Leap Day babies hop to celebrate
If age is tallied by the number of birthdays an individual has celebrated, then Leap Day babies have found the secret to perpetual youth. Robert Cairns of Delhi was born in 1940, but in 2008 he and his granddaughter, Katy, will celebrate their 17th birthdays.
Area film buffs: 'Rings' will rule
ONEONTA — A movie featuring hobbits, dwarves and elves could sweep this year's Academy Awards, according to local movie enthusiasts.
Concert intended to bring back jazz for music students
The sounds of jazz will be heard in the auditorium of Sidney High School on Saturday when a new concert gives young musicians a chance to show their stuff. "We're starting small and going to work into it," said Sidney High School band director Greg Norris, who is trying to restore an opportunity for students from area schools to get together to play jazz.
Coach turns her love of soccer into art
ONEONTA — After her career as an international soccer player was over, Canadian-born Carrie Serwetnyk, 38, turned her attention to creating something more permanent.
Reporter's Notebook: Guard official opposes parade
Operation Iraqi Freedom hit close to home this week when the 27 members of the National Guard 204th Engineer Battalion Company A were deployed from the Walton Armory.
GOP reps vote Swiderski onto board
COOPERSTOWN - After an absence of less than two months, Michael Swiderski is back on the Otsego County Board of Representatives. By an 8-to-5 vote Friday afternoon, Republican Swiderski, 36, was appointed to the District 13 seat he held for four years until he was ousted by Democrat Stanley Harrington last November.
'Passion' may be shown locally
Mel Gibson's new movie should appear in Oneonta soon, according to the owner of the Southside Mall Cinema. Conrad Zurich sent a statement to The Daily Star on Thursday in which he said Terry Mattison, owner of the Oneonta Theatre, was the first person to request "The Passion of the Christ" from Newmarket Films.
Judge hears sides on petition for vote in Otsego
NORWICH - State Supreme Court Judge Kevin M. Dowd of Norwich listened to arguments Friday in a lawsuit launched by 15 Otsego County residents against the Otsego County Board of Representatives and its clerk, Laura Child.
Otsego will continue tire program
County programs to reduce material going to landfills were discussed Thursday at the Otsego County Town Supervisors Association meeting held at the 1819 House in Cooperstown, participants said Friday.
Ballot rules could confuse
From noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Democrats will vote to help select their party's presidential nominee. The ballot may seem a bit confusing at first. Voters may select any of nine candidates: U.S. Sen. John Edwards, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark, the Rev. Al C. Sharpton, Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr., U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry, U.S. Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich, U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman and former U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt.
Milford school 'fest' offers winter activities
Milford Central School WinterFest 2004 is jam-packed with activities, contests and events for the entire community, said Kevin Stevens, Community In Action Club adviser. The family event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday inside and outside the school, said Vera Sosnowski, event organizer and school board member.
Sex offender accused of failing to register
A convicted sex offender who had been living in Otsego County and was jailed as a fugitive from justice is scheduled for a county court appearance today.
Missing boy's father arrested
Two former Otsego County residents were arrested Wednesday following an investigation into a missing child, Otsego County deputies said.
City considers muralto replace old Coke ad
ONEONTA — The city Beautification Committee has scheduled a meeting for Monday to discuss painting a new mural over an old Coca-Cola advertisement on a downtown building.
Binghamton police look for ex-Franklin resident
A former Franklin woman has been missing since Feb. 18 after she failed to meet her husband outside a downtown department store, Binghamton police said Thursday.
Couple recovering after being stuck in car overnight
WALTON — The Walton husband and wife who were stuck in a snowbank overnight Monday are still in the hospital but are doing well, their daughter, Shirley Estus, said Thursday.
Children to appear in benefit concert
ONEONTA — The musical group "That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles" will perform a charity concert Sunday to raise money for victims of the Dec. 26 earthquake in Bam, Iran.
Hundreds line Walton streets to say farewell
WALTON — Hundreds of people lined the streets of Walton on Wednesday to wave goodbye to 27 members of the 204th Engineer Battalion Company A as the company left the Walton Armory for deployment to Iraq. Debbie Sugrue said watching the soldiers leave was a sobering experience. "It really does hit home when you see this," Sugrue said.
New Lisbon culvert funds delayed
NEW LISBON — Representatives of a federal agency said Tuesday they'll block reimbursement payments to New Lisbon until more fixes are made to a culvert.
Still saying 'I do' after many years
NEW BERLIN - Twelve couples, who have been married a combined 637 years, renewed their wedding vows Tuesday afternoon at the Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin.
Otsego board likely to vote again on filling vacant seat
COOPERSTOWN - When the Otsego County Board of Representatives meets at 1 p.m. Friday, it appears Republican Michael Swiderski of Oneonta will be appointed to succeed Democrat Stanley Harrington, who died last month.
Oneonta school tax levy trimmed
ONEONTA — The tentative 2004-05 tax levy for the Oneonta City School District declined to 4.8 percent Wednesday under a plan presented by school business manager Thomas Austin.
Schumer calls for school funding
State schools aren't funded adequately to meet requirements of federal education legislation, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a conference call Wednesday.
Milford students get ready for academic odyssey
MILFORD — A group of fifth-graders who chose to stay after school and work with their hands and heads said they're having a great time doing it. The group, one of dozens in the area, was preparing its act Tuesday for the Odyssey of the Mind meet this weekend. Odyssey of the Mind is a competition between school-aged groups that undertake projects ranging from machine building to play writing and performance. This year, the competition is also celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Oneonta downtown stores closes
Pentacles at 1 Dietz St. in Oneonta has closed. The store appeared to have been empty for several weeks. Last week, owner Brett Percy declined to comment on the store's fate.
Fugitive dealer found in Fla.
After seven years, Gary Farquharson's past caught up with him. Farquharson, a convicted Oneonta drug dealer who had evaded authorities since 1997, was arrested in Florida in January, city police said.
Board to hold special meeting
Carl Higgins of Edmeston, chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, has called a special board meeting for Friday to select a successor to Democratic Rep. Stanley Harrington of Oneonta, who died last month.
Missing couple found in stuck car
WALTON — A missing Walton couple who spent Monday night in their car were found by a snowmobiler Tuesday morning.
In Walton, mobilization summons memories of WWII
WALTON — Memories will be marching through the minds of Walton's older residents as they watch the 204th Engineer Battalion Company A leave the Walton Armory on Wednesday on its way to Iraq.
Departure route announced for National Guard battalion
WALTON — The members of the National Guard 204th Engineer Battalion Company are scheduled to leave the Walton Armory by bus at 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to Janet Lent, family readiness coordinator.
Area troops get send-off at armory
WALTON —A standing-room-only crowd of friends, relatives and supporters filled the Walton Armory on Monday to send off the National Guard 204th Engineer Battalion Company A, which is being deployed to Iraq. More than 300 people mingled, hugged and reassured each other as they waited for the official mobilization ceremony for the 27 soldiers headed for wartime duty.
Seventeen area schools among 'most-improved'
Local school officials are crediting a variety of techniques with helping their students improve state test scores enough to get special recognition.
'Wick nursing works in Jamaica
ONEONTA — Nursing students from Hartwick College gave up their January break to work with families in the southeastern corner of Jamaica.
Roxbury school gets Pathfinder Award
Roxbury Central School was among 24 schools statewide to win the 2004 Pathfinder Award from The Business Council of New York State in Albany on Monday.
Man sentenced on drug charges in Otsego
COOPERSTOWN — A man convicted last month of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, was sentenced Monday by Otsego County Judge Michael Coccoma to six-to-18 years in state prison.
'Vagina Monologues' opening tonight
ONEONTA — "The Vagina Monologues" will open tonight at the State University College at Oneonta, and money earned is going to charities.
Concert honors Black History Month
In honor of African-American History Month, the Hewitt Pantaleoni Memorial Concert Series at the State University College at Oneonta will present "Concert Music for Trumpet By African-American Composers" at 7:30 p.m. today.
Schoharie reps traveling
Representatives from Schoharie County organizations are going to Albany today to raise awareness about county issues.
Area voters torn on Nader's decision
Local reactions were mixed Sunday to Ralph Nader's decision to run for president. "I was disappointed to hear it," said Andrea Paternoster, a Democratic state committeewoman from Delaware County. "I think he cost us the election four years ago." Nader made the announcement on the NBC news program "Meet the Press." "I think he has the capacity to do harm again," Paternoster said. Paternoster said Nader could present problems to Democrats if this year's election is as close as the 2000 contest between Al Gore and President Bush was.
Timothy's Law spurs debate on health costs
Businesses, legislators and mental illness advocacy groups are battling over equal health coverage for mental illness this legislative session.
Hamden eagles getting 'nesty'
HAMDEN — It's a sure sign spring can't be far away when birds begin to nest — and the bald eagles that lost their nest in Hamden have finished rebuilding just in time.
Schools get money to improve reading
Two area schools have been awarded Reading First state grants designed to provide a more-effective reading program for students in kindergarten through third grade.
Walton poised to sell town barn for dollar store
WALTON — The Walton Town Board is close to making a deal to sell the old town highway garage to Dollar General Corp., Walton Supervisor John Meredith said.
WIC openings available for Otsego County mothers
The WIC Program at Opportunities for Otsego Inc. has openings to serve pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, and children younger than 5.
Dean fans not in shock
Local supporters of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said they were not surprised by the end of his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. On Wednesday, the day after he came in third in the Wisconsin primary to John Kerry and John Edwards, Dean announced he would no longer actively pursue the presidency. His supporters said that, during his campaign, Dean influenced those still running for the Democratic top spot. Local supporters said they will vote for whoever wins the nomination.
Sounds of summer come to FoxCare
ONEONTA — The sunscreen won't be necessary for Saturday's concert at FoxCare Center. But when the Oneonta Community Concert Band baton falls on the "Good Old Summertime in Winter" concert at 4 p.m. in the main atrium, organizers said they hope to see the audience brought blankets and lawn chairs.
Delaware County e-Center behind schedule
DELHI — Plans to build the Delaware County e-Center are running about a year behind schedule, but closing on the property is complete, said Glenn Nealis, Delaware County economic/industrial development director.
Many incumbents running in Otsego
The most exciting race in Otsego County's village elections this year may be in Milford, where there are no candidates for a trustee vacancy.
Search goes on to find occupant for site of former P&C in Oneonta
ONEONTA — The search for a grocery store to replace the empty P&C on Chestnut Street is going slowly, economic planners said. "We have not been able to find another grocery store, but we're talking with several grocery chains," Oneonta downtown developer Jeffrey House said last week.
Mills' gamble may pay off
ALBANY — It may seem like political suicide for a relatively unknown lawmaker to challenge a political powerhouse like U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, but Assemblyman Howard Mills may come out ahead — even if he loses the election.
Bassett attracts nursing honor
A multi-year journey resulted in national recognition last week for Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. On Feb. 13, the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Washington told Bassett Healthcare it received Magnet certification, a designation of excellence for hospitals and nurses. "It really is a hospital-wide achievement," chief nursing officer Connie Jastremski said Thursday.
Diocese hires outside investigator
ALBANY — Former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White promised Thursday that she will do a thorough, independent investigation of sexual misconduct allegations against Catholic Bishop Howard Hubbard.
Area Guard called to active duty
WALTON — For the first time since World War II, the Walton-based Company A 204th Battalion Engineering Battalion has been mobilized for federal wartime duty, a guard officer said Thursday.
Families plan send-off events
WALTON — The National Guard Family Readiness Group has planned several send-off events for the 204th Engineer Battalion Company A, which is being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, said Janet Lent, family support leader.
Green Party member resigns
Adrian Kuzminski of Fly Creek, former secretary of the New York State Green Party, has resigned as national platform committee representative of the New York State Green Party.
Hartwick to honor abolitionist, research library
ONEONTA — The United States Colored Troops Institute at Hartwick College will honor the New York State Historical Association Research Library and Oneonta abolitionist Eliakim Reed Ford at the 7th Annual Emancipation Memorial Ball at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Agora, Dewar Student Union, on the Hartwick campus.
Red Cross to open new Sidney location
The Sidney Red Cross will be holding a ribbon cutting and open house today at its new location in the Sidney Civic Center at 21 Liberty St.
Students put poetry in motion
ONEONTA — This year's State University College at Oneonta poetry slam team was formed last week as the college prepares to play host to the regional championships Saturday.
Family of 6 displaced by fire
A fire early Wednesday morning destroyed a Schenevus home and left a family of six homeless. The fire started about 4 a.m., according to Otsego County Emergency Services officials. The home at 130 Ridge Road belonged to Carl and Aileen Morrell. The Morrells have four children between the ages of 2 and 13.
Board seat left empty in Otsego
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives will be one member short this year, as representatives were unable to agree Wednesday on a successor to Democrat Stanley Harrington of Oneonta, who died last month.
Snowmobiler credited with saving house
A fire at the West Exeter fire chief's home in Burlington Flats on Tuesday was reported by a passing snowmobiler whose vigilance saved the house, the chief's wife said Wednesday.
Tenant in line for Clinton Plaza site
ONEONTA — An Oneonta orthodontist expects to move into the former CVS Pharmacy site at Clinton Plaza on Main Street by summer, following approval of plans Wednesday by the city Planning Commission.
Driver enters innocent plea in DWI case
GRAND GORGE — A bus driver accused of drunken driving and other misdemeanors pleaded innocent to 43 charges at an arraignment Wednesday in Roxbury Town Court.
Delaware board blasts gun permit plan
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors took a stand against Gov. George Pataki's plan to increase fees for pistol permit holders and gun dealers.
Judge orders county to preserve evidence
DELHI — A court order to preserve evidence gathered by the Delaware County Sheriff's Department in the drowning deaths of twin Sidney Center infants was issued by acting Supreme Court Justice Michael Coccoma on Feb. 10.
Local voters will have choices at polls in November
When voters go to the polls this November, they will be selecting a president, a U.S. senator, members of the U.S. House of Representatives, state senators, state assemblymen and county officials.
'Wick alumni are working to save teams
ONEONTA — Fund-raising efforts are under way to keep men's soccer and women's water polo as NCAA Division I sports at Hartwick College. Shortly after the decision to move both sports to Division III was made Jan. 15, talks began about ways to convince Hartwick President Richard Miller to rethink the move, said Cal Chase, one of those involved with fund-raising efforts.
Clarity is returning to Otsego Lake waters
Bill Harman looked into the water and saw better times ahead. Harman, the director of the Biological Field Station in Cooperstown, said Tuesday the water quality in Otsego Lake is the best it has been in about 20 years. A reading taken Thursday showed water at its clearest since 1982, he said.
Another Dem seeks to take Boehlert's seat
Democrat Jeffrey Miller of New Hartford is running against 11-term incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, 67, of New Hartford.
Job fair a success, organizers say
About 300 job seekers attended the Chenango-Delaware-Otsego Workforce Career Expo and Job Fair on Jan. 29, according to a release from the group.
Mysterious odor returns to Delaware offices
DELHI — The musty stink is back in Delaware County's Sen. Charles D. Cook County Office Building, and it's on the move, James Eisel, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, said Tuesday.
Residents like bottle plans
The environment will be the big winner if the state goes ahead with a planned expansion of its bottle law, according to several people who discussed the proposed changes Monday. Bills are being introduced in the state Legislature to include containers not covered by current bottle legislation, such as bottles for water and iced tea. Proposed legislation would also allow the state to keep the 5-cent deposit on unredeemed bottles, to be used for environmental projects.
Birdwatchers flock together for annual count
Ordinary people had the chance to become scientists over the Presidents Day weekend, thanks to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the Audubon Society.
Police: Driver of bus had 0.22 BAC
A chartered bus driver arrested Saturday on drunken driving charges had a blood-alcohol content of 0.22 percent, state police at Margaretville said.
Mills: Downstate won't be favored in school aid
ALBANY — Incorporating regional living costs into the state school-aid formula isn't likely to hurt needy upstate schools, the state's education commissioner said last week.
Bonacic proposes casinos legislation
ALBANY — A proposed constitutional amendment to allow non-American Indian casinos in New York ties into a high-level strategy to leverage casinos into the Catskills, top officials said last week.
Police: Bus driver drunk
The driver of a charter bus loaded with junior and senior high school students was arrested for drunk driving Saturday, state troopers in Stamford said. Troopers charged Harry A. Schnell Jr., 54, of Oneonta with driving while intoxicated while returning to Oneonta from a YMCA ski trip to Windham in Greene County. There were 36 passengers on the Oneonta Bus Lines bus, troopers said. Schnell was also charged with reckless driving, failure to keep right, consuming alcohol while operating a bus, endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree reckless endangerment.
Schools look to balance needs, taxes
As area schools begin grappling with preliminary budget figures for the 2004-05 school year, some taxpayers already have strong feelings about what they expect to see in upcoming school-tax increases.
Group honors blackout hero
WALTON — The man who helped keep the light bulbs burning on the Delaware County Fairgrounds during the Northeast blackout in August has been honored for his efforts.
City begins cracking down on taxis, cabbies
ONEONTA — City police said five tickets issued to taxi drivers Friday were the start of a campaign to make cab travel safer and bring companies into compliance with city code.
Hearing in Walton to address parking issue near high school
WALTON —An accident involving a car trying to leave a Walton school driveway prompted the village to propose greater restrictions on picking up and dropping off students, officials said earlier this month.
Few village contests in Delaware
Delaware County residents won't have many choices to make when they go to the polls to elect village officials on March 16 — there are only three contested trustee races countywide.
Day care gets funds
Thousands of dollars in funding has been awarded to assist child-care providers.
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Not just another Valentine's Day
A chance encounter at a fire, a meeting of minds on the Internet and an arranged date all led to memorable Valentine's Days for three area couples. Tommy Dorsey's band was playing in the background at the Valentine's Day Dance at Cornell University in 1947, when Bob Amadon slipped a diamond ring on Peg Merritt's finger and she said yes. "I love her so much," Bob said, gazing at his wife. "I don't think anyone will ever know how much I love her."
Voters sue Otsego again over redistricting
The Otsego County Board of Representatives and its clerk, Laura Child, are being sued by 15 county residents who say the public should be allowed to vote on the county's proposed reapportionment plan.
Dads, daughters step out together
ONEONTA — Whether they had their toes stepped on or not, a lot of daughters seemed just happy to be with their fathers in the grand ballroom at the Holiday Inn on Friday Night.
Results pending for wells in Otego
Pollution test results from wells drilled in Otego in January are expected to be released by the end of this month, Department of Environmental Conservation officials said.
Baby home after surgery
A Trout Creek baby who received a bone marrow transplant Dec. 11 came home Jan. 31.
State judge tosses defamation suit
Justice Patrick Monserrate of state Supreme Court in Cooperstown dismissed a $4.75 million lawsuit lodged against several county residents and businessmen Wednesday.
Love Letters: Methods change ... sentiments remain the same
Pasqualina Herring treasures the contents of a cardboard carton pushed against her bedroom closet. Stocks and bonds? Grandma's jewels? Nope. A nearly two-year collection of love letters from her husband, Lawrence, during a stint of military service in World War II.
Friday, February 13, 2004
Contestants vie for the perfect omelet
DELHI — Omelets were on the menu when high school students from throughout the region gathered at the State University College of Technology at Delhi to participate in the SkillsUSA-VICA regional competition Thursday. Thomas Recinella, certified executive chef and culinary arts teacher at Delhi Tech, monitored the activity in the kitchen as the culinary-skills contestants worked to produce three different omelets in 11/2 hours.
Shepard's mom: 'Take a stand'
ONEONTA — Making a difference in the world was the take-home message Judy Shepard gave an audience at the State University College at Oneonta on Thursday night.
Councilman to chairwoman
When the New York State Association of Towns has its annual meeting in New York City next week, the chairman will be Oneonta town Councilman Anna Marie Lusins, a Republican.
Two indicted in Otsego
COOPERSTOWN - In indictments handed up Monday in Otsego County Court, two people were charged with driving while intoxicated.
Sidney zoning changes pending
Zoning changes in the village of Sidney could be completed by spring 2005, according to a schedule discussed at a meeting held Jan. 29.
Deputies to have N.B. office
The village of New Berlin will soon have increased police presence, the Chenango County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday in a media release.
Member joins Catskill Watershed Corp. board
MARGARETVILLE — The Catskill Watershed Corp. welcomed a new member to its board of directors Jan. 27 and paid tribute to longtime member Charles LaFever, who died on Jan. 24, spokeswoman Diane Galusha said.
Cobleskill Wal-Mart clerk, 3 others arrested
Four people were arrested Wednesday after an investigation into a nearly five-month shoplifting scheme at a Schoharie County Wal-Mart, Cobleskill police said Thursday.
Driver appears in court
WEST ONEONTA — Michael Driggs appeared in Oneonta town court Thursday for a felony hearing on a charge of drinking and driving.
Man accused of altering license plate
ONEONTA — A Burlington Flats man was arrested Wednesday for trying to paint his way out of a ticket, Oneonta police said Thursday.
Convicted stone thief faces charge from town
Though a Delaware County jury convicted Stanton Cagney last month of possessing stolen capstones, he still faces a related charge in Oneonta town court.
Hartwick students put puppies to work
ONEONTA — Two Hartwick College students involved in the Guiding Eyes for the Blind puppy-training program will soon be saying their goodbyes as graduation approaches.
Police: Driver drunk again
ONEONTA — Not eight months after a drunken driving crash killed a Franklin teen, Michael B. Driggs, the car's driver, was caught driving while intoxicated Tuesday, state police said Wednesday. Troopers pulled over Driggs, 19, of Oneonta on state Route 23 in Oneonta at 10:45 p.m. Tuesday and charged him with driving while intoxicated and first-degree aggravated-unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a felony. Driggs is scheduled to stand trial in April for the June 28 crash that killed David G. Allen, his 18-year-old passenger and friend.
City school budget has some increases
ONEONTA - The first draft of the Oneonta City School District's 2004-05 budget calls for an increase in expenses of 5.06 percent and an increase in the tax levy of 5.71 percent, school officials said Wednesday.
Charlotte Valley first-grader with cancer dies
A girl described as beautiful and brave by those who knew her died Tuesday. Lily Boynton, 7, died at 10 p.m. at Albany Medical Center with her family present, her cousin, Carrie Willsey, said.
Meningitis case in Worcester clarified as viral
A Worcester Central School elementary student diagnosed with meningitis was determined Wednesday to have the less-dangerous viral form of the inflammation.
Wilber moves to American Stock Exchange
This week, a homegrown company became one of the first Otsego County businesses to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Shepard's mother to speak at SUCO
ONEONTA — Judy Shepard, mother of the victim of the 1998 hate-crime killing in Laramie, Wyo., will speak on "The Legacy of Matthew Shepard" in the Hunt Union Ballroom at the State University College at Oneonta at 8 p.m. today.
Seminars to offer leadership training skills
The Chenango Job Service Employer Committee and the CDO Workforce System are co-sponsoring a series of seminars to improve employees' supervisory skills. The first seminar in the series was titled "Effective Communication Skills for Supervisors."
Developer seeks Oneonta's OK
ONEONTA — Homes and townhouses could appear in the town of Oneonta by fall's end, if a development wins Planning Board approval. Carl Schulte has developed a project with more than 90 single-family homes and 42 townhouses to be built on county Route 8. The project went before the Oneonta Planning Board on Tuesday night. Kellie Place, Planning Board chairwoman, said the proposal is still quite preliminary. Though the board had worked with Schulte on the proposal before, Place said Tuesday's meeting was the formal pre-application submission.
Reigles charged with jail assault
DELHI — The defendant in the Timothy Cutting murder case who negotiated a plea bargain has been accused of assaulting an inmate in the Delaware County jail.
State grants boost communities
State grants aimed at making communities better places to live and work were paid to several local towns and villages last week.
Students note presidential races
ONEONTA — With the general presidential election just nine months away, some college students are finding reasons to get interested in politics.
Twins' parents sue to obtain accident report
DELHI — The parents of twin Sidney Center infants who died Oct. 29 have filed suit against Delaware County and Sheriff Thomas Mills to gain access to the accident reports.
Woman awaits trial in jail
DELHI — A woman who changed her mind two weeks in a row about pleading guilty to a drug-possession charge was sent to jail Monday to await trial in Delaware County Court.
'No longer an odor' in Delaware office, county official says
DELHI — The mysterious smell in Delaware County's Sen. Charles D. Cook County Office Building has still not been explained — but the air has cleared and the employees are back at their desks, William Moon, Delaware County Social Services commissioner, said Monday.
Upstate health-insurance companies praised
A health-care lobbying group's latest report says upstate New York insurance providers use members' premiums better than their downstate counterparts.
Antiques dealer: Jug brings record price
OTEGO — The weather may have been cold outside Saturday, but bidding at an indoor auction in Otego was hot, those involved said.
Domestic-partner bill argued
ONEONTA — A city committee's proposed domestic partner legislation brought out strong feelings on both sides of the issue Monday. People packed the Oneonta City Hall's Common Council Chambers just before 10 a.m. Monday to voice opinions on the proposal that would let the city issue certificates recognizing non-traditional unions. About 60 people, from high school students to senior citizens, sat in the chamber's public seats or stood in doorways throughout the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee's 11/2-hour meeting.
Dairy deal called OK for farmers
Dairy industry leaders said the recently completed Australian free-trade pact appears better for area dairy farmers than initially expected.
SUCO students take part in nonprofit symposium
Several students from the State University College at Oneonta participated in the 2004 American Humanics Management Institute, an intensive four-day educational symposium in nonprofit management held in Kansas City last month.
Woman charged with larceny
A woman who allegedly wrote herself checks totaling nearly $3,000 from the town of Tompkins was arrested Feb. 9.
Objections voiced to planned Guilford land buy
Questions over the purchase of 117 acres of privately owned land by the town of Guilford are expected to attract residents to the town board meeting at 8 p.m. Wednesday, people on both sides of the issue said.
Oneonta EMS strained by calls
ONEONTA — Last year, the city's emergency medical workers kept going farther and farther away. Oneonta Fire Chief Robert Barnes said his department — the only paid crew in Otsego or Delaware counties — was strained by intercept calls that took workers miles outside their normal coverage area. But Barnes and other emergency medical service officials say they have come to a solution — if only temporary — that relies more on volunteer departments.
CWC funding to spur Delaware business growth
Four Delaware County businesses will benefit and expand using low-interest loans from the Catskill Watershed Corp., spokeswoman Diane Galusha said last week.
Bassett CEO named to state health post
COOPERSTOWN — The state Senate has confirmed Bassett Healthcare President and CEO Dr. William F. Streck to the state's Public Health Council, Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford, said Wednesday.
Carnival attracts winter revelers
COOPERSTOWN — The slushy streets and intermittent snowfall didn't leave any doubt about the season at the 38th annual Cooperstown Winter Festival this weekend.
Oxford man charged in bank heists
A man from Oxford and two men from Binghamton were arrested Wednesday on charges resulting from five bank robberies in the Binghamton area and in Pennsylvania, said Glenn T. Suddaby, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York in a media release Thursday.
Petitioners seek to save prison camp
Area politicians announced a petition drive Thursday in Norwich to save a minimum-security prison in South Plymouth slated for closing.
Plea on 7th DWI nets 1 year
COOPERSTOWN - Jon J. Carney of Pittsfield is scheduled to be sentenced in Otsego County Court at 9 a.m. Feb. 23. It is Carney's seventh drunken-driving conviction. In a plea bargain agreed to Jan. 12, Carney, 59, will get one year in the Otsego County jail and be fined $1,000. Before Carney was convicted of his first "DWI" in 1987, he had killed one man and crippled another in a motor vehicle accident on U.S. Route 20 in the town of Richfield. That crash occurred on the early morning of July 24, 1983, when Carney, driving a Ford pickup truck, collided with a motorcycle driven by William Tulluch, 32, of Ilion.
Man skips on bail
The search is on for Damien Charlton, a former Hartwick College student convicted last year of stabbing a fellow college student on Oct. 27, 2002.
Author honored
Sidney High School graduate Patrick Simpson's years of work were rewarded recently when his book about searching for family won the first annual non-fiction award by Jada Press.
SUCO plans poetry slam
ONEONTA — A poetry slam at the State University College at Oneonta will be held in the snack bar of the Hunt College Union at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
FDA cautions against abuse of non-Rx meds
An educational campaign the Food and Drug Administration launched last month should remind consumers that over-the-counter drugs carry potent side effects, hospital pharmacists said last week.
Warnings fall short in winter storm
By early Friday afternoon, Walton weather observer Frank Ward said, about 4 1/2 inches of snow had fallen during the winter's latest storm, in addition to about 1 1/2 inches of ice and ice pellets.
Local hospitals aim to do fewer C-sections
About one in five babies born in Otsego County is the result of a Caesarean birth, but area hospital workers said they are working to lower that number. Between Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, and A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, about 960 babies were born last year. Ensuring happy and healthy moms and babies is a target for hospital maternity wards. "We have always had extremely good performance," said Jean Cramer, nurse manager for maternal and child health at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
Carnival gives regards to winter
COOPERSTOWN - Today, the 38th annual Cooperstown Carnival will open with a soup and chili luncheon at the First Baptist Church, and the fun will continue until a closing party Sunday evening at the Hoffman Lane Bistro.
SUNY seeks more accessible funds
ALBANY —The head of the state university system said Thursday he wants to make it easier for public campuses to tap into a proposed $350 million capital projects fund.
Delaware sniffing out cause of office odor
DELHI — An unidentified odor in an upstairs office in the Sen. Charles D. Cook County Office Building is being investigated by a biologist who specializes in environmental issues, said James Eisel, Delaware County Board of Supervisors chairman.
Allegations arise against Albany bishop
ALBANY — Albany Bishop Howard Hubbard denied Thursday having sexual relations with anyone and vowed to stay in his leadership role throughout the most recent church controversy.
Gas line is back in use
HARPERSFIELD — Propane is once again flowing through the Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Co. pipeline, and company officials are monitoring the pressure in the pipeline, said Michael LeRose, Texas Eastern regional manager.
Lecture to address electronic voting
ONEONTA — Computer expert Bo Lipari will present the talk "Will Your Vote Count? The Challenges of Electronic Voting Machines" at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the new Red Dragon Theater in the basement of the Hunt Union at the State University College at Oneonta.
Snow predicted for today
Up to eight inches of snow are expected by late this morning, when precipitation should begin mixing with sleet, according to the National Weather Service.
Addition to Regents test postponed
ALBANY —The state Education Department has postponed a new laboratory component of the earth science Regents exam.
Snow days within budget
The need for extra snow days has not affected local school districts as it has the Oswego City School District this year. With a series of lake-effect storms in January dropping more than 100 inches of snow, Oswego has used nine snow days so far. In response, the board of education has canceled winter recess to add instructional days. Area schools are not yet faced with that problem, though all have plans in case the snowy weather continues.
Pataki budget could cost Oneonta schools
ONEONTA — Math Regents exams and state aid to education were among the items discussed during Wednesday's meeting of the Oneonta City School District Board of Education.
Replacement for Harrington not yet chosen
COOPERSTOWN - At the start of Wednesday's meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, there was a moment of silence for Rep. Stanley Harrington, D-Oneonta, who died last week.
'Keepin' It Civil' begins with lecture tonight at SUCO
ONEONTA — "Keepin' It Civil," the third annual civil education series at the State University College at Oneonta, will begin at 7 p.m. today in the Hunt College Union Ballroom with a presentation on the rights and responsibilities of college students.
Elections inspectors needed in Otsego
COOPERSTOWN - Several polling stations in Otsego County do not have enough elections inspectors to hold the March 2 state primary, said Sheila Ross, the county's Republican deputy elections commissioner.
Ricin prompts congressmen to use other addresses
ONEONTA — Area congressmen have announced alternative mailing addresses while mail service for all congressional offices is suspended because of the toxin ricin discovered in the Dirksen Senate building in Washington.
Treadwell boy who lost leg is recovering
An 11-year-old Treadwell boy lost a leg following a farm equipment accident at his family's farm at about 7:10 p.m. Monday, state police at Oneonta said. Trevor Doring is in serious condition, said officials at Albany Medical Center, where he was airlifted, Tuesday. His left leg was amputated at the hospital after the accident, troopers said. He was working with his father, using the power takeoff unit of a tractor, when the accident occurred, troopers said.
At SUCO, opera celebrates Black History Month
ONEONTA — Powerful voices singing arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi and Giovanni Bellini opened a three-day celebration of Black History Month at the State University College at Oneonta on Tuesday night.
Wilber Corp. reports higher earnings
Wilber Corp., the parent company of Wilber National Bank, has released its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings reports.
Players voice support for suspended Walton coach
WALTON — Three members of the Walton girls basketball teams met with the Walton Central School board in executive session Tuesday night to defend their coach.
Otsego committee to tackle petitions
The ongoing battle over Otsego County's proposed reapportionment plans will be reviewed by the county's Public Safety and Legal Affairs Committee on Feb. 9, Committee Chairman Charles Bateman, R-Cooperstown, said Tuesday.
Dems pick Republican for board
The Otsego County Democratic Party announced Tuesday that it will endorse Scott Harrington to succeed his father, Stanley Harrington, to a seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Judge sentences Margaretville CVS burglar
DELHI - A man charged with breaking into the CVS/Pharmacy in Margaretville in September was sentenced in Delaware County Court on Monday.
'MyDoom' woes minimal locally
ONEONTA — The virus that overwhelmed a Utah company's computer Sunday has been attacking local computers for about a week, computer specialists said Monday. A similar virus was programmed to attack Microsoft Corp. today. For those with proper virus protection, the effects, which usually first show up in e-mail programs, have been slight, experts said. The MyDoom virus has been clogging computer networks by sending out large quantities of e-mail to real and fictitious addresses, said Ron Ranc, vice president at ISD in Oneonta, a company that handles computer security.
Area study: Less TV good for kids
Reading, making placemats and chatting with family are among activities useful to get small children to watch less television, a researcher at Bassett Research Institute in Cooperstown recently discovered.
Teen sentenced in arson, robbery
DELHI — A Meridale teenager charged with robbing Smoker's Choice in Delhi in February 2003 and setting a fire at Delaware Academy in May 2002 was sentenced to probation and several weeks' jail time in Delaware County court on Monday.
Sentencing delayed for suspect in Cutting case
DELHI — One of the seven defendants in the Timothy Cutting murder case was scheduled to be sentenced in Delaware County court Monday, but the sentencing was postponed until after the trials for the other suspects have begun.
INS eyes Camp Pharsalia for center
ALBANY —Camp Pharsalia, a minimum-security prison camp slated for closure, could get a second chance as a detention center for federal immigration officials.
SUCO offers teach-in on black history
ONEONTA — As part of the celebration of Black History Month at the State University College at Oneonta, the college will offer an "African-American History Teach-in" today through Thursday.
Fans' partying is no game
ONEONTA — Fans of Sunday's Super Bowl were liable do something crazy, at least in one downtown bar. Joe Harkenreader turned the Brass Rail into a tailgate party as smells of smoke and summer wafted from a propane grill. "It's the only place doing it. Two years in a row we've had a barbecue to think spring," Harkenreader said. And the party wasn't just on one side of the 50-yard line. Harkenreader said it didn't matter what team patrons pulled for; New England and Carolina fans partied together.
Jan. cold ties record
ONEONTA — The American poet Wallace Stevens once wrote, "It is deep January. The sky is hard. The stalks are firmly rooted in ice."
Catskills farmers share ideas
WALTON — Developing a brand for milk produced in the Catskills and having better public relations were some of the ideas discussed Saturday at a meeting in Walton on improving the future of farming.
Guidelines may help people pay medical bills
ALBANY — The uninsured may soon have an easier time paying medical bills in New York under new guidelines put together by the state's largest health-care association.
Construction work helps Delaware jobless rate
Officials at the state Department of Labor last week gave several reasons for a drop in unemployment among residents in non-farm jobs in Delaware County during December compared to a year earlier.
Teens have their own `souper' bowl
On a Sunday when many were watching a highly anticipated football game, teenagers at a Walton church were collecting money to feed the hungry.
Sled hit by car
HAMDEN — Three children were taken to O'Connor Hospital in Delhi on Sunday after a sled they were riding was hit by a car on Terry Clove Road in the town of Hamden.
