NEWS IN BRIEF

4-16-10

Stallions Announce 2010 Schedule
ONEONTA – The New York Stallions semi-professional football team announced Tuesday, they will be playing their home games under the lights at Hartwick College’s Wright Stadium. Home games will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, July 17, Aug. 14, 28 and Sept. 18.
This season the team will compete in the Empire Football League, a 40 year old league with a rich tradition that includes a former Oneonta-based championship team in the 1970s.
“It’s a great day for Stallions football. We’re looking to bringing the tradition of football back to the city of Oneonta and we’re graciously thankful to Hartwick College for letting us play there this season. We are also thankful for the community’s support for the New York Stallions,” said Del Anthony, Stallions owner.

Pickwick’s Shuts As Owner Faces Charges
MILFORD – Pickwick’s Motorsports has closed while owner Scott D. Pickwick deals with several felony counts, including one where he sold a customer’s boat for $3,600 and provided an inaccurate bill of sale, according to the county Sheriff’s Department.
He faces 11 charges, ranging from third-degree grand larceny to altering odometers, a misdemeanor, according to the press release.
Police said he diverted $13,000 in document fees from 300 customers, and overcharged 40 customers $2,300 in DMV registration fees.
He was arraigned in Milford Town Court and was released on $3,000 bail.  He faces up to 26 years in prison, according to police.

County Hosts Land-Use Training Classes
The Otsego County Planning Department is hosting three land-use training workshops at The Meadows.  To register, call Joy Garner at 547-4225.  The sessions are 7-9 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 21, Addressing Housing Concerns Through Land Use Regulations.
• Wednesday, April 28, Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, and  The Effects of FEMA Flood Map Changes on Your Community.
• Wednesday, May 5, The Status of GIS Services in Otsego County, and Transportation Topics Related to Heavy Industry.

USDA Grants Support ‘Buy Local’ Efforts
Two USDA grant programs to promote “buy local” efforts are available again this year, according to the state Department of Agriculture & Markets:
• 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (application due May 17), to enhance the long-term viability of specialty-crop businesses.  Minimum $30,000 for selected projects.
For more details, call (518) 457-7076, or check www.agmkt.state.ny.us/RFPS.html or contact the Department at 518-457-7076.
• Regional “Buy Local” Campaign Development Program (applications due June 3), to help promote local farm products.  $13,400 available per region.

Master Gardeners Offer pH Soil Testing
Gardeners may drop off soil samples at local libraries for a week, beginning Earth Day (Thursday, April 22) to be tested by the county Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners.
Libraries are participating in Cherry Valley, Cooperstown, Edmeston, Gilbertsville, Hartwick, Milford, Morris, Oneonta, Otego, Richfield Springs, Springfield, Unadilla and Worcester. 
A single soil test is free: soil will be tested for pH level, with results returned by early May.

News In Brief is being launched for news and items that are too detailed for a calendar item but require less than a full story.  Please send submissions to info@hometownoneonta.biz