Anglers eager for start of trout season
DELHI — Scott Brown said he will take Thursday off from work. But he plans to head for his office — to go fishing on the first day of trout season, and that's not an April Fool's joke. At 5:30 a.m. Thursday, he plans to be in the parking lot behind the Sen. Charles D. Cook County Office Building in Delhi, where he works for the Department of Social Services.
Fish stories in diary form sought by DEC
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is looking for fish stories from Canadarago Lake and will even provide the pen and paper.
Business Beat: Employee retires with 40 years in the bank
A longtime employee of Wilber National Bank in Oneonta retired in February. Lynn Bissell, who worked at the bank for 40 years, was collections manager in the bank's loan division.
Rising milk prices leave farmers wary
Rising milk prices are expected to nearly eliminate federal payments to farmers in April before disappearing for a while, officials said Tuesday.
Retail costs could go up 10 percent
ALBANY - The price for milk could jump by more than 10 percent Thursday when the state's latest price cap goes into effect.
Arson suspected in Otesgo barn fire
The fire that destroyed a barn on state Route 80 in Pittsfield on Monday night was apparently set by two teenagers, a boy and a girl, Lyle "Butch" Jones Jr. said Tuesday.
Police, K9 capture man, 18, on roof
Two 18-year-old men were arrested Friday for punching an 18-year-old Arkville man who was subsequently charged with underage drinking, state police at Margaretville said.
Two knifing suspects released from jail
ONEONTA — Two of the four men accused in a stabbing Sunday night were let out of jail on bail Tuesday after appearances in city court.
Man guilty of Sidney grad's murder
Friends and relatives of a Sidney High School graduate who was raped and murdered in 1975 expressed a range of emotions Monday after a Madison man was found guilty of the crimes. Donald Sigsbee, 68, a retired cabinetmaker from Madison, was convicted by an Onondaga County jury on Monday. Prosecutors successfully used DNA evidence from the crime scene and from a drinking straw Sigsbee used and discarded.
Police reveal knifing motive
ONEONTA — Revenge by rival fraternity members may have been the motive in a weekend knifing, city police said Monday.
Mother wants son returned
COOPERSTOWN - Two days after he was born, Isaiah Alexander Rogers was taken from his mother by Otsego County Social Services workers.
SUCO seniors to receive award
ONEONTA — Personal and academic achievement were the keys to success for five State University College at Oneonta seniors.
No local school mergers proposed
Despite encouragement from the state, local school districts are not looking at mergers as a way to deal with budget woes or meeting higher standards.
Man pleads innocent to rape in Delaware
DELHI — A Kelly Corners man was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday on charges of having sex with a 14-year-old girl.
Rochester man accused of fraud involving checks
ONEONTA — A 26-year-old Rochester man was arraigned in city court Monday in connection with a fraud scheme that police said netted him thousands of dollars.
Laurens welcomes visitors from Japan
LAURENS — The world became a little smaller for junior high school students at Laurens Central School on Monday when they were visited by students from Japan.
Speaker predicts higher voter turnout in fall
ONEONTA — President Bush might be the solution to dwindling voter turnout, a speaker at the State University College at Oneonta said Monday night.
Reservist shares Afghanistan lessons
BURLINGTON FLATS — As an operating room technician on the front lines in Afghanistan, Jared Miller said he knows war is heart-wrenching. Miller, 22, an Army Reserve specialist with the 691st Medical Team, came home to Burlington Flats on Saturday. Surrounded by family in his parents' living room Sunday, he said he was humbled by the strength of injured Afghani children who came to his medical unit for treatment.
Area SWCDs awarded funds
Delaware and Chenango counties were among the recipients last week of $6.1 million for 31 projects that will assist farmers in efforts to protect soil and water resources.
4 charged in stabbing
ONEONTA — Four fraternity members were arrested in connection with a Market Street stabbing early Sunday morning, city police said.
Otsego to review health duties
COOPERSTOWN - An Otsego County board committee next month will be looking into having the county take over more public health duties.
Area OM squads advance
Two area schools will be sending teams to the Odyssey of the Mind World Competition at the University of Maryland at College Park, scheduled for late May.
Land trusts get grants
About $250,000 in grants and technical assistance was awarded Tuesday to 22 land trust organizations across the state, including one each in Otsego and Delaware counties.
Arkville woman to celebrate 106 years
MARGARETVILLE — Emma Douglas doesn't look or act her age. On Monday, Douglas will celebrate her 106th birthday. "She is just amazing," Vicki Winner, Margaretville Senior Meals site manager, said Friday. "She is always on the go and she just goes and goes and goes. If there is something going on, she is there." Douglas is a regular at senior meals, where she meets her friends, John McLear, 60, and Jane Soderback, 64.
Area students argue way to national competition
Seven area high school students convincingly argued their way into the Forensic League National Speech Tournament during the regional competition in Rochester on March 20, said John Parker, the National Forensic League district chairman.
Reporter's Notebook: Veterans may tap state for benefits
People considering federal Veterans Affairs benefits for National Guard troops recently deployed to Iraq should note that the state is offering benefits under the Patriot Program.
Parents sue Morris school after girl molested
MORRIS - How safe must a school district keep the students who ride its buses? That issue is at the heart of a lawsuit pending in State Supreme Court in Cooperstown against the Morris Central School District, its board of education, and one of its bus drivers, Betty Teed.
City traffic light damaged, fixed
ONEONTA — A set of stoplights near the Center Street School are back to blinking this week after being damaged in two accidents Sunday.
Annual art run and walk to feature folk art demos
In music, "allegro" means fast. That's what the Chenango County Council of the Arts is hoping everyone will be when they participate in the third annual Allegro Run for the Arts on Sunday, May 2.
Farmers upset by killings
Gordon Cucullu of Walton said he thought he was walking onto a battlefield instead of his farm fields one cold night last month when he discovered the mangled bodies of several of his llamas and alpacas. Cucullu, the owner of East Brook Farms in Walton, said that 10 of his 150 llamas and alpacas were slaughtered by unleashed dogs during the night hours on Feb. 5. "It looked like something in Vietnam," said Cucullu. "Bodies were ripped open, baby animals were torn apart. It was not pleasant."
OEC turns 60
The Otsego Electric Cooperative is turning 60 this year and will celebrate with a chicken barbecue and music at its annual meeting.
GOP chairman to speak
Sandy Treadwell, chairman of the New York State Republican Party, will be the guest speaker at the 55th annual Otsego County Republican dinner in Cooperstown on Thursday.
Landlords say they're unhappy with tax rules
ONEONTA — Emotions ran strong at a meeting of property owners and tax officials Thursday night when they discussed the city's yearly assessment revaluation.
Delhi Tech holding benefit dance marathon
DELHI — A group of students at the State University College of Technology at Delhi plan to stay up and party for 24 hours — but all for a good cause.
Geology professor at SUCO wins award for work
ONEONTA — A teenage interest in caves has led the way for an Oneonta professor to receive a lifetime achievement award from an international organization. At a ceremony at Howe Caverns on Saturday, Distinguished Teaching Professor Arthur N. Palmer, 63, who has taught at the State University College at Oneonta since the 1960s, will receive the award from the Karst Waters Institute, an international organization based in Charles Town, W.Va. Karst refers to any type of landscape formed by dissolving rock, such as caves, officials at the organization said Wednesday.
Police: Parisian funds stolen; trooper suspected
ONEONTA — A 17-year trooper is under investigation in the theft of money earmarked for donation to the Ricky J. Parisian Scholarship Foundation, state police in Albany said.
Schumer takes on law on overtime
ONEONTA — About 15,000 workers in the Southern Tier could lose overtime pay if the Department of Labor has its way, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Wednesday.
Business Beat: Garden center rebuilds after fire
An Oneonta garden center damaged by fire in January will reopen for the season April 1. Asbury Gardens, at 248 River St., had a fire Jan. 10, said owner Brian Fawcett. The fire destroyed the shop's garden center.
Walrath gears up for Boehlert challenge
The race for the 24th Congressional District seat long held by Republican Sherwood Boehlert of New Hartford is getting more crowded.
Liability insurance proposed for dog owners
ALBANY — Dog owners in New York would be required to have liability insurance for their pets under a bill proposed in the state Assembly.
Sports equipment maker opens factory
DELHI — Sportsfield Specialties Inc. had an open house Wednesday to showcase its sports construction products manufacturing building in Delhi.
Friends mourn quarry worker who died on job
People in the Village of Richfield Springs expressed shock Wednesday, a day after Dean Robertson, 40, died accidentally while at work at a stone quarry in the town of Warren.
Museum visitor successfully treated with CPR by staff
An elderly man visiting the Fenimore Art Museum who apparently was having heart failure received prompt attention and appeared OK Wednesday afternoon, according to Mark diLorenzo, chief of security at the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown.
Delaware board approves study to preserve bridge
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday authorized a $205,000 study to preserve the historic Roebling suspension bridge over the East Branch of the Delaware River in Corbett.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Returning soldiers meet supporters
DELHI — Army Capt. Albert Vigilante and his wife, Army 1st Lt. Renee Vigilante, spent a year in Iraq on what they called a mission to better the lives of the people. "The mission was important, and I'm glad I was part of it," Albert Vigilante said Tuesday at the second Support Our Troops spaghetti dinner at the American Legion in Delhi. "It was a poverty-stricken place when we got there," Renee Vigilante added. "But now the streets are clean, and they have services they didn't have before."
Molasses studied in Sidney cleanup
Molasses may play a role in the cleanup of a contaminated site being handled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the town of Sidney.
Depleting Medicare could cause financial woes
Depleting the Medicare hospital trust fund could result in significant financial problems for several entities, community members said Tuesday.
Meetings to be held on property revaluation
ONEONTA — The office of city assessor will have a public informational meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday to provide an update on the continuing real property revaluation.
Area groups receive pledges from PBA
Otsego County Deputy Sheriff's Police Benevolent Association President Mike Ten Eyck announced the most recent beneficiaries of the PBA's ongoing community outreach and charitable giving program.
Healthy relationships to be topic
ONEONTA — Rebecca Butler, a speaker in the movement to stop gender violence, will make a presentation in the Hunt Union Ballroom at 7 p.m. today at the State University College at Oneonta.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Students turn pennies for scholarships into art
DAVENPORT — More than $1,200 worth of pennies, raised at the Charlotte Valley Central School as part of the "Dollars for Scholars" program, were used to make a message Monday. The program is several years old, according to event coordinators, and the money raised goes to scholarships for graduating seniors. This year's theme was "Arts and Education." Every class in the school spent two weeks gathering pennies, and then students, as a class, organized their pennies into a design.
Home schools facing change
Home-schooled students may have difficulty graduating from college if the Board of Regents passes changes to its rules involving higher education in the state.
Air pollution rule divides groups
ALBANY — Environmentalists are divided over whether a proposed federal air pollution rule is a major step in battling acid rain or merely an election-year ruse.
Walton man sentenced for Oct. burglary
DELHI — A Walton man who broke into a Walton clothing store was sentenced in Delaware County Court on Monday to five years probation with six months in jail.
Ex-OHS custodian pleads innocent
COOPERSTOWN - Michael E. Demoney pleaded innocent in Otsego County Court on Monday to a charge of second-degree unlawful surveillance, a felony that can carry a state prison sentence of one to four years.
School tax hike declines
ONEONTA — The proposed 2004-2005 budget for the Oneonta City School District continued to decline as officials seek to finalize a budget next month, officials said Monday.
Hospital, doctors can cover suit
DELHI — The two doctors and The Hospital in Sidney each have enough insurance coverage to cover the $1.7 million in damages awarded in a wrongful-death lawsuit Friday, Dr. George Innes, The Hospital's chief executive officer, said Monday.
Prof puts microscope on region
ONEONTA — Oneonta and the surrounding areas have been the research laboratory for Alexander Thomas for the past several years.
Expansion project nears completion
COOPERSTOWN — Critically ill patients at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital are only weeks away from the benefits of a multi-million-dollar expansion project.
Bassett doctor says decision can help non-psychiatrists
The Food and Drug Administration's decision to issue a public health advisory on several antidepressants was a cautious decision, according to a psychiatrist with Bassett Healthcare.
State awards its first smoking-ban waiver to Stella Luna Ristorante
ALBANY — The Pataki administration gave out its first waiver from the indoor smoking ban last week, allowing customers in an Oneonta restaurant's smoking lounge to light up once again. At the same time, 13 other restaurants and bars across New York were told they didn't qualify for the privilege. "I'm very lucky, I guess, to get it," said Antonio Avanzato, who owns Stella Luna Ristorante on Market Street with his brother, Vincenzo.
Drug Treatment Court client says he faces obstacles
NEW BERLIN - The man is fighting addictions to cocaine and alcohol. For about 15 months, he has been participating in the Otsego County Drug Treatment Court program, and he's encountered some unusual problems, he says.
Library's virtual course honored
An innovative online library curriculum developed at the Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES in Stamford has been cited as an example of how the New York State Library uses grant funds to benefit residents.
Walton seeks funds to raze buildings
WALTON — The Walton Village Board is seeking funding to purchase and demolish vacant, dilapidated buildings, Mayor Carl Vogel said.
SUCO events mark women's history month
ONEONTA — The Center for Multicultural Experiences at the State University College at Oneonta is having events this week to mark Women's History Month.
PBA unhappy with hiring of part-timers
ONEONTA — The hiring of two part-time city police officers has union members upset because, they said, they weren't included in negotiations.
Police seek rape suspect
COOPERSTOWN — Otsego County sheriff's deputies are looking for an accused rapist who missed his arraignment on March 12.
Exhibit shows Delaware's links to wars
DELHI — A Revolutionary War cannonball found in a field on Elk Creek gets the Delaware County Historical Association's retrospective on war rolling from the War of Independence through the Vietnam conflict.
Spring is here; snow lingers
Despite all evidence to the contrary, spring technically began at 1:49 a.m. Saturday. Spring came just a few days after about 8 inches of snow fell on the region in a late-winter storm. "Apparently March is one of your snowier months," said Delhi weather observer James Brundege. "We still haven't had a lot of snow for March." The snow isn't stopping with winter's end, either. According to the National Weather Service, there is a 30 percent of snow showers on Sunday with a predicted low of 12 degrees.
Jury awards family $1.7M
DELHI — A three-week medical malpractice trial ended in Delaware County Court on Friday when the jury awarded Roxane M. Williams' family $1,700,934 in damages for her death on March 29, 2000.
Artist from Oneonta finds inspiration `Around Town'
ONEONTA — "The first thing that pops in my mind when I see some of the architecture in Oneonta is, 'I want to paint that'," said Maryann Stow, an Oneonta artist.
Plans afoot for cell tower in Burlington
Cellular telephone coverage is coming to western Otsego County this year, according to Burlington Town Supervisor Betty Anne Schwerd.
Sidney woman is car winner
ONEONTA — A drawing for a car Friday night raised about $20,000 for the Foothills Performing Arts Center, organizers said.
Friday, March 19, 2004
Families still feel impact of war
DELHI — "I still believe we should have gone to do what we had to do. We had to get rid of Saddam — the guy was a nut," said Ralph Silano of Delhi, whose 20-year-old son Vincent is a Marine serving in Iraq. On the first anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq last March 19, many of the soldiers who launched the attack are back in the States, and other troops have deployed to continue the operation.
Cigarette firms want limits on court payments
ALBANY — New York lawmakers may have to give big tobacco special treatment to help assure the state budget stays afloat, tobacco giant Philip Morris said.
Care-package sender, recipient to meet
DELHI — When a 26-year-old woman stationed in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul received a care package last year from a 10-year-old Delhi girl, it ignited a friendship.
Residents report seeing wild boars in Bloomville
Wild boars are wandering the hills in Bloomville, according to several residents in the Scotch Hill Road area, but officials don't seem to have any jurisdiction over the animals.
Police make 22 arrests
ONEONTA — Although city police made fewer arrests Wednesday than last St. Patrick's Day, they said a smaller crowd caused more trouble.
Weekend highlight will be maple-sweet
The 9th Annual Maple Weekend is this weekend, and area maple farms owners said they are preparing for a fun, family-orientated weekend.
Goat greets shoppers
ONEONTA — Customers can find many random farm products at the Feed & Seed in Oneonta — natural honey, gate doors and go-devils — but a baby goat, diapered and wrapped in a green sweater, takes the cake. Stewbottom, a month-old female Nubian-Alpine cross, does the 9-to-5 shift at the store on state Route 7 near the Otego border. Workers said she's such an attraction that people stop in just to hold and pet her.
Dwellings added to planned housing development
ONEONTA — A new housing development in West Oneonta is progressing as planned despite some changes, according to those involved with the project.
Residents to join protests
ONEONTA — Some area residents will participate in demonstrations, both at home and in New York City, on Saturday as part of a worldwide protest, The World Still Says No to War.
Snowstorm causes accidents
The late winter storm that dropped up to 8 inches of snow on the area Tuesday was blamed for about two dozen minor traffic accidents in Otsego and Delaware counties. State police in Oneonta said they handled about 20 accidents and cars off roads, many along Interstate 88, they said, where the snow seemed to hit the hardest. Troopers said the driver of a pickup truck hauling a fifth-wheel camper had an accident at about 8 a.m. that closed part of I-88 for a couple of hours.
Higher costs hurt counties
ALBANY — While trying to fix an old problem, lawmakers may actually have made things worse for New York counties and poor people facing criminal charges.
Art students are winners
Six Otsego County high schoolers who painted and drew their way into the spotlight will get a chance at national recognition next month.
Man sentenced to prison for stabbing, theft
DELHI — A Hancock man was sentenced to five years in prison in Delaware County Court on Monday for stabbing another man and stealing a pickup truck from his grandfather.
3 men accused in Feb. assault
Three Schenevus men were arrested last week in connection with an alleged burglary and assault in February.
Common Council approves permits for Greek houses
ONEONTA — City officials approved seven of Hartwick College's Greek organizations for special use permits that allow them to keep their Center City houses.
Bar industry asks for air cleaners
ALBANY — Tavern industry associations and air-cleaning companies said technology can do as good a job clearing the air as the outright ban on indoor smoking, but proponents for the law against lighting up indoors said they're just puffing on junk science.
Assembly leader denies any wrongdoing
ALBANY — State government's most powerful Democratic lawmaker said he did nothing wrong by paying $109 a night for a luxury Las Vegas hotel suite which can sometimes can go for more than 10 times that.
Suspect in Sidney case says 'guilty'
DELHI — One of the seven defendants in the Timothy Cutting murder case pleaded guilty to manslaughter and gang assault in Delaware County court Monday in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence. Dustin M. Hitt, 19, of Sidney pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree gang assault. He will receive a 20-year prison sentence on each charge to run concurrently. He waived his right to appeal and agreed to provide testimony in the other trials, said Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup.
Sons: Slain Mason died doing what he wanted
The sons of the Mason killed in an initiation rite said their father died doing something he wanted. William James of Medford was shot in the face last Monday during an initiation ceremony at the South Side Lodge meeting place in Patchogue.
Two men get prison for fatal DWI crashes
DELHI —Two men charged with vehicular manslaughter for killing people in drunken-driving crashes were sentenced to identical prison terms of 11/2-to-41/2 years in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Police look into assault
ONEONTA — A State University College at Oneonta student was slashed across the back Saturday, probably with a broken bottle, in a fight between members of two sororities, city police said.
Two Democrats to debate in race against Boehlert
The 24th congressional district race is warming up as two Democrats vie to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert and another Republican raises funds to run against him.
'Wick Greek organizations to get annual review
ONEONTA — Seven Hartwick College Greek organizations are scheduled for public hearings at tonight's Common Council meeting, a procedure they undergo yearly to keep their houses.
Building damaged by blaze
FLY CREEK — Fire ate through two floors of a carriage house Sunday night, hurling flames above the treetops into the night sky. The building, owned by Rob Bahm, sits just off state Route 28 in the back yard of his home. Bahm said the fire started in an oil furnace in the building's back left corner. He said it was serviced just days ago.
Few contested races in village voting Tuesday
Contested races are widely scattered in this year's village elections, scheduled for Tuesday. Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m., except in Gilbertsville where they will be open from 2 to 7 p.m.
Laurens C-guard captures regional
LAURENS — The Laurens Jaguars Colorguard squad won both the preliminary and overall competitions for its class at the East Power Regional at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, R.I., over the weekend.
Police academy gets state grant
ONEONTA — Sen. James L. Seward on Sunday announced a $34,786 grant for the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy at the State University College at Oneonta.
Saturday, March 13, 2004
The benefits of being a vet
When members of the 204th Engineer Battalion Company of the National Guard left from Walton in February, they were given a big sendoff that included a parade. When they return home, they will find the Veterans Administration will have something waiting for them. They will become eligible for certain federal health-care benefits offered to returning veterans.
ASPCA grant to help put roof over dogs' heads
DELHI — Neither rain, nor sleet, nor sun soon will stop the dogs at the Humane Society of Central Delaware County from having fun in their exercise yard.
Full dose of vaccine for infants put on hold
As the result of a nationwide shortage, healthy infants must wait to get the full dose of a vaccine that can prevent some types of ear infections and bacterial meningitis.
Panel to address legal, civil rights
ONEONTA — A forum Sunday featuring law enforcement, judges, prosecutors and support services is scheduled to address civil rights and the law, an organizer said Thursday.
Missing teenager found safe in Utah
A Goodyear Lake teen missing since Tuesday was found safe by authorities in Ogden, Utah, on Friday, a family member said.
The Hospital hires staff
Several people have recently joined the administration of The Hospital in Sidney, officials said.
Blacksmith gets to fulfill his childhood ambition
NEW BERLIN - When John Clay Rzucidlo was just 4 years old, he knew he wanted to be a blacksmith. "There was a wonderful shop in the town where I grew up, Newport, New Hampshire, and I used to be fascinated, looking in there," he said. "The blacksmith was Gardner Stetson, and I loved to watch him work." Forty-eight years later, Rzucidlo is a blacksmith and recently opened a shop at Five Corners, just north of the village of New Berlin.
Local professors liken events to 9/11
ONEONTA — Local Spanish professors with ties to Madrid described Thursday's bombings as the equivalent of a 9/11-type attack.
Soccer camp plans reviewed
ONEONTA — Town of Oneonta planning officials got their first look at plans for a youth soccer camp Wednesday that could bring hundreds of players and tourists to the area.
Woman, 18, reported as missing
The public is being asked by the Otsego County Sheriff's Office for information to help find an 18-year-old Goodyear Lake woman reported missing since Tuesday.
Some do call and drive
Many motorists are still talking on hand-held mobile phones and driving, despite a state law prohibiting the practice, local authorities say. "By the time (troopers) see a car, they're no longer holding a phone up to their ear," said Oneonta trooper Jeffrey Moore. "It's hard to prove." But if state police see someone talking on a phone, and the person stops talking by the time the car stops, the driver can still be ticketed, Moore said.
Burn barrel opponents push for ban
ALBANY — Health, environmental and even some farm-industry advocates are calling on state lawmakers to ban the open burning of trash across New York.
Four to compete for conducting job
ONEONTA — Four area people have agreed to grab a conductor's stick and face the music Saturday to raise money for a local orchestra.
School diversity resolution sparks debate
ONEONTA — A proposed diversity resolution attracted more than 75 people to a meeting of the policy committee of the Oneonta City school board Wednesday night.
Residents oppose zoning for condos
ONEONTA — About 120 Center City residents signed a petition opposing a zoning change that would allow a housing project on Spruce Street Extension.
Office odor gone, but source still not identifiable
DELHI — The strange smell in Delaware County's Sen. Charles D. Cook County Office Building is gone, but the cause of the odor remains a mystery, James Eisel, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, said Wednesday.
Delaware to use set-aside money on extra jail costs
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution Wednesday to use contingency funding to pay for unexpected expenses incurred during the construction of the county jail and public safety complex.
Empire Zone in Otsego could shrink
Otsego County's Empire Zone may be in trouble if a plan by the governor is approved. Created in 2002, the county's Empire Zone, like others around the state, is designed to help bring businesses and jobs to poor areas. Businesses within the zone are given wage and tax credits by the state if they expand their work forces. Delaware County doesn't have an Empire Zone.
Bugbee School reunion planned
ONEONTA — The bell will not need to be rung when the Percy I. Bugbee School for Children reopens its doors to former students, staff and faculty this summer.
Sporting-goods store to open
A sporting-goods store will open in Cooperstown on March 20. Ed and Joanne Telfer have started Willow Brook Outfitters in the Maple Ridge Shopping Plaza on state Route 28.
Teachers, TV star lobby state for school funds
ALBANY — A plan to boost aid to New York City's schools could add $12 billion to the state's education tab in a few years, a Senate leader said Tuesday, the annual day for school lobbying.
Speaker pushes for world health
ONEONTA — Another voice, this time from a global medical experience, was heard at Hartwick College on Monday in a continuing series of lectures on globalization.
Hartwick commencement address to be given by business founder
ONEONTA - B. Thomas Golisano, who founded what has become one of the leading payroll and human resource services firms in the nation, will give the commencement address at Hartwick College on Saturday, May 29.
Gas prices hit record highs
ONEONTA — Area residents may be feeling the pinch at the pump as gasoline prices reach record highs. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, gas prices are the highest on record since 1988 and have increased 13.5 percent since the start of the year. The current price per gallon in upstate New York is $1.819 for regular grade, an increase of about 45 percent over $1.265 in March 2002, according to the federal Department of Energy.
'Wick faculty-student research prize grows
ONEONTA — Starting from an offering in one scientific field several years ago, a student prize at Hartwick College soon will be available to qualifying projects in all academic divisions, college officials said Monday.
Delaware inmate gets extension of jail term
DELHI —A man who refused to follow the rules while he was serving weekends at the Delaware County jail was sentenced to an extended stay at the facility.
Indictments handed up in Otsego
COOPERSTOWN - Two people were charged in indictments handed up Monday in Otsego County Court in Cooperstown.
17 car crashes keep police busy
About 17 car accidents throughout Delaware County kept police and fire departments busy much of Monday morning and into the afternoon.
Oxford seventh-grader wins spelling bee
ONEONTA — "Interrogatory" was the word of the day for Olivia Powell at the second annual Daily Star regional spelling bee Saturday. It was the word Olivia, a seventh-grader at Oxford Central School, needed to get to the Scripps National Spelling Bee final June 1-3 in Washington. "I get nervous, but I don't get too nervous," said Olivia, 13, after the bee finished. She said she credited her success to studying after school with the school librarian.
Council divided on idea of cards for partners
The Oneonta Common Council appears somewhat split on the issue of whether the city should be permitted to issue domestic partner certificates.
'Fun to be done' during Dr. Seuss' centennial
WALTON — Dr. Seuss' own words from "Oh, The Places You'll Go" can describe the activities planned for "Dr. Seuss Month": — "Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won."
Delhi hospital names new CEO
DELHI —Daniel M. Ayres was named administrator and chief executive officer of O'Connor Hospital on Friday, said Peter J. Hamilton, chairman of the hospital Board of Trustees.
Colored Troops Institute honored in Md.
ONEONTA — The United States Colored Troops Institute for Local History and Family Research at Hartwick College was honored Feb. 28 by the Maryland Legislature with Senate Resolution No. 432 in recognition of its work.
Lilac Lane park honors animal friends
DELHI — Snow still covers the paths in Lilac Lane Pet Memorial Park in Delhi, but the buds on the 80 lilac bushes are showing signs that spring is right around the corner, and the park will soon be visited by pets and their owners.
Cookbook photos give glimpse of past
DELHI — An old photo of a woman making braided bread was chosen for the cover of the Delaware County Senior Council's "Home Cookin' From Olde Delaware" cookbook, but no one knew who she was until her granddaughter spotted the cookbook at a friend's house.
First history luncheon to discuss CCC camps
DELHI — Join DCHA Wednesday for the first in a series of monthly history luncheons to be held throughout 2004 at the Quarter Moon Cafe in Delhi. The luncheon and presentation will begin at 1:30 p.m. and continue to approximately 3 p.m.
Delaware displays support for troops
DELHI — A new wave of support for the American soldiers stationed in the Middle East has begun to flow through Delaware County since the deployment of the National Guard 204th Engineer Battalion Company A on Feb. 25. On Friday, the Delaware County Sheriff's Department began flying a white flag with a yellow ribbon emblazoned on it with the words "We Support You," and Jordan Walsh said she is reviving a successful fund-raising effort to send more care packages to the troops.
Bankruptcy on the rise
Upstate New York is following the trend toward personal bankruptcy, and it's not a good thing, according to national reports.
Firefighters' quickness averts blast
What could have been an explosion at a city alderman's home Thursday night was averted with quick thinking and fast fire department response.
'The Passion' draws pious and curious
ONEONTA — "This is the first movie I've been to in three years," said Oneonta resident Don Crandall as he entered the Oneonta Theatre on Chestnut Street, where "The Passion of the Christ" opened Friday night.
Author to sign book on sex-abuse crisis in Catholic Church
Author David France will be at The Commons Building in Margaretville from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday to sign his recently released book "Our Fathers: The Secret Life of the Catholic Church in an Age of Scandal."
Coffee shops brew rivalry
ONEONTA — Looking at the downtown district, one might think Oneonta has a caffeine addiction. Within several blocks on Main Street, there are about six shops selling coffee, coffee-related products and things to eat with coffee. "They provide a space where people can spend leisure time," Oneonta downtown developer Jeff House said in February. "Will they all survive? Who knows?" Three of the cafes are recent additions to the downtown landscape.
Insurers' treatment of eating disorders criticized
One of the deadliest mental illnesses also presents unique insurance struggles for those involved with it, according to a recent report from the state attorney general's office.
Students to compete in word test Saturday
ONEONTA — Twenty-eight school spelling bee winners are prepping for Saturday's Daily Star regional spelling bee for a chance to go to the national spelling finals in Washington, D.C., from June 1-3.
Dad greets baby son
ONEONTA — A National Guardsman who was on duty for most of his wife's first pregnancy received a pass just in time to see his second child's birth. With help from the American Red Cross, 1st Lt. Richard Cain came home right before his wife, Beth, had their son, Nathan, on Feb. 18 at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. The Cains are from Oneonta. "It was very good timing," Beth Cain said Monday. "He had 18 minutes to spare."
Local deer take down
Deer hunters statewide shot about 50,000 fewer deer last year than in the 2002 season, state Department of Environmental officials said Monday.
Prom preview offers promise of fashion fun
DELHI — Ladies in evening gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos will waltz across the stage to model evening wear during the first STOP-DWI Prom Fashion Experience at the Delaware Academy high school auditorium at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Bassett Healthcare to teach rural surgeons
COOPERSTOWN — A $1 million gift to Bassett Healthcare ought to have lasting effects throughout the community and the United States, surgeons at the hospital said Tuesday.
Otsego board OKs sale of space in drug clinic
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives agreed at Wednesday's meeting to sell its share of the building that houses the county's Chemical Dependencies Clinic at 438 Main St. in Oneonta.
Hartwick names vice president to start in June
ONEONTA — Hartwick College officials said a new vice president who starts this summer will be a window for change and a rudder for positive direction.
Teen given youthful offender status
DELHI - An Otego teenager who pleaded guilty to stealing two vehicles was given youthful offender status in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Election worker happy to help
ONEONTA — Tuesday's primary was a show Margaret Carney has seen before. All the national pomp about Super Tuesday filters down to citizens voting in school gyms, filling ballots in town halls and pulling red handles in church recreation centers. And many a voter has filed past Carney. She has been an election inspector in the city of Oneonta for nearly 30 years. Tuesday, she worked out of St. James' Episcopal Church on Main and Elm streets, where she served as inspection chair for the city's Third Ward.
Owner turning restaurant into lodging
A familiar Cooperstown restaurant is closing and turning into a bed-and-breakfast. The 1819 Restaurant and Tavern served its last dinners Saturday, owner Lynn Hathaway said Tuesday.
Kerry No. 1 Dem in four-county area
U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts swept to victory in local counties Tuesday on his way to winning New York's Democratic presidential primary.
Motorist: Boulder, vehicle collide
A 200-pound rock careered off a steep embankment and collided with a car in the town of Colchester on Monday night, Delaware County deputies said.
Morning-after pill decision delayed
The Food and Drug Administration's delayed decision on the morning-after pill is political and not scientific, a Planned Parenthood representative said last week.
Lawmaker proposes new driving law
ALBANY — The state lawmaker who took cell phones out of drivers' hands has proposed a new law to take drunken drivers off the road.
Patients less likely to see own doctors in hospitals
Patients admitted to area hospitals might not be under the care of their primary-care physicians after hospitalization. Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown and A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta each employ multiple hospitalists, a new breed of practitioners who treat only hospital inpatients. "It's an expanding area of career choice for doctors," said Dr. Henry Weil, the internal medicine residency director at Bassett. "It really is a national phenomenon."
From sap into syrup
Warm days and cold nights could create sweet weeks ahead for maple-syrup producers.
Man sentenced in dollar-store theft
DELHI —A Unadilla man who stole $28,348 in cash and $812 in merchandise from the Walton Dollar Store was sentenced to prison in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Oneonta police investigating rape allegation
ONEONTA — Oneonta police said Monday detectives were investigating the alleged rape of a 19-year-old Hartwick College student reported Sunday morning.
Bassett establishes program on rural surgery
COOPERSTOWN — Bassett Healthcare has established the Mithoefer Center For Rural Surgery to improve general surgery training and patient health in rural communities in the United States and abroad.
`Great American Weigh In' set
ONEONTA — The American Cancer Society and Otsego Public Health Partnership will present the "Great American Weigh In" at Hannaford Food and Drug Superstore in Oneonta from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Field crop production up in New York, officials say
The value of production of New York's principal field crops during 2003 totaled $738 million, up 15 percent from 2002, according to the New York Agricultural Statistics Service.
For counties, Medicaid is an expensive good deed
America's insurer-based health-care system costs the nation more every year, and in New York state, part of the expense shows up on county tax bills. According to the January issue of Health Management Technology, an industry journal, American health-care premiums are rising about 11 percent per year. Workers with private health insurance and their employers have to absorb these costs or make decisions to reduce or drop health-care coverage.
Court report
DELHI — A Downsville man pleaded guilty Feb. 23 in Delaware County Court to a second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and possession of a sexual performance by a child.
Students show their creative skills
ONEONTA — The Hunt Union at the State University College at Oneonta bustled with a younger student population than usual on Saturday during an Odyssey of the Mind competition.
Hartwick applicants also increase
Applications at Hartwick College in Oneonta for 2004-05 are running slightly ahead of last year, said Director of Admissions Patricia Maben.
State lawmakers tackle insurance
ALBANY — State lawmakers and health-care advocates agree the skyrocketing cost of health insurance has to be held in check.
