Ex-pastor may be tried in June
A former pastor accused of taking a 15-year-old parishioner to the state of Maryland was arraigned on federal charges in U.S. District Court in Binghamton on Friday, a federal prosecutor said.
Maker of rugs ranked top artisan
DELHI - A Delhi woman’s hand-crafted primitive hooked rugs earned her a place in Early American Life magazine’s 2006 Directory of Traditional Crafts, according to Tess Rosch, publisher.
Four SUCO staff noted by chancellor
ONEONTA - Four faculty members from the State University College at Oneonta have been named as recipients of the 2006 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, local officials said Friday.
Relay in Delhi taking steps against cancer
DELHI - The sky was blue, the wind was brisk and spirits were bright as 63 teams in the American Cancer Society Delaware County Relay for Life gathered at the Delhi American Legion on Friday afternoon to begin setting up for the 16-hour event.
Four charged in Andes burglary
Four Long Island residents were arrested after an investigation into an April 9 burglary involving the theft of rifles and shotguns from a seasonal residence in Andes, according to a Wednesday news release from state police at Margaretville.
Regents help offered via television
Students reviewing for upcoming state Regents exams can find help from their cable- television service, according to a news release from Time Warner Cable.
Otsego to fix sex-offender placing
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County officials agreed Thursday to implement procedures to help prevent convicted sex offenders from living near their victims.
150 help ’take back the night’
About 150 people walked from the State University College at Oneonta to the Mayor Kim K. Muller Plaza to tell the community they will not be afraid, and they will not tolerate sexual assault.
Monser Bros. fire case going to county court
WEST ONEONTA - An insurance-fraud and arson case against an Oneonta man is being sent to Otsego County Court, the defendant’s attorney said after a meeting at Oneonta Town Court on Thursday.
Douglas charged with DWI in Morris
Corbin Douglas was charged early Thursday morning with driving while intoxicated on Jacobsen Road in the town of Morris, according to Sergeant Brian Weidman of the state police at Oneonta.
Sexual-assault victims remembered in Delaware
HAMDEN - A red banner and 52 red flags flying outside the Delaware Opportunities building in Hamden symbolize the number of sexual-assault victims in Delaware County during the past year, Executive Director John Eberhard said.
Event emphasizes teamwork to fight obesity
ONEONTA - Refreshments weren’t what one would necessarily expect Thursday at a food and fitness conference sponsored by several local organizations.
Finnish diplomats find local retreat
HAWLEY STATION - The No Vacancy sign at the Octagon Motor Lodge in Hawley Station was brightly lit Thursday afternoon when 15 members of the staff of the Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations arrived to register for their rooms.
Walton Grange to mark hall’s 120th anniversary
WALTON - The Walton Grange #1454 is holding an open house from 2:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday to observe National Grange Week and to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Grange Hall, spokeswoman Marie Card said.
Oneonta City Court Report
Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
April 27, 2006
State: Property-tax rates soar since 2000
ALBANY - Property taxes across New York ballooned at more than three times the rate of inflation during the last five years, according to a report from state Comptroller Alan Hevesi.
Legislature overrides vetoes
ALBANY - The state Legislature tried Wednesday to steamroll Gov. George Pataki by overriding the vast majority of his 200-plus budget vetoes, including a plan to send tax-rebate checks to homeowners.
Otsego sheriff plans to retire
Otsego County Sheriff Donald Mundy announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of this year, and two candidates said they are vying to succeed him.
Party to honor 106th birthday
A community celebration in honor of Homer Benedict’s 106th birthday will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the South Kortright Central School, according to Pearl Barber, one of the organizers.
Suspect’s attorney to use insanity defense
The woman charged in the April 6 deaths of a Unadilla couple spending the winter in Florida was indicted by a Volusia County grand jury Wednesday, officials said.
Social-services head appeals for caseworkers
DELHI - As the Delaware County Department of Social Services struggles with a high rate of caseworker turnover, the number of children in the county’s foster-care system continues to climb, DSS Commissioner William Moon said Wednesday.
Locals oppose fees for veterans health
Proposed changes to fees and co-payments to users of the Veterans Affairs health-care system could have a wide range of effects on people in this area.
Rape suspect to have felony hearing tonight
An Oneonta man is to appear in Oneonta Town Court tonight for a felony hearing on rape and other charges involving a 13-year-old girl, authorities said Wednesday.
Hartwick names professor to study learning
ONEONTA - Katrina Zalatan, associate professor of business administration at Hartwick College, is the college’s Mellon Fellow for 2006-07, college officials announced Wednesday.
Area News Briefs: Man accused of shooting cat
A Middleburgh man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly shooting a stray cat with a pellet gun in the village of Middleburgh, Schoharie County sheriff’s deputies said.
Oneonta City Court Report
Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
April 26, 2006
Bassett organizes coalition to reduce cancer
COOPERSTOWN - Rural and upstate New York have a unique situation when it comes to providing cancer care and prevention, the director of Bassett Healthcare’s Regional Cancer Center said Tuesday.
Teacher uses lyrics for history lessons
EDMESTON - Middle school students in Jonathan Chase’s classes at Edmeston Central School are learning social studies by the lyrics.
10 to get student-teaching award
A 13-year tradition will continue next month when the State University College at Oneonta recognizes the role area teachers have in training a generation of professionals.
March aims for more awareness of sexual assault
"Take Back the Night" marchers Thursday may catch enthusiasm from some Oneonta High School cheerleaders who will join the effort to raise awareness about sexual assault.
Delhi native hired as trainer for Mets affiliate
A Delaware Academy graduate hired by the New York Mets as a minor-league head athletic trainer is one of only a couple of women to hold the job for an affiliated baseball team.
Local residents join Brazil exchange team
Jenny Rosenzweig, of Oneonta, and Christine Liggio, of Cooperstown, are part of a five-member team going to Brazil for the Rotary International Group Study Exchange Program.
Area News Briefs: Police say driver had heart attack
ONEONTA - A West Oneonta man who was declared dead after a one-car crash Monday morning died from a heart attack and not injuries related to the crash, according to state police at Oneonta.
April 25, 2006
Republicans consider overriding Pataki
ALBANY - The Democrat-controlled Assembly on Monday began the process of overriding Gov. George Pataki’s budget vetoes. It then stepped aside for the bruising battle between top Republicans that will impact the wallets of most New Yorkers.
Meager diet, longer life?
How much is it worth to follow an 890-calorie diet? Is it worth losing an extra few pounds, wearing a smaller size, or even living longer?
Bandstand in Delhi gets repairs to last
DELHI - The historic bandstand in Delaware County’s Courthouse Square is slightly tilted but will soon be standing tall, thanks to students from the State University College of Technology at Delhi.
Hartwick honors former NYC mayor
Hartwick College in Oneonta recognized David Dinkins, former mayor of New York City, with a humanitarian award as part of activities last week for Isaac Newton Arnold Days.
Two unopposed for school board
With two days to go before the deadline for petitions, the two incumbents on the Oneonta City School District Board of Education will apparently be running for re-election unopposed, an official said.
Healthier school food gets support locally
Snickers bars and some snack chips could disappear from all school lunch menus if Congress passes a recent legislative proposal, according to a senator who offered the plan.
Budget battle resumes today
ALBANY - The political showdown between lame-duck Gov. George Pataki and the Legislature could ultimately decide whether average New York families with homes end the year with a few hundred extra dollars in their pockets.
Party celebrates book and its contributors
MILFORD - The author of a new book on Milford history invited many of the people who contributed to the effort to a thank-you party Sunday.
Delhi Relay for Life to have holiday theme
Every holiday you’ve ever heard of - and some you haven’t - will be celebrated when the 2006 American Cancer Society’s Delaware County Relay for Life begins at 6 p.m. Friday, said Jody O’Connell, co-chairwoman of the event.
City plans major street project
The City of Oneonta is planning a major reconstruction of College Park Drive this year, city officials said, and a general-information meeting about the project will be held at City Hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
First power-line hearing slated
New York Regional Interconnect Inc. will hold the first of several public information meetings on its proposed power line in the Orange County town of New Windsor on Thursday.
IDA to assist Countryside Care sale
Fifteen people attended a public hearing in Delhi on Friday on a proposal for the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency to issue bonds to help the Leatherstocking Realty Holding Co. buy Countryside Care Center.
Delaware bridge work to resume next week
Two bridge-replacement projects in Delaware County will resume May 1, the state Department of Transportation said in a news release last week.
Oneonta Relay for Life kickoff set
Oneonta’s Relay for Life will have a "Community Kick-Off" for new and returning participants in the Main Street plaza from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
April 22, 2006
Bail set at $1M for ex-pastor
Chenango County Judge W. Howard Sullivan set bail at $1,000,000 for the ex-pastor accused of taking a 15-year-old parishioner to the state of Maryland.
2 inches of rain expected
Rain this weekend may help reduce the number of grass and brush fires that have kept fire crews busy in several counties this past week.
Local farms, local food
Receiving fruits and vegetables through community-supported agriculture can be an adventure.
Law would allow troopers to offer deals
ALBANY - State troopers would be allowed to ignore a mandate from their bosses and continue the practice of offering plea bargains for traffic tickets in court under legislation introduced this week.
Board gives DEP invoices
SCHOHARIE - The county Board of Supervisors on Friday presented New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection representative with invoices totaling nearly $240,000 for work performed as part of interim repairs being made to Gilboa Dam.
Energy, fish farming to be lecture topics
The State University College of Agriculture and Technology will present two lectures and a dinner next week as part of its Sustainability Month.
DEC chief to speak in Oneonta
ONEONTA _ Denise Sheehan, commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and a graduate of the State University College at Oneonta, will speak at SUCO at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Court Report
Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
Ex-pastor charged with 6 felonies
COLUMBUS - A pastor accused of fleeing the state with a 15-year-old Chenango County girl pleaded innocent to statutory rape and criminal sexual-act charges before Columbus Town Judge Ralph Simons on Thursday night.
Three fires strike area
Three grass and brush fires burning simultaneously in Andes, Walton and Tompkins on Thursday afternoon consumed a total of about 10 acres but didn’t cause any structure damage.
Sidney woman to be honored for involvement
Years of community involvement by a longtime Sidney resident will be recognized by the local branch of an international women’s group.
Five schools receive grants for health programs
Five area school districts are among those from across New York that received funding recently from the state Department of Health to encourage children to be healthier.
Milford to hire two to replace former principal
Two people will be hired to fill the roles being left vacant by the Milford Central School principal, who was chosen to take an area superintendent post, a school official said.
Boat permits available
The upper and lower reservoirs at the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power project are open to boaters who obtain and display special permits on their boats and boat trailers, Steve Ramsey, New York Power Authority spokesman said in a media release.
Geneva man seeks to replace Boehlert
A 56-year-old Geneva man recently announced his candidacy in the primary Republican race for of the 24th Congressional District, for the seat held by retiring Rep. Sherwood Boehlert.
Unadilla to hold meeting
Unadilla village residents will have an opportunity April 27 to discuss a proposal for an estimated $2 million water project to maintain service in the village, an official said.
Ex-pastor faces sex charges
NORWICH - A prosecutor said Wednesday that Chenango County is likely to seek statutory rape and/or sexual-abuse charges against a former pastor accused of absconding with a 15-year-old parishioner.
Local gas prices hit $3
Gas prices in the region hovered around the $3 range Wednesday, leaving drivers with little choice except to pay the price or walk.
Hartwick senior wins Fulbright scholarship
ONEONTA - Ryan Smith, a Hartwick College senior, has been selected by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to teach, study and conduct research in Germany this fall.
Multi-family housing ban proposed
A proposed six-month moratorium on new multi-family housing in the village of Sidney will be the subject of a public hearing at 7 p.m. May 8, a village official said.
SUCO part of SUNY-wide arts-celebration events this spring
The State University College at Oneonta will be among 22 State University of New York campuses featured this spring in the inaugural Celebration of the Arts, SUNY Chancellor John Ryan announced Tuesday.
Stamford worried about feral cats
The Stamford Village Board is searching for a way to deal with stray and feral cats, Mayor Waylen Bray said Tuesday,
Community partnerships to be topic
ONEONTA - Researcher Randy Stoecker will lead a workshop on "Dos and Don’ts in Community-Academy Partnerships" at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
CWC board will meet; plans cleanup projects
The Catskill Watershed Corp. election results and program achievements will be presented at the annual meeting of member towns in Margaretville at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Missing Sherburne teen goes home
SHERBURNE - Exactly a month after she disappeared from her family’s farm, a 15-year-old girl was returned to her home Tuesday by investigators from the Chenango County sheriff’s office.
City OKs CSEA pact
ONEONTA - After more than two years without an agreement, the city of Oneonta and the Civil Service Employees Association Unit 8101 have approved a four-year contract that includes pay increases of at least 4 percent annually.
Taxes ’done, gone’
There aren’t that many people in this area who have put off doing their income taxes until the last minute, some tax preparers and accountants said Tuesday.
Common Council rejects payment to Chamber
ONEONTA - The Common Council rejected a proposal Tuesday to pay $1,000 to the Otsego County Chamber after an alderman questioned the expense.
Schenevus offers head school post to local principal
The Schenevus Central School Board of Education offered the upcoming superintendent position to Milford Central School Principal Lynda Bookhard, a school official said.
Grant will help assess Delhi hall
DELHI - An architectural assessment of Delhi’s historic Village Hall will be done using a $1,200 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Modified crops topic of lecture at Hartwick
ONEONTA - Canadian farmer and activist Percy Schmeiser will present "Genetically Engineered Crops and the Future of Farming" at 7 p.m. Monday in the Celebration Room of Shineman Chapel House on the Hartwick College campus.
Area News Brief: Man charged in burglary
PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth man is in the Chenango County jail on several charges after being arrested last week, according to Chenango County sheriff’s deputies.
April 18, 2006
Former pastor found with missing teenage girl
SHERBURNE (AP) - A 15-year-old Sherburne girl who disappeared last month was found Monday night in a Maryland hotel with the family’s former pastor, a family member said.
Bassett assists breast-cancer study
Nearly 60 women in the area were among those who contributed to a large breast-cancer prevention study whose results were released Monday.
Bear threat is low locally
Bear attacks such as the one in Tennessee last week that left a 6-year-old girl dead are "extremely rare" in the eastern United States, an area wildlife biologist said Monday.
Business owner receives award
A local small-business owner was one of several men and women who received a national award last month from a national political group.
Man gets jail, probation for DWI
DELHI - A Margaretville man who decided not to participate in Delaware County’s drug court after being charged with driving while intoxicated was sentenced in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Sweeney ’excited’ about alternative energy
DELHI - Congressman John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, met Monday with officials of the Delaware County Electric Cooperative in Delhi to discuss alternative-energy projects.
Area News Briefs: Tully names campaign chairman
HUNTER - The vice chairman of the Otsego County Republican Committee has been named as the campaign manager for one of three area Republicans running for the 127th Assembly District seat.
Post offices won’t be open late
Post offices in the area will not be open late today, a representative at the post office in Oneonta said Monday.
Two SUCO students to attend fiction event
ONEONTA - Two local college students have been invited to participate in an international conference on short stories, said a professor who described their writing as promising.
SUNY Delhi gets funding for weather monitoring
DELHI - A weather station soon will be installed at the State University College of Technology at Delhi golf course, Dominic Morales, professor and dean of applied sciences and recreation, said earlier this month.
Hearing set on Davenport garage
A public hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Davenport will address the need for a new highway-department garage, town Supervisor Dennis Valente said.
Arcuri to speak tonight at Hartwick
ONEONTA - Michael Arcuri, Oneida County district attorney and candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 24th Congressional District, will speak at 7:30 tonight.
Walton teacher tracks alumni
WALTON - As plans get under way for high school class reunions, a Walton Central School computer teacher is trying to make it easier to locate classmates.
Economic developer to leave Otsego
Lynn Bass, Otsego County’s economic developer, is resigning to take a job with the state Comptroller’s Office.
Hartwick students take on the wall
ONEONTA - Hartwick College fraternity and sorority students have been standing in line this week to paint the graffiti wall on West Street near the campus.
Otsego begins Alzheimer’s rescue program
ONEONTA - When a woman with Alzheimer’s disease recently wandered off in the Springfield area, Deputy Hank Sheldon said Thursday, it took several hours from the time she disappeared until she was found.
’Gospel of Judas’ won’t change doctrine, locals say
An ancient manuscript that offers an alternative view of the relationship between Jesus and the disciple Judas is interesting from a historical perspective, area clergy and others said Thursday, but it isn’t likely to impact Christian belief.
More information on Project Lifesaver
More information about Project Lifesaver and the transmitters is available from the Leatherstocking chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Otsego County Office for the Aging.
Aldermen consider possible nonretail moratorium
ONEONTA - Aldermen reviewed the law on summer rentals and a proposed moratorium regarding nonretail uses of properties in central downtown, among other issues, during a meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee on Thursday.
Crash victims still in hospital, officials say
Several people remained hospitalized in Wilson Regional Medical Center on Thursday after a serious two-vehicle crash in Tompkins on Wednesday, hospital officials and state police at Sidney said Thursday.
Powers: I’m confident of 127th support
ONEONTA - Candidate James Powers of South New Berlin said he is not worried about gaining support among prominent Republicans in the 127th Assembly District.
Funeral arrangements made for Unadilla couple
Funeral arrangements for a Unadilla couple, who Florida police allege were murdered by their neighbor at their winter home, have been made for next week, a family member said Thursday.
Monser tires reported lost, allegedly resold
ONEONTA - An insurance-fraud and arson case against an Oneonta businessman includes allegations that up to 300 tires claimed as lost in a fire were resold.
Seven seriously injured in Rt. 206 crash
Seven people were seriously injured Wednesday morning after a van in which they were riding collided with a milk tanker, according to state police at Sidney.
Teacher, health-education center honored by BOCES for work
A criminal-justice teacher and a health-education center have been honored for making a difference to students in the Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services.
Board wants Oneonta-based data on plant
ONEONTA - The Oneonta Environmental Board passed a motion Wednesday to recommend a weather station be opened in Oneonta to gather data that would help assess the impact of a proposed woodburning power plant.
Man gets prison for taking, using four vehicles
SCHOHARIE - County Court Judge George Bartlett III sentenced a Cobleskill man to state prison Wednesday. The man had faced charges resulting from a five-day joy-riding spree using stolen vehicles taken from several locations.
G-MU, union to meet with fact-finder today
Both sides in the teachers’ contract negotiations in the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District said they are looking forward to a meeting with a fact-finder today to help break the deadlock.
Date rape is subject of OFO play at ’Wick
ONEONTA - This Friday night, a jury will decide the fate of a male college student accused of raping a female friend after a night of drinking.
Delaware approves election-worker fees
DELHI - Pay for election workers and tax breaks for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services providers were on the agenda of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday.
Rabies reported in area counties
Along with sunny days and warmer weather, spring brings something else - a higher risk of rabies transmission from wild animals.
Guilford voters reject building
Residents of Guilford voted Wednesday not to build a new town hall, highway garage and salt shed, according to the town supervisor.
Flight 93 transcript
The following is a transcript of the cockpit voice recorder aboard United Airlines Flight 93. All times are in EDT on 9/11. Text in parentheses was translated from Arabic. "Unintelligible" indicates that the tape couldn’t be transcribed.
April 12, 2006
Part-owner charged in 2002 fire
ONEONTA - A part-owner of Monser Bros. Tire Sales Inc. was arrested on felony charges Tuesday in connection with a fire more than three years ago at the store’s former location.
Otsego collects 14% more recyclables in ’06
COOPERSTOWN - Collection of recyclables in Otsego County increased 14 percent in the first three months of this year, according to Terry Bliss, the county’s director of planning and solid waste.
Union ratifies deal
SIDNEY - A contract was overwhelmingly ratified by union members at the MeadWestvaco plant in Sidney on Tuesday.
Delaware expected to boost security
DELHI - The Delaware County Board of Supervisors is expected to pass a resolution today to increase security at the county courthouse.
Hearing-aid seller charged with felonies
ONEONTA - The owner of a hearing-aid business ordered closed last fall faces two felony charges for allegedly filing false business records.
Pa. man pleads innocent in check-forging case
DELHI - A Pennsylvania man who allegedly went on a check-bouncing spree in Walton pleaded innocent Tuesday to seven counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.
Stamford man reaches plea deal
DELHI - The trial for a Stamford man charged with kidnapping ended with a plea agreement before jury selection got under way Tuesday.
Guilford building vote is today
Guilford Town Hall will be open today for residents to vote on whether to build a proposed town hall, highway garage and salt shed.
Officials use forum to explain power projects
MILFORD - A forum Monday night was held to educate the masses - not get their opinions - on two proposed projects and the review processes surrounding them.
PETA asks for tests in local cruelty case
An international animal-rights organization is asking the Chenango County District Attorney’s office to seek a psychiatric evaluation for a Coventry woman if she is found guilty of animal cruelty.
Milford mayor honored
Sabine Curry said she was surprised when she received a call from a member of the Milford Rotary Club about its annual Community Service Award banquet.
Meeting set on plant emissions
ONEONTA - The Oneonta Environmental Board will hold an open meeting Wednesday night to learn about emissions issues of a proposed woodburning energy plant.
Slain couple’s family meets with police
The family of a Unadilla couple killed Thursday, allegedly by a neighbor, is waiting for further developments before making funeral arrangements, a family member said Monday.
Sex offender pleads guilty
ONEONTA - A Level 2 sex offender charged with a sex offense within a few weeks of his release from the Otsego County Jail last month pleaded guilty to an unrelated violation in Oneonta City Court on Monday.
Man drives into house
COBLESKILL - One person had minor injuries after he drove his car into a house Sunday morning in Cobleskill, according to the Cobleskill Police Department.
Jurors to be chosen in kidnap case
DELHI - Jury selection for the trial of a Stamford man charged with kidnapping a woman in Harpersfield will begin at 9:30 a.m. today in Delaware County Court.
Two appear in court on probation violations
DELHI - A man who beat his ex-wife’s boyfriend with a baseball bat and another man who admitted selling drugs appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday on violation of probation charges.
Author to give presentations at Hartwick about nursing
ONEONTA - Suzanne Gordon will present "Changing the Odds for Nurses and Patients by Moving from Virtue to Knowledge" in the Anderson Center for the Arts Theatre at Hartwick College at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Area News Briefs: Middlefield house destroyed in fire
MIDDLEFIELD - Fire destroyed a two-bedroom house on Pink Street in the town of Middlefield on Monday afternoon, according to James Tallman, chief of the village of Cooperstown’s Volunteer Fire Department.
Locals differ on sex-education proposal
Students of various ages could be learning more about the birds and the bees - and what happens once puberty hits - if a health act clears the state Senate and gets the governor’s approval.
Survey: Disabled prefer absentee ballots
People on the Otsego County Board of Elections’ list of voters with permanent medical disabilities want to vote by absentee ballot, not come to the polls - no matter what new and expensive equipment is installed for them.
Woman critical after crash
A Saratoga County woman was airlifted to Albany Medical Center after a two-car crash on Interstate 88 on Saturday, according to state police at Oneonta.
Blaze destroys house
An late-afternoon fire Saturday destroyed the home of a Downsville family and killed two dogs.
Summit Tuesday on underage drinking
A Tuesday-night summit in Oneonta on underage drinking will focus on prevention and awareness, as well as the sharing of ideas, an organizer said.
MeadWestvaco workers to vote on contract
There will be a ratification vote Tuesday on a contract for the more than 800 Communications Workers of America Local 14164 employees at MeadWestvaco in Sidney, a union official said.
Historical group going high-tech
The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown has bridged the gap between the past and the future by distributing its recently launched newsletter, "The Bridge," via the Internet.
April 8, 2006
Anti-meth law in effect Saturday
Starting Saturday, customers at stores selling over-the-counter cold medicines will no longer be able buy certain brands in bulk.
Documentary shares local tales
Delaware County natives will share stories of their lives when the documentary film "Catskill Mountain Locals - Long-Time Residents Tell it Like it Is...and Like it Was" premieres at 8 p.m. April 29.
SUNY funds aren’t official
ALBANY - In their rush to pass an on-time budget giving cash to groups across the state, lawmakers left out authorizing payments to one of the organizations they said they wanted to help the most, the State University of New York.
I didn’t hurt animals, Chenango woman says
A Chenango County woman facing several counts of animal cruelty said she is hoping to be exonerated in court and to have her surviving animals returned.
How to help animals
Although the surviving animals from Rosetta M. Irwin’s property are not available for adoption, anyone wishing to assist with their rehabilitation can contact the following agencies:
Otsego reps expand department purchase limits
COOPERSTOWN - At Wednesday’s meeting, the Otsego County Board of Representatives revised the county’s purchasing policy, giving greater latitude to department heads.
Morris teacher placed on leave; coach fired
MORRIS - A Morris Central School teacher was put on administrative leave and the varsity baseball coach - a substitute teacher - was fired March 27 because of after-school-hours socializing with female students, according to school and community sources.
Bonacic meets with residents about dam safety
DOWNSVILLE - Sen. John Bonacic met with Downsville residents Thursday to update them on efforts to get New York City to improve dam safety and reduce watershed flooding.
Board considers unsafe houses
ONEONTA - The city’s Board of Public Service scheduled a hearing for an unsafe property and decided steps were a hazard at another unsafe residence during business at a meeting in City Hall on Thursday.
Lawsuit against Delaware sheriff dismissed
DELHI - Acting Supreme Court Justice Michael V. Coccoma on March 31 dismissed a civil lawsuit seeking $2 million in damages from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department.
Oneonta Court Report
The Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
Dogs, people connect in later years
MERIDALE - Dusty sat at Pauline Pisani’s feet Tuesday with her paw resting on her owner’s knee, gazing contentedly into her face.
Milford students enter test of strength
Six students from Milford Central School took their bridges to Syracuse to see how much pressure the balsa structures could stand.
Group: Greenway erosion worrisome
ONEONTA - Two professors and a conservation official stood above the Susquehanna River on Wednesday, talking about the history and local impact of the waterway as the current continued eroding the bank in the city’s Susquehanna River Park.
Oneonta school board nears final budget draft
ONEONTA - The 2006-07 Oneonta City School District budget presented during Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting called for a 4.92 percent tax-levy increase over the current spending plan.
Area News Briefs: Plymouth barn fire rekindles
Firefighters were called to a rekindle Wednesday morning of a Plymouth fire that killed about 30 cows and other animals Monday, a fire official said.
April 5, 2006
Local 84 Lumber store among 67 closed
The 84 Lumber store in Oneonta is one of 67 stores across the United States that closed Tuesday as part of a restructuring plan in the corporation.
Brenner: County-manager study halfway done
David Brenner’s study of whether a county manager would benefit Otsego County is nearly half done and going well, the former Oneonta mayor and Otsego County Board chairman said Monday night.
SUCO professors win research awards
ONEONTA - Two local college professors said winning a statewide research award was made even sweeter by not knowing they were in contention for it.
Albany pay raise possible
ALBANY - While voting for a state budget that gives something to almost everyone, New York lawmakers may have left the door open to give themselves something too - a pay raise.
Oneonta applies for state grant
ONEONTA - The city has applied to the Small Cities Program for $600,000 to support business loans, facade improvements and other downtown initiatives, Jeff House, downtown development director, told the mayor and aldermen Tuesday night.
Board of Education to hear budget update
A budget update and policy review are on the agenda of today’s Oneonta City School District Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m. at Greater Plains Elementary School.
Candidates want power-line details
Candidates for the 24th Congressional District seat long held by Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, said Monday they were seeking more information about a proposal to build a $1 billion electric transmission line across the district.
Five Job Corps students arrested in burglaries
ONEONTA - Five Job Corps Academy students and a teenager were arrested last week after an investigation into several burglaries on the State University College at Oneonta campus, SUCO police said.
Cooperstown man released, daughter treated after crash
A Cooperstown father injured when his minivan crashed into trees Sunday has been released from the hospital, but his 8-year-old daughter was still in Albany Medical Center, hospital officials said Tuesday.
3 candidates elected in Delhi fire district
DELHI - The three candidates running for the Delhi Rural Fire District in a special vote Tuesday night were elected, one of the commissioners-elect said.
Chenango woman accused of mistreating animals
More than 30 animals were removed from a Coventry property Tuesday, days after a woman was charged with animal cruelty and dead horses and dogs were found at her residence, Chenango County sheriff’s deputies said.
Hartwick to begin seminar, honor
The inaugural Isaac Newton Arnold Citizenship Seminar at Hartwick College will be held this month and honor David N. Dinkins, former mayor of New York City, according to a letter read at the Common Council meeting Tuesday night.
April 4, 2006
Center: Grant is first step
The $4 million earmarked in the state budget for the Foothills Performing Arts Center is a giant step toward building a cultural attraction for the area, the organization’s board president said Monday.
Centralpede gets new legs
Centralpede, a program that helps children learn about healthy choices, got a second chance when Bassett Healthcare officials announced the organization would fund it for the coming year.
Senior wins art contest
Drawing what she knew earned a Margaretville Central School senior a top prize in a statewide art contest.
Delaware GOP picks Tully in poll
A straw poll of Delaware County Republican Committee members from the 127th Assembly District conducted Saturday favored Mathew Tully among a diminishing field of candidates.
Cocaine charge against man dropped
An Oneonta man who was charged with possessing cocaine in the city in September saw the charge dismissed Monday in Otsego County Court.
Inmate pleads innocent to rape counts
DELHI - A Delhi man serving time in prison on a drug charge was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday on a sealed indictment for rape.
Two teens enter pleas in series of burglaries
DELHI - One of two teens involved in a string of burglaries last year pleaded guilty in a plea deal while the other pleaded innocent during arraignment in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Man charged with insurance fraud
MILFORD - A Milford man was arrested Saturday on charges of committing insurance fraud, Otsego County sheriff’s deputies said Monday.
Election today in Delhi fire district
DELHI - A special election to fill the three vacant Delhi Rural Fire District commissioner seats will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Delhi Town Hall at 5 Elm St.
Fire at Plymouth barn kills 30 cows
A barn fire in Plymouth early Monday morning killed about 30 cows and several other animals, according to fire officials.
City: Rental houses unsafe
ONEONTA - Three landlords who have been buying up Oneonta rental properties in recent years have been having trouble keeping the houses safe and up to standard, the city code enforcement officer said.
Business, home lost in blazes
Separate fires over the weekend struck a business and a home in Delaware County.
On Friday night, a blaze damaged a sap house at a maple-syrup business in Hamden, and a Sunday- morning fire claimed most of the belongings of a Walton family, according to fire officials.
Students ready for mobile send-off
The Oneonta Gulf Coast Collaboration is moving closer to its goal of providing a mobile classroom for the Southern Mississippi Migrant Education Program.
Family injured in crash
A minivan crash in Middlefield sent a family to the hospital Sunday, including an 8-year-old girl who was airlifted to Albany Medical Center.
Man charged in burglary, abuse
An East Meredith man was charged Friday with sexually abusing and burglarizing a woman in the town of Meredith, Delaware County sheriff’s deputies said Sunday.
Warning issued on outdoor burning
As the season for brush, grass and trash fires begins, authorities have issued warnings about burning various materials.
Superintendent finalists named
Two area principals have been chosen as finalists for the upcoming Schenevus Central School superintendent vacancy, according to a news release Friday from the Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services.
Man found with guns
A Burlington man was arrested on several charges Wednesday after the investigation of a suspicious vehicle in Edmeston, Otsego County sheriff’s deputies said.
April 1, 2006
Power line proposed in region
New York Regional Interconnect Inc. of Albany wants to build a $1 billion, 400-kilovolt power-transmission line from the town of Marcy, near Utica, to the town of New Windsor in Orange County.
Counties differ in sales-tax response
Several business owners and politicians said they’re still waiting to see exactly what it will mean when New York drops its share of the sales tax on some shoes, clothing and related products.
Local mixes art, candy
ONEONTA - Fine art has met fine chocolate, and Madeline Silber, of Oneonta, is among painters chosen to have work included in the Art Bar selections this year.
Carroll pleads guilty to assault attempt
DELHI - The trial of a Franklin man accused of attacking two police officers with a knife and a machete ended with a plea agreement Friday.
Arrests made in assault case
A fight over who a family member was dating led to the arrest of a father, his two sons and one of their girlfriends, Oneonta state police said Friday.
Open houses to be held on water center
MARGARETVILLE - Public presentations about the Catskill Water Discovery Center will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Middletown Town Hall; at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at the office of architect Joseph Hurwitz in West Hurley; and at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Shandaken Town Hall.
