The Daily Star, Oneonta, NY - Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie County News, Sports and Opinion

Wheelchair ramp lightens load
Community support has helped an Oneonta boy and his family have a better life. For the first time since needing a wheelchair, Riverside Elementary student Austin Jones was able to access his Miller Street home without help, his mother, Marybeth Jones, said.
OFO to begin fundraisers
Opportunities for Otsego recently announced several upcoming fundraisers that will benefit its programs.
Local woman contests DWI test
A Margaretville woman who was involved in a fatal accident Dec. 13 appeared in Delaware County Court on Monday for hearings to suppress the results of a DWI blood test and statements she made the night of the incident.
Flu remedies link past with present
Ever feel like this? ``At first, lassitude and slight chills; then more frequent, quick and somewhat tense pulse; severe pain in the head, face or jaws; sneezing, dry cough and hoarseness. A watery discharge from the eyes and nose; eyes red and painful, transient stitches through the chest; often rheumatic pains in the back and extremities.''
Man pleads guilty to stealing gun
DELHI _ A Downsville man who admitted breaking into his sister and brother-in-law's house to steal a gun pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny in Delaware County Court on Monday.
Area News Roundup
Laurens planning board to have vacancy Jan. 1
The Laurens Town Planning Board will have a vacancy starting Jan. 1 because of a term expiration. The board is seeking candidates to fill this vacancy.
School budget facing increases
There was talk about upcoming budget issues during Wednesday's meeting of the Oneonta City School Board. The meeting was held at Valleyview Elementary School.
One Otsego County race remains undecided
Only one election in Otsego County remained undecided Wednesday, although the results will not be official until Tuesday. In the race for Roseboom town supervisor, Republican challenger Greta Peterson held a nine-vote lead against incumbent Republican Michael Stannard on Wednesday.
Criminal activity focus of DA review
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office will review the city's investigation into alleged police misconduct only for potential criminal activity, according to Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl.
On the Bright Side: Hospital honored for smoking-cessation plan
O'Connor Hospital in Delhi is the first hospital to receive a Gold Level Performance Award from the Center for Smoking Cessation at Seton Health and the American Cancer Society Eastern Division.
Retailers: Hunting turnout may be sparse
If bow season is any indication, firearm hunters should be seeing some nice deer this season, especially near farm fields, according to two Oneonta hunting supply retailers. And William Decker Jr. of Sporstman Adventures and Dave Cyzeski of West End Archery said there may be fewer hunters out on opening day of regular deer season at sunrise Saturday.
Otsego budget calls for 11 percent hike
Otsego County Treasurer Myrna Thayne has filed a tentative 2010 county budget that calls for increasing the property-tax levy by $1,148,718, or 11.11 percent. In the current budget year, the tax levy was $10,343,089. For next year, as the tentative budget stands, it will be $11,491,718.
Business Beat: Businesses join 3/50 Project to support local shopping
Two area businesses have joined the online 3/50 Project, which promotes consumer support of local businesses. Mary Lou Mattice, owner of the Country Crock in Pindars Corners, Davenport, said she recently joined the organization as a way to support "brick and mortar'' businesses in local communities.
Afton Central receives grant
Afton Central School received a $750 grant from the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance on Friday. It was presented by Ed Piccirillo, manager of the Afton Xtra Mart that nominated the school. "It's a great opportunity to support the school," Piccirillo said. This is the second year he applied for the grant.
SUNY Oneonta professor honored
ONEONTA _ Devin Castendyk, assistant professor of Earth sciences at the State University College at Oneonta, has been awarded the 2009 Richard Siegfried Junior Faculty Prize for Academic Excellence.
Area News Roundup
Ex-Bresee's facade removal to begin
ONEONTA _ The Main Street facade of the former Bresee's complex is slated to be removed next week. Main Street will be closed from Chestnut Street to Dietz Street from Sunday through Tuesday to allow for the work. The closure will begin at 6 a.m. Sunday, according to a media release from the city.
Council gets proposal for city budget
ONEONTA _ The Common Council on Tuesday was presented with a tentative budget for 2010 that shows a 2.9 percent reduction in overall spending from this year's spending plan but a 4 percent increase in the tax levy.