Officials report suspicious man near school
Riverside Elementary School officials reported a suspicious man trying to lure students with candy Wednesday afternoon, city police said.
School officials told police that a school employee noticed two male pupils looking into a wooded area between the school’s sports field and Interstate 88, Lt. Douglas Brenner said.
The boys reported that a man was trying to offer them candy while standing on the Oneonta school’s property line, Brenner said, and when a school employee began walking toward the children, the man ran away, jumped a fence, got into a blue van or truck on I-88 and drove away westbound.
The man was described as being dark-skinned, having short, dark brown hair, wearing a dark T-shirt and carrying a fabric draw-string bag, Brenner said. The incident was reported at about 12:45 p.m.
No suspects were identified, and the investigation continues, he said. Riverside school officials said they were going to notify parents.
AARP to hear artist presentation
Today’s meeting of the Otsego County chapter of AARP No. 3099 will feature a presentation by artist and photographer Joann Chmielowski. Chmielowski will display her nature photographs in handcrafted frames.
The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. at the Elm Park United Methodist Church at 401 Chestnut St. in Oneonta. It is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Dietz Street lot work to continue
The western portion of the Dietz Street Parking Lot across from NBT Bank will be closed today for final milling and paving work, according to a media release from the city of Oneonta. No vehicles will be allowed in the area of the lot during work.
Parking restrictions in the garage will not be enforced for the duration of the work, which is expected to be completed by Oct. 31. For more information, call the Department of Engineering at 432-6465.
