Delhi flowers in bloom
DELHI — Brilliant yellow daffodils line the courtyard pathways at the Delhi Senior Community and beds of tulips are ready to bloom, thanks to the efforts of three gardeners who live in the complex. Karin Birkeland, JoAnn Yaas and Connie Salerno joined forces in October to plant more than 600 bulbs, Birkeland said Thursday. "I like to garden, and I didn't want to give it up," Birkeland said. "I got permission to plant a small garden near my apartment and then it expanded into the other areas."
Speaker: Ads objectify women
ONEONTA — Beer, jeans, makeup and hair styling products. These are just a few of the many products, Jean Kilbourne said Thursday, that companies have used women to sell over the past three decades.
Sportsfield Specialties to get low-cost power
DELHI — A Delhi sports construction equipment company has been granted lower-cost electricity from the New York Power Authority, said Michael Saltzman, NYPA spokesman.
Colored Troops Institute ready to elect officers
ONEONTA — The United States Colored Troops Institute for Local History and Family Research at Hartwick College has reached a six-year milestone and is preparing to elect new officers.
Police following leads in West St. assault case
ONEONTA — Oneonta police released a composite sketch Thursday of a man wanted in the attempted sexual assault of a woman on West Street in Oneonta a week ago.
Nurse from India joins Fox staff
ONEONTA — America is full of new things for Pushpa Parasa, a nurse who accepted A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital's offer to move to Oneonta. "To get into America is a great chance," Parasa said Monday. "Everything is in America." Parasa, who has a four-year degree in nursing and 16 years of experience as a registered nurse, was one of 16 nurses to whom Fox Hospital made a job offer.
Cobleskill Tech to inaugurate president
COBLESKILL— Thomas J. Haas will be inaugurated as the 10th president of the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill on Friday.
Statewide history contest to be in Cooperstown
COOPERSTOWN — More than 300 middle and high school students from around the state will meet Friday in Cooperstown to compete in National History Day in New York state.
Delhi event to raise money for cancer research
DELHI — The 2004 American Cancer Society's Delaware County Relay for Life begins at 6 p.m. Friday and will continue for 18 hours at the Delhi American Legion Field, Jody O'Connell, co-chairwoman of the event, said Wednesday.
Northrup announces bid for re-election
DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup Jr. announced Wednesday that he will be seeking re-election for a third four-year term in office.
Delaware Board of Supervisors honors Spc. Nieves
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Wednesday honoring the memory of Army Spc. Isaac Nieves, Delaware County's first fatality in the conflict in Iraq.
N.Y. study: Tax-funded jobs cause vulnerability
ALBANY — New York's heavy dependence on taxpayer-financed jobs increases its economic vulnerability in the long run, according to a report by the state's largest business group.
Holiday cards accepted by Smithsonian
ONEONTA — What started out as a class assignment for a local artist led to a collection accepted by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. James Mullen, professor emeritus at the State University College at Oneonta, donated 78 Christmas and holiday cards to the Smithsonian. Local artists, he said, designed many of the cards. "Artists' cards are unique," he said Tuesday. "I exchanged cards with a number of other artists."
Hartwick taking steps to avoid outbreak
ONEONTA — After a student died from bacterial meningitis, Hartwick College continues to take steps to prevent an outbreak on campus, administrators said Tuesday.
CSEA rejects Otsego proposal
COOPERSTOWN - Members of the Civil Service Employees Association have turned down a contract proposal from Otsego County.
No ruling yet in 3rd Otsego redistricting suit
State Supreme Court Justice Kevin M. Dowd has not yet ruled in a lawsuit filed by 15 Otsego County residents against the county board and its clerk.
Friends remember late Delaware Judge Farley
DELHI — Flags at Delaware County government office buildings are flying at half-staff in memory of Richard Farley, a Delaware County judge from 1971 through 1982.
Hospital board to consider approving contract
The Hospital Board of Trustees is scheduled to consider approval of a tentative contract with its Civil Service Employees Association members tonight, officials said.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Milk prices rising for farmers, buyers
The dairy farmer's equivalent of "the perfect storm" will send wholesale milk prices to record levels for May shipments, officials said. Retail prices will also be rising, though officials did not know by how much. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the price increase Friday, to take effect Saturday. It raised the minimum price to $1.69 a gallon paid to farmers; the previous record was $1.40 in February 1999. There are about 12 gallons in a hundredweight, officials said.
'Wick reacts to student's death
ONEONTA — Hartwick College is reeling after the death of a senior from Livingston from bacterial meningitis. Brett Pelesz, 21, a music major, went home to Livingston, near Saugerties, and was taken to a hospital near there Sunday, officials from the college said Monday.
Facts about bacterial meningitis
The Otsego County Health Department provided the following bacterial — meningococcal — meningitis facts.
Child composers win for 'fantastic' music
ONEONTA — Four local children will have their melodies recorded for a compact disc as part of Hartwick College's Child Composer Project.
Man arrested on alcohol, drug charges
ESPERANCE — A 30-year-old man was arrested Saturday after alcohol and cocaine were given to two 13-year-old girls, state police in Cobleskill said.
Counties say Empire Zones are needed
ALBANY - While top state Democrats questioned the performance of New York's tax-free economic development zones, some counties in this region said they can't attract businesses and jobs without them.
Schumer: Meth a growing problem
Sen. Charles Schumer said Sunday that methamphetamine use is growing in New York state and measures must be taken to stop it before it becomes an epidemic akin to crack cocaine.
Mother, daughters to reunite
TREADWELL — Early this month when New Jersey resident Bertha Streets, 81, got a call from Ingrid Small in Norway, Maine, the voice on the other end made her cry. "Hello, this is your daughter, Ingrid," Small said. Until then, Small, 57, had never spoken a complete sentence to her mother. A few days earlier, Small had gotten a message from American Red Cross searchers saying her long-lost half-sister, Helga Scheck, wanted to get in touch.
CV-S honor student dies in car crash
An 18-year-old honor student died in a car accident Saturday while many of his classmates were away on a class trip.
Student becomes Eagle Scout
ONEONTA — Planting trees may have given Johnny Appleseed a legend but it got Nathan Jones his wings.
ZBA to review plan for greenhouse razing
ONEONTA — There are three proposals on the Zoning and Housing Board of Appeals agenda for tonight that could change the city's landscape.
Ex-Chilean prisoner to speak
ONEONTA — The Hartwick College 2003-04 Globalization Series will present a lecture this week by a former political prisoner under former leader Gen. Augusto Pinochet.
Suco prof awarded fulbright scholarship
ONEONTA — Associate Professor Sunil Labroo of the State University College at Oneonta was recently named a recipient of an international Fulbright Scholarship.
Poet to discuss work at 'Wick
ONEONTA — Poet Nancy Mercado will read and discuss her poetry at 7 p.m. today in Eaton Lounge, Bresee Hall, on the Hartwick College campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Grant gives science a boost
ONEONTA — Forty area high school students will be going to a science summer camp free, thanks to a federal grant that organizers said they hope will lead to a career choices in science. The camp, to be held at State University College at Oneonta, is part of a program funded by an $877,000 grant that five college faculty members from SUCO were awarded by the National Science Foundation last fall. Camp recruitment is under way.
4 Fox vols combine for 175 years of service
Four Oneonta women who volunteered for a total of 175 years at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta were honored for their dedication at a luncheon Friday, said Joanne Carr, director of volunteer service at the hospital.
Baseball field project in Hartwick on hold
The owners of an 8-acre Hartwick development project are trying to resolve issues that resulted in a federal halt to the work in March, officials said.
Hartwick professor has book published
ONEONTA — Hartwick College Assistant Professor of Political Science Neil DeVotta's book "Blowback: Linguistic Nationalism, Institutional Decay, and Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka" was published this month in the Stanford University Press Series on Contemporary Issues in Asia and the Pacific.
Hartwick, Delhi Tech reach agreement to help transfer students
The State University College of Technology at Delhi and Hartwick College recently announced an agreement that will open avenues for Delhi Tech students who wish to pursue baccalaureate degrees.
Hartwick to celebrate Haitian independence
ONEONTA — In celebration of Haiti's bicentennial, Hartwick College will play host to a program of events titled "Exploring Haiti: 200 Years of Independence" during this week. The events are free and open to the public and will be held on campus.
Suspect wanted in attack of Oneonta woman
ONEONTA — An Oneonta woman successfully defended herself against an attempted sexual assault Thursday afternoon, city police said. The 22-year-old woman, whose name police withheld, suffered a slight head injury after a man forced his way into her 24 West St. apartment and knocked her to the floor. Police said the man grabbed at her chest and pants, but she kicked him, possibly hitting his groin. The man then left on foot.
Petition filed for landfill decision
The U.S. Supreme Court may have the final word on a long-running controversy about the operation of a landfill in Unadilla, officials said.
Oneonta bands to reunite
ONEONTA — Alongside musical groups from Celtic to Cajun, two Oneonta bands from 20 years ago plan reunions at a music festival Saturday at the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Candidate to challenge Hooker
Catskill village Trustee Evan M. Ulscht announced Wednesday that he will run against Assemblyman Daniel L. Hooker, R-Saugerties, for the 127th District Assembly seat.
Riverside principal returns a winner from Slovakia
ONEONTA — Kevin Johnson has returned victorious from Slovakia. Johnson, the principal at Riverside Elementary School, recently competed in the World Masters Bench Pressing Competition in Trencin, Slovakia.
Drug dealing suspect arraigned in city court
ONEONTA — At an arraignment in city court Thursday, Michael L. Melendrez, 34, of Oneonta was assigned a public defender to respond to narcotics-dealing charges.
Area farms receive grants
A program to develop the strengths of upstate area farms is providing funds to help increase agritourism, officials said. Several area farmers received a total of more than $70,000 in grants as part of the state's Agritourism and Education Program, state Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, announced Tuesday. Seward is a member of the Senate's Agriculture Committee.
Former P&C may have buyer
ONEONTA — After sitting empty for about five months, the former P&C on Chestnut Street may have a new owner.
Senator calls for MPC tariffs
ALBANY — Imported milk byproducts are costing New York's dairy farms millions, said New York's senior U.S. senator as he offered a proposal to stop the bleeding.
Drug dealing alleged
ONEONTA — An alleged narcotics dealer was arrested Wednesday afternoon as he walked along Chestnut Street, city police said.
SUCO student seeks election reform on campus
ONEONTA — A State University College at Oneonta student said disputed results of a student government election highlight the need for collegiate election reform.
Woman accuses trooper of manhandling
A Roxbury woman who was arrested for driving while intoxicated following an accident Sunday filed a supporting deposition Wednesday alleging that she was manhandled by the state troopers.
Family mourns Nieves
SIDNEY — More than 300 people were at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sidney on Tuesday to pay their respects to Army Spc. Isaac Michael Nieves, 20, of Unadilla. The 2001 Sidney High School graduate was the first soldier from the area to die in the war in Iraq on April 8 when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb and was fired upon, officials said. He was assigned at the time to the Army's 82nd Engineer Battalion 1st Infantry Division stationed at Bamberg, Germany.
Sidney grad's killer gets max sentence
A judge on Tuesday told a 68-year-old man he deserved to die in prison for raping and murdering a college student from Sidney - a crime he got away with for more than 28 years until investigators linked him to the case with DNA from a discarded drinking straw.
Draft of domestic-partner ordinance circulated
ONEONTA — A draft of a proposed domestic-partner ordinance was circulated at Tuesday's Oneonta Common Council meeting, but there was no discussion on it.
Man, 35, released from jail
DELHI — A Treadwell man who allegedly assaulted his wife Thursday and his parents Friday was sent to Delaware County jail Monday on $1,000 bail, according to Oneonta state police.
Doctor challenges Boehlert again
David Walrath, an Auburn doctor who nearly upended Rep. Sherwood Boehlert in a Republican party primary two years ago, announced Tuesday he will try again to unseat him.
Energy topic of discussion
ONEONTA — The 2003-04 Hartwick College Globalization Series will present "What Drives Energy Prices — Fact Versus Fiction," a roundtable discussion of the politics, science and economics of energy, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Eaton Lounge, Bresee Hall, on campus.
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Sidney offices to close for Mass
SIDNEY — A detail of troopers from Sidney and Oneonta escorted the body of Isaac Michael Nieves to Sidney on Friday, officials said, in preparation for a funeral Mass today 11 a.m. today at Sacred Heart Church on Liberty Street in the village. The 20-year-old Sidney High School graduate became the first U.S. soldier from this area to die in combat in Iraq on April 8 when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb and fired upon, officials said.
Former St. James' priest, 47, pleads guilty
A former priest at St. James' Episcopal Church in Oneonta has pleaded guilty to filing a false tax form, which hid $128,000 he took from the church.
Officials to visit Delhi undergrads living off-campus
DELHI — College students in Delhi who live off-campus can expect a friendly visit from the Delhi Police Department and State University College of Technology at Delhi officials tonight.
Eccentric mogul, other GOP hopefuls far behind Schumer
ALBANY — Abe Hirschfeld, the eccentric parking-lot mogul who spent time behind bars for conspiring to bump off a business associate, is in a statistical tie with Assemblyman Howard Mills in their bids to unseat U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.
Students to visit Germany for museum perspective
Seven students in the Cooperstown Graduate Program are going to spend a week in Berlin, Germany, this spring, studying how German museums interpret sensitive subjects.
Fires destroy barn and family home
A fire in Otego left a family of five homeless Monday, and another blaze in Worcester destroyed a barn and damaged a house.
DEC warns of risks burn barrels pose to health, nature
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding the public of the potential harmful health effects and increased likelihood of wildfires caused by burn barrel use.
Norwich blends old, new into community
NORWICH — Driving through the city of Norwich is kind of like being transported into a modern European city — without the foreign accents or need for a passport.
Study: Benefits of medication for ADHD may diminish
Children receiving medication for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder may notice decreased benefits over time, according to a study released this month.
Hospitals brace for nurse shortage
Local hospitals are preparing for a nurse shortage, even though most administrators said they haven't been affected. "If you don't have enough nurses, it definitely affects patient care," said Connie Jastremski, the chief nursing officer at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. "We need to do better about being vigilant." Margaretville Memorial Hospital and Mountainside Nursing Home in Margaretville are feeling the effects of the shortage.
Art exhibit centers on couple
COOPERSTOWN - Some stunning portrait, landscape and still-life paintings are hanging at the Cooperstown Art Association's Gallery A, in the village's municipal building.
City may restrict `green' waste
ONEONTA — City residents may soon say goodbye to the choice of paper or plastic. But the issue isn't about groceries. It's about leaves.
Cleanup dates set for city, town
ONEONTA — The city Department of Public Service and town Highway Department have set spring cleanup dates for residents who want to get rid of yard and garden waste.
Norwich teen attacks friend on Main Street
ONEONTA — A 17-year-old Norwich High School junior was stabbed and slashed Sunday afternoon on Main Street after an argument with a friend, city police said.
Fund drive at O'Connor reaches goal
DELHI — The Campaign for O'Connor Hospital has met its fund-raising goal of $1 million for the hospital's two-phase expansion and renovation project, said Peter J. Hamilton, hospital Board of Trustees chairman.
Oneonta gas prices up, but lowest in region
Customers in most places outside Oneonta have a choice: pay higher gas prices or drive to buy gas elsewhere. Prices at the pumps support — for the most part — what customers have claimed happens in smaller places. "Ours is higher," said Natalie Williams, an employee at the Hartwick Quickway. "It's just because Hartwick's small and you otherwise have to go to Cooperstown or Oneonta to get gas."
Giant-pumpkin craze growing
WALTON — A Walton man claims to suffer from pumpkin fever — a condition that drives people crazy trying to raise the biggest pumpkin in the world. Randy Sundstrom said he and his wife, Debbie, both came down with pumpkin fever four years ago, and now they want everyone to get infected, so they are giving away free giant pumpkin seeds.
Rotarian trio to leave for Africa
ONEONTA — Three Rotarians bearing gifts will go to western Africa on Monday. Marie Lusins and Gary Herzig from the Oneonta Rotary Club, and Dale Flinn from the Ithaca Rotary Club, will take about 26,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to Ghana and Mali.
Burn barrel opponents bike for ban
Burn barrel opponents are going to ride bicycles to Albany over the next few days, trying to convince state legislators to enact a statewide ban on backyard burning.
Kamp gets a year in jail
DELHI — A Deposit businessman was sentenced Tuesday to a year in jail for violating his probation, Deposit Town Justice Wayne Aldridge said Friday.
Meredith man, 78, pleads innocent
MEREDITH — A 78-year-old man who was arrested March 31 in what investigators said may be the first use of the state's keg registration law pleaded innocent in Meredith Town Court on Thursday.
A runaway success: Area breeders say alpacas more than a business opportunity
Peru, Bolivia and Chile are invading New York. This conquering herd, however, isn't made up of people. It is composed of llama-like mammals whose soft fur makes them a valuable commodity. But their worth goes well beyond the fiber they provide.
Youth alliance announces mini-grant recipients
Leatherstocking's Promise — The Alliance for Youth announces results of its Youth Solutions Mini-Grants. A total of $17,185 will be distributed to 27 youth organizations and groups.
Author to speak about the Holocaust
ONEONTA — Elizabeth Rosner, award-winning author of "The Speed of Light," will offer a presentation titled "Turning Sorrow into Song: The Holocaust in Memory and Art" at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
State enforcing septic-system law
Does it take an engineer to design a septic system? New York state law says so, and the state Education and Health departments are pushing to have that law enforced. Robert Pierce, district director for the Health Department in Oneonta, said the law has been on the books for years but has not always been enforced. The law is intended to protect public health by assuring that septic systems are designed by engineers and architects who've been trained in this field.
Delhi Tech to receive gift worth $380K
DELHI — A Delhi businessman has offered the State University College of Technology at Delhi one of the biggest gifts the college has ever been given, according to Joel Smith, director of college advancement.
Delaware board opposes changing septic-impact law
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors took a stand Wednesday against a proposed amendment of the state Public Health Law regulating the installation of residential septic systems.
State trooper resigns; missing funds recovered
An officer accused of mismanaging money raised in a motorcycle rally for a scholarship fund resigned from state police last week, state police in Albany said Thursday.
Economy focus of speech at Rotary
New York's economy may be struggling, but there's still hope, according to the research director for the Public Policy Institute.
Local counties to receive $350K for security
Otsego, Chenango, Schoharie and Delaware counties will receive more than $350,000 from the federal Department of Homeland Security, the state Homeland Security Program and the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program.
Hartwick students win prizes
ONEONTA— Three Hartwick College students were awarded $5,000 from Freedman Prizes for faculty-guided research after finalists presented projects Saturday at a competition on the Hartwick College campus.
Bookmarks list ways to stop pollution
"Clean Water — Everybody's Business" is the message of bookmarks being distributed with water bills and water quality reports to 4,200 residents of incorporated watershed villages this spring, said Diane Galusha, communications director for the Catskill Watershed Corp. in Margaretville.
Watershed stream clean up set
There is still time to "adopt" a stream bank in preparation for the fifth annual Catskill-Delaware Watershed Stream Clean-up on Saturday, May 15, said Diane Galusha, Catskill Watershed Corp. communications director.
By mail or e-file, taxes due today
Procrastinating taxpayers may not be able to go to Otsego County post offices after dark tonight, but they can still file taxes on time. Tax returns must be filed — or postmarked — by today. No post offices in Otsego County are having extended hours for tax day, said Chad Harris at the Oneonta post office. "They will not be running any separate hours," Harris said Wednesday. "Binghamton may be."
Movie house being restored
ONEONTA — Forty feet in the air and swaying with every brush stroke, artist Dave Torres put on the biggest show in town Wednesday.
SUCO to play host to philosophy conference
ONEONTA — The philosophy department at the State University College at Oneonta will play host to the ninth annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference this weekend.
Town to consider moratorium on mining
WEST ONEONTA — A motion passed by the Oneonta Town Board to look into placing a moratorium on mining might affect a proposed gravel mine on state Route 205.
Rate to increase for some at Countryside
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Wednesday to increase the daily room-and-board rate for private-pay residents at the Delaware County Countryside Care Center.
Roxbury man convicted of DWI
DELHI — A Delaware County jury found a Roxbury man guilty of two counts of driving while intoxicated after a half-hour of deliberation Wednesday, according to Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup.
Legacy Corps ready to train volunteers, officials say
DELHI — A nationwide pilot program to train volunteers to give primary-care providers a break from the stresses of caring for the elderly or disabled is ready to begin in Delaware County, said county Office for the Aging Director Thomas Briggs.
Clark Foundation names scholarship recipients
Jane Forbes Clark, president of The Clark Foundation, recently announced that the board of directors has approved first-year college scholarship grants to 229 students, totaling $624,600.
Emergency workers deliver Franklin baby
Little Michael Joseph couldn't wait. Franklin emergency personnel delivered him Tuesday morning — a few days early and in his parents' apartment on Main Street in Franklin. After a ride to A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, Michael Joseph Newman spent his first afternoon in his proud mother's arms. "They certainly did a good job," Wendy Newman, his mother, said. "They made me feel well taken care of."
Sidney school community mourns again
Sidney Central School students and employees braced Tuesday for another wave of grief as news spread of a suicide Monday night, the third tragedy in a week.
Home Depot not a threat, rivals say
ONEONTA — Home Depot's grand opening in two weeks won't threaten existing hardware stores, local managers said Tuesday.
Business Beat
Tina Shaw said she decided it was time to try being a business owner. The way to do that, she said Tuesday, is with Eagle Dollar in Downsville.
Board agrees to lease part of field to Milford Academy
NEW BERLIN - After some heated discussion Tuesday evening, the New Berlin Village Board of Trustees and village Attorney David Merzig hammered out a proposal to lease Fish Field to a corporation associated with Milford Academy.
Electronic voting machines cause debate
COOPERSTOWN - Electronic voting may be coming to New York state soon, but not everyone thinks this will be a boon to democracy.
Northrup will appeal question of DEP's power
DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said Tuesday that he is going to appeal the question of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's jurisdiction to the highest court in the state.
Sidney school honors soldier
SIDNEY — Flags at the campuses of Sidney Central School were at half-staff Monday out of respect for Spc. Isaac Michael Nieves, 20, of Unadilla, school officials said. Nieves, a 2001 graduate of Sidney High School, died Thursday in combat in Iraq. The need for providing emotional support at the school for family, students and faculty dealing with grief grew over the weekend when it was learned that Scott Kinsey, 39, of Sidney died Saturday after a car accident, Sidney Superintendent Dominic Nuciforo said.
Dead zones affect 911
Sometimes, when you call for help, no one can hear you in parts of western Otsego County.
'Wick students, professor visit Thailand
ONEONTA — Five Hartwick biology majors and their professor were involved with research on preventing malnutrition in Thailand for six weeks starting in late December.
Winning student art on display at SUCO
ONEONTA — Student artists at the State University College at Oneonta will show their work in a professional setting at the 2004 annual Juried Student Art Exhibition that opens today.
Convicted stone thief sentenced to prison
DELHI — The New York City millionaire who engineered the theft of century-old capstones from numerous area sites was sentenced to three-to-six years in prison in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Man returned to jail
DELHI — A Deposit businessman was returned to jail on $50,000 bail Monday, pending an appearance on a misdemeanor parole violation in Deposit Town Court today.
Sidney grad dies in Iraq
SIDNEY— Whenever she sees the American flag, Maria Nieves said Sunday, she will think of her son Spc. Isaac Michael Nieves, 20, who died in Iraq on Thursday. Isaac Nieves, who graduated from Sidney High School in 2001, is the first soldier from this area to die in the war that began a little more than a year ago. The death, according to a Department of Defense release, occurred after a bomb in Bani Saad, 25 miles northeast of Baghdad, blew up near Nieves' convoy.
Officials, neighbors say shelter working
ONEONTA — After running the county homeless shelter four months, Opportunities For Otsego officials said it's been a success considering the tough job and housing markets.
Forum to present two Dems vying for Boehlert's seat
Two of four likely candidates for the 24th congressional seat held by Republican Sherwood Boehlert have accepted invitations to debate next Wednesday in Cooperstown.
Professor to conduct physics research
ONEONTA — A State University College at Oneonta associate professor has been awarded a research associateship by the National Research Council/U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
Achoo! Allergy season returns, but there is relief, experts say
ONEONTA — People with seasonal allergies understand the stress of spring and summer. Tammy Rickard, an employee at the Main Street Hess Express, had the misfortune of dealing with a cold and seasonal allergies Tuesday afternoon.
Easter sermons to focus on love, hope
Easter's Christian messages of love and hope are more reassuring than ever in these times of terrorism and war, local clergy said. Easter, a festival that commemorates the Christian belief of Jesus' resurrection, will be celebrated Sunday. "The message is hope, that's what the Easter message always is — no matter what age we are in," said Mother Sue Cole of the Christ Episcopal Church in Walton.
Geocaches hidden around area
Mount Utsayantha in Stamford, Vega Mountain Road in Roxbury, Vroman's Nose in Schoharie County, Margaretville's Old Stone Schoolhouse and the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Sanctuary near Oneonta all have something in common — there are geocaches stashed there.
Walton hires superintendent
WALTON — Jonathan W. Buhner of New Hartford, director of secondary and campus programs at the Madison-Oneida BOCES, has been hired as the superintendent of Walton Central School effective July 1, Judith Breese, school board president, said Friday.
Edmeston Headstart seeks another site
EDMESTON - Supporters of Edmeston's Headstart program have proposed possible sites for the preschool program to use next school year, Gary Herzig of Opportunities For Otsego said.
State AG fines Royal Chrysler
ONEONTA — An Oneonta car dealer recently reached a settlement with the New York attorney general's office to stop false or misleading advertising, a state official said.
Local farmers receive agricultural grants
Two area farmers were among recipients of grants recently awarded under a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to support sustainable agriculture in the region.
Spring cleanups to begin in town, city of Oneonta
ONEONTA — The city Department of Public Service and town Highway Department set spring cleanup dates for residents who want to get rid of yard and garden waste.
Fair trade roundtable set at Hartwick College
ONEONTA — Jonathan Rosenthal and Kimberly Grimes will discuss fair trade and answer questions about the fair trade movement in a round-table format Monday.
Oneonta man faces seven charges
WALTON — An Oneonta man was charged on seven counts Tuesday for allegedly taking his girlfriend's car and wrecking it following a domestic dispute, Delaware County deputies said.
Mexican women give presentation
ONEONTA — As several protesters stood outside an Oneonta business, two women inside from Chiapas, Mexico, talked about improving women's lives with Planned Parenthood's help. Planned Parenthood of South Central New York invited Rosalinda Santiz Diaz and Merit Ichin Santiesteban to the area as part of a global exchange program. Protesters carried signs in English and Spanish. Jean Naples, one of the demonstrators, said they were protesting the event because Planned Parenthood sponsored it.
Sex among younger youth rising in Otsego
ONEONTA — Teenagers in Otsego County may not be drinking as much as they were in 2000, but they're more promiscuous, according to a survey presented Thursday.
'Passion' could impact Easter turnout
ONEONTA — Will Mel Gibson bring the passion back to Easter? "Absolutely," said the Rev. John Rosson, of St. Mary's Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Cooperstown.
Charlotte Valley grad to play at Carnegie Hall
A college student from Davenport said she plans on stepping out in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall next week with her clarinet to make her New York City debut.
Panel discusses school funding
ONEONTA — Legislators discussed upcoming changes in school aid funding Thursday during the first annual Legislative Forum of the Catskill Regional Teacher Center of Oneonta.
Fire damages Franklin home
FRANKLIN — A fire broke out Thursday morning in a Franklin home at the corner of Main and Otego streets, damaging the kitchen and living room.
Hartwick's new CFO starts Monday
ONEONTA — William Wood of Rochester, whose experience includes senior financial positions in higher education and in private industry, has been appointed vice president/chief financial officer at Hartwick College, effective Monday.
Four cows removed from river
State and local officials said they pulled four dead cows from the Susquehanna River last week.
Band director honored for efforts
Lessons learned from a Milford High School band director led a former student to a national award. Benjamin Work, 25, a 1997 Milford graduate, is band director at St. Joseph School, a parochial school for grades K-8 in Marion, Iowa. He was one of five music teachers nationwide to receive the second annual Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Teacher Award given March 26 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The award is named for a music teacher portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss in a 1995 movie.
Dairy drinks off to Africa
Carbonated dairy products could make a splash in African countries, thanks to an agreement with a Milford producer who said more local jobs could result.
Oneonta board OKs teacher's resignation
ONEONTA — A teacher resignation, next year's school budget and team mergers were among the topics addressed by the Oneonta City School Board during its regular Wednesday night meeting.
Two Worcester residents charged in drug case
Two Worcester residents were arrested Wednesday when police agencies executed arrest and search warrants at their home, Otsego County deputies said.
Otsego board OKs Health Dept. control of aid
COOPERSTOWN— By a vote of 12-to-2 Wednesday, the Otsego County Board of Representatives approved a resolution to restore full state funding for county public health programs to Otsego County's Public Health Department.
Survivor says Rwandan genocide is 'all tragic'
ONEONTA — A decade ago, Hartwick College junior Alain Harelimana was an 11-year-old boy trying to survive the genocide in Rwanda, he said Tuesday, talking in a soft voice at the Oneonta college. On April 21, Harelimana, a member of the Tutsi ethnic minority, will be part of a program to mark the 100 days of killing largely at the hands of the Hutu ethnic majority, college officials said.
School budget drafts lack aid
Area school districts are working on completing 2004-05 budgets without a clear picture of what state aid will be, officials said.
Otsego County planners OK motel project
The Otsego County Planning Board approved a controversial proposal to build a motel on the shore of Otsego Lake in the town of Springfield during the board's meeting Thursday.
Council passes motion to consider zone change
ONEONTA — In the first split voting in months, members of the Common Council passed a motion Tuesday to start the process of looking at a zone change for a vacant Spruce Street property.
Cocaine dealer arrested
DELHI — A 73-year-old Arkville woman sentenced March 12, 2001, to three-to-nine years in state prison for selling cocaine was arrested Tuesday on a warrant issued by the state Division of Parole, Delaware County deputies said.
Police suspect packets found contain heroin
WORCESTER — State police in Oneonta said they suspect the 45 packets they found in a 29-year-old town of Maryland man's car Monday morning contain heroin.
United Way honors Foti at dinner
Vince Foti was awarded the Alan Donovan Outstanding Community Leadership Award at the 2003 United Way Campaign Celebration dinner at Pathfinder Village in Edmeston on March 22.
Proposal calls for year-round farmland hunting
Deer have eaten themselves out of their welcome on many New York farms, prompting a legislative proposal to allow hunting year-round on farmland to reduce damage to crops by hungry whitetail. With a Cornell University study estimating deer cause $58.8 million in damage annually to New York crops, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said current state programs to shoot deer on farmland are inadequate.
Lawyer accused of harassment
DELHI - A defense attorney in the Timothy Cutting murder trial has been accused of harassing the Delaware County judge's law clerk, prompting another judge to be assigned to the case.
Professor, poet to receive award
ONEONTA — A longtime State University College at Oneonta professor will receive one of the college's top teaching prizes this month.
Nursing home official resigning
Just three months before Otsego County's new nursing home opens, nursing home Administrator Dennis Smith is resigning.
Resident group to fight project to build condos
ONEONTA— An informal group of about 60 residents from Oneonta's Spruce and Clinton streets neighborhood has organized to oppose a condominium project.
Lectures to look at international issues
NORWICH — The State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville's Norwich Campus will play host to a Colloquia on International Issues during the month of April.
Volunteers needed for study of breast-cancer prevention
The largest breast-cancer prevention trial undertaken in North America, the study of tamoxifen and raloxifene, is nearing completion as the total number of women in the trial reaches 18,000, Bassett Healthcare officials in Cooperstown said Monday, but more participants are needed.
Aging dairymen hang up their milk buckets
EAST SPRINGFIELD — Kermit and Myron Fassett tried to conceal their teary eyes by flashing smiles and joking around with family and friends during the auction of their dairy cattle Saturday. But for the two brothers retiring from their dairy business, Camp Clinton, it was more than a final sale of their 183 dairy cows. It was the end of a legacy — one that spanned three generations, said Debbie Rogers, Kermit Fassett's daughter.
Study: Majority of region's adults overweight
The region is fat. More than half of the populations in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties are overweight or obese, according to a recently released study from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
Small farms continue decline
There are about a third fewer dairy farms in operation today compared to 10 years ago, said Seth Riggins, a statistician with state State Agriculture and Markets.
Area's young poets honored
When Max Birkett started participating in poetry events, he didn't think it would lead to anything much, the Unatego Central School senior said Sunday.
National frats eye crackdown
A member of a national fraternity office said Friday the organization is seeking legal action against an underground Oneonta group for using its name.
Sidney Habitat group gets land to build home
Sidney is the newest location for Habitat for Humanity to build a home in Delaware County. The local organization recently took title of a parcel at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Webb Street, right across from Amphenol, officials said.
Farm accident victims speak
On Oct. 18, 1979, a 7-year-old Norwich girl was involved in a farming accident that nearly claimed her life. Now a wife, mother and soccer coach, Tracy Vroman Miller, 31, looks back on the experience and sees it as only an aspect of her life. The accident occurred when Miller ran out to see her father, who was on a tractor on the North Norwich farm. A piece of her clothing became entangled in the power take-off shaft of the self-loading wagon. Her father, Fred, had to remove her from the machine, she said.
Boy: 'I was always upbeat'
Trevor Doring continues to recover from a farming accident in which he lost his left leg in early February.
Helicopter steals show
DELHI — More than 50 professionals from 11 career fields were out maneuvered by the military during the Delaware Academy and Central School career day Friday.
Reporter's Notebook
Being naturally cynical, and being from a generation that some have dubbed the "Me" generation, it's easy to forget that people actually care about others.
Jury finds man innocent of rape
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County Court this week, James Hall of Jacksonville, Fla., was found innocent of first-degree rape.
UCCCA director leaves
ONEONTA — Members of a city arts organization said its top spot is open, as their executive director left March 24.
Farmer shares life at home
EAST SPRINGFIELD - Earl Smith considers himself a lucky man. Born in 1910, when William Howard Taft was president, Smith has been a farmer, cabinet maker, ambulance driver, cook, housekeeper and held other jobs not worth remembering, he says. He still lives in the house he was born in, a rambling farmhouse near the intersection of Swamp Road and county Route 30 in East Springfield. "When my parents bought this place in 1898, we had 143 acres," he says.
Nader Towers residents want council again
ONEONTA — Bob Whittemore hasn't quit yet. The 82-year-old Nader Towers resident and retired journalist manages the towers' monthly newsletter and recently finished writing his fifth book.
Delaware could receive extra $1M for child care
Delaware County would receive the largest increase locally from the additional $6 million the U.S. Senate approved Tuesday for child care for the working poor.
DEP to keep giving tickets
DELHI - New York City officials said Thursday they would continue to issue traffic tickets in the city's upstate watershed despite a judge's ruling that they lack jurisdiction.
Teen group to hold coffeehouse as fund-raiser
Organizers of a live-music coffeehouse event for youth scheduled tonight said it should raise awareness of the need for a teen center in the city.
Scrabble kings
ONEONTA — How do you spell "success?" That is easy for two students at Valleyview Elementary School in Oneonta as they prepare to compete in the National School Scrabble Championship being held April 23-24 in Boston. Meanwhile, there is a dictionary full of other words that they will be studying in preparation, they said Wednesday.
DWI dismissed after trooper sent overseas
A Delaware County town justice dismissed a driving while intoxicated charge because the state trooper who issued the ticket was called to active duty in the United States Navy, according to defense attorney Matthew Tully.
Otsego, CSEA reach tentative agreement
Otsego County and CSEA negotiators have reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract that calls for the county to greatly expand its self-funded health insurance plan.
Dead cow still stuck in river
ONEONTA — A dead cow has been beached in the Susquehanna River for more than a week as city officials wait for an opportunity to retrieve it.
Otsego planners to study Springfield project
At tonight's meeting, the Otsego County Planning Board will examine a controversial proposal to build a motel on the shore of Otsego Lake in the town of Springfield.
Trooper accused of taking funds is suspended
A state trooper being investigated for misusing funds meant for donation to the Ricky J. Parisian Scholarship Foundation was suspended without pay Friday, state police in Albany said.
Letter about ATV fees irks lawmakers
ALBANY — Some state lawmakers are crying foul over a Pataki administration's recent letter telling all-terrain vehicle owners they can't renew their registrations until the Legislature decides whether to raise the annual fee.
