Step back in time features news items from The Daily Star 25 and 50 years ago.
25 years ago
Jan. 24, 1987
COOPERSTOWN _ DeCom Medical Waste Systems Inc., a Canadian firm that specializes in burning infectious wastes, said Friday it is dropping its proposed incineration project in Westford.
Local people who had opposed the project reacted to the news with joy and surprise.
"We are pulling out of our Westford project," said Francis Lavigne, DeCom's vice president of operations. "Basically that's for a reassessment of our corporate priorities."
Mary Allen, a Westford woman who is one of the leaders of the grassroots group calling itself FATE (Fighting Against Toxic Emissions), said she could hardly believe the news.
"Oh, that is super," Mrs. Allen said. "It was so easy. Oh, that is terrific. I don't know what to say ... I thought at least we would have to fight them for another year."
50 years ago
Jan. 24, 1962
The Oneonta Town Board granted Oneonta Video Company's requested rate increase Tuesday night under what some Board members termed "wedges" and "pressure."
The new rate will be $3.60 per month, an increase over the old rate of $3.25. The new rate, according to the resolution passed by the board, will be retroactive to Jan. 1.
After hearing Video representatives at a marathon session January 11, the board delayed action so that samplings of opinion could be taken.
At the meeting last night, the Video topic came up before the group only after a lengthy silence following Supervisor J. Gordon Downie's asking for old business.
Finally, after board member Carl Disbrow said "Oneonta Video," the topic was open to discussion.
Harold Ingloldsby quickly quipped, "Do we have to bring that up?"
Mr. Downie, Chairman of the Board, elaborated on the Board's position stating, "It seems we have to choose between the lesser of the two evils."
He was referring to an evidently well founded rumor that Town of Oneonta service from Video might be discontinued if the increase was not granted.
