News Briefs: February 12, 2026

Broadband Workshop Planned

OTSEGO COUNTY—Otsego County will host the first in a series of broadband regulatory alignment workshops at 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 26. It will be held on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public, with wide participation from Otsego and Montgomery counties strongly encouraged. The meetings will bring together municipal leaders, regional partners and residents to discuss the local challenges of broadband expansion. Registration is encouraged but not required. Visit tinyurl.com/yf67dzs2 for more information or to sign up.

FCA History Society To Meet

FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society’s next monthly meeting will be held at 852 County Route 26 at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25. It will begin with a potluck dinner, followed by a presentation at 6:30 p.m. and then the business meeting. All are welcome.

Gardeners To Address Rotary

UNADILLA—The Unadilla Rotary Club will host Cornell Cooperative Extension Otsego Master Gardener volunteers for a presentation at 246 Main Street in Unadilla at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25. CCE volunteers and staff are trained to answer any questions about home gardening. The program is free and open to the public with no registration required. For more information, visit cceschoharie-otsego.org.

CCE Announces Spring Events

OTSEGO COUNTY—Cornell Cooperative Extension will host an eight-part webinar series on basic fruit tree cultivation. Sessions will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays from February 26 to April 2 and on Monday, March 16 and Monday, March 23. Kelley Doolin will lead a fruit tree pruning workshop at Middlefield Orchard, 2274 State Highway 166, from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 28. Spots are limited and registration is available at reg.cce.cornell.edu/treeprun_schots_243. Doolin will return to Middlefield Orchard for a berry pruning workshop from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 7; register at reg.cce.cornell.edu/berryprun_schots_243.

The second annual Ag Solutions and Networking Expo will be held at SUNY Cobleskill from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3. Farmers, agribusinesses and partners from across the region are invited for a day of workshops and networking. Register at eventleaf.com/e/AgSolutions26. CCE will co-host a three-part webinar series on protecting farms from production risks with Annie’s Project and NY FarmNet. The webinars will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays from March 3-17. Registration is available at bit.ly/4tgcYeS. To view a full list of upcoming CCE events, visit cceschoharie-otsego.org/.

Nominees Sought for Award

ALBANY—Nominations are open for New York State’s 2026 Agricultural Environmental Management Leopold Conservation Award. The annual $10,000.00 award is presented to a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for outstanding efforts in water, soil, and wildlife conservation. Applications must be received by May 15. For a full list of eligibility requirements or to make a nomination, visit sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

Field Station Seeking Interns

COOPERSTOWN—SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station is accepting applications for its 2026 summer internship programs, offering high-school and college students hands-on experience with lake management fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and research presentations. The application deadlines are March 4 for undergraduate interns and March 18 for high-school interns. The program is free, runs from late May through August, and offers college credits and fellowship funds of $3,000.00-5,000.00. For more information or to apply, visit suny.oneonta.edu/biology-department/biological-field-station/internships.

Albany Releases Dean’s List

ALBANY—The University at Albany released its fall 2025 Dean’s List, honoring students who achieved a grade point average of 3.25 in their first semester of study or 3.5 in subsequent semesters. Local honorees include: Ivan Latella-Chicaiza and Lydia Lusk of Cherry Valley; Tara Dilorenzo of Cooperstown; Atticus Savage of Edmeston; Eliana Minenna of Fly Creek; Hannah Pope of Mount Vision; Leah Rehrmann of Morris; Lily Lin, Gabriella Saggese, Caleb Christman, and Olivia Enck of Oneonta; Emily Russo, Elif Kaptan, and Isabella West of Sidney; and Natalie Livelsberger of Unadilla.

Military Classic Taking Shape

COOPERSTOWN—The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will observe the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with the Hall of Fame Military Classic on Memorial Day Weekend. Hall of Famers Wade Boggs, Rollie Fingers, Todd Helton, Tony La Russa and Joe Torre will take part in the festivities at Doubleday Field, with more participants to be announced. The seven-inning Legends Game will feature a home run contest and fun for the whole family. For more information on Memorial Day Weekend programming, visit baseballhall.org/hofclassic.

Brown Wins Wrestling Title

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown/Milford wrestling placed fourth of 11 teams at the Section III Class D Tournament in South Lewis on Saturday, February 7. Freshman Rowan Brown won a Class D title at 118 pounds with a 3-0 record and two pins. Max Koffer went 2-1 at 132 for a second-place finish and got his 100th varsity win in the semifinals. Andrew Spaulding also placed second, going 1-1 at 144 pounds. Max Pelcer and Thomas Geertgens finished third at 132 and 157 pounds, respectively. C/M will travel to Onondaga Community College in Syracuse for the Section III Division III Tournament on Saturday, February 14.

Cemetery Association To Meet

HARTWICK—The annual meeting of the lot owners of the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery Association will be held at Hartwick Seminary Fire House, Department 2, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 22. The business meeting will include the election of trustees.

FAM Announces Programming

COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Art Museum will host a virtual tour of its Cooper, Cole and Hudson River School collection from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, followed by a Women Artists tour from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24. There will be a virtual tour of the Thaw Collection of Native American Art from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3. All tours are offered with a suggested donation of $10.00. The 2026 Cabin Fever Film Series will be held in the Fenimore auditorium at 7 p.m. on Fridays, offering “The Phoenician Scheme” on February 13, “Hamnet” on March 6 and “One Battle After Another” on March 20. The movies are free to attend but donations are encouraged. For more information or to sign up, visit fenimoreart.org.

Thompson Makes Dean’s List

ONEONTA—Hartwick College released its fall 2025 Dean’s List, honoring students who achieved a GPA of at least 3.5 while carrying 12 or more credits of classwork. Among the honorees was Emily Thompson of Richmondville.

Scholarship Deadline Nearing

NEW BERLIN—The Preferred Foundation, the giving entity of Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, will accept scholarship applications from high-school seniors in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties through Saturday, February 28. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and overall merit. Four awards will be granted this year. For full eligibility criteria or to apply, visit preferredmutual.com/our-difference/community.

Olympian To Lead Swim Clinic

COOPERSTOWN—Five-time Olympic medalist Josh Davis will lead two swim clinics at the Clark Sports Center on Friday, February 20. The workshop will be open to ages 9-11 from 3-5:30 p.m. and to ages 12 and up from 5:30-7:30. The cost is $150.00 per person and slots are expected to fill quickly. To register, visit clarksportscenter.com.

25 Main To Host Workshops

CHERRY VALLEY—Amanda Trumbull will lead two upcoming classes at 25 Main Collective in February. There will be a wire-wrapping workshop to make either fidget rings or a suncatcher from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18 for ages 10 and up. Another wire-wrapping class to make a sun and moon will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 21. Class sizes are limited; contact 25maincollective@gmail.com for more information or to register.

ADK Club Leads February Hikes

ONEONTA—The Susquehanna chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club has two remaining Tuesday hikes in February, at Hamden Rail Trail on February 17 and at the Susquehanna Greenway on Oneonta’s Silas Lane on February 24. The monthly meeting and potluck dinner will be held at the Greenway at 6 p.m. on February 18 and will feature a presentation by chapter Chair Donna Vogler. For more information, visit susqadk.org.

Area Facing Blood Shortage

ENDICOTT—The American Red Cross issued an urgent nationwide alert that it is suffering a severe blood shortage. Winter weather and a large number of canceled blood drives have contributed to a deficit of nearly 20,000 donations, putting cancer patients and accident victims in danger. Donors are strongly urged to give blood; walk-ins are welcome and pre-registration is available at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Upcoming blood drives in the area include: 1-6 p.m. on February 12 at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 13 at Sidney High School; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 18 at 15166 State Highway 30 in Downsville; 1-5:30 p.m. at 16178 State Route 28 in Delhi; 12:30-5:30 p.m. on February 20 at 31 Elm Street in Cooperstown; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 21 at Southside Mall in Oneonta; 1-6 p.m. on February 24 at 104 River Street in Sidney; 2-6 p.m. on February 24 at 1444 Pines Brook Road in Walton; 1-5 p.m. on February 27 at 401 Chestnut Street in Oneonta; 3-7 p.m. on February 27 at Laurens High School; and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on February 28 at Marion Avenue and State Highway 51 in Gilbertsville.

Repair Café Returns Saturday

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Repair Café will return to the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 14. Community members are invited to bring in broken lamps, small appliances, and small furniture for assistance and advice from volunteer repair experts. The café is a collaborative program of Otsego 2000, Otsego County Conservation Association and Otsego Land Trust, and will return to the farmers’ market on the second Saturday of each month. For more information or to volunteer, visit otsego2000.org/repaircafe.

Development Funds Available

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that $3 million is available through the Workforce Development Grant Program to support expanded development programs for jobs in the state’s agriculture and food sectors. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, non-profit educational institutions, municipal government entities and public benefit corporations. Awards range from $50,000.00 to $500,000.00 with a minimum match of 20 percent. Proposals are due on April 28. For more information or to apply, visit agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0328-new-york-state-agriculture-and-food-systems-workforce-development-grant-program. An informational webinar for applicants will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 23; register at meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r6f1ed9f870928103732bad7861fef173.

Chamber Releases Calendar

OTSEGO COUNTY—The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting for its newest member, MetroMatress, at 4987 State Highway 23 at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24. The State of the County address and breakfast will be held in the Otsego Grille at SUNY Oneonta’s Morris Hall from 8-11 a.m. on Friday, February 27. Registration is required by February 20. For more information or a full schedule, visit members.otsegocc.com/events.

Boys Secure Title, Undefeated

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown boys basketball blew past Sherburne-Earlville 93-53 in a Center State Conference Division III game at home on Tuesday, February 3. Miles Nelen scored 27 points and made seven assists. Jackson Crisman recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds; Ben Lewis made another with a personal record of 10 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Brody Murdock scored 13 points.

The Hawkeyes trounced Morrisville-Eaton 99-57 to secure the Division III title and celebrate Senior Night on Friday, February 6. Nelen scored 23 more points and had five assists. Crisman had another double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Christian Lawson recorded 20 points, seven steals and seven assists, and Murdock added eight points. Cooperstown rose to 18-0 for the season and 9-0 in their division, and will face Sauquoit Valley after press time on Tuesday, February 10.

The girls team routed Sherburne-Earlville at home on Thursday, February 5, led by Emma Johnson’s 31 points and 10 rebounds. Lanie Nelen added 14 points and eight rebounds. Deanna Wolfe scored 11 points and Sophia Johnson recorded six points and 13 rebounds.

Volleyball Finishes Strong

COOPERSTOWN—Number 5-seeded Cooperstown volleyball swept 12-seed Clinton 35-22, 25-20, 25-23 in the opening round of the Section III Class C Playoffs on Wednesday, February 4. Chloe Jubar and Mia Pelcer each made 13 kills. The season came to an end with Cooperstown’s 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 20-25, 13-25) loss to Sandy Creek in the quarterfinals on Friday, February 6. The Hawkeyes finished the season with a record of 13-4. Sandy Creek will face top-seeded Beaver River in the semifinals after press time on Tuesday, February 10.

CCS Bowling Wins Title

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown bowling won a Center State Conference title at the tournament in Rome on Wednesday, February 4. Wyatt Butts had both high game and high series for the Hawkeyes, finishing the night at 238-201-225. Joey Paterno rolled a series of 180-214-232. Butts, Paterno, Kaden Card, and Anthony McCoy will compete individually in the Section III Shootout, which begins at the Mattydale AMF Strike and Spare on Thursday, February 26.

Gas Prices Stabilize

UTICA—The average price of gasoline in New York State held steady at $2.98 per gallon over the week ending Monday, February 9, AAA Northeast announced. Although winter weather impacted the supply chain, an even greater drop in demand as Americans sheltered indoors was enough to offset upward pressure on prices. Total demand fell by more than 600,000 barrels per day relative to the week before. Gasoline inventories rose by 2.4 million barrels to 66.8 million, well above the five-year average of 64.5. New York’s price is seven cents lower than last month and 19 cents below this week last year. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.

Vacation Homes Topic of Study

NEW YORK STATE—A recent study by Compare the Market found that a large proportion of vacant homes across the U.S. are used as seasonal or vacation rental properties, putting a strong upward pressure on housing prices and contributing to poverty and homelessness. In New York State, 32 percent of the nearly 850,000 vacant housing units are rental properties, and there are about 1.4 vacation properties for every home available to rent or buy. The state has a homeless population of about 160,000. Vermont led the nation with 78 percent of its vacant housing stock dedicated to short-term rentals. For more information, visit comparethemarket.com.au/.