The first day of winter isn't until Dec. 21, but we're willing to bet the temperatures will start falling weeks before then. And with a decrease in temperature, area residents will be looking for ways to heat their homes.
In fact, some have already started planning for winter, which is good _ and bad.
According to area retailers, the high price of oil has motivated more customers to purchase pellet stoves and stock up on pellets.
But the wood pellets are in short supply right now, as some people seem to be hoarding the reasonably priced fuel source. Some retailers are advising consumers to limit their purchases.
Pellets are selling for about $300 a ton, according to Alysia Howard, co-owner of Hearths A' Fire in Oneonta. She added that there was a concern among consumers that there wouldn't be enough pellets to go around for the entire winter. But, she said, she doesn't think there will be a problem in the long run.
We agree. While we applaud everyone who was able to and did purchase an energy-efficient pellet stove in preparation for winter, we discourage the excessive buying of pellets.
Just as we can count on winter's arrival, we believe companies and plants will adjust to the rising demand and produce the necessary amount of pellets at a continuously reasonable cost.
{"Headline24"/}Society made right decision on church
{"Body Text Edit"/}It was announced recently by Sally Beams, president of the Davenport Historical Society and town historian, that a local church will soon be put on the market.
The structure on county Route 9, the former site of the Methodist Society of Fergusonville, was completed in 1836 and has had several owners during the many years since its creation.
The society has owned the church for about five years, but has determined that it doesn't have enough money to develop the building properly.
The group, composed of 30 to 35 members, would need to raise about $250,000 for restoration, which has been deemed an impossible feat.
"We want to make sure people in the area know about our plans," Beams said, pointing out that the group wants to make sure the church gets a new owner who can use the property before it deteriorates.
Former Delaware County Historical Association Director Linda Norris added that, "There are really wonderful buildings in lots of places but not a lot of organizations with the resources to maintain them. The communities may be well-served by having these types of buildings in private hands."
We commend the decision of the society, as it was undoubtedly a tough one to make. The organization's choice to put the needs of the building, which it obviously cares so much for, first is both selfless and admirable.
We hope that the effort members made will be well worth it.
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