Forum set on voting devices
As the federal government investigates the foreign connections of one voting-machine manufacturer, the Otsego County Board of Representatives has scheduled a forum on the advantages and disadvantages of two types of voting machines.
Two area midwives face expiring agreement
The agreement between a local health-care provider and its midwives has ended, leaving one midwife no option but to close her practice at the end of November.
Info sought in rape case
State police at Sidney are continuing to seek information from the public in an ongoing investigation into an alleged rape of a young girl, troopers said Monday.
Man, 30, accused of sex act
A 30-year-old Cooperstown man faces a felony sex-crime charge after an alleged incident with a 14-year-old girl in the town of Hartwick.
Three hospitalized after car collision
A head-on collision in the town of Norwich sent three Chenango County residents to the hospital Sunday, including a 17-year-old girl with critical injuries.
Anti-war activist’s widow holds to ideals
WESTFORD _ Elizabeth Peterson, wife of the late peace activist David Dellinger, says she has seen a lot of things go wrong in life, but she has not given up hope.
High winds cause little local harm
A strong autumn storm that spawned high winds and heavy snow for some parts of the Northeast over the weekend did not cause significant problems in the local area, emergency officials said Sunday night.
Ex-priest at St. Mary’s remembered
People remembered the Rev. George A. Phillips on Sunday as an important influence in the lives of college students in the area.
Fallen officer’s widow located
ONEONTA _ The 97-year-old widow of the only officer known to die on duty with the Oneonta Police Department was presented Sunday with a display case honoring her fallen husband.
C’town war protest draws 100
People who oppose the war in Iraq and other Bush administration initiatives gathered in Cooperstown on Sunday.
The event, described as "a march and rally for truth," was organized by the Cooperstown Peace Corps.
School taxes due Tuesday
Taxpayers in the Oneonta City School District are reminded that tax bills are due by Tuesday.
Driver injured, charged with DWI
Alcohol and speed were factors in a crash involving a Norwich man early Friday morning, Chenango County sheriff’s deputies said Sunday.
October 28, 2006
Daily Star sold to CNHI
The Daily Star and five other papers in the Ottaway Newspapers Inc. group have been sold to a publishing firm based in Alabama.
Ex-pastor given 11-year prison term for federal crimes
A former pastor of a Sherburne chuch who disappeared with a 15-year-old girl and performed a marriage ceremony on the run was sentenced Friday to more than 11 years in federal prison.
Family to Milford school: Add safety checks
The family of the 4-year-old child left on a Milford Central School bus last week said they the district to make sure what happened to the boy won’t happen again.
Man sentenced to prison for child porn
COOPERSTOWN _ In Otsego County court Friday, an Edmeston man was sentenced by Judge Brian Burns to two prison terms for having child pornography on his computer.
Shop Talk
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses.
October 27, 2006
GOP makes last-minute push for funds
With Election Day less than two weeks away, the National Republican Congressional Committee is calling on donors to pour cash into 33 congressional races, including those in the 20th and 24th districts in New York state.
Girl wins horse titles
Julia Strier has been riding horses for only four years, but already she’s a champion.
Volunteers use grants, restore Walton fields
WALTON _ It looked like Little League was a washout in Walton until a group of volunteers went to bat and rebuilt the flood-ravaged playing fields this month and last.
Purse-snatching suspects waive felony hearings
ONEONTA _ Two city residents accused of snatching purses from Wal-Mart shoppers have waived their rights to felony hearings, according to Oneonta Town Court.
Communities get Main Street project grants
Six Delaware County communities have received grants through the Main Street Micro Grant program for projects ranging from flower barrels to building facades, Helen Budrock, Catskill Center for Conservation and Development assistant director, said Wednesday.
Former treasurer sentenced in theft of Davenport funds
DAVENPORT _ The former treasurer of the Davenport Fire District was sentenced Oct. 4 for stealing $3,147 from the district, Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said Thursday.
Local transportation workers honored
Two Schoharie County Department of Transportation workers were recognized Tuesday for their quick action in securing a fatal motorcycle accident scene last year on the Northway.
Peace vigils set in Delaware
Delaware County Voices For Peace is holding weekly peace vigils in Delhi and Margaretville from 11 a.m. to noon the next four Saturdays.
Boy, 4, left on school bus
A bus driver in the Milford Central School District has been suspended after a 4-year-old boy was left all day on a school bus last week.
Waging the weather wars
ONEONTA _ A weather war over El Nino and its effect on the coming winter has emerged between a private forecasting company and the government’s official climate-watching agency.
Area flu-shot clinics begin
The state Department of Health’s weekly flu report showed cases for last week in Broome and Montgomery counties; the department updates its activity listings every Saturday.
Otego man, sons build cider press, share results
OTEGO _ They say necessity is the mother of invention.
So when Greg Nichols, of Otego, grew tired of having to borrow a cider press each fall to make apple cider, he said, he decided to build his own from scratch.
Reunion joins larger wind firm to target CV
Reunion Power, which has proposed building 24 wind turbines in Cherry Valley, has joined forces with a much larger firm, Edison Mission Energy.
Two charged with stealing purses at Wal-Mart
ONEONTA _ Two Oneonta residents were arrested Tuesday after state police cracked an alleged purse-snatching scheme carried out at the Oneonta Wal-Mart.
Chenango to receive $225K for shared highway equipment
NORWICH _ State Sen. Thomas Libous, R-Binghamton, announced Tuesday at the Chenango County Highway Garage in Norwich that he has secured $225,000 in state funds to help the county buy a large front-end loader and a vibrating roller.
Study: Vegetables help seniors stay sharp
Eating more vegetables may be the key to helping senior citizens stay mentally "sharp," but researchers and area providers aren’t quite sure why.
Bridge closure angers some
Several residents in the town of Maryland have been left with a tentative link to the outside world after emergency action was needed on a bridge near state Route 7.
Fugitive escapee caught
A man who ran a tractor-repair business faces extradiction to Washington state after living in Walton about 10 years under a false name, authorities said Monday.
Foundation honors Foothills Center
ONEONTA _ One didn’t have to look far Monday to see the success of the Future for Oneonta Foundation’s not-for-profit business of the year for 2006.
Farmer admits to fire fraud
As part of a plea deal, a Decatur man pleaded guilty to felony insurance fraud connected to an Easter Sunday dairy-barn fire in 2003, state and Otsego County officials announced Friday.
Jefferson teacher to study culture, history in Japan
A Delaware County teacher is hoping to use some of what she learns in Japan next month to bring Asia a little closer to Jefferson. JoAnn Little, a social studies and English teacher at Jefferson
Schoharie board to consider tax cut
SCHOHARIE _ The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors on Friday scheduled a public hearing on a tentative $56.2 million budget for 2007 _ but not before being questioned on proposed pay hikes for supervisors and being urged to invest in the county’s economic future.
Police warn of woman trying to steal meds
The Delaware County Sheriff’s office is investigating complaints that a young woman may be attempting to steal medications from residents in the Franklin area.
Cancer center director leaving
The director of Bassett Healthcare’s Regional Cancer Center has accepted a position at a major cancer center in New York City.
LWV to show film on voting machines
With a decision expected before the end of the year on statewide electronic voting machines in each county, the League of Women Voters of the Oneonta Area is sponsoring a weekly showing of a documentary on the subject until early December.
Downtowns get flood money
Property owners in Main Street areas hit hard by the summer’s upstate flooding could be eligible for an $8 million grant program for repairs.
The Daily Star "Flood 2006" Book
The Daily Star’s "Flood 2006" book will be available for pickup at the customer-service desk starting today, on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
October 21, 2006
SUCO graduate saws in concert next week
Caldor Dudgeon, saw virtuoso, will return to the area Tuesday to perform in a concert at the State University College at Oneonta.
Fearing the next flood
While many people still are working to recover from the June flood, a town of Sidney couple is more worried about the next one.
Woman dies after crash
A Bovina woman died Friday after a two-car accident on county Route 2 in the town of Andes, state police at Margaretville said.
The Daily Star Star reports scam
Anyone receiving a fraudulent check from the ``Oneonta Daily Star'' claiming to be part of an "English Lottery" is warned not to cash it, a Daily Star official said Friday.
Bluestone industry seeks support from board
The New York Bluestone Association is concerned that the law allowing quarrymen to develop small quarries is due to expire in May 2008, according to Harry Triebe, Bluestone Association president.
Shop talk
Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Neil Monzeglio, who owns Fox Hollow Nursery in West Laurens with his wife, Bonnie.
October 20, 2006
Local man convicted of murder
DELHI _ A Delaware County jury of eight women and four men found Glenford C. Hull guilty of second-degree murder after three hours of deliberation Thursday.
City process
for planning questioned
ONEONTA _ A public workshop on the city’s comprehensive plan is scheduled for next week, and Mayor John Nader said the plan’s development is "going well."
However, some city residents said Thursday that attendance at comprehensive plan steering committee meetings has been lacking, and a survey done for the plan does not accurately represent Oneonta’s demographics.
Center aims to make testifying easier for children
Today at noon, a blue ribbon will be cut and Otsego County’s Child Advocacy Center will open as area agencies pool their efforts to help abused and neglected children.
Patient flees hospital, found
ONEONTA _ A patient at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital fled from his room Thursday and walked 2½ miles before being picked up by police.
Court rules against Catholic Charities
A state Court of Appeals ruling handed down Thursday against Catholic Charities and several other religious organizations won’t have an effect on Catholic Charities of Chenango County _ despite the decision that such organizations must provide prescription coverage for employees’ contraception.
Police: Rabid skunk bit cat
ONEONTA _ The Otsego County Health Department and the Oneonta Police Department are looking for a stray cat that may have been bitten by a rabid skunk earlier this week in Oneonta.
Jury finds man guilty in case of sex abuse
COOPERSTOWN _ After a three-day trial, a jury in Otsego County Court found Robert E. Collins of Richfield Springs guilty Thursday of three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, according to District Attorney John Muehl.
Workshop to study U.S., global health care
People have the opportunity this weekend to discuss differences in health care between the United States and other countries _ and what they want American care to become.
Troopers: Man raped child
A Sidney Center man was arrested Wednesday on sexual-abuse charges in what state police at Sidney are calling an ongoing investigation.
October 19, 2006
Suits pending in I-88 flood deaths
Familes of two tractor-trailer drivers, who died when a section of I-88 in Sidney collapsed in June flooding, plan to sue the state, attorneys said.
Hull tells story of shooting
Glenford C. Hull, 55, of Meridale, is on trial for second-degree murder in the shooting death of Chance Caffery, 23, in February.
Rich told to talk
to lobbying panel
Walter Rich, president of the New York Susquehanna & Western Railway, has been ordered to give a deposition to the New York Temporary State Commission on Lobbying about yearly parties he hosts during induction weekend of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Teens help grow crops for food bank
ONEONTA _ Green thumbs abound at the Allen Residential Center and Sergeant Henry Johnson Youth Leadership Academy in South Kortright.
Support for veterans an issue in 20th
Rep. John Sweeney’s record on veterans’ affairs was the focus of a media conference led Tuesday by a lawyer and National Guardsman, Mathew Tully of Hunter.
Lawyer: Misfire possible
DELHI _ Testimony Tuesday in the murder trial of Glenford C. Hull in Delaware County Court detailed moments before the February shooting and raised the possibility that it was accidental.
Officials visit sites of funding
Four area legislators on Monday visited Delhi sites that received funding. Four Delhi organizations received a combined total of $450,000.
Unabomber’s brother recalls tough decision
David Kaczynski’s story is one that many people can understand, he said before speaking to a group at the State University College at Oneonta on Monday.
Man pleads innocent to burglary
DELHI _ A Kirkwood man was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday on charges related to an alleged burglary in Colchester on Aug. 29.
Locals agree: Kids Need to Play
It didn’t matter that the temperature was in the mid-40s Sunday afternoon; Justin Velasco’s children wanted to go to the park and play.
Fallen firefighters honored
The Schoharie County Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial was dedicated Saturday to mark the final day of Fire Prevention Week, said Sharon Town Supervisor Tony Desmond.
Students monitor watershed septics
Delhi News Bureau Septic systems in the New York City watershed are being monitored by State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduate students Jessica Martin, of Little Falls, and Alvin Chan, of Plattsburgh.
Upland Center to be dedicated on Tuesday
The State University College at Oneonta will dedicate its Upland Interpretive Center at the Thayer Property of the Biological Field Station in Cooperstown in a short ceremony at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Otsego rural electric names GM
Otsego Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors has named Stephen T. Rinell general manager and CEO of the organization.
SUCO fund drive nears goal
A five-year fund-raising campaign at the State University College at Oneonta has raised more than 90 percent of its goal with more than eight months to go, college officials said.
Flood-aid deadline extended
The deadline has changed to apply for flood assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
October 14, 2006
Vegetables safe here, growers say
Spinach, lettuce, mushrooms and carrot juice have been under scrutiny over the past few weeks; some had E. coli contamination and others were linked to cases of botulism.
Delhi woman honored
An 85-year-old Delhi woman who earned President George W. Bush’s President’s Call to Service Award last year has been named the Delhi Business and Professional Women’s 2006 Woman of the Year, according to Edith Pernice, Delhi BPW second-vice president.
Area news briefs
There was no change in the condition of a 19-year-old man beaten in a Cobleskill residence Wednesday, Cobleskill police said Friday evening.
Domestic-violence authority to speak
Phyllis B. Frank, a national authority on domestic violence and director of one of the oldest programs for batterers in the nation, will be at the State University College at Oneonta on Monday.
Rape trial to start Monday in Otsego
Jury selection in the case of Robert E. Collins, 31, of Richfield Springs is scheduled to begin Monday in Otsego County Court, according to John Muehl, the county’s district attorney.
Candidates haven’t agreed to debate
The race for Congress in New York’s 20th District may go all the way to election day without a debate between incumbent Republican Rep. John Sweeney of Clifton Park and Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand of Hudson.
Decision pending in NYRI lawsuit
City of Utica officials are awaiting a decision in their lawsuit against the New York Susquehanna & Western Railway, which is based in Cooperstown, New York Regional Interconnect Inc. and the Oneida County Industrial Development Agency.
October 13, 2006
Jury: Man raped clerk
After deliberating approximately 6½ hours Thursday, an Otsego County jury found Bobby L. Wallace of Youngstown, Ohio, guilty of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual act, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a switchblade knife.
Testimony in Glenford C. Hull’s trial
Testimony in Glenford C. Hull's trial for second-degree murder began after opening statements by Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup and Hull's attorney, Robert Harris of Albany.
Nonindustrial uses sought in Sixth Ward
Some residents of Oneonta’s Sixth Ward are seeking the rezoning of the former Delaware & Hudson rail yards for something other than heavy industry.
Memorial dedication
The Schoharie County Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial will be dedicated at noon Saturday to mark the final day of Fire Prevention Week, Sharon Town Supervisor Anthony Desmond said last week.
Cancer risks to be theme of conference
The Delaware County Cancer Coalition is presenting its sixth annual conference from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Stamford Central School.
Paintball activities to benefit church trip
A Saturday fundraiser will help a group of nearly 50 area church members with an upcoming missions trip, according to one of those involved.
Unabomber’s brother to talk
David Kaczynski, brother of the infamous Unabomber who terrorized universities and airports with mail bombs from the 1970s through 1990s, will speak about violence and healing at 8 p.m. Monday in the Hunt Union Ballroom at the State University College at Oneonta.
Man, 19,
in critical condition
A 19-year-old man was left with life-threatening injuries after he was beaten in a Cobleskill residence Wednesday night by another man, Cobleskill police said.
Chenango man defends study calculating Iraqi civilian deaths
A Chenango County man connected with a recent report on the Iraqi post-invasion civilian death toll said his methodology is similar to what would uncover the actual number of rapes in Otsego County.
Seward: Boycott ’Cocaine"
State Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, is calling for a boycott of an energy drink named after an illegal narcotic.
October 12, 2006
Area math scores trail state average
With the exception of fourth-grade scores, most area schools scored below the state average on 2005-06 state math tests in results released on Wednesday.
Jury seated in Delaware murder trial
A Meridale man’s trial for second-degree murder began with jury selection Wednesday and will continue today when testimony begins.
Sidney Center may spruce up for Christmas
The Sidney Center Community Improvement Group has been meeting since November on issues involving the community, member Jessica Farrell said.
Alleged rape victim testifies at man’s trial
An 18-year-old woman from Cooperstown testified Wednesday that on Feb. 26, she was raped at knifepoint at the Howard Johnson Inn and Suites in Hartwick.
Coalition urges screenings to fight cancer
There are some ways in which Otsego and Delaware counties are above average in the state: the rates for bladder cancer, oral cancer and leukemia.
Man charged with drug sale
A Sidney man was arrested Friday after a five-month investigation by the Delaware County Drug Enforcement Unit and Sidney police, according to a news release Wednesday from Sidney police.
Athletics, music to be part of SUCO Homecoming
Organizers expect hundreds of alumni, parents, family members and friends to visit the State University College at Oneonta for Homecoming and Family Weekend from Friday to Sunday.
Oneonta Court Report
Oneonta City Court reported that defendants pleaded guilty, unless otherwise indicated, and were fined and sentenced as listed below:
A retiree, a philosophy professor and a pastor were three of the award-winning woodworkers in a contest held last weekend by Wightman’s Specialty Woods of Portlandville.
Walton man pleads innocent to felony assault
A Walton man was arraigned Monday on felony assault charges in Delaware County Court for allegedly throwing a cigarette-rolling machine at his girlfriend, according to Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup.
Sidney nears hiring elementary principal
After meeting with various constituent groups to determine what is important in a Sidney Elementary School principal, Superintendent Sandra Cooper said, the field has been narrowed to six semifinalists.
Area news briefs
In Otsego County court on Friday before Judge Brian Burns, a Rensselaer man pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal contempt.
Edmeston woman helps soldier’s family
Tina Brett, resource-room teacher at Edmeston Central School, got some good news Friday night from the office of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.
October 10, 2006
Two local airports get total of $1.5M
Municipal airports in Oneonta and Sidney were two of the beneficiaries of $28 million in aviation-improvement funding announced Monday, according to a release from Gov. George Pataki.
Errors made, officials agree
Incorrect assumptions and a lack of oversight led to a ballot controversy involving the Eighth Ward Common Council seat, city and elections officials said Monday.
Local pols criticize N. Korea
Area office seekers were quick to condemn South Korea’s announcement Monday that it had conducted an underground nuclear test, but a retired professor said a little diplomacy might go a long way.
Local student interns at The Hague
A graduate of Cooperstown Central School is spending this semester as an intern at The Hague, in the Netherlands.
NAACP to honor Stamford mayor
The mayor of Stamford will be receiving the top award from the Oneonta branch of the NAACP for the way he handled racist letters sent in the village earlier this year and late last year.
SUCO to celebrate Hispanic cluture, note grads
A Flamenco Night featuring a flamenco workshop and performance will highlight the 2006 celebration of Hispanic Heritage Week at the State University College at Oneonta.
Soldier accused
of rape
A soldier was arrested Sunday on felony rape charges, according to Otsego County sheriff’s deputies.
WWII vet attends reunion
When he talked about his wartime experiences, tears well in the eyes of Oneonta resident George Solovitch.
Town bridge to reopen
The Pony Farm Road bridge in Oneonta reopens today at noon, said Oneonta Town Supervisor Duncan Davie.
October 9, 2006
O-State women win 13th game in a row
Oneonta State earned a 6-0 victory over visiting Potsdam on Saturday, extending its winning streak to 13 games and its SUNY Athletic Conference unbeaten run to 92.
October 6, 2006
Family prepares for murder trial
When a Meridale man’s murder trial begins next week, the alleged victim’s family members will be wearing buttons featuring Chance Caffery’s photo, according to Tina Cuevas, Caffery’s mother.
Day uses farms
to teach
The Third Annual Down on the Farm Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday will begin with a ramble on the historic Catskill Turnpike, with stops along the way at two farms and Hanford Mills Museum in East Meredith.
Local counties get agriculture grants
The Agriculture and Farmland Protection Boards in Delaware, Schoharie and Otsego counties received Farmland Viability Grants through Gov. George Pataki’s Grow New York program.
Area News Briefs
film about voting machines in the state will be shown next week at the Cooperstown Library and the Unitarian Universalist Society in Oneonta.
Hartwick to host talk, performance about kente cloth
Hartwick College’s Yager Museum of Art and Culture will host a special reception and presentation titled "Kente Cloth and the African American Road to Freedom" at 5:30 p.m. today.
Fly Creek meeting on land-use draws 200
About 200 people came to the Fly Creek Fire Hall on Wednesday night to discuss controversial conservation subdivision regulations that the Otsego Town Board is considering.
Broome judge to preside over Wlasiuk retrial
The retrial of Guilford man previously convicted of murdering his wife will be heard by Broome County Court Judge Martin Smith, a Chenango County court official said Thursday.
Police: NYC man had crack, scale
A Manhattan man was arrested Wednesday for alleged possession of about 47 grams of crack cocaine and an electronic scale, Otsego County sheriff’s deputies said.
Sidney responds to offer for Hospital
The town of Sidney is waiting to see how its response to a proposal to buy the former Hospital building is received, a lawyer involved with the situation said.
Norwich schools put on low-scores listing
The Norwich City School District was among 75 around the state identified as "In Need of Assistance" because of low performance among students with disabilities, state Department of Education Commissioner Richard Mills announced in a news release.
