Otsego County Sheriff's Department Requests Police Robot

The Otsego County Sheriff's Department is looking to make a technological feat and introduce a police robot to its force. The tracked robot costs about $27,000 and can traverse many terrains. It has a camera and sound recorder on the device to capture what is going on around it. The robots are powered by batteries and come with little to no recurring costs.

Photo credit: Daily Star

The Oneonta Daily Star has reported on the robot, stating that:

 Manufactured by a firm based in Sunnyvale, Ca., the Avatar III robot is about the size of a desk telephone, looks like a small tank, and is capable of negotiating staircases, grassy areas, sand and other terrain.  

It is operated via remote control, allowing the operators to keep a safe distance from suspected explosive devices or other hazardous situations.

It is unclear if the Sheriff's Department will receive the device or if there's similar interest in Schoharie County. A decision is expected later today.

Cooperstown's Smithy Gallery Announces First Opening of 2014 Season

Cooperstown, NY - The Smithy Gallery announces the launch off the 2014 summer season with the first opening on Monday, May 26 at 5pm. Continuing the tradition of displaying diversity in art we begin by featuring local artists Rhea Reynolds, Fran Harris and Henry Drexler in the first floor gallery. The second floor will house a special exhibit of Susan Jones Kenyon’s art students. Their exhibit, ‘Personalities of Paint,’ will be complemented by the ceramic work of Alex Bauer, also featured in the garden. The third floor will highlight the works of our Member Artists in the exhibit ‘On Closer Inspection,’ curated by Deborah Ziegler. To add to an already full show of both sculpture, ceramics and paintings, we are pleased to announce the arrival of life-size sculpture by New York City artist, Adrian Landon. For the entirety of the summer, you will find the original steel horse that began Landon’s career in the garden. 

In addition to the gallery opening, they would also like to announce the publication of Wordsmiths: Volume One. It is an anthology of work from the on campus Writers’ Circle, filled with poetry, short stories, photography and drawings. All the authors will be present for a reading in the garden between 5:30 and 6:30. Signed copies of the publication will be available for sale at $10. 

It’s sure to be a lovely holiday evening, filled with art, literature and live music, compliments of the talented Sam Porter. The Smithy, as always, is delighted to present the incredible artist and their creations to the community.