuesday night before the Oneonta Common Council, a League of Women Voters representative thanked the city for changing its meeting times.
Symposium to focus on women and work
ONEONTA — Hartwick College will sponsor the "Susan Gotsch Symposium on Women and Work: Finding Common Ground" on Friday and Saturday.
Stamford man pleads innocent
DELHI — A Stamford man was arraigned Monday in Delaware County Court on three felony charges related to taking cars without the owner's permission.
Interim staff named at hospital
SIDNEY — The Hospital in Sidney ended its 15-year relationship with its management team, Brim Healthcare, as planned Sept. 30, officials said.
400 in N.B. hear pitch for school
NEW BERLIN - About 400 people attended Monday night's meeting in New Berlin about the proposed sale of the Unadilla Valley school district's former high school building to a sports academy. Both UV and academy officials spoke of the advantages of the sale, which goes to a public vote on Nov. 24. Currently, the Gulf Beach Sunrise Corp., headed by William Chaplick of Milford, Conn., has signed a contract to purchase the building for $100,000
Ex-CIA analyst talks at SUCO about Iraq
ONEONTA —A former CIA analyst said there has been a systematic and cynical distortion of intelligence over the past 18 months regarding the threat posed by Iraq.
Air boosts Laurens class
LAURENS — It's not often someone gets a chance to see Laurens school Superintendent Romona Wenck, in her stocking feet, riding a piece of wood across the gymnasium.
Delaware board to get new faces
DELHI — There will be at least four new faces on the Delaware County Board of Supervisors following the general election Nov. 4.
Delaware town races
DELHI — Candidates for town vacancies in Delaware County were determined by petition filings in July and August.
First Night to focus more on visual arts
ONEONTA —The seventh annual First Night Oneonta will include some new acts, more outdoor festivities and an added emphasis on the visual arts, organizers said.
Teens injured in car roll-over
An unlicensed driver was among five teenagers hospitalized Sunday following a one-car accident in Bainbridge, state police at Sidney said.
Ex-chief's trial to begin today
DELHI — The fraud and menacing trial of the former Fleischmanns village police chief will begin at 9 a.m. today in Delaware County Court.
Two arraigned, one pleads in Delaware
DELHI — A Stamford man was arraigned Monday in Delaware County Court on three felony charges related to taking cars without the owner's permission.
Monday, October 20, 2003
Oneonta women create a tradition
ONEONTA — They've seen each other through the births of their children and the deaths of dear friends and family. They cheer one another's good fortunes. They rally together when one of their own is ill or hurt or in trouble. And they laugh, a lot. The ladies of the Oneonta Craft Club, which formed in the early 1980s, admit that not a lot of crafting goes on during their bi-monthly get-togethers at one or another of their Oneonta area homes. Every other Thursday night, the 10 women, most of whom are now in their mid- to late 40s, make themselves comfortable in the appointed living room or den or family room, and they talk.
Students help clean up environment
When college students worked all day to stack a wheelbarrow, a shopping cart and bike tires atop an inflatable kiddie pool, they didn't think of it as sculpture — in fact, they said they hoped city crews would toss it all out.
Man, 21, dies from crash injuries
The driver in a one-car rollover on state Route 28 in Andes a week ago died Friday at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, state police at Margaretville said.
Democrats in Worcester not on ballot
Stricter adherence to the election laws statewide is being blamed by some for an error that has kept Democratic candidates off the ballot in the town of Worcester.
Meth lab found; 2 charged
BURLINGTON - Law enforcement officials found a meth lab while investigating claims two adults were smoking marijuana around children, the Otsego County Sheriff's Office said.
Couple seek permit for chiropractic office
ONEONTA —A Schenectady couple has applied for a special-use permit to open a chiropractic practice on Center Street, city officials said.
Sports school aims to shake its past
MILFORD, Conn. — The mayor of Milford and two of Connecticut's state senators say Milford Academy — which failed to survive here for financial and other reasons — would make a fine addition to the village of New Berlin. Other residents of this city aren't so certain. The Milford police say the academy's students were about as well-behaved as others their age, causing only a little more trouble because the students resided there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Cleanup work slower than expected
SIDNEY — Wet weather this year is being cited as one of the factors delaying cleanup work at the Richardson Hill landfill in Sidney, officials said.
Some stories really do have happy endings
There are times that people call to ask how a story ended. In a lot of situations, there isn't time or motive to find out, but when the outcome is good — it's nice to know.
Many OPT buses idling too long
ONEONTA — Despite a state law and city officials' attempts to enforce it, Oneonta Public Transit buses continue to idle for longer than the time allowed.
MOSA chair raises fees, Otsego GAT
Otsego County may be required to send more garbage to the Montgomery-Otsego-Schoharie Solid Waste Management Authority next year. But one county representative to the organization said the requirements could change at an upcoming meeting.
Fire leaves one dead in Norwich
NORWICH — A 72-year-old man was found dead after a fire in his trailer at Maple Grove Trailer Park on Friday afternoon, according to Chenango County officials.
CIA veteran to speak at SUCO on Monday
ONEONTA — A longtime CIA veteran will be in Oneonta on Monday to discuss the handling of intelligence leading up to the Iraq war.
Hearings on meeting times set
ONEONTA — City officials said they will hold public hearings Tuesday on a local law affecting city meeting times and on seven ordinances dealing with setbacks and other issues for decks, garages and storage buildings.
Hospice gives to GOP, gets money back
ALBANY — An Otsego County not-for-profit that cares for the terminally ill gave $2,000 to state Republicans recently, and quickly got the money back after learning campaign contributions are not legal, the director said.
'Survivors' take back the night
ONEONTA — "I am no longer a victim. I have always hated that word! I am now a survivor." These words, written by an anonymous victim of sexual assault, were read aloud by a participant in Thursday's Take Back the Night march, an annual event in Oneonta aimed at commemorating victims of violent crimes and taking a stand against violence. More than 150 people, mostly students from the State University College at Oneonta and Hartwick College, gathered in front of SUCO's Milne Library for the start of the march that wound its way through the city and ended at First United Methodist Church.
Officials:More need to get flu vaccinations this year
ONEONTA - Though the highly publicized SARS epidemic has raised awareness about respiratory illnesses, not everyone who should get the flu vaccine is doing so, health officials said Thursday.
Homework: Spend time with family
SIDNEY — In the hopes of strengthening family ties in the community, many Sidney Central School students may soon be getting Wednesday evenings off.
Two die in Cobleskill trailer blaze
A 26-year-old woman and her 9-year-old niece died when the mobile home they were staying in caught fire early Thursday morning, Cobleskill fire officials and Princetown troopers said.
More fake checks surface
A Schenevus resident was nearly the victim of a check scam earlier this month in what has become a string of local incidents.
Pataki vetoes bill on 'milk'
ALBANY — Gov. George Pataki this week vetoed a bill meant to better define "milk" and outlaw products advertising they contain it if all they really include is an inexpensive dairy byproduct.
Dance `icon' interested in UV school
NEW BERLIN - Who's Twyla Tharp? According to dance teacher Donna Frech of Norwich, "She's an icon" in the world of dance.
Court officers a money issue, justices say
Security officers are helpful to have in court, but hiring one for every town and village court is a question of money, town and justice officials said Wednesday. "It's a safety issue for the judge and the other people in the court," said Maj. Charles Newman, chief deputy for the Delaware County Sheriff's Department. "And some of the items you go into court for are very touchy." While courts in the state Unified Court System are covered, towns and villages are on their own to provide security measures for their courts.
Book captures Fly Creek
Amateur photographer Marc Fleischman, a Massachusetts native, has trained his lens on Fly Creek for the last 10 years, hoping to make a photo book.
Loss of barns a 'scandal'
DELHI — An old barn facing demolition has spurred local groups to urge more care to prevent historic structures from slipping into disrepair.
Winds cause some outages
ONEONTA — More than 2,700 people, many of them in Otsego, Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie counties, lost power Wednesday when high winds whipped through the region.
Oneonta checks out cell towers
ONEONTA — More cellular phone coverage may be on the line for Oneonta, as one city committee is looking into putting up towers.
Oneonta board: Vote key to schools
ONEONTA — Oneonta school board members say they want to get the word out to voters about a state constitutional amendment that would give the school more flexibility in deciding on needed capital projects.
SUCO homecoming events abound
ONEONTA — Hundreds of alumni, parents, family members and friends will visit the State University College at Oneonta for Homecoming & Family Weekend on Friday through Sunday.
Students mixed about pledging `under God'
There's something that happens without fail, students say, at 8:45 a.m. at Oneonta Middle School and Oneonta High School. The students — some of them, at least — recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Something about that could change. The U.S. Supreme Court said Tuesday it will decide if the Pledge of Allegiance recited by generations of American school children is an unconstitutional blending of church and state.
Local soldier wins medal
A Roxbury man who was awarded the Bronze Star Medal while serving in Afghanistan has just been promoted from captain to major, an officer at the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion in Utica said Tuesday.
Job Corps students make winning meal
Ask 18-year-old Chanelle Mendoza `What's cookin'?' and she's likely to whip out a mouth-watering, prize-winning menu.
Kent's to close, owner says
SIDNEY — After nearly 70 years in business, a Sidney variety store plans to shut its doors soon for the last time.
Youth group gains not-for-profit status
Officials for Leatherstocking's Promise — The Alliance for Youth say the group's planned status as a not-for-profit will give it the financial stability and continuity of leadership it has lacked as a loosely based organization.
'Take Back the Night' Thursday
ONEONTA — The annual Take Back the Night rally to speak out against violence will be held 7 p.m. Thursday at the State University College at Oneonta.
Area woman remembered fondly
COOPERSTOWN - Dr. Carol P. Lewis was described by her colleagues Tuesday as a considerate and active researcher dedicated to improving health care for the underserved.
Delaware book fair opens Thursday with author's presentation
DELHI - The 28th Annual Delaware Academy Book & Media Fair will begin with a free presentation by author Bill Heller at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Cannon Free Library on Elm Street in Delhi.
Hospice to change location
ONEONTA —Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care will move from their Main Street location to the home of local developer Gene Bettiol Sr., the hospice announced Tuesday.
Court sends man to jail on DWI charge
In Delaware County Court on Tuesday, County Judge Carl Becker sentenced John E. Coss, 39, of Andes to one year in jail on a charge of driving while intoxicated.
Eyes like a hawk? Here's your hobby
The skies were blue and sunny, with few clouds. It wasn't too cold, and the winds, coming from the northeast, were ideal. "If every day was like this, you'd have to fight people off to be the spotter," said Germaine Connolly of Springfield Center. Birdwatchers were glued to watching the sky Monday, watching hawks from Franklin Mountain. "We're doing quite well," said Andy Mason, conservation chair of the local Audubon Society and Monday's hawk counter. "We're having a good year."
Contested offices dot local races
The Otsego County Board of Elections recently published the complete list of candidates running in town elections, which will be decided Nov. 4.
Biodegradable bags appear in Oneonta
ONEONTA — Counting through a stack of what looked like super-sized brown paper grocery bags Monday, Robert Wood, owner of Woody's Market on Spruce Street, said he hopes the sacks are an environmental step forward.
Seniors' rally for bus service is successful
ONEONTA —Oneonta Public Transit started offering service to Wal-Mart again this month, after efforts by local senior citizens to reinstate the service.
Woman avoids cashing fake check
Edmeston resident Sue Schoonover looked way down a gift horse's throat — and it saved her a pile of cash.
Hospital: Bloomville man remains in serious condition
The driver in a one-car rollover on state Route 28 in Andes was listed in serious condition at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown on Monday, according to hospital officials.
Fairchild Mansion open house planned
The historic Fairchild Mansion at 318 Main St. in Oneonta will be open to the public for tours and viewing on Dec. 6, with the Oneonta Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution playing host.
Teaching Columbus gets tough
ONEONTA — To the second graders in Janet Ouimet's class at Riverside Elementary School, Christopher Columbus is a brave explorer who, in 1492, set out in search of the New World. But Ken Sider's third-graders at Riverside get an entirely different take on the Italian navigator, who is also known for helping to bring slavery, brutality and disease to indigenous cultures. In recent years, particularly since the 500th anniversary in 1992 of Columbus' first voyage across the Atlantic, there has been a renewed scrutiny of the explorer's effect on the natives of the land he mistook for "the Indies."
School fashions a scholarship fund
DELHI — Regalia, a gently- used clothing store on the campus of the State University College of Technology at Delhi, is looking for a few good shoppers, according to Barbara Kaplan.
Man, 44, dies in crash
Forty-four-year-old David Moriarty of Edmeston died in a one-car accident in the early hours of Saturday morning.
CROP Walk turnout down
ONEONTA —Walkers had beautiful weather Sunday, but the turnout at this year's CROP Walk was down from years past.
NBT official dies
Everett A. Gilmour, who led NBT Bank as it evolved from a small institution to a major community bank, died Friday at Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center in Johnson City. He was 82.
Troopers: Driver was seriously injured
Two Bloomville residents were injured, one seriously, in a one-car rollover on state Route 28 in Andes on Sunday afternoon, state police at Margaretville said.
Car hits pedestrian
STAMFORD —A 79-year-old man is in stable condition Sunday after he was hit by a car while crossing Main Street the day before, state police and hospital officials said.
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Columbus revving for a celebration
COLUMBUS - What do people in Columbus do on Columbus Day weekend? In Columbus, the nation's first municipality to be named after the intrepid Italian navigator, they stage an antique tractor pull and demonstrate the lasting allure of antique engines. The third annual Columbus Day Celebration is scheduled to begin Saturday morning at Norton Park on Bell Road in the town. The weigh-in for the antique tractor pull will start at 9 a.m., and pullers will go into action an hour later, according to Don Johnson of Columbus. Antique tractors are those manufactured in 1960 or before, Johnson said.
Murder trial costs equal more taxes
DELHI — The costs for defending the seven young men charged in the Sidney murder case are expected to climb into the six-digits — and will mean higher tax bills for Delaware County residents.
Bush adviser talks shop
COOPERSTOWN - Karl Rove came late and left early, but he got a standing ovation for his remarks at The Otesaga on Friday night.
Protesters greet Rove
COOPERSTOWN — By land and by lake, about 45 people turned out late Friday afternoon to protest the arrival of Bush administration adviser Karl Rove at The Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown.
At times, wisdom costs a fortune
Hartwick Professor Harry Bradshaw Matthews literally has a wealth of knowledge lining the bookshelves of his office in Bresee Hall.
Otsego deputies, troopers find weapons, marijuana
COOPERSTOWN - A 43-year-old Maryland man was arrested Thursday, one day after allegedly brandishing a firearm at a school bus driver employed by Schenevus Central School, according to Sgt. Richard Devlin Jr. of the Otsego County Sheriff's Department.
Delaware may appeal ruling limiting DEP
DELHI — The question of whether the New York City Department of Environmental Police department has jurisdiction in Delaware County is once again being debated.
Author to present lecture at SUCO
ONEONTA — The author of the book "Earth Odyssey" has been selected to present the annual Cornell-Gladstone-Hanlon-Kaufmann Lectureship on Environmental Education and Communication on Tuesday at the State University College at Oneonta.
Silver uses threat to urge progress on Catskills casino
ALBANY — The state's most powerful Democrat said the St. Regis Mohawk Indian Tribe won't get approval to continue running their Las Vegas-style casino near the Canadian border unless Gov. George Pataki shows progress toward a tribe building one in the Catskills.
Police ride to justice's rescue
CHERRY VALLEY - A Cherry Valley man is in the Otsego County jail without bail, charged Wednesday with second-degree criminal contempt of court. Edward Quimby, 35, of Heller Road had been sent to jail Sunday by Cherry Valley town Justice Debra Whiteman in connection with a domestic dispute. When he reappeared in court Wednesday night, he arrived intoxicated and was obnoxious in the courtroom, according to Sgt. Richard Devlin of the Otsego County Sheriff's Department.
Academy addresses New Berlin
NEW BERLIN - Some questions were answered and others were not during a two-hour meeting late Thursday with Milford Academy Director of Operations William Chaplick.
Sewer line breaks in city
ONEONTA - A sewer line break near the post office Thursday morning backed up traffic and kept city workers busy through most of the day.
Effort launched to try to retrieve weather vane
A committee of Gilbertsville citizens filed a petition with the Butternuts Town Board on Wednesday in an attempt to void the sale of an antique weather vane that stood atop the Gilbertsville Grange.
Panel addresses water supply, rules
ONEONTA - A panel discussion on "The Economics of Water" on Thursday afternoon addressed ways to make bad blood between regulators and the businesses water under the bridge.
SUCO event on volunteerism set
ONEONTA — The Center for Social Responsibility and Community will present its second annual conference on volunteerism from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Thursday, October 9, 2003
Local schools are pleased
Local school officials say state Education Commissioner Richard Mills' Regents policy recommendations are the right move for children and teachers who need time to adjust to the state's demand for higher standards. Among the four recommendations is to keep 55 as a local option passing score on Regents exams. The provision would be in effect for all students now in high school and for those entering ninth grade in the fall of 2004.
Some area bars cautioned on law
ONEONTA —Local health officials in charge of enforcing the state's ban on indoor smoking said they have yet to issue any fines or tickets to area businesses.
Sidney creating its own hall of fame
SIDNEY —When people want to tour the area's sports halls of fame in the near future, organizers of a fund-raising dinner are working to make sure Sidney's will be included.
Voters to determine district's debt limit
ONEONTA — Voters on election day will decide on a state constitutional amendment that would raise the debt limit for small city school districts, such as the Oneonta City School District.
Academy, N.B. trustees, others to meet today
NEW BERLIN - Today at 4:30 p.m. William Chaplick, director of operations at the Milford Academy, will meet with the press and local officials at Unadilla Valley Central School.
Autopsy: Cause of death unknown
Autopsy results Wednesday didn't reveal the cause of death for a Unadilla woman whose body was found in Walton on Tuesday after a search of several days.
Delaware Oks sales tax increase
DELHI — Delaware County's sales tax will increase to 8.25 percent on Dec. 1 to help offset property tax increases, but property owners may still be looking at a 20 percent increase in property taxes, Walton Supervisor Joseph Hanley, county budget director, said.
Campaigners take different roads on trail
ONEONTA — With fewer than four weeks remaining until Election Day, Common Council candidates said they're differing their approaches to their campaigns.
Body found in Walton
The body of a Unadilla woman missing since Friday was found Tuesday morning in a wooded area off of East River Road in Walton, state police at Sidney said. The discovery came after troopers asked the public for help in locating 29-year-old Jennifer M. Zavatsky the day before. Her parents, John and Janice Zavatsky of Guilford, said at the time that they reported her missing when she did not show up for work Friday at the Sidney Federal Credit Union in Harpursville, where she worked as a teller.
Two charged in BOCES office burglary
A BOCES employee has been suspended for allegedly helping the former treasurer break into a BOCES office and delete computer files, BOCES officials said.
New truck named after fire chief
GILBERTSVILLE — Firefighters and emergency workers from Gilbertsville plan to honor their longtime chief while showcasing a new truck at an open house tonight.
School board to hold vote on N.B. academy
NEW BERLIN - The Unadilla Valley Central School Board voted Monday to let district residents vote Nov. 24 on the sale of the former high school building in New Berlin to William Chaplick, director of operations of Milford Academy, a sports school.
Helicopter chase ends in wet finish
A man chased by a helicopter into the Susquehanna River is scheduled to appear in Milford town court at 7 p.m. Oct. 14.
Man indicted on crash charges
FRANKLIN — An Oneonta man was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Tuesday on manslaughter and homicide charges related to a June crash that killed David G. Allen.
Council extends ban on new bars in city
ONEONTA — A moratorium placed on opening new bars in the city was extended through April 2004 at Tuesday night's Oneonta Common Council meeting.
Karl Rove set to join Boehlert at the Otesaga on Friday
COOPERSTOWN - Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's chief political advisor, is coming to Cooperstown this weekend to raise money for the re-election campaign of Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford.
Gates offers 2004 town budget
Otsego town Supervisor Bill Gates has proposed a 2004 Town of Otsego budget that contains the lowest combined general and highway fund-spending levels since 1998.
Tuesday, October 7, 2003
Heat prices may rise this winter
ONEONTA —While heating oil prices are expected to stay about the same, according to September figures from the Department of Energy, residential natural-gas prices this season are expected to be 10 to 15 percent higher than last winter. Officials at local utilities were a little more cautious Monday. "If you're looking for an exact prediction, I can't give one," said Michael Meath, vice president of Agway Energy Products. "But my guess is, and all the indicators are, that this will be a normal winter weather season and prices should be at least as high as last year."
New Berlin resident to petition about academy
NEW BERLIN - About 75 people filled the meeting room at the New Berlin Library on Monday night, launching a petition drive to force a referendum on the sale of the former Unadilla Valley High School.
Woman's service to SUCO is honored
ONEONTA —When Kathryn Friery was a student at the State University College at Oneonta, getting to the pond by what is now Hunt Union required a hike through the woods.
Troopers search for woman
A young woman who was living in the Sidney-Unadilla area has been missing since Friday morning, state police at Sidney said Monday night.
Two burglary suspects appear in court
DELHI — Two people charged with breaking into the CVS/Pharmacy in Margaretville appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday and were sent back to jail.
Annual run brings people together
ONEONTA — Katrina Rabeler and Allison Jadrych met for the first time Sunday in a jostling crowd of nearly 1,400 that packed against a starting line on Main Street's viaduct. In the horde of people, bouncing in the cold morning air like they were standing on red-hot asphalt, the two realized they had a mutual acquaintance and decided to run together. They and the rest of the crowd awaited a tone that signaled the start of the 10th Annual Pit Run — a 10-kilometer road race in memory of Ricky J. "Pit" Parisian, a state trooper killed in a 1994 Oneonta grocery store robbery.
2 local fathers called to Iraq
ONEONTA — When he was a kid, John-Michael Insetta decided that some day he would enlist in the military. His grandfather, Frank, was a World War II veteran. There was pride, he thought, in being a soldier.
Group nominated for 'provocative ways'
DELHI — A Delaware County group that aggressively lobbies against drunken driving has been nominated for a National Commission Against Drunk Driving citizen activist award, according to Jason Stanton, Delaware County STOP-DWI coordinator.
Fire razes Otego barn
OTEGO —A barn and some farm equipment were destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, fire officials said.
Drogen's to start work on expansion
ONEONTA —Drogen's, the first store on the Southside, will double its show room in an expansion project that begins this week, owner Arnie Drogen said.
New troopers to get training at Troop C
Several area troopers from the recent 188th basic training session will be joining Sidney-based Troop C for further training, officials announced after graduation ceremonies in Albany last week.
Second health clinic opens
ROXBURY — When JoAnne McLaughlin began designing and decorating her new McLaughlin's Family Clinic in Roxbury, she said she wanted a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for her patients.
Seniors to have annual card party
ROXBURY—The Senior Citizen Club of Roxbury will have its annual "Luncheon Card Party" from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Roxbury Firehall on Main Street in Roxbury.
`Farmers in crisis'
"I can't imagine a man can sell his cows without crying," said 57-year-old Gary Seymour of Bainbridge. He spoke from experience. On July 28, he sold more than 478 cows, heifers and calves from the farm where he moved with his family in 1959. "It was terribly sad," he said. Not right away, he added, but a couple of days afterward, "when you see the barns empty." The experience is "like losing a member of the family," he said.
New Berlin battle
NEW BERLIN - Amid much controversy, a petition drive to let school district residents vote on the sale of the former Unadilla Valley High School is about to begin in the village of New Berlin. A meeting to start the petition effort has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the New Berlin Library.
Milk prices increase; MILC payments stop
The federal dairy program designed to act as a safety net for farmers when milk prices are low will not make payments for September milk because of rising prices, officials said. But they disagreed about how long this trend might last.
Mixed emotions found at auction of herd
Jerry Wood, 55, was smiling Friday as he walked among the dwindling crowd at the auction of his dairy herd in Mount Vision. However, with his nearly 300 holsteins soon to be dispersed, he said there are "some regrets" and "a lot of mixed emotions."
Local state reps rank below average on outdoors
ALBANY — A statewide environmental group's annual rankings for New York lawmakers gave most in this region lower-than-average scores, but left the newest Assemblyman, Daniel Hooker, last amongst his peers.
YMCA names director
ONEONTA — It was toward the end of their search for a new director that the members of the Oneonta YMCA board realized their pick was right under their nose. Oneonta resident Lorraine Zimniewicz started her new job as the Y's executive director late last month. She replaces former director John Barclay, who resigned in May as director of the nonprofit.
Independent poll: Majority OK with state smoking ban
ALBANY — New York voters overwhelmingly approve of the state's new ban on most indoor smoking, according to the first independent poll conducted since the law went into effect.
CSEA endorses Sinnott-Gardner
Kathy Sinnott-Gardner, Republican nominee to be Otsego County clerk, has received the endorsement of the Civil Service Association.
Friday, October 3, 2003
Drug bust nabs 2 residents
ONEONTA — Ten minutes after sunrise Thursday, Oneonta police, state police and U.S. Marshals roused two Oneonta residents from bed and arrested them on federal drug charges. Arrested separately were 20-year-old Jordan Krone at his Gilbert Street apartment and 27-year-old Patricia Crane of Potter Street.
Study:Most hospital aid hard to find
ALBANY — A majority of state-subsidized hospitals make it difficult to nearly impossible for low-income patients to access programs to help them pay their medical bills, a new study showed.
Cooperstown school won't offer advanced Regents
COOPERSTOWN — The Cooperstown School District decided this week not to offer an advanced Regents diploma as part of its graduation requirement policy. School board members Wednesday voted 6-0 to approve amending the policy so that starting in June 2005, the only diploma that will be officially offered is the basic Regents diploma.
Otsego to begin focus on budget
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives will undertake the annual challenge of creating a county budget this month.
Fire destroys Schenevus home
SCHENEVUS —A two-story house was destroyed by fire Thursday morning, fire officials said. The large house, at 8245 East Main St., was in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene, according to Schenevus Second Assistant Fire Chief Jody Sperbeck. Flames could be seen from a hill five miles away, he said.
10th annual Pit Run set for Sunday in Oneonta
ONEONTA — Organizers said they hope more than 700 runners will step off at Sunday's 10th Annual Ricky J. Parisian Pit Run, a 10-kilometer road race in memory of the New York state trooper and investigator killed while trying to stop an armed robbery in 1994.
Man charged with felonies
DOWNSVILLE — A Downsville man was arrested this week for sexually abusing a child under age 11, Delaware deputies said.
Rural Women's Conference to feature area women
The tenth annual New York State Rural Women's Conference will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, at the Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta.
Area man called to duty
ONEONTA —Some 670 National Guard soldiers are expected to be deployed to Iraq this winter. Jefferson native David J. Leo Jr., fresh from his honeymoon, will be one of them. Leo, a specialist with the 105th Infantry, left for Schenectady Wednesday morning, his parents said. "When he came up here last night from the Island, it wasn't my son," his father, David Leo Sr., said. "It was a very, very sorrowful atmosphere here last night." Leo will eventually join other soldiers from the 27th Light Infantry Bridge at Fort Drum.
Three-state case snares local man
ONEONTA — James M. Carter appeared in city court Wednesday for arraignment in connection to charges of soliciting a child on the Internet.
Board static about voting
COOPERSTOWN - With a large crowd watching at Wednesday's meeting, the Otsego County Board of Representatives introduced a law on weighted voting.
Delhi inmates arrested
DELHI — Two inmates at the Delaware County jail face felony charges of possessing contraband medication, Delaware deputies said Wednesday.
Man arraigned on charges of unlawful surveillance
ONEONTA — Another court date has been set for next week in the case of a former Oneonta High School custodian accused of secretly taking pictures of girls changing their clothes in a school locker room.
Oneonta school tax bills have been sent
ONEONTA — Oneonta City School District tax bills have been mailed out, school district officials said, and residents should receive them early this month.
Voters clear that `even a little was too much'
COPES CORNERS — Gilbertsville-Mount Upton school officials are assessing how to meet future educational demands following a resounding "no" vote on two proposals on building project totaling $13.025 million on Tuesday.
Property taxes in Oneonta town may remain stable
WEST ONEONTA — If the figures in a 2004 preliminary town of Oneonta budget stick, residents shouldn't have to open their wallets any farther next year.
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Angelou offers poetic inspiration
ONEONTA — Her voice is lyrical and so deep in pitch that it seems to begin somewhere in the vicinity of her toes and slowly work its way to the top of her 6-foot frame. So might be the first impression of globally celebrated poet Maya Angelou, who spoke to a mesmerized crowd of about 1,500 Tuesday at the State University College at Oneonta's Alumni Field House. They packed into bleachers and rows of chairs, listening as the poet, perhaps best known for her first book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," wove messages of love and peace through poetry, story-telling and snippets of song.
SUCO students say poet's appearance worth cost
ONEONTA — SUCO students whose activities fees footed part of the bill for Maya Angelou's more than $30,000 lecture Tuesday said getting to hear the poet's wisdom was worth the money.
New Berlin wary of plan for academy
NEW BERLIN - New Berlin Mayor Carol Riley said her telephone has been ringing almost nonstop since Saturday, when it was disclosed that a preparatory school from Connecticut has signed an agreement to purchase the former Unadilla Valley High School.
