N.Y. Civil War soldiers to be honored
A group of Civil War soldiers from New York who are buried in a churchyard in Falls Church, Va., will be honored in a memorial service Monday, said Jack Robertson, spokesman for The Falls Church. Robertson said that 19 identified Union soldiers and many more unknown soldiers from 10 New York state regiments are among those buried at the 272-year-old church grounds. The soldiers will be given full military honors at a graveside service Memorial Day.
Downsville event is back
DOWNSVILLE — The Downsville Fire Department Community Field Days are back and better than ever — but the event is being held on a different holiday weekend, said Ellen Tompkins, Downsville firefighter.
Casting call leaves me spellbound
I can't believe the things I get myself into. When my editors asked me to go to a casting call for a Japanese television show being filmed in Delhi, I thought they wanted the usual who, what, where, when and why. Not so. They wanted me to try out for a role and write about the experience. Well, the producers want me to come back and play a fortune teller.
U.S. flags set ablaze in cemetery
GILBERTSVILLE — A Gilbertsville cemetery was vandalized sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning, area residents said. About 40 to 50 small American flags marking the graves of veterans were burned in Brookside Cemetery off of Reservoir Road, village historian Lee Eckmair said Friday.
Price Chopper plan in review
DELHI —A site plan for a Price Chopper store is on the agenda for the Delhi Village Planning Board meeting Tuesday, but no other details about the proposed project were available Thursday.
Restaurant owner awaits decision
FLY CREEK - Can a land-use law dictate whether customers eat at Portabello's Restaurant's sidewalk cafe? A state Supreme Court judge has said it can, but the case was argued again Thursday before a panel of judges in the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court.
Shop talk
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Carole Heburn, owner of the Best Paw Forward Canine Training School in Oneonta.
WWII to be Memorial Day focus
About 59 years after the end of World War II, the National World War II Memorial will be dedicated in Washington, D.C. at 2 p.m. Saturday. Three local events are being held Saturday to complement the official ceremonies. Charles Eustis, 81, of Delhi planned to attend the ceremony in Washington, D.C., and ordered his tickets early, but he said they never arrived, so he will be speaking at the Delhi ceremony.
Good weather, activities expected for holiday
The sun should be shining on Memorial Day weekend activities throughout the area, according to weather forecasters. But area residents said high gas prices may be keeping them closer to home than usual.
Disney images arrive early
MARYLAND — It may not be the Magic Kingdom, but Schenevus Central School art students turned the Maryland post office into a colorful collage of Disney characters Thursday.
Ceremonies planned
World War II Memorial celebrations will be held in Delhi, Laurens and Oneonta on Saturday, the same day as the dedication of the memorial in Washington, D.C.
2 area schools sending teams to OM world competition
Teams from Sidney and Bainbridge-Guilford central schools are preparing to leave for the Odyssey of the Mind World Competition. The event will take place Saturday through Tuesday at the University of Maryland at College Park.
Cleanup under way in Delaware
Flooding from the storms that swept through Delaware County on Wednesday night washed out roads and culverts, but the cleanup was in progress by Thursday afternoon, officials said.
Four Delaware roads still closed
Four roads in Delaware County remain closed after Wednesday's flooding and heavy rain. Both Monroe Road and Smith Hill Road in Meredith are closed, emergency sources said. Additionally, Reed Road in Kortright and Odell-Lake Road in Harpersfield are closed.
Grant to help gather info on rail yard
ONEONTA—At a meeting Thursday, city leaders and private companies got advice on how to spend a $200,000 federal grant to study the railroad yard for a possible industrial park.
Oxford student off to National Spelling Bee
For the first time in 77 years, Oxford Central School will have a student at the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Olivia Powell, a seventh-grader, will go to Washington next week to compete against 264 other sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.
Area unlikely terror target
As the Bush administration announced Wednesday that the nation may face a terrorist attack in the near future, local officials said they knew of no threat directed at the Otsego County area. Otsego County Sheriff Donald Mundy, who attended a conference in Albany with FBI Director Robert Mueller on Tuesday, said Mueller disclosed no specific threats to this region. "There was nothing like that," Mundy said.
Audit: Safety lacking at local pools, beaches
ALBANY — More than one in five pools and beaches used by the public in New York have been opening for summer without valid permits, according to the state comptroller's office, and nearly half had no approved safety plan.
Davenport water system getting help
Davenport residents may eventually have better water, thanks to the efforts of a 1997 Charlotte Valley Central School graduate.
Honor our World War II veterans
The 60th anniversary of D-Day is June 6. In our June 5-6 Weekend edition, The Daily Star will honor all our World War II veterans from Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie counties — those who are still with us, and those who have died in the war or in the years since — by printing their names in a Roll of Honor.
Children get walking with 'Centralpede'
ONEONTA — Some third-graders at Greater Plains Elementary School say they know how to stay healthy. Those students, and students from several other schools in Otsego County, gained this knowledge through Centralpede, a walking and nutrition program developed by Nancy Mitchell.
Teachers use grants to take learning outside
Creating notebooks out of recycled paper, installing a boardwalk and observation deck, tying fishing flies and using a wetland as a living laboratory are just a few of the ways area educators are using Catskill Watershed Corp. grants to make learning fun.
Body of man, 27, recovered from reservoir
The body of Nathan Dougherty, an Arkville man missing since Friday night, was recovered at about 7 p.m. Tuesday from the Pepacton Reservoir, officials said Wednesday.
Flooding hits three counties
Storms Wednesday night caused flooding throughout Delaware County and in parts of Chenango County, emergency officials said.
Delaware board OKs buying site to clean up for parking spaces
DELHI —The Delaware County Board of Supervisors approved purchasing property Wednesday to add parking at the Department of Public Works, but the site is under investigation for petroleum contamination.
Town, city weigh summer rentals
ONEONTA — The Oneonta Town Planning Board is working on establishing regulations to control the weekly rental of properties, officials said Wednesday. Until then, each case will be examined separately to make sure the rental conforms to neighborhood standards, board Chairwoman Kellie Place said.
'Wick senior leaves mark with art
ONEONTA — Brightly colored figures dancing on canvas "celebrate the Oneonta community" in the work of a graduating Hartwick senior, the artist said Wednesday. The work of art major Michael Maxim is on display at several locations around the city as part of his senior project.
GI siblings return from Tikrit
SCHENEVUS — Looking up at his mother Tuesday, Titus Gallup didn't know she'd flown across the world to change his diaper. Just shy of 2 years old, Titus also didn't know his mother, Kristi, had seen the bodies of an Iraqi family in their bullet-riddled car on the side of a hot desert road — or that she had helped rebuild a war-scarred nation. Both Kristi Gallup, 24, and her brother Ricky Cornell III, 21, got back to their Schenevus home over the weekend after spending more than a year in Iraq.
Walrath campaign staffer admits faking letters
A member of Dr. David Walrath's congressional campaign has admitted signing a false name to letters to the editor published by two newspapers in the 24th congressional district.
Woman marks 80 years with Walton Grange
WALTON — Memories, cake and fellowship were shared by friends and relatives Tuesday to celebrate Flora Boyce Constable's 80 years of membership in the Grange.
Oneonta health-food store moving
The Green Earth's promised move is finally happening. The health-food store in Oneonta is moving from 7 Elm St. to 4 Market St. this weekend, said store manager Annie Avery. "It's a bigger store, and it's a beauteous building," Avery said Tuesday. "We're excited about being in a new building."
Edmeston Rotary to distribute radon test kits
EDMESTON - The Edmeston Rotary Club wants to protect homeowners in the Edmeston Central School District from radon, a cancer-causing colorless gas emitted when radium decomposes.
GOP wants state to take over Medicaid costs
ALBANY — Assembly Republicans want the state to take over counties' Medicaid costs in an exchange for a piece of their sales tax revenues.
Street closed after spill
ONEONTA — A hydraulic hose on a garbage truck burst Tuesday, city police said, spilling about 20 gallons of hydraulic oil down Elm Street.
College courses will be offered at daycare center in Sidney
Working with Rainbow Daycare of Sidney, the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville's Norwich campus will soon be offering a second semester of courses at the Rainbow Resource Center at 19 Division St.
Website tip credited in drug bust
A Tioga County man said it was a tip on his anti-drug website that led to a drug bust in Walton on Thursday.
Sidney principal positions to be filled
Two vacant principal positions for the 2004-05 school year at Sidney Central School are expected to be filled during tonight's board of education meeting, Superintendent Dominic Nuciforo said.
'Wick teams to remain Division I
ONEONTA — Five months after announcing men's soccer and women's water polo teams would move from Division I to Division III in the NCAA, Hartwick College has reversed the decision. The new decision follows intense fund-raising efforts by the Alumni Association Board and the "Re-Ignite the Wick" campaign. "We said from the beginning the decision was made for financial reasons," said college President Richard P. Miller Jr. "They made an effort, and the results warrant our reversing the decision."
Reservoir search continues
The search for a missing Arkville man in the Pepacton Reservoir continued Monday, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police said. Nathan Dougherty, 27, fell into the reservoir late Friday night when the rowboat he was fishing from capsized, Mark Benedetto, DEP Police chief of operations, said Monday afternoon.
Cooperstown church celebrates centennial
A century after its dedication, the United Methodist Church of Cooperstown is still going strong. The church celebrated its centennial with events Saturday and Sunday. "The church has always been really proud of its history," member Ellen Tillapaugh said Monday. "It's really interesting."
Gas prices could cost the election
The grass was knee-high and wet, and soon our jeans were wet, too. The sun was hot, flies were buzzing. The little miscreant and buddy boy pulled brush and Hon drove the tractor in the minefield that once was a pasture.
Oneonta lawyer pleads innocent
DELHI — An Oneonta lawyer was arraigned on a second-degree harassment charge in Delhi Village Court on Monday. Robert Gouldin, 37, appeared in court with his attorney, Peter J. Moschetti of Latham. Moschetti entered a plea of innocent on Gouldin's behalf and waived the reading of the indictment.
Stamford barn destroyed by fire
HOBART — A two-story barn on Narrow Notch Road in the town of Stamford was destroyed by fire Monday, said Donna Muthig, Hobart Emergency Squad captain. Muthig said David Sutherland's barn was engulfed in flames when she arrived on the scene at about 9:10 a.m.
Tax rate can be debated
ONEONTA — Across the state today, property owners upset with their assessments get a chance to tell their local governments. Tax grievance day may be centered around dollars and cents, but differences in community character between the city and town of Oneonta affect assessment styles, officials said.
Region hit hard by unseasonably strong storms
If you thought this weekend's weather was more suited to "The Wizard of Oz" than the Southern Tier, you're right. "It's early in the year to have this much so soon," National Weather Service observer Frank Ward said Monday. "It is not normal."
Bassett hires volunteer coordinator
COOPERSTOWN — Barbara Ann Heegan joined Bassett Healthcare as the coordinator of volunteer services April 19. Among her first duties as coordinator, Heegan helped celebrate Volunteer Services Week by "pinning" dozens of volunteers who assist in a wide range of tasks at the health-care facility in Cooperstown.
State praises CMH rates of mothers who breast-feed
NORWICH — In a recent New York State Department of Health report on breast-feeding, Chenango Memorial Hospital's survey numbers showed that the hospital's maternity patients are nearing the Healthy People 2010 goal.
Shop talk
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Susan Kenny, owner of The Blue Moth, a used furniture and home decor store in Oneonta.
Monday, May 24, 2004
Graduate to peers: `Show the world'
COBLESKILL — "Tag — you're it." Besides being a line in the children's game tag, it has become the motto for the graduating class at the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, said student government President Jason Padden. The graduates listened to Padden on sun-shy Saturday as he said that it was now their turn to make their mark in life. "What we do now is go out and show the world what we are made of," Padden said.
Rescuers search reservoir for man
Rescuers and divers searched unsuccessfully in and around the Pepacton Reservoir throughout the weekend for an angler whose boat apparently capsized. Nathan Dougherty, 27, of Arkville was reported missing early Saturday morning, Department of Environmental Protection Police said Sunday. "He appears to have fallen out of his boat while fishing on the Pepacton Reservoir early Saturday morning in Andes," Lt. William Beers said.
4-H agent leaving job, keeping love for camp
After 30 years as Delaware County 4-H agent, Jim Rice is ready to retire and hang up the clover, but he said he will never get the green out of his system.
Sidney man, 33, dies at concert
A Sidney man was one of two people who died of drug overdoses Saturday at a music festival at Echo Lake campground in Coventry, authorities said Sunday. Anthony R.N. Scanlon, 33, was pronounced dead shortly after 5 a.m. Saturday after being found unresponsive at the campground, state police at Sidney said.
Cooperstown expecting good tourism season
Cooperstown should enjoy a profitable summer tourist season, as long as the price of gasoline doesn't climb much higher, said Polly Renckens, director of the village's Chamber of Commerce.
Delaware anticipates visitors
Delaware County business owners and officials said they don't expect escalating gas prices to keep tourists away this summer. "Tourists are comfortable with spending more for things when on vacation than they regularly do," said Patty Cullen, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce tourism director.
SUCO alumna advises Class of 2004 to take risks
ONEONTA — The threat of rain Saturday didn't dampen the spirits of two friends preparing to join the procession into the 115th commencement at the State University College at Oneonta. More than 1,200 students graduated during the event held at the Alumni Field House. "I'm looking forward to moving on," said Matt Kurz of Baldwin, a music industry major. "I had a good time, a good Oneonta experience," he said of his years at SUCO.
Two men charged with felony assault
ONEONTA — Two Oneonta men were arrested early Sunday morning for allegedly knifing an 18-year-old Oneonta man on Main Street, city police said.
Sex ed takes many forms
ONEONTA — Chastity belts were one rumored method of ensuring sexual abstinence during medieval times; in the 21st century, however, educators rely more on education. "There are many health educators in schools who are doing a very good job," said Drue Brenner, director of education for Planned Parenthood of South Central New York. "There are also districts who aren't living up to their responsibilities." There are two primary forms of sexual education in the United States.
Dedication of W. Oneonta church won't be quiet affair
WEST ONEONTA — The sound of folk guitars and keyboards will greet people who attend the dedication of a new sanctuary at a West Oneonta Pentecostal church at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Film honors father
ONEONTA — A student at the State University College at Oneonta was recently recognized for her documentary film at Docu-Jam, A Youth Documentary Showcase at the Museum of Television and Radio in New York City.
ONC BOCES staff members put on notice
Letters were sent Friday to 13 teachers and guidance counselors at Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services, in what has become a yearly event, school officials said.
The learning menu featured flan, hummus, health and ecology
EDMESTON - Ever tried flan? If you were in Edmeston on Friday, you could have sampled the delicate custard at the Spanish classes' booth at Edmeston Central School's 12th annual Food and Health Exposition.
Almost like home
Take an afternoon stroll through the elm-covered streets of historic Cooperstown, then swing by your hotel for hot tea and crisp biscotti.
Friday, May 21, 2004
Blindness doesn't stop SUCO senior
ONEONTA — Kate Pavlacka won't see the diploma she'll be getting from the State University College at Oneonta, but it will embody one of her greatest accomplishments to date. When Pavlacka was in eighth grade, an autoimmune disease caused her body to attack the cells in her retinas, she said, and by 14 she was blind. Saturday, the 23-year-old Liverpool native will walk across a stage and get her bachelor's degree in dietetics.
Bats hanging around Oneonta school spark concern
ONEONTA — Recent warm weather was blamed for two cases of bats in the classroom this week at Center Street Elementary School in Oneonta, school officials said.
Area troopers honored for service
Several area state troopers and a maintenance supervisor were recognized in Albany Thursday for their performance during the past year.
Plans set for Oneonta school district projects
ONEONTA — Renovations at four city of Oneonta elementary schools and the building of a softball field at Oneonta High School could begin in June if bids come in as planned next week, said Oneonta Superintendent James Piscitelli.
Burglary, drug cases heard in Otsego County Court
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County Court on Monday, an Oneonta man was charged via a Superior Court Information with second-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
Coalition blasts DEP position on development
MARGARETVILLE —The Coalition of Watershed Towns opposes what it called the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's interference with home rule and pattern of restricting economic development, said Jeff Baker, coalition attorney.
Two districts pursue backup plans
The two area schools that had budgets defeated Tuesday are moving forward with plans to finance school next year, officials said Wednesday. Despite budget defeats at Laurens Central School and Norwich City School districts, the 34 schools in this area fared better than others around the state. The area average for tax levy increases was 7.75 percent.
Dairy princesses help keep title in the family
Royalty runs in the families of two recently chosen local dairy princesses. Delaware County Dairy Princess Katy Johnson, 17, who was crowned Friday, is following in the family tradition started by her mother, Cathy Johnson, who served as first alternate dairy princess in 1964.
Otsego GOP unites behind Boehlert
The Otsego County Republican Party unanimously endorsed incumbent Rep. Sherwood Boehlert for re-election Tuesday as his campaign and that of Republican Dr. David Walrath exchanged charges.
Mills aims for greater name recognition
SYRACUSE — You probably don't know much about Howard Mills, but if Charlotte Koniuto has her way, you'll be seeing him around.
Woman tells how accident led to loss of left leg
ONEONTA — The past two months have put Carla Stanley through a wringer. Stanley, 51, already disabled and living in a wheelchair because of spina bifida, a spinal cord birth defect, had her left leg removed a week ago.
Students check out careers, helicopter
ONEONTA — Military recruiters said Wednesday enlistment rolls may suffer because of conflicts abroad, but those didn't stop Oneonta Job Corps students who came out to see an Army helicopter.
School board grants tenure, OKs fuel bid
ONEONTA — Personnel and oil prices were among the topics discussed by the Oneonta City School Board at its meeting at Valleyview Elementary School on Wednesday night.
SUCO graduation expected to attract crowds
ONEONTA— Thousands of parents, family members, alumni and friends will be on hand Saturday to honor the Class of 2004 at the State University College at Oneonta's 115th Commencement.
Motorola criticizes tower deal
ALBANY — Building a statewide emergency services radio network without dozens or hundreds of towers in the Catskill and Adirondack parks "defies the law of physics," according to top executives at the company that didn't get the contract.
Voters nix two budgets
Two area school budgets were defeated in statewide elections Tuesday. Spending plans at Laurens and Norwich school districts were defeated in voting that saw residents go to the polls to decide the fate of 34 area budgets. Area budgets called for average tax levy hikes of 7.75 percent while state averages were 8.00 percent with average spending increases of 6 percent, officials said.
Oneonta teacher keeps learning
ONEONTA — A teacher at Center Street Elementary School in Oneonta earned a national certification for her quality as an educator this spring. Peggy Golden, a third- and fourth-grade teacher, said she worked more than a year toward being certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Web messages urge boycott of gasoline
Don't buy gas today: that's what a widely circulated e-mail message advises. The message, whose origin is difficult to trace, states that "if everyone in the United States did not purchase a drop of gasoline for one day and all at the same time, the oil companies would choke on their stockpiles."
'Judge Hatchett' plaintiff to get DWI reality check
Two area fire departments and a group of South Kortright Central School students will make their television debut today, almost a year after they filmed an episode of Judge Glenda Hatchett's television show.
Council wants no sale by Verizon
ONEONTA — In a resolution to the state Public Service Commission, aldermen asked to block Verizon from selling a portion of its New York network.
Cicadas won't be chirping in this area
The song of the cicada, which is deafening in other parts of the Eastern seaboard, is not expected to be heard in this area, according to Carolyn Klass, Cornell University Department of Entomology senior extension associate.
Banquet hall owner says opening 'exciting'
After six months of work, Templeton Hall is opening at 63 Pioneer St. in Cooperstown. Templeton Hall is a banquet hall and catering business named for the town styled after Cooperstown in James Fenimore Cooper's works, said owner Lucy Townsend.
School budgets, boards go before voters today
Voting today will decide the fate of school budgets statewide. Locally, proposed budgets are calling for an average estimated tax levy hike of 7.75 percent. Officials said the state average hike was 8 percent, with average estimated spending increases at 6 percent.
'A victory'
ONEONTA — The Supreme Court decision Monday upholding the rights of disabled people is a victory, said Christine Zachmeyer, Catskill Center for Independence director.
Teen charged in cocaine deals
DELHI - A Fleischmanns teenager was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday on charges related to selling cocaine.
Fraternity seeks SUCO recognition
ONEONTA — Some student leaders at the State University College at Oneonta are organizing a fraternity with the blessing of the college administration.
Troopers investigate theft in Davenport
A state police investigation continues into a Davenport theft last week. In a separate case in Davenport, a man was charged with criminal mischief.
Man who killed trooper dies in hospital
Nearly 10 years to the day after state police Investigator Ricky J. Parisian was murdered, the man who shot him died in an Elmira hospital early Sunday. Colin Hyde, 32, died at about 1 a.m. Sunday in Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, James Flateau, spokesman for the state prison system, said. Flateau said federal laws prohibited him from releasing any more information about inmate health issues. Hyde's father, Raymond Hyde Jr., declined comment Sunday night.
Teen's duck stamp places in contest
DELHI — A drawing of a mallard duck, surrounded by floating autumn leaves, won a Delhi teenager first place in the New York state division of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service junior duck stamp contest.
Rabies season means it's time to get pets shots
Spring draws people and their pets out of their homes, where they are more likely to encounter wild animals or stray dogs and cats, increasing the chances of being exposed to rabies, according to area public health officials.
Groups leery of towers proposal
ALBANY — A top adviser in the Pataki administration has promised environmental groups that no towers for a new statewide wireless network will be built in the state's forest preserves, but the groups want that promise in writing.
Swimmer featured on `Today'
COOPERSTOWN — The "Today Show" pre-Olympic series, "Road to Athens," will profile about a dozen prominent athletes, and today among those highlighted will be Jenny Thompson, Bassett Healthcare officials said.
UV staff show off art talents
NEW BERLIN - The creations of artists among the staff at Unadilla Valley Central School are on display now at the school's campus on state Route 8 in the town of New Berlin.
Musician jazzes up lesson
ONEONTA — Lessons for certain Oneonta students had a little extra bounce Friday when a jazz bassist came to class. The Rufus Reid Quintet will be performing at 8 p.m. this Saturday at the State University College at Oneonta Hunt Union ballroom as part of the Oneonta Concert Association series. But Friday, Reid and his group were at the Oneonta High School auditorium where they worked with about 30 students, members of the school's jazz band and students from Cooperstown and Sidney high schools.
Baseball camp nearly done
ONEONTA—A youth baseball camp more than two years in the making is set to open this summer.
$160K grant will fund SUCO labs
ONEONTA — Money from the federal government will fund two laboratories at the State University College at Oneonta, college officials said.
Settlement made in fatal 2002 crash
COOPERSTOWN - A Gilbertsville family has been awarded a multi-million-dollar settlement as the result of a wrongful death lawsuit that was pending in state Supreme Court in Cooperstown.
Businesses feeling pinch of gas prices
The secret to surviving soaring gas prices seems simple: drive a car with good mileage, buy regular gasoline and don't drive more than necessary. Business owners can't always follow those same steps. Business goes on despite rising costs. "It's interesting how a flower shop is affected by politics," said Sandy Brown, co-owner of Wyckoff's Florist and Greenhouse in Oneonta. Brown and her husband, Jason, bought the shop in February.
Unadilla woman to lead state group
UNADILLA — Pat Greene admits she's trying to cut back. The 68-year-old has committed herself to a laundry list of organizations — the Women's Club of Unadilla, Daughters of the American Revolution, two bowling leagues, the Elks, a retirees' association and her church — but now she holds a state-level office.
Walton woman may face prison
DELHI — A woman who violated her probation a second time on a drug charge appeared in Delaware County Court on Thursday.
Tentative plan calls for moving Otsego offices to The Meadows
COOPERSTOWN - As Otsego County officials prepare for residents to move into the new nursing home, Otsego Manor, this summer, tentative plans are to move county departments to the old nursing home, The Meadows.
Volunteers needed for two work days at OHS memorial
ONEONTA — A memorial garden behind Oneonta High School is near completion, but volunteers are needed for two work days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 12.
Delhi Tech to award honorary doctorate at graduation Saturday
DELHI — Helen Kutsher will be awarded an honorary doctorate at the 87th annual commencement exercise at the State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Farrell Hall Gymnasium.
Low-income housing in Stamford is on hold
A low-income housing development in the village of Stamford is on hold awaiting approval of a payment in lieu of taxes agreement by the Stamford Town Board.
Students learn Indian dance
ONEONTA — Third-grade students at Riverside Elementary School in Oneonta took their lessons to the dance floor Wednesday. During an afternoon assembly, students showed what they learned midway through a week-long program about the arts of northern India. At the same time, they celebrated raising more than $1,500 for their sister city program with Dundlod, a town in northern India, and they were rewarded with teachers kissing a goat.
2nd attack occurs
ONEONTA — A West Street woman who allegedly was assaulted three weeks ago in her home reported she was attacked again Wednesday afternoon by the same suspect, city police said.
Area women react to FDA decision
ONEONTA — Local women with opposing views on reproductive rights had mixed reactions to the latest Food and Drug Administration decision regarding emergency contraception.
Otsego indictment alleges man promoted sexual act by minor
COOPERSTOWN - A Maryland man has been indicted in Otsego County Court on charges of promoting a sexual performance by a child under the age of 17 and possessing a sexual performance by a child under 16.
Delaware board: DEP hindering economic moves
DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Supervisors blasted the New York City Department of Environmental Protection on Wednesday, saying the agency interfered in home rule and attempted to stop economic development in the watershed.
Cooperstown couple to hold concert for Hospice
COOPERSTOWN - This year, the Catskill Area Hospice's annual benefit golf tournament will follow a concert to be held June 23 at the Cooperstown home of Walter and Karine Rich.
Leadership Otsego Program has opening reception today
ONEONTA — The Center for Economic and Community Development at the State University College at Oneonta will have a kick-off reception for the 2004-05 Leadership Otsego Program today.
6 months given to pick up dry cleaning
ONEONTA — A new state law means that people who abandon their clothes at dry cleaners could permanently lose them. Gov. George Pataki signed a law Monday that will allow dry cleaners to donate clothes to charity after being left for six months. "I keep clothing at least one year," said Philip Konstantine, the owner of Clinton Plaza Laundry. "Only after repeated attempts to contact the customer will I donate the cleaning to a charity."
Planned Delhi water center receives $1M
DELHI — A center charged with keeping water clean through high-tech strategies that also create jobs received $1 million in start-up money from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, officials said Tuesday.
Butcher to compete
SOUTH EDMESTON - Butcher Joe Leonard of South Edmeston is going to his first international competition.
Business Beat: Organizing business established
Professional organizing is coming to the region. Karen Sheesley is the owner of Straighten Up, a business she's running out of her home in Otego.
Sidney library awarded grant of $177,916
You won't need a library card to check out the latest medical information at sites around Delaware County included in a grant received by Sidney Memorial Library.
Grant to be used in pollution study of land in Oneonta
ONEONTA — A $200,000 federal grant given to the city will be used to study possible pollution in sections of a privately owned rail yard and draft a redevelopment plan the 100-acre area.
Cooperstown gets millions to aid traffic, baseball hall
Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, announced Monday that Cooperstown is in line to receive about $5 million to build a parking lot, welcome center and facilities for public transportation at the southern end of the village. Later in the day, he announced that the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will receive $1 million in federal funds to help pay for its $21 million renovation project.
Student joins blues radio show
ONEONTA — A Cooperstown Central School eighth-grader is taking to the airwaves to complete an English class project on the blues.
Deputy pleads down to misdemeanor
DELHI — A Delaware County deputy charged with three sex crimes pleaded down to a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child in Delhi Town Court on Monday.
SUCO students charged in assault
ONEONTA — Two State University College at Oneonta seniors were arraigned in city court Monday after another student was assaulted on campus Sunday.
Area brokers say investors shouldn't fear market drops
Stockholders shouldn't be concerned about a plunging market, local brokers said Monday. "They know the stocks they have will do well in the long run," said Frank Gebbia, a broker with FSC Securities in Cooperstown.
Scholar to speak at Hartwick on populism
ONEONTA — Adrian Kuzminski will present a lecture and discussion on the "Lost Prophet of America: Edward Kellogg and the Political Economy of Populism" at 7:30 p.m. today.
DCMO BOCES annual open house scheduled
MASONVILLE — The DCMO BOCES Robert W. Harrold Campus will hold its open house from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the campus east of Masonville on state Route 206.
Monday, May 10, 2004
Mean girls not just in movies, students say
You know the nursery rhyme: "Sugar and spice and everything nice — that's what little girls are made of!" That verse might need an adjustment, though. According to nationwide data, girls are catching up to their male counterparts when it comes to fighting. "It's ridiculous," said Brielyn Whaley, a senior at Oneonta High School. "It's about stupid petty stuff." Last week, Whaley said, a girl walked through a hall at the high school threatening to beat someone because of an incident involving her boyfriend.
Engineer meets old locomotive, provides repairs
GILBOA — A mechanical engineer who said he has loved trains since he was a child and a steam locomotive that was rusting away in Kingston seemed destined for each other.
Union leaders blast remarks by SUNY trustee
State University of New York Trustee Candace de Russy's suggestion that faculty be evaluated for productivity to be sure instructors are either in the classroom or doing important research did not please local United University Professions union presidents.
City, firefighters have new contract
ONEONTA — City firefighters could be working under an updated contract by next month, a union official said Friday.
Delhi drug raids net three arrests
DELHI — Three men were charged with drug-related crimes in Delhi on Friday night and Saturday morning, a member of the Delaware County Drug Enforcement Unit said.
Discharge policies worry some moms
Keegan Valentine and his mom, Nichole, were ready to go home from A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta at different times. Keegan needed an extra day of care, but the Valentines' health insurance carrier, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, wouldn't pay for Valentine to be hospitalized with her son. "They released me for insurance purposes," Valentine said Thursday. Her son was born April 27 through a vaginal birth.
Meredith woman's book published
MEREDITH — A Meredith woman who never intended to be a farmer or a writer is sharing her tale in "Sylvia's Farm — The Journal of an Improbable Shepherd."
Otsego Dems endorse Miller for Congress
Otsego County's Democratic Committee has endorsed Jeffrey Miller of New Hartford as its congressional candidate in the 24th congressional district race.
Topic: Public power
ONEONTA - A local community task force will sponsor a forum on municipal power at the Elm Park United Methodist Church at 401 Chestnut St. from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
School chief candidates will visit Davenport
The Davenport community will have a chance next week to meet finalists to replace retiring Charlotte Valley Central School Superintendent Jerome Zack, officials said.
Out-of-state firm buys Bellevue
Only six days after The Home Depot came to Oneonta, the Bellevue Builders Supply chain has been sold.
Dr. Bassett's life story told in an oratorio
ONEONTA — Most people recognize the name Bassett in association with Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown or with the Bassett Healthcare organization. If Carleton Clay has his way, people will start to recognize Bassett as an oratorio. The piece focuses on the life of Dr. Mary Imogene Bassett, for whom the hospital and health care organization are named. "It's a very, very special place to me and my family," Clay said Thursday. "It's a very special hospital."
N.Y. Dems question radio tower deal
ALBANY — Top state Democrats are demanding the Pataki administration turn over details of a new $1 billion-plus state contract that some fear could speckle New York's most scenic regions with large radio towers.
Schoharie DA named to case against lawyer
DELHI — A special prosecutor has been named to handle the case against a lawyer charged with harassing Delaware County Judge Carl Becker's law clerk.
Several hundred SUCO students will participate in service day
ONEONTA — "Into the Streets," the day of service to the community sponsored by the Center for Social Responsibility and Community at the State University College at Oneonta, will take place Saturday.
Rezi will be setting the rhythms Saturday
ONEONTA — How does a college band get known playing its music? For five guys in a jam band in Oneonta, the only way is to play as many shows as possible.
Local response to abuse mixed
ONEONTA — Local residents had mixed opinions Wednesday about photographs and allegations of Iraqi prisoner abuse at the hands of American soldiers. Images of naked and humiliated Iraqis at a Baghdad-area prison were broadcast last week and allegations of more prisoner abuse in Iraq and Afghanistan have since surfaced. President Bush, speaking to two Arab-language television stations Wednesday, said the United States does not tolerate such abuses.
Program recognizes area seniors
ONEONTA — If the future of an area rests in its youths, business and education leaders said Wednesday that the future looks bright.
Schumer: Feds want special-ed costs repaid
The federal government is considering putting the state Education Department on the hook to repay millions in Medicaid payments used for special education for children with speech impediments, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., said Wednesday.
Otsego board OKs rate raise for nursing home
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted Wednesday to raise the rate the county charges nursing home residents to $250 a day, up from $180 a day.
Grassroots Club at Hartwick to hold 'Eco-Art Weekend'
ONEONTA — Grassroots, Hartwick College's Environmental Action and Education Club, will play host to its second annual Eco-Art Weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All events are free and open to the public.
Seniors home almost done
After a decade of discussion and more than a year and a half of construction, Otsego Manor is nearly finished. The $30 million nursing home just south of Cooperstown should be ready to open in late June or early July, according to Rep. Carl Higgins, R-Edmeston, chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Sweet-seekers will lose shop in city
A sweet spot in Oneonta's downtown is going out of business. The Mint, at 162 Main St., will most likely close by June 1, owner Debbie Herrmann said Tuesday.
Silver: Schools need capital funds
ALBANY — The leader of the state Assembly said Tuesday he wants the state to spend more than $1 billion in the coming year to help needy schools statewide upgrade their buildings.
Otsego may be first to endorse Dem candidate
Otsego County's Democratic Committee may be the first of 11 county committees to endorse a Democratic opponent to incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert of New Hartford.
County, CSEA talks to continue
The Otsego County Board of Representatives will be asked to continue negotiating with the Civil Services Employees Association, according to the board's negotiations attorney, John Corcoran of Syracuse.
Woman donates her cello to SUCO
MOUNT VISION — After playing a single instrument for most of her life, Lois Devine decided to give her beloved cello a new home. "I knew it would be taken care of," she said. "I knew Janet (Nepkie) would see that it wasn't banged around." Devine, 80, donated her cello to the music department at the State University College at Oneonta last week.
Area school tax increase averages 7.75%
Local voters will decide the fates of 2004-05 area school budget proposals that call for an average tax hike of 7.75 percent on May 18.
Delaware Relay for Life exceeds fund-raising goal
DELHI — The 2004 American Cancer Society's Delaware County Relay for Life surpassed its goal of $110,000, raising $124,586.94, and money is still coming in, said Jody O'Connell, co-chairwoman of the event.
Plans for concert by Dylan, Nelson falling into place
Tickets for the Bob Dylan/Willie Nelson concert Aug. 6 at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown will be sold by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, according to the Chamber's executive director, Polly Renckens.
Indians show culture, arts
ONEONTA — Traditional drumming and singing were among the entertainment Sunday at the annual Native American Festival at the State University College at Oneonta camp off East Street. More than 200 people had attended the event nearly midway through the afternoon, despite the threat of rain and thunderstorms, organizers said. The day brought together American Indian vendors and artists from noon to 5 p.m., said Colleen Brannan, one of those on the committee that organized the day. This is the third year of the event, she said.
Study: Girls have skewed view of body image
Vincenza Alessi is one of the success stories. "I beat three boys at running," the Cooperstown fourth-grader boasted on a sunny Thursday afternoon. "They were slow."
Methodist clergy differ on action toward gays
While the United Methodist Church's Judicial Council may have followed church protocol regarding a lesbian minister, some local ministers said they disagree with that protocol.
Japanese dolls bring friendship
MORRIS — An idea from the 1920s brought a gift of friendship from Japan to Morris Central School last month.
'Wick sports drive at 41% of goal
ONEONTA — Organizers of a fund-raising campaign to keep two Hartwick College teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I are making progress toward reaching their goal, people involved said last week.
Pipeline firms set meeting on safety issues
Pipeline companies plan to have an informational meeting in Oneonta later this month to emphasize safety and handling emergencies stemming from underground gas pipelines.
Delays possible for two weeks on Interstate-88
ONEONTA — The state Department of Transportation said beginning today Interstate-88 between exits 13 (state Route 205) and 16 (Emmons) will have day-to-day lane closures from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for maintenance work.
Unadilla senior housing project progressing
A long-delayed Unadilla senior housing project may be starting soon, officials said. The project, first proposed in 2002 by Otsego Rural Housing, a nonprofit Cooperstown agency, is expected to cost about $730,000, said Anthony Scalici, executive director of the agency, on Thursday.
Saturday, May 1, 2004
Still in touch in Iraq
Soldiers in the 204th Engineer Battalion, Company A, based in Walton, are in Mosul, Iraq, that embattled nation's third-largest city. Located in northern Iraq, Mosul is where Saddam Hussein's sons, Odai and Qusai, were killed July 22 and where the former dictator's birthday was celebrated with rifle shots and cheers Wednesday. Most, if not all 27 soldiers in the local engineering unit who departed in late February, are attached to the 133rd Engineers, a battalion of soldiers based in Maine.
Tractor ride set for June
WALTON — The Catskill Mountain Antique Engine and Machinery Club is gearing up for the Second Annual Catskill Mountain Redneck Tractor Ride on June 5, according to Tom Hunt of Sidney Center, club president.
Cooperstown student: Send Martha to jail
COOPERSTOWN - Finn Dusenbery, a senior at Cooperstown High School, is this year's winner of the Liberty Bell Award, presented by the Otsego County Bar Association.
