Students: Rankings don’t impact college choice
Rankings are just numbers, and shouldn’t be the only factor affecting a student’s decision on where to attend college, several area college officials said.
SUCO business majors can keep up with stocks in class
ONEONTA - Students at the State University College at Oneonta can now keep an eye on the stock market while in class and add realistic statistics to discussions about investments and the economy.
Drug case among those before Otsego Court
In Otsego County Court on Monday, a Laurens woman pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Andes parcels bought by Weld
Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld signed a mortgage to buy property in the town of Andes on Aug. 19, the same day he announced his run for New York governor.
School districts plan for high energy costs
Rising oil prices are higher than area schools planned for, but business administrators said they expect to be able to make adjustments to lessen the impact on their budgets.
Area volunteers headed to Gulf Coast
Several area Red Cross volunteers have packed their bags and are heading to the Gulf Coast to help serve hundreds of thousands of meals.
Bruno: No action planned on gas-tax bill
ALBANY - Rising gas prices have sparked fighting within the Legislature, but it doesn’t appear that state lawmakers can do much to ease pain at the pump.
Judge arraigns burglary suspect
DELHI - An Arkville man was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday on nine charges connected to five break-ins in the town of Middletown.
Deer disease will be focus of DEC meeting
Deer and chronic wasting disease will be the topic of state Department of Environmental Conservation presentations, including one in Oneonta on Sept. 7.
$53,758 grant will help map Catskill region
A $53,758 grant will boost development of the Catskill Area Mapping Service, according to a news release issued Thursday by the Catskill Watershed Corp.
Bassett to hold blood drive in memory of local man
In the years that Cooperstown student Brett Ferrando battled Hodgkin\'s lymphoma, said his uncle Dr. Michael Gold, Ferrando probably went through more than 50 units of blood.
Other blood drives
If a potential donor can’t make it to the blood drive in memory of Brett Ferrando at Bassett Healthcare today and Tuesday, there are other drives in the area this week.
Tax-free shopping this week
All area counties are participating in tax-free shopping this week, according to a media release from Gov. George Pataki’s office.
August 27, 2005
Chancellor lauds SUCO’s progress
The State University College at Oneonta has improved the most during the past five years among the system’s four-year liberal arts colleges, the acting chancellor said Friday.
Board asks Ryan to apply
Acting Chancellor John R. Ryan said State University trustees have invited him to apply to fill the position permanently, but he hasn’t decided whether to become a candidate.
Funds will save coverlet from 1843
An 1843 coverlet that spent more than 100 years in the Swart-Wilcox House will be conserved for future generations to see, thanks to a grant from a museum association.
Man killed in fiery crash
GILBOA- A man who died Friday morning in a fiery crash on state Route 23 was not identified by 7 p.m., state police at Cobleskill said.
Booster club raises $30,000 for school
DAVENPORT - The Charlotte Valley Booster Club has raised more than $30,000 in six weeks, more than half of which was from a recent golf tournament and music festival, an organizer said this week.
Wedding Gallery is closing
The Wedding Gallery at 300 Main St. in Oneonta is holding a going-out-of-business sale.
Local veteran joins mother’s war protest
A Sharon Springs Vietnam veteran has joined Cindy Sheehan and other anti-war activists outside President Bush’s Crawford, Texas, ranch.
Treasurer nominees debate in Delhi
DELHI - About 60 people gathered at Delaware Academy and Central School on Thursday for a debate between the two Republican candidates for Delaware County treasurer.
SUCO awards $1M in scholarships
ONEONTA - The State University College at Oneonta has awarded $1 million in scholarships to students this academic year.
Boy’s killer given four more months in prison
A man convicted of killing a child who pointed a toy gun at him will remain in prison for an additional four months, Linda Foglia of the state Department of Corrections said Thursday.
Dog owner charged with biting trooper gets court date
STAMFORD - A Stamford woman accused of biting a state trooper while walking her dog is scheduled to appear Thursday in Stamford Village Court, Delaware County Assistant District Attorney John Hubbard said Thursday.
SUNY Cobleskill grads endow scholarships
A graduate of the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill has donated $165,000 to endow scholarships, the largest single gift in the college’s history, officials said Thursday.
City: Residents responsible for brush
ONEONTA - City officials want residents to know they cannot count on the city to haul away brush and debris deposited curbside.
Help sought in fire investigation
WEST EXETER - Otsego County fire officials are seeking help in their investigation into the cause of a fire that left a West Exeter couple homeless.
August 25, 2005
Treasurer’s court case dismissed
DELHI - Acting Supreme Court Justice Michael V. Coccoma dismissed Delaware County Treasurer Beverly J. Shields’ lawsuit against the county and its board of supervisors Wednesday. The county was, however, ordered to pay her legal fees.
Spray park sickens locals
At least 11 area residents are among the nearly 3,000 people statewide who came down with severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping after visiting a state park in Geneva.
Eagle Scouts share award ceremony
ONEONTA - Although they are from different troops, coincidence and friendship led two 18-year-old Oneonta Boy Scouts to share their Eagle Scout ceremony Tuesday.
Empire Zone plan to focus on existing businesses
Maintaining existing businesses and giving them room to grow, rather than attracting new ones, is the focus of the application Delaware County is preparing to create its first Empire Zone.
Medicaid reforms could save counties in area nearly $800K
ALBANY - Taxpayers in Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie counties will save nearly $800,000 by early next year under the state’s new Medicaid cap, but that doesn’t necessarily mean tax bills will be going down.
Countryside Care sale progressing, official says
DELHI - Completing the sale of Delaware County’s Countryside Care Center and improving cell-phone service countywide were on the agenda at the county Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday.
Worker hurt after fall into tunnel at college
ONEONTA - A construction accident in a State University College at Oneonta maintenance tunnel at about 11 a.m. Wednesday injured a man and caused emergency dispatchers to call for special extrication equipment.
Rotary opens time capsule
The time capsule opened by Rotarians in Worcester on Wednesday was filled with envelopes and mementos, the local president said.
Area news briefs
HAMDEN - The condition of a boy, 14, after a collision between an ATV he was riding and a pickup truck is not being released because of confidentiality reasons, Delaware County sheriff’s deputies said.
August 24, 2005
N.Y. cites ex-doctor at Bassett
A state agency has taken action against a doctor who once practiced at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, but her attorney says Bassett is at least partially to blame.
Program can help manage woodland
The state Department of Environmental Conservation wants more people to use its program to help private landowners manage woodland on their property.
Colorscape Chenango to feature train full of artwork
Artrain USA, a museum on a vintage train, will be a new attraction at Colorscape Chenango in Norwich next month, said Peggy Finnegan, executive director of the art and music festival.
Students move into the area for school start
Seeing friends, getting ready for classes, regaining a sense of independence and helping others were reasons three students gave Monday for being glad to be back at the State University College at Oneonta.
Smyrna man charged with raping girl, 11
SMYRNA - A Smyrna man has been charged with raping a girl earlier this year, according to Chenango County sheriff’s deputies.
Deputies: Man, 19, sold marijuana
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County Court Judge Brian Burns unsealed a grand jury indictment Monday that charges a Mount Upton man with felony sale of marijuana.
Columbus car accident sends three to hospital
Emergency crews took several people to hospitals after a three-car accident Friday in Columbus, according to Chenango County sheriff’s deputies.
Hookah stolen from apartment
ONEONTA - An ornate Egyptian hookah valued at $200 was taken from a Main Street apartment early Sunday morning, city police said.
August 22, 2005
Area educators: Panel on slavery could help
A brutal chapter in American history will be reviewed by a state panel to make sure it is being properly taught in classrooms and textbooks.
Bright: Calendar girls get playful with history
A committee of church ladies has developed a lighthearted calendar featuring historic scenes with well-known local folks in playful poses to raise funds for the Delaware County Historical Association.
Tractor show draws engine fans
ROSEBOOM - "We’ve had two good days - the crowds have been tremendous," Jack VanBuren said Sunday about the seventh annual Roseboom Antique Power Days.
Stabbing results in arrest
NORTH NORWICH - State police at Norwich have arrested one man after an investigation into a stabbing early Saturday morning at a North Norwich trailer park.
Crews to investigate fire site in W. Exeter
WEST EXETER - Fire investigators will return to the scene of a fire on Monday to search for the cause of a blaze that destroyed a home in West Exeter on Saturday, leaving a couple homeless, officials said.
Cooperstown graduate to be on TV
Thomas Murphy, 30, a 1993 graduate of Cooperstown Central School, will appear on the televised reality show "Ultimate Fighter 2" at 11 p.m. today.
Area News Briefs
COOPERSTOWN - Rain caused minor damage to the Otsego County Office Building, parts of which will be closed today, Laura Child, clerk of the Otsego County Board of Representatives said Sunday.
August 20, 2005
Partnership of shared goals
The National Soccer Hall of Fame has entered into a partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation that will involve a financial and marketing helping-hand.
Man pleads for parents’ release
Wenli Zheng, a software engineer who lives in Cooperstown, is trying to get his parents out of a Chinese detention center.
Voters nix school fund
Charlotte Valley Central School voters approved one proposition and rejected another during Thursday voting, school officials said.
Faulty gasket caused leak
A faulty gasket on a propane tank is being blamed for a leak that forced the evacuation of about 25 homes in Cooperstown on Thursday afternoon, a fire official said.
Man, 71, fatally struck by car
WEST DAVENPORT - A man retrieving a garbage bag that fell from the bed of his pickup truck was struck and killed by a car Thursday on state Route 23 in West Davenport.
Clinic workers investigate bosses
Turmoil at Otsego County’s Mental Health Clinic led employees to hire a private investigator to follow Director Patrick Donahue and Deputy Director Sura Page earlier this month.
Historic local photographs go online
With a blending of old and new technologies, the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown has placed more than 300 historic photographs on the Internet at http://www.nysha.org.
Otsego commended for helping people off welfare
New York’s commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance came to Cooperstown on Thursday to commend Otsego County’s Department of Social Services for getting people off welfare and into jobs.<
New international students check out SUCO
About 50 students from foreign countries are learning their way around the campus at the State University College at Oneonta this week.
Rotary Club recovers too-deep time capsule
A little digging with a backhoe in Worcester on Saturday unearthed the time-capsule long-awaited by the Southeast Otsego Rotary Club.
Veterans group working to recover Sidney cannons
A Civil War veterans group trying to recover two cannons sold from the Sidney cemetery in 2000 is hopeful that recent attention to similar cases might produce results.
Breast cancer program draws 324
More than 324 Chenango County women have responded to be screened for a clinical breast exam and a mammogram in 2005.
’Eat Smart NYDay’ at market
COBLESKILL - The Festival Farmers’ Market will hold its annual "Eat Smart NY Day" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the market at McCarthy Tire parking lot, Cobleskill.
August 18, 2005
Walton native works to form gay support group
A Walton man is not giving up his efforts to establish a gay and lesbian group at Seton Hall University despite a New Jersey Appeals Court decision dismissing his lawsuit.
Man, 25, dies from injuries in car accident
COOPERSTOWN - An Otego man injured in a head-on collision in Laurens on Tuesday died from his injuries Wednesday at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital.
Fact finder meets with CSEA, city staff
ONEONTA - A state fact finder heard both sides of a city labor dispute Wednesday but could not immediately find a resolution.
Area News Briefs
SHERBURNE - A Sherburne man was arrested Friday after he allegedly violated an order of protection, Chenango County sheriff’s deputies said.
Signs in treasurer’s race go missing
DELHI - The race for Delaware County treasurer has set off a series of sign thefts, prompting Sheriff Thomas Mills to warn that removing political candidate placards is illegal.
Fair offers day for seniors
WALTON - Today is Senior Citizens Day at the Delaware County Fair in Walton, with a special price of $3 for a senior citizen’s admission. An all-day tractor pull begins at 9:30 a.m., and visitors will pay one price for rides.
Chamber to present debate
DELHI - The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a debate featuring the two Republican primary candidates for Delaware County treasurer.
August 17, 2005
Hospital to end labs and clinics
SIDNEY - Most of the remaining services at The Hospital in Sidney are scheduled to be closed Aug. 31, pending approval of a closure plan by the state Department of Health.
Twelve Tribes plan returns to board today
ONEONTA - The plan for a Twelve Tribes restaurant on Main Street is on the agenda for tonight’s Planning Commission meeting, but the city’s attorney said a second vote is not automatic.
Case of West Nile virus found in Otego crow
Otsego County has identified its first case of West Nile virus, a disease that affects the nervous system, Public Health Director Diane Cusworth said.
Raccoons positive for rabies
Raccoons found in the town of Butternuts and village of Cooperstown have tested positive for rabies, according to the Otsego County Health Department.
Three injured in head-on collision
A head-on collision in Laurens on Tuesday injured three people, including one driver who suffered massive internal injuries, state police at Oneonta said.
DOT: Southside work could include roundabouts
Drawings and exhibits of proposed road work on Southside Oneonta detailed Tuesday include roundabout intersections, sidewalks and extra traffic lanes.
Delaware officials detail economic strategies
Two economic development initiatives for Delaware County were outlined by state and local officials at the Delaware County Fair in Walton on Tuesday afternoon.
Area veteran recalls work in Naval intelligence
Terror cells operating in the United States are not new, according to a former Naval Intelligence officer who was monitoring suspected Nazi activity in New York City in 1942.
Dry spell prompts water concerns
The effects of recent below-average rainfall and warm weather have not yet had a big impact on area water supplies, local and regional officials said.
Meeting today on Southside work
ONEONTA - The state Department of Transportation will hold a public informational meeting today on the Southside highway reconstruction project.
Woman pleads innocent to larceny
DELHI - A Hancock woman was arraigned on grand larceny charges in Delaware County Court on Monday for alleged involvement in a check-cashing scheme.
M-ARK Project to hold groundbreaking today
ARKVILLE - The M-ARK Project will break ground on a 30-unit housing complex today and hold its annual fund-raiser Saturday at Stone Tavern Farm.
Area News Briefs
MILFORD - A Milford motorcyclist was arrested after he ran into a pickup truck early Thursday.
Area Health
COOPERSTOWN - Today’s meeting of the Cooperstown Man-To-Man prostate cancer support group will feature a presentation by Towhee Shupka, the new director of patient and family services at the American Cancer Society in Endicott.
August 15, 2005
Gas prices highest ever
Gas prices hit a record high Friday, according to the AAA daily fuel gauge report.
Former hospital exec’s appeal denied
Dr. George Innes, former Sidney hospital administrator, has lost his appeal of the revocation of his license to practice medicine in New York, according to the state Department of Health.
Youths at fest urged to get involved
Local politicians and other adults encouraged young people at the Oneonta Community Alliance for Youth Summerfest 2005 on Sunday in Neahwa Park to get involved in local government.
Man, 18, charged in mugging
City police said a local teenager allegedly robbed a 21-year-old Oneonta woman at knifepoint early Thursday morning.
21 arrested at underage party
Otsego County sheriff’s deputies made more than 20 arrests after they raided a party in Roseboom late Friday night.
AG candidate attends C’town concert
Mark Green, Democratic candidate for attorney general, was among 3,000 concertgoers in Cooperstown on Thursday night.
August 13, 2005
Nursing publicly mom’s choice
Deciding to breast-feed her son, Xander, wasn’t much of a decision, Erin Van Cott said Wednesday.
Scouts’ projects botanical
A tree adorns the lobby of Resources for Industry in Walton, and a garden welcomes people to the facility. These botanical features are thanks to the efforts of twins working on Boy Scout Eagle projects.
Politics, youth to combine at fest
ONEONTA - The Oneonta Community Alliance for Youth has injected a little politics into the Summerfest 2005 line-up this year.
Concert draws young, old fans
COOPERSTOWN - Fans were dancing on the grass Thursday night as Herman’s Hermits and the Beach Boys played at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.
Otsego Manor official resigns
Henry "Russ" Bachman has opted to resign as chief financial officer of Otsego County’s nursing home and stay in the race for county treasurer.
Concert draws young, old fans
COOPERSTOWN - Fans were dancing on the grass Thursday night as Herman’s Hermits and the Beach Boys played at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.
The Hospital pushes back Aug. 19 layoffs
Layoffs that were to become effective at The Hospital in Sidney on Aug. 19 were pushed back until Aug. 31 to allow for a "more orderly" transition, officials said.
Police arrest rapper on gun charge in NYC
A rapper whose Hartwick College concert generated controversy after rape allegations surfaced was arrested in Manhattan on a felony gun charge.
Volunteers finish repairs at Stamford Cemetery
A year after two boys were accused of vandalizing the Stamford Cemetery, the toppled and broken gravestones have been returned to a respectable condition.
Couple wins prize with flowering window boxes
COOPERSTOWN - Twelve years ago, when Richard and Barbara Havlik bought their house at 94 Fair St. in Cooperstown, they decided to spruce it up with window boxes.
Man reports rattlesnake in Oneonta
A local population of timber rattlesnakes thought to be extinct since the mid-1980s may still be alive and slithering.
Council considers trailer-park safety proposal
Oneonta Town Councilman Richard Murphy said a mobile home park regulation plan is the most important town legislation proposed in the last few years.
Society sets $50K goal for Relay
The American Cancer Society has set a goal to raise $50,000 through its Relay for Life in Oneonta on Friday.
Board plans to demonstrate voting machines
The Otsego County Board of Elections plans to have a demonstration of voting machines for the public and county board in late September.
Board approves Dreams Park expansion
The Hartwick town Planning Board approved a proposal Tuesday night that will allow the Cooperstown Dreams Park to expand by 20 percent, from 80 to 96 teams.
Groups urge signing of drunken-driving bill
The medical community and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are urging Gov. George Pataki to sign legislation requiring auto insurers to pay the medical bills of drunken drivers.
Daughter sentenced in killing
A woman accused of smothering her father with a pillow in his Walton home two years ago was sentenced Monday in Delaware County Court to 12½ years in prison.
Patriot Act decision will have local effect
The executive director of the Four-County Library System said he is hopeful about what may come from one of two renewal acts that Congress passed for the Patriot Act last month.
Plan will fix eroding riverbank near guardrail
ONEONTA - The state Department of Transportation has fast-tracked a plan to fix an eroding slope above the Susquehanna River in the town of Oneonta.
Chenango County Fair begins today
NORWICH - The 158th annual Chenango County Fair begins today and continues through Sunday at the fairgrounds in Norwich.
Officials: Work on boat launch to start
A project to build a cartop boat launch on Otego Creek in the town of Oneonta is moving ahead three years after it was conceived.
Otego man accused of scams
HARTWICK - A 34-year-old Otego man was charged with two felonies Sunday after Otsego County Sheriff’s Department officials uncovered an alleged painting scam.
Labyrinth featured in magazine
EAST MEREDITH - Harmony Hill Retreat Center’s 11-circuit labyrinth is one of five Circles of Serenity recognized by a national magazine.
Otsego fair turnout up 10%
Attendance at the Otsego County Fair was up more than 10 percent from last year, officials said, and many factors helped.
Dairymen expect lawmakers to OK milk program extension
With the national dairy program due to expire at the end of September, lawmakers are expected to consider an extension when they come back from summer recess, dairy officials said.
Traffic stop leads to bust for meth
A local man was arrested on a felony drug charge after a routine traffic stop Friday night on the James F. Lettis Highway.
Poets hit road for competition
Four wordsmiths will take their three-minute poems on the road next week to participate in a competition more than 2,000 miles away.
14-year-old wins rabbit competition
MORRIS - Things were hopping in Gilbert Hall at the Otsego County Fair on Friday, where Nicole Butzke, 14, won the Rabbit Senior Showmanship competition.
Church completes organ installation
DELHI - As his hands played the new pipe organ, music filled historic Saint James’ Church at Lake Delaware, and the Rev. Jason Catania smiled.
Hospital lets 27 more go
Another round of layoff notices has recently gone out to employees at The Hospital in Sidney, officials said.
Contract dispute has 3rd party
A state-sponsored fact-finder will meet with city officials and union representatives in two weeks to try to resolve a lengthy labor dispute.
Twelve Tribes renews plan
A communal religious organization looking to open a restaurant on Main Street will bring its proposal to the city planning commission for the third time this year.
Locals differ on ’intelligent design’
Some things in a science classroom are clear: Humans need air to breathe, blood to deliver oxygen and cells to perform the basic functions of life.
GOP chairman chooses 3 Dems to lead committees
COOPERSTOWN - Democrats lead three of eight standing committees on the Otsego County Board of Representatives, after board Chairman Carl Higgins, R-Edmeston, announced assignments Wednesday.
City plans to renovate Wilber Park pool
ONEONTA - The Wilber Park pool might receive $500,000 in improvements soon.
The Common Council decided Tuesday to accept bids for several renovations to the 1930s-era swimming pool.
Center accused of abuse houses three area boys
Three children from area counties are in an upstate home for troubled boys where authorities are investigating alleged physical and sexual abuse by staff.
Son says drug use prevalent at Berkshire
A local mother of a boy who was formerly housed at the Berkshire Farm Center said her son indicated that drugs were readily available there.
Woman fights, bites state trooper
A Stamford woman who was walking her dog Monday morning has been charged with assault for allegedly biting a state trooper.
Common Council passes housing ordinance
The Common Council approved an ordinance to promote development of senior housing in the city Tuesday, but not all aldermen were happy with the legislation.
Railroad fined for pollution in New Jersey
The New York Susquehanna and Western Railway Corporation has been fined $2.5 million by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Conservation.
Some Sidney doctors to still use Hospital services
Six of seven Sidney-area doctors reached Tuesday said they plan on having their patients use some of the services at The Hospital as long as they are available.
June, July hottest in area in 105 years
ONEONTA - Cooperstown had its hottest June and July in 105 years, joining other upstate cities that had recording-breaking temperatures, officials at the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University said.
City to consider revised ordinance
A plan to regulate and promote the growth of housing for senior citizens in the city will again face Common Council scrutiny tonight.
Interest in land slowed by price
Delaware County’s refusal to put a reasonable price on a county-owned property in the center of the village is stifling economic development, Walton Mayor Ed Snow said.
Seward asks Congress for aid with dam
State Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford, is lobbying Congress to include Oneonta’s Southside Dam in the Water Resources Development Act.
Festival will feature musicians, renewable energy information
The third annual Evergreen Energy Festival, a renewable energy and two-day music festival, will be Friday and Saturday at the Evergreen Inn and Performance Space, 1625 Main St. in Fleischmanns.
Sixth-graders must be immune to chicken pox
Besides pencils, notebooks and backpacks, students entering sixth grade next month must have something else to attend school: proof they have been immunized against chicken pox.
State turns family’s land into park
MILFORD - Robert V. Riddell of Colliersville wanted the woods, fields and meandering Schenevus Creek on his property to be preserved and accessible for generations to come.
Family has five-generation connection to property
MILFORD - Property in the towns of Milford and Maryland that was donated to the state for a park had been in the Riddell family since 1871, Gov. George Pataki said.
Additional parks, forests planned
The acquisition of more than 2,500 acres in Otsego County for conservation and recreational uses will benefit area residents and visitors, Gov. George Pataki said Saturday.
Lightning strikes twice
Lightning from afternoon thunderstorms Sunday struck two area homes.
Cooperstown Fire Chief Jim Tallman said a bolt struck 4 Pine Boulevard at about 4:15 p.m. and ignited a portion of the top floor of the three-story home.
Man killed, brother critical in crash
A Sherburne man was killed and his brother critically hurt in a crash on county Route 24 in the town of Sherburne early Saturday morning, Chenango County sheriff’s deputies said.
Car-theft suspect leads police on two-county chase
A man in a stolen car was arrested on felony charges after leading authorities on a 25-mile chase from Norwich into Madison County, Chenango County sheriff’s deputies said.
Man, 20, charged with rape
An Oxford man was jailed on $10,000 bail Sunday on a rape charge, Chenango County sheriff’s deputies said.
