News Briefs: May 21, 2026

Streeks Honored with Planting

COOPERSTOWN—On the afternoon of Friday, May 1, the Village of Cooperstown held its Arbor Day Celebration with a dedication ceremony in memory of Ron and Susie Streek, with several family members in attendance. Village officials planted a gingko biloba tree in front of the Main Street B&B, the Streeks’ former residence.

Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh read the annual Arbor Day Proclamation and provided remarks on Ron and Susie’s involvement in local organizations and village government. Ron served for more than a decade on the village’s Water and Sewer Board and its Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as several years on the Planning Board. The Streeks were active in both the Rotary Club and Lions Club, with Susie being recognized as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Attendees included members of the Otsego Lake Sailing Club, where the Streeks not only were competitive sailors but also chaired numerous committees and were always willing to assist members.

Following the brief ceremony, attendees were welcomed to a reception at Mohican Flowers hosted by Carol and Bill Waller, longtime friends of the Streeks.

The Village of Cooperstown has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for nearly 50 years. To earn the Tree City status, the village upholds four standards including having a dedicated Tree Committee, establishing a tree ordinance, spending at least $2.00 per capita on trees, and participating in an Arbor Day Celebration.

HAB Tracking Now Underway

COOPERSTOWN—Otsego County Conservation Association seeks community volunteers for its new shoreline harmful algal bloom tracking program on Otsego and Canadarago lakes. Volunteer monitors will adopt and carefully observe sections of the shoreline, playing a critical new role in tracking blooms. Read the full story at allotsego.com/occa-launches-shoreline-hab-monitoring-program/.

Springbrook Set To Expand

CORTLAND—Regan Development Corporation was awarded $9.3 million in funding through New York State Homes and Community Renewal to support the development of Cortlandville Commons, a 68-unit affordable and supportive housing development in Cortlandville. Springbrook, one of New York’s leading service providers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, partnered with Regan to include 11 supportive housing units specifically designed for people with disabilities and to serve as housing support provider for the residents. The project will be partly funded with Integrated Supportive Housing assistance from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. For more information, visit springbrookconnections.org.

AG James To Speak Locally

COOPERSTOWN—New York State Attorney General Letitia James will hold a campaign event in Cooperstown from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. The address will be provided upon RSVP. Tickets are available at the $250.00, $500.00, $1,000.00 and $2,500.00 levels, with some $100.00 young professional slots available. Visit secure.actblue.com/donate/tish053026 or contact Anthony@CulverPlace.com for more information or to sign up.

Cobleskill Hospital Lauded

COBLESKILL—Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cobleskill Regional Hospital was named one of the top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation by the National Rural Health Association for the second time in the past three years. CAHs are designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to provide essential services in remote areas. NRHA evaluates facilities on their inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and finance. Cobleskill Regional Hospital was the only honoree in New York this year.