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Invitation to Go Birdwatching with Audubon

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 4/12/25 | 4/12/25

ONEONTA — Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society invites local community members to join them in one or more of their upcoming bird watching field trips this spring. Birders with all levels of experience can attend to view returning spring migratory species as they travel through our region or settle in for the breeding season. Trips are planned to take place at a variety of locations throughout the region, with most trails providing easy to moderate terrain for walking. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes for various trail conditions (may be wet or muddy in places), and when possible, bring binoculars and their favorite bird guide. Full details about each walk can be found at https://doas.us/calendar/ .

Monday, April 14 from 7–8:15 p.m. – Woodcock Walk at Parslow Road (in partnership with Otsego Land Trust)

Saturday, April 26 from 8–10:00 a.m. – Riddell State Park Pre-Earth Festival Bird Walk

Saturday, May 10 from 8–10:00 a.m. – Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway Bird Walk

Sunday, May 11 from 8–10:00 a.m. – Spring Bird Walk at the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Sanctuary

Thursday, May 15 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Jean Miller Memorial Wildflower Walk at Gilbert Lake State Park

Tuesday, May 20 from 8–10:00 a.m. – Pine Lake Bird Walk

Sunday, May 25 from 8–10:00 a.m. – West Branch Preserve Bird Walk in Hamden

Saturday, June 7 from 8–10:00 a.m. – Uplands Center Walton Bird Walk

Saturday, June 14 from 8–10:00 a.m. – Free Family Saturday Bird Walk at Hanford Mills

Saturday, June 21 from 8–10:00 a.m. – Kirkside Park Roxbury Bird Walk

A group bird walk is a great way to get outdoors and learn about the birds we have in our local area, make some new friends and get exercise at the same time! For more information about Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, visit the website at www.doas.us . Be sure to sign up for our E-News messages for monthly reminders and other announcements. All DOAS bird walks are open to the public and are offered at no charge to participants (membership and donations are greatly appreciated)!

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) offers programs year-round that are free and open to the public including member meeting programs, bird-watching field trips and special events. DOAS operates the Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, hiking trails and a summer day camp program at the Audubon Sanctuary just south of Oneonta, NY.

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society covering the northern Catskill Mountain and upper Susquehanna River regions of New York State.

 

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SK/Andes Opens Baseball Season With a League Win

DELAWARE LEAGUE – The Jefferson/Stamford baseball team opened its season at Archibald Field in Stamford with a15-4 loss to non league Schenevus on March 31. Jon Micheal Leas led Stamford's offense, connecting on a homer, while  Schenevus was led by Cody Keator's three hits for four RBI, which included a home run. Teammate Allen Osborn stole five bases and added another four RBI to help his shared cause on the mound as he combined with Ryan Spanger to strike out 14 J/S batters. 

Windham opened their season with a 7-4 loss to non-league Cairo-Durham. WAJ connected for six hits, but they didn't get all the runs across the plate. Payton Dempsey hit a pair of singles and Jacob Schwartz doubled.

Laurens/Milford handed Margaretville an 11-10 loss on April 2 in a non-league pairing. L/M came from behind, scoring three runs on two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Connor Wayman  connected on Margaretville's only base hit. On the mound, Anthony Maggio struck out five L/M batters. Margaretville trailed 5-3, but scored five runs in the top of the fifth to go on top 8-7. They added two more runs in the top of the sixth and L/M added one before L/M went on to clinch it.

Schoharie defeated Gilboa/Roxbury 7-3 in G/R's non-league opener on April 2. Schoharie held a 3-0 lead going into the fifth and although G/R scored single runs over the next three innings, Schoharie was able to match runs to clinch the win. Gavin Bohringer connected on a triple and Preston Bruck added a double to lead  as Burton Strauch scored a pair of runs for G/R.

Middleburgh shutout Windham 11-0 in non-league action on April 2. Devin Schlosser led Windham with one hit and stole two bases, while James Garrison added a hit. 

Jeffeson/Stamford hit the road on April 3 to play South Kortright/Andes in league pairing. SK won it 12-3. Cole Thomas, JB Trimbell and Anthony Martinez all connected on a pair of hits for the Rams. Jackson Hudson doubled and Jon Micheal Leas connected on a double for J/S.

Gilboa/Roxbury defeated Margaretville 28-1 to pick up a non-league victory on the Gilboa diamond April 3. Garrison Ross led the way with four hits and six RBI, helping his cause on the mound where he struck out nine Margaretville batters. Burton Strauch, David Cammer and Brayden Carr all had a trio of hits. For Margaretville, CJ Fairbarin connected on his team's only hit.

Middleburgh defeated Jefferson/Stamford 21-3 last Friday. Jon Michael Leas went 2 for 2 behind the bat for a pair of RBIs. Charlie Miller, Pat Terk and Cameron Tompkins all added singles for J/S.

 

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Charlotte Valley/Schenevus and WAJ Open Softball Season With Wins

DELAWARE LEAGUE – Snowflakes in the air Tuesday, cancelled some games, shortening the softball report as coaches and players wish for warmer weather.

 The Charlotte Valley/Schenevus combined softball  team opened their season March 29 with a 5-4 win over non-league Greene. Brinlee Wright struck out nine batters from the circle and teammate Natalie Amadon connected on a double and had one RBI to help the cause. Sam Barrett and Josie Butler also added one RBI each.

Stamford/Jefferson opened its season on March 31 with a 28-13 loss to Walton/Downsville. W/D scored 14 runs in the fourth inning and S/J wasn't able to close the gap. Bailey Mead had three hits and four RBI for S/J in the loss.

Windham defeated non-league Cairo Durham 15-1 on March 31. Hannah Tuttle struck out 14 from the circle  over five innings to claim a no-hitter. She helped her cause behind the bat, going 4 for 4 to score three runs. Megan Carroll, Catherine Coe and Gianna Garzone added three hits and three runs each to the win.

Non-league Catskill defeated Hunter-Tannersville 16-4 on March 31. 

On April 2, Charlotte Valley/Schenevus shutout Worcester 15-0in a non-league pairing. Brinlee Wright combined with Josie Butler for a no-hitter. Sam Barrett had a pair of hits, scored three runs and batted in two runs, while teammate Natalie Amadon scored four runs. Wright also helped her cause with a trio of RBI. Angel Maravlja struck out 14 batters for Worcester.

Windham defeated non-league Middleburgh 18-1 on April 2, Hannah Tuttle struck out 13 from the circle. Teammates Catherine Coe added two hits for three RBI and Megan Carrol had two hits for two RBI in the win.

 

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Softball for a Cause

By Liz Page

STAMFORD – The second annual Sean B. Lynch Memorial Softball Tournament is set for June 21 at Russ Archibald Memorial Field  in Stamford and is currently signing on teams and welcoming sponsors. The tournament honors an educator and a coach who loved softball.

The tournament is a way for the community to remember a man who returned to his roots to raise his family and teach history at his former school. He coached junior varsity and varsity softball and was a solid member of the community.

His widow, Rebecca Lynch, said that while the tournament is a competition between softball teams, it is intended for those participating to come out, have a good time together playing one of his favorite sports and to  remember Sean. And the community is invited to come out and enjoy the games, maybe purchase a t-shirt or enjoy a hot dog. It's a day of softball and a day of fun."There will be softball games, a concession and t-shirts for sale. There will be a lot of laughs and maybe even a few tears.

"Sean was a junior varsity and varsity girls softball coach at Stamford Central School and he played softball for many years in the adult mens softball leagues at Stamford and Oneonta, back in the day," said Rebecca Lynch. "He loved playing softball."

Lynch is part of the Eklund clan and played for the Eklund's mens softball team, as well as other teams in the adult mens softball league for several years.

Both his daughters, Michaela and Georgia, were softball players and  will be playing in the tournament, along with Rebecca, although she said they may not all be playing on the same team.  

The tournament was founded by one of Lynch's former students, Jason Olson, and Lynch's friend, SCS Athletic Director Mike Brown.

They are seeking teams, sponsors and private donors. The concession stand will be open on the day of the tournament, operated by Christy Wright, a member of the SCS Booster Club, and volunteers, with the food proceeds split between the Booster Club and SBL Memorial Scholarship.

Lynch said their first tournament was a great success. raising $15,000 for SBL scholarships. Two scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded last year  and will be awarded in perpetuity to at least one graduating senior who is pursuing continued education in some form, such as career/workforce training, a certificate program, or at a two-year or four-year college/university.  SCS students work with the Guidance Office to apply and the recipient must be a matriculated senior in good academic standing. They will be required to write a short narrative describing why they are the best candidate for the scholarship. They must be involved in school and community activities, show compassion and respect for others and possess motivation to advance through further training and/or education through a college and/or post graduate degree(s). "It was Sean's philosophy that college was not for every student, but he supported higher education and whatever path a student chose to receive their training beyond high school to support their success," said Lynch.

The scholarship was established by Rebecca's childhood friend Deb McInerny and the award is made possible through the generous donations of Sean’s family, friends, and community who understand how much he valued education in its many forms. He  taught history for 21 years in Delaware County, 20 of them at SCS, where he was the third generation to attend. He had a true love of learning and a strong commitment to sharing his knowledge and to the growth and well-being of his students and his community.  The scholarship embodies his commitment to fostering the growth and development of promising young individuals who exhibit a passion for learning and a dedication to making a positive impact in their communities and the world. "Sean was invested in all he did, and the relationships he forged, and therefore this scholarship, although a one-time award to the student, is an investment in the recipient’s future success."

Former SCS baseball coach Mike Faulkner has agreed to umpire the games again this year and anyone who has some experience and would like to assist should reach out to Rebecca Lynch through private message on Facebook.

Teams are currently being registered and will be limited to eight teams. Team registration and forms are available on the Sean B.LynchMemorial Softball Tournament

 Facebook page. The cost is $50 per player and includes the entry fee, a t-shirt, water/Gatorade and lunch. The first games begin at 9 a.m..

Sponsorships are available in the following categories and should be submitted by May 1: bronze - $50 -99, name on the t-shirts; silver - a 4 x 8 banner is hung at the field and name on t-shirts, previous sponsors with a banner already made is $100, new sponsors are $200; gold -  any donation of $500 or more includes name on t-shirts, 4 x 8 banner hung at the field, a narrative of your business/company and why you chose to donate will be read out loud during the tournament and a complimentary t-shirt; platinum- the highest amount donated by May 1 and includes name on t-shirts, banner, name on the championship trophy, three minutes to speak  prior to the awarding of the trophy and award the trophy to the championship team, banner to hang in the business acknowledging tournament sponsorship, complimentary t-shirts for employs up to 10 shirts.

There are many people involved in planning and executing the day, and Lynch wishes to thank them, most importantly her two daughters, Brown, Olson, Wright and the SCS Community. She also wishes to thank Sal Fabella of Catskill Outpost for his t-shirt design and printing of the tournament t-shirts, Faulkner for umping and all the local businesses, organizations  and individuals who have so generously supported the fundraising. 

All donations should be made payable to: Sean B. Lunch memorial Scholarship and mailed to: Rebeacca Lynch, 1570 County Hwy. 30, Stamford, NY 12167.

 

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Delaware Academy Students Launch “Care Closet” Project



DELHI — A group of eight Delaware Academy juniors are initiating a project to benefit their fellow students, and are looking to the community to help support it. 

The project is the “D.A. Care Closet,” a new initiative that aims to help students who may lack basic essentials like hygiene items and clothing with the items they need to feel confident and supported. The Care Closet will be stocked with new items purchased for the closet, and the group is seeking monetary donations from the community to help purchase them. You can learn more about contributing on the district’s website ( https://tinyurl.com/DACareCloset ).

The juniors and their advisor, High School Counselor Amanda Kane, have been participating in Catskill Area School Study Council conferences throughout the year, and part of their participation is the completion of a project to benefit their community. The D.A. Care Closet is their project, and they are excited about the potential of the project to make a meaningful difference in the lives of some of their fellow students. 

 

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Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Masonville

MASONVILLE — A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Masonville. This is the first laboratory  confirmed positive case of rabies in Delaware County in 2025.  

A rabid raccoon exposed two dogs in the town of Masonville. The raccoon was sent for  testing to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory. There were no  human exposures. One dog was UTD on its rabies vaccinations and received a booster.  Vaccination records of the second dog indicated the animal was not up to date its rabies  vaccinations. The second dog received a booster and will begin a 6-month quarantine  following the New York State Department of Health guidelines.  

Once infected, rabies is a virus that has 100% fatality rate when left untreated, in mammals  including humans. Public Health recommends the following precautions to protect yourself  and your family from possible exposure to rabies: 

• Report any sick or strange acting wildlife 

• Vaccinate pets and livestock. New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and  ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. Vaccinating your domestic animal  not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the  rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people. 

• Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact. • Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near  your home. 

• Do not feed strays. According to Public Health Law an owner is defined as any  person keeping, harboring, or having charge or control of or permitting any dog, cat or  domesticated ferret to remain on or be lodged or fed within such person’s house yard or  premises.

• Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting  in a strange or unusual manner. 

• Report all animal bites and any contact with bats to the Health Department in your  county. Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of shots.  • Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside. • Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or  scratched by any animal. 

• If a pet not up to date on its rabies vaccinations comes in contact with rabid or  suspected rabid animal the pet must be quarantined for six months. 

• Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be  given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact. 

An exposure to rabies can be fatal for a human or a pet. Be sure your dogs, cats and ferrets  are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid  wildlife and man. Protect them, and you may reduce your risk of exposure to rabies.  Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of any of the free remaining  rabies clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets in Delaware County. Pre-registration is suggested for  all clinics. You can pre-register at http://health.ny.gov/go2clinic 

Sidney-May 5, 2025, 5:30PM-7:30PM, Sidney Fire Hall: 74 River St. Sidney, NY 13838  Hancock- May 12, 2025, 5:30-7:30PM Hancock Town Hall, 661 West Main St. Hancock,  NY 13783  

Franklin- June 2, 2025, 5:30PM-7:30PM Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main St., Franklin, NY  13775  

Margaretville- June 12, 2025, 4PM-6PM *New Location* Middletown Highway Garage,  111 Fair Street, Margaretville, NY 12455  

Roxbury- June 26, 2025, 4PM-6PM Roxbury Highway Garage, 52508 State Highway 30,  Roxbury, NY 12474  

Walton-July 14, 2025, 5 PM- 7 PM *New Location* First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend St,  Walton, NY 13856  

Delhi- August 20, 2025, 5 PM-7 PM Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Extn. Delhi, NY  13753 Stamford-September 10, 2025, 5 PM- 7 PM Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main St.  Stamford, NY 12167 Deposit- October 7, 2025, 5:30PM-7:30PM DPW garage 1 Village St  (200 Front St), Deposit, NY 13754 

To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832- 5200. For more information call 607-832-5200 or visit our website at  

www.delawarecountypublichealth.com 

 

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NYC Man Arrested for Alleged Trespass

Franklin, NY– Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced a Staten Island, NY man is facing the charge of trespass. 

On Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a trespass complaint in the Town of Franklin. Upon  completing an investigation, Sheriff's Deputies alleged that 53-year-old Joseph Mangi of Staten Island, New York had entered and remained unlawfully on private property.  As a result Deputies requested a criminal summons from the Franklin Town Court. 

On April 8th, 2025, Deputies located and arrested Mangi on the Criminal Summons, charging him with one count of trespass, a violation of the New York State Penal Law. 

 Mangi is scheduled to return to the Franklin Town Court at a later date to answer the charge. 

 

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Oberacker Joins New Visions Program



GRAND GORGE — On Friday, March 28 Senator Peter Oberacker joined the New Visions Health Care Professions Bassett program in person and the Fox program via Zoom to discuss his career in local and state government. The conversation connected to civics and government classes, in which Senator Oberacker elaborated on his role and committees at the NY state legislature, as well as healthcare, substance abuse, and minimum wage. The New Visions classes appreciate the time Senator Oberacker took out of his day to highlight the role of a public servant and emphasize how young adults can become active citizens.

 

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Suspended License Arrest in Delhi

DELHI — Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of a Delhi man for driving with a suspended license. 

On April 2, 2025, Sheriff’s Deputies, while on patrol in the Town of Delhi, observed a vehicle being operated by a male, known to have a suspended license. The vehicle was also observed crossing into the opposing lane of travel. Upon conducting a traffic stop, Deputies confirmed the identity of 50 yr old Donald Vantassel from Delhi. Following an inquiry with the NYS DMV, Deputies confirmed that Vantassel’s privileges to operate a motor vehicle in NYS had been suspended more than ten times. 

Deputies arrested Vantassel and charged him with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the 3rd degree an unclassified misdemeanor. Vantassel was further issued traffic summonses for unlicensed operator and failure to keep right. 

Vantassel was released on traffic summonses and was directed to appear at the Town of Delhi court at a later date to answer the charges. 

 

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Arrest in Fatal Accident Case

DAVENPORT — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Maryland man following a fatal motor vehicle accident in the Town of Davenport.
On Sunday, September 29th, 2024, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to State Highway 23 in the Town of Davenport for a report of a one car motor vehicle accident reported as a car into a house. The information provided at the time of the call was that the driver of the vehicle was out of the vehicle and walking around inside the residence. The caller also reported that people inside the house at the time suffered injuries resulting from the collision.
Upon arrival at the scene, Deputies were informed by Emergency Medical Technicians that two occupants of the house had sustained major injuries; including one victim having a fractured femur and head trauma, and the other victim being in critical condition with major head trauma.
The operator of the vehicle, identified as 18-year-old Jayden E. Aviles, of Maryland, New York was interviewed at the accident scene. During the interview, Deputies say that Aviles exhibited signs and symptoms of impairment. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered to Aviles and, at the conclusion of testing, Aviles was arrested based upon the results of the field sobriety tests. Aviles was then transported to the Delaware County Sheriffs Office for a Drug Influence Evaluation.
At the completion of the Drug Influence Evaluation, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division determined that Jayden E. Aviles was impaired by Cannabis. Later that same evening, Deputies were informed that one of the victims died as a result of the injuries sustained during the collision.
On March 20th, 2025, the facts and circumstances of this Investigation were presented to the Delaware County Grand Jury. At the completion of the proceeding, the Delaware County Grand Jury handed down an indictment charging Aviles with Driving while Ability Impaired by Drugs, Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd degree, Vehicular Assault in the 1st degree, Vehicular Assault 2nd degree and Moving from a Lane Unsafely.
On April 1st, 2025, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested Aviles on the above charges. Aviles was arraigned in front of Honorable Judge Hubbard at the Delaware County Court. Following the arraignment, Aviles was released on pre-trial release conditions directing him to surrender his passport, NYS Drivers License, not to leave the Delaware, Otsego, and Chenango County area, and to maintain communication with the Delaware County Probation Department. Aviles is scheduled to re-appear at the Delaware County Court at a later date for further Court Action.

 

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Andes Man Arrested on Firearm Charge

ANDES — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of an Andes resident for Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
On March 28th, 2025, members of the Delaware County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division received a report of a threat made to an Insurance Company. Information provided in the complaint alleged that Robert A. Meredith, 75, of Andesmade multiple death threats to employees of the insurance company.  
Investigators later interviewed Meredith at his residence about the allegations. During the course of their investigation, Investigators found that Meredith was in possession of a firearm, specifically described as a semi-automatic pistol. Investigators also allege that Meredith did not possess a New York State Pistol Permit.
At the conclusion of their investigation, Meredith was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a class E Felony.
Following arrest processing, Meredith was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Andes Town Court at a later date.
 

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The College Golf Course at Delhi Opens for the 2025 Season, Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence





DELHI  – The College Golf Course at Delhi announces the official opening for the 2025 season. The course, driving range, and pro shop, located at 85 Scotch Mountain Rd. in Delhi, are open as of Wednesday, April 10. This season marks a historic milestone as the course celebrates its 60th anniversary. 

The course opened as the College Golf Club on July 1, 1965, with a nine-hole track. In 1996, another nine holes were added (today’s back nine), including state-of the-art grasses and irrigation. The expansion allowed the course to accommodate more golfers, host large tournaments and fundraisers, and compete with other 18-hole venues locally and beyond. Today, the College Golf Course at Delhi boasts sweeping views of the Little Delaware River valley, meticulously maintained fairways and greens, a driving range, a practice green and chipping area, and a full-service pro shop.

The College Golf Course at Delhi has been a cornerstone of the local golfing community since its opening. Over the decades, the course has nurtured an educational and friendly atmosphere where players of all levels feel welcome. The course is proud to be a part of SUNY Delhi and act as a living lab where students in the Golf Course Management, Business & Professional Golf Management, and Golf/Sports Turf Management programs have hands-on learning opportunities. The course also offers skill development and coaching to the public. Individual and group lessons taught by PGA Professionals are available, and more than 80 local kids participate in their popular Junior Golf program each summer.  The Delaware County Men’s and Women’s Amateur tournaments are held annually at the Delhi course, and the Men’s event will also celebrate 60 years during the 2025 competition this July.

The College Golf Course at Delhi is also home to Bluestone Pub and Restaurant. Bluestone is open seasonally and offers a beautiful banquet space that can be reserved for special events. This summer, Bluestone is partnering with Hudson Valley-based award-winning chef Brian Alberg to revamp their menu with a focus on regional cuisine.

"We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 60 years of golf in Delhi," said General Manager David Arehart, PGA. "The College Golf Course has long been a place where golfers, both local and visiting, can enjoy the beauty of the Catskills and play an approachable yet challenging and exciting design. Our location, course layout, and partnerships with SUNY Delhi’s academic programs and Bluestone make us one of the most picturesque and dynamic courses in the area. We look forward to welcoming players for another fantastic season of golf and special events."

Golfers can look forward to a variety of leagues, special offers, and tournaments throughout the season. Memberships are also available, offering exclusive benefits, discounts, and access to one of the region’s most celebrated courses.

For more information and to book a tee time, visit golfcourse.delhi.edu or call 607-746-4653. Photos courtesy College Golf Course.

 

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Town Land Survey Postponed - Short Term Rental Regulations Expected

By Mary A. Crisafulli

BOVINA - The Bovina Town Board postponed hiring a surveyor at the regular meeting on April 8. The discussion is expected to resume in May after acquiring at least one additional quote. 

The council is seeking a survey of town property that houses the highway department salt shed and transfer station on New Road. The survey will provide the necessary information to determine logging potential. Logging the roughly 62-acre parcel was suggested in November following the rejection of a grant application to update the existing playground through the O'Connor Foundation. While the council is re-applying for the grant, they hope to get a better understanding of town assets by researching logging potential. 

The council received two quotes for a land survey - $6,400 and $8,000. Councilmember Domonic Gullow asked the discussion be tabled to gain at least one more quote. "I do feel at some point it should be surveyed so we know where the lines are...," he said, adding, it would be good to have an idea of what the lumber is worth. After some research, Gullow found that on average lumber is worth $1,000 an acre. Gullow reached out to Delaware County Soil and Water to walk the property to determine its worth.

It is not an emergency to have the property surveyed, said Councilmember Marni Greenberg. 

Later in the meeting during public comment, two residents spoke in concern regarding potential logging. The residents worry about the destruction of natural habitats, diminishing public walking and hiking paths, and erosion. 

Councilmembers assured the public they are working to gather all the information necessary to make an informed decision that benefits taxpayers as a whole. 

In another discussion, a member of the public asked the council to deliver clear expectations for the influx of short-term rental properties in the area. The individual claims the majority of the rentals are operated by individuals who are not full-time residents. 

Greenberg explained that short-term rental regulations have been discussed at length by the Comprehensive Plan Committee tasked with updating the town's plan. A final draft is currently in review by committee members and includes regulations for such rentals, she said. The council is expected to review the finalized plan in the coming months for possible adoption. 

In other business

The council is seeking mowing services for the five town-owned cemeteries. Mowing is required once a month. 

The broken pillar at the town park was mended. The fence is still in need of repair. 

The transfer station has turned away several individuals attempting to exceed the 55-gallon limit for C&D (construction debris) disposal. 

The Bovina 5K is scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at 9 a.m. with the town picnic to follow. All proceeds are to be donated to the Playground revitalization initiative. 

The council paid bills including general $39,861, water $2,325.18, septic $3,988.59, and highway $9,217.52. The general bill was high due to the annual insurance payment, reported Supervisor Tina Molè. No lighting bill was received this month - council members are seeking answers. 

The next regular town board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, May 13 at 6 p.m.

 

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