Sex offender housed near victim’s home
ONEONTA - A local mother said she wants to know why the homeless sex offender who victimized her daughter was placed by county authorities in a motel around the corner from her home.
Budget gives Belleayre $5.5M for ski lodge
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is getting a $5.5 million ski lodge, Sen. John J. Bonacic, R-Mt. Hope, announced Thursday in a media release.
Proposal has $17.8M for SUNY Cobleskill buildings
The legislative budget agreement includes $17.8 million in building projects at the State University College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, Sen. James L. Seward said Thursday.
Trooper: Franklin suspect headed for other officer
DELHI - A Franklin man was running down the road waiving two knives in the air when he was shot twice in the abdomen by Department of Environmental Protection Detective Michael Shackleton, Trooper Kelly Stalter said Thursday.
Man accused of firing shotgun
FRANKLIN - A Franklin man was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment after allegedly firing a shotgun Wednesday night, state police at Sidney said.
Post office to exhibit website
ONEONTA - The Oneonta Post Office will host a hands-on demonstration of the the United States Postal Service website.
Area News Briefs: Woman charged with forgery
A Schoharie woman was arrested Wednesday after she allegedly forged documents provided to the Schoharie County Motor Vehicles office, Schoharie County sheriff’s deputies said.
March 30, 2006
Legislative budget includes local benefits
ALBANY - The state Legislature’s $112.4 billion election-year budget promises rebate checks to homeowners, tax breaks for parents of school-aged children and incentives for volunteer firefighters.
Two area hospitals to get $200K each
Delaware Valley Hospital and Margaretville Memorial Hospital will each receive $200,000 from the Department of Health under a health spending plan in the state budget, Sen. John Bonacic announced Wednesday.
Woman, students rake in history
GILBERTSVILLE - A woman’s interest in restoring a bit of Gilbertsville history - teamed with the cooperation of the local school - has raked in some practical results.
Lawyer: Man confronted uncle over abuse
DELHI - A Franklin man shot after allegedly threatening police with a machete and knife had been drinking heavily when he went to confront his uncle about allegedly sexually abusing him, defense attorney Joseph Ermeti said.
Girl benefits from Ice Cream Run, plans to attend this year
DELHI - The 12th annual Motorcycle Ice Cream Run for Kids Sake won’t take place until July 29 and 30, but a 12-year-old Delhi girl already has begun receiving financial assistance and emotional support from the group.
SUCO backs ICE effort
ONEONTA - The State University College at Oneonta University Police Department is endorsing the In Case of Emergency campaign.
Area News Briefs: Fire damages four campsites
A fire that damaged four seasonal camps in the town of Otsego was probably started by combustible materials placed too close to a propane furnace at one of the camps, a county fire official said.
State ends sales tax on clothes
ALBANY - Starting Saturday, there will be no more state sales tax on footwear and clothing items costing less than $110, the Legislature agreed Tuesday afternoon.
Local schools adapt to federal tests
Programs at several area schools are being adjusted to help students succeed on standardized tests, several local administrators said.
Marketing Club at SUCO receives three awards at event
ONEONTA - The Marketing Club at the State University College at Oneonta kept its award-winning tradition alive over the weekend by taking three honors at an international marketing conference.
Jury selection enters 2nd day at machete trial
DELHI - Jury selection will continue at 9 a.m. today in the trial of a Franklin man who was shot after allegedly threatening police with a machete and knife last year.
Hearing scheduled on sale of Countryside facility
DELHI - A public hearing is scheduled for noon April 21 to take the next step toward finalizing the sale of Countryside Care Center, Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman James Eisel said Tuesday.
Officials to discuss energy proposals
State officials will address two proposed energy projects - wind turbines in Cherry Valley and a woodburning plant in Oneonta - at the Milford Central School auditorium at 7 p.m. Monday, April 10.
State troopers warn of scam
Some people in the area have received calls and letters soliciting donations for the New York State Police Benevolent Association, but state police at Oneonta are cautioning that the donations won’t go where people think.
Budget to freeze SUNY tuition
ALBANY - State University of New York tuition will not increase, hundreds of full-time faculty will be hired and more than $800 million in campus construction projects will be approved under a deal the Legislature agreed to Monday.
Dehli makes several address changes
DELHI - Addresses are changing on lower Main Street and on Depot Street in Delhi, according to Village Clerk Maggie Reinmann.
School health-program funds cut
A program that’s been teaching children how to exercise, eat healthily and read nutrition labels may be in danger of disappearing after this school year ends.
Students display history knowledge
Cooperstown Central School students dominated the winners’ ranks at the regional New York State History Day Regional Competition this year, taking 11 firsts out of 12 categories.
List of winners
The top three winners in each category at the regional New York State History Day Regional Competition included:
Legislature’s budget gives city extra $400,000
ONEONTA - The city of Oneonta will receive almost $400,000 more than projected in the governor’s budget, according to a local lawmaker who announced details Monday of the Legislature’s agreement on the 2006-07 spending plan.
Sex offender faces two more charges
ONEONTA - A registered sex offender released from Otsego County jail earlier this month has been cited twice in four days for alleged incidents involving underage girls, authorities said Monday.
Man: I’m waiting to hire lawyer
DELHI - A Meridale man appeared for a continued arraignment Monday in Delaware County Court on a murder indictment, but he said he still hasn’t been able to retain an attorney.
Locals among state-trooper graduates
Three area men were among 93 state troopers who graduated from the New York State Police Academy on Monday in Albany.
Car hits light pole; four hospitalized
ONEONTA - A portion of Main Street in Oneonta was closed for several hours Monday after a car crash that sent several people to A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, according to Oneonta fire and police departments.
Area News Briefs: Troopers arrest man, seize pot
COLUMBUS - A search warrant executed this weekend in Chenango County resulted in the discovery of more than 250 marijuana plants and the arrest of a Madison County man, according to state police at Norwich.
March 27, 2006
Otsego employee health-care claims soaring
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County spent nearly $1 million more than was budgeted on health-insurance claims last year, according to county Treasurer Myrna Thayne.
Albany braces for budget ’lobby day’
ALBANY - The hordes overrun the halls, pack into elevators and sometimes wait in lines hundreds deep just to get in.
Injuries minor in van, car collision
A van carrying teenagers on a group trip to the Catskills flipped on its side after colliding with a car on South Main Street on Sunday afternoon.
Businesses show interest in projects
More than a dozen businesses have indicated interest in the city’s application for community-projects funding, the city’s downtown developer said recently.
Work on I-88 to begin today
The state Department of Transportation will begin working along Interstate 88 in Schoharie County today.
Police: Man had joyride in stolen truck
An Oneonta man was arrested Saturday after Otsego County sheriff’s deputies said he stole a pickup truck and took it on a joyride.
March 25, 2006
Schools ready budgets
Most schools that faced problems getting a budget passed last year have taken steps that officials said they hope will lead to different results this time around.
Volunteers work to build pavilion
DELHI - When a volunteer group formed last year to spruce up the Delhi American Legion buildings and grounds, its goal was to repair the old pavilion, but it opted to build a new one instead.
Friedell to be Otsego Dem Party chairman
Dr. Ben Friedell of Milford was elected acting chairman of the Otsego County Democratic Party at the committee’s meeting Thursday
Sidney selects head of schools
After interviews with the three finalists this week, the Sidney Central School Board of Education offered the superintendent position opening to Sandra Cooper, the assistant superintendent for instruction at Pine Bush Central School, officials said Friday.
Otsego reps debate hiring personnel consultant
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County\'s Administration Committee considered a proposal Thursday to retain former Oneonta school Superintendent James Piscitelli as a consultant to analyze and help run the county\'s Personnel Office for three months.
March 24, 2006
SAT error not big problem locally
A recent problem with SAT scoring is having little impact at area colleges and high schools, school officials said.
Students turn minds on at program
ONEONTA - A unique learning opportunity was offered to 140 area middle school students Thursday, organizers and participants said.
Minn. economy a model for N.Y., speaker argues
ONEONTA - A man who said he is "a turkey farmer, among other things" shared his vision Thursday of how New York could become a better state - politically and economically.
Oak Ridge Boys commit to Cooperstown concert
COOPERSTOWN - The Oak Ridge Boys will perform Aug. 11 at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown in what will be the village’s third annual outdoor summer concert.
South Kortright students learn dance is fun
SOUTH KORTRIGHT - The students were climbing the walls at South Kortright Central School on Thursday when the STREB dancers showed them how to defy the laws of gravity.
Area News Briefs: Two hurt in Worcester DWI crash
WORCESTER - Two men from Worcester suffered minor injuries in an alcohol-related crash in the village early Thursday morning, state police at Oneonta said.
Oneonta resident wins N.Y. Emmy
A local filmmaker has won a regional Emmy Award for his documentary on how some Delhi-area residents view the U.S. war in Iraq.
Accident claims woman near area where spouse died
An 88-year-old Roxbury woman died in a car accident Wednesday near the place where her 82-year-old husband died nine years ago, Roxbury Town Constable Stephen Williamson said.
Southside businesses opening soon, developer says
ONEONTA - Three tenants at a Southside development near BJ’s Wholesale Club should be open within the next 45 days, the structure’s developer said Wednesday.
Student: OH-Fest designed for unity
Carnival-like rides, live music and fireworks are planned for OH-Fest, to take place on Main Street and at Neahwa Park on April 29, student organizers said Wednesday.
Otsego elections staff moves to new space
MIDDLEFIELD - The Otsego County Board of Elections has moved to new quarters in what used to be the kitchen of The Meadows, the county’s former nursing home in the town of Middlefield.
Commissioners: County has to run voting
DELHI - Delaware County’s elections commissioners outlined changes that must be made in the election process at the county Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday.
SUCO alumni to return for talk on U.S. economy
ONEONTA - Two prominent alumni of the State University College at Oneonta will return to campus Friday for a discussion of the economy with Associate Professor of Economics David Ring, college officials said.
Area News Briefs: Drug suspect released from jail
ONEONTA - One of the people arrested on drug charges in Oneonta last week has been released from the Otsego County jail, according to Oneonta City Court officials.
Food labels could change
If you have an aversion to foods that were once fresh and now are frozen, or you like knowing at what temperature you should store smoked salmon, you might not like a bill that’s in the U.S. Senate.
SUCO faculty display variety of research
ONEONTA - From a study on pre-Civil War Delaware County to coronal mass ejections of the sun, the Faculty Research Show Tuesday at the State University College at Oneonta covered a lot of ground.
Legislature rejects converting Pharsalia
ALBANY - Chenango County’s Camp Pharsalia will stay open at least another year as a minimum-security prison under an agreement reached by both houses of the state Legislature.
OH-Fest names acts, gains road closure
ONEONTA - Blues Traveler and Robert Randolph and the Family Band will perform in the city Saturday, April 29, students organizing the concert and other OH- Fest events said Tuesday.
14 arrests made in Delaware DWI sting
Delaware County STOP-DWI partnered with police agencies to hold a driving-while-intoxicated crackdown weekend that coincided with St. Patrick’s Day, according to Lisa Barrows, STOP-DWI coordinator.
Council approves alcohol on plaza
ONEONTA - The Common Council approved a motion Tuesday to allow the Athens Famous Gyros restaurant adjacent to the Mayor Kim K. Muller Plaza to serve beer and wine on the plaza.
Teenager pleads innocent to 5 counts of burglary
DELHI - A Fleischmanns teen was arraigned Monday on charges related to a series of burglaries, Delaware County Deputy Court Clerk Lillian Browne said Tuesday.
City Court Report
The Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
Incumbents lose in Cooperstown, Stamford
Incumbent trustees were unseated in the villages of Cooperstown and Stamford on Tuesday, and the village of Afton will have a new mayor.
Area News Briefs: NAACP to hold workshop
The NAACP will be holding its first of this year’s series of forums and workshops, Homeownership and Financial Products, at the First United Methodist Church at the intersection of Chestnut and Church streets in Oneonta at 7 p.m. Thursday.
March 21, 2006
Court to hear bull-attack case
ALBANY - The state’s top court today will hear the negligence case an Otsego County carpenter brought against a dairy farmer after his run-in with a 1,400-pound breeding bull named Fred.
Three locals given SUNY recognition
Three Delaware County women have been recognized with State University of New York Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence.
SUCO students chosen for Chancellor’s Award
ONEONTA - Four other seniors from the State University College at Oneonta were among students chosen to receive the 2006 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.
Planning Board challenges decision
ONEONTA - The Oneonta Town Planning Board unanimously voted to challenge an action passed several weeks ago by members of the town Zoning Board of Appeals.
Trailer-park owner reaches bias settlement
ONEONTA - The state attorney general’s office has reached a settlement with Jack Messina over racial discrimination concerns at his 88-lot Southside mobile-home park.
’OH-Fest’ topic of Council meeting
ONEONTA - The Common Council will consider approving plans at tonight’s meeting for a downtown festival organized by local colleges for April 29.
Man declared Level 3 sex offender
DELHI - A South Kortright man originally charged with 28 counts of child sexual abuse was declared a Level 3 sex offender in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Company may bring 50 jobs to Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD - A lumber company based in Carthage may move to Pittsfield and provide 50 or more jobs at the former Coastal Lumber plant.
Area News Brief: Man faces DWI charges
WALTON - A Walton man was arrested Saturday for driving while intoxicated as well for as a separate felony charge, Walton police said Monday.
More than 300 protest war in Cooperstown
An anti-war march and rally in Cooperstown on Sunday to mark the third anniversary of the start of the Iraq war attracted 10 times as many people as one at this time last year, an organizer said.
Area students talk their way to national forensics event
It’s not easy delivering the right kind of presentation and speech for a forensics competition, but Saturday four area students earned the right to compete nationally in June.
Top forensics finishers
ONEONTA - The forensics tournament was held Friday and Saturday at Oneonta High School.
Hartwick moves ahead with building plans
A dormitory renovation and the construction of an academic building are part of a drive to boost Hartwick College’s enrollment to 1,600 students, college officials said Sunday.
Family Dollar plans store in Walton
A Family Dollar store is scheduled to open in Walton on Nov. 30, according to Sandra Wilkinloh, company spokeswoman.
Daily Star publisher set to retire
ONEONTA - Daily Star President and Publisher Daniel B. Swift announced his retirement Friday, effective April 7.
Boehlert won’t make 2006 run
UTICA - Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, will retire at the end of this year, his 24th serving in Congress.
Local, state leaders offer Boehlert praise
Rep. Sherwood Boehlert drew praise for his leadership and vision and thanks for his public service from leaders locally and across the state.
Roxbury receives heritage grant
Roxbury has received a $40,575 Preserve America grant to launch "Rail Ride into Yesteryear - Looking at the Old in a New Way," a heritage-education tourism program, said Peg Ellsworth, Roxbury Parks director.
Fire damages building in city
ONEONTA - A Friday afternoon fire that damaged a third-floor apartment in the Ruffino’s Pizzeria building at 222 Main St. was caused by a heater in a sauna unit, an Oneonta fire official said.
Schoharie asks for better safety at Gilboa Dam
SCHOHARIE - The county Board of Supervisors on Friday agreed to ask higher-than-minimum safety standards be added to the Gilboa Dam repairs under way.
Police looking into robbery
A burglary and robbery at Dante’s Pizzeria, at 416 Chestnut St. in Oneonta, which occurred sometime between the close of business Wednesday and when it reopened Thursday, is being investigated, state police at Oneonta said.
Class helps kids home alone
"Latchkey" was a term used in the 1980s in reference to pupils who might be home alone after school.
Population increases in three counties
The estimated population in Schoharie, Chenango and Otsego counties increased between April 1, 2000, and July 15, 2005, but Delaware County saw its numbers decline, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Local students create blue-ribbon artwork
COOPERSTOWN - Three students from Cooperstown Central School and one each from Edmeston Central School and Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School were awarded blue ribbons in this year’s Congressional Art Exhibit for Otsego County High School Students.
Boehlert expected to announce intentions today
COOPERSTOWN - Twelve-term incumbent Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, is expected to announce whether he will run for re-election at a news conference this afternoon in Utica.
Three appointed to commission on human rights
ONEONTA - The Common Council has appointed three members to the city’s Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights, and another may be appointed Tuesday.
Professor, church raise money for Mali
ONEONTA - Zanna McKay, an assistant professor of elementary education at the State University College at Oneonta who spent two years teaching in Mali, said it was very difficult to come back to the United States.
Conductor ready for ’homecoming’
One of the conductors at the upcoming Delaware County School Music Association concert said his involvement will be like a "homecoming."
Otsego reps fire county probation director
COOPERSTOWN - The Otsego County Board of Representatives fired Roy Spina, the county’s probation director, at its meeting Wednesday night.
State Assembly rejects proposal to redo Pharsalia
ALBANY - Gov. George Pataki’s proposal to convert Chenango County’s Camp Pharsalia into a secure facility for sex offenders is running into resistance from the Legislature.
Meredith passes one-year wind ban
Town boards in Meredith and Bovina in Delaware County dealt with moratoriums on the installation of wind turbines at their meetings Tuesday.
Six applicants take test to become city police chief
A lieutenant, two sergeants and a retired sergeant from the Oneonta Police Department were among six applicants who took the civil-service test for police chief, officials said Wednesday.
Advocate: Don’t rush voting machines
Chris Zachmeyer, director of the Catskill Center for Independence, said Wednesday that rushed efforts to comply with federal voting standards in New York State are ill-advised.
Upstate business pushes for exemptions
ALBANY - Business leaders from across upstate are pressuring lawmakers for special treatment, or at least some laws to help stem the hemorrhaging of qualified workers and boost the economy.
March 15, 2006
Hop kilns attract fans
Hop houses dotted the countryside of upstate New York when growing hops was a lucrative endeavor.
Brown selected superintendent for B-G district
Laurens Central School Principal Karl Brown was chosen as the next superintendent of the Bainbridge-Guilford School District during a special Board of Education meeting Monday, school officials said.
State plans to install some voting devices by Sept.
The New York State Board of Elections, under fire from the federal Justice Department, plans to have new ballot-marking devices in place throughout the state by September.
Officials warn residents of Medicare scam
Area senior citizens are being urged to use caution if they get a phone call from someone claiming to sell them a Medicare Part D prescription-drug plan.
Farm Service Agency offers farmer sign-ups
With the renewal of the federal dairy program, Farm Service Agency sign-ups have begun to make sure there is time for eligible farmers to apply for retroactive benefits, a dairy official in Otsego County said.
Senate looks to save snowmobile funds
ALBANY - Gov. George Pataki’s plan to raid funds for maintaining and promoting snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails has been rejected by some lawmakers.
Attempted assault, burglary sentences given
COOPERSTOWN - In Otsego County Court on Monday before Judge Michael Coccoma, a Cooperstown man pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted assault.
Otsego Electric customers to have increase in rates
The more than 4,000 members of the Otsego Electric Cooperative Inc. will pay a higher rate for electricity by late spring, Robert Murdock, the organization’s chief executive officer, said Tuesday.
Oneonta City Court Report
The Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
Former Ames plaza sold
ONEONTA - The former Ames plaza in Oneonta’s West End has been sold to a New Jersey developer, town officials confirmed Monday.
NYC: Gilboa Dam work could start in 2008
GILBOA - New York City wants to be a good neighbor, the city’s Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff said Monday morning beneath the foot of the Gilboa Dam.
SUCO professor helps organize statewide arts events
A State University College at Oneonta music professor is playing a key role in organizing two SUNY-wide events offered by the SUNY University Faculty Senate, according to a SUCO news release.
Judge: Man should get own lawyer
DELHI - A Meridale man who was arraigned Monday in Delaware County Court on a murder indictment was told to hire his own attorney.
Eight charged in drug sting
A four-month investigation resulted in the arrest of seven adults and one minor on misdemeanor and felony charges relating to possession and sale of marijuana and other drugs, Cobleskill police said Monday.
Brain scan uncovers cause of Sweeney’s health woes
WASHINGTON (AP) - Doctors have determined that inflamed blood vessels in the brain of Rep. John Sweeney caused spikes in blood pressure and intense headaches that have put him in a hospital several times in recent weeks.
Bill calls for study of media impact on youth
When youths sit down at a home computer, their attention may be divided among writing, using the Internet, checking e-mail, and listening to an iPod, all wedged between cell-phone calls and TV breaks.
Fly Creek disbands fire department
Calls in the Fly Creek fire district are being handled by three neighboring fire departments, fire officials said Sunday.
Schoharie milk plan advancing
Schoharie County dairy farmers could leave a Wednesday meeting one step closer to producing their own brand of milk, a coordinator of the effort said.
Delhi prof win culinary awards
An area chef was named National Champion of the Cold Kitchen and earned silver and gold medals at the International Culinary Competition held in Marina De Massa, Italy, but he broke his trophy.
Police: Woman stabbed boyfriend
A 29-year-old woman was charged with felony assault after she allegedly stabbed her boyfriend with a kitchen knife during a domestic dispute Thursday night, city police said.
March 11, 2006
Jury finds Beckingham guilty
COOPERSTOWN - After deliberating for almost four hours Friday, a jury in Otsego County Court found Timothy Beckingham guilty of first-degree manslaughter.
Nursing homes make plans
There are nearly 1,500 licensed nursing-home beds in the four-county area, and nursing-home administrators said recently they are concerned how that figure will hold up as the population grows older.
Local’s bird carvings come to life
DELHI - Ducks, owls, hummingbirds and an eagle fashioned from wood greet visitors arriving at the Delaware County Historical Association in Delhi to see "Flights of Fancy" - the carving of Charles Albert of Delhi.
Hospitals to stamp out smoking July 1
Employees, patients and visitors to two area hospitals won’t be able to simply step outside to have a cigarette starting July 1, according to media releases issued Friday.
O’Dell named clerk
DELHI - Gov. George E. Pataki announced Friday that he has appointed Sharon O’Dell of Walton to replace the late Gary Cady as Delaware County clerk.
Teen sentenced to prison for burglary
SCHOHARIE - A Schoharie teenager was sentenced Wednesday in county court to 1 1/3-to-4 years in prison after pleading guilty to a felony burglary charge.xd
Congressman Sweeney to have more tests
WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. John Sweeney, who has been plagued in recent weeks with high blood pressure, will make a brief return to the hospital for additional tests Monday.
March 10, 2006
Woman took her own life, witness says
COOPERSTOWN - Testimony in Timothy Beckingham’s manslaughter trial in Otsego County Court concluded Thursday with one defense witness, and the case is scheduled to go the jury today.
Locals predict changes in aging
Growing old in America isn’t what it used to be - it’s better, and the baby boomers who are turning 60 this year will continue to redefine the term elderly, according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Aging trends to watch
• The U.S. population age 65 and older is expected to double in size within the next 25 years. By 2030, almost 20 percent of Americans - 72 million people - will be 65 years or older. The 85-and-older age group is now the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population.
Meridale man indicted on murder charge
DELHI - A Delaware County grand jury indicted a Meridale man on a charge of second-degree murder Thursday for allegedly shooting his neighbor to death Feb. 18, Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said.
Rotary Club hears argument for power plant
ONEONTA - The proposed power plant in the rail yard would be subject to forestry management, monitoring required by the state and the rising price of wood chips, a spokesman for Catalyst Renewables said Thursday.
What the proposed facility would offer
Catalyst Renewables Corp. proposed plant in Oneonta would generate electricity for about 35,000 homes using wood chips to generate power, said Derek Benson, director of business development for the Dallas-based firm.
Events to benefit teen, family
WALTON - Several fundraising events are planned Saturday and Sunday to benefit the family of a Unatego Central School senior injured in a pickup crash Jan. 13.
Harwick adds scholarship
ONEONTA - Hartwick College has established The Charles B. Lauren Memorial Scholarship, made possible through a gift from The Hagedorn Fund.
Doctor: Woman’s death was a homicide
COOPERSTOWN - Joanne Beckingham, 44, of Springfield, was killed by another person in 2004, according to the doctor who performed an autopsy on her body.
Schumer pushes petition to keep fire-grant levels
Sen. Charles Schumer said Wednesday he is asking New York state’s firefighters to join him in a petition drive to support for more federal firefighting aid.
Questions remain after wood-burning plant visit
Three local officials who toured Catalyst Renewables’ power plant in Lyonsdale said Wednesday they still have questions about a proposal for Oneonta, ranging from economic impact, pollution and safety to suitability of the project.
Consultant: SEQRA review could take a year
ONEONTA - Reviewing the impact of a proposed wood-burning energy plant would take about a year or longer, a consultant for the city said Tuesday night.
Locals lobby against state health cuts
Health-care workers from this area joined others from across the state Wednesday to demand that legislators restore funding to the governor’s budget.
Oneonta City Court Report
The Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
March 8, 2006
Online tax-refund scam shows up in e-mail
If you get an unsolicited e-mail seeming to be from the Internal Revenue Service telling you that you’re owed an additional refund - but only if you provide some additional details - don’t believe it.
Otsego death trial starts
COOPERSTOWN - Joanne Beckingham’s alleged former lover was one of eight witnesses to testify Tuesday at the trial of her husband, Timothy Beckingham, who is accused of killing her July 23, 2004.
Senior at SUCO gets national EMS award
ONEONTA - A State University College at Oneonta senior has been named the 2006 Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Provider of the Year by the National Collegiate EMS Foundation.
St. Mary’s School eliminating 7th, 8th grades
ONEONTA - Inadequate enrollments and financial concerns have led St. Mary’s School in Oneonta to eliminate its two upper grades for next year, officials said.
Sex-abuse case involving nurse pending in court
ONEONTA - Almost five months after a patient at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital said she was fondled by a male nurse, the case against the accused man is pending in city court.
Mayor says he will sign summer-rental measure
ONEONTA - Mayor John Nader said he would sign an ordinance on residential summer rentals but sent the matter back to committee to consider issues raised during a hearing Tuesday night.
Town of Meredith likely to delay wind power
The Meredith Town Board appears to want to slow down the drive for wind turbines for a year to allow time for the town to study the issue that has led to the resignation of a town official.
Lawmaker upset about dam-report bill
ALBANY - A bill meant to shed light on the conditions of dams across the state passed both houses in Albany this week, and that’s got one lawmaker who represents flood-prone regions up in arms.
Winona LaDuke to talk at Hartwick College
ONEONTA - Former vice presidential candidate Winona LaDuke will speak about efforts to protect the cultural role of the wild rice crop in the face of genetic manipulation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, in the Anderson Center for the Arts Theatre on the Hartwick College campus. This lecture is free and open to the public.
News Briefs: Two men face alcohol charges
A Cooperstown man and the man for whom he allegedly bought alcohol were arrested Sunday, Otsego County sheriff’s deputies said Tuesday.
March 7, 2006
Local commissioner joins voting-reform suit
Hank Nicols wants to be sued by the federal government, which is suing New York state over its slow implementation of voting regulations and installation of equipment.
On Wednesday, the federal Justice Department sued the state in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District, prodding the state to move more quickly.
Oscar winners surprise locals
Three local critics who favored "Brokeback Mountain" as an Oscar-winning film, expressed surprise Monday that "Crash" took the best-picture prize.
Hartwick professor gets service award
ONEONTA - About 40 years after he came to Hartwick College as a history professor, an Oneonta man has received a service award from a national honor society.
Pataki calls for fire vote April 4
DELHI - Gov. George Pataki’s office handed down three proclamations Friday calling for an election April 4 to fill three vacancies on the Delhi Rural Fire District Board of Commissioners.
Council to study factory review
ONEONTA - The Common Council will have a workshop meeting tonight to go over the environmental-impact review process in case the city receives a plan for a wood-burning plant, Mayor John Nader said Monday.
Man pleads guilty in Hancock fight
DELHI - Delaware County Judge Carl Becker heard cases involving assault, vehicular manslaughter, burglary, forgery and driving while intoxicated in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Man, woman accused of burglary in Walton
WALTON - A Sidney Center woman and an 18-year-old Walton man were charged with second-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal mischief on Friday, Walton Police Chief Mel Woodin said Monday.
Oneonta principal among Sidney finalists
Interviews are being set up for the three finalists for the Sidney Central School superintendent post, school officials said Monday.
B-G board nears decision on superintendent
Interviews with the three finalists to fill the superintendent position at Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will be conducted this week, an official said Friday.
Teachers to lobby against tax credits
ONEONTA - The state’s largest teachers union is calling an educational tax-credit plan within the state budget proposal a "gift to parents of private and religious school students."
Area health briefs
The Chenango County Health Department has announced that the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Provo Caft and Novelty Company have recalled Art Accentz Changlz metal charms. About 29,000 units were distributed by Provo Craft, based in Spanish Fork, Utah.
March 6, 2006
Bus drivers watch for terror
State and national programs are helping make school buses part of the line of defense against terrorism, and at least one local district is planning to get on board.
Cooperstown boy wins area spelling bee
A seventh-grader at Cooperstown Central School confidently spelled his way to first place at the fourth annual Daily Star regional spelling bee Saturday.
Michael Leonardo correctly spelled "condiment" to win the bee at the State University College at Oneonta’s Goodrich Theatre. As the winner of the spelling bee, Michael will compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington in May.
Delhi detective helps save woman
DELHI - A Delhi woman may be alive today because of the quick response of a police officer equipped with an automated external defibrillator.
Dems: Without Hooker, we have shot at 127th
On the heels of the Democratic Rural Conference, several area Democratic party leaders say their party has a shot at the Republican-dominated 127th Assembly District.
Hartwick OKs $2M water project
After years of setbacks, delays and limited progress, the Hartwick water district board approved a nearly $2 million water improvement project during a special meeting last Monday.
Davenport home damaged by fire
A fire believed to be related to a propane heating system heavily damaged a Davenport home Saturday afternoon, fire officials said.
Dems: Politicians paying attention to upstate
Although nearly all of the statewide candidates appearing at the Democratic Rural Conference this past weekend were from New York City or Long Island, they are in tune with upstate New York, two local attendees said Sunday.
March 4, 2006
Report: Area not tough on DWIs
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County ranked second-to-last in the state in 2004 in convicting accused drunken drivers of the original charges lodged against them by police, according to a report prepared by New York’s STOP-DWI Coordinators Association.
Locals predict Oscar winners
"Brokeback Mountain" and its director, Ang Lee, will rope in Oscars during the 78th annual Academy Awards on Sunday night, four local film-watchers said, though they didn’t agree it was the best film.
SUCO teachers honored
Two SUCO professors in the human ecology department are being honored this month for integrating personal digital assistants into their curriculum.
Victim still not identified
The cause of the fire that killed an adult Thursday morning in Cadosia still hasn’t been determined, emergency service officials said Friday.
Muller to urge Spitzer’s endorsement
Former Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller will deliver the nominating speech for state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer as he seeks the Democratic Rural Conference endorsement for governor.
Sweeney out of hospital
WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. John Sweeney has been released from an Albany hospital after his doctors said his potentially life-threatening blood-pressure problem subsided.
Hartwick suspends fraternity after event
ONEONTA - A Hartwick College fraternity has been suspended by college administrators as they investigate an alcohol-related incident that sent two students to the hospital Tuesday.
Other Greek groups behind on code, city says
ONEONTA - The Hartwick fraternity suspended by the college Thursday was cited by city officials last month for not complying with code requirements.
Mother: I didn’t identify abuse
ONEONTA - Desiree Olsen said she was so manipulated by her boyfriend that she didn’t realize he was allegedly physically abusing her 14-year-old son.
Felony charge is unclear, man’s attorney says
The lawyer assigned to represent a man who allegedly chained a middle school-aged boy to a wall said he isn’t sure what his client is accused of having done.
Pepacton gets second method of water control
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has begun a spill-control program for the Pepacton and Neversink reservoirs based on potential runoff from rainfall, Ian Michaels, DEP spokesman, said Thursday.
Local doctors question death quiz
If you’re looking for fortune-telling advice from the "death quiz" published in a recent edition of a national medical journal, some local doctors said it might be good to think again.
Cadosia fire kills one
A fire in a single-family Cadosia home Thursday morning left one person dead and injured two others, state police at Sidney said.
Area News Briefs: Fox radiologist dies
Dr. Mark London, a radiologist at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital and formerly at Bassett Hospital of Schoharie County, died Tuesday.
Oneonta City Court
The Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
March 2, 2006
Milk-product company reportedly runs dry
Otsego County’s Industrial Development Agency may be forced to call back a loan that it issued to a Massachusetts corporation that has left the area.
Senate increases dam inspections
ALBANY - For the second time in three weeks, the state Senate passed legislation increasing oversight of New York City’s upstate water supply, putting pressure on the Democrat-controlled Assembly to do the same.
Panel: Comprehensive plan needs wide input
ONEONTA - The city’s Comprehensive Plan process must include a breadth of views, data and concerns from residential and commercial sectors of the community, members of the steering committee said Wednesday.
City school board cuts from proposed budget
ONEONTA - Additional reductions to the proposed 2006-2007 budget for the Oneonta City School District were announced at Wednesday’s regular Board of Education meeting.
Otsego defeats mortgage-tax increase
COOPERSTOWN - In a reversal of last year’s vote, the Otsego County Board of Representatives decided Wednesday not to raise the county’s mortgage tax from 0.75 percent to 1 percent.
Hartwick names vice president
ONEONTA - Hartwick College announced the appointment of Robert J. Kallin as vice president for institutional advancement.
Professor to lecture on sewing in history
ONEONTA - Susan Navarette, Hartwick College associate professor of English and theater arts, will present "Sumptuous Seaming: Fashion, Class, and Desire in Mid-20th-Century Home Couture" at 4 p.m. Friday.
Area News Briefs: Inmate charged with forgery
COOPERSTOWN - An inmate at the Otsego County jail was charged Monday on several felony counts after it was learned he gave false information to avoid warrant charges, Otsego County sheriff’s deputies said.
March 1, 2006
Bainbridge-Guilford looks at closing school
The future of an elementary school in the Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District could be clearer after an upcoming meeting, those who talked about the situation Tuesday said.
Bail not lowered for man accused of chaining
DELHI - Delaware County Judge Carl Becker on Tuesday refused to lower bail for a man accused of chaining a 14-year-old boy to a wall and denying him food as punishment.
Delaware starts teen traffic-stop notifications
DELHI - Delaware County parents can keep better track of their offspring’s driving habits by signing up for STOPPED - Sheriffs Telling Our Parents & Promoting Educated Drivers.
City fire calls increase 5 percent
ONEONTA - The Oneonta Fire Department saw a 5 percent increase in overall emergency activity in 2005, according to the department’s year-end report.
Town of Maryland man pleads innocent to rape
COOPERSTOWN - A 39-year-old town of Maryland man pleaded innocent at arraignment in Otsego County Court on Monday to charges of first-degree rape, third-degree rape, first-degree criminal sexual act, third-degree criminal sexual act and incest.
Probation director still on Otsego payroll
Otsego County Probation Director Roy Spina, who is contesting drunken-driving charges levied against him Dec. 8, is still on the county payroll, Nancy Morton, the county’s personnel officer, said Tuesday.
Snow expected tonight, Thurs.
Wintry precipitation is forecast for the area tonight and Thursday as a fast-moving moisture-laden storm system moves through the area, according to a report from the National Weather Service.
