New Smoking Rules Set for State Parks — and the Rest of Your State and Local News

Smoking Bans Hit State Parks

New York State’s parks have new rules for smokers starting this week.

There is no smoking at the playgrounds and pools of the state’s 213 parks, and there are no-smoking zones set up.

The ban includes beaches, pavilions, and outdoor seating areas.

There will be signs posted where smoking is not allowed. It will still be permissible to smoke at camp sites. State park staff will let people know when they have violated the rules with a fine, or a disorderly conduct charge for those who defy the smoking ban.

Smoking is already prohibited inside state park buildings and historical sites.

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Oneonta Opens Practice Fields

The city of Oneonta Recreation Department announced that the following fields are now open for public use: All soccer fields in Neahwa Park, Swart-Wilcox, and Susquehanna River Park and all Wilber Park practice fields. Casual park-goers must allow organizations and groups that have been issued permits to use fields and facilities.

All softball and baseball fields remain closed and are not to be used until they are declared “ready for play” by the Recreation Department. Some user groups have been cleared to start practicing on some outfields. Coaches should contact their league administrator with questions. Parks and fields should never be used when soft or muddy. For more information, call the Department of Recreation at 432-0680 during business hours.

Otsego Chamber To Hold Job Fair

Those who are looking for a job or want to upgrade their job skills can attend a job fair next month.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold the fair on Thursday, May 17th at the Holiday Inn. The focus of the fair is to provide people from the Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango County regions with information and assistance to deal with the economic downturn.

There will be information about training opportunities, jobs, and service to enhance lives of those who are underemployed, or unemployed, including agencies that deal with food, clothing, child care, transportation and other services.

More information for participants and those business and organizations that would like to sponsor or participate in a booth can call the Chamber at 432-4500.

Harter Wins National Award

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department announced yesterday that Jeff Harter, a 9-1-1 dispatcher, has been named the national winner of the first ever Smart Telecommunicator awards, a national campaign to promote national telecommunications week. Harter was one of 20 dispatchers across the country to be nominated for the award.

He was recognized for his life saving actions in June 2011. Gwen Hornbeck called 9-1-1 after her 17-year-old daughter choked on a hot dog and was not breathing. While his fellow dispatchers relayed instructions to emergency and ambulance personnel, Harter made an effort to calm Hornbeck down and provided instructions in a calm, professional manner.

One Million Given to NYS DOT for Bus Inspections

Charter and tour buses in New York will be inspected differently this year.

A provision in this year’s state budget gives $1 million to the NYS Department of Transportation to step up bus inspections for those companies with the worst safety records, including unannounced inspections.

The state terminated the operating licenses of eight bus companies last year after they failed inspections. Fifteen people were killed on a bus returning to New York City last march, and another 30 were injured in a crash in July.

All tour and motor coach vehicles will be inspected at least twice a year under the new plan.

SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Oneonta trounced Cobleskill, 16-0. David Wright had a big day going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Others who had a big game include Zach King, Ben Moxley and Ryne Rivino.

Unatego had a blanked Windsor, 5-0. The Spartans are now at 3- 0 on the season.

Bainbridge-Guliford swamped Delhi, 16-4. Lucas Butcher picked up the win on the mound for B-G.

SOFTBALL

Oneonta shut out visiting Harpursville. OHS pitcher Seneca Baldwin struck out 11 and walked none over six innings.

COLLEGE LACROSSE

SUNY Oneonta senior Rebecca Monteith was named SUNYAC Conference Player of the Week. Last week she became the college’s all time leader in goals and points.