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Thursday, December 29, 2005
Snow sculpting championship is here this year
The stage is set for a winter Wonderland in the village this February, when Cooperstown will host the 2006 New York State Snow Sculpting Championships. Scheduled for Feb. 16-19 at Lakefront Park, the event features 11 teams in a 72-hour sculpt-a-thon in which three people per team will hand carve a 12-ton block of man-made snow into a design of their choice.
Many merchants report holiday season was good
For many Cooperstown businesses, it was a very merry Christmas season.
People slim down `pound by pound'
Patrons of the Clark Sports Center are about to find out that losing a few pounds can be a great way to gain a few bucks. The Sports Center's "Pound by Pound" weight loss challenge begins next week and for every pound participants shed, they'll save $2 off the cost of their next membership fee.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Survey considers CCS buildings to be satisfactory
A state-mandated building condition survey completed in November gave overall building ratings of "satisfactory" to the three occupied structures making up the Cooperstown Central School district. The CCS school board approved the 2005 Building Condition Survey conducted by engineering firm Bearsch Compeau Knudson Architects & Engineers Dec. 14 at a regular board meeting.
No Wind turbines on Cape Wycoff
CHERRY VALLEY - Reunion Power has decided to pull the plug on its efforts to development a wind farm on the Cape Wycoff ridge in Cherry Valley. The company will continue to work toward siting as many as two dozen Wind turbines on East Hill, however.
Burch appointed to Otsego board
FLY CREEK - Orlo Burch was appointed to the Otsego town board last week. Burch ran for a seat on the town council in November and fell thirteen votes short of the mark in a four-way race.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Three members elected to Fly Creek fire board
FLY CREEK - Voters in the Fly Creek fire district have spoken loud and clear. Edward L. Kukenberger, Wolfgang J. Merk and Richard H. Carr were elected Fly Creek fire district commissioners and Elizabeth A. Staffin was elected district treasurer in uncontested elections Tuesday night. Kukenberger, seeking the five-year term vacated by Dean Colby, received 147 votes with no write-in candidates receiving votes. Merk, seeking the two-year unexpired term opened when Pat Rhyde resigned in June, received 146 votes with two people receiving single write-in votes apiece.
Village now holds title to Linden Avenue property
Thanks to the generosity of the great- great- grandchildren of the own-time owner, the village now holds title to a 2.5-acre parcel of land at the end of Linden Avenue where its trolley barn, streets garage and storage building are located.
Committee waits on concert choice
The village's concert committee decided last week to set a Jan. 15 deadline for proposals for a Doubleday Field event next summer. The committee reviewed one proposal already on the table from Ed and Judi Tripp, whose Tripp Family Productions stepped in at the eleventh-hour last year to act as promoters for the Beach Boys/Herman's Hermits concert.
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Fire district vote is next Tuesday
FLY CREEK - With less than a week to go until the Dec. 13 Fly Creek fire district election, the slate of candidates set to appear on the ballot remains uncertain. Board secretary Yvonne Colby did not show at an informal meeting Nov. 30 at which commissioners Mark Weir and Julie Pernat offered to sit down with Otsego town clerk Pam Deane to check the validity of the petitions submitted by candidates seeking election to the fire board. Attempts to call her that night were unsuccessful, Weir said.
Voters reject CCS project
Cooperstown school district residents left no doubt about their feelings on an almost $20 million capital project plan they defeated by a vote of 1,365 to 331 Tuesday.
ZBA makes more interpretations
The zoning board of appeals made two interpretations of the zoning law during its meeting Tuesday afternoon.
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Familiar issues surface in Otsego
FLY CREEK - It was apparent during two visioning workshops in the town of Otsego last month that when it comes to issues facing the area, little has changed in the last three years. Planning consultant Nan Stolzenburg and her staff are working on the revisions to the town's comprehensive plan and held two public workshops to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in the town, as well as develop a town-wide vision for the future.
Fate of project in voters' hands
Approximately 50 district residents turned out to hear the school's final presentation to the public about the $20 million capital project going before voters Tuesday.
Restored Richfield Springs clock will return to village
RICHFIELD SPRINGS - An icon of Richfield Springs and U.S. Route 20 will be back in service next week when the village's historic clock resumes operation after more than two years of restoration work.
Thursday, November 23, 2005
New village website has more to offer residents
The board of trustees got their first look at the village's new website Monday evening prior to their monthly meeting. Trustee Jeff Katz, a member of the planning committee, has overseen the new website which was created by Dan Holmes, the web manager at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Cell phones ring in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD - When Springfield resident Alicia Matis used her cell phone months ago, she had to sit in her kitchen at just the right angle in order to keep from being disconnected.
Burglary suspect arrested
Village police arrested a a convicted burglar Monday morning in connection with an incident that occurred in a Walnut Street home Nov. 12.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Cooperstown catches Redskin Fever
There's a new disease taking hold in the village these days and its symptoms include wild laughter, exuberant cheering and big, bright smiles. With one state title in the bag and a second one potentially on the line this weekend, Redskin fever has officially taken hold of Cooperstown.
Food bank is in need
Ellen St. John, director of the Cooperstown Food Bank, spoke to a crowd of 20 people at the village hall Tuesday night about the organization's need for volunteers and funding.
Public hearing will focus on town hall renovations
FLY CREEK - The Otsego town board will give residents a chance to offer their ideas about the renovation of the town hall during a public hearing next month.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Atwell, Kiernan win in Otsego board race
The town of Otsego will have an entirely new board after the first of the year. Republican Anne Geddes Atwell and Democrat Meg Kiernan were the top vote getters in Tuesday's four-way race for two open seats on the town board. John Schallert, who was running unopposed for an unexpired term on the board, will also join the board in January.
Linden Avenue
The board of trustees has narrowed the field of firms interested in providing site assessment and design work for the Linden Avenue project.
Citizens group wants to defeat capital project
A group of Cooperstown Central School district residents has formed a grassroots group whose aim is to defeat a proposed $20 million capital project which goes to the voters next month.
Thursday, November 3, 2005
Wind turbines a large issue in CV
CHERRY VALLEY - Wind turbines look to be a major issue between the two candidates running for the open seat on Cherry Valley's town board, Republican James C. Johnson and Independent Nicholas Pressly.
Four candidates vie for two board seats
FLY CREEK - Many familiar issues were discussed by the four residents seeking election to the Otsego town board during a candidates night Tuesday.
Three races this year in M-field
MIDDLEFIELD - Three races in the town of Middlefield will be decided Tuesday when voters cast their ballots.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Trailer park plan worries residents
MILFORD - A proposal to develop a 23-unit transient mobile home park for Cooperstown Dreams Park visitors in Milford has some residents concerned for the village's welfare and water supply. The plan, proposed by Landmark Construction Development, LLC, a Walton, N.Y.-based land developer, calls for 22 units with three bedrooms designed to support a maximum of six visitors each to be built on Oxbow Road in the town, said LDC representative Holly Hunter. A 23rd unit would house a full-time manager, she said.
Planning staff visits East Hill
CHERRY VALLEY - County planning director Terry Bliss wants his staff up to speed about Reunion Power's interest in siting as many as two dozen Wind turbines on East Hill in Cherry Valley.
Armstrong faces challenger again
SPRINGFIELD - After winning the Republican primary against challenger Allan Ulrich by a vote of 117 to 60, supervisor Thomas A. Armstrong will face his second challenge in his bid for re-election to an eighth term in office Nov. 3.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Trustees schedule Linden Ave. meet
The board of trustees has scheduled a meeting to review four proposals from firms interested in providing site assessment and planning work for the Linden Avenue visitor center and parking lot project. Hospital vice-president Joe Middleton, a member of the project's technical committee, addressed the board at the beginning of its meeting Monday night and passed on a recommendation to interview two of the four firms. Middleton said the proposals had been reviewed by village DPW superintendent Brian Clancy and Otsego town supervisor Tom Breiten, the remaining two members of the technical committee, and others in the village.
Fly Creek fire district's meeting cancelled again
FLY CREEK - With three-quarters of the commissioners absent, the Fly Creek fire district's monthly meeting didn't take place as scheduled Oct. 13. That didn't stop approximately 50 residents, commissioner Mark Weir and treasurer Betty Staffin from having a meeting, however.
Group shares Springfield farming memories
SPRINGFIELD — The rich history of four local family farms was the subject of a talk at the Springfield Library Sunday afternoon in the community center.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Supervisor and board continue their bickering
SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield town board met for three-and-a-half hours Monday night - but that wasn't enough time to address everything on the agenda. As a result, councilman Jim Wilsey suggested they schedule a special meeting to address the first part of the 2006 town budget and to meet with members of the planning board to address several minor revisions to Local Law 3.
Subdivided lot is still in limbo
The status of a recently created building lot on Lake Street remains unclear. The lot was formerly a part of the house and lot owned by Robert Schneider at the corner of Lake and Pioneer Streets
DOH explains formation of water districts
An official with the New York State Department of Health gave a presentation on the benefits and process of forming a water district to the Otsego County planning board Oct. 6.
Thursday, October 6, 2005
Suit seeks removal of Weir and Staffin
FLY CREEK - The son of the Fly Creek volunteer fire department chief has filed a petition seeking the removal of fire district treasurer Betty Staffin and commissioner Mark Weir. Chris Chandler, a member of the fire department and son of chief George Chandler, filed for the court action Wednesday morning with Albany's appellate division. Chris Chandler declined to comment about the suit. "I'm not going to play this out in the media," he said.
Public is left out of Linden meet
Mayor Carol Waller continues to play her cards close to the vest when it comes to Linden Avenue and a proposed visitor center and parking lot to be funded with $4.2 million in federal funds.
State begins FC fire district audit
FLY CREEK - The New York State Comptroller's Office has begun its audit of the Fly Creek fire district.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Village hires Nicols as new police chief
When Michael Crippen became village police chief in the early 1980's he took over from Hank Nicols. When Crippen retires Friday, he'll turn the department over to Nicols' daughter Diana. Diana Nicols, 33, was approved last week by the mayor and board of trustees to become Cooperstown's new chief of police. Village police committee chairman Stu Taugher said Monday that Nicols was a "standout" among the five candidates interviewed for the position. "She is a native of Cooperstown, highly qualified, well-educated and experienced," he said.
Giant pumpkins come to town this weekend
Preparations are well underway for the 2005 Pumpkinfest coming to Doubleday Field and Lakefront Park this weekend.
House site plan hearing cancelled
Following the advice of its attorney, the village planning board cancelled the public hearing it had scheduled for Tuesday afternoon on a site plan for a new home at 29 Lake Street.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Board will hear comment about house site plan
The village planning board has scheduled a public hearing and a long form SEQRA review for a site plan proposal to build a new home in what had once been the backyard of a Pioneer Street house. A new building lot was created earlier this year by Robert Schneider at 22 Pioneer Street by subdividing his property. The new lot fronts on Lake Street. The village zoning law requires a minimum of 5,000 square feet in the R2 and R3 districts. The minimum width required is 50 feet. The law does require that 50 feet be the frontage for the lot.
Fundraiser will benefit hurricane victims
A local non-profit, religious organization and a church are sponsoring a benefit concert for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, including two former Cooperstown residents.
Chief, attorney seek to dissolve FC fire district
FLY CREEK — Fire department chief George Chandler and lawyer Brad Pinsky are seeking to dissolve the Fly Creek fire district.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Armstrong and Breiten winners
Incumbent supervisors Tom Armstrong in the town of Springfield and Tom Breiten in the town of Otsego won Republican primaries Tuesday, although only Breiten's win is decisive. Armstrong, 78, is a life-long resident of Springfield and has been the supervisor since 1991. "I'm very pleased that I've got very good support," Armstrong said Wednesday morning. "They really worked to beat me. I think the majority of the people support me."
OCCA sues Hartwick boards, Dreams Park
HARTWICK - The Otsego County Conservation Association [OCCA] has filed suit seeking to halt work on the Cooperstown Dreams Park's latest expansion plan and require the Hartwick town planning board to go back through the site plan review process.
Letter will explain town land use regs
SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield town board approved a motion to send a letter to Springfield residents and area real estate agents, and councilman Jim Wilsey again raised concerns about the financial handling of the town's finances Monday night.
Thursday, September 8, 2005
Breiten, Lieber in Otsego town supervisor primary
FLY CREEK - The Republican primary for supervisor in the town of Otsego could decide the race between Tom Breiten and Tom Lieber or set the stage for a face off in November's general election. Both Breiten and Lieber filed independent nominating petitions in addition to their party petitions to place their names on the ballot on a second line. Bretien's petition was successful, but some signatures on Lieber's were challenged by Breiten and the petition was declared void, according to the county board of elections.
Pierstown wants large lot zoning
PIERSTOWN - A growing number of residents and property owners in the Pierstown area are becoming concerned about the potential impacts of residential development.
Armstrong to face primary challenge
SPRINGFIELD - The Republican primary Tuesday will be the first test incumbent town of Springfield supervisor Thomas A. Armstrong will face in his bid for re-election to an eighth term in office.
Thursday, September 1, 2005
Schools to resume classes next week
Good news for parents, bad news for kids: school's right around the corner and area schools have been working hard to prepare for another exciting year of education. "The first day of school is always a little hectic, but the energy is always pretty high," said Cooperstown Central School high school principal Gary Kuch.
Board agrees to cut concert bill
Mayor Carol Waller cast the deciding vote Tuesday on a motion to not hold concert promoters Ed and Judy Tripp to the terms of a verbal agreement and reduce the amount they owed to the village.
School tax bills easier on town
MIDDLEFIELD - Town supervisor David Bliss said he hasn't heard any complaints yet about this year's school tax bills. "That was the plan. That's what we were striving for," he said.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Half of lakeside septic sytems fail inspection
OTSEGO LAKE - Half the property owners around Otsego Lake may be faced with paying for the repair or replacement of their septic systems in the next few years. Alan Machenberg, who owns a camp on the lake, worries the cost involved may create financial problems for him and some others.
Blood Drive will honor Ferrando
Bassett Hospital is holding a blood drive next week in memory of a Cooperstown Central School graduate who died in April. The drive, scheduled for Aug. 29 and 30 at Bassett Hall, is being held in memory of Brett Ferrando, of Fly Creek, who graduated from CCS in 2003.
Former CCS wrestler fights for TV contract
A Cooperstown Central School graduate is competing for the ultimate prize: a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Village, chamber may help cut concert promoter's loss
From all reports, a good time was had by all at the Beach Boys/Herman's Hermits concert last Thursday evening. What was not so good was that slower than expected tickets sales left promoters Ed and Judi Tripp looking at a potential loss for the event. The less than 3,100 tickets sold did not reach the break even target and prompted mayor Carol Waller to suggest to the board of trustees Monday night that the village not hold the Tripps to the $2 per ticket fee the village was to receive.
FC fire board limping along
FLY CREEK - According to several of the state agencies contacted by Otsego town supervisor Tom Breiten, the Fly Creek fire district board of commissioners is still a functional board. Try telling that to the residents of Fly Creek.
Irish Hill residents express concerns
Residents of Irish Hill were at the village board meeting Monday night to talk to the trustees about the condition of the infrastructure in the area trustee Paul Kuhn called the "forgotten child of Cooperstown."
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Beach Boys take the stage tonight
There are still plenty of tickets for tonight's Beach Boys concert at Doubleday Field. Appearing with the Beach Boys will be British invasion band Herman's Hermits with singer Peter Noone. By midday Monday, the official tally of tickets sold stood at 2,823, far short of last year's sell out crowd for Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. "It's not the quantity, it's the quality," village concert committee chairman Lee Malone said about the second annual summer concert.
Presutti says four new fields will be enough
HARTWICK - The end is in sight. The four new ballfields called for in the Cooperstown Dreams Park's latest expansion plan will be the last.
Man recreates Toddsville Honor Roll
TODDSVILLE - One man's effort has become an entire community's honor. Leslie Parshall, a World War II Navy veteran and Toddsville native, erected an Honor Roll on his property on Greenough Road Aug. 4 to commemorate the 41 Toddsville residents who served in the second world war.
Thursday, August 4, 2005
Boggs, Sandberg newest members of Hall of Fame
A sea of blue, mostly attired in Cubs jerseys and hats, awaited 2005 Hall of Fame Inductees Ryne Sandberg and Wade Boggs when they arrived at the Clark Sports Center for their induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Sunday afternoon. Those Chicago Cubs fans helped make this year's ceremony the third largest in history, trailing only the 1999 and 1995 Induction ceremonies in terms of attendance. In 1999, when Nolan Ryan, George Brett and Robin Yount were elected, a record 50,000 fans attended, while close to 40,000 saw the '95 induction of Mike Schmidt and Richie Ashburn.
Baseball fans descend on Cooperstown
They came from all over. From as nearby as Albany to as far away as Japan, an estimated 28,000 fans flooded Cooperstown last weekend to celebrate the induction of Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Linden Avenue funds reduced, but approved
The federal appropriation for the village's Linden Avenue parking lot and visitor center has been approved, but not before more than $800,000 was shaved off the original total. News that the funding is secure is the green light officials had been waiting for since the federal appropriation was announced more than a year ago.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Boggs, Sandberg enter Hall of Fame Sunday
In front of what will likely be the largest Induction Ceremony crowd in at least five years, the Hall of Fame will welcome two new members on Sunday. Third baseman Wade Boggs and second baseman Ryne Sandberg will join the fraternity of baseball's elite beginning at 1:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center.
Board hires firm to review DEIS
The village planning board has hired a consulting firm to review Bassett Hospital's draft environmental impact statement for its proposed parking plan.
Hall of Fame is up, but Main St. sales are slower
In the past, when attendance was up at the Baseball Hall of Fame it was reflected by the constant cha-ching of cash registers up and down Main Street. But this year is different.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
10 seasons and Dreams Park as popular as ever
HARTWICK SEMINARY — Louis A. Presutti may not have heard a voice like the character in "Field of Dreams," but he did build it. And boy oh, boy, did they come. For 10 years now, the Cooperstown Dreams Park and American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame (AYBHOF) has been welcoming droves of eager youths from around the nation and Canada to play baseball in Cooperstown, the home of America's pastime.
Fly Creek Fire Board's status still unclear
FLY CREEK — More than a week after four out of five fire board commissioners failed to show up for the July meeting, the situation in Fly Creek remains in total disarray. Bills are going unpaid, at least one commissioner has resigned from the fire board and rumors persist of mass resignations in the fire department.
Waller wants to make changes for Linden Ave.
Mayor Carol Waller told the village board of trustees that she has run out of patience over Linden Avenue.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
No decision yet on Dreams Park
HARTWICK - A decision on the Cooperstown Dreams Park's latest three-year expansion plan was put off until next month by the Hartwick planning board to give the county planning board a chance to complete its review of the project.
Junior volunteers learn, help out at Bassett
With their training complete and the proper techniques for hand-washing down pat, the Bassett Healthcare junior volunteer team for the 2005 summer program is assembled and ready to go.
Ticket sales steady
Ticket sales for the summer concert at Doubleday Field featuring the Beach Boys and Herman's Hermits are "inching away," according to chamber of commerce director Polly Renckens.
Thursday, July 7, 2005
Springfield post office to stay put
SPRINGFIELD CENTER - Springfield residents hoping to see the post office on Route 80 relocate to a less dangerous location are out of luck for at least a few more years. "At this time, the postal service is not looking for alternate quarters," said John Riley, manager of post office operations for capital cities west, the region in which Springfield falls. "We're relatively happy with the facility we're in."
Group posts signs
CHERRY VALLEY - The Advocates for Cherry Valley are working to get the word out about their opposition to a wind turbine farm. Approximately 100 "No Wind turbines " signs have been put up recently, according to Andrew Minnig, a long-time member of the group.
New Otsego Lake book to be released Friday
The results of a year's worth of photos of Otsego Lake will be unveiled Friday in "Otsego Lake Past and Present: The Photographs of Richard S. Duncan."
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Glimmerglass begins new opera season
The Glimmerglass Opera is much like the proverbial stone tossed into a pond: The ripples it makes radiate outward long after the stone has dropped from sight.
Foundation may offer lake access
The state senate and assembly have approved a bill that would limit the size of boats that could use a state launch on Otsego Lake should the state ever seek to establish one here. The bill is a watered-down version of a request made by the village board of trustees in March asking the state for an outright ban on a new state launch.
CV-S seniors complete high school years
SPRINGFIELD — With gowns shimmering in the opera theater lights, caps perched atop their heads and eyes looking to the future, the Cherry Valley-Springfield class of 2005 graduated Saturday afternoon at the Alice Busch Opera Theater. "We are here to celebrate a milestone," said salutatorian Calyn Wissick. In her salutatory, Wissick compared the lives of the graduates to the acts of a play, with childhood being act one, high school act two and the days after graduation act three.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Residents claim sidewalks are no pedestrian issue
Village residents have stepped up their requests to have trustees make a greater effort to replace sidewalks which pose a danger to pedestrians. The start of Monday's board of trustees meeting was filled with comments from residents who wanted to draw greater attention to problem sidewalks. Mary Marx told the board there are many places where she has tripped on uneven sidewalks.
Top cop to retire
Village police chief Michael Crippen has announced his intention to retire at the end of September. Crippen, 52, has been with the force for 29 years and will join sergeant Joe Kenney, another department veteran who announced his retirement last week. The pair went to school together and spent their entire careers in law enforcement working together.
Reunion hosts a turbine tour
CHERRY VALLEY - Reunion Power took a busload of people on a tour of the 20 turbines in the town Fenner Saturday to show them which way the wind blows.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Fire board meeting fails to resolve issues
FLY CREEK - The Fly Creek Board of Fire Commissioners addressed a myriad of issues at its explosive June 8 meeting, but left many questions unanswered when all was said and done. After moving the meeting into the engine room to accommodate the more than 100 area residents who showed up in search of answers, the board struggled through an almost 3-hour meeting that was frequently punctuated with shouted comments from the crowd and coaching from the sidelines by fire chief George Chandler and the fire department's attorney, Brad Pinksy.
State to audit fire district
FLY CREEK - The New York State Comptroller's Office has agreed to perform an audit of the Fly Creek fire district.
DOT to require stop light at Dreams Park entrance
HARTWICK - The Department of Transportation has told the Cooperstown Dreams Park that there will have to be a traffic light at its entrance on Route 28.
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Hearing draws comments from owners, officials
A decision from the zoning board of appeals about the meaning of the term "owner occupied" will not come before August. The board held a one hour and forty minute hearing Tuesday afternoon to hear comment from the public and attorneys representing the village and B&B owner Doug Walker. The issue is before the ZBA because of a case in village court which is waiting for an interpretation of the law by the ZBA.
Emergency services holds mass casualty drill
CHERRY VALLEY - A school bus has crashed. Several students are critically injured. At least one person is dead. A deputy responding to the accident is exposed to a mysterious white substance, and in the modern age of global terrorism, anthrax is suspected.
Concert tickets on sale Saturday
Tickets for this summer's Beach Boys/Herman's Hermits concert will go on sale this Saturday and Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce director Polly Renckens is expecting a long line again this year.
Thursday, June 2, 2005
ZBA seeking public input
The village zoning board of appeals will hold a public hearing next Tuesday in regard to the meaning of the term "owner occupied." The term is used in the zoning law in reference to tourist accommodations and the mandate that the owner must "occupy" the residence as a condition of the required special permit. However, "owner occupied" is not specifically defined in the village's zoning law.
Rental rules are topic of hearing
FLY CREEK - The Otsego town board will hold a public hearing next week on regulations and a licensing procedure that will govern short-term rentals in the town.
CCS names top seniors
A brain scientist, a radiologist and an international diplomat are just three possible careers in store for three of the top four graduating seniors in Cooperstown Central School's 2005 class.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Game, parade draw big crowd
The summer season got off to a slow start this weekend then roared into gear Monday when more than 10,000 people crowded Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame Game and parade May 21. "It was just astounding," said Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce director Polly Renckens. "Well over 10,000 people" came into town for the weekend to be a part of the festivities, Renckens said. Renckens said she had heard lots of "good" reports from local businesses she had talked to, but no "greats."
Surf's Up!
Break out the jams, wax the surfboard, fuel up the woodie and head down to historic Doubleday Field for an evening of good vibrations when pop music institution The Beach Boys will perform in concert August 11.
Bassett's DEIS is filed with board
Bassett Hospital has filed its draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for their proposed parking lots at Harrison House and Bassett Hall with the village planning board. The planning board must now review and accept the DEIS after which the public may make comment on the document.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Most believe game a plus for economy
With a large crowd expected for Monday's Hall of Fame Game and parade, many business owners expect the weekend to be a boon for the local economy. "I think it will provide a tremendous influx of money into the town," said Jeff Foster, owner of Legends Are Forever. Foster thinks that more than 25,000 fans will show up, even though Doubleday Field only seats 10,000. "People will come out of curiosity."
Summer concert still a possibility
The village's concert committee still has hope there will be a performance this summer on Doubleday Field. Two weeks ago, the committee to met to assess the possibility of a concert on the historic field after it was learned that John Fogerty and John Mellencamp will not be appearing in Cooperstown. There had been discussions about a twin bill featuring the two performers, but they opted to play at larger venues.
Voters approve school budgets
Voters in area school districts approved spending plans for the coming year during the annual budget vote and school board election Tuesday.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
RFP is first look at project details
The first visible signs of progress on the creation of a visitor center and parking facility at the Linden Avenue extension surfaced Friday afternoon. It broke an almost year long silence about the project since the announcement of a $5 million federal appropriation for the facility was made by Congressman Sherwood Boehlert last May 10.
Planners call in help for review
HARTWICK — The Hartwick town planning board picked up its review of the Cooperstown Dreams Park's latest three-year expansion plan with assistance from an environmental and land use attorney.
Middlefield may receive tax relief
MIDDLEFIELD - There may be good news for Middlefield property owners. Town supervisor Dave Bliss said Tuesday afternoon that he has heard unofficially from the state that there will be a solution to the equalization rate snafu that last year placed a heavier school tax burden on Middlefield property owners.
Thursday, May 5, 2005
It may be curtains for summer concert
Unless something surfaces in the next two weeks, it looks as though Cooperstown will have to wait until next year for another concert at Doubleday Field. The village's concert committee met Monday afternoon to discuss where things stand now that it is certain John Mellencamp and John Fogerty will not be appearing here. Trustee Lee Malone, who chairs the concert committee, told members she was disappointed in Jam Productions for not notifying the village sooner that they would not be promoting the concert tour.
Board divided over residency
FLY CREEK - The Otsego town board last week continued to debate details of a proposed local law that would regulate short-term rentals, but failed to reach agreement about whether non-residents would be able to operate them.
ZBA asked for interpretation
Once again, the meaning of the village's zoning law is going to boil down to one word. In the past, it was the infamous missing word, which cost the village a court case and left open the door for some weekly rental operations that are still in business today despite being out of compliance with the zoning law.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Summer concert now in question
The village's plan to host another concert at Doubleday Field, this time featuring John Fogerty and John Mellencamp, has not worked out. In February, trustee Lee Malone, the chairwoman of the village's concert committee, said it looked like this summer's concert would feature the two artists playing at the field on August 12. But since then, show promoter Jam Productions was unable to put together a tour package that included Cooperstown, according to mayor Carol Waller.
No lake launch bill introduced
ALBANY - Legislation that would prohibit the state from establishing a boat launch on the shores of Otsego Lake has been introduced into the state senate and assembly.
CV-S grad to pedal from Alaska to Florida
While her friends and classmates are home enjoying their break from school or working a summer job for some extra cash, Diana Lane will be pedaling for a good cause, across the entire continent.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Stop signs a go
Persistence paid off Monday night for a group of parents who were convinced of the need for stop signs at two Walnut Street intersections near the elementary school. After many committee and board meeting discussions about pedestrian safety, the board of trustees approved a change in the village's vehicle and traffic laws that would make the Walnut Street intersections at Susquehanna Avenue and Delaware Street all-way stops.
Bassett volunteer is an inspiration to others
Every Thursday, Laurie Hext spends her afternoons greeting people, answering phones, and taking messages, but she does not get paid.
Milford's plan is near completion
MILFORD — After nearly eight months of planning and meetings between village officials and Thoma Development Consultants, Milford's comprehensive plan is in its final stages of completion.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
B&B inspections, fees to start soon
It won't be too much longer before the village begins to impose an annual fee and inspection on tourist accommodations. Nearly two years ago, following a six-month moratorium on new or expanded tourist accommodations, the board of trustees enacted changes to the zoning law that require annual inspections and the payment of fees based on the number of rooms for rent. Until now, those provisions of the law had not been implemented, in part, code enforcement officer Al Keck said, because there was no mechanism set up to collect the fees and make the inspections.
Group seeks input for paver project
The Friends of Doubleday would like to breathe some new life into their efforts to create an endowment for Doubleday Field.
Dreams Park review stalled
HARTWICK - The Hartwick town planning board began its environmental review of the Cooperstown Dreams Park's latest expansion plan Tuesday night, but concerns about how much of the park should be included in the review stalled the process.
Thursday, April 7, 2005
New stop signs go to hearing
The board of trustees has scheduled a public hearing about a change to the village's vehicle and traffic laws that would make two Walnut Street intersections all-way stops. The change was requested by a group of parents who are concerned about the safety of their young children crossing the street on their way to and from elementary school. The parents have been to recent police committee and board meetings to ask for stop signs at the Walnut Street intersections with Delaware Street and Susquehanna Avenue.
Maud Foutch turns 100
Maud Foutch has seen it all, an entire century of trends, businesses, and people come and go, but she is still here. Last Saturday, Foutch turned 100 years old.
Ommegang has expansion plan
MIDDLEFIELD - In response to increasing demand for their beers, Brewery Ommegang is planning an expansion project which will boost production capacity by 40 percent.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Property owners threaten lawsuit over turbine sites
CHERRY VALLEY - Some East Hill property owners have sent letters to neighbors putting them on notice that if they allow Wind turbines on their property they may be facing a lawsuit. More than two dozen land owners have banded together and hired environmentalist attorney, Peter Henner, to represent them in an effort to dissuade neighbors from signing leases with Reunion Power which is interested in developing wind farms on two sites in Cherry Valley.
CCS student headed to state competition
Katie Anania has helped put Cooperstown Central School on the map. Anania, a seventh grader at CCS is the first student at CCS to make it to the National Geographic Bee state competition, which will be held tomorrow at the New York State Museum in Albany.
Town is closer to rental regulations
FLY CREEK - The Otsego town board held a special meeting Tuesday to continue work on regulations for short-term rentals in the town.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Parents voice concern about intersections
The board of trustees heard Monday night from many village parents about their concerns over the safety of children trying to cross Walnut Street at two intersections near the elementary school.
Village taxes up in new budget
Village residents will see an increase in the tax rate for the third year in a row, according to a tentative budget presented to the board of trustees Monday night.
CCS board trims spending plan
The Cooperstown Central School Board of Education presented it's 2005-2006 budget for the second time during last week's regularly scheduled board meeting.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Leo Club members visit the United Nations
There is a new cat on the prowl. Late last January, the Cooperstown Leo Club received its charter, beginning its first year with 28 members who plan on bettering their community through projects such as working with the elderly at Otsego Manor and volunteering at the SSPCA.
LOSAP approved by village voters
Village voters overwhelmingly approved a length of service award program for the volunteers of the fire department and emergency medical squad.
Katz and Kuhn win board seats
Challengers Jeff Katz and Paul Kuhn unseated incumbent village trustees Madalyn Cimino and Milo Stewart, Jr. Tuesday in one of the biggest voter turnouts in recent years for the annual village election.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Linden Ave. funds, land deal are near
The five million federal dollars earmarked for a visitor center and parking area at the end of Linden Avenue got one step closer to Cooperstown last week. Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, who announced the multi-million dollar appropriation in May 2004, said last week that the House transportation committee passed the Transportation Equity Act which includes the funding for the village.
Water worries rise on Rt. 28
HARTWICK - Concerns about water may be one of the major issues involved in the review of the Cooperstown Dreams Park's latest three-year expansion plan that would increase the park's attendance my another 20 percent. During Tuesday's Hartwick planning board meeting, members discussed some indications that development along the route 28 corridor may be starting to impact residential wells.
Candidates compete for two board seats
On Tuesday, village residents will decide on two candidates for the board of trustees. The candidates include incumbents Madalyn Cimino and Milo Stewat, Jr. and challlengers Jeff Katz and Paul Kuhn.
Thursday, March 3, 2005
Board candidates have their night
Many of the same issues that have been facing the village for years were again the topic of discussion Tuesday evening. The four village board hopefuls came together in a League of Women Voters sponsored Candidate's Night to answer questions from village residents who will select two members of the board of trustees later this month. The event drew a larger than normal crowd on a snowy March night to hear incumbents Madalyn Cimino and Milo Stewart, Jr. and challengers Jeffrey Katz and Paul Kuhn express their views.
Spending up in new CCS budget
The Cooperstown Central School Board of Education presented it's 2005-2006 budget for the first time at its board meeting last night. The new budget totals $14,427,448, a 5.62 percent increase from last year's $13,659,636 budget, said CCS superintendent Mary Jo McPhail. It is expected to increase the school tax levy by 8 percent, she said.
Society wants Fly Creek historic district
FLY CREEK - The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will spearhead an effort to establish a Fly Creek Historic District.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Bosox fans make game a sellout
Red Sox Nation descended on Cooperstown Saturday morning for the Hall of Fame Game ticket sale, and many of them left disappointed. Approximately 1,000 fans, almost all garbed in Boston gear, lined up outside the Baseball Hall of Fame for the annual ticket sale, which began at 11 a.m. The line started at the library entrance in Cooper Park, and continued through the park, down Main St. and back up River St. to Church St. The May 23 game at Doubleday Field will include the defending World Series champion Red Sox against the Detroit Tigers.
Doubleday in need of repairs
Doubleday Field will be receiving some structural repairs this fall, but the complete details and the pricing are not yet concrete.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Game tickets go on sale Saturday
Tickets for the 59th annual Hall of Fame Game, featuring the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers, will be available for the first time in a one-day sale at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum this Saturday, Feb. 19, beginning at 11 a.m.
Board talks over building change
FLY CREEK - The town of Otsego narrowed its design choices for an addition to the town office building during a special meeting Tuesday afternoon.
Teacher contract inked
Cooperstown Central School Superintendent Mary Jo McPhail and CCS Faculty Association President Marjorie Schleining formally announced Tuesday that the school's faculty contract was approved by both parties.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Winter Carnival kicks off Friday
Residents in Cooperstown are planning on reelin' in a fun and eventful weekend. Cooperstown will hold its 39th annual Winter Carnival this weekend, Feb 11, 12 and 13. The festive weekend, whose theme is "Reelin in the Years," will include a parade with lights and fireworks, themes from past decades and live shows at local businesses.
Dreams Park plans to expand again
HARTWICK - Only ten months after its last multi-year expansion plan was approved, the Cooperstown Dreams Park has submitted another that calls for a similar 20 percent increase in the number of players and coaches coming to the camp for a week of tournament baseball.
Officials listen to tourism concerns
Tourism and business officials reminded their constituents that it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease during a prelude to a legislative reception at the Otesaga Hotel last Thursday.
Thursday, February 3, 2005
Second concert also a twin bill
It looks like this year's concert at Doubleday Field will again feature two headliners - this time John Fogerty and John Mellencamp. Concert committee chairwoman Lee Malone said Monday afternoon that it now looks like the two veteran performers will be playing in concert on Doubleday Field on Friday, Aug. 12. Last year, the village hosted its first concert on the historic baseball diamond with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. The success of that concert and the public's positive response led the board of trustees to pursue another event this summer.
CCS grad to publish novel
Budding author and former Cooperstown Central School graduate Eugena Pilek plans to release her first novel, "Cooperstown," this July.
CCS splits roof from project
The Cooperstown Central School board of education has separated the roof replacement plans and some other items from the district's capital project in an effort to have the more pressing repairs completed quicker.
Thursday, Janaury 27, 2005
Town still working on new rental regs
FLY CREEK - Short-term rental regulations in the town of Otsego are a work in progress and should not impact the coming summer season, according to town supervisor Tom Breiten. "The town board realizes seasonal rentals are booked well in advance and I am confident that implementation of any regulations would take place on a timetable that should not disrupt operation of the weekly rental units," Breiten said.
Bank withdraws ATM proposal
Key Bank withdrew its application for a drive-up automatic teller machine Tuesday afternoon when it appeared likely the planning board would give the project a positive declaration and trigger the completion of an environmental impact statement.
Ballot fills up
The village election ballot is taking shape. Tuesday night, one of the largest Republican caucuses in recent years nominated two candidates for the upcoming March election when voters will choose two village trustees.
Thursday, Janaury 17, 2005
Fly Creek fire department, district try to resolve issues
FLY CREEK - Temperatures rose last week at the Fly Creek Fire District commissioners' meeting. Mark Weir's 99-15 victory over Jim Hotaling in last month's election for Fire Commissioner has made some members of the department, as well as the community, uneasy. However, while Fire Chief Jim Pernat has accused Weir of starting unnecessary controversy, Weir said the large voter turnout and his landslide victory shows that the residents of Fly Creek want change.
Plan board asks for ATM changes
The village planning board has asked Key Bank to consider walk-up, rather than drive-up banking. Representatives from the bank were at Tuesday's meeting to continue the planning board's review of their proposal to locate a drive-up automatic teller machine in the rear of a building at the corner of Chestnut and Beaver Streets.
Board seeks new chairman
SPRINGFIELD-The Town of Springfield Planning Board is looking for a new chairperson.
Thursday, Janaury 6, 2005
Safe is open again
It's safe to say that this time the village will find a more secure place to keep the combination. On Tuesday morning, safesmith Steve Pickett, of Pickett Lock and Safe in Oneonta, cut his way through the backside of a 100-year-old standing vault in the village office building basement that had been inadvertently locked three or four years ago. Pickett was hired by the village to open the safe after it was discovered that no one could find the combination, said village treasurer Mary Ann Henderson.
Boggs, Sandberg are 2005 inductees
Surprisingly, the National Baseball Hall of Fame will welcome two new members during its 2005 Induction Ceremony in July, as hitting specialist Wade Boggs and defensive specialist Ryne Sandberg were elected in voting announced Tuesday afternoon.
Playing on Doubleday is worth the wait
For the second year in a row, Brett Rudy took time off from work to spend the night in the cold, but he said it was well worth it.
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