Edmeston Headstart program to move to Morris
Opportunities For Otsego has decided to move the Edmeston Headstart program to Morris, one of several preschool changes in western Otsego and eastern Chenango counties.
Walton Fire District to vote on aerial-ladder truck
Residents of the Walton Fire District will go to the polls Tuesday to vote on a proposition that would authorize the purchase of a $613,000 aerial-ladder truck.
Area news brief
The Learning Channel will make over the town of Jefferson in a new six-part series.
"Town Haul" will be led by designer Genevieve Gorder, a regular on the TLC show "Trading Spaces."
Friday, July 30, 2004
Democratic challengers gear up for special forum
Democratic challengers for congressional seats in two neighboring districts will speak at a special forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, at the Unitarian Universalist, 12 Ford Ave. in Oneonta.
Group to support families of troops
A newly formed local support group for families affected by the Iraq and Afghanistan wars plans to meet Tuesday at Oneonta Town Hall.
AmeriCorps programs get partial funding
Two local AmeriCorps programs that lost funding a year ago had partial funding restored this week. The AmeriCorps programs at the State University College of Technology at Delhi and the State University College at Oneonta received funding from the state Office of Children and Family Services.
Organizers prepare for benefit bike ride
With the seventh annual Law Enforcement Benefit Ride a little more than a week away, organizers said they’re hoping for good weather and a good turnout.
New tonsil-removing method less painful, doctor says
More than 500,000 children in the United States get their tonsils removed every year, but new methods at local hospitals mean they experience less pain than their parents did, an area doctor said.
Sources: Bruno, Silver negotiating budget
ALBANY - Leaders of the state Legislature are trying to finalize a state budget deal between their two houses with staff negotiations that haven’t directly included the governor’s office, according to top-level sources familiar with the negotiations.
Delegate calls convention ’spectacular’
Frances Hess, Cooperstown Central School science teacher, said that as she walked down the streets of Boston on Wednesday afternoon, she saw police officers in every direction.
Voters want issues discussed
As presidential candidate John Kerry gears up to speak at the National Democratic Convention tonight, some local voters said they want him to talk about the war in Iraq and the health-care system.
Rail car headed for restoration
After nearly 70 years by the side of state Route 7 in Maryland, a historic Delaware & Hudson rail car headed back to the tracks last week.
Area shops: Sales from Induction Weekend steady
COOPERSTOWN - Although sales created by the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend remained stable this year, businesses said sales were better when the game and induction were the same weekend.
Man found not guilty of sex abuse
COOPERSTOWN - A 50-year-old Springfield Center man was acquitted of all charges Wednesday after a three-day trial in Otsego County Court.
Teens discuss Internet dangers
ONEONTA - Meeting strangers of any a/s/l IRL is probably not the best idea, even if they say they will luv u 4ever. Got the message? kthxbye.
Construction to begin on park pavilion
DELHI - An excavator bit into the old Arco Oil Co. building as the first phase of building a pavilion at Clark Park in Delhi began Wednesday.
Seward and Magee speak in Cooperstown
COOPERSTOWN - State Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, and state Assemblyman Bill Magee, D-Nelson, received a warm reception from invited business representatives Wednesday at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown.
Biological Field Station receives $115,269 grant
ONEONTA - A $115,269 grant from the National Science Foundation will buy laboratory equipment for the Biological Field Station of the State University College at Oneonta, officials said Wednesday.
Storm causes no major damage
ONEONTA - Northern Otsego County seems to have borne the brunt of a hard thunderstorm Wednesday night, officials said.
Wives may not affect votes
ONEONTA - What Laura Bush or Teresa Heinz Kerry say when they get to a microphone isn’t going to sway voters, area residents and visitors said Tuesday.
Area bands to play tonight
There may not be 76 trombones, but more than a handful will be among the 60 musicians from community bands in Sidney and Bainbridge joining forces tonight at 6:30 p.m. for a free concert in the village of Sidney.
Woman indicted in 1991 murder of son, 2
DELHI - A Delaware County grand jury indicted an East Syracuse woman last week on charges related to a Hancock murder that occurred almost 13 years ago, said Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup.
Pair gathering comments on Walton zoning law
WALTON - Comments about Walton’s zoning law proposal will be presented to the village Planning Board at its August meeting, said business owners who are compiling responses.
Cobleskill Tech adds child-care BS degree
The State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill has added a bachelor’s degree program in early childhood care and development, officials announced Tuesday, and students may enroll this fall.
Residents remember 1968 convention
ONEONTA - National Democratic conventions weren’t always as patterned as this week’s in Boston, but the high security and thousands of police officers bring back shades of Chicago in 1968.
Bassett offers more waivers
More patients seen through Bassett Healthcare can get help with their medical bills because of recent changes in the organization’s charitable care policy.
Weather vane suit dismissed
A decision has been handed down regarding the Uncas weather vane that used to sit on the Butternuts Valley Grange in Gilbertsville.
10 teachers being recommended to Sidney board tonight
SIDNEY - In order to be ready for the start of school in September, Sidney Superintendent Dominic Nuciforo will ask the school’s board of education tonight to approve 10 new teachers.
Local delegate is ready
Frances Hess, a science teacher at Cooperstown Central School, is attending her first political convention: the Democratic National Convention, which begins today in Boston.
SPRINGFIELD - The town of Springfield’s public boat landing has a clean look and new rules, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and town officials.
Bathrooms have been spruced up, doors repaired, screens replaced, and docks scraped and painted in the last few months, but if you’re not from Springfield, you probably haven’t noticed.
By Ella Nayor Contributing Writer
CHERRY VALLEY - A sunny day with a bit of a nip in the air helped a rousing crowd of about 150 enjoy a music- and dance-filled day in Cherry Valley on Saturday.
Monday, July 26, 2004
Local delegate is ready
Frances Hess, a science teacher at Cooperstown Central School, is attending her first political convention: the Democratic National Convention, which begins today in Boston.
Springfield boat landing is shipshape
SPRINGFIELD - The town of Springfield’s public boat landing has a clean look and new rules, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and town officials.
Trailer catches fire; man burned
UNADILLA - A Massachusetts man was hospitalized with burns Sunday after a trailer fire, state police at Sidney said.
Residents dance in the streets
CHERRY VALLEY - A sunny day with a bit of a nip in the air helped a rousing crowd of about 150 enjoy a music- and dance-filled day in Cherry Valley on Saturday.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
State raises minimum wage
Some workers said the minimum wage increase the state Legislature passed Wednesday should lift a burden, even as a local business leader disagreed. "It’s probably a good idea, because people will be getting paid more, what they deserve for the work they do," said April Wright, who works at Oneonta’s Party Zone, a store that sells party supplies.
Local lawmakers oppose bill
ALBANY - The Legislature approved an increase in the minimum wage Wednesday, but most area lawmakers voted against the plan.
Hobart getting ready for new playground
Hobart’s old playground is gone, and a new playground will soon be up and ready for play, said Scott Jensen, Hobart Playground Fund Committee chairman.
Otsego Manor’s progress delayed by wet concrete
PHOENIX MILLS - Otsego Manor, Otsego County’s new $30 million nursing home, is nearly complete, but moist concrete has slowed progress considerably as the project nears completion.
Plan: Oneonta may look at redistricting
ONEONTA - The Oneonta City School District may start to look at redistricting its elementary schools this fall, according to a proposal made by Superintendent James Piscitelli during Wednesday’s regular school board meeting.
Schoharie to hold mock bioterror event Saturday
Schoharie County will put its ability to handle a bioterrorism event to the test Saturday when it stages a mock smallpox outbreak, said Judith Cary, county emergency management director.
Rochester-based division receives alert order
An alert order, the final step before mobilization, was issued Thursday for the Rochester-based 98th Division of the Army Reserves, officials said, but a date to leave for the Middle East has not been determined.
Sidney lawyer files suit against Delaware judge
DELHI - A Sidney lawyer who waited four months to be paid for handling three court-appointed cases filed suit against Delaware County Judge Carl Becker for not processing payment vouchers in a timely manner.
Walrath objects to petition filed by Boehlert
The campaign of Dr. David Walrath, R-Auburn, has challenged a petition filed by Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, to run on the Independence Party line in November.
Fund-raising for new Delhi pool has begun
DELHI - The Delhi village swimming pool closed permanently at the end of the swimming season last year, but a group of volunteers is working to make a new pool a reality, Mayor David Truscott said.
Police: Lock car doors
ONEONTA - After investigating numerous thefts from vehicles last week, city police advised residents to lock their car doors.
Delaware board approves nonprofit development
DELHI - The Delaware County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution Wednesday that would allow the development of a not-for-profit corporation by the county Department of Social Services.
Legislature’s gridlock spelled out
ALBANY - New York’s legislative process does more to exclude rank-and-file lawmakers and the public than Congress or any other state legislature, according to a report from the New York University law school.
Zebra mussels reported in area
COOPERSTOWN - Zebra mussels have been found in the Susquehanna River south of Goodyear Lake and may have reached Oneonta.First found in Canadarago Lake in Richfield two summers ago, the larvae of these invasive mollusks apparently migrated down Canadarago’s outlet stream, Oaks Creek, to the Susquehanna River, according to Willard Harman, director of the State University College at Oneonta’s Biological Field Station on Otsego Lake.
Franklin surgeon back from Everest
ONEONTA - A Franklin surgeon who set off in April to tackle the world’s tallest mountain has returned to his day job, saying he fulfilled most of his goals.
Worcester teacher mails memories
WORCESTER - As each Worcester Central School class graduates, students who had former kindergarten teacher Beth Shultis can expect a note home.
Delhi Rotary donates insulin pumps
DELHI - Six diabetic children in Lithuania will be provided with insulin pumps through the efforts of the Delhi Rotary Club, said Tom Briggs, club president.
Afton Fair organizers say they expect good turnout
Attendance is expected to be up at this year’s Afton Fair and Agricultural Exposition, which runs today through Sunday, and admission is free all week, officials said.
BJ’s pays some workers back overtime wages
BJ’s Wholesale Club recently paid more than 200 employees overtime back wages, but a corporate spokeswoman said she didn’t know if Oneonta workers were included.
Common Council extends bar moratorium
ONEONTA - City bar owners again spoke out against a proposed tavern-regulating ordinance during a Common Council meeting Tuesday night.
City commission to consider plans for Foothills center
ONEONTA - Foothills Performing Arts Center officials plan to start construction of the project’s first building in September, pending a site plan approval to be considered tonight.
Bus driver, principal testify at gun trial
COOPERSTOWN - The trial of a 44-year-old Maryland man charged with five counts of criminal possession of firearms entered its second day in Otsego County Court on Tuesday with local police officers and employees of Schenevus Central School testifying.
Man charged with assault, trespass
ONEONTA - An 18-year-old Oneonta man was arraigned Monday on an assault charge in city court following his arrest earlier that morning.
SUCO marks Biological Field Station expansion with ceremony Thursday
SUCO officials and guests will meet at the Thayer property near Cooperstown at 11 a.m. Thursday to inaugurate development of the Upland Interpretive Center, an official at the State University College at Oneonta said Tuesday.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Zebra mussels reported in area
COOPERSTOWN - Zebra mussels have been found in the Susquehanna River south of Goodyear Lake and may have reached Oneonta.First found in Canadarago Lake in Richfield two summers ago, the larvae of these invasive mollusks apparently migrated down Canadarago’s outlet stream, Oaks Creek, to the Susquehanna River, according to Willard Harman, director of the State University College at Oneonta’s Biological Field Station on Otsego Lake.
Franklin surgeon back from Everest
ONEONTA - A Franklin surgeon who set off in April to tackle the world’s tallest mountain has returned to his day job, saying he fulfilled most of his goals.
Worcester teacher mails memories
WORCESTER - As each Worcester Central School class graduates, students who had former kindergarten teacher Beth Shultis can expect a note home.
Delhi Rotary donates insulin pumps
DELHI - Six diabetic children in Lithuania will be provided with insulin pumps through the efforts of the Delhi Rotary Club, said Tom Briggs, club president.
Afton Fair organizers say they expect good turnout
Attendance is expected to be up at this year’s Afton Fair and Agricultural Exposition, which runs today through Sunday, and admission is free all week, officials said.
BJ’s pays some workers back overtime wages
BJ’s Wholesale Club recently paid more than 200 employees overtime back wages, but a corporate spokeswoman said she didn’t know if Oneonta workers were included.
Common Council extends bar moratorium
ONEONTA - City bar owners again spoke out against a proposed tavern-regulating ordinance during a Common Council meeting Tuesday night.
City commission to consider plans for Foothills center
ONEONTA - Foothills Performing Arts Center officials plan to start construction of the project’s first building in September, pending a site plan approval to be considered tonight.
Bus driver, principal testify at gun trial
COOPERSTOWN - The trial of a 44-year-old Maryland man charged with five counts of criminal possession of firearms entered its second day in Otsego County Court on Tuesday with local police officers and employees of Schenevus Central School testifying.
Man charged with assault, trespass
ONEONTA - An 18-year-old Oneonta man was arraigned Monday on an assault charge in city court following his arrest earlier that morning.
SUCO marks Biological Field Station expansion with ceremony Thursday
SUCO officials and guests will meet at the Thayer property near Cooperstown at 11 a.m. Thursday to inaugurate development of the Upland Interpretive Center, an official at the State University College at Oneonta said Tuesday.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Arc program still going strong
ONEONTA - Nearly a year after plans were put into place, a program designed to help put Arc Otsego trainees in the workplace is still thriving.
Plan would give voters income-tax choice
ALBANY - A bill introduced in the state Senate would allow voters to opt for a local income tax to replace school property taxes on homes.
Hartwick man, 24, arrested
Selling stolen tools and passing counterfeit bills landed a Hartwick man in jail Sunday night.
Deposit teen pleads innocent to burglary
DELHI - A Deposit teenager accused of taking a PlayStation 2 from a friend’s home was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Walton zoning law changes to be discussed Wednesday
WALTON - A group of Walton businesspeople will meet to review proposed changes to the Walton village zoning law and to prepare a written list of suggested revisions, deletions or additions, said Keath Davis, owner of Breakey Motors.
Stock cars to stop at Pathfinder Village
EDMESTON - Two of the world’s most famous stock cars are coming to Pathfinder Village in Edmeston on Wednesday to support a fund-raiser for athletes bound for the state and national Special Olympics.
Teens bring livestock to Farmers’ Museum show
COOPERSTOWN - Teens have traveled from nine counties to show off their livestock in the 57th annual Farmers’ Museum Junior Livestock Show at Iroquois Farm, which runs through today
Routes 20, 54 may receive scenic byway status
CHERRY VALLEY - U.S. Route 20, once the main east-west artery in central New York, and county Route 54 in Cherry Valley and Springfield may soon receive scenic byway status.
School’s in for the summer
More than 2,000 students have enrolled in summer courses at area colleges to catch up or advance academically, administrators said.
Online classes growing
DELHI - At 187 students in classroom and online courses at the State University College of Technology at Delhi this summer, enrollment is about double compared to last year, said Dennis Callas, provost and academic vice president.
Delaware grapples with nursing home future
DELHI - The deadline passed and no proposals to purchase Delaware County’s Countryside Care Center were submitted, but it’s not the end of the effort to find a new owner for the nursing home, Delaware County Chairman James Eisel said Thursday.
AmeriCorps volunteers lay walkway in Delhi
DELHI — Two AmeriCorps volunteers who said they had never laid bricks before have completed a new brick walkway along Kingston Street in Delhi. Shandy Gledhill, 26, of Riverside, Calif., and Paul Grice, 25, of Bradford, Pa., individually cut and laid the bricks that were the final phase of a project launched two years ago by the Delhi Beautification Committee.
Sidney troopers warn of e-mail scams
State police at Sidney are asking computer users to be cautious in the wake of a widespread Internet e-mail scam. The scam, troopers said, involves e-mails from seemingly legitimate businesses asking recipients to verify or update personal information. There's a catch, though. These websites don't belong to the businesses, troopers said.
Legislature gets failing grade from environmental groups
ALBANY — The state's leading environmental groups gave the Legislature an overall "F" for failing to pass any of the five main issues they were pushing this year. Gov. George Pataki got a grade of incomplete.
Delaware deputies say online scheme under investigation
DELHI — The Delaware County Sheriff's Department is investigating an online auction scheme involving a counterfeit cashier's check that cost an area resident thousands of dollars, deputies said.
Edmeston-area Headstart could be moving
WEST BURLINGTON - Parents of preschool-age children in the Edmeston area were steaming Friday after learning that Opportunities For Otsego may move the local Headstart program to Morris. "We don't know what to do now, but I doubt that most of us will be sending our children to Morris," said parent Dorothy Bateman of Edmeston.
Hartwick receives artifacts
ONEONTA — The Yager Museum at Hartwick College recently received a gift of artifacts and records from Dorothy Raemsch of West Oneonta, college officials said Wednesday.
Man who fled to California appears in court
ONEONTA — A 29-year-old man who fled the area before he was due to appear in Oneonta City Court in mid-June made it there Friday morning after a cross-country round trip, Oneonta police said.
Two men arrested for drug possession
ONEONTA — Two men were arrested Wednesday on drug possession charges following a traffic stop resulting from the driver not signaling, Oneonta police said.
Rain, cold mark July
It has not been the best of summers or the worst of summers, as far as rain or the thermometer goes, but don’t tell that to people who planned on enjoying warm, sunny skies this season. This is the fourth-coldest summer on record for this area, said John VanAusdall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Binghamton.
Blood shortage leads to warning
With about a day’s supply of blood left, the American Red Cross is urging hospitals to be prudent when scheduling some non-emergency transfusions and surgeries.
Re-enactors go back in time to Civil War
CHERRY VALLEY - Civil War buffs will convene in historic Cherry Valley this weekend as the Cherry Valley Museum sponsors a two-day encampment.
Testimony begins in suit against sheriff’s department
DELHI - Testimony in an evidentiary hearing in a civil lawsuit seeking $2 million in damages from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department began Thursday and will continue in August.
Bainbridge to conduct study on taxpayers
The next step in the proposed transfer of the Bainbridge General Clinton Park is a study of how such a move would affect taxpayers, officials said.
Official: 2 Dems file petitions for Otsego seat
Two Oneonta Democrats seeking election to the District 13 seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives seem destined to meet in a primary Sept. 14.
Man indicted by grand jury
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County grand jury has indicted a West Oneonta man on a charge of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Mills needs more money to run against Schumer, expert says
ALBANY - U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer had more than 100 times as much money in his campaign war chest as Republican challenger Howard Mills at the end of last month, according to financial disclosure reports released Thursday.
Farmers’ Market receives grant
ONEONTA - The Farmers’ Market was one of 13 markets across the state to receive matching grant money from a state program Thursday.
Fresh Air children head home
After coming to Oneonta on a bus from the Bronx, Fresh Air Fund children visiting the Southern Tier are ready to go home again.
Lowe’s satisfies planning board
ONEONTA - After more than a year of scouting the area, Lowe’s Home Improvement is a step closer toward opening a store in Oneonta.
Police to buy car with grants
DELHI - The Delhi Village Police Department received two grants to purchase a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria police car, Chief Bob Walsh said.
Sidney’s water voted best in Delaware
DELHI - Sidney’s water splashed past Walton’s water in a tie-breaker finish to win the first phase of the 18th annual Best Tasting Water in New York State contest at the Farmers’ Market on Courthouse Square in Delhi on Wednesday.
Goodell withdraws from race for seat held by Boehlert
Democrat Brian Goodell of Lansing has withdrawn from the race for the 24th congressional seat held by Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, and thrown his support to fellow Democrat Jeff Miller.
Police: 2 bears may be in Delhi
There may be more than one bear prowling around the Delhi area, which could account for the large number of bear sightings during the last week, said Delhi Police Chief Bob Walsh.
Some in Norwich want vote on Wal-Mart plans
NORWICH - Wal-Mart’s plans to nearly double the size of its store in the town of Norwich have generated protest. Some small competitors are nervous, and the Chenango County Green Party is circulating a petition calling for a referendum on the project, said George Wright of Norwich, a member of the party
Bruno rejects Conservative Party threats
ALBANY - In what’s turned into a war of words between two longtime allies, state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno on Tuesday rejected threats by the head of the state Conservative Party and said he won’t commit to its agenda just so his members can secure their endorsement.
Program reviews recipients of grants
SIDNEY - Programs to assist teens in Sidney and the surrounding towns and villages were reviewed Tuesday during the scheduled luncheon of the Sidney Area Youth Advocacy Program Inc.
Vote to be held on development of Walton park
WALTON - While Walton residents are debating the establishment of a new Riverfront Park, vandals have damaged an antique cast-iron planter in an existing village park.
War memorial in Delhi needs repairs
DELHI - The century-old Civil War Soldiers’ Monument that towers over Courthouse Square in Delhi needs repair, Ron Beers, county superintendent of buildings and grounds, said Monday.
Main St. features hot-dog stand
ONEONTA — For those among Oneonta's pedestrians who like to eat on the run, the menu of fast food available downtown has just expanded. A Sabrett's hot-dog stand, noticeable from a distance because of its bright-blue-and-yellow umbrella, is stationed outside of Freddy's bar on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets. The stand was established by tavern owner Freddy Rivera in late June and has been in business for a week, vendor Jessica Predgo said Friday.
Fish from local waters may be unhealthy
Fish caught in local lakes and reservoirs may pose a health risk if eaten too frequently, the state Health Department announced last week.
Market, darkroom team up for exhibit
ONEONTA — An organizer of the Oneonta Farmers' Market said she wants people to look at the event through a different lens this summer.
Residents see bear in Delhi
DELHI — A busy black bear with a sweet tooth has been making appearances throughout the village of Delhi, said Delhi Police Chief Bob Walsh.
What you can do to discourage bears
A black bear has been making repeated appearances at homes in and around the village of Delhi, police Chief Bob Walsh said Monday.
Several residents of Otego file new suit
Several Otego residents involved in a lawsuit against the Town of Otego for personal injuries relating to a closed landfill have recently filed a complaint against the town for related charges, officials said.
Local memorabilia to be sold at estate auction in Sidney
Early Sidney memorabilia, varying from photos and postcards of landmarks and people to a variety of colored glass bottles, will be sold to the highest bidder Wednesday at the American Legion Hall in Sidney.
Bassett welcomes new resident physicians
COOPERSTOWN — Bassett Healthcare welcomes 30 new members to its resident physician staff, while 25 members will depart to continue their medical training or begin their medical practice.
N.Y. may get attention closer to Election Day
With the focus on the race for president between President Bush and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the presumptive nominee, in battleground states of the Midwest and South, little attention has been paid to New York voters. In the Senate race, Democratic incumbent Charles Schumer has a record campaign war chest, and so far, little opposition from Republican candidate Howard Mills.
Adopt-a-highway program approved for Otsego County
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County's roads may be spruced up in the coming months, as the county's Board of Representatives unanimously approved an adopt-a-highway program Wednesday.
Swing dance in Oneonta set
ONEONTA — The city of Oneonta is sponsoring its eighth annual swing dance as part of the Summer Music Series from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 24.
Insurers: We need 29% more for workers' comp
ALBANY — Workplace injuries are down, disability benefits have not been increased since 1992 and reforms enacted eight years ago have curbed fraud.
Prescription-drug abuse on rise
There's an escalating drug problem in society, and it involves drugs that are perfectly legal. Prescription-drug abuse differs from other drug addictions because the drug in question — typically a painkiller — can be bought at a pharmacy without much question. About 4 million people nationwide have some sort of prescription-drug problem, said Elizabeth Currier, executive director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, who announced Friday that she will be resigning at the end of the year.
Car show goes back to '50s
WALTON — Some Walton residents seem to be crazy about old cars, which makes the annual '50s Revisited celebration of classic vehicles a natural success, said Ken Landry, Walton Booster Club '50s Revisited spokesman.
Currier will resign as director of LEAF
Elizabeth Currier, 66, has decided to resign at the end of this year as executive director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions Inc.
Properties of Merit can be nominated
ONEONTA — Nominations for the 2004 Properties of Merit awards, a contest to recognize property owners' hard work in both the town and city of Oneonta, are now being solicited.
Bainbridge Chamber votes to go forward with transfer of park
The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce decided at a Thursday morning meeting of its board of directors to proceed with the transfer of the General Clinton Park to the town of Bainbridge, officials said.
Kraft gives grant to aid Chenango water effort
An effort to protect Chenango County's drinking water will be helped by a grant recently received from a food company that has plants in the county, officials said.
Ice-cream truck delights some, disturbs others
DELHI — When Dolores Wilbur arrives in Delhi with her red-and-white 1959 Chevrolet ice-cream truck, the repetitive music from the truck delights some people and drives others to distraction.
Fire damages Laurens home
A blaze at an unoccupied home in Laurens on Thursday night is being investigated as an incendiary fire that might have been intentionally set, Otsego County fire officials said.
Work to begin on routes 7 and 23
Work will begin Monday on the reconstruction of routes 7 and 23, Oneida and Chestnut streets, in the town of Oneonta, officials said Friday.
Man, 41, convicted in drug case
DELHI — A Delaware County jury took less than an hour Friday to find a 41-year-old man guilty of second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, said Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup.
More troops than reported may go to Iraq
The sweep of a readiness call two weeks ago to a New York-based Army Reserve division could be much wider and for a longer duration than an Army spokesman stated this week. An internal June 28 document by the Rochester-based 98th Division, mistakenly posted that day on an official website, shows many more than the stated several hundred troops could be going to Iraq.
Couple to open renovated theater
When the Fleischmanns' Theater opens today, John and Jennifer DeSane will be living their dream, the couple said.
Museum for Unadilla history to open
A window on Unadilla history will be opening regularly starting this weekend, officials involved with the Unadilla Historical Association's museum said.
Ulscht drops out of race for Hooker seat
Democrat Evan Ulscht, 28, of Catskill has dropped out of the race for the 127th Assembly seat now held by first-term Republican Daniel Hooker of Saugerties.
Oneonta schools superintendent to retire
ONEONTA — Oneonta City School Superintendent James Piscitelli submitted his letter of resignation, to take effect June 30, 2005, at the Board of Education meeting Wednesday. He discussed his reasons for taking this action in a Wednesday morning news conference in his office. When he turns 55 in May 2005, he is eligible to retire without penalty as part of the state Teachers Retirement System. The final year of his contract expires at the end of June.
Kitten rescued from Delhi drain
DELHI — No one seems to know how a kitten fell into a storm drain on Court Street in Delhi. But it took a bunch of people to rescue it Tuesday and a nice man to adopt it Wednesday, said Cheryl Dietzman, shelter operations supervisor for the Humane Society of Central Delaware County.
Alcohol prevention program receives grant
An Otsego County program focusing on preventing underage or high-risk drinking was included in a federal grant announced recently.
Stayton to lead school board
ONEONTA — Martha Stayton was elected president of the Oneonta City School Board for 2004-2005 during the district's reorganizational meeting Wednesday. This was followed by the regular board meeting.
County courts advised on use of free lawyers
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to instruct courts within the county to make sure defendants who are assigned free lawyers are entitled to the service.
Petitions submitted for vote on park
WALTON — Walton village voters are closer to having an opportunity to vote on whether the Walton Village Board should establish a capital improvement fund to develop a new park on Water Street.
Man, 19, killed in car collision
A Kingston man died Wednesday morning following a two-car head-on collision in Guilford, state police at Sidney said.
Girl Scout goes for Gold Award
A Sidney Central School graduate is hoping that a map of village hydrant locations will lead to the highest award in Girl Scouting. The Gold Award is the Girl Scouts' equivalent of the Eagle Scout rank for Boy Scouts, officials said. Like its counterpart, the Gold Award requires a community service project and the completion of other requirements.
Local Dems praise choice
Local Democrats cheered after presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts announced Tuesday that Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina will be his running mate.
Official: Otsego committee violated law
A state official has written that Otsego County's Administration Committee violated the state's Open Meetings Law in February by meeting by telephone rather than in a forum that the public could monitor.
Official: Main St. project on hold
ONEONTA — Although the planned milling and paving of Main Street has been put on temporary hold because of funding issues, other street repairs are going ahead, city officials said Tuesday.
Ingall's strawberry season ending early, owner says
HARTWICK SEMINARY — After 30 years of raising strawberries, Paul Ingalls, owner of Ingalls Farm on Route 28, said he doesn't know what the future holds for his 11 acres of berry fields.
Collision injures at least four
MILFORD — A head-on collision on state Route 28 around noon Tuesday sent at least four people to an area hospital, a fire official said.
Ice cream summer's top treat
ONEONTA — As the well-known American proverb goes, "You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream." For 8-year-old Jennifer Knapp, daughter of Randy and Sabrina Knapp, that chocolate and vanilla soft-serve twist in a dish was a highly anticipated snack Monday afternoon. "It keeps me cold," Jennifer said. "It's my favorite." Father and daughter ordered similar treats at the Golden Guernsey; Knapp ordered a twist in a cone.
Two killed in Chenango crashes
Two Chenango County residents died in separate car accidents Saturday in Norwich and Sherburne, county sheriff's deputies said.
Rain may affect the Fourth
Rain and gas prices may disturb some holiday plans this Independence Day weekend. The National Weather Service is predicting the weekend weather to be a mixture of clouds, sunshine and a chance of showers with the temperature ranging from the mid- to upper-70s. The Fourth of July is expected to be mostly cloudy in the mid-70s with a 40 percent chance of precipitation, according to the National Weather Service.
Area college enrollment is steady
Freshman classes at colleges in Oneonta and Delhi are expected to meet enrollment targets this fall, college officials said this week.
Walton event's focus is buffalo
WALTON — A touch of the Old West is coming to Walton on Saturday and Sunday during the second annual Buffalo Days at Healing Waters Farms.
Sidney woman, 43, killed in traffic accident
GUILFORD — A Sidney woman was killed in a two-car traffic accident in Guilford on Friday afternoon after she failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign on county Route 35 at state Route 8, Sidney troopers said.
Motorcyclists ride for kids at annual benefit
HAMDEN — The 10th annual Ice Cream Motorcycle Run For Kids' Sake begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Hamden Town Hall and will end 92 miles later in Deposit, said Ray Seyforth, event organizer.
SUCO not included in Americorps grants
The state Office of Children and Family Services has announced that 17 Americorps programs statewide will receive more than $9.5 million in grants, according to a recent news release.
Stamford man has diploma after 71 years
STAMFORD — A man who gave up his dream of earning a high school diploma in 1930 to stay home and help save the family farm finally had an opportunity to wear a mortarboard and see his name on a Stamford Central School sheepskin. A graduation ceremony was held at Robinson Terrace on Thursday for Gaylord Shaver, 88, who smiled broadly as Stamford Superintendent Joseph Beck presented him with his diploma. Shaver would have graduated 71 years ago, in 1933.
Kids get Fresh Air
ONEONTA — Oneonta may only be 230 miles away from the Bronx, but on a sunny afternoon in July it can seem like a different world.
Annual Unadilla event to feature beauty pageant
Anyone who thinks they might have the cutest baby or teenager will have a chance to let judges decide at a new beauty pageant that will become part of a Unadilla tradition.
Mediation not set between city, CSEA
ONEONTA — Still stuck on a contract negotiation impasse after nearly three weeks, state mediators have yet to set a date to work with city negotiators and local CSEA members.
Official says teen summer-job market is weak
ONEONTA — In an ideal world, 15-year-old Heather Sobey said, she'd be working in a coffee shop this summer. The painful reality? "I've filled out 50 job applications and haven't gotten a call back from anywhere," Sobey said Wednesday at Oneonta's Main Street plaza.
Fed raises short-term rates .25%
There likely won't be major fallout from the Federal Reserve Board's decision to raise interest rates, several local businesspeople said Wednesday.
Fourth of July is club's birthday
A Fourth of July gathering at the Otego Rod and Gun Club will not only mark the nation's 228th birthday, but also a century for the Otego Old Boys Club.
Tickets still available for Cooperstown concert
About 500 tickets remain on sale at the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce for the August concert featuring Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, a chamber official said Wednesday.
Assault charges against trooper dismissed
A state trooper facing allegations of assault, harassment and disorderly conduct has been cleared of all charges, Troop C Commander Maj. Thomas Kelly said Wednesday.
Moore's movie to play at Southside
ONEONTA — Although a week past its national opening, Michael Moore's documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" is scheduled to open in Oneonta on Friday.
New Troop C commander starts today
A new commander for state police Troop C in Sidney will take the helm today, officials said. Maj. Thomas P. Kelly Jr., commander of the troop since March 2003, has been promoted to staff inspector and assigned to the State Police Division Internal Affairs Bureau in Albany, according to a news release.
Walton man seeks referendum on planned park
WALTON — A Walton man has started a petition drive for a public vote on whether a riverside park should be created on Water Street in Walton.
