Seward Bill Widening Insurance Coverage For Heroin Addiction Passes State Senate State Sen. Jim Seward’s bill to ensure insurance is more available for in-hospital treatment for heroin addiction was one of 23 of 25 bills proposed by Senate Republicans that passed the Senate Monday. The bill, co-sponsored by Seward, who chairs the Senate Insurance Committee, also requires insurers to continue to provide in-hospital treatment during the appeals process. The Milford Republican said he proposed the bill because of complaints from…

Chamber Doesn’t Need To DO Ec-Dev, But Can Support It Edition: June 5, 2014 Editorial As when machinery forced farm workers into the cities in the 19th century, and cars and highways shifted populations from cities to suburbs in the 20th, we are living in an age of disruption. The Internet has juggled the formula in retail, media, politics, entertainment, you name it. In effect, human transactions are being replaced by electronic transmissions. It comes as no surprise that chambers…

Mantra Finds Bieritz Agency ‘Best’ Locally Edition: June 5, 2014 By JIM KEVLIN Bieritz Insurance Agency has received Mantra’s Best of Insurance Agency Award for Cooperstown, agency President Steve Bieritz announced. A web-based marketing firm, Mantra bases the award on client satisfaction, outstanding service, the agency’s marketing program and an overall rating of independent insurance agencies in and around the village. “We are proud to earn this award and look forward to continue being of service for the community in which we…

Anticipated Winslow Homers Here Exhibit At Fenimore Opens 6/6 Edition: June 5, 2014 by JIM KEVLIN And there it is, Winslow Homer’s “Watching the Breakers,” at eyeball level. On the walls surrounding it on the second floor of The Fenimore Art Museum, there resident Paul D’Ambrosio, who has had “Winslow Homer: The Nature of Rhythm and Life” in mind since his student days at the Cooperstown Graduate Program. That matters, because Homer’s career and artistic development can be traced through…

$11 Million Agri-Hub, Hotel, More In Works Edition of: June 6, 2014 By JIM KEVLIN City Hall’s plans for this round of state economic-development funding include a multi-phased concept to convert downtown Oneonta into an artisanal food and beverage hub, including a “very upscale” boutique hotel. The city is seeking $11 million grants over the next month to move the plans forward. “There’s an awful lot going on,” said Mayor Dick Miller. “It’s very exciting. Right now, the devil is in…

Cooperstown Explores Community Solar Plan Edition Date: June 5, 2014 By JIM KEVLIN   Talks have begun aimed at defining the Village of Cooperstown’s solar-energy future, which could range from panels on the 22 Main’s roof for municipal use to a solar farm that generates low-cost power for everyone. “It’s exciting. And it’s challenging,” said Trustee Lou Allstadt, the retired Mobil executive vice president and clean-energy advocate who is leading the conversation. He is also a member of the Village…

Book-Swap Mania Waxing Edition of: June 6, 2014 By LIBBY CUDMORE For book lovers, the first Monday of June at the Green Toad Book Store is even better than Black Friday. The line of customers anxious to get the best books first, wrapped from the front of 198 Main St. to past the Latte Lounge. And inside, owner Michelle Barry watched the clock, her hand ready to flip the Open/Closed sign. The clock hit 10 a.m., she opened the door…

Franklin Stage Will Again Be ‘A Beautiful Place’ Edition of: June 6, 2014 By LIBBY CUDMORE Remarkably, the Franklin Stage Company has survived 17 years on the kindness of strangers. There are no tickets. Audience members donate what they will. After each show, there’s a moment Carmela Marner, the Franklin Stage’s font of vitality, lives for. “We’ll get these envelopes that have been sealed and prepared before the show with just a few dollars in them and a note that…