Heat watch issued
The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued an excessive-heat watch for late Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon
Lawmakers urge Pataki to sign eminent-domain bill
State lawmakers from areas singled out by New York Regional Interconnect for a 200-mile power line have urged the governor to sign legislation that would restrict the use of eminent domain.
Firefighter injured during Laurens blaze
One firefighter was hurt Saturday at the scene of a structure fire in Laurens, Otsego County Emergency Services Coordinator Lyle "Butch" Jones Jr. said.
Exhibit to show merits of ag-plastics recycling
A traveling exhibit of how agricultural plastics can be recycled will come to Otsego County on Monday, Aug. 7, according to Martha Clarvoe, special-projects manager for the Otsego County Conservation Association.
July 29, 2006
Moms battle ’baby blues’
Giving birth is supposed to be a joyful occasion, but many women experience "baby blues," and some develop the more severe symptoms of postpartum depression.
Facts, local contacts about postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a universal issue caused by biochemical reactions and cultural traditions, according to Bill Hayes, a clinical social worker at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown.
Wilber Bank reports drop in earnings
Flood damages of $320,000 to Wilber National Bank offices in Sidney and Walton were a factor in the company’s report of an earnings decline in the quarter ending June 30, an official said.
Elections commissioners disagree on voting-machine type
PHOENIX MILLS - Otsego County’s elections commissioners and deputy commissioners joined the debate over voting machines at a public meeting Friday afternoon at The Meadows Office Complex in Middlefield.
SHOP TALK
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Raymond Mannion, managing director of New York Property Solutions in Oneonta.
July 28, 2006
Baseball inductions no home run for tourism
COOPERSTOWN - Motel rooms are available in the Cooperstown area for Saturday night, even though the National Baseball Hall of Fame is holding its annual induction of players at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
’It’s just a nightmare out here’
FRANKLIN - A month ago today, Michael and Kathy Ambrose donned life jackets and fled their home on state Route 357.
On The Bright Side: TV show profiles cookie maker
EDMESTON - Pati Drumm Grady’s shortbread cookies were the center of attention Thursday as a production crew working for High Noon Entertainment filmed them being made at Pathfinder Village in Edmeston.
NYRI’s power-line application deemed incomplete
The application by New York Regional Interconnect Inc. to construct a 200-mile-long power line has been deemed incomplete in several ways by the state’s Public Service Commission.
Two area men head west to fight Calif. wildfires
ONEONTA - A local firefighter and a Stamford forest ranger are among a crew of New York wildfire-fighting experts dispatched to California to fight the Bald Wildland Fire.
Oneonta City Court Report
Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
July 27, 2006
Federal official in hot water with Bonacic
A newly appointed commissioner to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is in hot water with one state senator and two U.S. senators because he apparently favors New York Regional Interconnect Inc.’s power-line proposal.
Mail lost in flood wreck
More than 30,000 pieces of mail sent from the Binghamton, Syracuse and Watertown areas to New England destinations had to be destroyed after being damaged beyond recovery by floodwaters last month, an official in Syracuse said.
Response to flood largely positive, city says
ONEONTA - City employees and department heads deserve a grade in the "A" range for their response to last month’s flooding, Mayor John Nader said Wednesday.
FEMA warns of scam visitors
ONEONTA - Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are at the Southside Lowe’s and are also cautioning flood victims to be wary of strangers surveying their damages.
Area man heads for home on bike trip
A Margaretville man is beginning the last leg of his cross-country bike journey, which is fulfilling a dream and a mission.
Mount Upton woman airlifted after car crash
A passenger in a two-car accident in the town of Unadilla on Tuesday had to be airlifted because of her injuries, state police at Sidney said.
Area News Briefs: Man charged in home invasion
A New Jersey man was arrested on several warrants Tuesday for his alleged participation in a Jan. 31 home-invasion robbery in the village of Cobleskill, police said.
July 26, 2006
Condemned house has to go, neighbors say
MARYLAND - A choking stench wafting from a weed-choked home in the town of Maryland isn’t as bad as it was a month ago, neighbors said.
Congressional candidates set tempo in debate
ONEONTA - Raymond Meier spoke of his experience and Michael Arcuri of his desire for change as the two candidates for New York’s 24th congressional seat met in a debate Tuesday night at the State University College at Oneonta.
Walton woman may not get FEMA aid
WALTON - An elderly Walton woman who collected FEMA funds for losses during the 1996 flood has discovered that her failure to maintain flood insurance may have eliminated her eligibility for FEMA assistance in 2006.
FEMA staff to be available
ONEONTA - Mitigation experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at the Oneonta Lowe’s store to answer questions from today until Monday.
Beijen’s nominating petition challenged
A Cooperstown resident associated with Richard Devlin Jr.’s campaign for Otsego County sheriff has filed specific challenges to Kenneth "Skip" Beijen’s nominating petition.
About 1,200 tickets for Dylan concert sold
About 1,200 tickets for Bob Dylan’s Labor Day weekend concert at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown had been sold as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Polly Renckens, executive director of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce.
Democrats endorse Republican in race for Delaware clerk
DELHI - Delaware County Clerk Sharon O’Dell, who is running for re-election on the Republican and Democratic party lines, will face Daniel Buteau in a Republican primary in September.
Area News Brief: Meeting set on Delhi fire district
DELHI - A public meeting to discuss forming a unified Delhi fire district will be held at 7 tonight at the Delhi Fire Hall, Delhi Fire Commissioner Scott May said.
July 25, 2006
Court upholds Bertsch prison sentence
COOPERSTOWN - An Otsego County judge’s decision to revoke Sandra K. Bertsch’s probation and send her to prison was reaffirmed by a state Appellate court Monday.
Former Hartwick player pleads guilty
ONEONTA - A former Hartwick College lacrosse player implicated in a hazing incident pleaded guilty to violations and was fined last week in city court.
NYS&W waste-station work halted by New Jersey court
A New Jersey State Superior Court granted a temporary injunction Friday stopping the New York Susquehanna & Western Railway from building a railside waste station in North Bergen, N.J.
Area News Briefs
ONEONTA - The State University College at Oneonta, in cooperation with the Coalition for Democracy, will have a candidate forum at 7 tonight in the Red Dragon Theater of the Hunt College Union.
Hearings Friday on new voting machines
COOPERSTOWN - On Friday, Otsego County residents will have a chance to voice their opinions about which voting machines the county should buy, according to Hank Nicols, the county’s Democratic elections commissioner.
Forum Tuesday for congressional candidates
The race for New York’s 24th Congressional District seat is down to two candidates, Republican Raymond Meier and Democrat Michael Arcuri, and they are scheduled to debate at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the State University College at Oneonta.
Floods hit NW Otsego
Parts of Otsego County were hit by minor flooding Saturday afternoon.
But it was "not even close" to the floods of three and a half weeks ago, Edmeston Fire Chief Art Klingler said Sunday.
City seeks enforcer for parking violations
The chairman of the city Parking Committee said he is hoping Oneonta soon will have a parking-enforcement officer walking the downtown beat.
Schoharie wants more dam money
A check to reimburse Schoharie County for work at the Gilboa Dam is in the mail, the Board of Supervisors learned, but it is much less than what supervisors were expecting.
Hospitals: Safeguards avoid dosing errors
More than 1.5 million Americans annually are injured because of medication errors, an Institute of Medicine study released Thursday said.
But area hospital officials said Friday they have safeguards in place and are developing additional measures to avoid mistakes.
Housing agencies working to help victims of flooding
Three state agencies specializing in housing will work together to provide $45 million for capital projects and housing programs for counties hit hardest in last month’s flood.
Rally set to protest proposed NYRI electricity line
A rally against an electric-transmission line proposed by New York Regional Interconnect Inc. will begin in Sherburne at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, according to Kathleen Yasas, an organizer of the event.
SHOP TALK
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Donna Schulz, owner of Cooperstown Lodging Co. LLC, which provides lodging for families of baseball campers.
Catalyst to pay for city’s engineering consultant
Catalyst Renewables will pay for a special consulting firm selected by the Common Council to help guide the city as it studies the company’s power-plant proposal.
NYSHA project funded
The New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown will receive more than $149,000 in funding for its "Identity and Representation in American Art" project.
Downsville man convicted of rape
DELHI - A Delaware County jury deliberated 3½ hours Thursday and found a Downsville man guilty of first-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual act, Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said.
Diary From Israel: Arguing politics, then making plans
Cooperstown native Alexis Orenstein, 21, a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania, is writing a diary for The Daily Star of her experiences while studying in Israel during the conflict with Hezbollah.
Third candidate gives Otsego board to GOP
COOPERSTOWN - Republicans regained control of the Otsego County Board of Representatives in the last minute of Wednesday night’s meeting by securing the appointment of Margery Merzig of Oneonta to the District 11 seat.
Catalyst, foes give arguments
ONEONTA - Officials with Catalyst Renewables Corp. pitched their plan for a 35-megawatt power plant to the city Planning Commission on Wednesday night.
Oneonta approves Osborn as acting principal
ONEONTA - The Oneonta City School District Board of Education formally approved the hiring of Nancy Osborn as Oneonta High School acting principal at its meeting Wednesday.
City submits request for aid
ONEONTA - The city of Oneonta submitted its formal request for federal and state aid Wednesday to cover damages incurred during last month’s flooding.
Saturday is last day for waste disposal
DELHI - Delaware County residents in flood-impacted areas are running out of time to dispose of household hazardous waste at special collection sites
Delaware board reviews devastation
DELHI - The Delaware County Board of Supervisors met for the first time since the June 27 flood to review the devastation that affected much of the county, and the county’s emergency-services director said damage to public infrastructure could surpass $75 million.
Two Republicans file in Otsego sheriff’s race
COOPERSTOWN - Two Republicans, Richard Devlin Jr. of Milford and Kenneth "Skip" Beijen of Oneonta, have filed nominating petitions to become Otsego County’s next sheriff.
Walton moves on after flood
WALTON - Two craters in Gary and Jackie Brooks’ backyard give testament to the power of East Brook when it jumped its banks and flooded Walton homes.
District 11 candidates file petitions; board to meet
Two candidates have filed nominating petitions to succeed Roberta Puritz-Hayes, D-Oneonta, as the District 11 representative on the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Cooperstown student in Israel doesn’t want to leave
Despite the effects of the military crisis, not much is different in Jerusalem, according to a Cooperstown woman who has been studying there for the past few weeks.
Council OKs $3.5M to cover flood damage
ONEONTA - Aldermen at Tuesday night’s Common Council meeting voted unanimously for a $3.5 million funding package to pay for incurred and anticipated expenses from last month’s flooding.
Bonacic foe raises $105K in 6½ months
ALBANY - Democratic state Senate hopeful Susan Zimet raised more than $105,000 since the beginning of the year - an amount called "phenomenal" by one Democratic state senator - for a challenge to a GOP incumbent not considered vulnerable by either political party.
Beckingham gets 25 years
COOPERSTOWN - Timothy Beckingham, of Springfield, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Otsego County Court on Monday for killing his wife, Joanne Beckingham, in July 2004.
Second racist letter sent in Stamford
A letter sent to the mayor of Stamford last week threatens "dire action" in response to what the letter writer says is "an influx of dark peoples, who have no place in Stamford."
Flood-debris bins to end
Roll-off containers that the Otsego County Solid Waste Department has made available in the county will disappear after Saturday, coordinator Terry Bliss said.
Residents seeking to avoid detour
The town of Davenport has indefinitely closed three roads deemed too hazardous to travel because of last month’s flooding.
Brenner to present county-manager study
COOPERSTOWN - David Brenner, consultant to the Otsego County Board of Representatives, briefly outlined his county-manager study Monday during a meeting of the county’s Administration Committee.
Group: Catalyst plans lack details
ONEONTA - With the city Planning Commission set to hear a proposal for a woodburning power plant Wednesday, some say the plans are incomplete.
Man’s plea for bouncing checks delayed
DELHI - A Pennsylvania man who allegedly went on a check-bouncing spree in Walton delayed entering a plea in Delaware County Court on Monday until it can be determined if he will receive credit for time served in New Jersey.
Area News Brief: Level 3 sex offender charged
COBLESKILL - A man who served seven years in prison for attempted rape was charged last week with failure to register as a sex offender and first-degree sexual assault.
July 17, 2006
Some upset by pace of FEMA aid
Thousands of flood victims are applying for federal assistance in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties, but the speed with which applicants get aid remains a question mark.
Groups opposed to power line organize
About 40 representatives of anti-power-line groups from across the state journeyed here Saturday to discuss stopping the proposed New York Regional Interconnect line, which would run from Utica to New Windsor.
Second hearing today in New Hartford
A second hearing of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee on the proposed NYRI power line project will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the New Hartford High School auditorium, 33 Oxford Road in New Hartford.
`Reality hasn’t set in’
Communities are working to rebuild after the June flooding, but some things can’t be replaced.
Flood’s effects not all physical
Some of the psychological effects of the flooding remain to be seen, several mental-health providers said this week.
On the Bright Side: Walton church to hold festival
WALTON - The Baptist Catholic Church in Walton is hosting an Italian festival Saturday, just 2½ weeks after the flood, to celebrate Walton’s spirit of survival, the Rev. Michael Flannery said.
Flood 2006: Recovery efforts continue in area
The American Red Cross Shelter at Littel Hall at State University College at Oneonta closed Friday after the remaining family found housing, Toni Christensen, director of the American Red Cross in Otsego County, said.
Officials warn of heat’s impact
The state Office for the Aging warned of the increased danger that heat can pose to elderly citizens in flooded areas, in a media release Friday.
Delaware chamber, IDA seek ways to aid business recovery
The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency and area officials are seeking funding and gathering information about resources to aid the business community with flood-recovery efforts.
Delhi police warn of counterfeit bills
DELHI - Counterfeit $50 bills have been surfacing in Delhi, and police officials are asking merchants to call immediately if they suspect that a bill is bogus.
Oneonta principal: Building strengths is a goal
ONEONTA - The recently named Oneonta High School District Principal, Nancy Osborn, said she is hoping to build on the school’s strengths in her new post.
Delaware County 4-H camp back to normal, housed 37 during flood
DELHI - Delaware County’s 4-H Camp Shankitunk is operating normally and is booked almost to capacity, after being forced to cancel the first week of camp because of the countywide state of emergency.
SHOP TALK
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Robin Gray, who owns and operates Essential Elements Day Spa and Boutique in Cooperstown
July 14, 2006
Mobile-home disposals mount
Residents and area officials continue to cope with how to dispose of mobile homes damaged in last month’s flooding.
Officials: No increase in West Nile threat
Area health departments don’t plan to be extra vigilant this season with West Nile virus prevention after recent heavy rains and flooding, some officials said Thursday.
One family remains in Oneonta flood shelter
As of Thursday night, the American Red Cross Shelter at Littel Hall at State University College at Oneonta was scheduled to close today.
National Guard moving earth to help in recovery
WALTON - As military excavators, dump trucks and bulldozers labored Thursday to clean up debris along Third Brook next to the Kraft plant in Walton, several members of the National Guard talked about their experiences during the flood.
Rescue was first part of mission in area
Capt. Joseph Fassacesia, of Westchester, said National Guard troops in the area during the flood rescued 150 to 200 people from water that was more than 6 feet deep.
Stage set for Republican primary in 127th
ALBANY - There will be a Republican primary for the state legislative seat being vacated by Assemblyman Dan Hooker, R-Saugerties, based on petitions filed Thursday with the state Board of Elections.
Oneonta man convicted in stabbing case
The trial of a 19-year-old man accused of stabbing a 41-year-old acquaintance in an Oneonta trailer park a year ago ended in a conviction Thursday.
State audit faults fire-district policies
In an audit report released Thursday, the state Comptroller’s Office criticized the Davenport Fire District for its fiscal policies in the wake of the arrest and firing of the district’s treasurer.
Amphenol says losses total $40M
SIDNEY - Amphenol officials in Sidney said Wednesday they are hopeful that an announcement of state aid will be the start of needed governmental assistance to help it recover from recent flooding.
Long cleanup begins for complex
DELHI - When the downstairs residents of the Delhi Senior Community were evacuated from their apartments June 27 because of concerns that the old Delhi village reservoir dam might break, they didn’t expect that a raging brook would flood the complex.
Children praise dad’s work
UNADILLA - The Unadilla man who died Tuesday after a farm accident in Delhi was doing the business he loved, some of his children said Wednesday.
Seven Walton residents stranded in county building during flood
DELHI - A juror serving on a jury in a medical malpractice case in Delaware County Court was among seven Walton residents who found themselves stranded at the county courthouse in Delhi during the flood.
Norwich man guilty in federal case
A Norwich man has pleaded guilty to mail fraud in connection with helping his son in an insurance-fraud scheme, a federal prosecutor said Wednesday.
Gerald N. Thomas Sr., 57, 254 Whaupaunaucau Road, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting his son, Gregory Thomas, U.S. Attorney Glenn T. Suddaby announced in a media release.
Property owner files notice against Sidney over parkland
SIDNEY - A Sherwood Heights property owner has taken legal action against the village of Sidney to stop redevelopment of a five-acre parkland adjacent to his building, according to papers served on the village June 19.
Area news brief
The trial of Brian Zindle, who is accused of stabbing an acquaintance in an Oneonta trailer park last summer, got under way in Cooperstown on Wednesday.
July 12, 2006
Sidney losses in millions, mayor says
SIDNEY - The boil-water advisory in Sidney was lifted Tuesday - the same day an official said the village’s total losses from flooding could be in the millions of dollars.
Man, 77, dies in silo plunge
A 77-year-old Unadilla man working on a silo in Delhi on Tuesday afternoon died after his rope snapped.
Officials: Technology boosted flood response
ONEONTA - Many gadgets used by first responders, emergency coordinators and regular residents during the flood of 2006 were the stuff of science fiction just a few decades ago.
Water-tasting contest canceled
DELHI - Walton won’t have an opportunity to defend its title of Best Tasting Water in Delaware County this year. The contest was washed out by recent flooding.
State of emergency in Otsego County ends today
As area residents continue to deal with flood-related waste and debris, Delaware County’s state of emergency and countywide travel advisory remain in effect.
Delaware County praises work of DEC, DEP
After years of contention between the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection over gravel buildup in streams and rivers, Delaware County officials are praising the agencies for their quick response after the recent flood.
Jury selected in trailer-park stabbing trial
A jury was selected in Otsego County Court on Tuesday for the trial of a man accused of stabbing an acquaintance in Messina’s Trailer Park in Oneonta last summer.
Insurance no sure bet after flood
The next step for many people after the floodwater recedes is to call their insurance company and file a claim.
Greenway repairs needed
ONEONTA - Portions of the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway were washed away by the flood of 2006, but the recreational path may soon be back in shape.
Shelter takes in Sidney’s pets
After the people were taken to safety in Sidney during recent flooding, there was a second evacuation - for pets that were left behind, several of those involved said.
FEMA begins visits in area
Federal Emergency Management Agency inspectors are in the area and assessing damages, according to a news release from FEMA.
Food stamps available for flood victims
The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has started a disaster-benefit food-stamp program for the counties affected by flooding, according to a news release.
Area man gets prison term for shooting
DELHI - A Hamden man was sentenced to three years in prison in Delaware County Court on Monday for shooting his friend and roommate Nov. 13.
Man pleads guilty to attempted burglary
DELHI - Cases involving drugs, burglary, grand larceny and driving while intoxicated were heard in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Officials take stock after flood
State police on Saturday recovered the body of the second trucker killed in a culvert collapse on Interstate 88 in Delaware County during flooding two weeks ago.
Review of evacuation planned at Messina’s
ONEONTA - The evacuation of Messina’s Trailer Park will be part of the town of Oneonta’s review of its response to the floods of two weeks ago.
Rumor had it wrong during flood
Did you hear that the East Sidney Dam had given way, or that a man and his girlfriend drowned during the floods?
Bacteria down in Otsego Lake, testing shows
COOPERSTOWN - High levels of fecal coliform bacteria found in parts of Otsego Lake had subsided by Friday, according to Matt Albright, assistant to the director of the Biological Field Station at the State University College at Oneonta.
Flood-damage notices
Homeowners with flooding can get their wells tested for free through the Delaware County Health Department, according to a news release from the department.
Area News Briefs
The Oneonta City Hall parking lot will be closed until further notice, according to a media release from the office of the clerk.
SHOP TALK
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to C.P. Kramarsky, who operates Designed 2 Sell in Delhi, offering consulting services for people selling their homes.
July 7, 2006
Star gets a new publisher
ONEONTA - Ottaway Newspapers Inc. named a new president and publisher of The Daily Star on Thursday.
Officials: Avoid river pollution
ONEONTA - Record flooding has forced raw sewage, fuel and other hazardous waste into streams and rivers or left a toxic stew in stagnant pools.
Local counties give flood updates
Several command centers in Delaware County and officials in Otsego County gave updates Thursday on flood cleanup efforts, curfews, emergency orders and information about applying for assistance.
Riverside students read to Busy Bees
ONEONTA - A pint-sized convoy made its way from Riverside Elementary School to The Salvation Army on Thursday morning, bringing not traditional donations, but trail mix and books.
Developer says wind project will lower costs
The battle over wind turbines in Cherry Valley is heating up, with the developer, Reunion Power, of Manchester, Vt., proposing to reduce electricity bills in the town and opponents calling for an 18-month moratorium on wind projects.
Otsego Fireman’s Convention begins tonight
The Otsego County Fireman’s Convention is being held in Otego this weekend with a parade and fireworks exhibition scheduled for Saturday night.
Local officials update Clinton
After a conference call between Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and area officials Thursday on the status of the recovery efforts from recent flooding, a couple of area representatives said they were pleased with the effort.
Disposal options
After the recent flooding, many residents have begun to clean their homes, remove items that are no longer usable and look for disposal options.
Muehl to reduce charges in Richfield Springs death
Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl said Thursday that he will seek an indictment against a 70-year-old Richfield Springs man on reduced charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
Compromise on same-sex marriage issue, several local politicians say
ALBANY - The state top court’s ruling against same-sex marriage Thursday left lawmakers across New York deeply divided, but some in this region and beyond said some sort of compromise for gay couples should be allowed.
Tetanus-diptheria vaccines available at Delaware sites
The Delaware County Public Health Nursing Service will be holding a series of tetanus-diphtheria vaccination clinics for those individuals involved with cleanup after the recent flood.
EPA to hold Chenango meeting on Superfund
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to modify the plan to clean up the Solvent Savers Superfund Site in the Chenango County town of Lincklaen and has scheduled a public meeting for 7 p.m. Monday.
July 6, 2006
Otsego to give $327K to victims
COOPERSTOWN - At Wednesday’s meeting, the Otsego County Board of Representatives approved a package of $327,000 in emergency grants for flood victims.
Mold fears grow
Information sent out from several county health departments can make the situation seem bleak.
Losses considerable for some farmers
"We’re starting to get back to normal," Donald Smith, Franklin town supervisor and dairy farmer, said Wednesday about the effects of last week’s flooding.
Oneonta school board OKs pay
Grace Larkin was elected president of the Oneonta City School Board during Wednesday’s reorganizational meeting at Oneonta High School.
Otsego provides emergency info
COOPERSTOWN - The state of emergency in Otsego County has been extended through 1:45 p.m. Friday, according to Donald Lindberg, county Board of Representatives chairman.
DOT: Work on state Route 23 expedited
ONEONTA - Work to repair an eroding Southside riverbank is being sped up in the wake of record floods last week, a state Department of Transportation official said Wednesday.
Where to volunteer
The following groups or organizations are seeking volunteers or donations to assist with flood-relief efforts:
Amphenol works to reopen facility
The effects of last week’s floods on several of the larger employers in Delaware County were varied, officials said.
FEMA extends aid to individuals
Gov. George E. Pataki on Monday announced that President Bush had approved federal Individual Assistance for 12 of the 13 flood-ravaged counties, including Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties.
Judge upholds Beckingham conviction
COOPERSTOWN - Otsego County Judge Michael Coccoma has denied a motion to set aside the verdict of an East Springfield man who was found guilty of killing his wife.
Sidney reauthorizes state of emergency
The state of emergency in the village of Sidney was reauthorized Monday for another three days, Sidney Mayor Jim Warren said.
Locations for flood trash disposal
Locations to throw away flood-damaged materials and other debris have been set up throughout Otsego and Delaware counties.
Where to volunteer
The following groups and organizations are seeking volunteers and donations to assist with flood relief efforts:
Most Oneonta businesses back to normal
ONEONTA - Business is getting back to "business as usual" in the city of Oneonta and for some businesses on Oneonta’s Southside.
Area News Briefs: Task force to help cleanup in Walton
WALTON - A task force is being formed in Walton to help disabled or impaired senior citizens with flood cleanup, according to a news release from the Walton Fire Department.
July 4, 2006
Where to volunteer
The following groups or organizations are seeking volunteers or donations to assist with flood relief efforts:
Officials: FEMA aid inadequate
A federal disaster declaration that provides aid for municipalities, infrastructure and prevention isn’t enough, several local and elected officials said.
DOT: I-88 work begins for early fall reopening
Work is beginning on the reconstruction of the section of Interstate 88 near Sidney that was washed away last week during heavy flooding, the state Department of Transportation announced Sunday.
Delaware damage `overwhelming,’ officials say
Full damage estimates and assessments from around Delaware County aren’t yet complete, but one county official called the damage "overwhelming" Sunday.
On The Bright Side: Local colleges help effort
In the region’s time of need during recent flooding, colleges in Oneonta and Delhi have offered emergency housing, food for volunteers and even a pool for community swimming.
DEP pitches in, says dams are OK
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection is developing plans for future flooding mitigation and has offered assistance and manpower during the emergency situation, officials said Friday.
Hanford Mills Museum closed
EAST MEREDITH - Hanford Mills Museum’s historic site in East Meredith is closed for the immediate future because of extensive flood damage.
July 1, 2006
Long recovery ahead: Sidney remains without power
SIDNEY - Sidney residents and property owners were allowed to return to their properties for a short time Friday, but officials said it could be days before residents can go home to stay.
Sidney dam spills, but holds
SIDNEY - Water continued to spill over the top of the East Sidney Dam on Friday as officials monitored the situation.
Road cost in Otsego is ’millions’
EDMESTON - Otsego County lost five bridges in this week’s flooding, and many county roads have been heavily damaged, according to Donald Lindberg, chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
City of Oneonta damages estimated at $2 million
ONEONTA - Although it could be a few weeks before Oneonta’s wastewater-treatment plant is fully operational again, city officials said Friday that recovery is moving along.
Sidney evacuees find shelter at middle school
SIDNEY - The Sidney Middle School has served as a shelter to a varying amount of people who were forced to flee floods that hit the area this week.
Rep. Sweeney meets Walton business owners
WALTON - A group of Walton business owners met with Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, on Friday to ask for help recovering from devastating flood damage.
Federal disaster request made
The first steps toward getting federal aid in the area to help homeowners and businesses recover from this week’s flooding have been taken.
Residents allowed back to homes in Unadilla
UNADILLA - Cleanup began in Unadilla on Friday as people were allowed to return to their homes for the first time since recent flooding.
NYSEG tells how to get power, gas reconnected
New York State Electric & Gas Corp. has issued regulations and procedures for customers to have their power and gas restored, according to a news release.
SHOP TALK
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Brian Marble, who owns Muscles in Motion Fitness, a gym in Oneonta.
