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n emS DIvISIo t S y S n Io t Informa
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Otsego Now Looking For Economic Transformation/Page A9
d IT Serv Computer awnww.isdtech.net
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VISIT www. Volume 15, No. 06
AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE COMPLIMENTARY
Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, November 24, 2022
‘HartLand Promise’ Targets Local Students By TED MEBUST
ONEONTA
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artwick College has announced its commitment to furthering educational avenues for students from rural upstate areas with its HartLand Promise, which will make attending Hartwick, a private school, comparable to attending a four-year public college or university in New York State. “We understand a liberal arts education may seem financially out of reach by many in our region, but we feel important, life-changing decisions should not feel restricted because of where you live,” explained Darren Reisberg, who assumed the office of college president this past August. The program, beginning in the fall of 2023, will allow eligible students to pay $8,775.00 in tuition and fees per year, less than 20 percent of the normal cost of tuition. Current highschool seniors and college students from the 97 public and 11 private schools within Otsego, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, MadiINSIDE ► Cooperstown central schools invite Sweethearts & Heroes back, an anti-bullying campaign, page A3 ► A conversation with local officials coming, sponsored by League of Women Voters, page A3 ► northern transfer station a disgrace, page A4 ► gratitude and appreciation from Hometown Oneonta, A4 ► wellbeing struggles, we must re-learn support skills, page A5 Follow Breaking News On
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son, Montgomery, Oneida, and Schoharie counties will qualify, so long as they live on campus. “As an Oneonta native, it was very important to me to go to school in the area,” said Skylar Thompson, class of 2019. “I made and built many connections in this area and wanted to keep those going. I still live in this area and hope to for a very long time.” Thompson now holds a seat on Oneonta’s Town Board and works in the community. “We know that when students from rural areas are able to pursue their college goals without leaving the region, they are more likely to stay enrolled for the duration of their program,” said Reisberg. “We’re launching this initiative because we know that when these students graduate, they are more likely to live and work within their communities, which contributes to the economic prosperity and vitality of our region.” Hartwick College’s announcement represents an integral piece of their new “future-focused” approach, Continued on page 9
Photo provided
Eight Yellowjackets qualified for States this year. From left are Coach Dan Forbes, Colin Fletcher-Foster, Brandon Gardner, Keyon Ziaie, Jack Forbes, Gabe Rissberger, Nick Kahl, Donovan Lema and Coach Dave Forbes. Seated at center is Simone Schuman.
OHS Boys Win First CC Title in 30 Years By IAN KENYON
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or Oneonta High School Cross Country Coach Dan Forbes, the second title is as sweet as the first. Forbes, who was on the Oneonta boys team as a runner during their first title win, talked about how rewarding it was to see the second win from the coach’s view.
“With Lansing and Owego Free Academy performing well throughout this season, we knew going into sectionals that it would be a shoot-out. The outcome was absolutely surprising and really quite special,” Forbes recalled. Milestones were reached at this season’s Section IV Class C Championship at Chenango Valley State Park. With 47 points, the Oneonta Boys Cross Country team
surpassed Owego Free Academy’s 48 points for the team title. The 2022 title is the second ever for the Yellowjackets and the first won since the 1991 Championship 30 years ago. The Yellowjackets not only brought home the title, but took three of the top 10 spots. Yellowjacket Colin Fletcher-Foster led amongst his teammates with a time of Continued on page 10
Marijuana Moment
Trustees To Hold Policy Hearing
Local Man Gets License Go-ahead
COOPERSTOWN
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By TED MEBUST
ONEONTA
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en years ago, New York State’s judicial system found Frances “Frankie” Russo guilty of a crime that has carried enormous cultural baggage in our country: the illegal sale of cannabis. Beyond the ramifications of pleading guilty to a class E nonviolent crime, Russo experienced social ostracization and a new limitation imposed on job prospects. Despite these obstacles, he devoted his time to e-commerce, building a successful Continued on page 6
Photo provided
Gelbsman Headed to Division 1. See page 6.
he Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, November 28 at 7 p.m. will include a public hearing on a policy for the installation and operation of cameras to monitor activity occurring in public places within the village. The draft policy reads: “Public Hearing on the Use of Cameras in Public Areas Policy—The purpose of this policy is to enhance public safety, assist in the deterrence and investigation of crime, and protect critical infrastructure of Continued on page 10
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD