Storm warning in effect today throughout region
ONEONTA _ A winter storm warning for Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties is in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday.
A storm intensifying off the New Jersey coast will bring heavy snow and strong winds to the entire region, according to the National Weather Service.
The forecast is calling for 5 to 8 inches of snow in Cooperstown, Norwich, Oneonta and surrounding communities. The forecast is calling for 6 to 10 inches of snow in Delaware County.
Snow was expected to start at about 1 a.m. today, and winds were forecast to reach 25 mph by this afternoon.
The heaviest snow from the storm is expected to fall in southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the New York City area and Connecticut.
A winter storm warning is issued when severe winter weather is expected or occurring. Travel will become dangerous, and if motorists must travel, they should keep a flashlight, food and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency, according to the NWS.
Worcester school locks down after threat Tuesday
WORCESTER _ A written bomb threat was found at Worcester Central School today, prompting a "modified" lockdown and a search by state police.
It was the second bomb threat in the last three school days. A similar note was found Friday, and the school was evacuated and night basketball games were canceled.
Troopers said the note, which was found Tuesday in a bathroom, read: "Everyone will die, bomb in school."
Four troopers responded to the school at about 10:40 a.m. The school went into lockdown and was cleared in about an hour and a half, troopers said.
No one was in any danger, they said.
The investigation is continuing, and no arrests have yet been made in either incident, troopers said.
Worcester Superintendent Gary Kuch said the modified lockdown limited student movement within the school, and information on possible student suspects was given to troopers.
The school also went into lockdown in January because of a vague bomb threat, also found in a bathroom.
Chili Bowl raises $5,500 for UCCCA programs, projects
ONEONTA _ A team representing The Daily Star won first place at this year's Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts' Chili Bowl, interim executive director Cheri Albrecht said Tuesday.
The contest was held Sunday and is a fundraiser that generates support for activities of the Arts Council.
Albrecht said the team of Adam Stoutenburg and Ed Basso won Best of Show and the People's Choice awards.
The runners-up were:
First place: Brian Bennett from Sodexo, the State University College at Oneonta food service.
Second place: Steve Mattson, also from Sodexo.
Third place: Bob Eklund from Aramark, the Hartwick College food service provider.
The People's Choice Award was determined by more than 200 people who participated in the event, raising about $5,500 through the sale of chili bowls, she said.
There were 14 types of chili including turkey, vegetarian and venison for judges from the Oneonta Fire Department to rank, Albrecht said, adding that "it was a difficult choice."
SUNY Oneonta to host reception for Blazina
ONEONTA _ The State University College at Oneonta will host a reception to recognize retiring Vice President for Community Relations Carol A. Blazina in the Craven Lounge of the Morris Conference Center from 2 to 3 p.m. today. The event is open to the public.
Blazina has served SUNY Oneonta since 1966 as a faculty member, campus leader and administrator. As vice president for community relations, she serves as college spokeswoman and her responsibilities include coordinating the college's public, community and governmental relations efforts, officials said.
