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a tribute to senator james l. seward, pages 11-16
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VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE
Volume 216, No. 29
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, August 1, 2024
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King Trades Orange for Yellow as ‘Voice’ of Steelers Football By KRISTIAN CONNOLLY
N Photo by Ian Austin
State Senator James L. Seward was surrounded by the people he loved most as he was sworn in on January 2, 2019 for his last term by County Judge Brian Burns. From left are son Ryan with his wife, Kelly; daughter Lauren with younger daughter Vivian; wife Cindy; and Vivian’s sister Norah.
In Memoriam: James L. Seward August 11, 1951-July 27,2024
J
MILFORD ames L. Seward, 72, of Milford, New York passed away on July 27, 2024 after a valiant and years-long fight against cancer. He was born on August 11, 1951 to Wes and Vivian Seward of Cliffside, Maryland, and educated in Oneonta public schools, graduating with the OHS class of 1969. He earned a BA in political science from Hartwick College in 1973, and undertook graduate studies at the Rockefeller School of Government at SUNY Albany. In 1999, Hartwick College conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon their noted alumnus. But 1973 was significant for more than a college degree: On June 30 of
that year, Jim married the love of his life, Cynthia Milavec of Schenevus. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage; the highlight of his life and an example to many. After dipping his toe into elective office with two Assembly runs and a town justice position, Jim was elected to the State Senate in 1986, representing the 50th Senatorial District. He retired in 2020 after serving 17 successful terms marked by excellence, dedication, integrity and commitment to the best of public service. At one time or another, he represented all or parts of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Otsego, Schoharie, Tompkins and Ulster counties. Continued on page 11
COOPERSTOWN o team in National Football League history has more Super Bowl victories than the six earned by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over the 50 years since the franchise won its first Lombardi Trophy, only two broadcasters served as the Photo provided “Voice of the Steelers.” Now Cooperstown Central School graduate Rob King is the there will be a third. new “Voice of the Steelers.” Cooperstown’s Rob King is next up in the Steelers’ radio Steelers team President Art Rooney II booth following the announcement said, “Rob has done a great job in his last month that he’s been chosen to fill 25-year career in the Pittsburgh market the seat vacated by retired Pittsburgh and is much respected among his broadcasting icon Bill Hillgrove. peers in the business. We are excited King, a 1983 Cooperstown Central for Steelers Nation to hear his unique School graduate whose sports media perspective and excitement of making career began when he covered a few our fans feel they are in the stadium CCS basketball games for this paper in witnessing the action on the field. He the late 1980s, is elated about calling has big shoes to fill with the legendary the action for one of the most-storied broadcasters that have come before franchises and fervent fan bases in him, but we are thrilled to have Rob American sports. step into his new role to bring Steelers “It’s thrilling,” said King last week football to our fans across the world.” while on his way to Latrobe, Pennsylvania King told “The Freeman’s Journal” for the first day of Steelers training camp. that he’s grateful to Rooney and the “It’s a big responsibility that I take seri- Steelers organization “for having ously. If you’re the play-by-play voice of faith in me.” the Pittsburgh Steelers, you’re a conduit The “voice” of a team is someone between the team and the fans.” who fans continually invite into their King then added, “It’s not lost on own lives, often for hours at a time. Fans me, for a moment, how cool it is [to rely on that voice to help them “see” and be named the ‘Voice of the Steelers.’] feel what’s happening with their favorite … I’m extremely excited about the team and players, and for many people opportunity. I really am. I mean, I’m listening, that voice becomes an old and driving out to Latrobe now, and I trusted friend, of a sort. King brings the knowledge gained could not be happier.” In announcing the hiring of King, Continued on page 17
INSIDE ► folk fest for food is this month, page 2 ► a fond farewell to jim seward, page 4 ► is cooperstown a port? page 6 ► changes continue on route 28, page 7 ► nurse practitioner on osteoporosis, page 7 ► terry berkson plays ginsberg piano, page 9 ► pathfinder village staff recognized, page 16 Follow Breaking News On
AllOTSEGO.com
Richfield Youth Take Top Prizes at Junior Livestock Show COOPERSTOWN—Two young handlers from Otsego County took top honors at the 76th Annual Junior Livestock Show during the final event on Tuesday, July 9. Above, left, Dairy Cup Winner Justin Wolfe of Richfield Springs with his Holstein, Ovaltop Unst RoseannaRed. Also pictured: Greg Evans and Jacob Pieper, dairy cattle judges, and Paul D’Ambrosio, president and chief executive officer of The Farmers’ Museum. Above, right, Dairy Goat Cup Winner Olivia Hart, also of Richfield Springs, with her Recorded Grade Dairy Goat, Swamp-Hill Crystal. Also pictured: George Andrew, dairy goat judge, and Paul D’Ambrosio, president and chief executive officer of The Farmers’ Museum. Full show results can be found at AllOtsego.com. (Photos courtesy of The Farmers’ Museum.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD