News Briefs: October 17, 2025

SQSPCA, Five Star Team Up for ‘Subaru Loves Pets Month’

COOPERSTOWN—The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals  is celebrating “Subaru Loves Pets Month” this month with a full lineup of special adoption promotions made possible through the shelter’s partnership with Five Star Subaru of Oneonta.

Through Friday, October 31, adoption fees are waived for all “Underdogs”—pets who are seniors, have special medical or behavioral needs, or who tend to get overlooked. This initiative, supported by Five Star Subaru, helps give these deserving animals a better chance at finding loving homes, officials said.

In addition, on Saturday, October 18, the SQSPCA will host a “Fill the Van” Pet Supply Drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shelter. Community members are invited to help fill the shelter’s Subaru with much-needed supplies such as pet food, toys, treats, paper towels, dishwasher pods, and laundry detergent—all of which directly support the care of pets in need. As a special thank-you, anyone who donates items during the drive will be entered to win gift cards generously donated by Dazzo’s Kitchen, Baked and Brewed Cafe, and Tavarone Chiropractic.

The celebration continues on Tuesday, October 22, when the SQSPCA joins Subaru in marking “Make a Dog’s Day.” On this day only, all dog adoption fees will be waived, and folks are encouraged to visit the shelter even if they aren’t planning to adopt. Guests can make a shelter dog’s day simply by spending time with them—taking a walk, giving belly rubs, or sharing some love and attention.

“Subaru Loves Pets Month is an important opportunity to help more animals find homes and highlight the ones that need extra care or time,” said Stacie Haynes, SQSPCA executive director. “We’re so grateful to Five Star Subaru for making this possible.”

All events will take place at the SQSPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28 just south of the Village of Cooperstown. Those wishing to browse adoptable pets online or to view the shelter’s wish list can visit sqspca.org.

DEC Opens Public Comment for Remediation Policies

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Conservation Division of Environment Remediation announced upcoming revisions to DER-31/Green and Sustainable Remediation policies that govern sustainable remediation techniques and technologies. Public comments will be accepted through Monday, November 24. To view the proposed changes and submit feedback, visit dec.ny.gov/regulatory/regulations/remediation-guidance-and-policy-documents. 

Gas Prices Slide on Falling Crude

UTICA—The average price of gasoline in New York State declined two cents to $3.15 per gallon during the week ending Monday, October 13, AAA Northeast announced. The price for a barrel of domestic crude oil fell below $60 a barrel on market reactions to easing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. Friday, October 10 saw the largest single-day decline in petroleum prices since May. U.S. refineries operated at a significant 92.4 percent of capacity last week, improving domestic gasoline supply. New York’s price is 10 cents higher than last month and 13 cents lower than this day last year. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com. 

Delaware County Arts Grants Cycle Opens

ROXBURY—Roxbury Arts Center announced that $175,000 is available for the 2026 round of Delaware County Arts Grants, with an additional $40,000 set aside for organizational support. Community Arts and Creative Learning grants offer $1,500.00-7,500.00 per award to support cultural programming and arts education. Grants for individual artists range from $1,000.00-5,000.00. Applications will be accepted from October 21 to January 16 at roxburyarts.org/grants. All applicants must attend an information session or one-on-one meeting with the creative opportunities coordinator. In-person sessions will be held at Headwaters Arts Center at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 24 and at Bushel Collective in Delhi at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 21. Zoom sessions will be held two to three times each month. For more information or to register, visit the website or contact (607) 326-7908.