Two injured when deer breaks in
EDMESTON — A deer smashed through the window of an apartment in Edmeston on Thursday, landing on a mother and her 8-month-old son before barreling back outside through another window.
Gay rights to be topic at Autumn
ONEONTA — A panel discussion on gay rights and community values is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. in the Autumn Cafe on Main Street.
Kicking around reasons
As professional soccer struggles to gain an audience in the United States, it flourishes throughout much of the world.
More firms apply for Otsego Empire Zone
Interest in Otsego County's Empire Zone continues to grow, according to Ronald Feldstein of Otego, chairman of the Empire Zone and a member of the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Retailers: Season starts strong
ONEONTA — Whether they were pushing shopping carts, carrying store bags or walking down aisles, for many, the day after Thanksgiving is noteworthy as the start of the holiday shopping season.
Friday, November 28, 2003
Sharing an American tradition
WALTON — As a browned turkey was pulled from the oven and set on a counter Thursday afternoon, 6-foot-7-inch Kuno Terwindt pointed his king-size hand at the baked bird. "Jackpot. That's what I'm here for." Terwindt had traveled a long road to get to Thanksgiving dinner on Griswold Street in Walton. Originally from Amsterdam, Holland, he and his German wife, Jessica Lohrmann, moved to New York City about a year ago.
Police looking for suspects
ONEONTA — City police said they're looking for three men in their early 20s in connection with an assault Nov. 22.
Delaware budget passes
DELHI —The Delaware County Board of Supervisors passed its 2004 budget during its regular Wednesday session at the Charles D. Cook County Office Building in Delhi.
Hunters mixed on deer this year
The hunting season has been lackluster so far, according to two local butcher shops, though a third proprietor said he's doing as well as last year.
Area holiday meals offered
As many families gather for turkey dinners Thursday, scores of volunteers around the area will give up their holiday to serve others. The corner of Walnut and Elm streets in Oneonta promises to be bustling, said John Stump Jr. That's the address of St. Mary's Parish Center, where Stump and his wife, Antoinette, have been working since early October to organize a community Thanksgiving dinner. "It takes a team of about two dozen to put this together," he said Monday. "We need people to cook, serve, clean and deliver the meals."
Area seniors worried about their benefits
At the Burlington Senior Meals site Tuesday, news that the U.S. Senate had passed Medicare-reform legislation met with mixed reviews.
Owner brings emu home after days of freedom in Davenport woods
DAVENPORT — Elvis is back in the building. An emu named after the king of rock 'n' roll was corralled Tuesday morning by its owner, after being on the loose in Davenport for almost a week and a half.
New Otsego rep to remain on school board
ONEONTA — Dr. Benjamin Friedell says he plans to juggle his time as a member of the Oneonta school board with his new position as an Otsego County representative.
Petition drive for redistricting going well, League says
A petition drive to force the Otsego County Board of Representatives to submit its redistricting plan to county voters is going well, according to Katherine Stuligros, a member of the League of Women Voters of the Oneonta area.
Towns hear plan from group with a 'Vision'
SIDNEY - A regional airport and an indoor sports facility were two of the goals presented as part of a regional plan for the Tri-Towns area Tuesday to a group of county and community leaders at the Sidney Memorial Public Library.
Man charged in death
WALTON — Delaware County sheriff's deputies charged 20-year-old Walton resident Steven R. VanDunk on Sunday in the Oct. 26 death of Mirwis Askerzadah.
Alcohol a factor in accident
BROOME — A Jefferson man who was injured in a one-car accident Saturday night had been drinking, state troopers said.
State, federal grants handed out
Several towns and organizations around the area will benefit from federal- and state-funding awards announced Tuesday.
'Coats for Kids' sets record
ONEONTA — Bassett Healthcare and Metro Cleaners teamed up during October to collect a record 750 coats for the annual "Coats for Kids" program.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Stray emu struts into neighborhood
DAVENPORT — Wally Sroka sat in the woods on his Davenport property Monday morning, his rifle poised. The hunter was hoping to bag his second deer of the season. Instead, what he saw strutting toward him through the brush was a bird of a different feather. "I thought it was a turkey until it stood up," Sroka said Monday afternoon, describing what turned out to be an emu, a quick-footed flightless bird that resembles an ostrich.
Unadilla Valley approves sale of school, 798-266
NEW BERLIN - By a three-to-one margin, Unadilla Valley Central School District residents voted Monday to approve the sale of a vacant former high school building in New Berlin to the Gulf Beach Sunrise Corporation for $100,000.
Pataki: List more sex offenders
ALBANY — Gov. George Pataki proposed Monday dramatically increasing the number of sex offenders listed on the state's website by changing the law to add those considered a low or moderate risk.
Hospital CEO looks forward
SIDNEY -Pledging to develop its strengths as a community hospital, the newly appointed CEO at The Hospital in Sidney, Dr. George Innes, said Monday he was looking forward to working with staff and community to strengthen the organization.
Holiday dinner planned at church
For the 10th year in a row, Sidney's First Congregational Church at the corner of Main and Bridge streets in Sidney is holding its Thanksgiving Dinner from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Adoptions celebrated in Delaware
DELHI — A blue-and-gold flag will wave over Courthouse Square today indicating that four adoptions were finalized in Delaware County Family Court, said Susan Aikens, county Department of Social Services assistant director. Delaware County is celebrating National Adoption Month with a party at noon today at the Sen. Charles D. Cook County Office Building to celebrate the new adoptions and to honor all the families who have opened their hearts and homes to children who needed a family, Aikens said.
Otsego judges encourage more adoptions
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County, 21 children have been adopted so far this year, one of the highest totals ever, officials said.
Fire destroys Hartwick home
Saturday just wasn't Margaret Kolka's day. After her car broke down during a morning errand run, she got a ride back to her Hartwick home only to find the house in flames.
Reps hail Medicare reform bill
Reps. John Sweeney and Sherwood Boehlert applauded the U.S. House of Representatives' passing of a Medicare reform bill on Saturday.
Trees planted in Heights
SIDNEY —The Sherwood Heights area was the focus of recent efforts to improve the community, Sidney village officials said.
Readers remember Nov. 22, 1963: The day JFK was killed
Lunch time, Nov. 22, 1963. An elevator at 485 Madison Ave., New York City, the home of CBS. The loudspeaker blares, "All CBS news employees must immediately return to their offices." The ominous message keeps repeating ... I was senior TV researcher, special projects, CBS news and, with suitcase in hand, was headed for a long Thanksgiving weekend in upstate New York.
Students design monument for Delhi
DELHI — Five high school students who set out to create a monument commemorating a book that celebrates Delhi said they hope someday to see their concept displayed in front of the Cannon Free Library.
Keg sellers say they lack tools for new law
The new state keg registration law goes into effect Saturday, but several local stores won't be selling kegs this weekend because they don't have the required paperwork and identification tags.
Appointment in Decatur criticized
The Decatur Town Council was chastised this week for appointing a highway superintendent two weeks after the race for the position ended in a tie between incumbent Robert Benson and David Egeressy.
Worker fired after fumes drift in school
DELHI — A worker using a gas-powered machine who allowed fumes to drift up a stairwell at Delaware Academy and Central School on Thursday was fired immediately, said Maria Rice, school superintendent.
Judge takes no action
The judge in an informal conference Friday involving the fate of a Unadilla landfill did not take any action in the case, attorneys said.
Getting back to nature
EAST MEREDITH Denise and Tom Warren's hilly farm is a magnet for area folks looking to feel more connected to the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
West End development already selling houses
ONEONTA — On his knees cementing together brown ceramic tiles, a worker sang along with a radio as the Rolling Stones' lyrics echoed through empty rooms. He was working in the November cold on a ranch-style home in one of Oneonta's developments, Winney Hill Commons, in the town of Oneonta. The home was built as a demonstration home, but it was sold when a shopper came from Cobleskill to check out the offerings under construction.
Residents to vote on school sale
NEW BERLIN - Residents of the Unadilla Valley Central School District will vote Monday on whether to approve the sale of the district's former high school building in the village to the Gulf Beach Sunrise Corp. or its assignee for $100,000.
Sergeant honored for fight against DWI
ONEONTA — An Oneonta city police officer's dedication to pulling drunk drivers off the road was recognized this week by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Judge to discuss waste case
The case involving a Unadilla landfill will again be heard in court today, if only informally, lawyers said.
Houses may join historic registers
Two Greek Revival houses in Mount Vision have been nominated to the state and national Registers of Historic Places.
Bed-tax program revived for 2004
Bed-tax dollars are back to aid tourism-related organizations, but there will be fewer of them, Otsego County board and tourism officials said Thursday.
Corn, potato crops set records
ALBANY — The state's grain-corn and potato farms are expecting to harvest record-breaking crops this year, according to state agriculture officials, producing more per acre than any time in recorded history.
Teen becomes 'Miss Barbizon'
Elissa Wilsey knew she had to pull something outrageous to get noticed. On Sunday, when she took her first strides down the catwalk at a modeling competition in Syracuse, the blond teen flashed a black dress with pink trim, glamorous makeup and sneakers. Yes — black sneakers — with matching pink-ribbon laces. Out of 40 contestants in her category, Elissa took first place. She's also 13. "I know I'm young, and for the fashion walk, they said to dress like yourself, so I wore the sneakers," she said.
Delaware workers sickened by fumes
The Delaware County Resource Center in Hamden was evacuated Wednesday morning after low levels of carbon monoxide were detected in the building, said Harpersfield Supervisor James Eisel.
SUCO gets $250K grant
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta has been awarded a $250,000 federal grant to set up a DNA computing and genomics laboratory.
Delaware board trims budget plan
DELHI — After hours of discussion and number crunching, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors adopted a preliminary 2004 budget Wednesday that has a 14.95 percent tax levy increase.
Oneonta board members named
ONEONTA — Two Oneonta residents and a State University College at Oneonta student were appointed to city boards at Tuesday night's Common Council meeting.
Effort on to make lacrosse at OHS a varsity sport
ONEONTA — Oneonta High School lacrosse team parents and players Wednesday went to the defense of the sport they say will be in jeopardy without more support from the school district.
Roxbury group objects to wind turbines
The installation of a temporary tower to test wind speed in Roxbury has prompted a group of area residents to threaten legal action against Roxbury and the company trying to determine if the area would be suitable for wind turbines.
Board avoids Otsego tax hike
The threat of higher property taxes in Otsego County this year may have passed after Monday's action on the budget by the Otsego Board of Representatives. "We concluded our budget work last night," Rep. Hugh Henderson, R-Oneonta town, chairman of the county's Budget Ways and Means Committee, said Tuesday. "It's a level budget. There is no increase in the tax levy." The tentative spending plan is subject to changes before it is adopted Dec. 3, he said.
Otsego, Delaware sales tax to go up
Delaware and Otsego county residents have 12 days left to make purchases before the sales tax in both counties increases by 1 percent.
Aldermen review budget plan with 2.9% tax hike
ONEONTA — Eighth Ward Alderman Asa Allison walked the Oneonta Common Council chamber and dropped a 105-page packet on each alderman's desk Tuesday night.
UUP chief: Higher tuition necessary evil to save faculty jobs
ONEONTA — Saving thousands of SUNY jobs during the past year's state budget crunch was the primary goal of the union that represents SUNY faculty, United University Professions officials told its SUCO membership Tuesday.
Unatego aides seek contract, pay increase
The Unatego Central School Board of Education heard from teacher aides seeking a new contract in a meeting at Unadilla Elementary School on Monday.
Group: DOH should monitor health care for prisoners
ALBANY —State Assembly leaders looking to improve the quality of prison health care said they were stood up Friday by Gov. George Pataki's prison and health officials at a hearing they held on the issue.
State clears woman of abuse claims
ONEONTA — Allegations of child abuse against an Oneonta woman were cleared by the state Office of Children and Family Services last month. Four women reported to the state in July and August that their children were abused by their day-care provider, Kerry Eldred. They said Eldred hit, force-fed, spanked and neglected their children. Three of the women also filed charges with the Oneonta Police Department. In a letter from OCFS to Eldred, David Peters, director of the state Central Register division of Development and Prevention Services, said an investigation found the charges "unfounded."
Local students shine at SUCO
ONEONTA — This area is home to many of the State University College at Oneonta's latest crop of "best and brightest," college officials announced Monday.
OHS lacrosse parents question team's level
ONEONTA — The Oneonta School Board is likely to hear this week from OHS lacrosse team parents who want to see the program expanded to varsity level.
Delaware officer graduates from FBI Academy
DELHI — Delaware County Senior Investigator Karl Vagts was one of 241 law enforcement officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, Va., on Sept. 5.
Cause of Delhi Tech fire undetermined
DELHI —The cause of a fire that destroyed a State University College of Technology at Delhi farmhouse had not been determined Monday afternoon, said Joel Smith, director of college advancement.
Man stabbed in fight
ONEONTA — A 23-year-old man was stabbed in the back Saturday morning during a fight on Market Street, Oneonta police said.
Lack of health insurance is a taxing issue
ALBANY —Four years ago, Bruce Smith of South New Berlin lost the job he held for three decades. Then he lost his health insurance. Now he's trying to figure out why people like him have to pay more for medical care than the insurance companies do, and why the state adds on a nearly 9 percent tax to boot. "There are certain things they don't tax, like groceries, but here we are with a medical bill and we are getting hit with a tax," Smith said. At least one state lawmaker wants that to change.
From canine to potential K-9, thanks to tropper
When Trooper Brian diLorenzo found out that Jacky loves to play with a tennis ball, he decided the German shepherd was a candidate for the state police K-9 unit.
Slavery expert to speak at SUCO
ONEONTA — Dr. Stanley Engerman, professor of economics and history at the University of Rochester, will speak on "Resources, Institutions and Economic Growth" at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Craven Lounge of the Morris Conference Center at the State University College at Oneonta.
Service for twins `beautiful'
The mother of twins Brahm and Grae Dykstra, 10-month-old babies who drowned Oct. 29, said Sunday that a memorial service in Delhi on Saturdsay "was beautiful."
Dairy co-ops say exports next step
The final step in the voluntary program by farmers to improve milk prices will be announced soon, officials said.
DEC: Hunting to be 'excellent'
At sunrise Monday, the traditional deer season will open in local counties. Hunters will take to the woods and fields for the next 22 days, and their prospects are excellent, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. "Prospects for hunting success this year are once again excellent, and Southern Zone big-game hunters should look forward to an enjoyable season," said state DEC Commissioner Erin Crotty.
Pupils check out da Vinci's ideas
ONEONTA — While his drawings are nearly 500 years old, the ideas of Leonardo da Vinci can still impress children and adults, especially when converted into three dimensions.
Children with leukemia honored at Soccer Hall
ONEONTA — Children battling leukemia and their families were honored Friday when the National Soccer Hall of Fame inducted the first members into the Time In Program, being carried out with the National Soccer Players Association.
Program on aging funded
DELHI —The Delaware County Office for the Aging received a $100,000 grant to develop a unique intergenerational volunteer program, said Tom Briggs, agency director.
Fire forces eight from homes
A grease fire in the kitchen of the front apartment in a building at 137 Main St. in Morris is being blamed for a blaze that forced eight people from two units in an apartment building Friday afternoon, fire officials said.
Deer hunter has real-life advice
Don Clute, who hunts in the town of Hartwick, has written a book for weekend hunters who want to fill their freezers, not decorate their walls.
Mistaken arrest leaves family with a struggle
A Homeland Security official said Thursday that a Nov. 5 arrest of a Hobart man as an illegal alien was a mistake. Walid Taman, an Egyptian national studying at the State University College of Technology at Delhi, was arrested at about 2:30 p.m., taken to Syracuse and released the following day. Jim Creahan, deputy field office director of deportation at Buffalo's office of Homeland Security, said Taman's arrest was an error.
Milford man has national audience
MILFORD — Though he often works from his home office in Milford, 29-year-old Erik Kamerling is involved in computer security work that has a national audience.
Firm is rising from its ashes
WEST EDMESTON - Like the phoenix, the Welch Livestock Auction complex on state Route 8 in Columbus will soon rise from the ashes of a fire that leveled it Sept. 7.
Otsego considers higher tax
Otsego County residents, who will begin paying an increased sales tax rate of 8.25 percent Dec. 1, should be prepared for a property tax increase as well.
Town board OKs budget
WEST ONEONTA — The Oneonta Town Board passed the final version of the town of Oneonta's 2004 budget Wednesday — a plan that reduces the tax levy for the general and highway funds by 2 percent from this year.
Plans in place to burn barn
DELHI —An old barn that spurred local groups to encourage the preservation of agricultural architecture will go up in flames Sunday morning.
Sports company to add factory, 25 jobs
DELHI —A sports products manufacturer said it plans to build a manufacturing facility in Delhi that will provide 25 new jobs for Delaware County residents.
Area schools receive grants from Mirabito
Quickway Food Stores and its parent company, Mirabito Fuel Group, were able to provide 18 area schools with a total of $9,000 in grants through Exxon Mobil's Educational Alliance Program this year.
Steam power is back with new smokestack
EAST MEREDITH — As a crane swung a 50-foot smokestack into place Wednesday above the Hanford Mills Museum boiler room, the crowd watching witnessed the symbolic end of the project to reintroduce steam power to the museum. The handmade, hand-riveted steel smokestack is a replica of the one that towered above the mill from 1895 until the 1930s, when it was scrapped after steam power was no longer in use, said Liz Callahan, museum director.
Two incumbents retain seats
COOPERSTOWN - Two incumbent town supervisors in Otsego County held on to their posts after absentee ballots were counted Wednesday by the Otsego County Board of Elections.
Delaware facing 27.52% tax increase
DELHI —Delaware County's tentative 2003 budget has a 27.52 percent tax levy increase, but fine-tuning at a meeting Wednesday will reduce that number, said Walton Supervisor Joe Hanley, county budget director.
MVP awards reward service
Apples may keep the doctor away, but Appleby awards are helping three local groups keep financial blues at bay.
Draft guidelines could modify smoking ban
ALBANY —Bars, restaurants and other businesses could get waivers from the new state smoking ban if they can prove at least a 15 percent reduction in sales since it went into effect, according to proposed guidelines considered by state health officials.
Phase at Lowe's site nears end
ONEONTA — Archaeologists working at the proposed Lowe's site on the Southside expect to finish the latest phase of fieldwork Friday, officials said.
Hot equipment blamed for fire
SMYRNA — A fire that killed about 50 cows in Smyrna on Tuesday was probably caused by overheating farm equipment, Smyrna Fire Chief Norm Wynn said.
Chaplick history in question
With a Nov. 24 public vote looming on a proposal to allow the purchase of the former Unadilla Valley High School in the village of New Berlin for an athletics school, a claim by William Chaplick has been brought into question. Chaplick, the director of operations of Milford Academy, has not received a degree in sociology from Boston College, according to Ursula Sullivan, the college's associate director of student services. During a public meeting in New Berlin on Oct. 20, Chaplick, 47, former acting headmaster of Milford Academy, was asked when he graduated from Boston College and what his major was.
Court clerk gets district award
DELHI —Delaware County's County and Supreme Court Clerk Allison Barnes didn't dream she was about to win an award when Delaware County Judge Carl Becker interrupted a meeting she was attending in Cortland.
Delaware opposes revised plan for preserve
DELHI —The Delaware County Board of Supervisors will take a stand today against the state Department of Environmental Conservation's draft revision of the Catskill Park State Land Master Plan, Walton Supervisor Joe Hanley said.
Schumer: Increase veterans' benefits
Saying veterans should be remembered in deeds as well as words, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., called Tuesday for the Veterans Administration to increase funeral benefits for veterans.
Friends, family mourn counselor
ONEONTA — Relatives and friends of Elizabeth Downing, a counselor at Valleyview Elementary School who died in her sleep Monday night, said they would remember her as outgoing, social and quick to make friends.
Hartwick visitor, 17, has fatal heart attack
ONEONTA — A 17-year-old high school student visiting Hartwick College from the Bronx died Monday night of a heart attack, Hartwick officials said.
Cemetery headstones broken by motorist
At least 13 headstones were damaged early Saturday morning when a car drove into the Colliersville Cemetery in Cooperstown Junction, south of state Route 7, Otsego County deputies said.
War a theme in local family
ONEONTA — Doris Larsen never served in the military. But she knows firsthand the significance of Veterans Day — eight of her brothers served in World War II. Holding their picture in Sunday's fading light, Larsen pointed to each young man's face and said their first, middle and nicknames aloud. She said the family was lucky — each brother, trimmed in his military uniform, returned home physically uninjured after the war.
Exhibit showcases art
ONEONTA — Art is taking the spotlight at the State University College at Oneonta.
Store reports 2 fake scripts
ONEONTA — City police investigated two cases of fake prescriptions Wednesday at an Oneonta drugstore and made one felony arrest.
Sidney students donate time to community
SIDNEY — More than 120 Sidney 10th-grade students gave back a little to people and organizations in the village Monday as the Sidney Community Day returned to the school calendar.
2 companies make offers on cell tower
ONEONTA — Two engineering companies presented offers Monday on cellular tower construction to representatives of several city committees.
Annual Hospice service helps mourners remember
ONEONTA —As the woman walked toward the front of the church Sunday, a nurse kissed her on the cheek and handed her a taper. About 50 people were sitting in the pews at the Elm Park United Methodist Church, where Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care held its fall "service of remembrance." As Allison Jay Bookhout, Hospice bereavement and spiritual care coordinator, read the names of those who had died, hospice nurses and members of the congregation lit candles.
Locally, no cheating by teachers reported
ONEONTA —A few local educators said Sunday they hadn't heard of any instances in the area of cheating by teachers on standardized tests.
Tough year fades into winter on area farms
FRANKLIN — Sitting at his kitchen table at about 10:30 a.m., taking a break from his morning chores, Danny Buel said he feels strongly about the future of farming in the area.
History award honors society's past president
ONEONTA — History keeps coming up — at least, that's how the Greater Oneonta Historical Society wants it to be with a planned annual scholarship.
Area man, 59, dies in crash
A one-car accident Friday night took the life of Butternuts resident Ralph E. Mewhorter as he traveled home on county Route 4.
Delaware gets new tourism director
DELHI —The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has a new tourism director, said Executive Director Mary Beth Silano.
School chiefs say job calls for `CEO' pay
Superintendents, whose salaries are among the highest in the area, say they deserve the pay in an increasingly competitive field where turnover is high and job applications are dwindling. "By all comparisons I've seen, superintendents' salaries are not inflated at all, and some are on the low side," Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES Superintendent Alan Pole said this week.
Student leader shares skills
A Unatego student has taken the lead in organizing a conference that will focus on something he apparently knows about - leadership.
Opposition to sports academy declining
NEW BERLIN - Opposition to the proposed sale of the former Unadilla Valley High School building to a closed sports academy from Milford, Conn., for $100,000 is wilting, according to sources in the area.
Absentee ballots to be counted
COOPERSTOWN — The Otsego County Board of Elections will open absentee ballots Wednesday, according to Hank Nicols, the county's Democratic Elections Commissioner.
Bans on Catskills activities criticized
ALBANY —A state proposal to restrict camping, bike riding and snowmobiling in the Catskills already has several towns crying foul, but now the two state senators from the region agree government has gone too far.
Committee seeks members
SIDNEY —Five community residents are being sought by Sidney Central School to serve on the district's data collection committee.
Substitute teacher programs set
The Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES will sponsor an event in December for people interested in becoming substitute teachers.
A ritual of purification
ONEONTA —Sana Ahmed sat with her mother, Semi, and younger brother, Zohaib, in the family's kitchen Wednesday afternoon, sharing more than a small snack. With a date, some water, fruit salad and small peppery dumplings, Semi Ahmed was breaking her daily fast during Ramadan. At age 10, Sana hasn't fasted for Ramadan yet. But she's helped her mother prepare the foods Muslims eat to break their dusk-to-dawn fast.
Otsego grapples with '04 budget
COOPERSTOWN - Even with a 1 percent increase in the sales tax slated to take effect next month, Otsego County's 2004 budget is proving troublesome, according to Rep. Hugh Henderson, R-Oneonta.
Historic scenes brighten town office
MIDDLEFIELD - The nearly bare walls in the meeting room at the Middlefield town office building are about to be transformed.
Local officials preparing for costly snows
ONEONTA —Last winter, the third-snowiest season on record, has some public works directors across the state worried that a fall snowstorm could push their budgets over the edge.
Driver OK after car flips; fire set
FRANKLINTON —A driver walked away from an accident Thursday morning in which his car hit a utility pole, flipped over several times and landed in a barn, where both the car and barn caught fire, state police and fire officials said.
Businesses eligible for Empire Zone
ONEONTA —Ten area businesses became the first to receive certificates of eligibility for the Otsego County Empire Zone, Amanda Friedl, zone coordinator, announced Friday.
Professors published
ONEONTA — Two Hartwick College professors have had books published recently.
Mexican women to visit Hartwick
ONEONTA —On Saturday and Sunday, Hartwick College will host two events with women from Chiapas, Mexico on tour with the Mexico Solidarity Network.
South African author to speak
ONEONTA - Hartwick College will present "South Africa Now: the Miracle of 1994 and its Aftermath," a lecture and book signing by writer Sindiwe Magona.
House fire closes Route 28
PORTLANDVILLE —Efforts to extinguish a house fire early Thursday morning closed state Route 28 for hours, fire officials said, but no one was injured in the blaze.
Residents: Rails could have saved twins
DELHI — Though some Delhi-area residents called for guardrails on county Route 18 this week, a Delaware county official on Wednesday said there's no quick fix to the section of road where two infants perished Oct. 29. A flooded section of county Route 18, also known as Back River Road, was blamed for an accident that took the life of 10-month-old Sidney Center twins Grae and Brahm Dykstra after their mother's car was swept into the Delaware River's West Branch.
Scholarship fund set up
DELHI — The pastor of the Delhi Assembly of God said church members have set up a scholarship fund in memory of Grae and Brahm Dykstra, the 10-month-old twins who died in an accident Oct. 29.
Otsego passes weighted voting
COOPERSTOWN - At Wednesday's meeting, the Otsego County Board of Representatives resolved to adopt a weighted-voting system to redistrict itself to conform to the 2000 census results.
Former area professor wins praise
The doctoral work of a former Hartwick instructor is still music to some of the students who worked with him more than a year ago.
Developer seeks new tenant for P&C site
ONEONTA —The search is on to find a replacement for P&C's Chestnut Street location, less than a week after parent company Penn Traffic announced the store may close by mid-December.
Write-in leads Worcester race
COOPERSTOWN - A write-in candidate holds a slim lead in the race to be Worcester town supervisor, according to Sheila Ross, Otsego County's Republican deputy elections commissioner.
School board learns about Iroquois
ONEONTA — Oneonta school board members got a taste of what it was like to live in an Iroquois village Wednesday during their regular meeting at Valleyview Elementary School.
Lecture focus: Sidney in WWII
ONEONTA — David Richards of Binghamton University will speak on "The Home Front in World War II: Sidney, N.Y., 1941-1945" at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Wednesday, November 5, 2003
Dems pick up a seat on Otsego County board
Democrats picked up one seat, but Republicans retained control of the Otsego County Board of Representatives in Tuesday's election. The new board is likely to have eight Republicans and six Democrats. According to unofficial results released by the Otsego County Board of Elections, incumbent Republican Rep. Michael Swiderski of the city of Oneonta was beaten by Democrat Stanley Harrington, 278 votes to 190 votes.
GOP wins clerk seat
Republican Kathy Sinnott-Gardner won election as Otsego County clerk Tuesday, beating Democrat Robert Wood of Oneonta and incumbent county Clerk Cynthia Lipari of Oneonta.
Teachers celebrate center's 20th year
ONEONTA — The Catskill Regional Teacher Center kicked off its 20th anniversary Tuesday with a reception at Hartwick College's Clark Hall.
Democrats make gains on Council
ONEONTA — First Ward voters gave Democrat Maureen Hennessy a seat on the Common Council, and Second Ward voters allowed the party to retain that seat by electing Paul Robinson by a wide margin.
Delaware gets 5 new supervisors
DELHI —There will be five new faces on the 19-member Delaware County Board of Supervisors in January.
City seeks advice on liquor store
ONEONTA — In what was termed the quickest Common Council meeting ever, aldermen decided Tuesday night to get the planning commission's input before moving on a proposed liquor store.
Oneonta PD gives out locks
Three white boxes leaned upright against a wall Oct. 27 in the Oneonta Police Department. Inside the cardboard boxes, police said, were 300 cable locks for handguns, shotguns and rifles.
Voters get town, county races today
Today is Election Day, with town and county offices around the state up for grabs. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. In Otsego County, races include a three-way contest for county clerk, with incumbent county Clerk Cynthia Lipari running as a Conservative against Republican Kathy Sinnott-Gardner and Democrat Robert Wood. Lipari, a Republican who was appointed county clerk in July, stayed in the race after losing the GOP primary to Deputy County Clerk Sinnott-Gardner. Wood, a former Oneonta alderman, is a businessman from Oneonta.
Fenimore collection gains art, artifacts
A basket around a glass sphere from Japan. A wooden bowl shaped like a human. A bag that carried not only tobacco and shot but also a wife's love.
Inmate's violations mean more jail time
DELHI - A Hancock man serving a prison sentence for second-degree rape was sentenced to additional jail time in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Ambulance put to new use by police
ONEONTA — Officers hit the streets Friday night in the Oneonta Police Department's oldest new vehicle — a 1990 ambulance converted to a rolling command center.
Teens arrested on burglary charges
RICHFIELD SPRINGS -Three teens were arrested for allegedly stealing money collected in honor of a girl with leukemia and other items from a restaurant last summer, state police at Richfield Springs said Monday.
Incumbents could face a tough election Tuesday
Some political observers think Tuesday's election may usher in changes not expected just months ago. A lackluster economy that seems to be improving, but not creating jobs, may be at the root of voters' unease, according to Rob Robinson, chief executive officer of the Otsego County Chamber. "I think in some cases people are worried about their futures, and they're looking for better answers than the ones they're getting," he said.
Graduate-turned-donor honored by alma mater
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta has named its newest residence hall after a 1972 graduate whose recent $1.5 million gift to the school will go toward student scholarships.
Rider faces independent challenge
The issues in the Davenport town supervisor race are the town's transfer station, road repairs and highway department equipment, according to Jeffrey Amo, who is challenging incumbent Republican Supervisor Todd Rider.
Serbay again tries to unseat board chair
EDMESTON - Republican Carl Higgins and Democrat Sheila Serbay will face each other in Tuesday's election for the District 10 seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
City's District 13 candidates don't agree on much
Both candidates for the District 13 seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives compared county government to a business — but with opposite intents.
School-based health funds renewed
Two area hospitals will receive part of $10.6 million in grant awards for school-based health centers, Gov. George Pataki announced last week.
Poverty is forum topic
ONEONTA — Poverty and the lack of health insurance will be the subject of the next community forum at 8 p.m. today at the Autumn Cafe on Main Street.
Constitutional amendments on Tuesday ballot
ALBANY — Voters on Tuesday can cast ballots on two proposed amendments to the state's constitution, including one meant to make it easier for small-city school districts, like Oneonta and Norwich, to borrow more money.
Community gearing up for road, bridge projects
Residents of the town and village of Bainbridge will soon have another opportunity to review plans for major renovations of the main roads and a major bridge.
Boy to get chance to hear
OTEGO —In many ways, Cristian Marsh is like other toddlers going on 2. He's curious and full of energy, and he knows how to charm everyone in the room. There's one difference. Cristian is profoundly deaf. "He's never heard my soothing voice when he's upset," said his mother, Melody Marsh. "He's never heard me sing, he's never heard his father and siblings." But in the next couple of months, that will change. On Wednesday, Cristian will undergo surgery to receive a cochlear implant, a medical prosthesis that allows the deaf to perceive sounds.
Parking problems plague campuses
ONEONTA — In an age when not having a car on campus is the exception to the rule, it's not surprising that a big beef among college students these days is trying to find a parking spot.
Nice weather draws crowd to annual Halloween parade
ONEONTA — Mild temperatures and dry weather Friday evening helped bring out a higher than average number of marchers for the Oneonta's annual Halloween parade, organizers said.
Hopefuls differ on priorities
The candidates to succeed retiring District 5 Rep. Richard Thompson say they like each other, although they have different priorities for Otsego County.
Public sees jail during dedication
DELHI — Delaware County's Public Safety Building/Correctional Facility was open for visitors Friday for a dedication.
School warns parents of sex offender living nearby
ONEONTA — Parents of students at Riverside Elementary School in Oneonta were informed by school officials Wednesday that a sex offender has moved into the area.
Roads, money among Stamford issues
Stamford residents will have a second chance to pick a winner in the race between Incumbent Supervisor Robin Turner and his challenger, former Stamford Town Justice Patrick Ryan.
Union: Need for full-time faculty
ONEONTA — More full-time faculty should be teaching at area SUNY campuses, United University Professions union members said this week.
