|
|
|
Thursday, December 28, 2006
New bridge will be open soon
The new Susquehanna Avenue bridge will soon reopen to traffic.
Town of Otsego honors worker
Sometimes people get thanked for even the most thankless of tasks.
Court upholds board decision
Randel and Natasha Scharf have been unsuccessful in their attempt to have the site plan approval for a new home next door overturned by the court.
Village seeks lead agency status for dock plan
The Department of Environmental Conservation says it has no objection to the village assuming lead agency status for the review of the Glimmerglass Queen boat dock project.
Rathbun to retire after 39 years
After working for Church and Scott Pharmacy, Inc. in Cooperstown for 39 years, Elnora Rathbun has finally found one prescription she’s ready to take instead of give out: retirement.
Boy Scout troop to return to Grand Canyon
Cooperstown Scout Troop 1254 is getting ready physically and financially for its biennial "super trip." Approximately 30 scouts, siblings and parents will embark next April on a trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Cherry Valley board adopts wind ordinance
CHERRY VALLEY _ The Cherry Valley town board adopted one of, if not the most, stringent local wind ordinance in the state Thursday night and at the same time pulled the plug on Reunion Power's plans for the East Hill Wind Farm.
Hartwick plan board sued by motel owner
HARTWICK _ Rainbow Enterprises, which operates the Holiday Inn on State route 28, has filed a lawsuit against the Hartwick town planning board over the positive declaration it gave the corporation’s proposal to build a 74-room Hampton Inn next door.
Bridge gets six month reprieve
Area residents hoping to see the Toddsville Bridge over Oaks Creek preserved for pedestrian and recreational use have six more months to investigate restoration options for the more than 100-year-old bridge.
Candlelight Evening is Sunday
The Farmers’ Museum’s holiday tradition, Candlelight Evening, will be held this Sunday, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Grant will fund Hyde Hall bridge project
An $800,000 grant will be used to build a 100-foot, historically accurate walking bridge entry to historic Hyde Hall, State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford announced Friday in the Cooperstown village offices.
Hartwick accepts resignation, appoints two board members
HARTWICK _ The town board accepted one resignation and made two appointments to the Hartwick town board Monday night.
Leonardo r-e-p-e-a-t-s
Michael Leonardo may not remember any of the words he spelled correctly en route to his second consecutive Cooperstown Central School spelling bee victory, but there’s one word he’ll never forget.
CCS project vote will be in May
Voters in the Cooperstown Central School District will decide on a $7.2 million capital project in May at the same time as the annual budget vote and school board elections.
Chamber is looking for rooms
The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce is looking for more rooms for Induction Weekend.
CV-S unveils updated district website
Getting information about Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School became a lot easier with the recent launch of the district’s new website.
What’s Happening
Email Local Event Information to crier@csdsl.net
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
BREAKING NEWS - Rainbow Enterprises sues Hartwick planning board
HARTWICK _ Rainbow Enterprises has filed a lawsuit against the Hartwick town planning board over the positive declaration it gave the corporation's proposal to build a 74-room Hampton Inn.
BREAKING NEWS - County gives Toddsville bridge six more months
The Otsego County Public Works Committee voted 2-1 Tuesday morning in favor of giving a group of local residents six additional months to investigate restoration options for a closed bridge across Oaks Creek in Toddsville.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
CCS capital project climbs to more than $7M
The Cooperstown Central School board will proceed with a capital project costing approximately $7.2 million.The revised project represents an increase of nearly $2 million in cost and expanded scope compared to a draft of the project examined this summer.
ZBA approves change of use
A proposal to locate a bank at 73 Chestnut St. cleared a major hurdle Tuesday when the zoning board of appeals approved the change in use following a public hearing. The financial institution, to be known as Bank of Cooperstown, would occupy the space that currently houses Ron Mitchell’s antique shop.
Couple wants to convert Woodside Hall to inn
A plan to convert the former Woodside Hall adult home into an ``upscale inn’’ was discussed during the zoning board of appeals meeting Tuesday.
Linden Ave project calls for new school entrance
CLA Site, the firm chosen to do site analysis and design work for the Linden Ave. project will submit a scoping document for the project to the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) next week.
Former CCS student sells his internet business to Yahoo!
Two former Cooperstown Central School students are riding the internet wave from coast to coast after Yahoo! purchased the company for which they work.
Stroll set for Saturday
The sounds of sleigh bells and carolers will fill the air on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Third Annual Cooperstown Christmas Stroll.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Preservation winners named
The Village of Cooperstown recently announced the recipients of its 2004-2006 Planning Board Historic Preservation Awards.
ZBA hearing is Tues.
The zoning board of appeals will hold a public hearing next week on a change in use for the property at 73 Chestnut St. from an antique shop to a bank.
Milford trio heading to China this summer
Three Milford teenagers will get first-hand lessons in geography and social studies next summer when they spend 17 days in China as student ambassadors.
Reunion offers free power to Cherry Valley
Reunion Power was expected to announce late Wednesday afternoon that it has upped the ante by offering to further subsidize the electricity cost for residents in the town and village of Cherry Valley.
Mayor to create induction group
The 2007 Hall of Fame ballot was released on Monday for what’s expected to be one of the biggest induction ceremonies in a long time.
Otsego’s revised plan on town’s website
A revised draft of the comprehensive plan for the town of Otsego can now be viewed on the town’s website.
Staley to end tenure as board chairman
David Staley will preside over his final meeting as chairman of the Springfield planning board next week.
CV extends moratorium
The Cherry Valley town board last week voted to extend a moratorium on development for 45 days. The moratorium, which had expired the week before, was adopted to give the town a chance to put in place a local wind ordinance before Reunion Power submits its site plan application for its East Hill Wind Farm.
Thursday, November 24, 2006
CCS to finalize project
The Cooperstown Central School board of education will look to put the finishing touches on a new capital project at a work session Wednesday afternoon.
Group works to preserve bridge
The Toddsville Bridge over Oaks Creek has been granted a temporary "stay of execution" thanks to the efforts of a group of local residents who want to see it preserved as a walking path.
Clark honored by Gov.
Cooperstown philanthropist Jane Forbes Clark was presented with a 2006 Parks and Preservation Award for her efforts to preserve New York’s historic and natural resources by Gov. George Pataki during a ceremony in New York City Thursday. It is the third major preservation award Clark has received since 2001.
New edition of `Cooperstown’ to be released this Saturday
The Farmers’ Museum announced by press release the re-publication of Louis C. Jones’ classic bestseller, "Cooperstown," a volume on the village’s rich and compelling history.
Lawyer: board has no authority
The village has been informed by attorney Robert Birch that his clients Paula and Terry Wikoff have withdrawn any pending applications with the zoning board of appeals or planning board in regard to the roof covering for their tour boat the Glimmerglass Queen in the belief the village has no jurisdiction over their proposal.
Elementary students to 'Mix-it-up'
Students returning to Cooperstown Elementary School after Thanksgiving break are likely to be somewhat mixed up when classes resume. Not just because they’re returning to class after the first vacation of length, but because a program designed to promote awareness of a school’s social climate will have students doing all sorts of things they don’t usually do.
Roof bids higher than expected
The board of trustees is looking for additional funding for the roof and skylight project for the library building.
Neighbors say take it down
While some people are busy trying to find a way to rebuild the lower Toddsville bridge for walking, the neighbors living near it are wondering why. ``We’re used to living down here in a quiet neighborhood,’’ said Amy Townsend, whose family lives next to the bridge on Lower Toddsville Road. ``The only people we saw walking were the Finches.’’
Board schedules public hearings
The village board has scheduled a public hearing to establish three additional downtown loading zones. The loading zones are part of a larger effort the police committee has been working on to alleviate congestion in the downtown area.
Friday, November 17, 2006
CCS to finalize project
The Cooperstown Central School board of education will look to put the finishing touches on a new capital project at a work session Wednesday afternoon.
Group works to preserve bridge
The Toddsville Bridge over Oaks Creek has been granted a temporary "stay of execution" thanks to the efforts of a group of local residents who want to see it preserved as a walking path.
Clark honored by Gov.
Cooperstown philanthropist Jane Forbes Clark was presented with a 2006 Parks and Preservation Award for her efforts to preserve New York’s historic and natural resources by Gov. George Pataki during a ceremony in New York City Thursday.
New edition of `Cooperstown’ to be released this Saturday
The Farmers’ Museum announced by press release the re-publication of Louis C. Jones’ classic bestseller, "Cooperstown," a volume on the village’s rich and compelling history.
Lawyer: board has no authority
The village has been informed by attorney Robert Birch that his clients Paula and Terry Wikoff have withdrawn any pending applications with the zoning board of appeals or planning board in regard to the roof covering for their tour boat the Glimmerglass Queen in the belief the village has no jurisdiction over their proposal.
Elementary students to 'Mix-it-up'
Students returning to Cooperstown Elementary School after Thanksgiving break are likely to be somewhat mixed up when classes resume.
Roof bids higher than expected
The board of trustees is looking for additional funding for the roof and skylight project for the library building.
Neighbors say take it down
While some people are busy trying to find a way to rebuild the lower Toddsville bridge for walking, the neighbors living near it are wondering why.
Board schedules public hearings
The village board has scheduled a public hearing to establish three additional downtown loading zones. The loading zones are part of a larger effort the police committee has been working on to alleviate congestion in the downtown area.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Jane Forbes Clark receives state honor
Cooperstown philanthropist Jane Forbes Clark was presented with a 2006 Parks and Preservation Award for her efforts to preserve New York's historic and natural resources by Gov. George Pataki during a ceremony in New York City Thursday.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
CV board schedules hearings, meetings
The Cherry Valley town board has scheduled a special meeting and public hearing on the extension of a development moratorium.
Fly Creek department ready to fight fires
Eighteen members of the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company completed basic fire training Saturday, bringing a level of closure to a period of uncertainty about fire protection that has beleaguered residents of the fire district for more than two years.
Inn must complete impact statement
The Hartwick planning board will require Rainbow Enterprises to complete an environmental impact statement for its proposal to build a 74-room hotel in the busy Route 28 commercial corridor.
Sports Center works on oil spill cleanup
The cleanup continues at the Clark Sports Center after a malfunctioning valve caused a few hundred gallons of heating oil to leak last week.
Springfield board cuts new budget tax increase
The Springfield town board unanimously adopted a budget for 2007 totaling more than $1 million with a tax levy of $485,000 at Monday night’s meeting.
Hubbell resigns, Taugher uncertain about running
Village trustee Glenn Hubbell has decided to step down and Stuart Taugher is undecided about seeking another term. Hubbell said his resignation, which was announced last week, was effective Nov. 8.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Subdivision regs may be optional
A revised proposal that would make a controversial land use law optional is being considered by the Otsego town board and comprehensive planning committee. Town supervisor Tom Breiten said the new proposal was a compromise put forth by councilman Orlo Burch that would make conservation subdivisions an option instead of mandatory.
Oil spills from Sports Center into river
An estimated 50 to 100 gallons of heating oil spilled into the Susquehanna River from a leak apparently originating with the Clark Sports Center. Tom Lane from the Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Response Team out of Stamford was at the Sports Center Wednesday morning working to clean up the spilled oil and stop the flow of toxins into the river.
Springfield budget hearing set for Monday
A public hearing on the tentative town budget for 2007 will be held in the Springfield community center at 7 p.m. prior to Monday night’s town board meeting.
Wind ordinance vote unlikely Thursday
The Cherry Valley town board has made some changes to the town’s proposed wind ordinance, but not the ones Reunion Power was hoping to see.
Bank wants Chestnut St. office
During its meeting Monday afternoon, the zoning board of appeals discussed the concept of putting a bank in what is now Ron Mitchell’s antique store at 73 Chestnut St.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Grant will preserve farm
Nearly 1,000 acres of farmland in Otsego and Herkimer Counties will remain free of commercial and residential development under a deal being negotiated by the Otsego Land Trust.
CCS plans trip to Jamestown
More than 35 Cooperstown Central School students will have the chance to join in the 400th anniversary celebration of the settlement of Jamestown when a school-sponsored trip hits the road in April.
Potrikus faces challenge from Burch
In one of the only contested local elections, Joe Potrikus and Orlo Burch are both running for the one year remaining on an unexpired term on the Otsego town board. Potrikus is on the ballot and Burch is not.
Daily Star, Cooperstown Crier 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. Community Newspaper Holdings Inc., bought the six papers Dow Jones & Co. put up for sale in August. Ottaway officials announced the sale Friday.
Plan group begins work
A citizen’s committee formed by the Springfield town board met Monday night to begin the lengthy process of developing a comprehensive plan for the town. Town supervisor Tom Armstrong said Tuesday the committee consists of Clyde Goodrich, Bob Weaver, David Monahan, Mark Christman, Todd Schroeder, planning board chairman David Staley and Armstrong.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Tension continues between school board and residents
Communication issues, the district’s plan for the fund balance and concerns about the school’s math scores were some of the items addressed during a tense public comment session at Cooperstown Central School’s board meeting Oct. 18.
CCS examines closing school’s second floor
A committee of the Cooperstown Central School board is looking into the feasibility of shutting down the second floor of the elementary school, a move which superintendent Mary Jo McPhail said would likely require increased class sizes and some staffing reductions.
Letters favor CV’s wind ordinance
It now appears the silent majority Reunion Power has been talking about has remained largely silent. The Cherry Valley town board spent more than three hours Monday night reviewing a three-inch stack of written comment on a proposed wind ordinance to gauge public sentiment.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
World Series is special for Petroskey Haase
When Dale Petroskey makes his annual trip to the World Series this year, he won't be attending just as president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He'll be going as a fan watching his favorite team compete for the ultimate sports championship.
Meeting leaves some residents unconvinced
An informational meeting about conservation subdivision regulations being discussed by the Otsego town board addressed some of the questions residents have, but failed to satisfy opponents, who believe the proposal unjustly limits the rights of property owners.
Board adopts ban on outdoor wood stoves
The board of trustees voted to put in place a six-month moratorium on the installation of outdoor wood burning furnaces during its meeting Monday night.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Auditors:reduce fund balance
The Cooperstown Central School district should reduce its unreserved fund balance to legally allowed levels, an external audit states.
Motel operators say market is saturated
Owners and managers of other motels told the Hartwick planning board Tuesday night that adding one more national chain motel on route 28 threatens to collapse an already saturated market.
Reunion leaves many questions unanswered
Reunion Power’s educational forum on wind power lasted two hours longer than scheduled, but failed to address some of the specific concerns residents had about the company’s proposal to put 24 turbines on East Hill.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Promises for Linden Avenue Project
Officials were cautioned last week about making promises they might not be able to keep in regard to the Linden Avenue project. Last week, during the technical committee's second meeting with representatives from CLA Site, the firm hired to do the site assessment and design work, and some of the project's stakeholders, Bassett Hospital vice-president Joe Middleton said that it was ``way to early in the project'' to start making promises. Middleton, a member of the technical committee, said there are limitations to what can be accomplished in the project.
2006 PumpkinFest weigh-off
The only thing broken at the 2006 PumpkinFest weigh-off this weekend seemed to be people's hearts. Murmurs of anticipation swept through the crowd as the final giant pumpkin _ Craig Lembke's monster from Forestville, N.Y. _took to the scales. Expectations were high among growers and festival attendees that this was the pumpkin that would shatter the world record of 1,469 pounds.
Future of Woodside Hall
Rumors have been running rampant about the future of Woodside Hall since the announcement of its sale in late August and now it is once again on the market. The property was purchased by Michael Mercier, of Rochester, NY.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Residents ask CCS for better access to info
The Cooperstown Central School board will not change its policy regarding the availability of public information packets, an official said at last Wednesday's board meeting.
CV Residents say adopt ordinance
Public comment was weighted heavily in favor of adopting Cherry Valley's proposed wind ordinance during a public hearing Monday evening.
Some growers predict new record pumpkin
Even with the wild summer weather, several giant pumpkin growers expect the 2006 PumpkinFest weigh-off in Cooperstown this weekend to be a record-breaker.
A step in the right direction
Next Wednesday, students at Cooperstown Elementary School will join children around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
CV ordinance may kill wind turbine plan
Town supervisor Tom Garretson made it clear to Reunion Power that his first concern is the residents of Cherry Valley and not Reunion Power’s ability to put a wind farm on East Hill.
CCS aims to be great
The Cooperstown Central School district is tired of talking about greatness and is ready to move forward with its initiative designed to achieve great results by 2010.
FC fire district reduces cost in new budget
The new Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company will work to save lives once it is fully operational next year. For now, the board which oversees it will have to be content with saving the district’s taxpayers money.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Linden Avenue project begins moving forward
Work began in earnest last week on the Linden Avenue visitor center and parking facility that will be paid for with more than $4 million in state and federal funds.
Trustees to hold hearings Monday
The village board will conduct three public hearings during its meeting Monday night. All three are in response to problems experienced on Main Street this summer.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Board seeks solution to Main St. problems
As the village nears the end of another summer season, the board of trustees looked at ways to deal with persistent problems on Main Street. The police committee last week listened to representatives from almost a dozen downtown businesses about how to deal with congestion that often stalls traffic on Main St. as delivery trucks and tourists jockey for too few parking spaces and Monday night, trustees renewed the discussion.
Lake Festival is Saturday
The village of Cooperstown, area residents and tourists will honor and enjoy Otsego Lake when the 2006 Otsego Lake Festival takes place Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at Lakefront Park.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Back from Belgium, off to college
When Caitrin Coccoma leaves to begin her first year of college today, she won't be as scared or nervous as many of her freshman peers. After all, it's difficult to be anxious about new beginnings after her year as an exchange student in Belgium. "At least here I speak the language and can ask for directions if I get lost," she said with a laugh Tuesday afternoon. The 2005 Cooperstown Central School graduate spent the past year in Belgium as a Rotary exchange student, learning the language, about the culture and about herself.
Board adopts three month moratorium
CHERRY VALLEY - Meeting in special session Tuesday night, the Cherry Valley town board reversed the decision it made late last month and adopted moratorium on major development, albeit a shorter one.
Sign thefts are increasing
OTSEGO - More and more people in the towns of Otsego, Hartwick and Middlefield are finding themselves in the curious position of living on streets with no names.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Unspent funds are to remain over state limit
After enacting plans to reduce the amount of money in its fund balance, the Cooperstown Central School district still plans to hold more in reserve than is allowed by law, a school official said Tuesday. "Based upon discussion with the district auditor, all are in agreement that we are going to maintain more than the two percent," said superintendent Mary Jo McPhail. According to the school's annual financial report, as of June 30, 2006, the school was carrying a fund balance of $1.62 million dollars.
Project targets ag plastic recycling
Approximately 35 farmers, distributors and members of concerned organizations attended an agricultural plastics baling demonstration of the "Big Foot" mobile bailer at the Cooperstown Holstein Corp. Monday morning. The demonstration was designed to show how agricultural and greenhouse plastics can be handled and disposed of in a more environmentally-friendly method by compressing large amounts into 1,500 pound bales that can be sold to recyclers.
New fire company members sign up
FLY CREEK - Fire district residents will have an opportunity to meet members of the new Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company at the fire commissioner's meeting tonight.
Thursday, August 3, 2006
O'Neil, Sutter highlight Induction
Bruce Sutter had a Hall of Fame career as a closer, but Buck O'Neil shined in the leadoff spot during Sunday's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. O'Neil, a former Negro Leagues player and manager, and one of baseball's greatest ambassadors, was not elected to the Hall of Fame during a special Negro Leagues election completed in August.
CV town board rejects moratorium
CHERRY VALLEY - The Cherry Valley town board voted two-to-one to reject a 12-month moratorium on major development after listening to almost three-and-a-half hours of comment - most of which favored the local law.
CCS has a new capital project
The Cooperstown Central School district will move forward with an approximately $5 million capital project proposal set to go before voters early in 2007.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Hall induction to be an historic one
This Sunday's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will, like its only living inductee, be one of a kind. The ceremony, slated to begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center, will feature former reliever Bruce Sutter and 17 electees from a special Negro Leagues election in February, making it the largest induction class in museum history.
CV moratorium hearing Monday
CHERRY VALLEY - The town board, here, will listen to public comment on a 12-month moratorium on major development Monday evening. Although officials say the moratorium is not aimed at Reunion Power's proposal to put 24 wind turbines on East Hill, it is likely the hearing will boil down to those for and against the plan.
Bridge work to begin Tuesday
Reconstruction of the Susquehanna Avenue bridge is being held off until next week, alleviating some concerns about traffic flow during the busy Hall of Fame Induction weekend, officials said Tuesday.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
CV town board sets meet on moratorium
CHERRY VALLEY - It looks like there will be fireworks in Cherry Valley this July after all. During a charged, overflowing meeting last Thursday, the Cherry Valley town board voted unanimously to hold a special meeting and public hearing on a 12-month moratorium on major development Monday, July 31 at 6 p.m.
Reunion application not accepted by CV planning board
CHERRY VALLEY - Reunion Power's application for a 24-turbine wind farm on East Hill was not accepted by the Cherry Valley planning board Tuesday night.
Village reviews pair of Main Street issues
Police committee chairman Paul Kuhn raised two issues about perceived problems on Main Street at the Cooperstown village board meeting Monday night.
Man swims lake...again
Cooperstown summer resident Dennis Hannon swam the length of Otsego Lake for the fourth straight year last Friday, but this year's journey was different on many different levels.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Reunion files East Hill site plan application
CHERRY VALLEY - Reunion Power is not waiting to see if there will be a moratorium in Cherry Valley. Reunion's project manager David Little said Monday that after nearly two years, the East Hill Wind Farm site plan review application was submitted to the Cherry Valley town planning board last Friday. Town planning board chairman Jeffrey Wait confirmed he had received the application documents from Reunion, but had not yet opened the package.
Brewery to host Belgian beer fest
A taste of Europe will be flowing into the area this weekend when Brewery Ommegang hosts its annual "Belgium Comes to Cooperstown" beer and music festival Saturday afternoon.
Thursday, July 6, 2006
Towns dealing with damaged infrastructure
Torrential rain caused severe flooding and devastation in much of the region last week, but left most area towns with relatively moderate damage, officials reported this week. The town of Milford seemed to suffer most of the damage, with several flooded homes and businesses along the Susquehanna River and damage to approximately 85 percent of its roads, town supervisor Thomas Gale said Tuesday.
New season will be last for opera's Kellogg, Robertson
This time of year, grand finales should be marked with fireworks, at least figuratively, and that's what Paul Kellogg and Stewart Robertson seem to have in mind for the Glimmerglass Opera.
Otsego assesses storm damage, begins repairs
FLY CREEK - The town of Otsego has wasted no time getting to work clearing and repairing flood-damaged roadways. By last Thursday morning, town supervisor Tom Breiten and highway superintendent Brian Pernat had surveyed what they now estimate is between $1.5 and $2 million in damage.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Girl earns spot in prestigious writing workshop
Cooperstown's Rebecca Miller may not like labels, but at 14-years-old, she's already earned one that will likely stick with her for life: writer. Based on the strength of her short story "The Unique Mind of Ophelia," Miller earned one of 20 openings for Alpha, a science fiction, fantasy and horror workshop for writers ages 14 to 19.
Reunion unveils PILOT proposal
CHERRY VALLEY - Reunion Power this week submitted a proposed tax package for the 24-turbine wind farm it hopes to develop three miles east of Cherry Valley on East Hill.
Thursday, June 23, 2006
Zoning issue on hold in Hartwick for now
HARTWICK - Town officials continued the long process of planning for Hartwick's future during a special joint meeting of the planning board and town board Monday night. The two boards met to discuss the possibility of enacting zoning for the town and to set up a commission that would consider the issue in detail.
Mayor questions judge over audit
Mayor Carol Waller put village justice Enid Hinkes on the witness stand last Thursday night in an effort to learn what she has done to address the recommendations in a state comptroller's audit of the village court system.
CV plan board calls for moratorium
CHERRY VALLEY - The Cherry Valley planning board has taken the wind out of Reunion Power's sails.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
New season begins Saturday at Dreams Park
HARTWICK SEMINARY - Life in the village is about change abruptly. The Cooperstown Dreams Park will open Saturday for its eleventh season with more teams coming each week than ever before. During the Dreams Park's abbreviated first summer in 1996, there were six fields in play with 25 to 35 teams a week for the four-week season.
No moratorium for Springfield
SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield town board voted against enacting a moratorium on major development in the town Monday night but plans to revisit the issue at its monthly meeting in July.
Mouse prank disrupts class, finals at CCS
An apparent prank disrupted finals, classes and life in general at Cooperstown Central School Tuesday morning when approximately 200 mice were let loose inside the middle/high school building.
Thursday, June 8, 2006
CCS names top four graduating seniors
The top four graduating students at Cooperstown Central School for 2006 share equally extraordinary GPAs and high expectations for bright futures.
Capital project work continues
The Cooperstown Central School board and administration continued working on a new capital project proposal during a second work session held May 31.
Wire burial idea returns to surface
Chuck Hage wants to unearth the idea of burying utility wires in the village.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Board eyes new capital project
The Cooperstown Central School board began the arduous task last week of preparing a revised capital project to put before voters later this year. During a two-hour work session May 24, the board examined the five-year capital plan to determine which items are of critical importance.
Empire State Carousel opens to public
The grand opening of the Empire State Carousel at the Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown was an occasion marked Saturday by several hundred people. And just as many smiling faces.
No opposition to historic district
FLY CREEK — Creation of the Fly Creek Historic District moved one step closer to reality last week after a public hearing for property owners within the proposed district raised no significant opposition.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
School accepts roof job bids
The Cooperstown Central School board of education approved two bids totaling $1.9 million Wednesday, May 17, for work to replace the roofs of the elementary and middle/high school buildings. A bid of $1.764 million was awarded to Murnane Building Contractors for the majority of the work and a bid of $142,000 was awarded to M. Gleason and Sons for electrical work.
Trustees say `no' to higher fines
The board of trustees decided last week not to raise the two-hour parking fine and instead, amend the law to allow officers to issue more than one ticket to a vehicle for an ongoing violation in the same space.
Carousel, Grandma Moses exhibit to open
The Farmers' Museum and Fenimore Art Museum have designated Memorial Day weekend as "American Originals Weekend" in celebration of the openings of The Empire State Carousel and Grandma Moses: Grandmother to the Nation.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Audit critical of court operations
The board of trustees has been faulted in a report released this week by the state comptroller's office for problems relating to the financial affairs of the village court. But village justice Enid Hinkes and the board of trustees appear to differ in how those problems should be resolved. Hinkes said the problems the comptroller's office found in the audit "no longer exist" in the court and since hiring a new clerk, the financial records and procedures have been put in order.
C-town to cover Fly Creek alone
FLY CREEK - Fire protection, emergency medical services and ambulance services for the Fly Creek fire district will be provided exclusively by the Cooperstown Fire Department once a contract is signed next week, an official said Wednesday.
Voters approve school budgets
Three area school budgets put before voters Tuesday were approved by wide margins.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
No moratorium for Seminary Rd.
HARTWICK - The Hartwick town board sidestepped making a decision about a development moratorium Monday night, and instead, reluctantly took the first step toward establishing zoning in the town. The move came following a public hearing on a proposed four-month moratorium on development on Seminary Road. While some members of the public were opposed to a moratorium that singled out a particular area, no one spoke against the idea of a town-wide moratorium.
Vote `Yes' signs raise new issue
A village resident expressed concerns this week about Cooperstown Central School's involvement in the distribution of signs advocating approval of the proposed 2006-2007 budget which goes to the voters next Tuesday.
It's Rhymin' Simon July 4 at Doubleday
Concert committee chairman Jeff Katz announced Wednesday morning that music legend Paul Simon will appear at Doubleday Field on Tuesday, July 4.
Thursday, May 4, 2006
Six seeking to fill CV-S board seats
CHERRY VALLEY - Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Cherry Valley-Springfield school board. Voters will choose from Donald Drake and Justin Thalheimer of Roseboom; Peter Freehafer, Ellen Johnson and Jeffrey Wait, all of Cherry Valley; and Johnnie Nemec of Middlefield. The vote is scheduled for May 16 between noon and 8 p.m. at the school.
Decision upholds plan board action
HARTWICK - A judge has dismissed an Article 78 proceeding the Otsego County Conservation Association filed against the Hartwick town planning board in regard to its approval of the Cooperstown Dreams Park's most recent expansion plan last summer.
Hartwick water district project gets underway
HARTWICK - Work is set to begin next week on a $2.5 million water improvement project for the hamlet of Hartwick.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Woman seeks understanding of Middle East
A Cooperstown woman will be fulfilling one of her lifelong goals this week when she spends time at a conference in the city widely regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Betsy Del Giacco Jay left Tuesday to spend 10 days in the Middle Eastern city of Bethlehem where she will attend the "Steps Toward Peace in Israel and Palestine" education event, sponsored by the U.S. Presbyterian Church.
Town looking at local turbine law
CHERRY VALLEY - Cherry Valley supervisor Tom Garretson said this week that the town is working on developing a local ordinance which would regulate wind turbines.
Audit: oversight was insufficient
FLY CREEK - A state audit of the Fly Creek fire district indicated that previous boards failed to follow their own policies and had a general lack of oversight of money that was being spent.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Fly Creek hamlet historic district hearing is May 24
FLY CREEK - Efforts to form a historic district in the hamlet of Fly Creek are rapidly moving forward, officials reported this week. Jim Wolff, chairman of the Fly Creek Area Historical Society board, said a hearing is set for May 24 on the proposed district and the proposal is on the agenda of the New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation for June 23.
Hartwick plan board asks for a moratorium
HARTWICK - The town of Hartwick is considering instituting a moratorium on development. Earlier this month planning board co-chairman, Ken Hotaling delivered a letter from his board to the town board asking for the moratorium.
Liggio headed to Brazil with Rotary program
In 10 days, Christine Liggio, of Cooperstown, will be leaving for Brazil as part of Rotary International's Group Study Exchange Program.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Pierstown will discuss land use
PIERSTOWN - An organization of Pierstown residents - Preserve our Pierstown - will play host to a town hall style meeting tonight to discuss continuing concerns about the potential impacts of residential development. Last September, the group circulated a petition asking for a change in the minimum lot size in the Pierstown area because of large tracts of land which were being targeted for subdivision.
Unspent funds are questioned
Without a $500,000 influx from the Cooperstown Central School district's unappropriated fund balance, the tax levy for the 2006-2007 budget would be almost six percent higher than the current proposal requires, a school official said Tuesday.
Town Crier wins three press awards
The Cooperstown Crier received three awards last week during the New York Press Association convention in Saratoga Springs.
Thursday, April 6, 2006
Planning board likely to ask for hold on turbines
SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield town planning board will likely adopt a measure proposing to the town board a moratorium on wind turbine development at tonight's meeting, chairman David Staley said Monday. "Based on (the board's) enthusiasm to do something last time ... I would suspect that we will choose some option of moratorium and submit it to the town board," Staley said. He said Advocates for Springfield president Harry Levine had submitted a presentation on three different options for enacting a moratorium and that after looking at the different options, Staley expects the board to adopt one.
Tax increase falls; hearing is Monday
The proposed tax increase in the village's tentative budget has dropped slightly. Treasurer Mary Ann Henderson said Tuesday that an increase of about $175,000 in the total assessed value of property in the village cut the tax rate. The decrease resulted in a new rate of $13.38, down two cents from the earlier figure.
Conference teaches students about legislation
Cooperstown Central School junior Chloe Strange spent a week in early February learning firsthand how one branch of government functions during a session of the National Young Leaders Conference.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
CCS continuing greatness quest
Cooperstown Central School's "Greatness in Our Sights" initiative will enter a key phase within the next few weeks as the school implements several prototypes designed to test potential improvements that will help the district improve from "good" to "great."
Law would ban trash burning
FLY CREEK - The town of Otsego will hold a public hearing next month on local legislation which would regulate the outdoor burning of garbage and rubbish. Town board member Meg Kiernan said this week that she believes it is time regulate burning because of the danger it poses to public health and the environment.
Kennedy headed to state-wide bee
Cooperstown Central School student Paul Kennedy will be in Albany tomorrow, but his mind will be focused on locations much farther away.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
More than 300 gather for peace march, rally
Approximately 300 area residents flooded the sidewalks for a peace march and rally in Cooperstown Sunday afternoon. The event was held on the third anniversary of the United States-led invasion of Iraq and was organized by an ad-hoc coalition of local citizens. The march began in front of the Otsego County Courthouse and went down through the village past the library, then swung back around and ended at Templeton Hall, where there was an open microphone for public comment.
Waller, Stewart, Kull, Hinkes are winners
All three Democratic candidates won decisive victories in Tuesday's annual village election in another large voter turnout. Mayor Carol Waller, running unopposed, was the only Republican winner.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Lake ice weakens, anglers take plunge
Several ice fishermen went through the ice on Otsego Lake off Three Mile Point Saturday afternoon when the ice began to deteriorate following two days of warm temperatures. According to assistant fire chief Brian Clancy, there were three groups of fishermen, totaling about 18 people, on the ice off Three Mile Point when the ice began "honeycombing." Honeycombing occurs when radiant heat from the sun creates fractures in the ice.
Candidates discuss issues, election Tuesday
The seven candidates in next week's village election faced the largest crowd for a Candidates' Night in many years. Following brief opening statements, the candidates fielded questions from the audience which began with village historian Hugh MacDougall asking about the importance of legal training and background for the office of village justice.
Fly Creek fire district looks to rebuild
FLY CREEK - The Fly Creek fire board of commissioners' meeting began on an unusual note March 9 with a call to the sheriff's office after it was discovered that all of the fire hall's trophies, plaques, pictures and commemorative memorabilia had been removed.
Thursday, March 9, 2006
FC fire district seeks assistance
The Fly Creek board of fire commissioners plans to take steps to contract for fire and emergency medical services with surrounding departments in an attempt to ensure the safety of district residents and at the same time sever ties with the current Fly Creek fire department. The fire commissioners met with the village board of trustees Tuesday evening to discuss the possibility of the contracting for coverage by the Cooperstown fire department.
CCS's Leonardo wins regional spelling bee
Cooperstown Central School seventh-grader Michael Leonardo earned a trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C., one word at time.
Candidates' night is set for tonight
The League of Women Voters will host a Candidates' Night tonight at 7 p.m. in village meeting room.
Thursday, March 2, 2006
PARP Program is accepting trade-in books
Cooperstown Central School elementary students are being encouraged to spread their wings and turn the pages beginning Monday as the annual Parents As Reading Partners program kicks off. PARP runs through the end of March in Cooperstown and is designed to get kids and parents reading together, said PARP coordinator Maureen Micek. "Our goal is definitely to encourage reading," she said. She said the program exposes kids to the pleasurable side of reading and encourages them to turn it into a regular habit.
Planning begins for bicentennial
Plans are getting underway for a bicentennial celebration next summer to mark the anniversary of the incorporation of the village in 1807.
Summer concert is set for Aug. 11
The village has accepted a proposal for a concert this summer on Doubleday Field.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
CCS budget hike is less than 4%
A preliminary report of the 2006-2007 Cooperstown Central School budget shows a proposed increase of 3.8 percent over the current plan, said superintendent Mary Jo McPhail during a board of education meeting earlier this month.
MCS students become yearbook publishers
MILFORD - Milford Central School's yearbook has always been titled "Milestone," but this year the name has added meaning. For the first time, MCS students are self-producing and publishing the Milestone Yearbook right at the school with new equipment purchased by the school.
Developer before plan board again
HARTWICK - One month after the Hartwick town planning board told him it was unlikely they would approve his project, developer Steve Stegman was back in front of the board.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
CV moratorium is still possible
CHERRY VALLEY - Cherry Valley town supervisor Tom Garretson said Wednesday that he would not rule out the possibility of a moratorium on Wind turbines in the town. Garrettson said there was apparently a misunderstanding about his comments in regard to a moratorium during the town board's meeting last week.
SnowFest, sculpting set to begin on Friday
Cooperstown's first annual SnowFest is still a go for this weekend, but plans for the New York state Snow Sculpting Championship at Lakefront Park have been put on ice. Literally.
Fire board, chief at odds
FLY CREEK - Fly Creek fire department chief George Chandler's return from vacation brought both answers and sparks to the Fly Creek fire district board of commissioner's meeting Feb. 9.
Thursday, February 9, 2006
FC Fire Board to meet
FLY CREEK - The Fly Creek fire district board of commissioners will meet tonight at 7 p.m. in the fire hall for their monthly meeting. The board-scheduled fire department inventory set for Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. took place, but not exactly as planned. According to board chairman Richard Carr, some commissioners, a couple of ladies from the women's auxiliary and one female firefighter showed up, but fire department chief George Chandler and his son, assistant chief Chris Chandler, failed to attend.
Bassett Hospital looking at leasing space
Bassett Hospital is considering the possibility of leasing office space and moving some of its operations off campus to alleviate a space crunch.
Reval expected to be complete
Kathleen Chase and Lonnie Ridgeway, who are doing the property reval for the village, missed the official Feb. 1 deadline, but have been given a reprieve by the state.
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Mayor unopposed, trustees, justice to face challengers
The ballot for this year's village election is taking shape. Last Thursday, both the Democrats and Republicans held party caucuses to nominate candidates for the four offices to be filled in March.
Chelsea Foster is tops in MCS spelling bee
MILFORD - Standing on stage in front of a room full of peers is typically nerve-wracking, but for eighth-grader Chelsea Foster being nervous earned her the top prize at Milford Central School's third annual spelling bee.
Hartwick water project approved
HARTWICK - The Hartwick water district approved a resolution Monday night announcing their intent to accept the bid on a nearly $2 million water improvement project.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Hartwick looks at a revised project
HARTWICK - The Hartwick water district's proposed $2.4 million water improvement project has sprung another leak. Town supervisor Mary Balcom informed the approximately 30 members of the audience at the Hartwick water district board of commissioners meeting Monday night that USDA Rural Development had yet to finalize figures for the grant and loan package funding the project and that the person who had been in charge of this project and had made it his top priority has been sent to the Gulf Coast to assist with the situation there.
Automation fund money unresolved
The board of trustees plans to meet next month with the library board and the Friends of the Library in an effort to resolve how the library's automation system will be funded.
Board listens to Linden Ave. presentations
Two firms pitched their design services for the Linden Avenue project to the board of trustees during a special meeting Monday night.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Planning summit to examine issues
The Otsego County planning board and a steering committee made up of local agency officials have arranged a planning summit designed to identify various issues facing the county and set in motion the development of a county master plan. Otsego County planning director Terry Bliss said the summit - scheduled for Jan. 30 at the Morris Conference Center in Oneonta from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - is designed to bring together representatives from local governments, county governments, county-interested agencies and state organizations.
Fly Creek fire board sets new agenda for district
FLY CREEK - The Fly Creek Fire District board of commissioners hit the ground running in their organizational meeting Jan. 12 after an election which saw three new members selected to fill vacancies on the five-member board.
Board approves snow sculpting
The board of trustees approved the Chamber of Commerce's permit application for the NYS Snow Sculpting Contest to be held here in February. The approval came following some rigorous questioning of chamber director Polly Renckens during a parks board meeting last Thursday.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Sutter is Hall's lone inductee
Reliever Bruce Sutter accumulated exactly 300 saves during a 12-year major league baseball career. Give him one more. The 53-year-old Sutter was the only former player on the Baseball Writers Association of America's ballot to be elected this year, saving the National Baseball Hall of Fame from the first induction ceremony since 1960 with no living inductees this summer.
Rink plan now goes to trustees
The village planning board paved the way for a streamlined approval of a proposal to recreate the ice skating rink at the Cooper Inn, off Lake Street. The Leatherstocking Corporation brought the proposal to the village board during a special meeting earlier, but was told it needed a special use permit from the trustees and site plan approval from the planning board.
Susquehanna Ave. bridge will be replaced
Plans are moving forward for the replacement of the Susquehanna Avenue bridge this summer.
Thursday, January 5, 2006
CCS trio accepted for snow sculpting
Cooperstown Central School seniors Bailey Gardner and Alexandra Siracusa and middle/high school art teacher Eileen Murphy may not have the experience of the other 10 teams competing in the 2006 New York State Snow Sculpting Championship, but there's no doubt they have the enthusiasm. The three were ecstatic to learn this week that they had been accepted as one of the teams competing in the 72-hour sculpt-a-thon, which is being held in Lakefront Park Feb. 16-19.
Cooper Inn rink may be recreated
Leatherstocking Corporation wants to bring back a wintertime village tradition - the ice skating rink north of Lake Street on the grounds of the Cooper Inn.
|
|
|
|
