Ice festivals struggle with warm winter
The show will go on at the Hanford Mills Museum’s Community Ice Harvest on Saturday despite a sometimes spring-like January that has thinned the "ice crop," event organizers said Monday.
SUNY: Tuition increase possible
ALBANY - Students at the State University of New York face a $500 tuition increase and local governments may need to pick up more of the cost of a college education unless state lawmakers come up with at least another $103 million, state officials said Monday.
Fox hospital awarded for blood-drive success
ONEONTA - A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital has received an award for going above and beyond its goal in collecting blood at drives throughout the year.
Upcoming blood drives
A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital’s next blood drive will be from 1 and 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the FoxCare Center on state Route 7 in Oneonta.
Hartwick to accept water-project bid
HARTWICK - Hartwick water commission members unanimously voted Monday night that it was their "intent" to accept a bid for a nearly $2 million project.
Miller won’t run for House
Democrat Jeff Miller, who ran against Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, for the 24th Congressional District seat in 2004, said Monday he will not seek his party’s nomination this year.
Man gets probation for menacing trooper, EMS
DELHI - A Texas man was sentenced Monday in Delaware County Court to three years of probation on charges that he threatened a state trooper and emergency medical services volunteers with a shotgun.
Chenango tax rate drops in 2006
For the first time in five years, Chenango County’s tax rate declined in 2006, county Treasurer William Evans said.
Contractor charged with larceny
MIDDLEFIELD - A town of Hartwick contractor was arrested Monday for allegedly taking money for a job and never finishing the work, Otsego County sheriff’s deputies said.
The Volunteer Services Department at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital has donated $3,000 to the Friends of Bassett for equipment at the hospital’s birthing center. The gift was made in memory of volunteers Gladys Bommer, Walter Dolan, Betty Fry, Pat Geberth, Helen Greene, Kay Sullivan and Libby Wheeler, who died in 2005, and Carole Mihalko, who died in 2004.
Area Health Briefs
A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital radiologist Dr. James D. McChesney has completed a Cardiac CT Visiting Fellowship with Atlantic Medical Imaging in Galloway, N.J.
January 30, 2006
Empty Bresee’s poses challenge for developers
ONEONTA - With about half a dozen empty storefronts along Oneonta’s main downtown retail district, the question of what can be done to attract stores and shoppers is not going away.
Douglas gets DWI charge
Corbin Douglas Sr., who was acquited in December of murder and manslaughter charges in the death of his toddler son, was arrested Sunday on a charge of driving while intoxicated.
Morris campground details available
The developers of a proposed campground in the town of Morris said Sunday they are hoping to have it open May 1.
SUCO numbers also increase
The State University College at Oneonta is following a trend of higher enrollments at the State University of New York’s 64 campuses.
Environmentalists hire planner
Erik Miller, former Otsego County senior planner, has joined the Otsego County Conservation Association as director of planning and education, according to OCCA’s Executive Director Teresa Winchester.
20 years later: Recalling a tragedy
Twenty years after the rocket booster on the Challenger space shuttle exploded during lift-off, dooming the shuttle and its crew, several local residents said they still remember what they were doing that morning.
Taking steps to health
Stamford and Hobart area residents are joining forces, setting off on a healthy journey "around the world" by taking one step at a time, said Jeanne Darling, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County.
Finalists named in Franklin search
Three finalists for the Franklin Central School superintendent position will come to the school in mid-February for interviews, board of education President Linda DeAndrea said.
Civil War Round Table to meet
On Monday, the Abner Doubleday Civil War Round Table will have its monthly meeting at the Milford Historical Society building.
Peace still possible after Hamas victory, locals say
ONEONTA - Declining confidence in the Palestinian old guard helped fuel Hamas’ landslide victory in parliamentary elections, several Oneonta political observers said Thursday.
Family from Sudan marks first year in U.S.
UNADILLA - "America is a good country - it’s a place to grow," said Alfred Ade degi Andrea, talking from his Unadilla home Wednesday after work.
Richfield Springs cools for carnival
Cooler temperatures in recent days and snow that fell Wednesday have brightened hopes for winter fun on the eve of Richfield Springs’ 34th annual winter carnival.
Delaware County businesses get corporation loans
Five Delaware County businesses, including a proposed hotel in Delhi, were approved for low-interest loans when the Catskill Watershed Corp. Board of Directors met Tuesday.
Officials: Farmers’ milk will earn less
After a couple of years of better-than-average numbers, milk prices paid to farmers are projected to decline this year, dairy officials said Tuesday.
City works on update to disaster planning
ONEONTA - The city’s disaster plan is being updated to meet federal mandates, as well as review responses to incidents from snow emergencies to hostage situations, the fire chief said Monday.
Fundraisers planned for teenager
ONEONTA - Two fundraising events are planned for the next few days to benefit the family of a Unatego Central School senior injured in a pickup truck crash Jan. 13.
Sidney owners receive grant-related surveys
A survey recently mailed to owner-occupied houses in the village of Sidney will be used to demonstrate the need for a state grant to help homeowners with repairs, officials said.
M-ARK prepares to give grants
MARGARETVILLE - As many as seven area families could get grants to help buy their first homes this year, thanks to a first-time homebuyer program administered by the M-ARK Project.
Molestation arraignment pushed back
An arraignment for further indictments against Patrick D. Cascanet, an admitted child molester who is serving time in state prison, was postponed Wednesday.
Job-seekers visit area fair
ONEONTA - Employers and potential employees came out in full force Wednesday to see how they could help one another.
Locals challenge 9/11 in film
"Loose Change," a controversial film on the events of 9/11, will be shown Friday night as part of an independent film festival at Hartwick College.
Look it up: Rotary gives dictionaries
The Oneonta Rotary Club, in association with the Dictionary Project, has distributed more than 200 dictionaries to local elementary schools since October, Rotary Club President Sam Koury said Wednesday.
Sports company gets $400K loan to add building
DELHI - Sportsfield Specialties Inc. in Delhi is receiving a $400,000 low-interest loan from Delaware County to help pay for the expansion of the production facility, according to Glenn Nealis, Delaware County Economic Development director.
Driver offered plea deal
A Utica man was arraigned Wednesday on manslaughter and other charges in Oneida County Court in connection with a crash that killed a Richfield Springs woman last year, the prosecuting attorney said.
SUCO students help Katrina victims
ONEONTA - Winter break was a little different this year for five State University College at Oneonta students.
Area News Briefs
Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego Board of Cooperative Educational Services teachers involved in contract negotiations will picket at 5:45 p.m. today.
January 25, 2006
Deputies: Son taped boy to floor
A third person was arrested Tuesday in a Delaware County child-welfare investigation involving a 14-year-old boy allegedly chained to a wall as punishment in his Davenport home.
Church to celebrate 150 years of faith
ONEONTA - When Main Street Baptist Church was founded in 1856, the congregation couldn’t have imagined that one day it would have missionaries in foreign lands, the Rev. Gary Bonebrake said Tuesday.
Lindberg plans cabinet of county officials
COOPERSTOWN - Donald Lindberg, chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, plans to form a cabinet of advisers drawn from the county’s department heads.
Delaware County looks to penalize false alarms
Less than 10 percent of automatic burglar- and fire-alarm calls received by Delaware County 911 dispatchers are actually emergencies, Delaware County Undersheriff Douglas Vredenburgh said Tuesday.
Laurens man gets prison time for DWI
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County Court on Monday before Judge Michael Coccoma, a Laurens man was sentenced to one-to-three years in state prison for driving while intoxicated.
State, local officials to meet about hospital
A meeting to discuss finances at the former hospital in Sidney is scheduled for Thursday between town officials and the Department of Health in Albany, representatives of both sides said Tuesday.
Accident hurts teenager
COLUMBUS - A Sherburne teenager was hurt Monday morning in a two-car accident in Columbus, Chenango County sheriff’s deputies said Tuesday in a news release.
Laurens fire official re-elected
George Decker was re-elected Jan. 18 to another five-year term as Laurens Fire District Commissioner, he said.
January 24, 2006
Officials: Treatment not felony
DAVENPORT - Misdemeanor charges lodged against a Davenport couple for allegedly chaining their middle school-age son to a wall are appropriate, Delaware County officials said Monday.
Farm family honored for environmental acts
A farm family’s contributions to a better environment will be recognized by the Schoharie County Soil and Water Conservation district early next month.
Sweeney challenger raises $370K
Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand of Hudson, a candidate for the 20th Congressional District seat held by Republican John Sweeney of Clifton Park, has raised $370,000 for the race.
Cooperstown bridge-proposal meeting is today
An informational meeting on proposals to replace the Susquehanna Avenue Bridge on county Route 52 in Cooperstown will be at 1 p.m. today at the Otsego County Office Building.
’Heartache’ film to be shot in Oneonta
ONEONTA - City resident Joel Plue will begin filming his first movie, loosely based on his own life, in Oneonta on Friday.
State plan would hire more dam inspectors
ALBANY - The state could hire more people to inspect dams, regulate wetlands and ensure that animal feeding lots are in compliance with health laws under a proposal in the governor’s budget.
Area News Briefs
ONEONTA - The city’s comprehensive planning continues today with a meeting of city officials, community leaders and the firm hired to develop the process.
Area Health Briefs
Dr. Dhananjai J. Menzies, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and Fellow of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, has joined the Bassett Heart Care Institute as a member of the Division of Cardiology.
Bassett seeks participants for diabetes study
COOPERSTOWN - Dr. Amy Freeth, endocrinologist and medical director of the Clinical Research Division at Bassett Healthcare, has announced that Bassett Healthcare has been selected as an affiliate research site for a Natural History Study of the Development of Type 1 Diabetes.
January 23, 2006
Heating costs could go higher
Despite a mild January, heating bills haven’t shown much relief this season - and they could go higher, fuel-firm operators say.
Bassett fundraisers set record with gala
Partiers at the Friends of Bassett annual New Year’s Eve celebration helped to raise more money than ever for the organization’s goals, organizers said Sunday.
Rep says E-911 center is swamped
The phone rang 119 times a day on average last year at Otsego County’s E-911 dispatch center, according to a report compiled by the county’s Communications Department.
Job Corps firms preparing for transition
A senior official of Chugach Alaska said his company will probably not retain the top tier of employees at the Oneonta Job Corps Academy when it takes over March 1.
Watershed tech center gets $750,000
Rep. John E. Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, on Friday announced $750,000 in federal funds were awarded to SUNY Delhi to help fund its fledgling watershed technology project.
Campfire razes lumber building
A blaze sparked by a campfire in a three-sided building at Phillips Lumber Yard in Hartwick on Saturday destroyed the structure, fire officials said.
Friends: Teen waking from coma
Unatego Central School senior Matt Shelton started waking from his medically induced coma Friday, friends of his family said Sunday.
January 21, 2006
Police: Parents chained boy
A Davenport couple was arrested early Friday for allegedly chaining one of their children to the wall of their apartment for hours at a time and denying the boy and his sister food, according to Delaware County Investigator Mark Hamilton.
Vendors hawk voting machines to election boards
COOPERSTOWN - Voting-machine vendors came to Cooperstown again this week as New York State’s elections commissioners held their annual winter conference at the Otesaga Hotel.
Delhi business group gives grants to seven women
DELHI - A meat freezer, a vacuum cleaner, paint and a furnace are among items area women are using to keep up and improve their businesses, thanks to a local grant program.
Oneonta man, 59, reported missing
The Otsego County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a town of Oneonta man who has been missing for nearly three months, Sgt. Richard Devlin said Friday.
Woman, 81, found
A search for a missing Fleischmanns woman rsulted in her being found two miles from home in good health, state police at Sidney said Friday.
Schoharie supervisors hear about Gilboa Dam
SCHOHARIE - State Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, discussed pending legislation designed to improve public oversight of the Gilboa Dam on Friday with the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, who also heard an update on the emergency repairs under way.
January 20, 2006
Bonacic presses DEP on floods
DOWNSVILLE - More than 50 Colchester residents and area officials gathered at the Pepacton Reservoir on Thursday to discuss concerns about flood control and dam safety with state Sen. John Bonacic.
Three Republicans seeking Hooker’s seat
Dairy farmer James Powers of Butternuts said Thursday that he will seek the Republican nomination to succeed Daniel Hooker of Saugerties as assemblyman in the state’s 127th District.
School districts looking to hire superintendents
An informational meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sidney High School about the process of finding a replacement for retiring Superintendent Dominic Nuciforo, a Board of Education official said.
Union: Pataki’s aid plan lacking
ALBANY - Gov. George Pataki’s school aid plan would force districts to raise property taxes by nearly 7 percent, according to the state’s largest teachers union.
Hospital information online
The state Department of Health has made it easier for patients to research and compare hospitals online.
Benefit concert to be held
SCHOHARIE - The Helping Hands Benefit Concert series will present The Barefoot Boys with Rick Hill at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the sanctuary of Schoharie United Presbyterian Church.
State grant to fund patrol-car computers
ONEONTA - Two Oneonta police patrol cars are being equipped with computers under a state-sponsored project, Fourth Ward Alderman Keith Bott said.
January 19, 2006
Rain, river soak area
As the temperatures rose and heavy rain pummeled the area Wednesday, memories of the storm that struck 10 years ago were suddenly fresh in people’s minds as 50 to 75 people were evacuated in the Downsville and Colchester areas.
Deadly flood remembered
Ten years ago, on Jan. 19, 1996, flooding - caused by a thaw that melted more than 20 inches of snow - combined with several inches of rain to inundate the area with more than a foot of water and leave devastation in its wake.
Two students earn junior dairy honor
There is a lot more to farming than meets the eye: Just ask Sonja Galley of Garrattsville, who was recently named a Distinguished Junior Holstein member of the Holstein Association.
Otsego committee approves study of county manager
COOPERSTOWN - Former Oneonta Mayor David Brenner was given approval Wednesday to begin a study of whether Otsego County would benefit from having a county manager.
Missing guardrail worries residents
ONEONTA - The state Department of Transportation has removed a guardrail along state Route 23 that was above an eroding bank of the Susquehanna River.
Alderman: City may spend $200,000 on sidewalks
ONEONTA - Hudson, Hazel and Harmon are among streets slated for sidewalk repairs this year, according to a plan submitted recently to the Common Council.
Council approves appointments
ONEONTA - The Common Council has approved more than a dozen appointments to city boards and commissions.
Man indicted in crash that killed woman
A Utica man accused of drunken driving has been indicted on manslaughter and assault charges stemming from a September crash that killed a Richfield Springs woman and injured her mother, an assistant district attorney said Wednesday.
GOP criticizes sex-offenders bill
ALBANY - An Assembly bill aimed at keeping the most dangerous sexual predators locked up would actually allow some to be released on parole, according to an analysis by the Assembly’s Republican minority.
Oneonta school board plans budget meetings
ONEONTA - The Oneonta City School District’s first budget presentation will be Feb. 8, according to a calendar given to school board members Wednesday night.
Clinton challenger to speak
ONEONTA - Steve Greenfield, who aims to challenge U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary in September, will speak from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Unitarian Universalist Society at 12 Ford Ave. in Oneonta.
January 18, 2006
Local schools given less aid in state budget
The governor’s proposed budget for public education mostly decreased aid to many area schools, sparking disappointment Tuesday from several school district superintendents.
Hospitals unsure about plan’s impact from debt, Medicaid
Until more numbers are available, it may be too soon to tell how Gov. George Pataki’s changes in Medicaid reimbursements could affect two of Otsego County’s largest employers, officials said Tuesday.
Sculpture contest coming to area
One week after Cooperstown celebrates its Winter Carnival, the village will host the New York State Snow Sculpting Championship on the shore of Otsego Lake.
SUCO left off ’best value’ colleges list
ONEONTA - A ranking of "best values" in colleges didn’t include the State University College at Oneonta because of the school’s graduation rates, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.
Walton hospital to lock doors overnight
The doors of the emergency department at Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton will be locked overnight effective this week, a hospital spokeswoman said Monday.
Friend: Teen’s condition same
OTEGO - A family friend of the Unatego Central School senior seriously injured in a pickup-truck crash last week said the teen’s condition has stabilized.
Roscoe man, 24, sentenced for DWI
DELHI - A man who was pulled from his burning car by a passerby appeared in Delaware County Court on Tuesday.
January 17, 2006
Local officials defend nursing-home need
A study indicating that several New York counties, including Otsego, Delaware and Chenango, have too many residents in nursing homes may not tell the whole story, according to Diane Cusworth, Otsego County public-health director.
Nursing-home data in area counties
The following data was used by the state Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century for its decision on which counties to target, according to the commission’s website.
Health care headlines N.Y. budget
ALBANY - The Pataki administration has been releasing bits and pieces of its 2006-07 budget in recent days, outlining plans to curb Medicaid costs and cut business taxes while announcing spending for the environment, higher education and public safety.
After six decades comes a diploma
There was something special under the Christmas tree of Oneonta resident Oren "Doc" Knapp this year - a high school diploma.
Teen still critical after truck crash
The Unatego Central School senior injured in a crash on his way to school Friday remained in critical condition Monday, hospital officials said.
Two hit by car in Delhi
DELHI - Two people crossing Kingston Street in Delhi on Monday morning were struck by a car after the driver was blinded by sunshine, Delhi Police Chief Bob Walsh said.
Delhi clerk’s office upgraded after state audit
DELHI - The state comptroller’s office criticized Delhi Supervisor Peter Bracci and the Delhi Town Board in a Jan. 2 report for not closely monitoring former Delhi Town Clerk Bryan Fitch.
Area News Briefs
A snowmobile accident in Schoharie County sent two people to Albany Medical Center on Sunday, where one remained in critical condition Monday night.
Budget calls for health-care spending cuts
ALBANY - There will be fiscal pain for health-care providers and thousands of patients under Gov. George Pataki’s state budget to be released today.
Area Health Briefs
The Otsego County Department of Health in collaboration with the Southern Tier Healthy Living Partnership is offering free fecal occult blood test kits in an effort to wipe out colorectal cancer.
January 16, 2006
Accident leaves teen in a coma
A Unatego Central School senior was critically injured when he crashed his pickup truck Friday and was still in the intensive care unit at Albany Medical Center on Sunday night, his basketball coach said.
Service honors King’s ideals
ONEONTA - "I would like to light our candle on the principles of Martin Luther King Jr.," Lee Fisher said as he lit the chalice candle near the beginning of a service Sunday.
Oneonta man leads Troop C
Maj. Kevin Molinari was named commander of state police Troop C, headquartered at Sidney, on Thursday.
Forums to address Medicare drug plans
There will be several forums this week to help people make their way through an often-confusing maze of Medicare Part D prescription plans.
Schedule of Medicare forums
There will be several forums on the Medicare Part D prescription plan this week and the following weeks.
Blaze destroys Pickett Building
An early-morning fire Saturday destroyed a storage building at Pickett Building Materials on state Route 23 in the town of Davenport.
Chenango man accused of rape
Chenango County sheriff’s deputies have charged a Mount Upton man with raping a teenager over several months last year.
January 14, 2006
Regional business leaders optimistic
Progress may be back on track for the business region this year, several business leaders said recently, even though challenges will still be present and require attention.
Costa Rican students visit Delhi, experience snow
DELHI - Eleven Costa Rican students visiting Delaware Academy and Delhi Central School through a local exchange program chatted excitedly about their experiences on Friday, smoothly transitioning back and forth between English and Spanish.
Basketball players hire attorney
Worcester junior varsity basketball coach, Dan Forbes, was fired in December after an incident that led to the arrest of three students, according to school sources.
Flood watch issued for area
With the 10th anniversary of the Flood of ’96 less than a week away, residents of Colchester are again keeping a close watch on the Pepacton Reservoir.
Fire destroys trailer, additions in Pittsfield
Fire destroyed a mobile home at 703 Ketcham Road in Pittsfield on Thursday night, Lyle Jones Jr., Otsego County’s emergency services coordinator, said Friday.
Bridge reopens Friday
The Brooker Hollow Road bridge in East Worcester opened with some restrictions.
January 13, 2006
Feds may sue N.Y. over voting
The federal Department of Justice is threatening to sue New York over delays in bringing new voting machines to the state and complying with other requirements of the Help America Vote Act, officials said Thursday.
Democratic foe of Clinton speaks in Oneonta
ONEONTA - The United States should cease military action in Iraq, said a Democrat challenging U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton during a campaign stop Thursday night.
FEMA gives out funds to area groups
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced the annual Emergency Food and Shelter Program awards for area nonprofit groups, but funding totals decreased from last year.
Worcester High students charged with harassment
Three Worcester High School students were charged with second-degree harassment Dec. 14 after an incident that occurred before basketball practice, state police at Oneonta said.
Locals ’can’t believe’ plans for Pharsalia
PHARSALIA - The Rev. Kenneth Matthews was upset to learn Wednesday that Gov. George Pataki would like to house 500 sexual offenders across state Route 23 from his farmhouse in rural Pharsalia.
Dog food recalled, but threat remains
Area pet-food retailers have removed contaminated Diamond-brand dog food from their shelves, but veterinarians are concerned that some dogs may still be eating or have eaten the food sold before a recent recall.
Budget plan may help Delaware, Schoharie
ALBANY - Gov. George Pataki’s $1.1 billion plan to cut taxes and spur jobs could be a boon for Delaware and Schoharie counties.
Environmental board compiles plant questions
ONEONTA - Although it has "essentially no power" when it comes to making decisions about a proposed biomass plant in Oneonta, the city’s environmental board met Wednesday to discuss the project.
Hartwick water project may cost users hundreds
Under a worst-case scenario, some residents of the Hartwick Water District could see their yearly bills go up by more than $600 under a proposed water-system replacement.
Woman, 19, jailed in alleged bar stabbing
SIDNEY - The case against a Unadilla woman charged with cutting two people during a fight Sunday in a Sidney bar has been sent to the Delaware County Grand Jury for future action, Sidney police said.
State lawmakers criticize changes to car inspection
ALBANY - A new state motor-vehicle policy giving many drivers less time to get their cars inspected is unfair, confusing and should be rescinded, lawmakers said.
Man arrested on drug warrant
A man with addresses of Fleischmanns and Bloomington, Minn., was arrested Tuesday on a warrant for allegedly selling heroin, Shandaken police said.
January 11, 2006
Pataki: Replace Pharsalia
ALBANY - A minimum-security prison camp in Chenango County would become the home of 500 "civilly confined" sex offenders under a plan unveiled Tuesday by Gov. George Pataki.
Otsego County aims to attract small companies
Having paid $17,500 to a Florida consulting firm, the Otsego County Industrial Development Agency is taking a look at the way it markets itself and recruits companies.
Bridge nears reopening, officials say
The bridge in East Worcester, closed to traffic since November, could reopen to most vehicles by this weekend, town officials said Tuesday.
Conservation fund increase proposed
ALBANY - A state fund to buy park land, curb sprawl, encourage recycling and protect water quality would double in two years under a plan unveiled Monday by two lawmakers.
Medicare frustrates locals
Barbara Fink of Worcester found herself in a difficult position after receiving her Medicare Part D coverage recently.
Boehlert visits Antarctica base
Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, talked about scientific research at the South Pole and the quest for a House majority leader in Congress during an audio press conference held Monday.
Robbery suspect gets probation
DELHI - The man convicted of robbing the National Bank of Delaware County in Franklin last year was sentenced Monday in Delaware County Court to 15 years to life in prison, while a co-defendant was sentenced to probation.
Alderman: Road work to be less obtrusive
ONEONTA - The 2006 municipal construction season in the city will not be as "in your face" as last year, a city official said Monday.
State to supplement heating aid for some
ALBANY - The state will pay up to $200 million to cover soaring home-heating costs for low-income New Yorkers under a bill expected to be approved in the Assembly today.
Democratic candidate speaks in Oneonta
ONEONTA - A Chenango County Democrat running for the 24th congressional seat in New York said Monday he is confident he can defeat Rep. Sherwood Boehlert in the 2006 election.
Man pleads guilty to burglary
DELHI - An Arkville man pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of third-degree attempted burglary in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Legislature OKs divergent bills on sex offenders
ALBANY - Both houses of the Legislature passed bills Monday aimed at preventing more than 3,500 lower-level sex offenders from dropping off a state registry this year.
Area Health Briefs
Bassett Healthcare dermatologist Dr. Steven D. Resnick has been included in the 2005-2006 "Best Doctors in America" database.
January 9, 2006
Area schools ready for expanded state tests
Three times as many students as usual will be given standardized tests this week and next as the state tries to meet federal No Child Left Behind legislation, state officials said.
Cherry Valley honors longtime town officers
Former Town Supervisor Robert Loucks and former Town Clerk Russell Flint spent a combined 64 years working for the citizens of Cherry Valley.
Otsego man jailed in bust of meth lab
A West Edmeston man was arrested Thursday after a two-year methamphetamine investigation, Otsego County sheriff’s deputies said Sunday.
Meeting to address city plan
The first public meeting in the process to develop a comprehensive plan for the city is slated for Tuesday.
State may act today on sex offenders
Both houses of the state Legislature plan to act today on bills to keep thousands of lower-level sex offenders from coming off a state registry this year.
But Republicans who control the Senate say the Assembly Democrats’ proposal is only a delaying tactic that does not address the issue.
Bank robber sentenced to eight years
DELHI - One of the three men accused in a Nov. 24, 2004 armed robbery at the Franklin branch of the National Bank of Delaware County was sentenced in Delaware County Court on Friday.
Cooperstown Bureau
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County Court on Tuesday before Judge Michael Coccoma, two men pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated.
Buildings sold in Sidney
Planning can get under way for further redevelopment in the Sherwood Heights area of Sidney, officials said.
January 6, 2006
Smoking fines impact bars
Since the Clean Indoor Air Act went into effect July 24, 2003, a dozen local bars and restaurants have paid a total of $8,800 in fines related to smoking on the premises.
Nursing-home owner accused of neglect
The owner and operator of the Oneonta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is facing civil charges for neglect allegations at another facility where staff were videotaped with hidden cameras as part of a state investigation.
Former city resident hit by car in Utica, dies
A former Oneonta man was struck and killed by a car as he crossed a busy highway in a residential area of Utica on Wednesday morning, Utica police said.
Otsego board may get display for votes
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives may install a display screen in the board room at the county office building in Cooperstown to help representatives and others keep track of votes on resolutions.
Doctor named Fox VP
ONEONTA - An Oneonta physician has been selected to be the vice president of medical affairs at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital.
Man charged with stalking
WALTON - A Walton man was arrested Thursday and accused of violating a court order to stay away from two girls, according to Delaware County deputies.
January 5, 2006
Otsego board elects leader
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County has a new county board chairman, vice chairman and county attorney.
Local man gets job for benefit of birds
WEST DAVENPORT - Michael D. Zagata is looking out for birds - ruffed grouse in particular, but also woodcocks and chickadees.
Analysis: Pataki talks legacy, gives few details
ALBANY - Gov. George Pataki played it safe Wednesday in his final State of the State address, patting himself on the back for past accomplishments but providing few details about his plans for his last year in office.
Delaware board appoints budget director
DELHI - Three Democratic supervisors raised concerns about the duties of the Delaware County budget director and the method used to decide who would fill the position during the Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday.
Oneonta, unions prepare for talks
ONEONTA - The city’s labor negotiating team will likely push to have Oneonta police officers contribute to their health insurance, Mayor John Nader said Wednesday.
Composting facility begins processing material
Delaware County’s Municipal Solid Waste Co-Composting Facility has begun processing solid waste material, but the facility won’t operate at full capacity for several months, Susan McIntyre, solid-waste director, said Friday.
January 4, 2006
Lawmakers propose property-tax cuts
ONEONTA - This could be the year that homeowners across the state see a reduction in property taxes, several local legislators said Tuesday.
Greenway offers fun for winter
ONEONTA - Although the Oneonta Greenway isn’t very green this time of year, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth checking out, Greenway officials said.
Delaware, Schoharie not given Empire Zones
ALBANY - Delaware and Schoharie counties will have to continue waiting to get Empire Zones, based on an announcement by state officials Tuesday.
Schools have snow day
With the season only about two weeks old, Tuesday’s winter weather left many area schools facing the possibility of running out of snow days.
Area News Briefs
ARKVILLE - A Fleischmanns woman was hurt in a one-car accident New Year’s Eve in Arkville, according to Delaware County sheriff’s deputies.
January 3, 2006
Nader shares how he wants to improve city
The following is an transcript of a Dec. 21 interview with Oneonta Mayor John Nader. Nader, 49, took his oath of office Sunday and succeeds Mayor Kim Muller.
Guardsman adjusts after tour in Iraq
A lawyer and 9/11 survivor who was deployed to Iraq on July 30 to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom returned to civilian life Friday.
Parade, performers and crowds greet new year
ONEONTA - First Night 2006 was a success and planning for next year’s 10th anniversary First Night is under way, event organizers said Monday.
Woman shot; man arrested
Chenango County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Smyrna man Sunday after a shooting in Otselic on New Year’s Day.<
Area Health Briefs
Breast cancer screenings by appointment only will be held Thursday and Feb. 2 at Bassett Healthcare, West Winfield, 544 E. Main St., Bassett Healthcare Mobile Mammography Van.
