September 14, 2012

Catching up with the Journal

I've missed a few articles in the Ithaca Journal worth noting: An amazing examination of Dryden's first murder Girl Scouts grow vegetables for the Dryden and Freeville Food Pantries More on the greening of Ellis Hollow Road's expanded shoulders A...

Posted by simon at 10:53 PM

July 14, 2012

Greek Peak in trouble; Seward to face primary opponent

It looks like Greek Peak's debts to a failed bank may be causing it major headaches. Let's hope they stay open - they're in Virgil, but despite the distance they still create business and definitely recreation for Dryden. (Update: More...

Posted by simon at 9:36 AM

July 11, 2012

Garden tour and much more

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

July 10, 2012

Two years after the arson

There's still no conclusion about the arson fire at Ithaca Police officer Bryan Bangs' Etna home....

Posted by simon at 3:59 PM

June 27, 2012

Dryden Town Talk reports historian award

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports that Dryden village historian Elsie Gutchess received the 2012 Franklin D. Roosevelt Local Government Historian Professional Achievement Award (along with Groton historian Rosemarie Tucker) from the Association of Public Historians of New York State...

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

June 25, 2012

Freeville motorocycle accident leads to airlift

This doesn't sound good: A Freeville man was seriously injured when his motorcycle failed to make a jump at a private track on Friday in the Town of Dryden.... He was airlifted from the scene by Mercy Flight Helicopter to...

Posted by simon at 7:30 PM

June 18, 2012

Fracking and earthquakes

The fracking and earthquakes conversation has a lot of dimensions. I had a lot of questions about the DSGEIS fumbling the information on faults that was available. I was less concerned, though, with fracking causing earthquakes that with the other...

Posted by simon at 12:24 PM

May 28, 2012

Emerald Ash Borer on the way

Area forests, including the trees around my own house, are going to change a lot with the 'imminent' arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer: Though discovered in New York state, the bugs haven't been found in Tompkins County, according to...

Posted by simon at 4:46 AM

May 18, 2012

Bolton Point water safer than reported

If, like me, you get your water from the Bolton Point plant, this may come as a mild relief: the water only has 58 parts per billion of trihalomethanes, not the 82 ppb they reported in their water quality report....

Posted by simon at 4:43 PM

May 17, 2012

A real accident and a simulation

The Ithaca Journal reports on a three-car accident on Route 13 and Etna Road (Etna Lane?), that happened at about the same time emergency crews were demonstrating a response to a simulated DWI accident at Dryden High School. Update: More...

Posted by simon at 4:55 PM

May 16, 2012

School budgets pass

The Ithaca Journal reports that Dryden's school budget, purchase of three school buses, and a new roof for the Freeville school passed. Bill Harding, Paul Lutwak, and Lawrence Lyon, the listed candidates, won three-year terms, while write-in Brian June won...

Posted by simon at 12:08 PM

May 7, 2012

Is Groden in the future?

I'm not guessing that the Towns of Groton and Dryden will merge any time soon, but school districts? Maybe. This article on school budget squeezes notes that the state is pushing consolidation pretty much everywhere. At TC3, "Associate Professor of...

Posted by simon at 7:25 AM

May 4, 2012

Power plant? What power plant?

The AES Cayuga plant hasn't been running since March, so our electricity is no longer coming from Tompkins County. For more on why, see Stuart Staniford's look at the paths of oil and natural gas prices. This storm mostly missed...

Posted by simon at 11:53 AM

May 2, 2012

"Enjoy the height of spring"

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk explores spring activities. I'm also curious about which parking lot in Dryden is using these LEDs for light. Dryden resident and President of the Tompkins County Bar Association Kelly Damm has a guest viewpoint on...

Posted by simon at 7:59 AM

April 28, 2012

Wait - why are you quoting the mercenaries?

I'm not the only one who noticed Gannett and the Ithaca Journal re-hashing a story from the Energy In Depth folks. County Legislature Chair Martha Robertson has some hard questions for the Journal. The Ithaca Journal should investigate where the...

Posted by simon at 10:36 PM

April 25, 2012

eNewspaper on its way

I'm not really sure what the Journal is up to. They report the arrival of an eNewspaper, a "digital replica" of their print edition, which is free until 6:00am Saturday. You can explore it here and see what you think....

Posted by simon at 10:21 AM

April 20, 2012

Dryden schools offer budget, lack candidates

Well, a 2.86% tax levy increase is lower than I would have expected, given the challenges of the past few years. Somehow, though, only three candidates have signed up to run for four school board seats. Dryden High School will...

Posted by simon at 6:35 AM

Journal repeats mercenaries, mercenaries ignore it

I was really hoping the folks at Energy in Depth would have something to say about the Ithaca Journal repeating their claims with a slightly calmer take and more context, but they seem content to let Gannett's Albany bureau do...

Posted by simon at 6:22 AM

April 11, 2012

Yep, the Journal's moving behind a paywall

I really wish they hadn't titled this Major changes coming to your Ithaca Journal, because if there's anything the Journal has taught us over the years, it's that it doesn't belong to readers or to the community. It belongs to...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

April 5, 2012

Fatal accident on Pinckney Road

I'm not sure what it is about the area near the Lower Creek / Pinckney Road intersection, but it seems to get more than its share of accidents. The most recent, Tuesday night, killed a Freeville man and injured four...

Posted by simon at 9:00 AM

March 23, 2012

Ticks advancing

Last year was a terrible year for ticks here. This year looks likely to be much worse. Update: That earned an Upstate 2050 story, though I know that for now we're not in the "red zone"....

Posted by simon at 6:46 AM

March 8, 2012

Freeville has a mayor's race

and the Ithaca Journal has guest viewpoints from incumbent Mayor Lotte Carpenter and challenger Ron Szymanski. Most of both pieces is pretty classical muncipal issues, but Szymanski really pushes the doubletalk envelope with: My ability to work with all interests...

Posted by simon at 6:50 AM

March 1, 2012

Fire on Dryden Road, farmers meet

There was a fire yesterday at 1822 Dryden Road, which damaged one apartment but required residents of four others to leave for a few days. There were also two farm summits in the area. Cooperative Extension held a Tompkins County...

Posted by simon at 7:00 AM

February 24, 2012

Brewing on Ellis Drive

I don't drink very much any more, and it's been an even longer time since I brewed my own beer, but it's great to see brewing come to Dryden. Bacchus Brewing, on Ellis Drive, will be opening March 24th, and...

Posted by simon at 6:51 AM

February 23, 2012

Agriculture summit, home show

and more, as always, in Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk....

Posted by simon at 9:36 AM

February 18, 2012

After the boom

This morning's Ithaca Journal asks Has New York missed the hydrofracking boom? and concludes sort of maybe. Over two years ago, I suggested that there were good economic reasons for drilling to come later if it came at all, and...

Posted by simon at 6:31 AM

February 9, 2012

Many stories

Lots and lots of small pieces, in no particular order: Dryden Town Talk offers history, chocolate Saturday in Etna, and a link to this great piece about the proposed Etna post office closing. Dryden nurse Jamie Otis made it to...

Posted by simon at 7:28 AM

January 25, 2012

Lots happening, and questioning home rule

As always, Dryden Town Talk is a must-read. Volunteer opportunities, jazz concerts, pancakes, chowder, a father-daughter dance... there's lots going on! I guess State Senator Jim Seward's earlier comments about home rule didn't sit well with the Dryden Safe Energy...

Posted by simon at 12:44 PM

January 23, 2012

I liked it better when this data stayed in Dryden

at the former NYSEG headquarters, rather than spreading because of: an employee at an independent software development consulting firm who allowed unauthorized access to one of the companies' customer information systems. The customer records contain Social Security numbers, dates of...

Posted by simon at 6:15 PM

January 17, 2012

Polite jousting over legislative Chair

While redistricting seems unlikely to make a drastic difference in Dryden, two Dryden County Legislators are making competing cases about how the Legislature should run and came to a deadlock at the beginning of the year. This morning's Ithaca Journal...

Posted by simon at 5:04 AM

January 11, 2012

Paywall coming soon to the Ithaca Journal?

It sure sounds like it. The piece I wonder about most is: In conjunction with this effort, we are also investing in the unique local content we deliver across all platforms including tablet, mobile, and new technologies as they come...

Posted by simon at 5:49 PM

January 5, 2012

Lots of questions over different kinds of "development"

One underlying theme I keep finding in the Ithaca Journal this new year is questions about how we want to build in this county. Many of the questions are about energy, but others aren't. There's a roundup of news about...

Posted by simon at 12:10 PM

December 29, 2011

Southworth House plans developing

This looks exciting: A piece of Dryden history is set to become part of the town's future when the Dryden Town Historical Society takes full ownership of the historic Southworth homestead on North Street in February. The historical society, given...

Posted by simon at 4:59 PM

December 24, 2011

Closed caucuses aren't open government

I've made this point before at the state level, and have to agree with it at the county level: The Democrats' caucus meeting is legal, thanks to a mischievous change approved by the New York state Legislature in 1985. Caucuses...

Posted by simon at 9:45 AM

Make-A-Wish causes unemployment issue

Back in October, the Ithaca Journal was reporting on a happy gift to a Freeville 5-year-old. Today, it seems that the trip to Disney World is causing his father painful problems with unemployment benefits. It seems that the eligibility maze...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

December 20, 2011

RPM bankruptcy limits clawback

I've been slack, and there's a lot to catch up on at the Ithaca Journal. RPM Ecosystems didn't create the jobs promised in exchange for tax reductions, but bankruptcy means the tax money is gone. Dryden resident Audrey Terry will...

Posted by simon at 12:06 PM

December 14, 2011

Holiday happenings and gardening

As usual, go read Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column. This time it's mostly holiday-related, with a bit on the Dryden Community Garden's classes. There's an update on sentencing of a Dryden teen for sexual contact with a 13-year-old. And...

Posted by simon at 12:36 PM

December 13, 2011

Can Ludgate Farms be saved?

The Ithaca Journal takes a look. I was at the meeting Friday night. I can't say that it felt like we reached firm conclusions, but it certainly seemed possible. I suspect that the hardest parts will be assembling a business...

Posted by simon at 5:07 PM

December 10, 2011

Freeville passes drilling moratorium

The Journal's regular coverage seems not to have noticed it, but David Fogel, Chair of the Village of Freeville Planning Board, writes the Ithaca Journal to say that passing the moratorium was the right thing to do, and tells a...

Posted by simon at 7:11 AM

December 9, 2011

Last-place region still funds some Dryden projects

The Regional Economic Development Council awards came out yesterday, and the Southern Tier region, of which Tompkins County and Dryden are a part, received the least funds. Per capita, I'm sure our $49.4 million beat New York City's $66 million,...

Posted by simon at 7:43 AM

December 5, 2011

Wireless broadband arriving

Infrastructure is difficult stuff, but it's getting here! Three and a half years after New York State awarded Clarity Connect a $430,000 grant to deliver wireless broadband to Dryden, we're just about to see it start up: The move is...

Posted by simon at 12:10 PM

December 2, 2011

Bringing an SGEIS hearing here

Or almost here, anyway - to downtown Ithaca, since the DEC seemed too afraid of local feedback to put an event any closer than Binghamton. (Dansville, way outside the fairway for these, no problem! And NYC, well, they had to...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

November 30, 2011

Holidays coming to Dryden; economic development proposals

Cathy Wakeman reports on a variety of holiday happenings and more in her Dryden Town Talk column, starting with the Christmas tree lighting this Saturday, December 5th, on the Village Green in the Village of Dryden. There's also a piece...

Posted by simon at 12:58 PM

November 29, 2011

Dryden schools to vote on capital improvements

Next Monday, December 12th, voters in the Dryden Central School District will get to vote on proposals for improving school buildings, repaving the parking lot, and establishing a new capital fund: Every five years, New York state requires all school...

Posted by simon at 7:16 AM

November 24, 2011

Helping after the flood

Dryden only had minor flooding, but those to our south and east were less lucky. The Ithaca Journal looks at help coming to Tioga County, with a photo of Greg Kimbell of Dryden....

Posted by simon at 8:15 AM

November 23, 2011

Thankful for Dryden, and a few things left to work on

Successful Dryden Town Board candidate Linda Lavine wrote a thank-you letter in today's Ithaca Journal: Every workday, as I drive 12 miles through the back roads of Dryden, I give thanks for the beauty of this land. I pass homes,...

Posted by simon at 12:22 PM

November 21, 2011

"Fingers were wiggled"

The Ithaca Journal headline promised "high drama" in their story about the Binghamton DEC hearing, but somehow we get a "boisterous" crowd that wiggles their fingers. I guess I won't see that in the audio from WSKG....

Posted by simon at 7:18 AM

November 18, 2011

Not a surprising location for an accident

I try to arrange my drives to avoid left turns onto Route 13 almost anywhere except in the Village of Dryden. I'm not sure that was the problem in this three-car crash last night at Route 13 and Yellow Barn,...

Posted by simon at 4:23 PM

November 17, 2011

Lots of Dryden happenings

I should probably script something on this site that grabs Cathy Wakeman's latest Dryden Town Talk and posts a link here saying go read it! This week, of course, there's Dryden-related (Finger Lakes Fresh expanding to Groton with a state...

Posted by simon at 5:03 PM

November 16, 2011

The gas industry and quakes in New York State

I wrote about faults the other day, and it already looks like I may have underestimated their impact in an age where we like to inject things deep underground. There's also a piece on potential legal earthquakes from all of...

Posted by simon at 7:33 AM

November 14, 2011

Economic development done wrong

Tracy Marisa of the Dryden Safe Energy Coalition (and of the One of Nine blog) has a Guest Viewpoint on how New York's Regional Economic Councils are heading the wrong way. Most of it strikes me as the usual Republican...

Posted by simon at 7:55 PM

November 5, 2011

Piles of election and fracking news

It's definitely been a busy week for Dryden. Here are pointers to some of the latest election pieces: Incumbent Town Supervisor Mary Ann Sumner's Ithaca Journal piece on the biggest issue facing Dryden. Video of the last candidates' forum is...

Posted by simon at 12:55 PM

November 3, 2011

Lots of election-related news

I'm about 20 stories behind on pieces I wanted to write before the election, with little sign I'll get them done. Still, there's lots popping up, so... There was a piece on Dryden's fracking ban on NPR's Morning Edition this...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

November 1, 2011

Stolen Dryden car found in Ithaca

Two teens, one from Dryden, one from Groton, were found driving a stolen Dryden car in Ithaca last week. There's another piece about Thursday's recreation meeting at Town Hall, this one with a lot more detail and some pictures of...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

October 31, 2011

Drilling views of Supervisor candidates, Planning Board member

The Ithaca Journal ran viewpoint pieces from both candidates for Dryden Town Supervisor, asking them the fairly generic: "What is your assessment of the actions the Town of Dryden has taken or should take to regulate gas exploration within its...

Posted by simon at 12:50 PM

October 28, 2011

Make-A-Wish Foundation helps Dryden 5-year-old

Today's Ithaca Journal front page has lots of Dryden. Dominating the page is a great picture of 5-year-old Brock Reed: Thursday night, Brock had a surprise party -- he thought he was going grocery shopping -- at the Ithaca Central...

Posted by simon at 4:52 PM

October 27, 2011

Town Board candidates' perspectives on gas drilling

In which the Democrats support the Town's efforts to regulate hydrofracking, and the Republicans can't imagine anyone but the state regulating it. Jim Drew (R) Linda Lavine (D) Deborah Shigley (R) Joseph Solomon (D) Do the Republicans say they won't...

Posted by simon at 7:40 PM

October 25, 2011

Cortland Produce has grand opening

Cortland Produce held its grand opening yesterday at its new Johnson Road facility, celebrating 82 years of business. (They're in the former Ithaca Produce warehouse, a reminder of how Dryden is in between the two cities, with businesses looking both...

Posted by simon at 12:39 PM

October 24, 2011

If you were wondering what happened to the Ithaca Journal

over the last ten years or so of rapid decline, here's a a broad overview of the industry with Gannett, the parent company, as an example, and a detailed look at changes in Gannett. Not a pretty story....

Posted by simon at 8:55 AM

October 22, 2011

Candidate forums coming soon

The Ithaca Journal reports on the upcoming candidates forums, but oddly leaves out the date of the second one. The Dryden Democrats and Dryden Republicans will jointly sponsor debates on October 26th (Dryden Fire Station) and November 1st (Varna Community...

Posted by simon at 12:01 PM

Why do you want to be supervisor for the Town of Dryden?

And the Journal also has pieces from the Supervisor candidates: Bruno Schickel (R) Mary Ann Sumner (D)...

Posted by simon at 11:57 AM

October 21, 2011

Why do you want to be a council member for the Town of Dryden?

The Ithaca Journal prints brief statements from the four candidates running for the two Town Board seats this November 8th: Jim Drew (R) Linda Lavine (D) Deborah Shigley (R) Joseph Solomon (D)...

Posted by simon at 5:18 PM

October 11, 2011

Catching up on the news

Once again, I've fallen behind. The main Dryden-centric piece of the past week was Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk, which included a few events that have already happened and many that haven't. She opens by discussing various projects to help...

Posted by simon at 1:00 AM

September 30, 2011

Raw milk troubles

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Jerry Dell Farm's raw milk has been taken off the market for now, and anyone who has some should discard it: The New York State Department of Health received two reports of campylobacter enteritis...

Posted by simon at 7:59 PM

September 29, 2011

Party news

I can't remember the Ithaca Journal ever publishing about political committee elections before, except maybe when there was a change, but they published on both the County and Dryden Republicans and the County and Dryden Democrats. Yes, I'm the Dryden...

Posted by simon at 12:48 PM

September 21, 2011

Fort Drum soldier captured in Dryden

I'm way behind on local news, but hopefully this will catch up on some. A soldier from Fort Drum was captured in Dryden. It sounds like he had just been bailed out on burglary charges, when he escaped in his...

Posted by simon at 12:23 PM

September 10, 2011

Town finances becoming rational, not derelict

The Ithaca Journal noticed "developer and Republican candidate for town supervisor" Bruno Schickel and has an article discussing his claims and the response from incumbent Democratic Town Supervisor Mary Ann Sumner. It's been a few years since I watched the...

Posted by simon at 7:18 AM

August 24, 2011

September 10th a busy day for fairs

It looks like the Ellis Hollow Fair and the Freeville Harvest Festival will once again be on the same day - September 10th this year - as Cathy Wakeman reports in Dryden Town Talk. I wonder if the Etna Yard...

Posted by simon at 5:22 PM

August 22, 2011

County legislature redistricting discussion at Varna tomorrow night

It may seem like an obscure issue, but the lines drawn for the County Legislature districts may well have a dramatic effect on how county government works for you. The county appointed an Independent Redistricting Commission to come up with...

Posted by simon at 7:42 AM

August 20, 2011

March for the Animals led by Freeville's Dickinsons

Amy, Ann, and Rachel Dickinson are chairing the second annual "March for the Animals", to be held October 1st at TC3. They're hoping to raise $100,000 for the Tompkins County SPCA. Last year's event raised $53,000. In sadder news, a...

Posted by simon at 11:02 AM

August 1, 2011

81 comments and counting

and they aren't all me and Henry Kramer. The Journal may have lost its bearings in reporting on the Dryden Safe Energy Coalition, but the comments are lively and maybe even balanced, if rarely neutral....

Posted by simon at 9:47 AM

July 30, 2011

False "fair and balanced" comes to Dryden

The Ithaca Journal fell hook, line, and sinker for bizarre claims of rationality and balance from the Dryden Safe Energy Coalition. Henry Kramer uses words like "unemotional facts", "dispassionately presented", and even "neutral" about the Dryden SEC without seeming to...

Posted by simon at 3:34 PM

July 28, 2011

Ernie Balch comes up on 100

Yesterday's Dryden Town Talk recognizes Ernie Balch's approaching 100th birthday. He's still busy, even speaking at a public hearing last week. The article also notes this week's 4-H Youth Fair, running now at 4-H Acres on Lower Creek off Route...

Posted by simon at 5:48 PM

July 22, 2011

Journal reports on fracking ban hearing

The Journal has a piece on Wednesday night's public hearing. There's one bit I'd correct: The town board has 60 days to consider comments before bringing the ban to a vote, but Supervisor Mary Ann Sumner said the board would...

Posted by simon at 6:57 AM

July 21, 2011

Neimi Road closing Monday-Wednesday

I probably should have noted this closing earlier, but the Tompkins County Highway Department will be closing Neimi Road between Sheldon and Hanshaw Roads for pipe replacements next week. Hopefully repaving is coming eventually too....

Posted by simon at 10:11 PM

Gas brine spread on region's roads

It's not clear to me that the brine referenced in this article is hazardous or coming from hydrofracking operations, but there is clearly some use of gas wastewater being spread on roads throughout the Southern Tier. I tracked through the...

Posted by simon at 12:09 PM

July 20, 2011

Dog survives overdose

Dogs are notorious for getting into and eating yucky things. Combine that with someone throwing out a pile of what seems to have been marijuana gone bad, and you have a very unhappy dog: "Usually we have a presumed diagnosis...

Posted by simon at 8:40 AM

July 18, 2011

Information security issues at Dryden schools

This morning's Ithaca Journal report on an audit that found security issues in the Dryden Central School District, though it doesn't disclose what they are and the district is working to address them. There will be a forum exploring the...

Posted by simon at 12:23 PM

July 16, 2011

Junior Fire Academy in Dryden

I should probably set up an automatic story to point to Cathy Wakeman's always excellent and generally impossible to summarize Dryden Town Talk articles in the Ithaca Journal. This week's installment looks at Junior Fire Academy, Covenant Love Community School's...

Posted by simon at 6:17 PM

Lamenting a lease

I've heard lots of people regret leases they signed, though usually in a landlord-tenant situation. This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at a harder (and likely longer-lasting) regret: people who signed gas leases before realizing how hydrofracking might drastically increase the...

Posted by simon at 6:11 PM

July 7, 2011

Still no answers in Etna arson

It's been almost a year since a fire destroyed Ithaca Police Sergeant Bryan Bangs' Etna home, but there's no news yet on who might have done it: "We are still actively investigating the Bangs arson case. It is still open....

Posted by simon at 5:10 PM

July 5, 2011

A few more notes on hydrofracking

The Ithaca Independent takes a look at revisions to the county's proposed road-protection law, which has been made easier on haulers, and now includes options for companies to pay for road damage instead of going through the permit process. The...

Posted by simon at 8:52 AM

July 1, 2011

Heroin arrest in Dryden

And from a storage locker on 366 somewhere... The Ithaca Independent has the story: 638 envelopes of heroin worth $15,950... The arrest of Daniel and Lorraine Pierce were made after Ithaca Police searched an East Buffalo Street apartment and a...

Posted by simon at 7:23 AM

June 28, 2011

Raw milk coming to Dryden; fireworks Friday

Or from Dryden, and to Freeville. This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Jerry Dell Farm has started offering raw milk to customers, after receiving a state license last month. The article is largely about the controversies around raw milk, but...

Posted by simon at 7:21 AM

June 22, 2011

New Urbanist challenges my rural critique

I think it's mostly an exercise in missing the point, but Robert Steuteville seems to think that nodal development outside of cities is a great model. He doesn't actually address the question of whether it can work, which was my...

Posted by simon at 10:55 AM

June 17, 2011

More on drilling ban, library expansion

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on local moves to ban gas drilling, with a focus on comments from Dryden's meeting Wednesday night. There's also a piece on the Southworth Library's Lincoln Center expansion, which sounds great. There's also a photo...

Posted by simon at 7:00 AM

June 16, 2011

Southworth Library Lincoln Center dedication Saturday

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports on last weekend's Dairy Day festival, and looks ahead to the Southworth Library's Lincoln Center dedication: Community building for the future continues this coming weekend as the Southworth Library dedicates the Lincoln Center, the...

Posted by simon at 6:11 PM

June 15, 2011

A belt and suspenders

Here's a guest viewpoint from Joe Wilson and a number of other folks from DRAC explaining - more clearly, I think, than I did - why the "high-impact industrial uses" approach is a critical component of defending Dryden from the...

Posted by simon at 12:06 PM

June 14, 2011

Considering a hydrofracking ban Wednesday night

The Ithaca Journal has a piece on the Dryden Town Board's progress toward a ban on gas drilling, noting tomorrow night's meeting where a ban will be introduced. Introduction doesn't mean it passes - it means that there will be...

Posted by simon at 9:45 PM

June 13, 2011

'Rural node' planning won't work in Tompkins

The Ithaca Journal published a Guest Viewpoint piece of mine about nodal development. Unfortunately I was away and minimizing web contact, so I'm a little late, er, reporting on my own writing. Squeezing that piece into 500 words was extremely...

Posted by simon at 8:53 PM

June 11, 2011

Hydrofracking and zoning conversations

Wednesday's agenda meeting was a dense series of conversations around zoning laws of various kinds. They started with a draft hydrofracking ban, which had by the most discussion, and then heard from Town Attorney Mahlon Perkins about the status of...

Posted by simon at 7:50 AM

June 9, 2011

Republicans running for town offices

This Ithaca Journal article feels like a strange collision of this Saturday's Dairy Day and Dryden Republican Party press releases, but it does list the Republican candidates for town offices: Bruno Schickel - Town Supervisor Christopher Clauson - Town Justice...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

May 28, 2011

Home Necessities expands to Elmira Heights

The Ithaca Journal reports that Home Necessities, whose offices and warehouse are on Johnson Road in Freevile, is opening its ninth store in Elmira Heights....

Posted by simon at 7:48 AM

May 27, 2011

TC3 graduates 700

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits yesterday's TC3 graduation, focusing on the story of Jeremy March, who kept up a full slate of academic and athletic activities while fighting off a brain tumor. It was a busy night: In a filled...

Posted by simon at 6:47 AM

May 24, 2011

Virginian arrested in Malloryville

US Marshals came to Dryden early Monday morning and arrested Robert Neil Adlon on burglary, larceny, and fraud charges in Virginia. He apparently was "hiding in a small camper trailer" and found asleep. Local police will be busy this weekend,...

Posted by simon at 5:48 AM

May 23, 2011

TC3 commencement Thursday

Tompkins-Cortland Community College will be celebrating commencement this Thursday at 6:00pm: According to the college, 291 of the graduates are residents of Tompkins County, 152 are residents of Cortland County and 48 are residents of Tioga County. In the Journal's...

Posted by simon at 6:08 AM

May 21, 2011

Dacha project rising on Bone Plain road

It's a house, not necessarily a Russian vacation house, but the impressive educational homestead these folks are building reminds me that Bone Plain Road seems to be the place to be over the last few years for strawbale homes and...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

May 18, 2011

Church tour Saturday; early Dryden pilot

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk points out two great events coming over the next week. This Saturday, the Dryden Methodist Church will be open from 11:00am to 1:00pm to showcase its Memorial Windows and tell its history "as part of...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

May 17, 2011

State Trooper honored for work on Varna thefts

This month's Office of the Month is State Trooper Seth Littlejohn. His investigation of a Varna burglary led to two arrests and the recovery of more than $1000 of stolen property taken from the Varna Community Association and Habitat for...

Posted by simon at 7:40 AM

School elections today

It's time once again for school elections. Both the Dryden and Ithaca school districts have four candidates running for three seats plus a budget to vote on. In the Dryden School District, polls are open from 7:00am to 9:00pm at...

Posted by simon at 7:21 AM

May 16, 2011

A miracle kid in Dryden

The first part of this article about a Dryden 6-year-old is terrifying, but fortunately it has a happy ending. I'm delighted to see TC3 creating open source textbook material "for math, introduction to psychology and introduction to biology". Live on...

Posted by simon at 9:24 AM

May 14, 2011

All kinds of things to do today

and hopefully the rain will hold off, or be light. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will be having its Go Wild, Go Birding event today from 10:00am to 3:00pm at its offices on Sapsucker Woods Road. The Spring Garden Fair...

Posted by simon at 6:17 AM

Etna Post Office, county redistricting

The Ithaca Journal takes a look at the prospect of the Etna Post Office closing and what that might mean for the community. A letter from County Legislator Michael Lane explains that county legislative redistricting could change the number of...

Posted by simon at 6:09 AM

May 5, 2011

Dryden awards and more

Once again, I've fallen far, far behind on keeping up with the Ithaca Journal. If you have more time than I do right now, here's some good reading: Dryden schools get award for composting TC3 students recognized for excellence Dryden...

Posted by simon at 6:56 AM

April 22, 2011

More on Dryden, hydrofracking

Today's Ithaca Journal reports on Wednesday night's presentation of 1594 signatures on a petition to ban hydrofracking. There's also a piece on Dryden events discussing details of leasing and termination to be held April 28th and May 12th. Several of...

Posted by simon at 12:12 PM

April 19, 2011

State takes the edge off school budget pain

It still doesn't sound delightful, but the school budget story seems slightly less dire than before as the state restored some funding to districts. Dryden has four candidates up for three school board seats, while Ithaca schools are still accepting...

Posted by simon at 9:59 PM

Close-ups and wide shots

[There is a Dryden hook to this story....] It seems like half the point of protesting these days is disputing which side had more people there. Yesterday saw a "Tax Day" protest in downtown Ithaca outside of Congressman Maurice Hinchey's...

Posted by simon at 6:58 AM

April 18, 2011

Hog heaven?

Lately, I've mostly worried about threats to Dryden that come with large wallets and bad ideas, but some problems have humbler origins. This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that feral hogs are moving into the area, and "breeding in three New...

Posted by simon at 12:04 PM

April 14, 2011

Piles of articles

I'm way behind in keeping up with the Ithaca Journal, and need to post these links before the articles vanish into the archives, so apologies for the not-lovely presentation. Dryden Town Talk - always a must-read Dryden schools property tax...

Posted by simon at 8:57 AM

April 5, 2011

Gas drilling and mortgages

I'd missed this letter from Marie McRae of Dryden about gas drilling and mortgages: [Mortgage resale] standards now require a minimum 200-foot distance (setback) between your house/garage/barn/water well and any surface or subsurface development by a gas company. This includes...

Posted by simon at 7:21 AM

April 2, 2011

Tribulations and teepees

This morning's Ithaca Journal tells the story of Chris Muka and Common Land, Inc., mostly from their perspective. When we read the announcement for Common Land's auction, Angelika thought it was mostly an opportunity to pay taxes on the land...

Posted by simon at 5:03 PM

March 28, 2011

Three car accident on eastern edge of Dryden

Sunday was a bad day at Route 13 and Dryden Road, with an accident when a rear-ending pushed a car turning left into oncoming traffic. Four people went to the hospital, though not the driver ticketed....

Posted by simon at 10:26 PM

March 26, 2011

Arrest in armed robbery; census; who matters?

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on yesterday's arrest of a suspect in an armed robbery on East Main Street last week. The Town of Dryden grew 7% over the last ten years, moving from 13,532 to 14,435. The villages of...

Posted by simon at 11:09 AM

March 23, 2011

Spring activities blossoming; American "in-fracktion"

Yes, there's plenty of snow coming today, but Cathy Wakeman is also right that the pulse of Dryden activities is picking up. She notes not only flowers, but a craft fair, lasagna dinner, roast beef dinner, jazz desert night, youth...

Posted by simon at 6:36 AM

March 19, 2011

Armed robbery in Dryden?

I've heard several times now of an armed robbery in the Village of Dryden, but the Ithaca Journal hasn't had a report and the Cortland Standard didn't choose that article as the one they posted for the day to their...

Posted by simon at 8:07 AM

March 18, 2011

Special meeting on broadband towers

The Ithaca Journal seems to have moved legal notices to stories, noting that the Dryden Town Board will be having a meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss permits for Clarity Connect's wireless broadband. I've written about this project before -...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

March 16, 2011

Village election results

The villages of Dryden and Freeville held elections yesterday, all of them uncontested. Rachel Dickinson and Marco Cestaro were elected as Trustees in Freeville with 15 and 16 votes respectively. In Dryden, Mayor Randy Sterling was re-elected mayor with 70...

Posted by simon at 12:10 PM

March 15, 2011

Fire on West Main Street

I drove by the damaged building this weekend and wondered, but the Journal reported yesterday with a pretty complete report on what had happened. 72-74 West Main Street had a fire apparently caused by a natural gas wall heater. No...

Posted by simon at 7:48 AM

March 12, 2011

Schickel on prevailing wage laws

Builder Bruno Schickel found some time away from Dryden zoning to write a piece on New York State's prevailing wage laws for municipal construction. I was a little surprised by the comments, expecting the usual conservative cheering commenting squad, but...

Posted by simon at 6:12 AM

March 9, 2011

Seussical on its way

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports on Seussical, a musical based on Dr. Seuss, which Dryden High School will perform this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. She also notes a new Eagle Scout, a tractor workshop Saturday, a Bluebird Society meeting...

Posted by simon at 6:54 AM

March 8, 2011

More on Varna moratorium, growth

This morning's Ithaca Journal examines prospects for a moratorium on development in Varna while the Master Plan is underway. Yesterday, I reported a bit on the residents' petition. What's new here is some perspective from Dryden Planning Director Dan Kwasnowski:...

Posted by simon at 6:51 AM

March 3, 2011

How long for our local power plant?

When NYSEG upgraded the power lines between Cortland County and the Etna substation, I heard rumors that it was to strengthen Tompkins County's connections to the grid so that AES Cayuga (formerly NYSEG's Milliken Station) could shut down without major...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

March 2, 2011

Dryden school levy to climb six percent?

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden schools' tax levy may climb 6% this year in the face of state aid cuts and Governor Cuomo's proposed property tax cap. Even with that 6% tax increase, the budget's overall size...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

February 23, 2011

Events and attendance

In today's Dryden Town Talk, Cathy Wakeman talks about meeting with Dryden Seniors at their Valentine luncheon. She also notes the Dryden Mardi Gras, coming at 7:00pm on March 4th at the Dryden Methodist Church, a March 5th fair about...

Posted by simon at 7:42 AM

February 14, 2011

More on education cuts

Posted by simon at 5:27 PM

February 11, 2011

Events, sustainability, and health

I can't say that I love the Ithaca Journal web site redesign, which seems mostly to make me scroll more and wonder where if anywhere the commented stories are. Performance hasn't improved, either - it's the only site I visit...

Posted by simon at 5:38 PM

February 8, 2011

Can you drive a veteran?

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes that the new VA facility on Route 13 is looking for volunteer drivers to bring patients there. VA clinic on Route 13/366. TC3 is preparing for even more bad news from the New York State...

Posted by simon at 6:46 AM

February 1, 2011

Not so clearly a kidnapping

The Dryden resident accused of kidnapping a Ithaca man was released: Judge Christopher Clauson released Jason H. Smith, 25, after his preliminary felony hearing in Dryden Town Court Thursday, said Smith's attorney William P. Sellers IV. Clauson found that Assistant...

Posted by simon at 7:58 AM

January 29, 2011

Car stolen at Kinney Drug

I noted earlier that Dryden police warned of thefts from cars, but yesterday someone apparently went further and stole a whole vehicle "containing pharmaceutical and medical items". In other news, the Tompkins County Council of Governments opposes the property tax...

Posted by simon at 6:24 AM

January 28, 2011

Route 13 needs and dangers

I have about fifteen Living in Dryden stories bouncing in my head wanting to come out, and no time to write them. For now, here's a quick catch-up with the Ithaca Journal. Can you help a veteran? The new VA...

Posted by simon at 7:50 AM

January 24, 2011

Kidnapped to Mineah Road

A 21-year-old Mineah Road resident was charged with kidnapping Saturday for allegedly abducting an 18-year-old at gunpoint. The State Department of Environmental Conservation seems to be moving closer to allowing gas drilling on state forest land. (There's an earlier release...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

January 22, 2011

Dryden man indicted for child pornography

The Ithaca Journal reports that the Tompkins County grand jury has indicted a 45-year-old Dryden man with possessing and promoting child pornography. There's an article about property taxes going up across the county that never actually gets to Dryden, so...

Posted by simon at 7:18 AM

January 20, 2011

George Agency resident escapes to Syracuse

The Journal seems filled with crime stories that leave me wondering "I can't figure out how they thought they'd get away with that." The more dramatic one is a fifteen year old's flight Monday from Freeville to Syracuse. He appears...

Posted by simon at 7:22 AM

January 17, 2011

Lock Up in Dryden

The Ithaca Journal reports that Village of Dryden police are asking residents to watch out following a series of break-ins to residences and cars. All have been through unlocked doors, apparently. We talked a bit about this Thursday night at...

Posted by simon at 7:40 AM

January 14, 2011

Crash on 34B claims driver's life

34B has a lot less traffic than 13, but always seems pretty dangerous to me. Passing over the double-yellow seems common, and even though much of it is straight, the line of sight isn't always ideal. It's not clear what...

Posted by simon at 5:04 PM

January 12, 2011

Dryden school budget; gas drilling conversations

I think most folks figured that this would be an even worse year than last for school budgets, and sure enough, Dryden is looking at a difficult year: "The district will have to cut more than $1.8 million [from $32.9...

Posted by simon at 12:23 PM

January 10, 2011

TC3 older students scholarship available

The Ithaca Journal reports that applications are due March 1st for a $5000 scholarship at TC3 available to students over 25 years old. Need something to do in the cold? The Varna United Methodist Church can warm you up Tuesday...

Posted by simon at 7:43 AM

January 8, 2011

Poet's Landing approved by Planning Board

The Village of Dryden Planning Board unanimously approved a site plan for ten apartment buildings near Dryden High School, "Poet's Landing", including both senior housing and low-income housing. There's a lot to address in the approval: To mitigate safety concerns,...

Posted by simon at 6:48 AM

December 29, 2010

Dryden Aquatic Racing Team returns

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports on the return of "Dryden Aquatic Racing Team, known as DART... a parent-run, not-for-profit developmental swim program for children in grades K-12". She also looks forward to the opening of the Southworth Library's new...

Posted by simon at 12:16 PM

December 25, 2010

More on Ludgate Farms

The Ithaca Journal has more on the sale of Ludgate Farms from the Ludgates to the Quinn-Jacobs. The name will stay the same, but look for more local food options and more canning supplies. Merry Christmas!...

Posted by simon at 5:49 AM

December 23, 2010

Poet's Landing decision postponed

The Village of Dryden Planning Board was going to vote last night, but now the vote will be January 6th: Board members said during Tuesday's special meeting they need more time to assemble conditions for the developers, Rochester-based Conifer Realty,...

Posted by simon at 9:03 PM

December 21, 2010

Dryden bails out state

Or at least that's what the Journal's print edition headlined their online article called Town of Dryden awards farm conservation easement funds. Faced with New York State's apparent inability to come up with money they'd committed to, the Town finished...

Posted by simon at 11:19 AM

December 18, 2010

Planning Board to vote on Poet's Landing Tuesday

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Village of Dryden Planning Board will vote on a 144-unit housing development along Route 38 this Tuesday: Mayor Randy Sterling said site approval and the New York State Environmental Quality Review are complete....

Posted by simon at 6:31 AM

December 16, 2010

30 fewer jobs at TC3

I'd heard rumors, but it seems to be real: Tompkins Cortland Community College endured a $2 million cut in state aid from the fall of 2009 to the fall of 2011 budget years. As a result, 30 people no longer...

Posted by simon at 12:05 PM

Dryden Community Garden awarded grant

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk describes a grant Tompkins Trust Company awarded TC3 and the Dryden Community Garden: According to the award announcement, Kerra [Quinn] and TC3 students Giovanni Griffin and Lauren Fitzgerald will "involve Dryden elementary students and other...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

December 13, 2010

VA Clinic coming to Dryden

The Ithaca Journal reports that the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in Cortland is moving to Dryden, where it will serve residents of Tompkins and Cortland Counties. They describe it as being near Phoenix Used Books, but given the construction activity...

Posted by simon at 5:29 AM

December 10, 2010

SEQR main cause of delay on Lucente appeal

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Tuesday's super-brief Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, looking more closely at why the ZBA delayed consideration of Varna II. The State Environmental Quality Review appears to be the main reason: [ZBA Chair] Quinn said...

Posted by simon at 12:30 PM

December 4, 2010

Pellet gun, pornography, Varna, more

There are lots of Dryden pieces in the Ithaca Journal over the last few days. On the dark side, there's a Dryden student in trouble for bringing a pellet gun to school. A Dryden man was arrested on child pornography...

Posted by simon at 12:00 PM

December 1, 2010

"People believe in the purple and white."

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a variety of parent and alumni complaints about sports at Dryden schools, including coaching issues and uniforms moving to black and white from purple and white. (Update: more on this story at YNN.) This...

Posted by simon at 7:34 AM

November 23, 2010

Ancient water line problem grows

An 1890s water line runs from the Village of Dryden along North Road to the TC3 Head Start building, and its slow collapse is causing problems. Because it's outside of the village, the village can't repair it; because there's no...

Posted by simon at 5:54 AM

November 11, 2010

Library construction, zoning discussion

The Ithaca Journal had a nice piece on the expansion of the Southworth Library, and posted a photo gallery of the current state of things. There's also an article on last night's zoning conversation. It starts by focusing in on...

Posted by simon at 9:12 PM

November 9, 2010

Catching up with the Journal

The Ithaca Journal hasn't published that much on Dryden lately, but I've been extra slack in posting it, so here's some catching up before the stories vanish. Some of the events in Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk have already happened,...

Posted by simon at 7:56 AM

October 29, 2010

More than just Republican signs at Clark's Food Mart

Republican Congressional candidate Richard Hanna and Assembly candidate Tom Reynolds were at Clark's yesterday too, the Journal reports....

Posted by simon at 6:12 AM

October 15, 2010

Death at George Junior

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a death at the William George Agency, still commonly called George Junior Republic: Alexis Javier Cirino-Rodriguez, 20, "became unresponsive after a physical incident involving intervention by the staff from the facility" around 7:18 p.m.,...

Posted by simon at 6:47 AM

October 12, 2010

Dryden Fire Hall to host political events

It'll be a busy couple of weeks at 26 North Street, Dryden, though I can't make either of these events: The 912 Taxed Enough Already of Cortland and Tompkins County group will be sponsoring a ReValue America event Wednesday October...

Posted by simon at 12:28 PM

October 11, 2010

Sorry, kids - schools reopen tomorrow

Yes, the Dryden High School/Middle School will be open as usual tomorrow. The Journal also reports on the Dryden Fire Department's sprinkler demonstration yesterday....

Posted by simon at 12:56 PM

October 9, 2010

Fire at Dryden Middle School

Dryden Middle School was very busy last night, with firefighters battling a blaze in the boiler room, where mechanical equipment seems a likely cause. The Dryden Fire Department will be having an open house Sunday with a demonstration of the...

Posted by simon at 6:19 AM

October 6, 2010

Two accidents in two days on Route 13

I wondered why 13 was closed on Monday, and unfortunately it was an accident at the Ringwood Road intersection. Yesterday there was another crash, this time between a car and a tractor-trailer. Be careful out there! Update: Alas, yesterday's accident...

Posted by simon at 1:58 AM

September 29, 2010

Does the state actually review these?

I'd noted back in January that the Town Board discussed some strange flaws in a gas-drilling approval on Irish Settlement Road. The state Department of Environmental Conservation didn't seem to have looked at the site very carefully. Now residents are...

Posted by simon at 6:45 AM

September 25, 2010

Reward money doubled in Bangs case

The "reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the arson of Ithaca Police Sgt. Bryan Bangs' home now stands at $20,000," thanks to an anonymous donor. The Journal also has a fairly vague report...

Posted by simon at 7:13 AM

September 24, 2010

Dryden plays minor role in Ithaca police story

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a long article on Ithaca Police Office Jason Lansing's resignation after evidence grew of his using drugs and associating with convicted drug dealers. Dryden turns up in passage like: Lansing told investigators he had abused...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

September 23, 2010

That's not me

If you're reading through the Ithaca Journal online and find comments from someone named "LivingInDryden", that's not me. I post there occasionally as simonstl....

Posted by simon at 7:47 AM

Cortland Produce coming to Dryden?

I'd just noticed the disappearance of Ithaca Produce, but now it looks like that building may soon be in use for its intended purpose once again. Cortland Produce is considering moving to that distribution facility, if they can sort through...

Posted by simon at 7:27 AM

September 21, 2010

Catching up with the Journal

Travel and work have put me behind, so here's a quick catching up with the last few days of the Ithaca Journal. Little of it is specific to Dryden, but it's all relevant. Dryden schools got dinged by the state,...

Posted by simon at 12:23 PM

September 10, 2010

Journal reports on zoning process

I know I haven't had much kind to say about the Ithaca Journal lately, but Rachel Stern really hits one out of the park with her report on Wednesday's Town Board meeting on zoning. I'd written that: the only other...

Posted by simon at 5:15 PM

September 8, 2010

Jazz meets Indian Classical; county budget bleak

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column discusses a free concert coming up September 16th at Dryden High School that will mix contemporary jazz with Indian classical music. She also notes the Dryden Historical Society's September 15th event on the Dryden...

Posted by simon at 8:08 AM

September 3, 2010

Journal posts local salaries

I'd complained earlier that the salary averages the Ithaca Journal posted were weirdly meaningless, but today they've posted lists of salaries. It's oddly incomplete, with only some municipalities included, but the Town of Dryden, Village of Dryden, and Tompkins County...

Posted by simon at 9:53 AM

September 1, 2010

Senator Gillibrand to visit Dryden Thursday

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will be kicking off her statewide agricultural listening tour this Thursday in Dryden, at 1:00pm at the Jerry Dell Farm, 276 Simms Hill Road. Tonight, there's a forum for Sheriff candidates Peter Meskill and Ken Lansing, who...

Posted by simon at 7:24 AM

August 31, 2010

New high school principal, hydrofracking forum rescheduled

Today's Journal has a report on Karen Rachetta, Dryden High School's new principal. The EPA forum on hydrofracking that was cancelled in August is now rescheduled for September 13th and 15th in Binghamton. There are more speaker slots available to...

Posted by simon at 4:53 PM

County Budget Discussion Thursday night at Dryden Cafe

Tompkins County Legislators will be hosting a meeting Thursday night to discuss the upcoming 2011 budget at the Dryden Community Center Cafe: Dryden Community Meeting on the 2011 County Budget - Thursday, September 2 The latest in a series of...

Posted by simon at 12:03 PM

August 30, 2010

Another zoning boundary case

Near the end of the July meeting on the proposed zoning, builder Bruno Schickel asked why the tables in Sections 605 and 606 set a limit of four units per acre on individual single-family homes. Other approaches in those tables,...

Posted by simon at 5:03 PM

August 28, 2010

More quick hits from the Ithaca Journal

It was a pretty quiet week for Dryden in the Journal. Harvestation, though, may be one of the best applications of technology to come out of Dryden in a while: Harvestation.com, a local online bulk buying marketplace which went live...

Posted by simon at 10:01 PM

August 20, 2010

Lots of small Ithaca Journal pieces

The Ithaca Journal's news coverage keeps shrinking, and the paper is looking more and more like a general Upstate paper with stories of local interest. There are still lots of interesting bits, but overall I find it less compelling every...

Posted by simon at 7:26 AM

August 11, 2010

Dryden Lake Festival Saturday

It's just about here - the Dryden Lake Festival will be this Saturday, August 14th. They'll be having races - including canoe races and a 1K paddle/5K run race - in the morning, with music and classic cars in the...

Posted by simon at 5:15 PM

Ellis Hollow Road dangers

Apparently closing one lane of traffic for construction isn't working out so well - motorists seem to go the wrong direction enough to be a problem. Be careful!...

Posted by simon at 6:45 AM

August 9, 2010

Orchid Place profiled

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits one of my neighbors, The Orchid Place, telling the story of Tony Liu's business and how it's growing. I had no idea they were getting tour buses, but it's a great idea - there's lots...

Posted by simon at 6:21 AM

August 7, 2010

Special districts

The Ithaca Journal loves to publish on municipal consolidation, and today's push looks at Cortland, Candor, and Ithaca. They also have a list of the number of special districts in Tompkins County, many of which are in Dryden: District Type#...

Posted by simon at 5:41 AM

August 6, 2010

Ellis Hollow westbound closed from Turkey Hill

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the closure of Ellis Hollow Road westbound from Turkey Hill Road to Thomas Road as construction begins. In other road-related news, though just outside of Dryden, Forest Home is getting ready for some major...

Posted by simon at 7:49 AM

August 4, 2010

Assault on James Street

Somehow "running his mouth" led to "severe head trauma" in a fight at a home on James Street. Enfield opted to change from collecting their share of sales tax to applying it as a credit to their county tax to...

Posted by simon at 6:47 AM

August 2, 2010

Journal on draft Zoning moving to Town Board

Saturday's Ithaca Journal had a brief piece on last Thursday's Planning Board meeting where the Planning Board moved the new zoning draft to the Town Board, with recommendations for improvements and a process that includes multiple boards: More work is...

Posted by simon at 12:22 PM

July 30, 2010

Dog helps detect arson

Fire investigators had a little canine help when they determined that the fire at Bryan Bangs house was arson. His gray coat, inquisitive eyes and friendly disposition invite smiles and pats. But it's that black nose that makes Shadow so...

Posted by simon at 5:08 PM

July 28, 2010

Dryden Junior Fire Day; development plans can improve

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk visits Junior Fire Academy, a week of drills, training, and competition for 10 to 16-year-olds. She also reports on Music in the Park and Music in the Hollow, plus the opening of the 4-H Fair...

Posted by simon at 7:18 AM

July 27, 2010

County lists programs; Canada Geese under attack

Tompkins County has created a list of all of its programs (1.3MB PDF). This is the kind of thing I'd like every level of government to do - track down and make public the programs they spend money on. Reading...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

July 26, 2010

Ten years organic at Jerry Dell Farm

This morning's Ithaca Journal Jerry Dell Farm, which seems happy ten years after converting from conventional dairy to organic: "In the conventional world, it's all about volume and efficiency," he said. "Organics is more about taking care of the farmland...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

July 24, 2010

Contentious zoning meeting

The Ithaca Journal reports this morning on Thursday night's zoning meeting , giving it the ominous headline "Dryden zoning issue spurs death threat". The Cortland Standard also reported, oddly noting the comment that ended with the threat without mentioning the...

Posted by simon at 6:04 AM

July 23, 2010

Arson, ash borers, building

Today's Ithaca Journal editorial reflects on the recent arson at the Etna home of Ithaca Police officer Bryan Bangs: This is not the Ithaca we have come to know and respect. A community where differences and frayed feelings, even over...

Posted by simon at 12:45 PM

July 20, 2010

New Varna II news in "two to three weeks"

This morning's Journal finally notices the Varna development conversations of the last few months. The biggest news in it is that there's a possible date by which we might learn something new about the evolving proposal. Well, not exactly a...

Posted by simon at 7:15 AM

July 16, 2010

NYSEG backs down (again)

I'm happy to see that NYSEG is now seeking yet smaller rate increases for service, 1.3% this year and 2.3% the next two years for gas, and 2.1% in 2010 and 2.2% the next two years for electricity. In county...

Posted by simon at 5:07 PM

July 15, 2010

VVFC, others clean arson site

The Varna Volunteer Fire Company helped organize a cleanup at the burned Bryan Bangs house, clearing the debris and wreckage from this weekend's arson. In other news, the Varna Community Sale Day will be this Saturday, July 17th, from 8:00am...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

July 14, 2010

Garden tour Saturday, sales tax revenue climbs

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk has all kinds of news, leading with the Dryden Beautification Brigade's upcoming garden tour this Saturday morning. She also notes the new Dryden Methodist Church pastor, the Southworth Library's groundbreaking for its expansion, Eagle Scouts,...

Posted by simon at 5:02 PM

July 12, 2010

Etna fire ruled arson

That was quick: Fire at officer's home ruled arson. Fire investigators determined a blaze that destroyed an Ithaca police officer's Etna home was arson, state police said Monday.... State fire investigators, with the aid of City of Ithaca fire investigators...

Posted by simon at 1:20 PM

Fire in Etna connected to shooting in Ithaca?

Fire investigators will be working overtime to determine the cause of a fire early Sunday morning at the Etna house of Bryan Bangs, the Ithaca Police Sergeant recently cleared in the February Shawn Greenwood shooting. Officers were trying to arrest...

Posted by simon at 7:44 AM

July 6, 2010

Preserving land along Six Mile Creek

The Finger Lakes Land Trust is working on purchasing 170 acres off Irish Settlement Road that includes more than a mile of Six Mile Creek frontage. If all goes well, they plan to add a "parking area, signs, and footbridges"....

Posted by simon at 7:01 AM

June 26, 2010

Congratulations Dryden High graduates

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Friday's Dryden High School graduation....

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

June 24, 2010

Tompkins County embarking on housing binge?

I'm really marveling - gasping for air, actually - at this bit in an article on West Hill fire response: Town board member Rich DePaolo asked how an increase of 4,000 residents around the hospital would affect calls for service,...

Posted by simon at 5:14 PM

Earthquake, lots of fun, tax caps

I was in the car when the area felt an earthquake, so I probably figured it was just a bumpy road. I still can't see earthquakes as a likely major disaster here. Cathy Wakeman reports on all kinds of upcoming...

Posted by simon at 5:13 PM

June 18, 2010

Lime Hollow bats no match for Dryden Eagle Scout who helps them

The Ithaca Journal reports that Dryden High Eagle Scout Ajax Hayes's project coordinated 20 people to build new houses for bats at the Lime Hollow Nature Center, supporting these useful bug eaters while encouraging them to stay out of the...

Posted by simon at 7:28 AM

June 16, 2010

"retirees... all look so young"

Today's Ithaca Journal reports on the farewell given 24 retirees from the Dryden schools who accepted an early retirement package. There's mention of the redemption of a foreclosed parcel that had worried neighbors. Next door in the Town of Ithaca,...

Posted by simon at 11:51 AM

June 14, 2010

Dairy Day Success; Reminder of Veterans' Highway

Dryden Dairy Day was definitely a hit this year - reasonable weather, large crowds, a busy parade and lots happening in Montgomery Park. Ralph, a standard poodle, will be honorary Mayor of Dryden until next year, when Kiwanis holds their...

Posted by simon at 7:32 AM

June 7, 2010

Dryden Dairy Princess, Dairies of Distinction

Today's Ithaca Journal reports that the Tompkins County Dairy Princess for 2010 will be Lacey Foote of Dryden, crowned at an event last month celebrating ten Dairies of Distinction in Tompkins County. Three of those are in Dryden, including the...

Posted by simon at 5:14 PM

June 2, 2010

Dryden Community Garden meeting June 3rd

Cathy Wakeman leads her Dryden Town Talk column with news of the meeting tomorrow night to get the Dryden Community Garden going: The newly formed Community Gardens, an outgrowth of Dryden Solutions, will share its progress at 7 p.m. Thursday,...

Posted by simon at 4:47 PM

May 19, 2010

DRAC to present petitions; school budgets pass

The Dryden Resource Awareness Coalition will be presenting petitions on zoning home rule and industrial noise to the Town Board tonight, having gathered 452 on noise and 389 on zoning. In a town of around 13,000 residents, that's a lot...

Posted by simon at 6:48 AM

April 28, 2010

Dog license change complications

Yesterday's Journal noted that Governor Paterson wants to shift dog license manufacture and tracking to the counties to save a grand total of $157,000. I haven't seen what it would cost counties - though I'm sure license vendors are excited...

Posted by simon at 6:48 AM

April 21, 2010

Trapped away from Freeville

Rachel Dickinson, who was once the Ithaca Journal's Dryden Town Talk columnist, writes of pining for Freeville while being stuck in Ireland because of the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud. In this week's Dryden Town Talk, Cathy Wakeman explores events that...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

March 23, 2010

Spring fun, farming, and power

Looking for things to do this spring? Cathy Wakeman has a list, from community gardening through tractors, a capella singing, and kids' sports. There's also note about a meeting on an Agricultural Resource Focus Area Plan, and the study itself...

Posted by simon at 8:48 PM

February 24, 2010

Dark budget days for Dryden schools

Dryden schools have had difficult budget conversations before, but this year's conversation looks, well, extremely dark. Even if it gets better than "could lay off as many as 17 employees, including 10 teachers, to stay solvent," I don't think it...

Posted by simon at 9:59 AM

February 20, 2010

In other development news

Builder Bruno Schickel doesn't like the zoning proposal the Town is considering. Did he miss the last twenty years or so of conversation that led to the 2005 Comprehensive Plan? These aren't new issues, and the zoning draft actually softens...

Posted by simon at 3:28 PM

February 6, 2010

Etna Chocolate Festival, Valentine's dance today

The tastiest event of the year, the Etna Chocolate Festival, will be this morning from 10:00am to noon at Houtz Hall, on Lower Creek Road in Etna. Tonight from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, there will be a Valentine's Day dance for...

Posted by simon at 5:14 AM

Stormwater sorted, well delayed, SPCA overloaded

I'm not sure why the state didn't notice a stream at the location of a gas well for which it issued a permit, but Dryden seems to have presented a case in how local officials can find genuine issues the...

Posted by simon at 4:57 AM

January 11, 2010

Making the most of the snow

The Ithaca Journal reports that Hammond Hill was busy Saturday, as the Cayuga Nordic Ski Club held its 25th annual 10K ski race for club members, as well as a 5K race and a children's race. The night before, the...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

January 8, 2010

Natural gas fire in water-well drilling

No, this has nothing to do with Marcellus Shale gas exploration - it's just an unfortunate problem that's been a risk of water drilling here for a while. Etna, Freeville, and Dryden firefighters responded to a fire at a water-well...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

December 24, 2009

Broadband coming to area slowly

The Ithaca Journal has an article on hopes for a major step up in broadband delivery to the area. It notes that (Dryden resident) Chuck Bartosch, of Clarity Connect, has requested a stimulus grant for much larger-scale work than the...

Posted by simon at 9:56 AM

December 3, 2009

Hard financial times coming to Dryden schools

This doesn't sound good: The district will likely owe $1.2 million in additional retirement costs, will have $1.3 million less in state aid because federal stimulus aid will have run out, and won't be getting any funding increases from cash-poor...

Posted by simon at 5:46 PM

November 30, 2009

Preserving food in Dryden

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a great article on canning and preserving food, including photos of cider-making at a home in the Town of Dryden. Katie Quinn-Jacobs has been working hard on this for years, and it's great to see...

Posted by simon at 7:42 AM

November 13, 2009

A community not dissolved, and the Journal mourns

Every now and then the Ithaca Journal goes out of its way to demonstrate that it's not actually a local paper, but rather the local office of a huge company with little genuine interest in the landscape it supposedly serves...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

November 10, 2009

Finger Lakes Land Trust expands Ellis Hollow preserve

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Finger Lakes Land Trust has added to its preserve in Ellis Hollow with a purchase of 39 more acres and a conservation easement: The Land Trust had made protecting the land a priority...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

October 23, 2009

Candidates forum, Town Board article

Last night's Dryden Candidates forum, hosted by the Dryden Grange, moderated by the League of Women Voters, and held at the Dryden Fire Station, went pretty smoothly. It feels strange for me to comment on it as I was pretty...

Posted by simon at 8:33 PM

October 12, 2009

Route 38 designated for Vietnam Veterans

I'm finally catching up to Saturday's Ithaca Journal, which reported that Route 38 from Owego through Dryden and Freeville to Groton and up to Sterling, NY near Lake Ontario has been designated the New York State Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Highway...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

October 7, 2009

Dealing in retirement?

I don't even know what to say about this one: Dryden Police accused Frank B. Sears, 66, for trafficking in several types of prescription drugs, including more than 500 oxycodone, morphine sulfate, opana, vicoprofen and diazepam tablets and pills of...

Posted by simon at 7:13 PM

October 6, 2009

Trails and neighbors

This is from the Town of Ithaca, but similar questions come up in the Town of Dryden pretty regularly. The Town asked people who live next to public trails whether the the trail was an improvement or a problem for...

Posted by simon at 10:35 AM

September 30, 2009

Scam avoidance, weekend activities

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an article on Freeville resident Don Decker's escape from a swindle, and tells the story of a variety of ripoffs. The cashier's check scam, in which someone sends a much-larger than necessary check as payment...

Posted by simon at 7:14 AM

March 2, 2009

From Staff Reports

I noticed Saturday that the Journal seemed behind on reporting the approaching conclusion of the Shirley Kinge case. I picked up this morning's Journal, and noticed the headline at the top of the front page: "Judge to decide damages owed...

Posted by simon at 8:52 AM

January 22, 2009

Energy savings, sidewalks, and more

There are a few Ithaca Journal stories of the past few days I feel I should note: The Town has opportunities to save on energy costs, and quickly at that. There are more students signing up for free and reduced-price...

Posted by simon at 6:02 PM

November 24, 2008

Zoning coming up

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the public meeting the Planning Board held last Thursday to discuss upcoming changes to Dryden's zoning laws. Zoning meeting. Much of the meeting was background, discussing the already-written Comprehensive Plan and residential and commercial...

Posted by simon at 5:27 PM

September 15, 2008

Dryden EMS triumphs

This morning's Journal reports that a Dryden Ambulance EMS team got the best score in the "first-ever International EMS Competition". Working through six scenarios and a road rally, the team earned a trip to Poland for a paramedic exchange. (There...

Posted by simon at 6:15 PM

September 10, 2008

Freeville Harvest Festival Saturday

Today's Ithaca Journal is fairly busy. As always, Cathy Wakeman has a lot on Dryden: The Freeville Harvest Festival will be this Saturday, September 13th, from 8:30am to 3:00pm. It's always a lot of fun, especially for food. The Dryden...

Posted by simon at 7:52 AM

June 16, 2008

Things I've missed

Here's a quick listing of things in the Journal I normally would have written about in more detail, but didn't get to. Some of them are still on my list of things to write about. One of my neighbors,...

Posted by simon at 12:45 PM

June 13, 2008

Dryden Dairy Day tomorrow!

I need to catch up on all kinds of stories, but can't miss noting this preview of tomorrow's Dairy Day events. The parade down Main Street starts at 9:30am, and there will be booths in Montgomery Park until around 4:00pm....

Posted by simon at 8:31 AM

June 9, 2008

Road costs climb

Driving keeps getting more expensive, and it isn't just the gasoline in our tanks - it's the road maintenance we pay for through taxes. This morning's Journal examines local responses to a doubling in the cost of blacktop over the...

Posted by simon at 8:09 AM

May 26, 2008

Memories

I said I'd take a break from covering the Journal, and then, of course, they started publishing lots of things that deserve highlighting. For Memorial Day, they remember WWII veteran Bud Hulslander and his work remembering veterans. In the Life...

Posted by simon at 1:52 PM

May 24, 2008

Back pay problems

Letter writer Christine Griffin of Groton is clearly unhappy about Melea Bartley's year of jail ending the thousands of dollars in back wages she owes. In Darts and Laurels, Jay Hulslander thanks the Dryden Veterans Memorial Home for honoring "the...

Posted by simon at 8:11 PM

May 22, 2008

Intermittent

You've probably noticed a fall-off in postings here lately, and may be able to guess at the reason. (Yes, I'll be posting more pictures, of course!) When I started, a steady drumbeat of stories seemed like the best way to...

Posted by simon at 1:25 PM

May 8, 2008

Recreation meeting tonight

It's been a busy few days. If you have the chance, please go to the Recreation master plan discussion tonight. Recreation's been a key topic in Dryden for years, and an area that the Town has pushed hard to improve...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

May 5, 2008

Poverty, water-tasting, clean-up

Saturday's Ithaca Journal was quiet on Dryden, but their continuing series on poverty is well-worth reading. Energy East, the parent company of NYSEG, saw its earnings fall. In today's paper, Bolton Point water, which serves western Dryden, won the annual...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

May 2, 2008

Dryden school taxes barely climb

Now there's a fun headline. The Dryden schools' property tax levy will climb less than 1% this year. Spending increased 6.48%, but state aid increased 10%. This is a year to be nervous about state aid, however, as the prospects...

Posted by simon at 8:52 AM

April 30, 2008

Vigil for missing woman tonight

There will be a vigil for Bethanie Dougherty tonight in Marathon at 7:00pm. Dougherty, of Killawog, was a manager-in-training at the Freeville XtraMart on Routes 13 and 366 until her disappearance April 1st....

Posted by simon at 8:01 AM

Tompkins County Dairy Princess needed

There's no Dryden Town Talk today, but Ulysses Town Talk leads off with this item, complete with Dryden phone numbers: The Tompkins County Dairy Promotion Committee is seeking young ladies between the ages of 12 and 24 for the roles...

Posted by simon at 7:41 AM

April 29, 2008

Trucks rerouted through Dryden

The biggest Dryden story in this morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't mention Dryden. Route 79 in Ithaca is getting resurfaced between Mitchell Street and Bridge Street, closed to all through traffic. (This closes 79 above the intersection with 366.) Trucks are...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

April 28, 2008

NYSEG and Borg-Warner

I missed an interesting article in this morning's Ithaca Journal - thanks to David Makar for pointing it out. Borg-Warner will be moving 174 jobs from Oklahoma to their Lansing plant thanks in part to a $400,000 incentive from NYSEG....

Posted by simon at 9:51 PM

New York State and energy

A few quick notes while everyone is asleep and all the animals are fed - This morning's Ithaca Journal has an editorial on state laws and energy, citing bills that might make some small dent in the cost of a...

Posted by simon at 7:33 AM

April 26, 2008

Don't burn things today

I'm too tired to write much now, but please don't set fires and don't dump your trash where it doesn't belong. For more entertainment, Carol Kammen recommends a great site of online historical images, or you can visit my recent...

Posted by simon at 8:06 AM

April 25, 2008

Lifton digs deeper

I wrote about Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton's garbage truck trainwreck earlier, and of her fellow Democrats who undermined her case completely in their quest to get things done. There's a strange thing about a trainwreck, though. In movies, where there's a...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

April 24, 2008

Youth opportunity and volunteer firefighter taxes

Most of today's Dryden news is on the opinion page in today's Ithaca Journal. The Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund has a letter from Paul Streeter and Michael Dick of Dryden encouraging readers to remember the DYOF and: consider providing your...

Posted by simon at 7:37 AM

April 23, 2008

Red Cross coming to Dryden tonight

There's an article in today's Ithaca Journal on the Tompkins County Red Cross's new director, Jennifer Yarbrough. The first few paragraphs have some interesting bits about the organization's reaching out geographically: This vision and past vistas will be on display...

Posted by simon at 8:04 AM

April 22, 2008

Dryden School Board race contested

I'm very sad to see that most local school board elections are uncontested, but happy to see that the Dryden schools actually have five candidates for four slots. Three of the candidates - Kathy Zahler, Chris Gibbons, and Karin LaMotte...

Posted by simon at 10:27 PM

April 21, 2008

Garbage truck trainwreck continues

"Clearly, people don't understand how state law is made." Hmmm.... Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton seems to have put herself in a tight spot after last week's meeting on garbage truck traffic on two-lane highways. Maybe headlines as far away as Syracuse...

Posted by simon at 7:13 AM

April 19, 2008

More on missing store manager

On today's opinion page, the Journal's Opinion Editor, Andrew Tutino, reflects on the life and disappearance of Bethanie Dougherty, talking with friends about the manager-in-training at the XtraMart on 13/366....

Posted by simon at 7:53 AM

Food prices climbing

Today's Journal notices what the Cortland Standard noticed a few months ago: increasing grain prices are making it harder for local bakers and others who use lots of flour. There's also a more general piece on wheat prices and another...

Posted by simon at 7:38 AM

Varna firefighter honored; truck route controversy

The County Legislature honored Will Hine of Varna as the county's Distinguished Youth for April. Hine, 19, responded to more than half, nearly 200, of the company's calls. (The Journal's Wednesday editorial also supported a federal tax break for volunteer...

Posted by simon at 7:15 AM

April 15, 2008

Residents and superintendents

This morning's editorial in the Ithaca Journal emphasizes the importance of including resident input on school superintendent decisions, and notes Dryden's recent search: Last week, Dryden hired Sandra Sherwood to be the next superintendent after serving as elementary school principal...

Posted by simon at 3:16 PM

April 14, 2008

Election costs drive poll consolidation

New election equipment will cost the county extra, as New York State's painfully slow process for updating its equipment rolls into a presidential election year. To avoid some of that cost, the Dryden Fire Station is going to host more...

Posted by simon at 7:57 AM

More on TC3 security

Saturday's Ithaca Journal had an article on changes to campus security, including TC3 security. There's also a piece that interviews students about it. A Dryden resident was sentenced to probation and restitution for theft committed while managing the Ithaca AutoZone....

Posted by simon at 7:42 AM

April 10, 2008

Possible federal tax break for volunteer firefighters

The main news for Dryden in today's Journal is a proposed refundable $1000 federal income tax break for volunteer firefighters. I'd love to see it, especially given how weirdly messed up the state has made local tax breaks for firefighters....

Posted by simon at 8:53 PM

April 9, 2008

Nedyrd in Dryden

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column today is a directory of different things going on in the Town: She reports on the presentation Margaret Lorenzen will lead on the Nedyrd Food Cooperative, at 7:00pm on April 23rd at the Dryden...

Posted by simon at 9:03 PM

New Dryden schools superintendent

(There was a lot in yesterday's Journal and today's Journal about Dryden, so I'll post separate stories.) The Dryden school district will have a new superintendent who's familiar with the district: Dryden Elementary School Principal Sandra Sherwood. She'll start July...

Posted by simon at 8:27 PM

April 7, 2008

More on missing convenience-store manager

This morning's Journal reported on Bethanie Dougherty's disappearance from her home in Killawog, talking with her co-workers at the Freeville Xtra Mart - that'd be the one on 13/366. There is as yet no sign of her, but her family...

Posted by simon at 10:03 PM

April 5, 2008

Freeville resident reflects on Tibet

Finally catching up with a week or so of the Ithaca Journal - Freeville resident Rachel Dickinson reflects on her visit to Tibet in July 2006 in the light of recent riots, concluding sadly: It makes me so sad to...

Posted by simon at 1:56 PM

March 25, 2008

TC3 takes on climate commitment

Posted by simon at 12:09 PM

March 22, 2008

Disappearing emails

While the White House has been making headlines lately for losing email, this morning's Ithaca Journal takes a look at the problems of email and government closer to home. I'm happy to see that our Supervisor and Town Clerk are...

Posted by simon at 11:50 AM

March 20, 2008

Town of Dryden awarded $430K grant for Internet expansion

Update: The more I've learned about this grant, the more it seems clear that it's a grant to Clarity Connect for expanding service in the Town of Dryden, not a grant to the Town exactly. This morning's Ithaca Journal reports...

Posted by simon at 12:24 PM

March 13, 2008

Spitzer resigns; 25 to life for Manos

Governor Spitzer announced his resignation; Lieutenant Governor David Paterson will be sworn in as Governor on Monday at noon. The Journal looks at the likely minimal local impact, and lets State Senator Jim Seward kick around the Upstate-Downstate theme that...

Posted by simon at 7:07 PM

March 10, 2008

Fundraiser successful

The fundraiser for Dryden High School student Grasen Alexander raised around $7000, including "a sold-out bake sale, a sold-out barbecue and a silent auction that yielded around $2,000." It's good to hear back on the success of these events. There's...

Posted by simon at 9:40 PM

March 8, 2008

Priest covering multiple churches

Watch out for today's weather - it's not going to be easy to get around. Road salt shortages continue to be a problem in the area, though the article doesn't mention Dryden. This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at the challenges...

Posted by simon at 9:22 AM

March 5, 2008

Messy weather

March seems to have come in as an indecisive lion, one who can't decide if it prefers rain or snow. We've had an interesting few days of precipitation, and the Journal has a photo of it from the Express Mart...

Posted by simon at 8:35 AM

February 27, 2008

Dryden present, too

There's also a lot of news about current happenings in Dryden today in the Journal. Cathy Wakeman reports on three Dryden residents who bicycled from Dryden to San Diego this fall, leaving Dryden on September 18th and arriving in San...

Posted by simon at 12:31 PM

State liable for falsified evidence

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a story on the continuing echoes of one of the darker stories of Dryden's past, the Harris family murders of 1989. The New York State Court of Claims - which pretty much decides which lawsuits...

Posted by simon at 12:20 PM

February 26, 2008

Cornell to study garbage traffic

This morning's Journal was quiet about Dryden, though there's mention of a Cornell study on the impact of garbage traffic moving through Tompkins County on its way to Seneca Meadows. Route 79 is one of the roads being examined....

Posted by simon at 8:17 PM

February 25, 2008

A calmer take on reptiles

This morning's Journal goes for cute photos of reptiles with children at Saturday's Varna event rather than my scaremongering "lizard that ate Varna." Oh well - they're a bit more accurate. There's also a piece on water quality in the...

Posted by simon at 12:27 PM

February 23, 2008

SWAT team called to Sheldon Road

This morning's Journal reports on a standoff on Sheldon Road Thursday night and Friday that led to the SWAT team coming in. Fortunately it was resolved through negotiation. There's also How They Voted in the Tompkins County Legislature. The only...

Posted by simon at 11:03 AM

February 22, 2008

Short on salt

Dryden Highway Superintendent Jack Bush is quoted in an article this morning about a shortage of road salt from Cargill's Lansing mine: With 1-3 inches of snow being predicted for today by the Cornell Northeast Regional Climate Center, Dryden highway...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

February 21, 2008

West Dryden boy doing better

The Journal has an update on Robbie Busby, reporting that his cancer is in remission. He'll be heading back to Freeville Elementary School after fighting off Burkitt's lymphoma and getting support from the community through a benefit concert earlier this...

Posted by simon at 12:26 PM

February 19, 2008

TC3 master plan; Freeville fire

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at the approaching completion of TC3's master plan for construction, and talks with President Carl Haynes about the expansion and direction of the school. There's also an article on a Sunday night apartment fire in...

Posted by simon at 8:21 AM

February 16, 2008

Attempted entry at Dryden Elementary

Maybe it's nothing, maybe it's something, but a man who tried to convince third-graders to let him in to Dryden Elementary is raising concerns. The third-graders did as they were supposed to, and didn't let him in through the locked...

Posted by simon at 9:59 AM

February 14, 2008

Practitioners moving about

I'm still catching up from a couple of days in New York City, but Cathy Wakeman wrote yesterday about medical professionals moving from practice to practice. She also notes a grant that helped Southworth Library buy 54 new children's books....

Posted by simon at 12:30 PM

February 12, 2008

Diet pill theft

I'm not quite sure why diet pills are so exciting, but it looks like someone been shoplifting them in Dryden and Trumansburg. Looking further out, there's a piece on the county workforce, an article on a consortium including TC3 to...

Posted by simon at 11:32 AM

February 9, 2008

Housing costs and transportation costs

This morning's Journal continues their Touched by Poverty series, looking at the cost of housing. I'm happy to see that they recognize the cost of transportation as a critical related factor: "Students of housing policy would point out that housing...

Posted by simon at 9:16 AM

Pondering the Journal

I just went down to the road to get my paper, and there wasn't one there. (Update: One showed up, just unusually late.) I'd just received a bill from them yesterday, the 8th, asking for payment from 2/7/2008 to 1/31/2009,...

Posted by simon at 9:00 AM

February 8, 2008

Manos convicted

Last night, the jury found Marie Manos guilty of the second-degree murder of her niece on May 15th. (I'd missed noting yesterday's article on the defense in the trial.) On the opinion page, Maureen Brull of Dryden encourages readers to...

Posted by simon at 8:55 AM

February 5, 2008

Primary polls

It's presidential primary day, and polling places will be open from noon to 9:00pm. Please remember that in New York State, only voters registered to a party can vote in that party's primary, so only Democrats can vote in the...

Posted by simon at 8:09 AM

February 4, 2008

More Manos trial news

It's been a busy few days, and I need to catch up with the Journal before it becomes too much to catch up with... Saturday's paper had the latest testimony from the Manos trial, and today's has reflections on the...

Posted by simon at 12:25 PM

January 31, 2008

Varna firefighters testify at Manos trial

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the latest from the Manos trial. Yesterday's testimony focused on Grace Manos' condition after the bathtub incident, and included testimony from the Varna Fire Company paramedics who treated her. There's also a report on...

Posted by simon at 8:51 AM

January 30, 2008

Jazz Knights tonight

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reminds readers that the United States Military Academy Jazz Knights will be at the Dryden High School auditorium tonight, with a workshop for students at 6:00pm and a concert at 7:00pm. Wakeman also looks at...

Posted by simon at 12:54 PM

January 29, 2008

Manos trial begins

This morning's Journal reports on the start of the Marie Manos murder trial. They selected a jury yesterday, and opening statements are today....

Posted by simon at 12:59 PM

January 26, 2008

Adelbert Hemingway's diary

Posted by simon at 2:52 PM

January 25, 2008

TC3 Commons; sewer agreement approved

This morning's Journal has a picture of the new TC3 Commons on the front of the Local section. (Update: Whoops - that was the athletic facility.) As Town Supervisor Mary Ann Sumner noted in comments here, the Town and Village...

Posted by simon at 12:26 PM

January 24, 2008

Dryden input on organics

The New York State Organic Advisory Task Force will have at least one participant from Dryden, Vaughn Sherman of Jerry Dell Farm. This morning's Journal also has an article comparing Governor Spitzer's plan for Upstate with the State Senate's plan....

Posted by simon at 12:51 PM

January 23, 2008

Lynching challenge

Today's Ithaca Journal seems quiet about Dryden, except for a letter from Gary Simmons of Dryden complaining about complaints about the use of the word lynching....

Posted by simon at 12:24 PM

January 22, 2008

Dryden firefighters trek to Cayuga County

A fire at a paving and excavation company in Genoa as severe enough to bring Dryden, McLean, and Freeville Fire Departments to help put it out. There's a picture of Ken Vorstadt and Mark Bell of Dryden bringing water to...

Posted by simon at 12:39 PM

January 21, 2008

Challenging Seward; thanks from DYOF

This morning's Journal has an article on Caroline Supervisor Don Barber gearing up to challenge State Senator Jim Seward. On the opinion page, the Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund sends a Laurel to supporters of its Honor Tree in Times Square....

Posted by simon at 2:19 PM

January 19, 2008

TC3 peace officers to carry guns

One part of Dryden just got a lot more heavily armed. TC3 will be shifting from security to peace officers, who will have the ability to make arrests and will be armed with guns. I'm curious how that will work...

Posted by simon at 11:24 AM

January 18, 2008

Clinton supporter; changing bus schedules

Susan James of Ithaca (really Bethel Grove) writes to support Hillary Clinton for president in this morning's Journal. The paper also notes that TCAT buses will be making some schedule changes effective Sunday, the 20th....

Posted by simon at 12:38 PM

January 17, 2008

Deploying from Dryden

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a report on the send-off ceremony for the 108th Infantry's Company D held yesterday at the National Guard Armory on Hanshaw Road. 80 local residents are off to Fort Bragg, NC for two months of...

Posted by simon at 8:51 PM

January 16, 2008

Deployment ceremony tonight

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk in this morning's Journal lists a lot of happenings, including one tonight: There will be a deployment ceremony at 6:00pm tonight for 87 men and women going to Afghanistan for a year. The ceremony will...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

January 15, 2008

Dangers on the road

Today's Dryden news in the Journal is mostly road-related. There's a one-car accident at Mott and North roads, a DWI arrest for a Freeville man, and a letter from Nari Mistry of Dryden urging TCAT buses to drive more carefully....

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

January 14, 2008

Warmer winters, Spanish energy

I was out of the house on Saturday from 8:30am to 10:30pm, and didn't get to catch up with much. Saturday's Journal had some stories that aren't specifically Dryden, but still worth exploring. There's an AP piece on our changing...

Posted by simon at 12:42 PM

January 11, 2008

Examining municipal power

I probably shouldn't admit this on a Dryden blog, but there are lots of times I'm jealous of Groton. Their downtown seems to be doing better than Dryden's at this point, the state highways that connect the Village to the...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

January 8, 2008

64 on Game Farm Road

This morning's Journal reports unseasonable temperatures, a January spring. It peaked at 62 at the airport yesterday and 64 on Game Farm Road, and we'll see similar temperatures today. There was a closed hearing in the Manos murder case yesterday,...

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

January 7, 2008

Sumner sworn in

Unfortunately, I was still in Germany when the new Dryden Town Board held its organizational meeting last Wednesday, but the Journal covers our new Supervisor and her outlook for the year this morning. (Board member David Makar posted his report...

Posted by simon at 8:09 AM

January 5, 2008

Dryden students visit 'Nutcracker'

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a piece on Dryden fourth and fifth graders visit to see "The Nutcracker" in Syracuse at the end of November. They also have two articles on the state of the environment here - one on...

Posted by simon at 9:33 AM

January 4, 2008

Dryden man injured on Fall Creek Road

A complex multi-car incident sent a Fall Creek Road man to the hospital yesterday morning. The article notes that residents had requested a speed reduction there in 1999, and maybe it's time to try again. (Update: The Cortland Standard has...

Posted by simon at 6:38 AM

January 2, 2008

Promise for 2008

Cathy Wakeman welcomes the New Year with a column examining why 2008 looks promising for Dryden. She lists the Dryden Rotary Club, Dryden Community Cafe, a new Recreation Coordinator for the Town, the improvements to TC3's athletic facilities, and the...

Posted by simon at 12:37 PM

December 29, 2007

Popular news

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on its most popular stories of 2007, based on website traffic, and has an accompanying reflection on what made a hit. Darkness is clearly a key ingredient, and some of Dryden's darker 2007 moments are...

Posted by simon at 6:20 AM

December 28, 2007

Creekwood Apartments suffer Christmas fire

Apparently Dryden did not have a quiet Christmas - it just took the Ithaca Journal a few days to catch up to news of a fire early Christmas morning. Four residents of Creekwood Apartments, on Lower Creek Road, were displaced...

Posted by simon at 6:13 AM

December 26, 2007

Quiet holiday

The Ithaca Journal and Cortland Standard both seem pretty quiet this holiday. On yesterday's opinion page, Murray Cohen of Dryden asks about President Bush's late interest in the Israel-Palestine peace process. Today, Maureen Brull of Dryden encourages readers to spread...

Posted by simon at 10:37 AM

December 22, 2007

West Dryden boy fights cancer, with help

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Robbie Busby's battle against Burkitt's lymphoma, and the community support his family has found to help with the fight. As usual, the complicated and largely useless Voice Your Choice electricity supply program hasn't exactly...

Posted by simon at 6:06 AM

December 21, 2007

Jerry Dell Farm protected

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that a second Dryden farm, the Jerry Dell farm, will be having 419 acres protected. I didn't know that it is: the largest certified organic farm in the Northeast with 700 cows and some 1,200...

Posted by simon at 5:11 PM

December 20, 2007

Stone Circle celebrates St. Lucia

Posted by simon at 6:01 AM

December 19, 2007

Preserving Six Mile Creek

Between some travel and connectivity problems, I'm a little behind. To catch up... Yesterday's paper reports that the Finger Lake Land Trust will be establishing a 138-acre nature preserve near the headwaters of Six Mile Creek. Looking at the map,...

Posted by simon at 11:29 AM

December 14, 2007

Snow day; SPCA donation

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on yesterday's snow, and has an editorial on safe driving. An anonymous donor just gave the SPCA a large donation to help cover animal control costs, giving county municipalities a year at the old rates...

Posted by simon at 8:56 AM

December 12, 2007

TC3 seeks dormitory expansion

TC3 is hoping to build two more residence halls, adding 268 beds to its current 546. There are a few obstacles to sort out, mostly notably the moratorium on further development in the Cortland Road Sewer District. I was happy...

Posted by simon at 6:05 AM

December 11, 2007

Fire district elections today

Elections for fire commissioner will be held today, affecting Dryden residents in the McLean Fire District. (Voting is at the McLean Fire Station.) All of these races are uncontested. An article on libraries illustrates the difference made by Southworth Library...

Posted by simon at 7:43 AM

December 8, 2007

Laurel, survey

Joe Lalley sends a Laurel to TCAT: staff and to Marjorie Hoffman and the students of the Elizabeth Anne Clune Montessori School for a wonderful idea to put art on the buses. This is just brilliant! In broader county news,...

Posted by simon at 1:44 PM

December 7, 2007

Dryden police officer honored for work against DWI

Dryden police officer Kurt Soderholm was honored at the STOP DWI Awards Luncheon for his work fighting DWI at a small police agency: Soderholm said he made 14 DWI arrests from November 2006 to this November. He believes people who...

Posted by simon at 12:30 PM

December 6, 2007

Lots of elections

Today's Ithaca Journal editorial questions New York State's habit of letting elections fall all over the calendar, with elections in March, May, November, and whenever. It's definitely a strange problem to have to convince people that there's an election going...

Posted by simon at 8:07 AM

December 5, 2007

Lake Huron sends us snow

Every now and then I get into a conversation about lake-effect snow, and I usually talk about how Lake Erie sends snow to the Buffalo area while Ontario sends snow to the south and east. Somehow, yesterday, Lake Huron got...

Posted by simon at 9:31 AM

December 3, 2007

Winter weather arrives

Today's news is pretty general to the county and the area. There's a report on the weekend snowstorm. Groton apparently got the most snow, at five inches. There's also a report on this being the peak season for deer hunting...

Posted by simon at 2:45 PM

November 28, 2007

Darfur benefit; airport bookings up

Freeville residents Siera Haley and Bec Groves-Haley appear in a picture accompanying an article on a Friday benefit for refugees in Darfur sponsored by the Northern Light Learning Center, a local home-schooling cooperative. There's also an article on increased bookings...

Posted by simon at 5:22 PM

November 27, 2007

Cornell gas line changes

This morning's Journal includes Gary Stewart's report on Cornell's modifications to the gas line it will be building to connect its power plant to the pipeline that runs through Ellis Hollow. It sounds like it will be narrower and generally...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

November 26, 2007

AIDS memorial quilt at TC3

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports in Briefly in Tompkins that part of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display from Wednesday through the week in the TC3 Forum. World AIDS Day is December 1st, and there will be events...

Posted by simon at 12:28 PM

November 22, 2007

Deer donations; veteran photos

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a story that combines classic Thanksgiving themes of hunting and thankfulness, looking at the donations of deer from local hunters to food banks. The opinion page is devoted to photos of local veterans....

Posted by simon at 10:22 AM

November 21, 2007

Coming soon in Dryden

Somehow I missed Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk in this morning's Ithaca Journal - too much to do on the eve of Thanksgiving, I fear. There is, as always, a lot going on: Dryden students played at last Saturday's Fall...

Posted by simon at 2:51 PM

County budget passes; election dart

The County Legislature passed an amended 2008 budget last night, cutting TCAT funding but adding funding for an additional corrections officer. It sounds like rural bus routes will likely be cut - I'll keep an eye out for changes that...

Posted by simon at 12:41 PM

November 20, 2007

Dryden pastor to certify Town of Ithaca union vote

This morning's Ithaca Journal mentions that Bethel Grove Bible Church Pastor David Jones was authorized by the Ithaca Town Board "to verify that a majority of the employees have designated the Teamsters union through authorization cards." It sounds like the...

Posted by simon at 7:25 AM

November 19, 2007

Arcuri visits Dryden

I couldn't make it, but today's Ithaca Journal has an nice article on Congressman Michael Arcuri's visit to the Dryden Town Hall on Saturday. I'm especially happy to see that a lot of the folks quoted in the article are...

Posted by simon at 8:56 AM

November 17, 2007

Caroline school improvements

I've generally covered the Ithaca schools less and less, unless something was directly relevant to Dryden residents. Most Dryden elementary students in the Ithaca School District attend Caroline Elementary, so this report of safety improvements should be welcome. There's also...

Posted by simon at 9:04 AM

November 16, 2007

Pledging allegiance

I'm glad to see today's Ithaca Journal editorial on the Pledge of Allegiance, which I think makes a crucial, if perhaps understated, point in its final paragraph, especially the last sentence: The beauty of the First Amendment is that it...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

Freeville man injured in Genoa blast

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a propane explosion in Genoa that severely burned a Freeville man and injured a Moravia man. The two were removing a valve from a thousand-gallon propane tank when it exploded. Inside, there's news that...

Posted by simon at 7:40 AM

November 15, 2007

Licenses, unions, turbines

County Legislator Mike Hattery leaped on Governor Spitzer's pulling back on his drivers' license plan to send a press release complaining about "actions that undermine citizenship". On the opinion page, Louise Edelman of Dryden writes to support the International Association...

Posted by simon at 12:24 PM

November 14, 2007

Seatbelt season

It's always seatbelt season, really, but State Police are busy enforcing seat belt laws, starting from a checkpoint in front of their barracks on Route 13 in Freeville. The opinion page has two Dryden letters: Cheryl Wagner of Freeville writes...

Posted by simon at 7:16 AM

November 13, 2007

Lots to think about elsewhere

The only Dryden news in today's Journal is a DWI arrest on Route 366, but there's a lot to think about in this issue that might eventually affect Dryden: In the print edition only, Tim Joseph may retire as County...

Posted by simon at 7:58 AM

November 12, 2007

IC leftovers move swiftly to Freeville

The Journal's Life section has an article on Ithaca College's donations of food to the Freeville Food Pantry, salvaging food that is cooked but not served to students. Students and volunteers pack the food at IC and deliver it to...

Posted by simon at 12:19 PM

November 10, 2007

Looking beyond the election

The election pretty well wiped me out, and I haven't kept up with the past few days of either the Ithaca Journal or the Cortland Standard. Here's a quick look at Dryden-related stories in the Journal: Democrats across the county...

Posted by simon at 11:01 AM

November 5, 2007

Clauson keeps dodging on drug court

There's new data that suggests that Chris Clauson indeed had an election-year conversion to Drug Court. Today's Journal has an article that makes it clear that: Of the 159 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) cases...

Posted by simon at 7:45 AM

November 3, 2007

An election-year conversion? (and more lies, alas)

Back in June, I kept hearing rumors of a possible Republican primary for Town Justice. I knew that Republican Committee Chair Jim Crawford supported Drug Court, but apparently he wasn't the only one. As summer went on, however, it seemed...

Posted by simon at 4:49 PM

November 2, 2007

More endorsements

Today's Ithaca Journal mentions a TC3 open house that has, alas, already happened today. The rest of the Dryden activity is on the opinion page, in letters to the editor. County Legislator Mike Hattery of Dryden writes to support Cheryl...

Posted by simon at 5:00 PM

November 1, 2007

Benefit tomorrow helps after motorcycle accident

Back in June, a pair of motorcyclists waiting to turn into their driveway on Route 13 were rear-ended, winding up in the hospital with traumatic injuries. This Friday, tomorrow, there will be a benefit for them from 5:00pm to 10:00pm...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

October 31, 2007

Manos interview questioned; many letters

The lead story in today's Ithaca Journal focuses on a suppression hearing in the Marie Manos case, examining whether an interview she had with police after the drowning of her niece is admissible in her trial. On the opinion page,...

Posted by simon at 8:12 PM

October 30, 2007

Might Ithaca wastewater issues flow uphill?

That's the question I was left with at the end of this Journal article about labor issues at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant. Town Supervisor Steve Trumbull sounds concerned: Both Valentino and Town of Dryden Supervisor Steven Trumbull said...

Posted by simon at 9:01 PM

October 29, 2007

Community Center funding; Dryden opinions

The Journal finally gets around to the Community Center funding story, putting it in Briefly in Tompkins. The money will go largely toward infrastructure projects, and it was also nice to see a Republican give credit to a Democrat: Ellis...

Posted by simon at 5:49 PM

October 26, 2007

Temporary SPCA contract

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that a short-term plan to keep the SPCA doing animal control is in the works, though whether it will keep the SPCA as animal control provider in the long run is definitely an open question....

Posted by simon at 8:48 AM

October 25, 2007

RPM grows trees for Gulf Coast

This morning's Journal report that Dryden greenhouse RPM Ecosystems is producing trees for the Gulf Coast to replace those damaged by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, and has a photo gallery showing more of the operations, which are on 13...

Posted by simon at 6:37 PM

October 24, 2007

Eagle scouts, judicial race

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk visits Boy Scout Troop 24, welcoming a variety of Eagle Scout projects in the Dryden area, including: a roofed entryway at Covenant Love Church, an information kiosk on the Jim Shug trail, a new deck...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

October 22, 2007

Letters to the Editor

This site's been a bit derelict for the past week, as I was in San Francisco. For work, I was at a conference where every other attendee seemed to be either a venture capitalist or someone with big dreams looking...

Posted by simon at 12:40 PM

October 12, 2007

Collision in Freeville; local politics

Yesterday's weather led to a crash in Freeville, between a garbage truck and a tractor-trailer. In good news for the county, Borg-Warner will move 174 jobs to Lansing from Oklahoma, and perhaps that will bring some new people to Dryden...

Posted by simon at 12:33 PM

October 11, 2007

Redistricting; silent auction tomorrow

The Ithaca Journal reports on yesterday's redistricting forum. I'll have a lot more to say on this when I find a moment, but mostly I have to say that I found Assemblyman William Parment interesting but utterly unconvincing in his...

Posted by simon at 8:41 AM

October 10, 2007

Baseball dreams in Dryden

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column visits today with Matt Colbert, a Dryden High School student who is aiming for the big leagues. The left-handed pitcher and first baseman has been working with The Baseball Factory and is raising money...

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

October 9, 2007

Former Binghamton superintendent to lead Dryden

This morning's Journal reports - catching up to an announcement last Thursday - that retired Binghamton superintendent James Lee will manage the Dryden schools until the school board finds a replacement for departing superintendent Mark Crawford. Briefly in Tompkins a...

Posted by simon at 9:38 PM

October 8, 2007

Energy efficiency in West Dryden

I didn't manage to get out to the Green Buildings Tour this weekend, but fortunately the Journal has some coverage of one of the houses in Dryden, complete with photos of the straw-bale house under construction. (I reported on the...

Posted by simon at 12:52 PM

October 6, 2007

SPCA faces resistance

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Tompkins County SPCA, on Hanshaw Road, is facing resistance from municipalities unhappy with the proposed increase in dog control rates. From what I heard at the Dryden Town Board, it seems quite plausible...

Posted by simon at 10:49 AM

October 5, 2007

Republican Chair calls for Democratic disarmament

After three years of being the Chair of the Dryden Democratic Committee, I should probably be cynical enough about Republicans to ignore the mud they throw about candidates, about patriotism, and about the way elections are conducted. Today's guest column...

Posted by simon at 12:52 PM

October 4, 2007

Lane questions sales tax

Former County Legislator Mike Lane is asking hard questions about the county's sales tax on clothing and shoes. Cortland has removed the tax on items below $110. On the opinion page, Harvey Baker of Dryden writes about the defacement of...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

October 3, 2007

Sheer weirdness in the Journal

I know I sometimes sound cranky about the Ithaca Journal, especially their (lack of) Dryden coverage, but I have way too many moments where I have to look at the paper and wonder whether they really printed something. The section...

Posted by simon at 5:10 PM

County votes to pursue Lew-Lin grant

This morning's Journal reports that the County Legislature voted to apply for a grant to support a farm preservation grant at the Lew-Lin farm in Dryden. If the state grant is awarded, the Town of Dryden will purchase the development...

Posted by simon at 8:54 AM

October 2, 2007

Candidates Forum tonight

If you're reading this as I write it, you're in time to get to the 7:00pm candidates forum at the Etna Fire Station, 26 Wood Road, which the Journal listed in this morning's Briefly in Tompkins. The Journal seems to...

Posted by simon at 5:36 PM

October 1, 2007

Lane to participate in redistricting roundtable

This morning's Briefly in Tompkins makes two mentions of Dryden. Former Dryden County Legislator Mike Lane will participate in a panel on redistricting in New York, something that I fear is desperately needed. Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton is sponsoring the event,...

Posted by simon at 6:26 PM

September 29, 2007

Lane presses Winner on redistricting

I missed Mike Lane's comments in yesterday's article about a Town Hall held by neighboring State Senator George Winner. Lane asked hard questions about redistricting in New York State, and Winner basically ducked with the lame excuse that "the district...

Posted by simon at 7:57 AM

September 28, 2007

Supervisor race; garbage trucks

The only thing I see in this morning's Ithaca Journal specific to Dryden is a letter from Iretta Ellis of Dryden supporting Cheryl Nelson for Supervisor. Another article deals with an issue that ties into complaints I've heard from Bethel...

Posted by simon at 5:52 PM

September 27, 2007

Grange to celebrate 100 years

Yesterday was way too busy, and I only managed to cover the candidates forum, not getting to Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk. Unfortunately, the first event she mentions, the Bill Tiberio Group's visit to Dryden to work with students and...

Posted by simon at 12:22 PM

September 26, 2007

Candidates forum draws crowd

There was quite a crowd at last night's meet the candidates forum at the Dryden Fire Station last night, and I don't think they just came for the cider and cookies. Given that the Historical Society had an event just...

Posted by simon at 12:49 PM

September 25, 2007

Candidates forum tonight at seven

This morning's Ithaca Journal print edition notes tonight's candidates forum in its Briefly in Tompkins section. The forum will be at the Dryden Fire Station at 7:00pm, and will be moderated by the League of Women Voters. On the opinion...

Posted by simon at 12:11 PM

September 22, 2007

Dryden opinions; dissolve Tioga County?

The Ithaca Journal has been remarkably quiet about Dryden lately. Yesterday, there was a letter in the paper from Peter Davies (listed as Ithaca) suggesting a change in the way groups fundraise. Today Peter Lipinski of Dryden co-signs a letter...

Posted by simon at 7:27 PM

September 19, 2007

School tax jump for Freeville couple

This morning's Ithaca Journal opinion page has a letter from Hans and Doris Fuchs of Freeville wondering how their school taxes skyrocketed - "more than 150 percent higher than last year's bill." They've heard that "Star and Enhanced Star" were...

Posted by simon at 12:37 PM

September 18, 2007

Thanks for Eight Square; county budget

The Journal has been pretty quiet on Dryden so far this week, with a thank you for supporting the Eight Square Schoolhouse Festival from The History Center yesterday. There was also an article on the county budget that seemed to...

Posted by simon at 7:52 AM

September 15, 2007

Seward, Citizenship Day

Most of the Dryden news in today's Journal is in Briefly in Tompkins. Dryden Middle School will be celebrating Citizenship Day this Monday morning: The entire middle school will gathers to say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the national anthem...

Posted by simon at 9:43 AM

September 12, 2007

Community happenings

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk emphasizes community events today. She starts with the work toward the Dryden Community Cafe, which will have a meeting tonight (and future Wednesday nights) at 7:00pm. She also notes: The Southworth Library book sale, which...

Posted by simon at 12:25 PM

September 10, 2007

Dryden views on Ithaca Supervisor

This morning's Ithaca Journal has two competing views of the Town of Ithaca Supervisor's race on its opinion page. County Legislator Martha Robertson writes to support challenger Herb Engman, while former Dryden Town Supervisor Mark Varvayanis supports incumbent Cathy Valentino....

Posted by simon at 8:20 AM

September 8, 2007

Bed and Breakfast tours Sunday

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes that several Bed and Breakfasts will have open houses tomorrow from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The Candlelight Inn in the Village of Dryden and Bountiful Blessings in Freeville will both be open, as will Thomas Farm...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

September 7, 2007

W.B. Strong approaching 100

This morning's Journal notes, in Briefly in Tompkins, that the W.B. Strong Fire Company, also known as the Freeville Fire Department, will be 100 years old next April 7th. They're hoping to put together more information on the company: Those...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

September 6, 2007

Corrections day

A few weeks ago I published a piece on local flour that included this picture: Bread made from fresh whole wheat flour. The Dryden Courier asked for the recipe, which we sent: Pumpkin Seed Bread - Angelika St.Laurent I always...

Posted by simon at 12:25 PM

September 5, 2007

Fire on Ringwood damages house

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that firefighters quickly put out a fire at a house on Ringwood Road yesterday, using water they carried from the Cornell Barns. Dryden led the response, with Varna, Etna, Freeville, Cayuga Heights and Slaterville also...

Posted by simon at 7:56 AM

September 3, 2007

Upstate not dead

Gannett's Jay Gallagher must be spinning a bit. He wrote late last week about the failure of Upstate New York, presenting the Business Council's perspective, and today he writes about the Fiscal Policy Institute's rather different take on the economic...

Posted by simon at 12:51 PM

September 1, 2007

Taking no-kill beyond Tompkins County

Former Tompkins County SPCA Director Nathan Winograd will be launching the tour for his new book at their Hanshaw Road facility on Sunday. He hopes to spread the story of how the Tompkins County SPCA euthanizes only the "hopelessly ill...

Posted by simon at 7:56 AM

August 31, 2007

A growth shortage?

This morning's Journal reports that the Business Council of New York State's Public Policy Institute gave Tompkins County an "F" for not growing fast enough. We didn't beat the national averages in growth in the total number of jobs, average...

Posted by simon at 5:09 PM

August 30, 2007

Youth activities starting up; Tompkins economy slows down

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reported yesterday on scouting and youth activities. She noted that Girl Scouts had planted trees to help stabilize Virgil Creek, and both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are getting ready for more activity with the...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

August 28, 2007

Catching up to the dump truck

The print edition of this morning's Journal finally catches up to the runaway dump truck story they ran online on Friday. It also looks like the county can likely meet its budget goal....

Posted by simon at 7:06 PM

August 27, 2007

Eight Square; storm damage

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits the Eight Square Schoolhouse festival, which I missed this year. It sounds like they had they usual fun re-acquainting people with the schoolhouse, which last served as a public school in 1941. I have my...

Posted by simon at 12:04 PM

August 25, 2007

Dump truck overturns in Varna

It looks like there was a lot more excitement than is good on Mount Pleasant Road yesterday, as a gravel truck overturned when it went off the road into the old railroad bed. The driver kept the truck from crashing...

Posted by simon at 11:46 PM

Contemplating smart meters

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on last night's storms, which dumped more than three inches of rain in the northern part of the county, including Lansing, Groton, and Dryden. We didn't seem to get anything here but thunder and lightning...

Posted by simon at 10:11 AM

August 20, 2007

More on healthcare

This morning's Journal doesn't have much specific to Dryden, but it does have an article on healthcare options for Tompkins County residents without health insurance, and another on state programs more generally....

Posted by simon at 12:57 PM

August 15, 2007

A cappella boot camp

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports today on Dryden High School a cappella group Beyond Measure's three days of rehearsal in the days leading up to the start of the school year. The group seems amazingly dedicated, and its continuous...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

August 14, 2007

SPCA reduces dog fees, changes policies

A lot happened while I was in the Adirondacks. The SPCA had a half-price dog adoption weekend, moving 13 dogs into new homes. They've also changed their policies about who can adopt dogs: While the half-price adoption offer is temporary,...

Posted by simon at 12:38 PM

August 10, 2007

Ask Amy visits tonight

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Amy Dickinson, the Ask Amy advice columnist, at her home in Freeville. She'll be presenting tonight at the Dryden Village Hall to benefit the Southworth Library, though, alas, the event is sold out. In other...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

August 8, 2007

Bridges and food

This morning's Ithaca Journal reads a bit like an echo of this blog last night. I worried about 13's bridge over Fall Creek, and there are reports on how the state has diverted money from the highway fund for years...

Posted by simon at 12:40 PM

August 7, 2007

Dryden residents support Drop-In Center

The main Dryden news in today's Ithaca Journal is two letters supporting the Ithaca Drop-In Children's Center, and protesting last week's county legislature committee vote not to support it with additional funds. Christopher Lyon of Dryden and Mary-Beth Martini of...

Posted by simon at 12:41 PM

August 6, 2007

Crimes and misdemeanors

This morning's Journal has little Dryden news, except for some DWI and related charges in the Monitor. The bigger crime news is Ithaca-focused but also mentions Cortland, so I'm guessing they drove through Dryden at times: a federal racketeering indictment...

Posted by simon at 5:31 PM

August 4, 2007

Consolidate?

Most of the Dryden activity in today's Journal is on the editorial page. Henry Kramer of Dryden writes about possible government consolidation. While I rarely agree with Kramer, there's a lot worth considering in this article. I agree completely that...

Posted by simon at 11:06 AM

August 3, 2007

School news, crime news

It's mostly quiet in today's Journal, but School News has some bright news for Dryden residents, and the Monitor darker news. (I also forgot yesterday's Monitor.) I do hope to be posting more here soon, and replying to email. Work's...

Posted by simon at 5:47 PM

August 2, 2007

Barn beam falls, kills worker

I was driving down 13 yesterday when emergency vehicles poured down the road, swarming on 1890 Dryden Road, where it was clear someone was injured in a barn being dismantled. Alas, a 29-year-old worker was killed there when a beam...

Posted by simon at 9:33 PM

August 1, 2007

Amy Dickinson returns

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk is extremely full today, listing a wide range of events: Syndicated advice columnist Amy Dickinson will be presenting "Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Dairy Princess: Mostly True Stories of Small Town Life", on Friday, August...

Posted by simon at 10:27 PM

July 30, 2007

McLean throws a party

This morning's Journal reports on McLean's Happenin' in the Hamlet party, which celebrate McLean with a special focus on Fall Creek, whose waterpower first encouraged the hamlet's development. In broader news, the Tompkins County economy expanded a bit in June...

Posted by simon at 12:37 PM

July 28, 2007

Lightning strikes Etna, Harford

It was a busy day for area fire departments yesterday, as lightning strikes in Etna and Harford destroyed a house and a garage. Both in areas without fire hydrants, so firefighters used tanker trucks to collect water from streams and...

Posted by simon at 12:22 PM

July 26, 2007

More on 4-H Fair, local races

This morning's Journal has a photo from the 4-H Fair that's happening on Lower Creek Road north of Route 13. I'm glad to see that the Journal issued an updated article on candidates for local races, this time including candidates...

Posted by simon at 11:27 AM

July 25, 2007

Journal gets it wrong

I know there are a lot of local races in Tompkins County to keep track of, but I was startled to see this false line in this morning's Journal: In Dryden, town board members David Makar (D) and Marty Christofferson...

Posted by simon at 10:30 AM

July 24, 2007

Catching up

The last week has been the busiest one I can remember for work, a crazed mix of deadlines and travel. Unfortunately, that's left me way behind here. So, to catch up, this will be briefer than usual, but I hope...

Posted by simon at 9:55 AM

July 13, 2007

SPCA loaded with cats

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Tompkins County SPCA has 900 cats in their care right now, 300 more than last year. They're looking for people to adopt or foster cats. (I've also heard complaints from someone who tried...

Posted by simon at 9:01 AM

July 12, 2007

Summer reading for kids; federal funding for sewers

This morning's Ithaca Journal editorial cites Southworth Library and the Dryden schools' Solar Express bookmobile as key programs for helping ensure that kids read during the summer. There's also hope that the federal government may (eventually) help pay to rebuild...

Posted by simon at 5:49 PM

July 11, 2007

Varna Fire Company tour, Town Board meeting

Need something exciting to do tonight? The Varna Volunteer Fire Company will be having a tour of their building (14 Turkey Hill Road) and equipment tonight at 6:30pm, followed by a Town Board meeting at 7:00pm. The Journal writes about...

Posted by simon at 12:25 PM

July 10, 2007

Local Iraq war perspective

This morning's Journal has a letter from David and Christine Bravo-Cullen of Dryden, reporting their daughter's perspective on what's happening in Iraq. The Monitor reports on a Dryden man's arrest in Ithaca for DWI. There are also a few stories...

Posted by simon at 5:33 PM

July 9, 2007

Photos of Gracie Manos benefit

This morning's Journal shares photos of the Gracie Manos benefit held Saturday at the Dryden VFW. It's not directly tied to Dryden, but there was a permaculture convergence this weekend at Cayuga Nature Center, and Angelika spoke on work we're...

Posted by simon at 12:16 PM

July 7, 2007

Gracie Manos benefit today

Briefly in Tompkins lists a benefit for the family of Gracie Manos at the Dryden VFW this afternoon from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Jen Dube, Dryden's departing Recreation Coordinator, gets a laurel from Dryden Kiwanis...

Posted by simon at 11:40 AM

July 4, 2007

More on the Manos case

This morning's Ithaca Journal expands on yesterday's breaking news piece with articles on Marie Manos' arraignment and fundraising to help the victim's family. Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports on the Dryden Beautification Brigade's work on making the Village of...

Posted by simon at 10:18 AM

July 3, 2007

NYSEG building prospects

This morning's Journal reports that the County is considering the old NYSEG building as a new home for the Health Department. As convenient as that would be for me - I need to call them to find out if they...

Posted by simon at 12:20 PM

July 2, 2007

Trumbull, Christofferson retiring

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that two members of the Dryden Town Board will not be seeking re-election this November: Supervisor Steve Trumbull and Councilman Marty Christofferson. Both are Republicans, initially elected in 2003. Steve Trumbull accomplished at least two...

Posted by simon at 8:05 AM

June 30, 2007

Car chase, accidents, summer challenges

A car chase that started in Cortland ended in Dryden yesterday as a woman fled from a court order. Cortland City Police and Sheriff's cars were damaged by ramming, and Dryden Police, Dryden Ambulance, the New York State Police, and...

Posted by simon at 7:21 PM

June 27, 2007

Indictment in Manos case

Coming back from California has left me even more exhausted than usual, so updates are slow. Sorry about that! The regular flow of stories should resume shortly. The biggest (though certainly not brightest) Dryden news of the day comes as...

Posted by simon at 5:14 PM

June 25, 2007

NYSEG helicopters will buzz

If you see helicopters prowling around Dryden Tuesday or Wednesday, they're probably part of NYSEG's power line inspection. Also in Briefly in Tompkins, the Intergenerational Chorus will start rehearsals tonight, and the band will start Wednesday. The county adopted a...

Posted by simon at 6:44 AM

June 22, 2007

School, legislative sessions come to an end

For some reason, New York State's legislature comes to an end just as schools are getting out. Students finish with finals and a wave of celebrations; the legislature ends with negotiations and last-minute votes. The Journal reports on the achievements...

Posted by simon at 10:05 AM

June 21, 2007

Please let emergency vehicles pass

This morning's Ithaca Journal editorial reflects on the need for motorists to let emergency vehicles pass safely, reflecting on their earlier story about Varna Fire Chief Natan Huffman's collision last week. A motorist "was cited for failing to yield the...

Posted by simon at 10:03 AM

Dryden graduates

Somehow I managed not to include yesterday's listing of Dryden High School graduates, complete with information on the valedictorian and salutatorian. Graduation will be Friday, June 22nd, at 6:00pm at the Dryden Memorial Complex....

Posted by simon at 9:45 AM

June 20, 2007

Summer in Dryden

Cathy Wakeman declares the start of summer now that Dairy Day has passed. She reports on the upcoming Music in the Park events, starting tonight at Montgomery Park from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with Steve Southworth and the Rockabilly Rays, and...

Posted by simon at 9:14 AM

June 19, 2007

Varna chief injured; ICSD budget vote today

I'm very used to seeing Natan Huffman, Chief of the Varna Volunteer Fire Company, driving around Dryden in a red pickup truck with lights. Unfortunately, on June 8th, someone seems not to have quite figured out what those lights are...

Posted by simon at 9:53 AM

June 18, 2007

Surveillance camera leads to burglar arrest

This morning's Ithaca Journal Monitor suggests that surveillance cameras can be useful at home when there are burglars around. An Etna man seems to have caught his neighbor on tape in his house, and the man then confessed to an...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

June 16, 2007

TC3 tuition climbs 3-4%

This morning's Journal reports that full-time tuition at TC3 will climb from $3200 to $3325 per year, while part-time students will see credits climb from $124 each to $128. A little ways to the east, in Virgil, Greek Peak started...

Posted by simon at 1:26 PM

June 13, 2007

Dryden vs. Dryden - ?

At first glance, today's Ithaca Journal has very little on Dryden - just this photo from Dairy Day. A closer look, though, finds a lot more. On the opinion page, both guest columns on the ICSD budget have lead authors...

Posted by simon at 5:31 PM

June 12, 2007

ATV DWI, with deer

This morning's Ithaca Journal is mostly quiet about Dryden, but the Monitor includes a Mount Pleasant Road man's arrest for DWI and other vehicular charges after hitting a deer while riding an ATV on Pleasant Hollow Road. There is also...

Posted by simon at 5:32 PM

June 11, 2007

Dairy Day and Pesky Caterpillars

by David Makar for Living in Dryden Saturday marked the 23rd annual Dryden Dairy Day. A parade kicked off at 9:30am followed by events and music at Montgomery Park from 10am to 3pm. The Ithaca Journal posted photos here: http://www.ithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070611/NEWS0101/706110331/1002....

Posted by david at 8:33 AM

June 7, 2007

Local Media Search

by David Makar for Living in Dryden In my last post, I mentioned that you could go to the Ithaca Journal's website (http://www.theithacajournal.com) and search for places. I even added a link for searching for Dryden.Since then I've realized (duh!)...

Posted by david at 1:19 PM

May 23, 2007

Dairy Day, Court Escape, Planning Board

by David Makar for Living in Dryden Dryden Dairy is coming soon! On Saturday, June 9th Dairy Day kicks off with a parade at 9:30am followed by events from 10am to 3pm in the Village of Dryden. Last year I...

Posted by david at 9:37 AM

May 22, 2007

Tuesday Morning News, Delivered Tuesday Night

by David Makar for Living in Dryden Today's Ithaca Journal featured an article and pictures of Primitive Pursuits, located at 4-H acres in Dryden on the cover of the Local section. I first heard of Primitive Pursuits through a friend...

Posted by david at 10:14 PM

May 17, 2007

A second babysitter tragedy

This morning's Ithaca Journal leads with a terrible story, a a 2-year-old held underwater by her babysitter on Ringwood Road, and the update reports the girl has died. I thought 2007 had started horribly, but it doesn't seem to be...

Posted by simon at 3:21 PM

May 15, 2007

School board, budget votes today

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the school board and budget votes today, but can't be bothered to report where Ithaca City School District voters should vote.. As usual, Town of Dryden residents living in the Ithaca City School District,...

Posted by simon at 12:04 PM

May 14, 2007

Thoughts on campus safety

The Ithaca Journal opinion page has a letter from Thomas Pirko of Dryden about the challenges of notifying students in case of emergency. Also, on the opinion page, Jay Gallagher provides a cynical glossary of Albany vocabulary....

Posted by simon at 12:28 PM

May 10, 2007

No more routine traffic stops

This morning's Journal looks at the increasing risks of what used to be routine traffic enforcement for the New York State Police, as more traffic stops seem to be turning into dangerous situations. The troopers down the road on 13...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

May 9, 2007

Honoring Cam Viall

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports on the Dryden Grange's giving Cam Viall their Grange Community Service Award. The mother of 10 children, Viall helped run a variety store, has been active in the American Legion Auxiliary, and worked as...

Posted by simon at 12:21 PM

May 8, 2007

Church becoming home

The former Ellis Hollow Community Church is undergoing major conversion into a large house for rent. The original structure will remain within its current footprint, as required by its historic designation, but with a very different interior. A second building...

Posted by simon at 12:41 PM

May 7, 2007

Skate Park dream fulfilled

Christopher Ackley's dream of a skate park for Dryden was realized Saturday as the Town and Village of Dryden celebrated the opening of the Christopher Ackely Memorial Skateboard Park in Montgomery Park. There was a ceremony and skateboarding. The park...

Posted by simon at 9:19 PM

May 5, 2007

Stretching food money

This morning's Ithaca Journal leads with articles on poverty, visiting a Groton mother as she shops for groceries on food stamps in Lansing, and exploring related issues like transportation costs. There's an article on school food programs with a section...

Posted by simon at 9:03 AM

May 4, 2007

School taxes, economy grow

This morning's Journal reports on the general upward trend of school spending and taxes across the state. In the print edition, Elia Kacapyr shows Tompkins County's economy doing well overall in March, thanks to strong home sales and less dramatic...

Posted by simon at 8:26 AM

May 3, 2007

Freeville heads right

This morning's Ithaca Journal brings two letters to the editor from the conservative side of the political spectrum. Edgar Seymour of Freeville calls for the prosecution of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for her recent trip to Syria, while...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

May 2, 2007

Dryden residents on county issues

This morning's Journal looks at the County Legislature's disagreement over budget goals, highlighting two Dryden legislators, Martha Robertson and Mike Hattery. Somehow the Journal lost track of party identification, and lists Hattery as a Democrat when he's definitely a Republican,...

Posted by simon at 7:59 AM

April 30, 2007

State energy issues

Dryden news is quiet for the weekend, but there's an update on New York energy issues, including tangled questions about the nomination of Angela Sparks-Beddoe to lead the Public Service Commission. And while none of these hospitals are in Dryden,...

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

April 28, 2007

Journal looks for feedback on Carter coverage

Managing Editor (and Dryden resident) Bruce Estes asks readers for feedback on their coverage of the Jacob Carter case, which recently concluded. There's also a link from that article to the original felony complaints about Carter, which are graphic. There's...

Posted by simon at 11:44 AM

April 27, 2007

Rotary chicken barbecue Saturday

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a brief on Dryden Rotary's chicken barbecue in the Clark's parking lot on North Main Street. They plan to have chicken available around 11am. The Monitor also lists an underage Dryden resident's DWI arrest near...

Posted by simon at 12:22 PM

April 26, 2007

Dryden's 15% dropout rate

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an article on high school dropout rates that oddly doesn't list the Dryden school district's rate, but does say that "Dryden superintendent Mark Crawford was not available for comment". Perhaps they didn't want to print...

Posted by simon at 5:16 PM

April 25, 2007

Dryden Town Talk reaches 100

Ithaca Journal columnist Cathy Wakeman celebrates 100 Dryden Town Talk articles with a look forward at some coming events. There will be a student recital tonight at the Dryden Middle School/High School auditorium at 7:00pm, and a Guest Artist workshop/performance...

Posted by simon at 8:54 AM

April 24, 2007

More on Carter sentencing

There's a lot more in today's Journal about Jacob Carter's sentencing for assault, sexual assault, and abuse in attacks on two children in October and January. District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson asked for 43 years to life, and Judge John Rowley...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

April 23, 2007

Sparks-Beddoe nomination to move forward

I may be the only person (apart from State Senator Thomas Libous) who's still interested in this, but the State Senate seems ready to hold confirmation hearings for Angela Sparks-Beddoe, Governor Spitzer's choice to lead the Public Service Commission. If...

Posted by simon at 6:22 PM

Carter gets 25 to life

Jacob Carter was sentenced to 25 years to life for assaulting two children earlier this year. (Also in breaking news, a fire in Etna ruined a mobile home.)...

Posted by simon at 5:03 PM

There's money in those forests

Okay, it's money you need to work for, not just crates of gold sitting quietly and waiting for someone to discover them. The Life section of today's Journal reports on the How, When, and Why of Forest Farming resource center,...

Posted by simon at 12:46 PM

April 20, 2007

Borrowed car leads to firearms arrest

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an odd report in The Monitor. An Ithaca woman complained that her car had been borrowed for too long and not returned. Next: The woman also said Cannady was armed with a handgun. Deputies located...

Posted by simon at 12:31 PM

April 18, 2007

What Cornell is up to

Well, it's not everything that Cornell is up to, but tonight's open house on the Cornell Transportation generic Environmental Impact Statement at the Best Western in East Hill Plaza might provide some idea of where and how they plan to...

Posted by simon at 8:13 AM

April 17, 2007

Fuel oil spill on Snyder Hill

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a fuel oil spill on Snyder Hill Road, not a place I would normally think of for "hazmat". The state DEC and contractors are cleaning up after: About 100 gallons of No. 2 fuel...

Posted by simon at 9:27 AM

April 16, 2007

More April snow

Winter really doesn't want to end....

Posted by simon at 11:50 PM

April 14, 2007

Development on 13

It's been a busy couple of days, and this article is playing catch-up. Yesterday's Ithaca Journal reported on Thursday's Dryden Town Board meeting, including the questions over Advanced Design Consulting's plans to move from Lansing to a much larger facility...

Posted by simon at 10:39 PM

April 11, 2007

Music around Dryden

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column today explores the Harmony United Methodist Church's monthly music celebrations at 7:00pm on the second Sunday of the month. On the 22nd, she reports, the Dryden Music Boosters fundraiser will combine jazz, a capella...

Posted by simon at 8:15 AM

April 9, 2007

I'm dreaming of a white Easter

I'm a little surprised that the Journal doesn't mention yesterday's surprising Easter weather, except in an article from Atlanta. We went for a walk on the Jim Schug trail and found it covered in white snow, and there are still...

Posted by simon at 12:51 PM

April 7, 2007

Dryden children sing in Albany

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the Dryden Elementary School Chorus's trip to Albany last Friday, where they sang for "several important people" and then toured the city. How They Voted in the Tompkins County Legislature has more details on...

Posted by simon at 9:10 AM

April 6, 2007

Budget and band-aids

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet about Dryden, but has some broader news that affects us. There's a rundown of the $810K of member items coming to Tompkins County, and the print edition's editorial runs down - maybe runs over...

Posted by simon at 12:04 PM

April 5, 2007

No ag district in Village of Dryden

The Village of Dryden's "stance against livestock" seems to have found the support of the county legislature, which blocked an ag district designation in the Village while passing the rest. Ken Miller will still be able to harvest hay on...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

April 4, 2007

6-1 approval for Dryden capital project

Voters approved the Dryden schools' EXCEL capital project yesterday by a 421-76 vote. 86% of spending will be covered by state aid, and there will be no increase in taxes. Projects include a security system for the entire district, plus...

Posted by simon at 8:21 AM

April 3, 2007

Schools vote today; more on ballots

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on today's Dryden Central School District capital spending vote, which runs from 7:00am to 9:00pm today at the Dryden Middle School/High School Auditorium. Most of the school districts that contain a piece of the Town...

Posted by simon at 8:35 AM

April 2, 2007

A quiet weekend, except for the budget

It's been a quiet few days for Dryden in the Ithaca Journal. I hope that's because we're all enjoying the recent warmth, though we'll no doubt have a few more ups and downs before it stays warm. Most of the...

Posted by simon at 6:12 PM

March 30, 2007

Contact info for the Journal

Ever wonder how to tell the Ithaca Journal they got something wrong? Want to send an item to Briefly in Tompkins or Dryden Town Talk? Pages 6A and 7A in the print edition of today's Journal lists pretty much everything...

Posted by simon at 8:30 AM

March 29, 2007

Village election closes; results same

The print edition of this morning's Journal reports that final results are in for the Village of Dryden Trustees' race: CandidateDemocratRepublicanBetter DrydenTotal Randy Sterling183183 Robert Witty171171 Lisa Valentinelli13137168 Elizabeth Gutchess12335158 There's also a letter to the editor from Kate Howells...

Posted by simon at 12:04 PM

March 28, 2007

Civil Air Patrol launches rockets

Model rockets, that is. Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports on the local Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Rocketry Weekend, which concluded with a launch at TC3. She also notes that the Dryden schools are revising their Athletic Code of Conduct,...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

March 27, 2007

Freeville house fire

An old house I'd always really liked burned yesteday in Freeville. The Freeville, Dryden, Varna, Etna, Groton, McLean and Cayuga Heights fire departments all responded, as did Dryden Ambulance, NYSEG, and the New York State Department of Transportation. There were...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

March 26, 2007

Sick

Yes, it's been kind of quiet around here. I have a cold (flu?) that just won't let go, and can only concentrate for a little while at a time. It's better in the evening than during the day, but still......

Posted by simon at 12:05 PM

March 22, 2007

Kiwanis recognizes Dryden teens

Several Dryden High School seniors were honored on March 13th by the Dryden Kiwanis Club for their community involvement and their achievements. I already reported on yesterday's change in Dryden Village election results, and there's nothing new to the story...

Posted by simon at 4:47 PM

March 21, 2007

Tight race in Village of Dryden

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Democrat Lisa Valentinelli and Republican Randy Sterling appear to have won Dryden Village Trustee seats. They don't report that these results may - it's not yet clear - be within the margin of absentee...

Posted by simon at 8:00 AM

March 20, 2007

Vote today in Freeville and Dryden

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on today's elections in the villages of Dryden and Freeville. Voting will start at noon and end at 9:00pm in both Village Halls. Freeville's election is uncontested, with incumbents Rachel Dickinson and Lloyd Purdy seeking...

Posted by simon at 10:17 AM

March 19, 2007

Dryden residents march for peace

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Saturday's march for peace. I joined about thirty people marching from Belle Sherman down to the Commons, many of whom had carpooled from the Village of Dryden or walked in from Snyder Hill and...

Posted by simon at 12:35 PM

March 17, 2007

Poverty in Tompkins County

This morning's Ithaca Journal leads with a huge story on poverty in Tompkins County. County Legislator Martha Robertson is quoted on the challenges facing the county government's efforts to deal with poverty: "The money we spend doesn't begin to meet...

Posted by simon at 9:35 AM

March 15, 2007

More Village letters

This morning's Ithaca Journal carries more letters on next Tuesday's Village of Dryden elections. Paul Simonet seems concerned that national politics might affect the Trustees' race, and encourages voters to support the Republican incumbents. Les Cleland also writes in support...

Posted by simon at 8:28 PM

March 14, 2007

Kudos for teens; village letters

This morning's Ithaca Journal editorial praises Anondo “Binji” Mukherjee and Jed Glosenger for their heroic deeds during a fire on Hickory Circle Sunday. Former County Legislator and Village of Dryden Mayor Mike Lane writes a letter to the editor whose...

Posted by simon at 6:51 AM

March 13, 2007

Carter pleads guilty

I've had a hard time getting online today, so this is kind of late, but the big news in this morning's Ithaca Journal is the guilty plea from Jacob Carter for the assault and abuse of two 3-year-old children he...

Posted by simon at 9:54 PM

March 12, 2007

Helping a family

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an extensive article on Saturday's Project Dryden Child benefit, which raised around $10,000 for the family of children abused by a babysitter in January. It sounds like it was quite an event, with all kinds...

Posted by simon at 7:46 AM

March 10, 2007

Assessment season opens

Today's news seems to be at the county or state level. It's assessment season again, with houses now assessed at 85% of full value. 1500 property owners will be getting notices that the value of their property has increase. Next...

Posted by simon at 8:10 AM

March 9, 2007

Heroism in a fire

This morning's Journal leads with an article on heroism during a fire on Hickory Circle Sunday morning. Anondo "Binji" Mukherjee helped his family get out of their burning house, and returned to find a friend. An article on a new...

Posted by simon at 12:52 PM

March 8, 2007

Online Monitor differs

Reading the print edition of this morning's Journal, there's no sign of the many Dryden citations that seem to have gotten into trouble in the online edition of the Monitor. A burglary at TC3, an assault, and a second-degree rape...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

March 7, 2007

Ithaca schools pass bond

It looks like both Ithaca school bond proposals passed in yesterday's vote, the first one by a larger margin than the second. The Ithaca initial school budget also came out, at a total of $92.4 million, up from $86.8 million....

Posted by simon at 12:11 PM

March 6, 2007

Ithaca schools bond vote today

Ithaca schools will have their vote on two bond proposals totalling $98.4 million today. If you want more background, the Journal has a special section collecting articles and opinion on the bond issue. The list of polling places is pretty...

Posted by simon at 6:44 AM

Damaged house unsafe for determination

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Hickory Circle home that burned Sunday is unstable, making it difficult to investigate the cause of the fire. Varna Fire Chief Natan Huffman reports that: "The risk of the investigation is greater than...

Posted by simon at 6:36 AM

March 5, 2007

Fire on Hickory Circle

A house on Hickory Circle burned early Sunday morning, sending seven people to the hospital. The Varna Volunteer Fire Company responded to a call about smoke, finding the house catching fire shortly after their arrival. Lack of water meant that...

Posted by simon at 8:02 PM

March 3, 2007

Former Dryden resident being evaluated

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Larry Brown, a convicted Collegetown rapist, and former Dryden resident, who has been released from Attica after a fourteen-year prison sentence, but is now (apparently) at a state mental health facility. The county government...

Posted by simon at 1:52 PM

March 2, 2007

Well-water rules tightening

This morning's Journal reports that the County Health Department will be tightening well regulations. New wells will require permits, as will abandonments of wells. It seems to be coming down from the New York State Health Department, The county press...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

March 1, 2007

Ithaca school bond opinions

Ithaca City School District voters, including residents of about a quarter of Dryden, will get to vote next Tuesday on two bond proposals. Today's Journal includes three letters to the editor from Dryden residents, though only one of them is...

Posted by simon at 12:26 PM

February 28, 2007

Jazz concert tonight; sewer hearing delayed

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk reports that the Cornell University Jazz Ensemble will be having a workshop and concert tonight at the Dryden High School auditorium. The workshop for students runs from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, and the concert starts afterward....

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

February 26, 2007

Snowmobiling for breast cancer support

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Saturday's 4th Annual Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance Chicks Ride, sponsored by the Dryden Caroline Drifters Snowmobile Club. 23 women raised $650 to support the IBCA's work. The print edition has a photo of the...

Posted by simon at 12:00 PM

February 24, 2007

Two up for two seats in Freeville

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that two incumbent Village trustees are up for re-election in Freeville's non-partisan races. Rachel Dickinson and Lloyd Purdy (appointed to replace the late former Mayor Thomas Lyson) of the Citizens Party face no opponents in...

Posted by simon at 2:21 PM

February 23, 2007

Changing of the gym at TC3

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the final basketball games played in the "Panther Pit" at TC3. The old basketball court will be disappearing, replaced by a new gym currently under construction. In those last games, the men's team won...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

February 22, 2007

Indictment in home invasion

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that a grand jury has indicted a Dryden resident for several counts of robbery in last month's home invasion robbery. On the opinion page, the editorial congratulates the county for their budget process, and mentions...

Posted by simon at 5:02 PM

February 21, 2007

Girl scout international night Monday

This morning's Ithaca Journal is pretty quiet about Dryden, except for this item mysteriously placed at the top of Groton Town Talk: Girl Scout International Night will be from 6-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 at the Dryden Elementary School Cafeteria....

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

February 20, 2007

Protests on plea

Not everyone is happy with Jacob Carter's proposed guilty plea, which would get him a sentence of 43 years to life for charges including predatory sexual assault. Dawn Potter, spokeswoman for Project Dryden Child, is quoted: Those children weren't allowed...

Posted by simon at 8:01 AM

February 19, 2007

Congressman Arcuri in the neighborhood

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a brief piece on Congressman Michael Arcuri's visit to Lansing to lead a panel discussion on energy issues. (Unfortunately, I didn't get to go, having scheduled time as a docent at the History House a...

Posted by simon at 8:07 AM

February 17, 2007

Arcuri speaking in Lansing this morning

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes that Congressman Michael Arcuri will be speaking on energy issues in Lansing this morning. (I can't make it, unfortunately - I'd agreed to be at the History House as a docent this morning.) There's more...

Posted by simon at 9:15 AM

February 16, 2007

Child abuser likely to plead guilty

While much of this morning's Journal focuses on snow cleanup, the Journal's breaking news reports that Jacob Carter's attorney reports that he has decided to plead guilty to assault, sexual assault, and sexual abuse charges in a plea deal. It's...

Posted by simon at 12:11 PM

February 15, 2007

Another snow day

I hope everyone's enjoying the snow and sunshine today - Dryden and Ithaca schools are closed, as well as TC3. The Journal has lots of articles and pictures on the snow, which wasn't a record, but still closed down or...

Posted by simon at 12:57 PM

February 14, 2007

Lots of snow

Well, in the end, not that much, maybe a foot. Well, maybe more - it's snowing again, though it sounds like the worst of the storm's moved east of us. Still, this morning's Ithaca reports on the state of emergency...

Posted by simon at 12:09 PM

February 13, 2007

NYSEG power line meeting rescheduled

Power lines are built to (usually) deal with heavy snow; meetings about them aren't. The Journal reports that: Ithaca Transmission Project Public meeting has been rescheduled from today to Thursday, 7-9 p.m. at the Neptune Hose Company in Dryden....

Posted by simon at 11:38 AM

Snow on the way

It's not the eleven feet of snow further north, but a real storm looks likely to hit Tompkins County tonight and tomorrow. Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and plenty of wind are on their way. Beyond the Lifton explanation of her...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

Assemblywoman Lifton ducks, dodges

Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton has a guest column on the comptroller's appointment in this morning's Ithaca Journal. Unfortunately, the most interesting part of the letter is what it doesn't contain: any discussion of the process the legislature, and especially the Assembly...

Posted by simon at 8:35 AM

February 12, 2007

More on state intrigues

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden, though maybe we wouldn't want a story about eleven feet of snow. There are two pieces on the current situation in New York State politics. Yancey Roy tells the general story of...

Posted by simon at 12:34 PM

February 10, 2007

Snyder Hill fire

A vehicle and garage on Snyder Hill Road burned Friday morning, according to the print edition of the Ithaca Journal. There was also a disturbance at Caroline Elementary School, where most young Dryden children in the Ithaca schools attend. I'm...

Posted by simon at 3:29 PM

February 9, 2007

"The day reform died"

Today's Ithaca Journal editorial has a pretty dramatic title, one I hope doesn't prove prophetic. They pretty much condemn the legislature's comptroller selection process, including the booing of Greg Ball. Their conclusion shares my disappointment in our area's legislators: We've...

Posted by simon at 7:49 AM

February 8, 2007

Holland honored

This morning's Ithaca Journal also reports that Dryden girls basketball coach Joanne Holland was honored Thursday night before a game against Watkins Glen for her eight years of work with the team. There's also an article on the Dryden boys...

Posted by simon at 6:30 PM

Three cheers for Assemblyman Ball

Alas, this isn't a Dryden story. I wish we had representatives, in either house of the state legislature, in either party, who showed the strength Assemblyman Greg Ball demonstrated yesterday during the comptroller vote: The scene: The state Assembly chamber,...

Posted by simon at 5:44 PM

February 7, 2007

Tompkins doing all right, sort of

Ithaca College Professor Elia Kacapyr forecast an economic 2007 much like 2006 for Tompkins County yesterday. His economic activity index showed a decline of 0.1% last year, mostly because of the small number of jobs he saw created in the...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

February 6, 2007

TC3 professor addresses mental health in Nicaragua

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on TC3 professor Donna Nielsen's visits to Nicaraugua to help patients there, and her recent emphasis on mental health care. They have pictures of Sunday's Snowfest on Hammond Hill. The Monitor reports on a double-arrest...

Posted by simon at 5:30 PM

February 5, 2007

State budget, more lottery

This morning's Journal doesn't have much to say about Dryden, but has a few stories on things that affect us directly. There's a report on a meeting of state legislators with area school representatives. Dryden school board member Brian June...

Posted by simon at 12:25 PM

February 3, 2007

Lotteries, drugs, power

The front page of this morning's Journal has three articles that strike me as important to Dryden, if not focused on it. There's a set of articles on the New York State Lottery, with one on lottery scholarships and one...

Posted by simon at 11:07 AM

Organizing for zoning, Village caucus results

I didn't get to covering yesterday's Ithaca Journal - it was just too busy a day! There was an article exploring how the Town of Dryden plans to coordinate its many stakeholding boards for the zoning process. The current plan...

Posted by simon at 10:36 AM

February 1, 2007

Project Dryden Child event March 10th

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on planning for a fundraiser to benefit the child abused earlier this month who is still at Upstate Medical Center and his family. The New Moms Support Group and Varna Community Association are sponsoring the...

Posted by simon at 8:05 AM

January 31, 2007

Snowfest Sunday

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that it looks like the Cayuga Nordic Ski Club's Snowfest on Hammond Hill will have plenty of snow and fun. It will be Sunday, February 4th, from 10:30am to 3:00pm at Hammond Hill State Park,...

Posted by simon at 9:01 AM

January 30, 2007

PSC appointment chips Spitzer's paint

I was starting to wonder if I was the only one surprised by Governor Spitzer's appointment of NYSEG/Energy East lobbyist Angela Sparks-Beddoe to lead the Public Service Commission, the regulatory agency NYSEG fought pitched battles against. (See here and here.)...

Posted by simon at 8:15 AM

Funerals to the north and south

Today's sad news is not in Dryden, but to the north in Homer and to the south in Candor. Private Shawn Falter of Homer will be buried in Cortland tomorrow, while Pfc. Nathan Fairlie of Candor was killed near Baqubah,...

Posted by simon at 8:07 AM

January 29, 2007

Dryden schools performance

This morning's Journal has the article on Dryden schools and the "in need of improvement" list that they'd said would be on the front page of Saturday's paper. It sounds mostly like a complicated data-processing tangle. The Monitor lists a...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

January 27, 2007

"In need of improvement"?

Dryden Schools Superintendent Mark Crawford has a letter in today's Journal questioning the state's placing Freeville Elementary School and Dryden High School on their "in need of improvement" list, citing problems in the data collection and interpretation process which had...

Posted by simon at 11:32 AM

January 26, 2007

Deregulating the regulators?

This morning's Ithaca Journal confuses me a bit. I'm used to Democrats expressing their concerns when someone who's worked for a company with a bad attitude toward regulators is suddenly appointed to be a top regulator. This morning the usual...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

January 25, 2007

Fox, meet henhouse

In light of the recent questioning of NYSEG's ethics toward customers, employees, and regulators, why exactly is Governor Spitzer appointing the president of Energy East Management Corporation, former director of government affairs at NYSEG, to be chairwoman of the state...

Posted by simon at 4:03 PM

Ethics changes: How much substance?

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on agreement about ethics reform in Albany in a deal brokered by the classic Three Men In A Room: Governor Spitzer, Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. The agreement bans gifts...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

January 24, 2007

Lane challenges state representatives on gerrymander

Today's Ithaca Journal includes a letter by former County Legislator Mike Lane that asks a hard question of our state representatives, all of whom enjoy districts gerrymandered severely in favor of their continued incumbency: [Spitzer] also said he will submit...

Posted by simon at 8:08 AM

January 23, 2007

Art Berkey, filling boxes

Sometimes when I write this site from the online version of the Journal rather than the print version, I miss a story. Looking at today's copy, it's clear I missed a story, one about someone I know and work with...

Posted by simon at 8:47 PM

Council of Governments

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the creation of the Tompkins County Council of Governments, a new organization including all of the municipalities in Tompkins County - villages, towns, city, county. They "will meet on a monthly basis to discuss...

Posted by simon at 8:01 AM

January 22, 2007

Child abuse

There isn't much on Dryden in today's Journal, but Craig Cook of Brooktondale writes to say that he hopes "that people will start opening their eyes to the fact that there is a serious problem not only in this area...

Posted by simon at 5:15 PM

January 20, 2007

Town and Village

A perceptive reader noticed that I'd missed a key letter to the editor today. I'm afraid that I read the names and locations of readers, and didn't notice a letter about Dryden from Wendy Yager, a Groton resident. Yager, who...

Posted by simon at 7:13 PM

Free rabies shots Wednesday

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the SPCA will be giving free rabies shots on Wednesday at their facility on Hanshaw Road. There's also an article on accusations about NYSEG's business practices, both in their treatment of customers and their...

Posted by simon at 3:25 PM

January 19, 2007

More on broadband

This morning's Journal is quiet on Dryden, but has an editorial on making broadband more widely available that feels like a followup to Saturday's exploration of the challenges in Caroline and Dryden....

Posted by simon at 12:51 PM

January 18, 2007

North Road man arrested

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that a 51-year-old North Road man was arrested for first-degree sexual abuse, "alleged to have forcibly touched a female in a sexual way without her consent" on Tuesday. An article on a cancelled Trumansburg skate...

Posted by simon at 7:20 AM

January 17, 2007

Girl scouts singing

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column, in which she reports on Girl Scout Troop 869, which meets at the Freeville Methodist Church. The troop has performed a lot of service in the past few years:...

Posted by simon at 7:54 AM

January 13, 2007

Rural Internet Access

Today's Ithaca Journal covers an issue that's a problem for much of Dryden: the challenge of rural Internet. Michael Ludgate, who lives near the Caroline-Dryden line, reports that: he does most photo and music work on a high-speed connection at...

Posted by simon at 10:33 AM

January 12, 2007

Rehabilitation money to Village of Dryden

Today's Ithaca Journal is fairly quiet on Dryden, with only an article on the Village of Dryden's $400,000 housing rehabilitation grant. Hopefully that money will improve 15 to 17 properties in the village: Funds will go to residents who can...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

January 11, 2007

Dryden students at mock trial

The Local section of today's Ithaca Journal has photos of the Cornell Law School's mock trials. The online version lacks captions and the accompanying story, but the top photo there is Tompkins County Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bonavia, while the...

Posted by simon at 8:04 AM

January 10, 2007

Dryden schools have extra facilities money

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Central School District has extra funding available for facilities work, which will allow them to get extra state aid for facilities upgrades without a property tax increase. The Journal now says that...

Posted by simon at 8:01 AM

January 9, 2007

Arrests in home invasion

The news in Dryden in 2007 has not been too good. Today's Ithaca Journal reports on a home-invasion robbery and related puppy theft. The invasion was on Lake Street in the Village of Dryden, and the puppy theft on Harbor...

Posted by simon at 8:10 AM

January 8, 2007

Violence mars New Year

I'm back, physically if not yet mentally, and it seems like I missed a fair amount in the Ithaca Journal. Unfortunately their archive only goes back a week, but here's what's happened so far in 2005 2007. The worst story...

Posted by simon at 6:11 PM

December 22, 2006

Accused Dryden teacher resigns

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Physical Education teacher accused of public lewdness resigned. TC3 grads have new opportunities at Niagara University, including study in Italy. Meanwhile, the fitness center at Dryden High offers fitness opportunities. Sadly, it...

Posted by simon at 9:22 AM

December 21, 2006

Sailing away on Turkey Hill Road

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Justin Armstrong's creation of the Penny Rover, a 30-foot sailboat he's building on Turkey Hill Road. The online version includes extra photos of this amazing project. For Dryden residents in the Ithaca City School...

Posted by simon at 5:29 PM

December 20, 2006

Life with cancer

There's actually so much Dryden news today that picking a headline was hard, but a new column on the front page gets it: Dryden resident Barbara Lang writes about her experiences with colon cancer, in what will be a monthly...

Posted by simon at 12:46 PM

December 19, 2006

Wilcox Press becomes Vanguard Press

The question of what would happen to Wilcox Press has been solved: it's transforming into Vanguard Printing, following a buyout by a company co-owned by a former Wilcox Press CEO. There's no word on the impact on jobs, for better...

Posted by simon at 6:27 PM

December 18, 2006

Electrical choices

Saturday's Journal was quiet on Dryden, but did address the mysterious, complicated, and generally useless results of one of the dumber ideas the state has had in a long time: letting customers choose their own power supplier. This isn't a...

Posted by simon at 7:05 AM

December 15, 2006

Dryden fire disputes to mediation?

Fire coverage in Dryden is a very complicated and frequently explosive subject. It's had major impacts on Dryden politics, and keeps the Town Board occupied. A lot of it stems from the challenge of supervising four departments, each covering a...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

December 14, 2006

Arcuri to serve on Transportation and Infrastructure

New congressman, old committee. Michael Arcuri will be taking Sherwood Boehlert's old spot on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee....

Posted by simon at 5:05 PM

December 13, 2006

Dryden's jewels on Emerald Necklace

This morning's Ithaca Journal highlighted the Yellow Barn State Forest and Hammond Hill State Forest in an article on conservation efforts along the Finger Lakes Trail, as the County Legislature brings in a planner to help protect public land from...

Posted by simon at 5:17 PM

December 12, 2006

Fire District votes today

The editorial in today's Ithaca Journal notes that elections for fire commissioner are today, including an election in McLean. It's hard to argue with their suggestion that these elections really should be held on November's election day, when there's a...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

December 9, 2006

Senatorial pork

This morning's Journal is light on Dryden news, but there's an article on the money that state senators have been doling out from their share of borrowed pork. Unfortunately it's only in the print edition, and doesn't list pork for...

Posted by simon at 10:19 AM

December 8, 2006

Memorial dedicated at former mansion

This morning's Journal reports on the dedication of a monument to three Ithaca firefighters who lost their lives in 1906 fighting a fire at Chi Psi fraternity. Why am I noting this Ithaca event, however worthy? Because the building where...

Posted by simon at 8:11 AM

December 6, 2006

Watching for peace

In this morning's Our Towns column, Cathy Wakeman writes about a great way to spend the holiday season: Instead of looking at gadgets and toys, we're trying on our Santa glasses and trying to catch folks who might make it...

Posted by simon at 8:16 AM

December 4, 2006

Chimney fire in McLean

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the McLean and Dryden fire departments responded to a chimney fire along Fall Creek Road south of McLean. On the opinion page, Dryden chimney sweep Betsy Cleveland talks about the importance of maintaining and...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

December 2, 2006

Another outrage at the Journal

I've complained about the Ithaca Journal for a lot of reasons, but this is definitely the craziest thing they've done. Fortunately, they've contained the damage to their print edition, keeping the dangerous photos and text off their online edition. What...

Posted by simon at 9:57 AM

December 1, 2006

Dryden tree lighting tonight, despite weather

The Village of Dryden tree-lighting will be tonight at 7:00pm, at the Village Green between the Methodist and Presbyterian churches near the intersection of Routes 13 and 38. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be coming in their usual fire truck....

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

November 30, 2006

Poisoning sentence

Henry Hanson was sentenced to time served for poisoning his landlord's milk in July. Police and prosecutors originally thought there was intent to murder, but the poison turned out to be oxybutynin chloride, a bladder-control drug. The court also issued...

Posted by simon at 12:22 PM

November 29, 2006

Nutcracker coming up

The Ithaca Journal has a new feature in today's Our Towns section: an Our Schools article written by Dryden senior Wesley Sanders. Sanders reports on the Jungle Performance at Dryden Middle School earlier this month, and notes that the Dryden...

Posted by simon at 8:30 AM

November 28, 2006

Chimney fire on Ringwood

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a chimney fire Sunday on Ringwood Road. Varna Fire Chief Natan Huffman advises readers to have their chimneys swept regularly to avoid the creosote buildup that caused this fire. The fire was put out...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

November 27, 2006

Closing time to 2?

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at the prospect of extending the closing time for bars to 2:00am in Tompkins County. The focus on the article is on college students, but I suspect bars out in Dryden would also stay open...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

November 21, 2006

Dryden opinions

Dryden JV football gets a compliment from Deb Green of Auburn, while the recent Congressional races gets slammed by Peter Davies of Dryden on today's opinion page. There's also an editorial on the role of local government in national issues...

Posted by simon at 12:52 PM

November 20, 2006

Arcuri "awestruck"

There isn't much in this morning's Journal about Dryden, except for a piece on our new Congressman. Michael Arcuri is in Washington, excited....

Posted by simon at 12:39 PM

November 18, 2006

Cornell to pipe gas through Ellis Hollow

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Cornell is planning to build a three-mile natural gas pipeline through Ellis Hollow to feed its central heating plant, which is expecting to increase the university's consumption of natural gas by a factor of...

Posted by simon at 10:15 AM

November 16, 2006

Advanced Design Consulting moving to Dryden

A recent commenter wished that "we could draw good paying jobs into our town", and that wish seems likely to be fulfilled. This morning's Journal reports that Advanced Design Consulting is planning to move to 48 acres north of the...

Posted by simon at 3:47 PM

November 13, 2006

RPM revs up

This morning's Journal notes that RPM Ecosystems' Dryden facility is on its way. Infrastructure is nearly complete, and the greenhouses - for rapidly growing trees - will be operational in March 2007: the company is expected to create as many...

Posted by simon at 8:35 AM

November 11, 2006

Holiday box donations needed

This morning, the Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden American Legion Auxiliary is collecting boxes and cash for postage for its Home of the Brave Gift Box Drive: In addition to cash donations, the auxiliary accepts completed shoeboxes and contents...

Posted by simon at 11:18 AM

November 10, 2006

Varna firm wins Chamber award

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce has given the David R. Strong Memorial Small Business of the Year Award to Varna financial planning firm Strebel Planning Group. In letters, Peter Werner of Freeville complains...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

November 9, 2006

Wilcox Press buyout?

The Ithaca Journal reported a few weeks ago that Wilcox Press had laid off 53 workers and was seeking refinancing. This morning they report on a possible buyout by Vanguard Acquisition Group. I can't find anything on the web about...

Posted by simon at 8:21 AM

November 8, 2006

Dryden veterans; cursed mansion

Cathy Wakeman explores the stories of those Dryden lost in World War II today, visiting the WWII monument in the Dryden Village Green and reading More Than Names in Bronze, the book a team of researchers at the Historical Society...

Posted by simon at 5:16 PM

November 6, 2006

Veterans Day parade

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Sunday's Veterans Day parade in Ithaca, and talks with Mary Cotterill of Dryden: For Mary Cotterill of Dryden, who served as a medic in World War II, participating in the parade was a seminal...

Posted by simon at 10:47 AM

Shopping spree, candidates

I never got to cover Friday's Ithaca Journal, which included a heartwarming story of a Cortland man's shopping spree for the Dryden Kitchen Cupboard. Dennis Wright won the spree - at Clark's Food Mart - from Dryden Rotary. Kitchen Cupboard...

Posted by simon at 7:00 AM

November 2, 2006

More letters

This morning the Ithaca Journal has a two-page opinion section but still felt the need to list letters and publish them online. Unfortunately, all the letters for Town Board wound up in the online pile. Dawn Potter - a Bethel...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

November 1, 2006

Missed opinions

While traveling last week, I seem to have missed reporting on a slew of opinions about and from Dryden, as well as a news story on an accident on North Road. Among the many letters to the editor last Thursday...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

Comparing candidates

This morning's Ithaca Journal also offers a "Meet the Dryden Town Board Candidates" article talking with Democrat David Makar and Republican Dan Tier. They explore issues from emergency services to community centers to commercial development. There's more comparison on the...

Posted by simon at 8:19 AM

George Dentes, 1954-2006

This morning's Ithaca Journal leads with news of former District Attorney George Dentes sudden death yesterday while at work for the New York State Prosecutors Training Institute. Dentes grew up in Ithaca, served as Tompkins County District Attorney from 1990...

Posted by simon at 8:06 AM

October 31, 2006

More Town Board letters

This morning's Ithaca Journal has two letters on the Town Board race. The first comes from Christa Downey of Dryden, supporting Democrat David Makar. The second, from Republican Town Board member Marty Christofferson, supports Republican Dan Tier. There's also a...

Posted by simon at 3:49 PM

October 30, 2006

Still friends

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that congressional opponents can stay friends, as Democrat Mike Arcuri and Republican Ray Meier call each other Sam and Ralph, after a classic Warner Brothers cartoon. Now that's deep news analysis. There's an update on...

Posted by simon at 6:40 PM

October 28, 2006

Fun in Varna, lots of letters

This morning's Ithaca Journal has two pictures in the print edition and one in the online edition of kids having fun last night at the Varna Community Center. In crime news, there's a strange case of a Freeville man alleged...

Posted by simon at 3:50 PM

October 27, 2006

Halloween deadline for Youth Opportunity grants

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes that the Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund will be accepting grant applications through the end of October, with decisions to be made by the end of November. The online edition of Briefly in Tompkins lists tonight's...

Posted by simon at 12:28 PM

October 23, 2006

Candidates Forum Thursday night

A Journal news update announces the candidates forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters. They'll have candidates for County Sheriff, County Clerk, and New York State Assembly from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Ithaca Town Hall (map) on Thursday. It'll...

Posted by simon at 2:03 PM

Another Town Board endorsement

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a letter from Kathy Zahler endorsing Democratic candidate David Makar for Town Board. I can readily second this: I've rarely met a candidate so willing to educate himself about the workings of town government. David...

Posted by simon at 11:01 AM

October 21, 2006

State politics, rain

This morning's Journal has an overview article on the Assembly race, talking with incumbent Democratic Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton and Republican challenger Jim Rohan. There's also an article on New York's rainy summer. Ithaca has had 34.54 inches of precipitation this...

Posted by simon at 9:07 AM

October 20, 2006

Meier visits Republicans in Dryden

Most of the Dryden news in this morning's Ithaca Journal is political. Republican Congressional candidate Raymond Meier visited the A-1 Restaurant yesterday to talk with around 20 Republicans about the race. On the opinion page, Gary Rith of Etna writes...

Posted by simon at 12:53 PM

October 19, 2006

Robo-polling Dryden?

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at automated polling techniques being used in the Congressional race and questions about the validity of data collected by touch-tone keypad. In the print edition, Frank Row of Dryden is pictured at the top of...

Posted by simon at 12:09 PM

October 18, 2006

Etna Lane reopens - or not

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Etna Lane is open again, for the first time since June. Update: The Journal now has a correction saying that the work is not yet complete. Which makes me wonder what kind of work...

Posted by simon at 12:09 PM

October 17, 2006

Residents write on candidates

The opinion page of this morning's Ithaca Journal includes two letters to the editor supporting candidates in the November 7th election. Ian and Melissa Garrett write in support of David Makar for Town Board, while County Legislator Martha Robertson writes...

Posted by simon at 12:40 PM

October 16, 2006

Renewable energy law passed

This morning's Ithaca Journal catches up on the passage of the renewable energy law on October 5th. It features many of the same voices that spoke at the public hearing, and most of the same concerns. This clearly isn't the...

Posted by simon at 8:16 AM

October 14, 2006

Exploring the Sheriff's Race

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at the race for Tompkins County Sheriff, profiling Tim Little, Peter Meskill, and Brian Robison. Robison is also noted in Briefly in Tompkins for declaring that Dryden resident Bill Finnerty would be his undersheriff if...

Posted by simon at 3:53 PM

October 13, 2006

Some math scores fall

Yesterday's Ithaca Journal had lots of articles with Dryden connections. An article on declining math test scores in higher grades shows the Dryden and Ithaca schools with a similar pattern of better performance in lower grades, with Dryden being a...

Posted by simon at 12:46 PM

October 11, 2006

Dryden Methodist musical fundraiser Sunday

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column reports on the upcoming Magical Evening of Delectable Music and Decadent Desserts, to be held at the Dryden United Methodist Church this Sunday at 4:00pm. The event ($20, $10 for seniors) is a fundraiser...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

October 10, 2006

Living in Georgia, maybe Virginia

No, I'm not moving south. The south, however - or at least its weather - seems to be coming here. This morning's Ithaca Journal takes a look at what global warming might mean for upstate New York. Some gardeners might...

Posted by simon at 8:26 AM

October 9, 2006

Higher gas prices here than elsewhere

This morning's Ithaca Journal asks some hard questions about gas prices in Tompkins County: As gas prices drop throughout the country, area residents are beginning to notice that gas prices in Tompkins and nearby counties remain high.... Every metropolitan area...

Posted by simon at 12:09 PM

October 7, 2006

Congressional race overview

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at the 24th district Congressional race, highlighting candidates Michael Arcuri and Ray Meier but apparently forgetting Etna resident and Libertarian candidate Mike Sylvia. There's also a look at the national activity around this seat, and...

Posted by simon at 11:46 AM

October 6, 2006

53 temporary layoffs at Wilcox Press

This morning's Journal leads with a story announcing layoffs at Wilcox Press: Wilcox Press is laying off 53 of its 165 employees on a temporary basis as it seeks refinancing to weather competitive pressures in the commercial printing industry, the...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

October 5, 2006

Hattery on Empire Zone board

Tompkins County Legislator Michael Hattery was appointed to the Tompkins County Empire Zone board Tuesday night. The zone includes a few Dryden parcels at the 13/366 intersection and north of the Village of Dryden. (One thing that frustrates me is...

Posted by simon at 8:31 AM

October 4, 2006

A bladder-control drug?

Remember the tenant accused of poisoning his landlord? It's now alleged that he had a strange choice of drugs to use for poisoning, and he was indicted yesterday for attempted assault rather than attempted murder....

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

October 3, 2006

Accident at Lower Creek, Route 13

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a three-car accident yesterday morning that sent two people to the hospital. Lower Creek and 13 hasn't seen quite the troubles of Brown Road and 13 further west, but both of these unmarked intersections...

Posted by simon at 8:06 AM

October 2, 2006

Sapsucker Woods controversy continues

I'm off to a slow start getting Living in Dryden running again, reviewing last week's papers. (David Makar has a nice summary.) Today's Journal is pretty quiet on Dryden, but does have a guest column criticizing development plans along Dryden's...

Posted by simon at 12:31 PM

September 23, 2006

Thanks for 9/11 memorial

This morning's Journal includes a Laurel from Jenn Wildridge, thanking everyone who made this year's 9/11 memorial possible. Yesterday's Journal had a letter from John Rochford of Freeville, concerned about unnecessary roughness in a Dryden football game....

Posted by simon at 3:13 PM

September 21, 2006

Books on sale at Neptune Hose Company today

This morning's Ithaca Journal report that Southworth Library's annual book sale runs from today through Saturday at Neptune Hose Company (map). Today and tomorrow it's open from 9:00am to 9:00pm, while on Saturday it will run from 9:00am to 1:00pm....

Posted by simon at 9:00 AM

September 20, 2006

Housing, budget

I'm behind on, well, everything, lately, but here's what the Journal's reported this week. On Monday, they reported that the Tompkins County housing market is steady, with the median price of a home sold January-June climbing from $150,000 in 2004...

Posted by simon at 7:55 AM

September 18, 2006

Surprise gift at Varna church

Saturday's Darts and Laurels tells of a wonderful surprise for the Varna United Methodist Church: LAUREL: From Alice Humerez, lay leader of the Varna Methodist Church. On Aug. 26, our little Methodist Church in Varna had a chicken barbecue. You...

Posted by simon at 12:28 PM

September 15, 2006

Alternative energy law introduced

This morning's Journal sort of suggests that the Town Board passed an alternative energy law last night, though it was only introduced: Residents of the Town of Dryden moved one step closer to generating their own sustainable energy Thursday night,...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

Races to watch

I'm finally catching up to yesterday's Ithaca Journal, which mentioned the Dryden Town Board race in an editorial on local elections to be decided this November: The rest of the Tompkins County card includes a contest in Dryden for a...

Posted by simon at 8:17 AM

September 13, 2006

Alternative energy ordinance; hiking trails

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the alternative energy ordinance will be introduced at tomorrow's Town Board meeting, hopefully eventually freeing Dryden residents to take further steps to generate power for their own homes. I'm happy to see that the...

Posted by simon at 7:55 AM

September 12, 2006

9/11 remembrance

I was looking through the print version of today's Journal and figured they just hadn't made it to yesterday's 9/11 memorial on the Village Green. The online edition, however, reports that around 80 people were there last night, with speakers...

Posted by simon at 8:03 AM

September 11, 2006

Post-9/11 preparedness

Saturday's Ithaca Journal started an article on first responder preparedness with a quote from Etna Fire Chief Thomas Lobdell, visits the McLean and Varna companies, and ends with a quote from Freeville Chief Andy Downs. It's a mixed story, with...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

September 8, 2006

Thanking Gadabout

This morning's Ithaca Journal editorial recognizes Gadabout, the local bus system that "provides on-request, door-to-door transportation services to elderly and disabled residents of Tompkins County." The editorial encourages readers to donate to support this - "as we swell with pride,...

Posted by simon at 8:05 AM

September 7, 2006

12 years for Dryden rape

This morning's Ithaca Journal leads with the 12-year sentence handed down yesterday to Karel "Ricky" Westerling for his conviction on rape and kidnapping charges following an incident last December. There are two articles on the Ithaca schools, one in the...

Posted by simon at 12:45 PM

September 6, 2006

212 new homes in Dryden

In an aside in an article about the possible impact of a new sewer system in the Town of Lansing, the Journal notes that Dryden led the county in new home construction last year, with 212 to Lansing's 211. I'm...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

September 5, 2006

School renovations complete; county reductions

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a look at what's coming to local schools this year, and notes the completion of the Dryden elementary school renovation projects. There's also an article on the county's likely 2007 budget. The budget to be...

Posted by simon at 5:25 PM

Manufacturing declines; affordable housing needed

There was lots of news about the county and region over the holiday weekend. Neighboring Cortland County lost 51.7% of its manufacturing jobs between 1990 and 2005. Tompkins only lost 9%, but we had a lot less to start with....

Posted by simon at 8:35 AM

August 31, 2006

Katrina's impact

This morning's Ithaca Journal follows up on a New Orleans resident who evacuated to Dryden after last year's Hurricane Katrina as well as a number of volunteers. The editorial notes that Freeville has some good news, as one of two...

Posted by simon at 12:35 PM

September 11th memorial

I'm just now getting to yesterday's Ithaca Journal. Cathy Wakeman reports on Dryden Fire Department member Jenn Wildridge's assembling a September 11th memorial service that will be held Monday the 11th at the Village Green at 7:00pm. Wakeman also notes...

Posted by simon at 12:28 PM

August 30, 2006

Town Hall groundbreaking today

If anyone would like to see the start of the last phase of a long process, there will be a groundbreaking for the new Town Hall today at 2:00pm. The site of the new Town Hall is a bit further...

Posted by simon at 9:48 AM

August 29, 2006

Southworth Library book sale coming up

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes that the annual book sale supporting Southworth Library will be held September 21st through 23rd, running from 9:00am to 9:00pm on the 21st and 22nd, 9:00am to 1:00pm on the 23rd....

Posted by simon at 8:07 AM

August 26, 2006

Motorcycle ride for transplant

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that there will be a motorcycle ride to raise funds for a young mother's transplant operation. Registration is at the Dryden McDonalds at 10:00am, and the ride itself starts at noon. There's also a report...

Posted by simon at 10:43 AM

August 25, 2006

Dryden school renovations near completion

The Dryden news in this morning's Journal is good news: there's an article on the approaching completion of renovations at the Dryden, Freeville, and Cassavant elementary schools....

Posted by simon at 10:15 AM

August 24, 2006

Electric delivery rates to fall; rebate

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the New York Public Service Commission rejected NYSEG's proposals for electric delivery rates hikes and instead ordered a reduction and a rebate: The state Public Service Commission ruled unanimously that the Binghamton-based utility has...

Posted by simon at 10:05 AM

August 23, 2006

Organic dairy farming

I hoped yesterday that someone would get to the tour at the Sherman's dairy farm, and sure enough, this morning's Journal visits the farm and talks about what organic farming has to offer farmers and consumers: Even in the transition,...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

August 22, 2006

Southworth library adjusts

I'm a little late with today's report on the Journal... which means I missed reporting on the tour of Sherman Farm today. If anyone went and can report on it, leave a comment! The local section's front page had an...

Posted by simon at 9:17 PM

August 21, 2006

Etna Lane stays closed

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Etna Lane will remain closed until September 29th, extending the closure from August 31st. (The county is repairing a box culvert.)...

Posted by simon at 8:04 AM

August 18, 2006

Stocking backpacks; request to dismiss land claim

This morning's Journal has a picture of Charles and Ruth Reniff of Dryden filling backpacks with school supplies at the Salvation Army, though I can't find the picture online. There's also an article on the state's request to dismiss the...

Posted by simon at 7:57 AM

August 17, 2006

Local produce, history, candidate

I never got to covering yesterday's Journal, so here's two days of stories. Cathy Wakeman continues her discussion of local foods, visiting Back to Basics on 13 at Irish Settlement Road and Ludgate Farms on Hanshaw Road. She also notes...

Posted by simon at 5:13 PM

August 15, 2006

County breaks ground on Mount Pleasant

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the ground-breaking ceremony for the county's emergency communications system was held on Mount Pleasant yesterday. The new system should be operational by July 2007. Given the tremendous cost, I really hope this thing works....

Posted by simon at 6:31 AM

August 14, 2006

TC3 surveying transfer graduates

This morning's Journal reports that TC3 professor Joe Cambridge is looking for TC3 alumni to survey about their experiences moving from TC3 to four-year colleges. The article talks with a 2006 TC3 grad on her way to a four-year school:...

Posted by simon at 7:33 AM

Bears, virus threaten Dryden

Last week, bears and the West Nile Virus held a joint press conference announcing their intentions to take Tompkins County for themselves. Hold it - it's a little less exciting, though still important. Saturday's Journal had an article on bears...

Posted by simon at 7:16 AM

August 11, 2006

Journal: D. A. Wilkinson delivers

This morning's Ithaca Journal editorial reflects on the promises District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson made in the last election, and how that worked out: One week ago today in Tompkins County Court, Wilkinson's promise paid its first dividend for the residents...

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

August 7, 2006

Prosecutor-politicians and property taxes

The Journal is quiet on Dryden this morning, but they did run a Jay Gallagher article wondering how Eliot Spitzer might compare to Republican former prosecutors Thomas Dewey and Rudy Giuliani. (Congressional candidate Mike Arcuri is also a prosecutor; technically,...

Posted by simon at 5:21 PM

August 5, 2006

Westerling convicted

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Karel Westerling was convicted of kidnapping and rape yesterday, and now faces up to 25 years in prison. An early-morning fire at Wilcox Press Friday was the result of machinery friction in a scrap...

Posted by simon at 9:21 AM

August 4, 2006

Deliberations begin

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the jury began its deliberations in the Karl Westerling rape case yesterday. I don't see any news updates on the Journal site announcing a verdict, so I'm guessing it's continuing. There's also an editorial...

Posted by simon at 5:46 PM

August 3, 2006

Westerling trial continues

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Karel Westerling taking the stand in his own defense at his rape trial. Closing arguments are expected today. There's an article on a new farmers' market in Brooktondale; it would be great to have...

Posted by simon at 12:57 PM

August 2, 2006

Eating food from right here

I noted Local Food Week earlier, but Cathy Wakeman goes one step further and explores the local food options in the Town of Dryden itself. I've wished for a while that there were more ways to enjoy food that's produced...

Posted by simon at 5:04 PM

August 1, 2006

August heat

This morning's Journal warns of a hot couple of days to come, with temperatures in the 90s today and tomorrow. They also provide advice on keeping cool. Karel Westerling's ex-girlfriend testified against him in his ongoing rape trial, stemming from...

Posted by simon at 8:08 AM

July 31, 2006

Finding local food

This morning's Ithaca Journal cites Mike Ludgate, of Ludgate Farms on Hanshaw Road, in an article on Local Foods Week. Most of their produce right now is local: At this time of year, about 90 percent of the produce Ludgate...

Posted by simon at 5:25 PM

July 29, 2006

4-H Fair in progress

The 4-H Fair runs until 3:00pm today on Lower Creek Road, as this photo of Freeville resident Brian Lampman notes. There's also a report from the rape trial of Karel Westerling. On the opinion page, Dryden Sertoma has a large...

Posted by simon at 8:05 AM

July 28, 2006

Suozzi comes to Tompkins County

It's not all Eliot Spitzer for Governor, however much the press calls that a foregone conclusion. He has plenty of opposition in his race for Governor of New York. His Democratic primary opponent, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, opened an...

Posted by simon at 1:32 PM

July 27, 2006

Empire Zone to arrive in Dryden; 4-H Fair here

It looks like Dryden will soon have two Empire Zones, places where businesses creating new jobs can get tax cuts. I believe one of them will be near the NYSEG building, and another north of the Village of Dryden. The...

Posted by simon at 2:03 PM

July 25, 2006

Cornell Master Plan gets started

In East Hill News, Gary Stewart notes that a website on Cornell's master plan development is now available. The map image at the top of it stretches from downtown Ithaca to Varna and Mount Pleasant. While I doubt the image...

Posted by simon at 10:43 AM

July 22, 2006

Varna and Sertoma give laurels

Posted by simon at 3:45 PM

July 20, 2006

Etna resident running for Congress

Yes, there are definitely libertarians in Dryden. The Journal reports that Mike Sylvia of Etna was endorsed by the Ithaca Libertarians to run for the 24th Congressional District seat being vacated by the retiring Sherwood Boehlert....

Posted by simon at 7:08 PM

Retiring to the jewelery factory

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

July 19, 2006

Dunkin' Donuts comes (back) to Dryden

When I first moved back to Tompkins County, I was disappointed to find that I had moved into one of the very few places in the Northeast without a Dunkin' Donuts in the area. Worse, I could tell from the...

Posted by simon at 7:29 PM

July 18, 2006

Dryden teacher on testing

Freeville resident and Dryden High School teacher Charles J. Hanley has a guest column on the impact of testing on education, A few excerpts: Do we teach for the test? Of course we do. At some level we have no...

Posted by simon at 8:16 AM

July 17, 2006

Who is this guy talking about affordable housing?

Affordable housing? Why do we need that? Isn't the ideal situation a subdivision of 6000 square foot mansions with a shopping mall nearby? Some punk from Dryden disagrees in this morning's Journal: Tompkins County is full of people who say...

Posted by simon at 12:30 PM

July 15, 2006

More on that milk

The Ithaca Journal reports on a press conference about an alleged murder attempt in Dryden: “We charged him with attempted murder,? said Lt. James E. Barnes, of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. “We weren't guessing. We're certain.? Hanson,...

Posted by simon at 7:04 AM

July 14, 2006

Not all milk is good for you

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a genuinely strange story about an alleged attempted murder with poisoned milk. They also repeat yesterday's Ellis Hollow Road rebuilding story....

Posted by simon at 8:38 PM

July 13, 2006

Rebuilding Ellis Hollow Road

The print edition of this morning's Ithaca Journal has a brief mention of last night's meeting about Ellis Hollow Road reconstruction, and the online edition describes the meeting in detail. About sixty people showed up - not as many as...

Posted by simon at 7:53 AM

July 12, 2006

TCAT lowering outer zone fares

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that TCAT will be abolishing the zone distinction for its fares on August 20th, making it cheaper to get from Ithaca to Dryden and vice-versa. They expect it will cost some revenue, but should increase...

Posted by simon at 5:16 PM

July 11, 2006

Horse sitting

Have a horse? Think it might get lonely while you're away? Then call Jen Connelly, who "specializes in caring for equine clients throughout Tompkins County while owners are absent." The Journal's profile looks at what's involved, both for the horses...

Posted by simon at 5:23 PM

July 10, 2006

Green New York?

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports a quiet weekend for Dryden. (Actually, it doesn't report anything on Dryden at all, which I hope means a quiet weekend.) It does, however, include a piece by Jay Gallagher on New York State and...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

July 8, 2006

Fast trees by RPM

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports in depth on a project I'd heard bits and pieces about: the large-scale tree nursery planned by RPM on Route 13. They're negotiating tax abatements and sorting out permits, but if all goes well they...

Posted by simon at 10:49 AM

July 6, 2006

Protecting lake; baking cakes

Dryden is filled with streams and creeks, most of which flow into Cayuga Lake. Whatever goes in the streams here ends up there, making protecting the lake a much larger project than policing its edges. Recognizing that, the Cayuga Lake...

Posted by simon at 1:32 PM

July 5, 2006

Intergenerational music, summer music

I've been trying to get a lot of household projects done this week and haven't been quite up to speed with this site. I should at least catch up with today's paper... Cathy Wakeman reports on the Intergenerational Summer Band...

Posted by simon at 2:20 PM

July 1, 2006

Thanks on Red Cross disaster training

Posted by simon at 12:51 PM

June 30, 2006

Helping flooded areas

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a report on ways Tompkins County is helping out flooded areas to our east, as firefighters, the Red Cross, stores, and others helped out. Dryden sent a fire truck and ambulances. It looks like there...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

June 29, 2006

Sometimes what didn't happen here

could have happened here. We were very lucky that Tuesday's rain wasn't worse here than it was, but other places weren't so fortunate. Places to the south and east of Dryden are severely flooded, with part of Interstate 88 completely...

Posted by simon at 8:06 AM

June 28, 2006

New children's book from Freeville author

Fortunately, the worst of yesterday's weather avoided Dryden, though it damaged Old 76 Road in Caroline and has closed Tioga County roads. There's an article on Freeville resident Rachel Dickinson's latest writing venture, a children's book called Tools of Navigation,...

Posted by simon at 5:09 PM

June 27, 2006

Rain undermines basement, takes down trees

Yesterday's heavy rain undermined a basement on Foot Hill Road and toppled trees on Genung Road. I was a little surprised here to see my birdfeeder had fallen over, but this was the first good rain since I put it...

Posted by simon at 7:34 AM

June 24, 2006

Dryden High graduates

Posted by simon at 11:18 AM

June 23, 2006

Activity on the western edge

There isn't much about Dryden specifically in today's Journal, but there's all kinds of information about happenings just beyond Dryden's western edge. Near Sapsucker Woods, Rocco Lucente wants to finish his giant subdivision by extending Birchwood Drive, Birchwood Drive North...

Posted by simon at 7:51 AM

June 22, 2006

Summer solstice celebration

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits the Foundation of Light for yesterday's summer solstice celebration at the stone circle, talking about how their "own little Stonehenge" works, It also looks like Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton will have a challenger this year, Republican...

Posted by simon at 12:04 PM

June 21, 2006

Grange recognizes Horrocks

In this morning's Ithaca Journal, Cathy Wakeman's Our Towns column looks at the Dryden Grange giving Simon Horrocks their Fay Ballard Scholarship, noting his work in the TST BOCES New Visions Agriculture and Environmental Sciences program. The course included founding...

Posted by simon at 9:57 PM

June 20, 2006

Dryden-Freeville Trail progress

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes an editorial congratulates the Town of Dryden and Board member Dan Tier for advancing the trail from Dryden to Freeville, finally sorting out a long negotiation with landowner Warren Van Pelt. The Monitor reports on...

Posted by simon at 12:53 PM

June 19, 2006

Berry season in Freeville

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Freeville's Brookside Berry Farm, which just opened for the season a few minutes ago,in an article on U-Pick Strawberries. There's another article about the disaster training at Holy Cross Church that was held this past...

Posted by simon at 8:10 AM

June 17, 2006

Preparing for Tornadoes

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the disaster training event held at Holy Cross Church by the Tompkins County Red Cross. The event, which simulated housing fifty people after an imaginary tornado hit Conger's trailer park on Kirk Road, is...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

June 16, 2006

Dryden schools consider cutting back hot dogs

An article focusing on wellness programs in the Newfield schools looks at the way area schools are managing lunches for nutrition: A number of local schools have already banned the sale of soda to students and reconsidered their daily menus....

Posted by simon at 8:57 AM

June 14, 2006

Brooktondale men arrested for Dryden robbery

Two Brooktondale men were arrested for a robbery and burglary committed in Dryden on May 31st, during which shots were fired. Briefly in Dryden reports: The Dryden Swim Team will be raising funds for a new scoring and timing system...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

June 13, 2006

Motorcycle efficiency - gasoline and fun

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a letter from Greg Kimbell of Dryden, extolling the virtues of motorcycles both for miles per gallon (78mpg available!) and fun per gallon. There's also an article on the state legislature's latest attempt to buy...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

June 12, 2006

Recording the recorders

This morning's Ithaca Journal celebrates its new color printing presses with a set of photos from Dryden Dairy Day, including one on the front page of the Dryden Elementary School Recorder Band....

Posted by simon at 12:15 PM

June 10, 2006

Trail progress, NYSEG break

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Thursday's Town Board meeting, reporting on the improved prospects for the Dryden-Freeville trail. They also note the delays on the final Town Hall plans, the proposal for a Dollar General near TC3, and a Varna...

Posted by simon at 2:42 PM

June 9, 2006

Freeville PTA treasurer arrested

I didn't know PTA finances could get this exciting, but the Treasurer of the Freeville PTA was arrested for forging an audit, creating a one-page audit on an auditor's stationery. A picture of students cleaning Ithaca's Stewart Park includes Dryden's...

Posted by simon at 8:17 AM

June 8, 2006

Dryden Dairy Day is Saturday!

There's lots about Dairy Day in today's Journal, as Cathy Wakeman (who writes Dryden Town Talk) gives an overview of Saturday's event. The print version offers a more detailed schedule, but the two key pieces are the parade down Main...

Posted by simon at 5:50 PM

June 7, 2006

History at Dairy Day

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk visits the Dryden History House, and recommends its new model airplanes display as a good stop during Dairy Day this Saturday. (There are also some excellent new exhibits on raising chickens in Dryden.) Wakeman also...

Posted by simon at 12:27 PM

June 6, 2006

Home windmill challenge

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the challenge of building a residential-scale windmill in the Town of Dryden, visiting Ken Jupiter and Carol Schmook and looking at their efforts to move through "bureaucratic limbo". (I visited them last month as...

Posted by simon at 8:11 AM

June 5, 2006

Renewable energy workshop Tuesday night

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes that the Town of Dryden will be hosting a renewable energy workshop tomorrow night, this Tuesday, June 6th. The event will start at 7:00pm at the Dryden Fire Hall (map). Presenters will include Gay Nicholson...

Posted by simon at 8:01 AM

June 3, 2006

Fire in Etna

All four Dryden fire departments plus Lansing and Groton were on the scene yesterday morning at a fire which damaged a house on Wood Road. Firefighters had the main fire out within 45 minutes, and spent another hour hunting down...

Posted by simon at 10:05 AM

June 1, 2006

Contra dancing at Bethel Grove

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes photos taken at Bethel Grove Community Center in an article on contra dancing, which also notes that contra dances are held at 8:00pm every Friday for $5 at the Community Center. The Monitor reports that...

Posted by simon at 12:10 PM

May 31, 2006

How to cut a record; farm equipment on roads

Most of the Dryden-related news in today's Ithaca Journal is in Briefly in Dryden, which reports: The band Thousands of One, part of the I-Town Collective, which just released a new CD, will talk about: their composition process, rehearsal techniques,...

Posted by simon at 7:37 AM

May 30, 2006

No trash-burning citations issued

It's been a quiet Memorial Day weekend for Dryden in the Ithaca Journal. At the county level, the news is also quiet: no citations issued for trash burning since the new rules banning most burning went into effect. On the...

Posted by simon at 8:02 AM

May 27, 2006

Endorsement reporting

The Ithaca Journal, never a paper to shy from controversy, calls their article on Democratic endorsements Dems endorse Valenti for fifth term as county clerk. Valenti got lots of praise at Thursday's meeting for the excellent work she's done, but...

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

May 26, 2006

Sheriff's race opens

There isn't much Dryden news in today's Journal, but there is a fair amount of county news worth exploring. Former Ithaca investigator Brian Robison announced his run for sheriff yesterday, running as a Republican against two-term incumbent Democrat Peter Meskill....

Posted by simon at 8:11 AM

May 25, 2006

Planning Dryden school lunches

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a long article on the Dryden schools' school lunch task force, looking at what students are buying, what the force recommends, and nutrition guidelines. There's a report on a roast held for departing radio show...

Posted by simon at 8:19 AM

May 24, 2006

Asphalt prices to determine road paving

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at the challenge of paving roads on a fixed budget when asphalt prices keep climbing: As major consumers of oil, which is used to create asphalt, highway departments have been heavily hit by increasing prices...

Posted by simon at 7:35 AM

May 22, 2006

More on the Six Mile Creek invasion

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits the Six Mile Creek Wildflower Appreciation Walk, which this year was mainly about problems with invasive species taking over large areas and blocking out other plants. There's also an announcement for tonight's presentation on the...

Posted by simon at 7:40 AM

Recognizing a Dryden volunteer

Somehow I missed a story in Saturday's Journal, one I'd definitely like to see get attention. Dryden resident and Cornell student Jessica Houle received a Community Action Award from Tompkins Community Action for her work mentoring kids at Congers Mobile...

Posted by simon at 7:33 AM

May 20, 2006

Paving along the northern edge; alien invaders

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a look at summer road construction, and it looks like Dryden gets off fairly easily. The state will be resurfacing Route 34B from Caswell Road to Route 38, and for drivers headed to McLean or...

Posted by simon at 10:22 PM

May 19, 2006

TC3 graduates 615

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on last night's TC3 graduation (in the print edition only), where 615 people received Associate's Degrees. Among the graduates the Journal spoke with is Amanda Christofferson, who graduated in a year after taking classes at...

Posted by simon at 7:49 AM

May 17, 2006

School budgets pass; disc golf at TC3

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that every school budget in the county except Lansing's passed yesterday. In Dryden, Jeff Bradley, Brian June, and Brad Rauch were elected to the school board unopposed, while in Ithaca, Carol Warshawsky, Deboran O'Connor, and...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

May 16, 2006

Fall Creek cleanup, Newman golf course

It's been a busy day, and this morning's Journal included more Dryden-relevant news than just the school board elections. There's an article on the Fall Creek Watershed Committee's annual cleanup of Fall Creek, both in Ithaca at Ithaca Falls and...

Posted by simon at 10:35 PM

School votes today, noon to 9:00pm

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes an editorial summarizing school board elections today. Dryden schools have a vote on the budget and referendums and an uncontested race for the board, while Ithaca schools have a budget vote, a few spending referendums,...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

May 15, 2006

Area development, NYSEG fight

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet about Dryden, but has two stories that definitely affect Dryden residents. There's an article on Tompkins County Area Development, which reviewed its work at its annual meeting. TC3 was among a number of area...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

May 13, 2006

School decisions this week

This morning's Ithaca Journal focuses on Tuesday's school board and budget votes. There's an article on school budgets around the state, a summary of local budgets, and a closer look at the Ithaca school budget. The opinion page continues this...

Posted by simon at 8:59 AM

May 12, 2006

Barbecue, duck derby, chipping this weekend

This morning's Briefly in Tompkins offers lots of Dryden events tomorrow: The Town Highway Department will be chipping twigs and small branches tomorrow from 7:30am to 3:30pm tomorrow on Johnson Road, a half-mile north of Route 13. You can leave...

Posted by simon at 12:14 PM

May 11, 2006

Ithaca school board opinions

This morning's Ithaca Journal seems quiet on Dryden, but two of the many letters on the Ithaca school board races are from Town of Dryden residents. County Legislator Martha Robertson writes to endorse Deborah O'Connor and Carol Warshawsky, while former...

Posted by simon at 7:49 AM

May 10, 2006

Poetry in middle school, bike rodeo

In this morning's Dryden Town Talk Cathy Wakeman visits Dryden Middle School's "Poem in Your Pocket" event, and writes about Saturday's Sertoma Bicycle Rodeo, which will be held from 9:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, with a rain date of May...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

May 8, 2006

Animal rescue film Friday

This morning's Briefly in Tompkins mentions a showing of the film The Witness at the Tompkins County SPCA on Hanshaw Road this Friday at 7:30pm. Tickets are $5.00. The Journal also reports some local DWIs, and the March and April...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

May 6, 2006

Methodists send laurel for bone marrow help

Posted by simon at 8:57 AM

May 5, 2006

Water tasting, school volunteers

The Ithaca Journal's editorial today visits the Tompkins County Water Week and Taste Test, exploring the importance of water supplies to this area. (I was contemplating that yesterday while watching thunderstorms go north of us on the radar.) There's also...

Posted by simon at 8:09 AM

May 4, 2006

Schools test better; wildfire risk

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits local school districts, whose test scores have been improving, and talks with Dryden Superintendent Mark Crawford about trends in the schools. There's also an article about recent dry weather leading to wildfires. It might rain...

Posted by simon at 12:24 PM

May 3, 2006

Tourism grants support Dairy Day

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Dryden Dairy Day will be among the beneficiaries of Community Celebration Grants approved by the County Legislature....

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

May 2, 2006

Dryden school budget up 7.39%

The print edition of today's Ithaca Journal has a summary of the Dryden Central Schools budget. It's a little strange - the subhead says "Faculty Cuts Keep Levy Under Target" - but the box doesn't actually list the tax levy...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

May 1, 2006

Natural features, transportation meetings

With all the gardening, I'm a little behind on posting here. Saturday's Journal had an article on forums to discuss the future of natural features focus areas in Tompkins County. The Town of Dryden includes pieces of 8 of the...

Posted by simon at 6:27 PM

April 28, 2006

Casey Stevens leaving WHCU

I was sorry to see this morning's Ithaca Journal report that WHCU Morning Newswatch host Casey Stevens will be leaving the station. I had the pleasure of being on the show once, and have listened many more times. Stevens is...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

April 27, 2006

Dryden schools race uncontested

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that there are three candidates for the three open seats on Dryden's School Board, all of them incumbents: Jeff Bradley, Brian June, and Brad Rauch. There are six people running for three seats on the...

Posted by simon at 7:49 AM

April 26, 2006

Jazz night, skate park demo Saturday

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk talks about events this coming Saturday. The Dryden Music Boosters will be having their biggest fundraiser of the year, Jazz Night, at 7:00pm Saturday in the Dryden High gym. It combines student music with food...

Posted by simon at 9:37 AM

April 24, 2006

Helping the Red Cross

The print edition of this morning's Ithaca Journal has a full-page ad sponsored by Dryden Mutual Insurance, which recognizes "Heroes" whose donations are at work for the American Red Cross of Tompkins County. In Dryden, the William George Agency, Amazing...

Posted by simon at 7:06 PM

April 22, 2006

Quilting sleeping bags at a Dryden church

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits the My Brother's Keeper Quilt Group, which is based at the Dryden United Methodist Church. They've now quilted over 2000 sleeping bags since 1992. The bags are distributed to people without homes in Syracuse, Cortland,...

Posted by simon at 10:56 AM

April 21, 2006

Freeville couple continues cruising after fire

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Margie and George Malepe, who continue to enjoy cruises despite a fire on board a cruise they were taking last month. They're planning to take their seventh cruise sometime in the future. The Monitor reports...

Posted by simon at 7:52 AM

April 19, 2006

No Child Left Behind reporting leaves behind

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on some strange aspects of the No Child Left Behind law that let school districts exclude test scores for some groups to avoid penalties. Usually those groups are non-white students, though white students' scores were...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

April 18, 2006

Housing and immigation issues

This morning's Ithaca Journal examines the county's affordable housing problems in much greater depth than a confusing earlier article. The basic problem is simple: The study found that the median price of a single-family home rose from $92,000 in 1998...

Posted by simon at 7:35 AM

April 17, 2006

Congressional candidate Les Roberts; state darkness

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't have much on Dryden, but it does cover congressional candiate Les Roberts, who seeks to represent Dryden and the 24th district, with an article on his perspective on the state of America and what needs...

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

April 15, 2006

Cayuga Press departing for Cortland

This morning's Ithaca Journal leads with the news that Cayuga Press is leaving its Hanshaw Road facilities for an Empire Zone in Cortland. The Town Board passed a resolution Thursday night that their departure was for reasons that couldn't readily...

Posted by simon at 6:38 PM

April 14, 2006

Orchid marvels; Dryden schools budget

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits The Orchid Place, a greenhouse and retail store for an amazing set of orchids. I went over to take a picture of their sign for this site, but found myself invited into the store and...

Posted by simon at 12:27 PM

April 13, 2006

Coral grows in Dryden

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Reef Encounters, exploring the colorful world of coral growing in a Freeville basement. Owner Steve Lowes talks about what's involved in growing coral, the difficulties facing coral reefs in their natural habitat, and the powerful...

Posted by simon at 6:52 AM

April 12, 2006

Camp Farthest Out

This week's Dryden Town Talk seems to be the Easter Week edition, as Cathy Wakeman focuses on church activities. She reports on the Camp Farthest Out activities that will be at the Reach Out for Christ church on April 21st...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

April 11, 2006

Cowboys coming to Hunt Hill Road

This morning's Ithaca Journal mentions "The West of Somewhere Cowboy Gathering", which will be held May 5th through 7th at the Amazing Grace Bed and Breakfast (map). The announcement (PDF) lists camping Friday night with a sing-along, horse ride-outs, barbecue,...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

April 10, 2006

Better Housing of TC to hold meetings

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a guest column by Abi Munro of Better Housing for Tompkins County. Munro writes of the organization's community workshops to discuss housing issues with communities throughout the county in an effort to make it easier...

Posted by simon at 7:52 AM

April 8, 2006

Density policy, confederate flag

The Dryden news in this morning's Ithaca Journal all seems to gravitate toward Ithaca somehow. County Legislator Martha Robertson is quoted in her role as a member of the Tompkins County Industrial Agency Board about a moratorium on applications for...

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

April 7, 2006

State of the nation, state

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden news, but there's a letter from Marcy Tino of Freeville expresses her concern about the growing connections between government and business, and the dangers that creates: In fact, it was the fascists...

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

April 6, 2006

Local gas prices climb

This morning's Ithaca Journal explores the impact of higher gas prices on the Ithaca area. It even includes a handy list of current gas prices, though it's kind of hard to tell what they mean when a station is listed...

Posted by simon at 12:36 PM

April 5, 2006

Salamanders south of Dryden

They're slimy, and crawling along the roads, moving at night. They're on the section of Thomas Road in Caroline, not the Dryden portion, but apparently they're also in Dryden along Ringwood Road. IC Professor John Confer is working to make...

Posted by simon at 8:17 AM

April 4, 2006

Dryden school budget waits on Governor

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits the latest Dryden school budget meeting. The state legislature's budget includes a lot for Dryden, but the legislature passing the budget isn't enough to make that final: the governor needs to approve the budget too....

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

April 1, 2006

School aid increased in state budget

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the legislature's state budget. It's not a final budget for the state - the governor and his line-item veto are yet to come. It looks like among the winners and losers, Dryden schools came...

Posted by simon at 10:11 AM

March 31, 2006

Dryden senior in state speaking contest

Dryden High School senior Simon Horrocks will be speaking at an FFA state competition in May, having placed first in the regional Extemporaneous Public Speaking competition, second while delivering a prepared speech, and second in a Job Interview contest. Dryden...

Posted by simon at 12:20 PM

March 30, 2006

Recycle plastics - except #4

The front page of this morning's Ithaca Journal is dominated by an article on the county's expansion of the plastics it will accept for recycling, shifting from plastics coded 1 and 2 to everything from 1 to 7 except 4....

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

March 29, 2006

Bone marrow search; Tytler drops out

In this morning's Dryden Town Talk, Cathy Wakeman reports on Bob and Doris Speer's efforts to encourage people to become bone marrow donors as part of their supporting their granddaughter, who has leukemia. They've set up a fund at Dryden...

Posted by simon at 7:38 AM

March 28, 2006

Battling school budgets

A pair of articles in this morning's Ithaca Journal suggest that property tax payers will be facing a larger bill from schools soon. The Dryden School District is looking to further reduce a 12.87% tax levy increase in a budget...

Posted by simon at 6:49 AM

March 27, 2006

State budget, Appalachia question

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden, but has two articles on state news relevant to our future. There's an article on the state legislature's effort to finish its version of the budget today, and a piece by Jay...

Posted by simon at 9:05 AM

March 25, 2006

TC3 growing honors program with scholarships

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a new effort to expand the TC3 honors program by giving 15 full scholarships to Tompkins and Cortland County students who enroll in at least 30% honors classes, and are either in the top...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

March 23, 2006

Dryden schools sorting budget

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits the Dryden School District as they try to sort out their budget for next year in the face of challenges, including a 40% increase in utility costs, which have already caused problems for this year's...

Posted by simon at 7:24 AM

March 22, 2006

Village elections, cowboy lifestyle

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on yesterday's village elections, in which incumbents won their races across Dryden and Freeville. In Freeville, 24 people voted, and Mayor Lotte Carpenter, Trustees Diana Radford and Penny Beebe, and Village Justice Arthur Marchese were...

Posted by simon at 7:56 AM

March 21, 2006

Man arraigned for $50,000 cemetery theft

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the arraignment of a man for allegedly stealing $50,000 from Lakeview Cemetery in Lansing. The arraignment itself was in Dryden - and I think was this one, disrupting a Planning Board meeting - but...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

March 20, 2006

Boehlert, no, Meiers vs. Jones

Since Congressman Boehlert retired and Senator Seward decided to run for re-election rather than Congress, I've been wondering who the Republican contenders would be. Newsday reports that State Senator Raymond Meier has entered the race, and challenger Brad Jones is...

Posted by simon at 5:35 PM

Healthcare woes explored at TC3

TC3 hosted a healthcare forum on Saturday, one of over 90 being held by Healthcare NOW!. That's at the top of the front page, while the bottom of the front page has an article talking about how hard it is...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

March 18, 2006

Participating in government

As part of a three-day series highlighting Sunshine Week, the Ithaca Journal reports on how residents can participate in their local government meetings. It opens with one of the usual suspects who attend meetings: To Simon St. Laurent, being part...

Posted by simon at 7:57 AM

March 17, 2006

Village elections Tuesday

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the Dryden and Freeville village elections. For Dryden, a contested race, the Journal talks with Democrats Mary Ellen Bossack and Jim Willer and Republicans Dan Wakeman and Randy Sterling. Incumbent Bossack and challenger Willer...

Posted by simon at 7:51 AM

March 16, 2006

Boehlert announcement Friday

Will Congressman Sherwood Boehlert retire? That's been a popular question in political circles for years, but it looks like we'll finally have an answer tomorrow. Boehlert's made a decision and shared it with President Bush, but won't announce it formally...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

March 15, 2006

Hello Dolly!, Photo History Day this weekend, election Tuesday

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk announces the Dryden High School production of Hello Dolly!, to be held tomorrow through Saturday at 7:00pm at Dryden High School. She also mentions the Photo History Day coming up this Saturday from 10:00am to...

Posted by simon at 9:00 AM

March 14, 2006

Challenger Arcuri discusses run against Boehlert

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Oneida County District Attorney Michael Arcuri's run for Congress. Incumbent Sherwood Boehlert "said Monday he'd reached a decision [about running again], but wouldn't elaborate." The reporter asked Arcuri and Boehlert their positions on a...

Posted by simon at 7:44 AM

March 13, 2006

Monitoring Six Mile Creek

This morning's Ithaca Journal takes a look at the Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Partnership, twelve volunteers backed by the Towns of Dryden, Carolina, and Ithaca as well as the City of Ithaca who sample the water in Six Mile...

Posted by simon at 7:34 AM

March 11, 2006

Sex offenders in Tompkins County

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an article on the Sheriff's sex offender registry website and talks with a Freeville man on the registry. On the opinion page, John Bailey of Dryden writes that "It's time America's free press practice due...

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

March 8, 2006

Rummage and craft sale Saturday

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes Briefly in Dryden, which announces the Dryden National Junior Honor Society's rummage and craft sale, which will be held this Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm in the Dryden Middle School cafeteria. Briefly in Dryden also...

Posted by simon at 12:12 PM

March 6, 2006

And more on photos

There are another two letters on the Journal's publishing a photo including the body of a State Trooper last week. John Bailey of Dryden complains that the Journal published this photo but wouldn't publish the cartoons of Mohammed, while Daniel...

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

March 4, 2006

Photo controversy continues

This morning's Ithaca Journal opinion pagecontinues yesterday's complaints about the Journal's publishing a photo including the body of a State Trooper killed in a shootout with bank robbers. One letter, from Monica Armstrong of Dryden, argues that: Most of us...

Posted by simon at 8:10 AM

March 3, 2006

Dryden Town Hall preview

This morning's Ithaca Journal takes a look at the plans for Dryden's new Town Hall, noting that construction could start this summer and costs will be around $2.4 million. The print edition includes a drawing and a map that shows...

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

March 2, 2006

Voting machine lawsuit

There isn't much in this morning's Ithaca Journal about Dryden, but there is a piece about the federal government suing New York State for its delays in overhauling our voting system. We'll be voting on the classic lever-based machines in...

Posted by simon at 12:50 PM

March 1, 2006

Groton woman killed on North Road

Unfortunately, the accident the Journal listed as breaking news yesterday turned out to be a fatal accident, killing a woman from Groton. The driver was arrested for DWI and manslaughter. Much of the rest of the Dryden news in today's...

Posted by simon at 8:20 PM

February 28, 2006

Big changes coming to TC3

It's time to stop sneezing and report on what's happened in Dryden for the last few days. Fortunately, it's not all that much. Saturday's paper had a detailed look at TC3, with multiple articles looking at its past and present....

Posted by simon at 5:04 PM

February 24, 2006

Crash at Simms Hill Road, 13

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports a crash yesterday morning between a car turning left onto Simms Hill Road and another car traveling north on 13. Three people were injured, and both cars totaled. Dryden and McLean firefighters responded and put...

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

February 22, 2006

Rural visions, transportation

Wednesday used to be a big day for Dryden because of the Our Towns section, but lately it seems quieter. There is some vaguely Dryden-related news on the opinion page, with a look at the joint Ithaca-Cornell transportation study getting...

Posted by simon at 8:24 AM

February 21, 2006

Rape charges repeated

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that a Dryden man has been charged with 1st degree rape. I'm not entirely sure why this is in The Monitor now, as the same story was reported on February 4th. [Comments turned off because...

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

February 18, 2006

Helping the Dominican Republic

A group of teenagers from Dryden, Ithaca, Lansing, and Trumansburg will be traveling to Monte Plata in the Dominican Republic this week to deliver supplies and paint houses. Peter Mattingly, a Dryden High School freshman, collected 300 Spanish-language books for...

Posted by simon at 7:21 AM

February 16, 2006

I'm pretty sure that's Dryden....

Posted by simon at 8:56 AM

February 15, 2006

Transportation study; lobbyist boils

There isn't much on Dryden specifically in this morning's Ithaca Journal, but there's an article on setting the scope for a joint Town of Ithaca-Cornell transportation study, which I believe the Town of Dryden will also be participating in. Meanwhile,...

Posted by simon at 8:06 AM

February 14, 2006

Valentine's Day options, graduation rates

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at last-minute options for Valentine's Day, visiting Arnold's Flowers in Dryden and including a picture of Freeville resident Randy French. High school graduation rates around the county are higher in Tompkins County than in the...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

February 13, 2006

Tytler announces Congressional run in Dryden

The Ithaca Journal has an article on former Cortland Mayor Bruce Tytler's run for Congress. Tytler toured the district for his announcement this weekend, visiting Rome, Utica, Oneonta, Norwich, Auburn, and Dryden, where about fifteen people braved the cold and...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

February 11, 2006

Missing a friend; Dryden opinions on St.Patrick's Four

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a sad letter from Evan Kurtz of Dryden reflecting on the recent accident on Route 13 which killed 70-year-old Janice Cortright: I always knew her cheerful greeting, endless chatter, and heartfelt thanks whenever we met....

Posted by simon at 7:46 AM

February 10, 2006

Town Hall progress, budget, timeline

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on progress toward a new Town Hall. Jennie Daley reports on progress on contracts with architects and engineers, as well as a current cost estimate from $2 million to $2.4 million. (The 2002 estimates were...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

February 9, 2006

$4 million in bonds, plus more for TC3 master plan

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the County Legislature approved bonds and other funding for TC3's master plan: The county committed to providing $10.2 million for the college's project. Besides the $4 million in bonds approved Tuesday, the county also...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

February 8, 2006

Library tax rejected; Harley decor

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports (in its print edition only) that the library funding referendum failed yesterday. Voters in the Ithaca City School District (which includes southwestern Dryden) rejected the proposal 3091-1679. The 17% turnout was more turnout than the...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

February 7, 2006

Library vote today, Noon-9pm

Dryden residents who live in the Ithaca City School District can vote today on the library funding referendum. Like Ithaca school board elections, voting location varies by where you live: If you live in election district 1 or 5 (meaning...

Posted by simon at 8:55 AM

Fire at Mineah Road apartments

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a bathroom fire on Mineah Road. The Dryden, Freeville, Varna, and Cayuga Heights fire departments responded. On the opinion page, Steve Scott of Dryden sees no contradiction between being pro-life and pro-death penalty....

Posted by simon at 8:52 AM

February 4, 2006

More rape charges

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on rape charges filed against a Dryden man after a party on Midline Road. Two other adults who hosted the party are charged with providing alcohol to juveniles at that party. Also, another Dryden man...

Posted by simon at 9:14 AM

February 3, 2006

Library, cheerleaders

This morning's Ithaca Journal has more on the library funding referendum, looking at how other communities in the region have dealt with library funding. I was shocked when Corning Public Library closed for a year after a referendum failed,at a...

Posted by simon at 12:13 PM

February 2, 2006

Dryden teachers find peace

After years of seeing "Support Dryden Teachers" bumper stickers and reading about contract negotiations and protests, it's nice to see "Dryden board approves teachers' contract," with this news: Both sides were enthused that this [6-2] approval came five months before...

Posted by simon at 12:15 PM

February 1, 2006

70-year-old woman struck, killed on Route 13

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Janice Cortright, 70, was killed while crossing Route 13 at Livermore Road yesterday. I have enough trouble getting my newspaper and mail from across Route 366, and walking along 13 is even scarier. State...

Posted by simon at 12:14 PM

January 30, 2006

Bradley returns to school board

This morning's Ithaca Journal suggests Dryden had a quiet weekend, but WHCU reports that the Dryden School Board has appointed Jeff Bradley, previously a board member from 1990-2002, to fill the vacancy left by John Curatolo's resignation....

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

January 28, 2006

Dryden man animates Mars

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Dan Maas of Maas Digital, a Dryden company whose animation is more than a quarter of the recent Disney IMAX movie, Roving Mars. The contract was originally for six minutes of animation, but grew to...

Posted by simon at 9:03 AM

January 27, 2006

Looking ahead

There isn't much about Dryden in the regular edition of today's Ithaca Journal, but their print edition includes their 2006 Outlook sections, and there are some interesting stories there. In Dryden-specific news, it notes Challenge Industries taking over Finger Lakes...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

January 26, 2006

$6.7 million DOT facility finally arriving

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Department of Transportation finally has its financing together for a 58,000 square-foot maintenance facility to be built on land the Village of Dryden annexed from the Town in 2004. $3 million of that...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

January 25, 2006

Looking past the Dryden line

Today's Ithaca Journal doesn't have much directly about Dryden, but the paper has some articles on Groton and Caroline with Dryden connections. There's a profile of the Space family dairy farm in Groton, which notes that two of their children...

Posted by simon at 8:24 AM

January 24, 2006

Cayuga Millwork investigation

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the New York State Attorney General's office is investigating Cayuga Millwork for unpaid wages. Cayuga Millwork was on North Road north of the Village of Dryden. The Tompkins County Workers' Rights Center is assisting...

Posted by simon at 8:31 AM

January 23, 2006

Village of Dryden home 'ruined' by fire

81 East Main Street in the Village of Dryden suffered a fire Saturday afternoon. The Dryden Fire Department attempted to put out the blaze, but Chief Ron Flynn reports that "It had gotten a good head start before we got...

Posted by simon at 12:17 PM

January 21, 2006

Dryden Police Chief named Central New York chiefs president

Dryden Police Chief Margaret Ryan has had an honor-filled January, first being selected for an award from the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission, and now being named president of the Central New York Association of Police Chiefs, Inc....

Posted by simon at 9:30 AM

January 20, 2006

Dryden legislators on Industrial Development Agency

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the appointments of Dryden County Legislators Mike Hattery and Martha Robertson to the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency, and includes a fair amount from them on what they hope to accomplish. For Hattery, it...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

January 19, 2006

Cornell energy, traffic

There's a lot happening just past Dryden's western edge. Cornell is planning to add two natural gas turbines generating electricity to its heating plant, improving its efficiency to 75% (from 49%) and reducing their amount of coal burned by 30-50%....

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

January 18, 2006

SANE planning, assessment deadlock

This week's Dryden Town Talk takes a look at planning for "the top secret party known as the Senior All Night Extravaganza 2006, also known as SANE. This event is an adult-chaperoned post-graduation environment for safe celebrating," which will be...

Posted by simon at 6:51 PM

January 16, 2006

Syracuse man arrested in Dryden for meat theft in Lansing

There isn't much in this morning's Ithaca Journal about Dryden, but The Monitor reports the arrest of a Syracuse man along Route 34B. Speeding led to a check for outstanding warrants, and there was $400 in meat reported stolen from...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

January 14, 2006

Police Chief Ryan to be honored for translation work

This morning's Ithaca Journal has more detail on the honor Dryden Police Chief Margaret Ryan will be receiving from the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission: Ryan was nominated for HRC's Michael Padula Award for her work in broadening the Translator/Interpreter...

Posted by simon at 10:59 AM

January 13, 2006

3-year dog license - if rabies shots are current

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes a change in the dog licensing rules. In Dryden, you'll be able to get a dog license for as long as your dog's rabies vaccination is current, up to three years. However, your dog's license...

Posted by simon at 5:39 PM

January 12, 2006

Newfield men arrested for Dryden robbery

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that three Newfield men were arrested yesterday for an October 24th incident in which a Mineah Road residence was robbed of several items, including an antique .22 caliber rifle. A similar rifle was retrieved when...

Posted by simon at 12:25 PM

January 11, 2006

Freeville food bank reopens

This morning's Ithaca Journal (which isn't online yet) reports on the re-opening of the Freeville food bank at the Methodist Church, talking with volunteers, supporters, and visitors. There's also an article on an accident that jammed up Route 13 between...

Posted by simon at 12:53 PM

January 10, 2006

Gadabout needs drivers

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Gadabout, "twelve demand-response buses for elderly (over 60) and disabled residents of Tompkins County who can not use regular transportation," needs drivers, in fact around ten drivers. The job requires a New York State...

Posted by simon at 8:46 PM

January 7, 2006

Police Chief Ryan gets award

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes in Local Briefs that Village of Dryden Police Chief Margaret Ryan will be receiving the Michael Padula Award from the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission at a dinner on January 28th. The rest of the...

Posted by simon at 2:12 PM

January 6, 2006

Crime and the cost of punishment

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that yet another Dryden resident has been accused of rape, this time in Caroline. I believe that's the fourth incident in just a few months, and have no idea what could explain this strange surge...

Posted by simon at 6:46 PM

January 4, 2006

Dryden Youth Commission; County Legislature organizes

In this morning's Ithaca Journal, Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk visits the Dryden Youth Commission, which "is on the front lines of creating successful programs for our kids, and is seeking a volunteer who lives in the Town of Dryden...

Posted by simon at 12:39 PM

January 3, 2006

Winter fun in and around Dryden

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden news, but the sport section lists the Cayuga Nordic Ski Club's upcoming Snowfest (27KB PDF) on Hammond Hill January 15th. In addition to cross-country skiing and racing, there will be snowshoeing and...

Posted by simon at 9:04 PM

January 2, 2006

Hunting at night

The Ithaca Journal's first issue of 2006 doesn't have a whole lot of Dryden news. There's a letter from Dale A. Pennow of Dryden explaining the rules for hunting after dark (and blasting those who question its propriety). If you...

Posted by simon at 9:46 AM

December 31, 2005

Burning bowl; bird count

The Dryden-related news in today's Ithaca Journal is a couple of announcements of events on the west side (or western edge) of the town, in Briefly in Tompkins and Local Briefs: The Foundation of Light will be having a Burning...

Posted by simon at 2:23 PM

December 30, 2005

Christmas in Varna

The Our Towns section of this morning's Ithaca Journal has a few more pictures from the Christmas Eve celebration in Varna. There are three brief mentions of Dryden elsewhere in the paper: A review of 2005 public safety in Tompkins...

Posted by simon at 6:09 PM

December 29, 2005

TC3 in the city

Posted by simon at 7:05 PM

December 28, 2005

Want to serve on the school board?

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden School District is seeking applications for the vacancy on its school board. Briefly in Dryden says that the position will last from February to May 16th, the next election. This position is...

Posted by simon at 4:42 PM

December 26, 2005

Christmas Eve candles in Varna

This morning's Ithaca Journal vists the Varna United Methodist Church for its candelight Christmas Eve service, talking with attendees and giving a sense of the community. The print edition includes a review of 2005, noting the renovations to Dryden elementary...

Posted by simon at 12:11 PM

December 25, 2005

Getting ready for Christmas; thanks to Lane

I'm just getting around to yesterday's Ithaca Journal, and finding a few stories that mentioned Dryden. A story on last-minute shopping includes a picture of Samantha Hornbuckle, whose mother Mary lives in Dryden. Dryden is also mentioned in an article...

Posted by simon at 8:08 PM

December 23, 2005

Cosmetology contests

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the November BOCES cosmetology competition, including some Dryden students in the story and in the pictures....

Posted by simon at 5:15 PM

December 22, 2005

Freeville man indicted for Groton rape attempt

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on another incident in what's starting to feel like a wave of crimes in Dryden, this time reporting (in its print edition only) on the upcoming arraignment of a Freeville man for an attempted rape...

Posted by simon at 11:30 AM

December 21, 2005

Christmas villages in the Village of Freeville

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Nancy Carver and Lorraine Buonviri's Christmas spectacular in their home in Freeville. Fifty Santas on a piano? Is that enough? Perhaps not. It takes three days to set up the decorations, starting the day after...

Posted by simon at 12:29 PM

December 20, 2005

Lane on tax abatements, Zahler on school taxes

County Legislator Michael Lane is in the news again, this time because the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency, which he chairs, passed tax abatements for the Cayuga Green project over his opposition. Lane had reasons which go beyond this project...

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

December 19, 2005

Maverick Boehlert

This morning's Journal is quiet on Dryden specifically, but does have an article on Congressman Sherwood Boehlert's efforts to push Congress in a more moderate direction. Democrats are lining up to challenge him, and he already has a Republican challenger...

Posted by simon at 8:40 AM

December 17, 2005

Getting ready for cold

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at ways to reduce energy costs, and visits a Cooperative Extension class on fixing up older windows that I attended earlier this week. Mark Pierce explained that the best ways to save energy are to...

Posted by simon at 1:57 PM

December 15, 2005

Was that -11?

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

December 14, 2005

High school special education

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Dryden schools' bringing high school special education back to their school from BOCES. It sounds like Dryden is both filling a gap in BOCES offerings and complementing the vocational training BOCES provides these students...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

December 13, 2005

Issues around three-year assessments

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes an editorial reminding readers that shifting to a three year assessment cycle is not tax relief, but still generally supporting it. The Journal summarizes the reason County Legislator Mike Lane has supported the change: Critics...

Posted by simon at 12:35 PM

December 12, 2005

Tea in Etna; Boehlert on CAFE

This morning's Journal reports on the Victorian Tea Party held at the Etna Community Church Sunday afternoon: Putting a modern spin on a tradition dating back to the days of Charles Dickens, the women of the Etna Community Church hosted...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

December 10, 2005

Approval for TC3 bonds

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the TC3 Foundation received approval for $7 million of tax-exempt bonds for building a dormitory. The article notes that the project received Town Board approval - though only for phase one - on Thursday...

Posted by simon at 9:53 AM

December 8, 2005

Brooktondale fire truck gone missing

This morning Ithaca Journal reports that the Brooktondale Fire District is facing some hard questions about where money for a truck went, after purchasing a truck through a now-deceased broker in Albany who may have defrauded other departments. (The Town...

Posted by simon at 7:17 AM

December 7, 2005

Slinky Slithertail slithers again

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column reports on Margaret Brownell Lorenzen's donating her latest book, Petunia Patchpockets and the Golden Locket, to the Southworth Library. As Wakeman tells it: Her latest book offers a human main character that interacts with...

Posted by simon at 6:21 PM

December 6, 2005

Abuction, rape; flying car causes fire

There's lots of Dryden news in today's Ithaca Journal, little of it good. The lead story on the front page is about an abduction and rape on Bone Plain Road yesterday, in violation of an order of protection at that....

Posted by simon at 12:16 PM

December 5, 2005

Assessment likely moving to 3-year cycle

County Legislator Mike Lane looks poised to deliver on one of his key campaign issues, the need for a three-year cycle on assessments to reduce the annual shocks. This morning's Journal reports that the legislature will hold a public hearing...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

December 4, 2005

Dryden crime reports

Yesterday's Ithaca Journal is unfortunately not the happiest news Dryden has seen in a while. There's an article on the arrest of a Dryden resident for rape. The man arrested had had a prior two-hour standoff with police in Freeville...

Posted by simon at 2:48 PM

December 2, 2005

Dryden fifth-graders hold SPCA fund-raiser

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that two Dryden fifth-graders will be hosting a craft sale tomorrow from 12:30pm to 5:30pm at the SPCA. Emily Gray and Allison Sullivan have: worked tirelessly for the past several weeks obtaining and creating holiday...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

December 1, 2005

52 acres protected in Freeville

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that 52 acres of northwest Freeville will become a wildlife preserve, as Millie Sherwood donated it to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, which then donated it to the Village of Freeville with a conservation easement...

Posted by simon at 12:09 PM

November 30, 2005

Moving into the barn

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Karel Westerling's barn-to-house conversion in progress. Westerling has moved a barn 75 feet, and is working to create two four-bedroom homes inside of the space. The Saltonstall Arts Colony is looking for resident artists in...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

November 28, 2005

Returning from Dryden to New Orleans

This morning's Journal publishes an update to a September story about Rona King's move to Dryden after Hurricane Katrina. After three months at the Ringwood Road house of Linda Lavine, King is heading back to New Orleans and a still...

Posted by simon at 12:16 PM

November 25, 2005

A Freeville Thanksgiving

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits the Freeville United Methodist Church Thanksgiving meal, talking both with guests and those serving the food. Yesterday's article on Thanksgiving traditions noted that the The Antlers restaurant was open for a Thanksgiving dinner as well....

Posted by simon at 8:59 AM

November 23, 2005

Wetlands; Victorian Winter Festival

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that complications involving wetlands at the proposed Town Hall site are likely to delay construction. The town has already worked around the largest wetland, but other patches in the property are causing problems. Environmental Planner...

Posted by simon at 12:39 PM

November 22, 2005

Dangerous roads

This morning's Journal talks about drivers getting ready for winter to avoid accidents, and the print edition includes a map of dangerous roads. In Dryden, those include Route 34B, Turkey Hill Road, Irish Settlement Road, North Road, Ferguson Road, and...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

November 21, 2005

Weatherizing windows, shoveling sidewalks

Dryden stays quietly out of the Ithaca Journal this morning, but Briefly in Tompkins has two items worth highlighting. There will be a December 14th workshop on winterizing old windows at Cooperative Extension 615 Willow Ave (map) at 7:00pm. Registration...

Posted by simon at 8:40 AM

November 19, 2005

Etna bridge; Freeville dinner

This morning's Briefly in Tompkins notes an 8-ton weight restriction on the Etna Lane bridge over Fall Creek. They also list a free Thanksgiving Day dinner to be held at 1:00pm November 24th at the Freeville United Methodist Church, for...

Posted by simon at 9:08 AM

November 18, 2005

Community helps out SPCA

This morning's Journal editorial thanks residents for a wave of adoptions when the SPCA was full. As the Journal tells it: In late October, the staff at the Tompkins County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was tested...

Posted by simon at 9:19 PM

November 17, 2005

Curatolo resigns from Dryden school board

Citing new responsibilities as Ithaca deputy police chief, Dryden school board member John Curatolo resigned from the board Monday night. Curatolo has been on the board for five and a half years. The board has 90 days to appoint someone...

Posted by simon at 8:20 AM

November 16, 2005

TC3 dormitory bonds to be issued

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the passage of the 2006 county budget and the 9-6 approval of bonds for TC3 to construct a new dormitory. The article provides more detail on the bonds: Finally, the Legislature approved having the...

Posted by simon at 12:21 PM

November 15, 2005

Planning, downtown and on borders

There's not a lot of specifically Dryden news, but County Legislator Mike Lane is mentioned in the Cayuga Green tax abatements discussion: IDA Chairman and County Legislator Michael Lane requested a breakdown of financial assumptions and projections by the project's...

Posted by simon at 8:01 AM

November 14, 2005

Budget overview; turkey shoot

The front page of this morning's Ithaca Journal has a picture of Mindy Sills of Dryden firing at a turkey shoot in Lansing and quotes Sills about the event: "This is the first time I've ever done a turkey shoot,"...

Posted by simon at 8:21 AM

November 11, 2005

Concession; Dryden development

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a lot from last night's Town Board meeting, with an article on Mike Lane's concession speech and another piece on possible development north of the Village of Dryden near TC3. One plan, proposed by Bill...

Posted by simon at 5:07 PM

November 10, 2005

Votes, snowmobiles, and adopted pets

This morning's Journal reports on the dwindling of Mike Hattery's lead over Mike Lane to 20 votes in the District 14 legislative contest, with 30 possible ballots still out there. A report on snowmobile safety starts with a quote from...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

November 9, 2005

Election day happenings

Today's Journal notices the November 8th election. The "Wilkinson wins DA race" across the top is hard to miss, as is the picture of County Legislator Martha Robertson congratulating Gwen Wilkinson, who defeated incumbent District Attorney George Dentes by a...

Posted by simon at 11:47 AM

November 8, 2005

Is there really an election today?

There is indeed an election today, but you wouldn't know it from looking at the Ithaca Journal until you reached the editorial, titled "Ignore it all but the blood". The bottom left corner of page 1B lists election dinners. Page...

Posted by simon at 2:25 PM

November 7, 2005

Letters from Dryden

This morning's Journal is quiet on Dryden news, but carries two Dryden letters on the opinion page. They left out County Legislator Mike Lane's final piece out on Saturday, and include it today. Lane notes a number of ways in...

Posted by simon at 1:17 PM

November 6, 2005

Last letters from candidates

Yesterday's Ithaca Journal gave county candidates one last chance to get their message out to voters, and published a set of letters from candidates. Once again, they've published it online as one huge file, but County Legislature candidates Martha Robertson...

Posted by simon at 1:47 PM

November 4, 2005

No endorsement in DA race; town candidates speak out

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a long and detailed editorial on the District Attorney's race (in tiny print), but concludes that: The decision before Tompkins County voters is an enormous one. The District Attorney's office is the people's representative at...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

November 3, 2005

Town and County politics

Today's Ithaca Journal has lots of politics, including lots of Dryden politics. The Town Board race gets a meet-the-candidates article, and there's an article on the 14th district legislature race, but unfortunately the profiles of County Legislator Mike Lane and...

Posted by simon at 12:29 PM

November 2, 2005

Hall Pass to jazz

This morning's Ithaca Journal features Hall Pass, a group of Dryden teachers who play jazz together. If you want to hear them, they have a "semi-official gig on the second Friday of the month at the Dryden Hotel." The rest...

Posted by simon at 12:07 PM

November 1, 2005

Lots of October rain

As everyone in Dryden no doubt noticed, there was a lot of rain in October - 7.27 inches, up from the usual 3.26. All the rain we didn't get this summer apparently fell over the last few weeks. It could...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

October 29, 2005

Hanshaw Road's namesake

This morning's Journal is quiet about Dryden, except for a mention in an article about how Hanshaw Road got its name. In the print edition, Elia Kacapyr looks over September's business activity and calculates that Tompkins County's economy is currently...

Posted by simon at 6:16 PM

October 28, 2005

Legislative races

I was too busy yesterday to sit down and write, but there wasn't much in Dryden news in yesterday's Ithaca Journal, except for a couple of pieces that fit well with today's paper. The Journal's head-to-head pieces on the opinion...

Posted by simon at 12:21 PM

October 26, 2005

Raining dogs and cats

The Tompkins County SPCA's Hanshaw Road facility is bulging with dogs and cats in need of homes. Built for 38 dogs, they now have 54, as well as 291 cats. The usual fall drop-off in occupancy hasn't happened this year,...

Posted by simon at 12:42 PM

October 25, 2005

Buttoning up for winter

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at energy-efficiency improvements in houses, visiting Freeville resident Derek Osborne, who sounds like he's doing about the same work to his 1920s house as I had done to mine a couple of years ago, and...

Posted by simon at 5:12 PM

October 22, 2005

District 9 legislative candidates face off

The Ithaca Journal's news section is quiet on Dryden, noting again that the Dryden Senior Citizens will be holding their fund-raising bazaar today from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Dryden Fire Hall (map). The Journal's reporting on Thursday's League of...

Posted by simon at 12:43 PM

October 21, 2005

Wilkinson fights back

The only Dryden-related item in today's Ithaca Journal is in Briefly in Tompkins, which notes that the Dryden Senior Citizens will be holding their fund-raising bazaar on Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Dryden Fire Hall (map). The race...

Posted by simon at 12:10 PM

October 20, 2005

TC3 biotech program, county budget

Yesterday was so action-packed that I didn't get to cover the Journal, so here are yesterday's and today's papers. Yesterday's front page has an extensive on article on TC'3 new biotech program, teaching students the skills they need to work...

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

October 18, 2005

Who's the fiscal conservative?

The Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden today, except for a letter from Kathy Zahler pointing out County Legislator Mike Lane's fiscal conservatism: I have in front of me information I requested that shows legislators' voting records on the 2005...

Posted by simon at 12:07 PM

October 17, 2005

A troubling correction

I'm extremely late getting to today's paper, but the Journal does something unusual, issuing a correction to letter to the editor, one with sad relevance to Dryden. The letter stated that: Dentes has prosecuted successfully a decade of criminal cases,...

Posted by simon at 10:13 PM

October 15, 2005

Comp plan, speed limits, flu

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Thursday night's Town Board meeting, where the comprehensive plan passed with modification to the trails. The Journal also notes that the New York State Department of Transportation will be reducing speed limits on Route...

Posted by simon at 2:15 PM

October 13, 2005

County reaches 0% tax levy increase

There isn't much Dryden news today, but at the county level, the Legislature passed a preliminary budget with a tiny tax levy decrease by a 13-0 vote yesterday. There will be a public hearing November 9th and a final vote...

Posted by simon at 12:23 PM

October 12, 2005

Barbershop stories tomorrow night

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column looks at tomorrow night's "Barbershop Stories with Bob and Beachy", talking about McKeon's barbershop where many of the tales were told. The Dryden Town Historical Society will be hosting the event, tomorrow at 7:30pm...

Posted by simon at 12:40 PM

October 11, 2005

Comprehensive Plan vote Thursday

This morning's Ithaca Journal front-pages Thursday night's Town Board vote on the Town Comprehensive Plan. The article mentions the eminent domain controversy which appeared in a letter to the editor last month. Supervisor Steve Trumbull says on the trails that:...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

October 7, 2005

Freeville man killed in Trumansburg ATV accident

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the death of a Freeville man in an ATV accident Saturday has been reported accidental. There's also more reporting on the county budget, including $45,195 for the Board of Elections, $39,193 for the Department...

Posted by simon at 12:34 PM

October 6, 2005

50 years of power

It's not quite in Dryden, but 50 years of Milliken Station, now AES Cayuga, seems worth noting. Despite the magic of the grid, it's reasonable to suspect that electricity generated there in Lansing may have been used in Dryden. In...

Posted by simon at 5:21 PM

October 5, 2005

County DA, radio towers, open space

Today's Journal is largely quiet about Dryden, though the Groton Town Talk notes food pantries from 1:30pm to 2:30pm on October 8th and 22nd at the McLean Community Church. There will also be a steak dinner fund-raiser at the McLean...

Posted by simon at 12:34 PM

October 4, 2005

Animation on Sunset West

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits a computer animation studio on Sunset West, Maas Digital. Dan Maas began his work at Cornell and continues it today in Dryden. You can see his work for the Mars Rover video simulation - there's...

Posted by simon at 6:26 PM

October 3, 2005

Dryden resident calls for Iraq disengagement

Dryden resident Nancy Suci writes that: We need to leave Iraq. Our time there diminishes our reputation in the world. Our actions in Iraq increase the anger and resentment that erupts in terrorist acts. And we are neglecting our own...

Posted by simon at 12:11 PM

October 1, 2005

Dryden and Ithaca still have JV Football

I hadn't realized it, but the Dryden and Ithaca school districts are among the few in the county that still have a junior varsity football program. Lansing also has one, and Trumansburg's closed this fall. The pictures with the article...

Posted by simon at 1:33 PM

September 30, 2005

Lane and Totman fight for additional deputies

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden news, but the county legislature is busy with the budget. The Journal looks at the votes for the sheriff's department. Dryden legislators Mike Lane and George Totman pushed for three new deputies,...

Posted by simon at 5:47 PM

September 29, 2005

TC3 starts first fund-raising campaign

I always thought that state colleges and universities were supposed to be paid for by the state, but it's become clearer and clearer lately that the state, or at least the people currently running it, doesn't like that idea much....

Posted by simon at 4:34 PM

September 28, 2005

Corgis on Baker Hill Road

The Our Towns section of today's Ithaca Journal and the paper generally have lots about Dryden today, but I'll start with the most fun article, about a Corgi at a house just up the hill from mine who won the...

Posted by simon at 12:30 PM

September 27, 2005

County budget, DA's race

There isn't much in today's Ithaca Journal about Dryden, except a reminder that school taxes in Dryden are due Saturday to avoid a penalty. (In the Ithaca district, they're due October 31st.) There's lots of county news, however. A front...

Posted by simon at 8:52 AM

September 26, 2005

Upset about the war, taxes

This morning's Ithaca Journal presents opinions from a few Dryden residents. The Journal's article about weekend war protests talks to Nancy Suci, who is identified as an Ithaca resident, but she lives on Turkey Hill Road here in Dryden. Suci...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

September 24, 2005

Little news, a few opinions

Today's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden news, but there are two pieces on the opinion page with Dryden connections. One comes from Freeville resident Jennifer Semo, and only appears in the print edition. Semo writes, about the St.Patrick's Four:...

Posted by simon at 1:12 PM

September 23, 2005

Stabbing at TC3 dorms

A Tuesday stabbing at the TC3 dorms will put a Spencer man in Dryden court today, charged with second-degree felony assault, as well as fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Dryden firefighters took the victim to Cortland Hopital. In brighter...

Posted by simon at 1:06 PM

September 22, 2005

One union settled, another uncertain

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't report much about Dryden, but there's news on two county labor fronts. The county and its white collar CSEA unit have come to terms, and the contract was approved 13-1 last night by the County...

Posted by simon at 12:52 PM

September 21, 2005

Dryden Empire Zone possible

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the County Legislature approved applying for an Empire Zone that includes part of the Town of Dryden as well as Lansing and the City of Ithaca. County Legislators Martha Robertson, Mike Lane, and George...

Posted by simon at 12:52 PM

September 20, 2005

Fatality on Route 13

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the death of a 25-year old Freeville woman on Route 13 Sunday night when she apparently crossed the road in the path of a pickup truck. In brighter news in Dryden, the SPCA appointed...

Posted by simon at 12:10 PM

September 19, 2005

Dryden Katrina aid collected today

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that today is the last day to donate to Hurricane Katrina victims through the drop boxes at school and athletic offices in the Dryden schools. An article on Town Supervisors candidates notes that Dryden Town...

Posted by simon at 7:29 AM

September 17, 2005

A look at Christian Science

Today's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden news, but I just noticed that today's Focus on Faith column, which looks at Christian Science, is written by a Dryden resident, Helen Mundell....

Posted by simon at 5:32 PM

September 16, 2005

Global warming, speedy trees

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't yet cover last night's contentious Town Board meeting (which I'll do this weekend), but it has two letters to the editor with Dryden connections. Nariman Mistry of Dryden writes about climate change and the greater...

Posted by simon at 12:42 PM

September 15, 2005

Comprehensive Plan vote tonight

This evening's Town Board meeting includes a vote on the Comprehensive Plan, and one aspect of that plan gets a letter in the Ithaca Journal this morning from Robin Hadlock Seeley, who writes: Municipal trails proposed for private land violate...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

September 14, 2005

"Tyke" Randall defeats incumbent Totman

This morning's Ithaca Journal leads with results from yesterday's primary election. The only election in Dryden was for the Republican contest for County Legislator in District 9, which included eastern Lansing, Groton, and northeastern Dryden. Challenger Duane "Tyke" Randall II...

Posted by simon at 12:18 PM

September 13, 2005

Dryden schools challenges

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits last night's Dryden school board meeting, and reports on the hiring of a new special education teacher, dress code changes, and construction at the elementary schools. Quick reponse to a Dryden hunting accident earned DEC...

Posted by simon at 12:20 PM

September 12, 2005

Dryden defeats Trumansburg at Carrier Dome

I don't normally report on sports here, but how many high school football games happen at the Carrier Dome, and get off to a quick start with a last-minute finish? Dryden defeated Trumansburg 24-18 last night. In county news, the...

Posted by simon at 8:06 AM

September 11, 2005

Dryden, Etna residents offer New Orleans residents shelter

I didn't get to look at yesterday's Ithaca Journal until today, and it has two stories I'd definitely like to highlight. One is about Linda Lavine welcoming former Ithacan Rona King into her house after her house in New Orleans...

Posted by simon at 1:12 PM

September 8, 2005

Burn barrels; county economy

There's one Dryden note in today's Ithaca Journal, as a Briefly in Dryden item mentions that TC3 will be sponsoring a trip to Nicaragua this winter, and students can earn credits for the trip. There's also a report on a...

Posted by simon at 12:26 PM

September 7, 2005

Busy Saturday ahead

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on two big events to be held this Saturday: the Ellis Hollow Fair, from noon to 4:00pm, and the Freeville Harvest Festival, from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Briefly in Dryden lists even more events, with a...

Posted by simon at 12:14 PM

September 6, 2005

Labor day, Ithaca redistricting

Summer's coming to a close, as Labor Day weekend rolled by. This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the annual Labor Day picnic in Stewart Park, including a bit on the George Junior Republic negotiations settled earlier this summer: In Dryden,...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

September 3, 2005

More on gas prices

This morning's Journal is fairly quiet about Dryden, but has lots of coverage about how higher gas prices might affect municipalities and school districts in Tompkins County, adding further to budget challenges. If you'd like to work on ways to...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

September 2, 2005

Gas price impacts

I probably shouldn't admit it here, but I've been too distracted by New Orleans to think much about Dryden. I was only there twice - once for the empty 1984 World Fair and once in 1991 for a conference on...

Posted by simon at 12:09 PM

September 1, 2005

Where do your biosolids go?

That's not exactly a nice question, as 'biosolids' are treated sewage. This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at the use and safety of using treated sewage as fertilizer. While the article says that no farms in Tompkins County are doing this,...

Posted by simon at 6:52 AM

August 31, 2005

Village raises sewer rates

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Village of Dryden has increased sewer rates on the Cortland Road Sewer District, moving ahead despite concerns over the lack of a contract with the town. It sounds like the trailer parks will...

Posted by simon at 12:19 PM

August 30, 2005

Journal profiles Town Board candidates

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the upcoming Town Board election, talking with all four candidates about what they'd like to accomplish. The Republicans running are incumbent Steve Stelick and newcomer Dan Tier. The Democrats running are newcomers Mary Ann...

Posted by simon at 8:30 AM

August 29, 2005

Playground built

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits Saturday's playground build at Dryden Elementary School, talking to volunteers and people who helped raise money for the project. I'll have to stop by and see what it looks like now that it's completed....

Posted by simon at 7:31 AM

August 26, 2005

School construction

This morning's Ithaca Journal has lots of Dryden news, starting with a report on construction at the Dryden elementary schools that concludes with mention of Saturday's playground work. Briefly in Tompkins notes that the Eight Square Schoolhouse on Hanshaw Road...

Posted by simon at 12:31 PM

August 25, 2005

Issues to watch

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't have any specific Dryden news, but does raise a number of issues worth keeping an eye on: Rabid beavers attacked a girl in Danby. It sounds like racoons infected the beavers. I've never heard of...

Posted by simon at 1:22 PM

August 24, 2005

'Ask Amy' in Freeville Saturday

Advice columnist and Freeville native Amy Dickinson will be speaking at the Freeville United Methodist Church on Saturday night at 7:00pm. Her subject? "Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Dairy Princess: Mostly True Stories of Small Town Life." Also in Briefly...

Posted by simon at 9:34 AM

August 23, 2005

County development, DA's race

Today's Journal is mostly quiet on Dryden (except for a correction announcing that the Ellis Hollow Fair will be September 10th), but there are stories on two important fronts in county news. County Legislator Mike Lane is quoted in article...

Posted by simon at 6:52 AM

August 20, 2005

A history of historians

Kimberly Gazzo, who became Town of Dryden Historian earlier this year, has an article in today's Ithaca Journal that explores the accomplishments of her predecessors as Dryden Historian. It's a wonderful introduction to a job many people don't realize exists....

Posted by simon at 11:24 AM

August 17, 2005

Clockmakers in Dryden

Today's Journal visits Mary Ann and Terry Lutz, two clockmakers in Dryden. The Lutzes make reproductions of 19th century clocks, and were recently named among the top traditional artisans by Early American Life magazine. I found some of their work...

Posted by simon at 7:50 PM

August 16, 2005

Community college tuitions rising

Yesterday's Ithaca Journal had lots of Dryden news, but today is pretty quiet. There's an article on community college tuitions increasing across the state, including a $150 increase at TC3, slightly above the state average of $130. The County Legislature...

Posted by simon at 7:47 AM

August 15, 2005

Farm City Day, motorcycling for charity

This morning's Ithaca Journal is light on local news, but a lot of it takes place in Dryden. Farm City Day was held on Saturday at the Freebrook Farm in Freeville, where Kermit and Geraldine Marquis hosted the event on...

Posted by simon at 7:18 AM

August 12, 2005

Too little water, too much traffic

Jennie Daley reports on last night's Dryden Town Board meeting, highlighting problems residents reported with their water systems and traffic. Cathi Calori and Art Berkey presented their work on a possible water district for Ellis Hollow Road from Game Farm...

Posted by simon at 8:21 AM

August 11, 2005

Water and health

Today's Ithaca Journal includes the monthly report from the Tompkins County Board of Health, which includes some Dryden temporary permits and water systems. There's a notice about absentee ballots for primary races. The only primary I'm aware of to be...

Posted by simon at 8:13 AM

August 10, 2005

Youth Conservation Corps at work

There's all kinds of Dryden news in this morning's Ithaca Journal. They have a story on the Dryden Youth Conservation Corps' work on trails in the area, including a bridge at 4-H Acres, signs at the O.D. von Engeln Preserve...

Posted by simon at 7:29 AM

August 9, 2005

Emergency towers to be reused

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an article about the emergency communications network under development. No new towers will be built in Dryden, but two old towers will be reused. The Monitor includes a Freeville man who allegedly violated an order...

Posted by simon at 7:40 AM

August 8, 2005

Kenny Van Sickle Memorial Baseball Field dedicated

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the dedication of the Kenny Van Sickle Memorial Baseball Field on Saturday. The field, on Wall Street in the Village of Dryden, was a group effort: The village donated the land west of Brecht's...

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

August 6, 2005

Caucus to come

Today's Ithaca Journal is quiet about Dryden news, but there's a letter from County Legislator Peter Penniman about caucuses. Dryden Democrats will be having their caucus to select town candidates on August 25th, time and place to be announced soon....

Posted by simon at 12:50 PM

August 5, 2005

More happenin' in the hamlet

It must be a light news day, but we get some extra pictures in the Ithaca Journal from McLean's Happenin' in the Hamlet last Saturday. There's a big question to be answered about who pays for new equipment to connect...

Posted by simon at 9:30 AM

August 4, 2005

Water system upgrade

If your Dryden house or business uses public water, this article on coming upgrades to the Bolton Point water treatment plant may be interesting. They're working to change the way chlorine interacts with substances in the lake to reduce potential...

Posted by simon at 7:40 AM

August 3, 2005

New Methodist minister in Dryden

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column introduces the incoming Methodist minister, Alan Kinney. She also announces Intergenerational Band performances August 13th and 14th, swimming lessons, and Etna Community Church's Vacation Bibe School. Phoenix Books had a small fire on their...

Posted by simon at 8:24 AM

August 2, 2005

Returns on organic farming

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at a study on yields from organic farming and finds that their results - solid yields and higher soil quality - match up to local experience. They quote Troy Sherman of Dryden: ?It's challenging. Anyone...

Posted by simon at 7:58 AM

August 1, 2005

McLean Happenin'; Dryden accident

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Saturday's McLean Happenin' in the Hamlet, with pictures and descriptions of activities, including a group photo of 203 hamlet residents. There's also a note about a pedestrian hit by a car near Todi's Italian...

Posted by simon at 8:09 AM

July 30, 2005

Yes, it's been hot

While it isn't precisely news, this morning's Ithaca Journal confirms that June and July 2005 are among the hottest ever, with the statewide average for June 5.5 degrees above normal. Looking at the list of city records there, it looks...

Posted by simon at 10:52 AM

July 28, 2005

4-H Fair kicks off

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the 4-H Fair running through Saturday, to be held at 4-H Acres (map). The schedule looks packed, with animal shows, all kinds of contests, and plenty of food including a pancake breakfast and barbecue....

Posted by simon at 9:57 AM

July 27, 2005

Fire in Freeville

A four-apartment building at 12 Railroad Street in Freeville caught fire last night. Firefighters from the Dryden, Freeville, Etna, Groton, McLean and Cayuga Heights fire departments responded at 6:30pm, and had the blaze out by 7:15pm. No one was injured,...

Posted by simon at 7:04 AM

July 26, 2005

Dryden Elementary recognized for performance

There's lot of Dryden news today, starting with New York State's recognizing Dryden Elementary School as a Higher Performing/Gap Closing School for its work during the 2003-4 school year. The Cornell news for this week includes informaiton on Cornell's participation...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

July 25, 2005

114,000 gallons of water to put out barn fire

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that a barn fire on Lake Road took seven hours and 114,000 gallons of water to extinguish. Dryden firefighters were called at 7:35, and Freeville, Etna, McLean, Slaterville, Groton, Cortlandville, Harford, and Virgil departments provided...

Posted by simon at 7:49 AM

July 22, 2005

Accident at Lower Creek Road and 13

Varna firefighters and the Sheriff's Department responded to an accident at the intersection of Lower Creek Road and Route 13 that sent four people to the hospital. Among the roads I drive most frequently, that intersection and the Brown Road...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

July 21, 2005

County votes, Redbud complaint

I complained yesterday that the Journal didn't provide a breakdown of who voted how at the county legislature, and today they make up for that with both analysis and a list of votes on tobacco bond restructuring, an increase in...

Posted by simon at 8:02 AM

July 20, 2005

Drydenettes, Corvettes

Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk looks at schoolgirls of yesteryear, the Drydenettes, a group of female Dryden High School alumnae who will be having a reunion July 30th. (If female alums would like to make a reservation to join the...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

July 19, 2005

DWI on Upper Creek

The only Dryden-specific story in today's Ithaca Journal is an article on a DWI arrest on Upper Creek Road at 4:25am Sunday morning. There's also an article on Danby's negotiations with Time-Warner over a cable franchise agreement, which echoes some...

Posted by simon at 8:07 AM

July 18, 2005

County races, state legislative reform

I was annoyed with the Journal last week for publishing a list of candidates without noticing that there are caucuses yet to come, and they seem to have realized that in time for an editorial overview of races that wishes...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

July 16, 2005

Dryden people, Ithaca projects

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't look at what's happening in Dryden, but it has three pieces in which Dryden residents are involved in Ithaca. In an article about the approval of tax breaks for the Gateway II project in downtown...

Posted by simon at 8:54 AM

July 15, 2005

Anderson Young new Dryden School Board President

This morning's Journal reports that the new school board president in Dryden is Anderson Young, with Russ Kowalski as vice-president. In Community News, the Journal notes that Erin Radford, who grew up in Freeville, got a master's degree in international...

Posted by simon at 7:52 AM

July 14, 2005

Water issues coming up

The Ithaca Journal's editorial this morning looks at the possibility of the City of Ithaca joining the Bolton Point water system, which is jointly owned by other municipalities, including the Town of Dryden. Otherwise, it looks like Dryden's been peaceful....

Posted by simon at 8:08 AM

July 13, 2005

McLean author, fundraising

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't say much specifically about Dryden, but there are bits and pieces. The McLean Fire Department, which covers the northeast corner of Dryden, is raising funds for EMS equipment, and there's an article on Diane Martineau...

Posted by simon at 7:41 AM

July 11, 2005

Bicycling to Canada for human rights

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that a group of bicyclists will be riding for nearly a month, starting from Hanshaw Road in Dryden and going around Lake Ontario to Ottawa starting tomorrow. The group, Weavers of the Wind, will be...

Posted by simon at 8:03 AM

July 9, 2005

IDA, Ithaca transportation study

There are a few articles in today's Journal which mention Dryden, but all of it is about issues in Ithaca. An article on possible tax breaks for the Gateway Center project in downtown Ithaca quotes County Legislator Mike Lane, Chair...

Posted by simon at 2:28 PM

July 8, 2005

Letters on schools, county negotiations

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden news, but has two letters to the editor from Dryden residents. Edgar Seymour of Freeville writes to argue that in school budgets, "When all things are considered the majority of cost is...

Posted by simon at 8:59 AM

July 7, 2005

Groton man killed in Freeville accident

Thomas Guihan, 81, of Groton, died yesterday afternoon in a one-car accident on Brooklyn Road in the Village of Freeville. Dryden police, the Freeville and Dryden fire departments, and Bangs Ambulance all responded to the accident....

Posted by simon at 6:44 AM

July 6, 2005

Dryden Methodist pastor retires

Cathy Wakeman writes about Dryden United Methodist Church pastor David Nicholls' retirement in today's Ithaca Journal. Nicholls retired on Sunday after ten years at the church, and he and his wife Maxine plan to stay in the area. There's also...

Posted by simon at 7:42 AM

July 5, 2005

Legislature races update

This morning's Ithaca Journal introduces Duane Randall as a Republican candidate for incumbent Republican George Totman's seat on the county legislature and provides a complete list of known candidates in all of the county districts. Since the Journal's articles now...

Posted by simon at 8:02 AM

July 4, 2005

Beachy receives Award for Excellence

It's been a quiet holiday weekend in the Ithaca Journal, with only a few Dryden-related stories, all of them Friday. Lawrence Beach, who I served one day at the Varna pancake breakfasts and who introduced me to the Dryden Town...

Posted by simon at 8:39 PM

June 30, 2005

Dryden school repairs, much more

Since it's all going to vanish in a week, it's probably a good idea to report what's been in the Ithaca Journal for the past few days. The most Dryden-specific story is one on the renovations in progress at the...

Posted by simon at 12:39 PM

Ithaca Journal abandons archive

About half of the links on this site no longer work, as the Ithaca Journal appears to have changed its story-posting system. It looks like they're keeping about a week around. For now, I'll keep linking to their stories, but...

Posted by simon at 11:45 AM

June 27, 2005

Dryden graduation

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an article on Saturday's Dryden High School graduation, complete with a photo of exuberant graduates in purple and white robes. In his weekly column on Schuyler County, Neil Chaffie gives an entertaining explanation of how...

Posted by simon at 8:04 AM

June 25, 2005

Cornell transportation study

There's isn't much in today's paper specific to Dryden, but there is an article on a transportation study Cornell is doing with the Town of Ithaca that might have some effect on traffic through Dryden as well. Also, Better Housing...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

June 24, 2005

Kalandros running for Totman's seat

This morning's Ithaca Journal lists four new candidates for county legislature, including one in the Groton seat that includes parts of Dryden and Lansing. Athena Kalandros, a co-owner of the Red Door Coffee House in the Village of Groton, will...

Posted by simon at 8:56 AM

June 23, 2005

Journal supports TC3 expansion

This morning's Ithaca Journal is pretty quiet about Dryden news, but the editorial supports the County Legislature's vote to commit $625,000 toward TC3's master plan while the state gets the finances for it together. Just outside of Dryden, there was...

Posted by simon at 8:24 AM

June 22, 2005

Dryden graduates

There's lots of Dryden news in the Ithaca Journal today, on a wide variety of subjects. The Journal lists the Dryden High School Class of 2005, and an article on choosing between the military and college at graduation talks with...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

June 21, 2005

County considers TC3 funding advance

This morning's Ithaca Journal writes about tonight's County Legislature vote on providing money to TC3 to get started with work on its master plan project. The state approved financing in this year's budget, but it will take time for the...

Posted by simon at 12:16 PM

June 20, 2005

Bringing Lakeview Golf Course back to life

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at a group of volunteers - and donors - who have worked together to reopen Lakeview Golf Course, repairing it, running it, and paying its taxes while its long-term future remains a question. The pictures...

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

June 18, 2005

TC3 tuition increases

Tompkins-Cortland Community College (TC3) will be raising tuition by $150 per student next year, continuing a trend from last year that President Carl Haynes isn't happy about - "a college shouldn't have to lean so heavily on its students." 4-H...

Posted by simon at 9:19 AM

June 17, 2005

George Junior agreement; legislator jailed for weekend

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that County Legislator George Totman has pleaded guilty to DWI and been sentenced to a weekend in jail, a $750 fine, a one-year conditional discharge, and a one-year revocation of his driver's license. (Update: Or...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

June 16, 2005

Reflecting on Christopher Ackley's life

This morning's Ithaca Journal takes a closer look at Christopher Ackley's accomplishments as well as community reaction to his sudden death in an accident Tuesday. Ackley, a junior at Dryden High School, had received awards from BOCES and the Diocese...

Posted by simon at 8:13 AM

June 15, 2005

Dryden swim team captain killed in crash

This morning's Ithaca Journal leads with sad news: Christopher Ackley, a Dryden High School and BOCES student, was killed in a car crash yesterday on Lake Road. 13-year-old Scott Adams was also injured. In happier news, there's an article on...

Posted by simon at 2:23 PM

June 14, 2005

Trooper honored for quick response to missing Dryden student

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the resource officer for Dryden schools, State Trooper Bill Danbro, received the Frank G. Hammer award yesterday for his quick response when a 12-year-old student was discovered missing from Dryden Middle School. A search...

Posted by simon at 8:01 AM

June 13, 2005

Dairy Day, road repair

This morning's Ithaca Journal devotes a lot of ink to Cornell President Jeffrey Lehman's surprise resignation, but gets off campus long enough to take a look at Dairy Day, with an article and photos. Briefly in Tompkins highlights three arrests...

Posted by simon at 7:27 AM

June 11, 2005

Lightning causes fire on Snyder Hill

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet about Dryden, but a fire they list as Brooktondale happened on Snyder Hill Road in the southwest corner of the Town of Dryden. Also in that list, the SPCA gives tips for keeping pets...

Posted by simon at 12:25 PM

June 10, 2005

Journal recommends Dryden Dairy Day

The Ithaca Journal builds on yesterday's write-up about Dairy Day with an editorial today encouraging people to attend tomorrow's festivities: Dairy Day is, as the name says, a celebration of the deep agricultural roots of this region. And it is...

Posted by simon at 8:54 AM

June 9, 2005

Looking forward to Dairy Day, road repair

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an introduction to Dairy Day complete with a schedule for Saturday's events. (Brenda Carpenter and Tricia Edgecomb were also on WHCU this morning discussing the festivities.) There's also an article on summer road repair, largely...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

June 8, 2005

Dairy Day this Saturday

This morning's Ithaca Journal takes a look at Saturday's upcoming Dairy Day, with a schedule of events and a photo from one of last year's floats. Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column visits the Dryden Disaster Partnership Group, "future visionaries...

Posted by simon at 7:34 AM

June 7, 2005

Dryden weathers storm

Yesterday afternoon's thunderstorm knocked out power to 2,000 local people and damaged a convertible at American Homes on Route 13. Trees came down across the county, causing power outages and damage. The lights only flickered here, but I saw NYSEG...

Posted by simon at 7:24 AM

June 6, 2005

Living at the Living Wage

Following up on last Friday's announcement of a $9.18 living wage in Tompkins County, today's Ithaca Journal looks at three people's efforts to get by on wages at or close to the living wage, including two Freeville residents. At the...

Posted by simon at 8:03 AM

June 4, 2005

Repairing Sapsucker Woods Road

This morning's Ithaca Journal takes a close look at the Town of Dryden's repairing a badly damaged section of Sapsucker Woods Road. It's good to see an explanation in depth of road repair and the problems which demand it. The...

Posted by simon at 10:07 AM

June 3, 2005

Journal covers Restey, living wage

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a brief item about Republican W. David Restey's announcement yesterday that he will be running for the 13th district county legislature seat against Democratic incumbent Martha Robertson. In county news, Alternatives Federal Credit Union will...

Posted by simon at 7:43 AM

June 2, 2005

Hattery running for legislature

Today's Ithaca Journal has a brief item on Mike Hattery's announcement that he'll run for the County Legislature. (I covered Mike's announcement on Casey Stevens earlier this week, which had a lot more detail.) Ithaca College Professor Elia Kacapyr reports...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

June 1, 2005

Youth Opportunity grants

This morning's Ithaca Journal has Briefly in Dryden, which lists grants made by the Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund, as well as a Golf and Walk fundraiser being held Monday to support Covenant Love Community School....

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

May 31, 2005

Journal visits Memorial Day parade

I'd noticed a photographer with a much larger camera rig than mine at yesterday's Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Dryden, and wondered if that meant the Ithaca Journal would be covering the event. Sure enough, there's a detailed article...

Posted by simon at 6:57 AM

May 30, 2005

The reason for Memorial Day

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks back to 1868, and the order of the Grand Army of the Republic creating Memorial Day, designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

May 28, 2005

Memorial Day parade

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a listing for the Dryden Memorial Day parade, which will start at 10:30am Monday on Main Street in the Village of Dryden. There's also an article on Cornell and sustainability, which I found interesting in...

Posted by simon at 6:57 AM

May 27, 2005

Contract negotiations at George Junior, TCAT

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the status of labor negotiations at both George Junior Republic, where union members rejected a contract yesterday 118-1, and TCAT, where 'slow progress' is happening after workers authorized their negotiators to call for a...

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

May 26, 2005

County jail fixes

It's another quiet day for Dryden in the Ithaca Journal. The County Legislature approved spending $160,000 for repairs to the County Jail after a request by the New York State Commission of Correction, which had originally insisted the county build...

Posted by simon at 7:02 AM

May 25, 2005

Dryden 4th grader wins art award

Devontae Sims, a fourth-grade boy at Dryden Intermediate School, "was awarded Best Design honors by the National Education Association of New York in the kindergarten through fourth-grade division of the first ever Great Public Schools Art Contest," for a poster...

Posted by simon at 8:06 AM

May 24, 2005

Walsh named Dryden Middle School principal

It's another quiet Dryden day in the Journal, except for a report on last night's Dryden School Board meeting. The board appointed Ted Walsh, who had been teaching English at the high school until he became assistant principal of the...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

May 23, 2005

BOCES honors, seat belts

It's another quiet weekend for Dryden in the Ithaca Journal. This morning there's a list of students honored at the May 19th BOCES recognition ceremony, including students from Dryden and Ithaca. There's also mention of state police safety checkpoints, including...

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

May 21, 2005

Guidelines for letters

This morning's Journal, except for a DWI arrest, is pretty quiet about Dryden. Their editorial lays out the ground rules for letters to the editor, noting that the opinion page "is a forum for ideas - grand and absurd -...

Posted by simon at 8:00 AM

May 20, 2005

TC3 graduation; Angelman Syndrome

This morning's Journal has two stories on Dryden happenings, one upbeat, one more challenging. In upbeat news, Tompkins Cortland Community College graduated 557 students yesterday, 224 of whom live in Tompkins County. The State Senate and Assembly passed resolutions making...

Posted by simon at 7:55 AM

May 19, 2005

English test scores mostly improve

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an article on the latest test scores for fourth- and eighth-grade English released by the State Education Department. Across the state, fourth-graders are doing better while eighth-graders show little change. The article focuses on individual...

Posted by simon at 7:38 AM

May 18, 2005

Dryden, Ithaca school budgets pass

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that both the Dryden Central School District and Ithaca City School District budgets passed, Dryden's by a 916-678 vote and Ithaca's by a 2032-1481 vote. All of the propositions for both districts also passed. In...

Posted by simon at 7:54 AM

May 17, 2005

School budget and board elections today

This morning's Ithaca Journal has both an article and an editorial on the elections today for school boards and school budgets. In the Dryden school district, four incumbents (Rachel Dickinson, Chris Gibbons, Karin LaMotte, Amanda Kittelberger) and two newcomers (Brad...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

May 16, 2005

Tax questions

It's a quiet Monday for Dryden in the Ithaca Journal. An empty house burned in McLean Sunday morning, a Freeville man was arrested for DWI in Groton, and the Journal's editorial looks at the inequities of property taxes, asking "what...

Posted by simon at 7:35 AM

May 14, 2005

Candidate for District Attorney announced

I'm happy to see that the Democrats have a promising candidate for DA, Gwen Wilkinson, who announced her candidacy yesterday. The occasional writings of the current District Attorney, George Dentes, are substantially responsible for getting me interested in local politics....

Posted by simon at 9:05 AM

May 13, 2005

Running for office

While the Ithaca Journal may not have any interest in encouraging political activity by publicizing party events, they apparently do want to make sure that prospective candidates have some idea what's involved in running for local office, with an article...

Posted by simon at 7:45 AM

May 12, 2005

Hunting safety

The Ithaca Journal's editorial today writes about the safety of hunting after a fatal turkey-hunting accident in Dryden. After looking at the steady decline in hunter injuries and the risks of other activities, it concludes that "In the end, short...

Posted by simon at 8:16 AM

May 11, 2005

Jail, probation for Freeville DWI

The Ithaca Journal reports this morning that Jason Kelly was sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years probation for a DWI last June that cost the lives of two friends riding in the car. Dryden Town Talk reports...

Posted by simon at 8:08 AM

May 10, 2005

Dryden Middle School Principal Fedele leaving

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a brief notice that Dryden Middle School principal Roger Fedele resigned last night, after being on the job since last spring. Dryden Mutual Insurance is sponsoring a broad campaign to raise funds for the American...

Posted by simon at 7:55 AM

May 9, 2005

County Empire Zone to take time

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't mention Dryden, but there's some county news worth watching. While Tompkins County will have one eventually, final approval for an Empire Zone may not come for another four years. Why? Each of the zones will...

Posted by simon at 8:52 AM

May 7, 2005

Indictment; SPCA Walk-a-thon

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Gary Reid of Staten Island was indicted on two federal charges related to his contacting a Dryden Middle School seventh grader over the Internet and taking her away from school on April 15th. He...

Posted by simon at 9:00 AM

May 6, 2005

Ivory-billed woodpecker's Freeville connection

In today's Ithaca Journal, reporter Jennie Daley talks with Freeville resident Tim Gallagher, one of the two ornithologists who rediscovered the ivory-billed woodpecker in Arkansas after over fifty years without a confirmed sighting. Gallagher, who had to keep the discovery...

Posted by simon at 7:32 AM

May 5, 2005

Dryden Town Hall site selected

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Town Board decided where to put the new Town Hall in a meeting yesterday afternoon. There were several locations on the 47-acre parcel they purchased, and the board chose the easternmost site....

Posted by simon at 8:08 AM

May 4, 2005

Play; Saltonstall building; ATVs

Normally, even when there's lots of Dryden news, I can come up with a single clear headline. Today, there's just too much on too many different subjects. There's a profile of TC3 adjunct professor Paul McCabe, whose play "Get Off"...

Posted by simon at 7:51 AM

May 3, 2005

Hunting accident claims life

This morning's Ithaca Journal brings sad news: two brothers went turkey hunting in Dryden and one died of a gunshot wound. Michael and James Carter of Clover, South Carolina were hunting yesterday along Mott Road, and Michael somehow shot James...

Posted by simon at 6:56 AM

May 2, 2005

Thefts stopped in Freeville

The Monitor reports a stolen Land Rover in Freeville, though it was stopped by a state trooper and its passengers ran off. A stolen laptop and bank papers were inside the car. A Dryden man was also arrested for marijuana...

Posted by simon at 8:04 AM

April 30, 2005

Wind turbines stopped

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Cornell has decided to stop its study of putting wind turbines on Mount Pleasant, publishing a brief press release to that effect after notifying residents at a meeting Thursday night. According to Simeon Moss,...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

April 29, 2005

County assessments up 9.13%, Town up 8.18%

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that taxable assessments in Tompkins County are up 9.13%. Tracking down the more detailed breakdown from the assessor's office (14KB PDF), the Town of Dryden is listed with an 8.18% increase and the Villages of...

Posted by simon at 7:29 AM

April 28, 2005

Dryden Hotel reopens; duck or not duck?

This week's issue of the Dryden Courier leads with the reopening of the Dryden Hotel, starting with a party last Friday night and returning to its usual schedule this week. Closed for four months because of a flood from the...

Posted by simon at 12:11 PM

TC3 fundraiser for Nicaragua, Ivory Coast

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that TC3 will be hosting a fundraiser for a Nicaraguan orphanage and an Ivory Coast medical clinic tomorrow with a benefit dinner at 6:30pm. Students visited the orphanage in January and will be sharing photographs...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

April 27, 2005

Upcoming Dryden events

Between Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk column and the Briefly in Dryden section of today's Ithaca Journal, there's a lot going on in the Town over the next few weeks: The Ithachords, Beyond Measure, and six other a cappella groups...

Posted by simon at 7:58 AM

April 26, 2005

The need for contested races

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't have much news about Dryden, but it does have an editorial on the need for competitive local elections in Tompkins County. The editorial states: Just as competition makes athletes better -- and more interesting to...

Posted by simon at 7:36 AM

April 25, 2005

Canoes tip in Fall Creek

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a frightening canoe trip down Fall Creek that left four people with hypothermia. The Varna and Dryden fire departments as well as New York State Troopers and Cornell's Environmental Health and Safety Office responded...

Posted by simon at 8:41 AM

April 22, 2005

Six Mile Creek monitoring

This morning's Ithaca Journal mentions a meeting for Six Mile Creek monitoring volunteers to be held Monday at Cooperative Extension (map) from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. (I posted a story on volunteer training last summer, and I have to say it...

Posted by simon at 8:17 AM

April 21, 2005

Arrests; county legislators' plans

A Dryden and a Freeville resident appear in today's monitor, one arrested for forgery and the other for possession of marijuana in violation of parole. The Journal has a roundup of county legislators' plans to run for re-election, including news...

Posted by simon at 7:44 AM

April 20, 2005

Not much Dryden news, many Dryden events

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

April 19, 2005

TC3 expansion finally funded

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that funding for a $10.6 million expansion at Tompkins Cortland Community College is finally in the state budget, after last year's veto of the money and the slowly unfolding failure to override that veto. As...

Posted by simon at 7:51 AM

April 18, 2005

Golf course bidding questions; child endangerment

Reverberations from the golf course auction continue in today's Ithaca Journal, with an article on who knew what and when about the price the town was going to bid. Course owner George Szlasa seems to have stepped back a little...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

April 16, 2005

Dryden population to grow 15% this decade

An excellent article in this morning's Ithaca Journal about sewer systems (or their lack) around the county includes this bit of news I hadn't heard: The Claritas numbers indicate the towns of Enfield, Dryden, Caroline and Lansing are each expected...

Posted by simon at 8:15 AM

April 15, 2005

Righting the legislative ship

Freeville resident David Branagan writes that "I have tried and I have tried and I have tried, but I can't get over the commentary of Assemblywoman (Barbara) Lifton in The Journal of Feb. 28," and concludes that: It is inconceivable...

Posted by simon at 8:26 AM

April 14, 2005

School aid numbers ease school district budgeting

Today's Ithaca Journal is quiet about Dryden, except for an article that looks at how having state aid numbers on time means school districts aren't guessing about the actual size of their tax levies. It notes that the Ithaca school...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

April 13, 2005

McLean afterschool; TC3 tech award

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the evening youth programs at Cassavant Elementary in McLean held each Tuesday and Thursday night. Tutoring and time in the gym give kids academic help, exercise, and social times. There's also a picture of...

Posted by simon at 8:11 AM

April 12, 2005

Dryden school budget cuts teachers

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that in its difficult quest for a tax levy increase under 9%, the Dryden school board approved a budget with cuts including "money for a fifth-grade teacher, a half-time reading teacher, a full-time aide, and...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

April 11, 2005

Dryden Lake Trail not for snowmobiles

This morning's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden except for one letter from Leslie Fladd of Dryden, who writes about snowmobiles on the Dryden Lake Trail when they're not supposed to be there. As Fladd puts it: The Dryden Lake...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

April 9, 2005

HANDS becomes a trust

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the Dryden Central School District's making Help a Needy Dryden Student (HANDS) into a tax-exempt charitable organization. Jennie Daley reports on how "the small fund has been used for almost 20 years to buy...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

April 8, 2005

Dryden Red Hats photo; emergency services communication

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a picture of Dryden Dollies Red Hat Society member Sue Caldwell holding a newborn lamb at the Cornell Sheep Program. In county news, the Public Safety Committee approved a conceptual plan for the emergency services...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

April 7, 2005

Birds return to Dryden; ICSD middle school redistricting

The Ithaca Journal's editorial starts as "the raspy gee-gaw call of a male redwing blackbird echoed in a Dryden marsh," writing about the studies of local bird populations done by the Birdhouse Network, a project of the Cornell Lab of...

Posted by simon at 8:00 AM

April 6, 2005

Swing dance, senior citizens at Neptune Hose Company

This morning's Journal is pretty quiet about Dryden. They do list two events happening at the Neptune Fire Hall (map). The Recreation Department is sponsoring a swing dance there from 2:30pm to 4:30pm on Sunday, April 10th. Then, on Monday,...

Posted by simon at 8:10 AM

April 5, 2005

Dryden school budget; more on flooding

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a possible 9% levy hike in the Dryden schools budget for next year, though the recently-passed state budget "would drop the levy increase by 2 percent" if all goes well. BOCES services and a...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

April 4, 2005

Flooding in Dryden

Local firefighters had a challenging Saturday as 2.5 inches of rain landing on saturated ground caused flooding around the area. I noticed Route 366 had some water coming across the road as the ditch on the south side of the...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

April 2, 2005

Dryden opinions, ICSD levy

Posted by simon at 9:22 AM

April 1, 2005

WHCU Director of Operations retiring

This morning's Ithaca Journal pays a visit to WHCU 870's Hanshaw Road offices for a story profiling retiring Director of Operations Tom Joseph. The Ithaca school district is reviewing its budget in preparation for a board vote April 12th and...

Posted by simon at 7:50 AM

March 31, 2005

Ithaca schools budget; freedom of information

This morning's Journal is light on news specifically about Dryden. Dryden residents who live in the Ithaca school district will probably be interested in an article on the ICSD budget's growth. There's also an article on proposed legislation to strengthen...

Posted by simon at 8:31 AM

March 30, 2005

Helping education through recipes in memory

Cathy Wakeman's Town Talk column in today's Journal looks at "Heavenly Recipes," a cookbook dedicated to the memory of Michele Longo Ferris. The cookbook is available at Hill's Drugs in Dryden, and all proceeds will be dedicated to education. Wakeman...

Posted by simon at 7:13 AM

March 29, 2005

Two-car accident on Yellow Barn Road

Last night's fog seems to have contributed to a two-car head-on collision that sent six people to the hospital last night on Yellow Barn Road. Dryden firefighters had to extricate both drivers, and a MedEvac helicopter couldn't help because of...

Posted by simon at 7:59 AM

March 28, 2005

A few arrests

The Ithaca Journal is mostly quiet on Dryden news today, but reports the arrests of two Dryden men, one for DWI in Groton and one for breaking windows in Ithaca. In news just outside the town, there's an article on...

Posted by simon at 8:03 AM

March 27, 2005

'Woman from Dryden' and 1831 murder

In yesterday's Ithaca Journal, Tompkins County Historian Carol Kammen examines the 1831 murder of Fanny Clark in Ithaca by her husband, and mentions a Dryden link: Then there was the added annoyance of the woman from Dryden: She had moved...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

March 25, 2005

Dryden schools face reading, student teacher problems

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at two difficult issues facing the Dryden Central School District. The Journal has been reporting on state report cards for local districts, and today looks at Dryden. "Performance over time of Dryden fourth- and eighth-graders...

Posted by simon at 7:55 AM

March 24, 2005

Low Tompkins snowmobile accident rate

This morning's Ithaca Journal talks with the Dryden-Caroline Drifters snowmobile club in an article about Tompkins County having a lower rate of snowmobile injuries and fatalities than other parts of the state. There's a picture of Deana Madigan on her...

Posted by simon at 7:58 AM

March 23, 2005

ICSD redistricts Varna children to Caroline

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Ithaca City School District voted 6-2 last night to implement a plan moving 23 students in Varna from Cayuga Heights Elementary School to Caroline. I need to take a look when new maps...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

March 22, 2005

More to come on windmills; ICSD redistricting tonight

Cornell University will be giving an overview of a wind power generation study to the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council meeting on April 13th, which starts at 7:00pm with the Cornell presentation around 8:00pm. The meeting will be held at...

Posted by simon at 7:18 AM

March 21, 2005

Sustainability

This morning's Ithaca Journal spends its editorial on the difficulties of sustainable power including hydropower and wind. It doesn't mention Dryden, but in some ways it echoes recent resistance to windmills here. Planner George Frantz, who has been the consultant...

Posted by simon at 2:52 PM

March 20, 2005

School report cards, freedom of information

Yesterday's online edition of the Ithaca Journal was late, and it looks like I got caught up in other stories, so it's time to catch up with yesterday's paper. The Journal starts a six-part series on school report cards with...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

March 18, 2005

Freedom of Information in Dryden

This morning's Ithaca Journal devotes its entire editorial page to New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which gives citizens access to government documents at the state and local levels, complementing the federal government's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). They...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

March 17, 2005

Etna man faces steeper charges

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Timothy Troy of Etna, accused of leading police on a chase through Collegetown and Dryden, may face more severe charges as his case is referred to a grand jury. The SPCA will be having...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

March 16, 2005

Lakeview Golf Course bought by owner

After all the suspense about who would buy the Lakeview Golf Course at last Friday's auction, current owner George Szlasa, represented by attorney Mahlon Perkins, purchased the course at the auction for $359,900 on the first and only bid. [Update:...

Posted by simon at 8:56 AM

Incumbents re-elected in Dryden, Freeville

Village elections held yesterday returned incumbents to their seats in both Dryden and Freeville. In Dryden, Mayor Reba Taylor and Village Trustees Bob Witty and Mark Strom were re-elected over new Village Trustee challenger Jerry Carbo, while in Freeville Tom...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

March 15, 2005

Village elections today

This morning's Journal reports that there are elections today in the Villages of Dryden and Freeville. Polls will be open from noon to 9:00pm at the the Dryden Village Hall (map) and the the Freeville Village Hall (map). Freeville's election...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

March 14, 2005

Mike Lane on tomorrow's Village of Dryden election

County Legislator Mike Lane writes the Ithaca Journal today to endorse Jerry Carbo for Village Trustee in tomorrow's Village of Dryden elections: Jerry Carbo is running for one of the seats, and is well qualified. He has impressive experience in...

Posted by simon at 12:01 PM

March 12, 2005

Land claim, supporting troops

It's a quiet day for Dryden in the Ithaca Journal. They run an AP story on the Onondaga land claim I mentioned yesterday. (The New York Times (registration required) also has an article on the claim this morning.) On the...

Posted by simon at 10:08 AM

March 11, 2005

Etna man in high-speed chase

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that an Etna man faces 25 charges after a high-speed chase through Collegetown and along Route 366 Saturday night. Timothy Troy allegedly hit multiple vehicles, including a head-on collision, and was arrested the next day...

Posted by simon at 8:41 AM

March 10, 2005

Wind power on Mount Pleasant?

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a first look at Cornell's plans to put up to eight wind turbines on Mount Pleasant, near its current observatory. Cornell is "still in the study phase of this," and has put "a 50-meter weather...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

March 9, 2005

Golf course up for auction Friday

A letter in today's Ithaca Journal from Town Supervisor Steve Trumbull says that the Lakeview Golf Course is up for auction and the town still has hope: that the Town of Dryden and the new owners of the golf course...

Posted by simon at 9:34 AM

'Ger' sighted in Varna

I'm curious where this is, but there's a Mongolian-made 'ger' (also called a yurt) somewhere near Varna. It looks and sounds pretty stunning....

Posted by simon at 1:36 AM

March 7, 2005

Openings on Youth Commission, ZBA

In this morning's Ithaca Journal, Briefly in Tompkins and a second Briefly in Tompkins list some positions open to applications from residents of Dryden: The Dryden Youth Commission, a joint commission between the Town of Dryden, Village of Dryden, and...

Posted by simon at 8:00 AM

March 5, 2005

Absentee ballots for Village of Dryden elections

This morning's Ithaca Journal is pretty quiet about Dryden-specific news, but absentee ballots for village elections are now available from the Tompkins County Board of Elections. Requests for mailed applications must be received by March 8th, though applications may be...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

March 4, 2005

Town Hall prospects; snowmobile accident

This morning's Ithaca Journal has all kinds of Dryden news. There's an article on last night's informational meeting on the Town Hall land purchase, "a 47-acre parcel adjacent to the current town hall location for $100,000 from ELM Acquisition Corporation."...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

March 3, 2005

Town Board meets tonight to discuss 47 acres

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Town Board will be meeting tonight at 7:00pm in the Dryden Village Hall (map) for a public information session about the purchase of land for a new Town Hall and other possible...

Posted by simon at 7:53 AM

March 2, 2005

Dryden Hotel to reopen soon

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Hotel will reopen sometime around April 1st, after repairs from water damage are completed. Briefly in Tompkins lists several upcoming Dryden events: The Dryden Town Board will be meeting tonight at 7:00pm...

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

March 1, 2005

Ithaca schools budget

Today's Ithaca Journal is practically silent on Dryden news. There's a discussion of the Ithaca school budget proposal to be unveiled tonight, which affects part of the town, but that's about it....

Posted by simon at 7:49 AM

February 28, 2005

Chicks Ride over Dryden

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

February 26, 2005

Dryden man helps free kidnapped Egyptians

Sergeant Matthew Cornell, who graduated from Dryden High School in 2002, helped rescue two Eqyptian technicians from kidnappers in Iraq on February 7th. Two of the three men who fled the vehicle were captured. The Journal has a long piece...

Posted by simon at 7:56 AM

February 25, 2005

Dryden superintendent writes on schools' mission

On the opinion page of today's Ithaca Journal, Dryden Superintendent of Schools Mark Crawford writes about the changing mission of schools and the challenges of living up to it. Crawford writes of Dryden: I would also like to mention that...

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

February 24, 2005

Remembering Bret Neff

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a candlelight vigil and dedication of a memorial for Bret Neff, the Harford firefighter who lost his life at a fire in Slaterville last year. The Slaterville Volunteer Fire Company, which also covers the...

Posted by simon at 7:55 AM

February 23, 2005

Library questions

This morning's Ithaca Journal takes a look at library funding issues, noting that the Tompkins County Public Library is seeking help from the Ithaca and Lansing school districts through a referendum. Dryden's Southworth Library seems likely to have unique status...

Posted by simon at 8:57 AM

February 22, 2005

Local fire departments busy

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that local fire companies had a lot of work this weekend. A three-car accident brought out the McLean and Freeville fire departments, as well as Dryden Ambulance and the New York State Police. A house...

Posted by simon at 8:59 AM

February 19, 2005

Trash collector injured

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Albert Miller, a trash collector was injured on West Dryden Road early on Thursday. The Freeville Fire Department and Dryden ambulance responded, and Miller was taken by helicoper to Arnot-Ogden hospital in Elmira. Briefly...

Posted by simon at 7:35 AM

February 18, 2005

Hearing on Comprehensive Plan

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on last night's hearing on the revised Draft Comprehensive Plan. Residents expressed concern, and some hope, about changes that would eventually come to their neighborhood, and as the article notes, the Dryden Lake area was...

Posted by simon at 8:06 AM

February 17, 2005

Lane proposes three-year assessment cycle

Dryden County Legislator Mike Lane is cited in this morning's Ithaca Journal as saying "he wants the Legislature to vote on changing the cycle to every three years, a move he proposed twice last year but was shot down both...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

February 16, 2005

Welsh ponies, free tax prep

In this morning's Ithaca Journal, Cathy Wakeman's Dryden Town Talk takes a look at Welsh pony trainer Amy Schwartz and rider Junelle King, National Grand Champion of the United States Equestrian Foundation Welsh Pony Division. Schwartz is raising 30 ponies...

Posted by simon at 8:26 AM

February 15, 2005

Ithaca schools redistricting

Today's Ithaca Journal is the quietest for Dryden news I've seen in a while. About all there is is mention of a hearing on Ithaca School District elementary redistricting tonight from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the district's administration building (map)....

Posted by simon at 8:08 AM

February 14, 2005

Child seat help at State Trooper barracks

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that New York State Police are offering inspection and help with child restraint seats at their barracks on Route 13 in Dryden tomorrow from 3:30pm to 6:00pm. State law will be changing March 27th: The...

Posted by simon at 8:08 AM

February 12, 2005

Dryden Family Medicine founder passes away suddenly

Most of the news section in today's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden, but an obituary stands out. 81-year-old Dr. John Ferger, who had founded Dryden Family Medicine in 1955 and worked there since, died suddenly yesterday after spending "the...

Posted by simon at 9:54 AM

February 11, 2005

Town Board meeting, Freeville perspectives

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on last night's Town Board meeting. They lead with the question of the purchase of land for the new Town Hall, writing that: In an unexpected move, the Dryden Town Board went into executive session...

Posted by simon at 8:59 AM

Etna Chocolate Festival

I forgot to mention one item in yesterday's Ithaca Journal, and it seems worth noting in a separate story. The Best Bets listing included this entry: Etna Chocolate Festival -- Featuring locally made chocolate and door prizes, proceeds go to...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

February 10, 2005

Dryden resident profiled for Ithaca police work

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a profile and picture of Peter "Pete" Tyler, "the first African-American in IPD to reach the rank of sergeant." Tyler is a member of the Ithaca Police Department SWAT team, as well as a member...

Posted by simon at 8:09 AM

February 9, 2005

Annexation possibilities

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on last night's public meeting to discuss the possible annexation of an area north of Dryden to the Village. Dryden Mutual Insurance has applied to be annexed to the Village, and there are large questions...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

February 8, 2005

Profile of TC coordinator, ICSD redistricting

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a profile of TC3 multicultural coordinator Jean D'Arc Kakusu Campbell, exploring how a man born in the Democratic Republic of Congo came to Dryden "to make TC3 a place that embraces and celebrates every culture."...

Posted by simon at 7:27 AM

February 7, 2005

Ticketing may push dog park development

The only explicit mention of Dryden in today's Ithaca Journal is in a report on recent ticketing of dog walkers at Allen Treman State Park who were allowing their dogs off-leash mentions the prospect of a dog park at the...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

February 5, 2005

Eight square schoolhouse

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

February 4, 2005

Possible dog park in Dryden?

I don't often find news in the paper that would make my dogs happy, but today they're lucky: the Journal reports that the Tompkins County SPCA is considering creating an off-leash dog park on 12 acres of its own land....

Posted by simon at 8:21 AM

February 3, 2005

Final suspect convicted of kidnapping

This morning's Journal reports that Mao-Sheng Lin was convicted of kidnapping in a robbery of the Song Tao restaurant in November 2003. Lin had disappeared after posting $200,000 in bail and was returned from Texas in November 2004. Two other...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

February 2, 2005

Village trustee races, cub scouts

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Village of Dryden will have a contested race for Village Trustee on March 15th. Jerry Carbo will be running as a Democrat against incumbent Republicans Robert Witty and Mark Strom. Carbo, 32, makes...

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

February 1, 2005

Delay in Town Hall land purchase

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that negotiations with ELM Acquisition Corporation for land for a new town hall have been delayed because of a "small glitch." The negotiations are still proceeding: Steve Trumbull, the town supervisor, said the town board...

Posted by simon at 7:29 AM

January 31, 2005

Apprenticeships, Fall Creek

In today's Journal, Dryden resident Michael Creasy questions why building contractors wouldn't want to have apprenticeship programs in response to an earlier letter. Downstream of Dryden, Fall Creek has started to recede after flooding this weekend, and there's a picture...

Posted by simon at 8:10 AM

January 29, 2005

Fall Creek flooding basements

While there's no mention of flooding in Dryden, water coming from Dryden is causing problems at Ithaca High School and Ithaca's Fall Creek neighborhood. The flooding is a combination of conditions in Cayuga Lake and conditions in the Fall Creek...

Posted by simon at 10:23 AM

January 28, 2005

Dryden schools consider fiber-optic line

This morning's Journal looks at a proposal to connect Dryden to fiber-optic lines for distance learning possibilities, and notes the resignation of Debra Cox, who is leaving her position as principal of Dryden Primary School for a job in the...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

January 27, 2005

Dryden opinions

Two Dryden residents write to express their opinions in today's Ithaca Journal. Peter Davies writes a guest column encouraging the Ithaca City School District to support rowing as a sport. Maureen Brull writes expressing her concern about Americans' "arrogant use...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

January 26, 2005

Horses killed in accident on 38

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on an accident which killed two horses which wandered on to Route 38 Sunday night. The Dryden Fire Department replied, and the vehicle involved was towed away, but the people involved weren't injured. Briefly in...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

January 25, 2005

Beyond Measure on "Best of High School A Cappella 2005"

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden High School a cappella ensemble Beyond Measure has a song, "Fever," on a collection CD, "Best of High School A Cappella 2005." The CD is not yet available, bit should be out...

Posted by simon at 8:48 AM

January 24, 2005

Windmills, weather, and wish lists

This morning's Journal mentions a project I've heard rumored but not seen in print, the possibility of Cornell setting up windmills in Dryden and elsewhere in Tompkins County. The University is doing tests now in Dryden, "though Joyce declined to...

Posted by simon at 7:43 AM

January 22, 2005

Dryden quiet as storm approaches

There's not a lot of Dryden-specific news in today's Journal, though there's plenty of news that affects us. We'll be sharing in the weekend forecast of snow and cold, and the current winter storm warning claims: SNOW WILL SPREAD ACROSS...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

January 21, 2005

Letters from Dryden

Most of the Dryden-specific activity in today's Ithaca Journal is on the opinion page, so I'll start there for the first time in a while. Henry Kramer of Dryden writes to argue that New York (population 19.2 million) follow Connecticut's...

Posted by simon at 7:39 AM

January 20, 2005

ICSD in TC IDA?

County Legislator Mike Lane is quoted in an article on the Ithaca City School District's interest in a seat on the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency board, noting that because the IDA grants tax abatements, "We are directly affected by...

Posted by simon at 12:34 PM

January 19, 2005

Coral reefs in Dryden; Foundation of Light

In this morning's Journal, Cathy Wakeman's Town Talk column visits a local business that grows coral, Reef Encounters. As Wakeman notes, their photo section is especially stunning, especially on a cold January day. Wakeman also mentions a a 4-H spaghetti...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

January 18, 2005

Winter weather woes

The cold and snow are taking their toll on local driving. This morning's Journal reports 43 accident reports by 6:50pm yesterday, though none of them were fatal. A look at this morning's radar shows snow in a narrow diagonal strip...

Posted by simon at 8:16 AM

January 17, 2005

Ithaca schools find outside funding

It's a quiet day for Dryden news, but the Journal has a few stories that affect parts of Dryden. The Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) reports having raised $94,917 to support programs in the Ithaca City School District. You can...

Posted by simon at 8:05 AM

January 15, 2005

Gay marriage suit, prescription cards

Freeville residents Terri Niedzialek and Nancy Chapman attended a State Supreme Court hearing on the suit by 25 same-sex couples that seeks to remove New York State's limitation of marriage to a man and a woman. Hospital issues motivated them:...

Posted by simon at 9:59 AM

January 14, 2005

Town buys land for town hall, possibly recreation

This morning's Journal follows up yesterday's articles on reasons to buy land for a new Town Hall with a report that the Town Board voted last night to approve it. I'll have more detail on the conversation about this issue...

Posted by simon at 4:08 AM

January 13, 2005

Land purchase on tonight's Town Board agenda

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the space shortage in Dryden Town Hall and a possible land purchase to build a new one which will be discussed at tonight's 7:00pm board meeting. They have a nice collection of pictures illustrating...

Posted by simon at 7:48 AM

January 12, 2005

Events, ICSD special education

Today's Ithaca Journal Our Towns section mostly focuses on the other towns that share Wednesday, but the Briefly in Dryden section mentions two upcoming events: TC3 will be holding Alumni Fun Day on February 5th, and free tickets are available...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

January 11, 2005

ICSD Special education, state issues

There isn't much specific to Dryden in today's Ithaca Journal, but there is plenty of new that affects Dryden or some part of it. The Ithaca City School District will be reviewing a report on its special education programs tonight....

Posted by simon at 8:57 AM

January 10, 2005

After school in McLean; tax issues

This morning's Ithaca Journal looks at a new after-school program in McLean, giving kids more to do in the hamlet. Lack of transportation keeps kids in the area after school, and there isn't a place for kids to hang out...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

January 8, 2005

Ringwood Road fire

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a photo of Varna and Dryden firefighters putting out a fire at a workshop on Ringwood Road yesterday. Briefly in Tompkins mentions the Dryden Senior Citizens' meeting and lunch at the Dryden Fire Hall this...

Posted by simon at 9:16 AM

January 7, 2005

Etna fire coverage, schools out yesterday

Today's Ithaca Journal provides more information on the Etna fire coverage agreement that was discussed at Tuesday's Town Board meeting. The article looks at the agreement between the four Dryden fire departments as well as the new Mobile Response Vehicle...

Posted by simon at 7:53 AM

January 6, 2005

Weather, State of the State

I was hoping to be in Albany today for a rally on reform, but the weather kept me home, so the Ithaca Journal's focus on the weather and Governor Pataki's State of the State address will have to do. The...

Posted by simon at 8:57 AM

January 5, 2005

Montessori School, Varna Fire Company profile

In this morning's Ithaca Journal, Cathy Wakeman looks at the opening of the Integrative Montessori Nursery School, which will be having an open house Friday through Sunday: The public is invited to visit and learn about this new classroom at...

Posted by simon at 8:52 AM

January 4, 2005

New BOCES head, county legislator salaries

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES has named Ellen O'Donnell as its new superintendent. O'Donnell is currently the superintendent of the Chenango Forks Central School District. An article on Tioga County notes that renewing your car registration by...

Posted by simon at 8:57 AM

January 3, 2005

Taxes around the county

The only explicit mention of Dryden in today's Journal is a quote from County Legislator Mike Lane, in an article about town and county tax bills going up, mostly showing an increase: "I think we did a lot better than...

Posted by simon at 8:02 AM

January 1, 2005

Car chase in Dryden

This morning's Journal reports on a car chase that started near the intersection of Route 34B and Sheldon Road when the Dryden Village Police tried to stop a white Toyota pickup, which turned out to be unregistered. The driver took...

Posted by simon at 9:58 AM

December 31, 2004

Neptune fire department member receives award

The year seems to be going out quietly for Dryden. Today's Journal does mention Dryden a few times, though. Mike Hall of the Dryden Fire Department received the Ithaca Rescue Steamer and Chemical Co. No. 2's Chuckie Fletcher Award, "given...

Posted by simon at 9:35 AM

December 30, 2004

TC3 professor and husband injured in tsunami

TC3 Communications and Media Arts professor Christine Xaver and her husband Scott Weatherby, also a TC3 employee, were both injured in Sunday's tsunami. The couple was vacationing in Thailand while their son attended boxing camp. The Journal also published an...

Posted by simon at 9:56 AM

December 29, 2004

Pay raises, energy choices

In this morning's Ithaca Journal, Dryden County Legislator Mike Lane argues for lower pay raises than those supported in a competing plan: "Legislators work hard," Lane said. "You can't expect them to work for nothing. On the other hand, we...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

December 28, 2004

Freeville pancakes, ICSD redistricting

The only Dryden-specific event mentioned in today's Ithaca Journal is a listing for a pancake breakfast at the Freeville Fire Station, to be held Sunday, January 2nd, from 8:00am to 11:00am. All of the Dryden fire departments, along with others...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

December 27, 2004

Airport, TCAT issues

There isn't much news specific to Dryden today, but there's county news that could definitely affect getting in and out of Dryden. TCAT avoided a fare increase this year but is watching next year closely, while the airport is trying...

Posted by simon at 9:02 AM

December 25, 2004

Visiting Michelle Griffin

This morning's Journal visits Michelle Griffin, widow of Air Force Staff Sgt. Patrick Griffin, who was killed in the invasion of Iraq last year. Michelle, a Dryden native, may return here from Florida eventually: Someday, she may move back to...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

December 24, 2004

Privatizing the Inaugural

It's a very quiet day in the Ithaca Journal, but there's a letter from Katie Quinn-Jacobs of Dryden that hopes "every citizen in this 'democracy' becomes aware of the true cost, in terms of our civil rights, what guaranteeing a...

Posted by simon at 11:29 AM

December 23, 2004

Pipe leak damages Dryden Hotel

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Hotel, rebuilt after a 1995 fire, suffered significant damage when a sprinkler pipe froze and leaked. The sprinkler system's apparent evacuation called Dryden firefighters, who turned off the sprinkler system and evacuated...

Posted by simon at 9:50 AM

December 22, 2004

Victorian Christmas, Kitchen Cupboard

This morning's Ithaca Journal catches up to the Victorian Christmas event the Village of Dryden held December 3rd, exploring how it and the wreaths along West Main Street came about. Cathy Wakeman celebrates a warm fire and a cup of...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

December 21, 2004

TC3 water clear

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that no contaminants were found in TC3's water supply after a break-in last week. Initial testing had been negative, but these are more complete results. At the county level, the Civil Service Employees Assocation (CSEA)...

Posted by simon at 8:12 AM

December 20, 2004

Elementary play, fire safety

This morning's Ithaca Journal online seems a bit scrambled, with headlines and stories fitting a bit more loosely than usual. This Week lists a performance of "The Mitten" at Freeville Elementary School tomorrow, December 21st at 7:00pm. The Journal continues...

Posted by simon at 8:48 AM

December 18, 2004

Dryden political opinions

This morning's Ithaca Journal is light on Dryden news but has two letters from Dryden residents. Stephen Prentice of Freeville writes to complain that: "It seems that the press believes that the hundreds of thousands of complaints filed by outraged...

Posted by simon at 8:07 AM

December 17, 2004

Break-in at TC3 water tower

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on an intrusion at a water tower at Tompkins-Cortland Community College. Initial testing found no contaminants, but they're waiting for further results. The Journal has a piece on fire safety and the elderly and a...

Posted by simon at 8:16 AM

December 16, 2004

Car fires and wood stoves

It continues to be one of the quietest weeks for Dryden news I've seen in a while. Maybe everyone has been completely focused on the holidays? There was a car fire on Route 13 just west of Dryden, near the...

Posted by simon at 8:00 AM

December 15, 2004

Holiday party, youth sports, optimism for local economy

It's been a quiet week in Dryden, but the Journal reports that the Varna Community Association will be ending that week with a holiday party for kids, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday in the Varna Community Center (map). Also,...

Posted by simon at 8:54 AM

December 14, 2004

Wells fight continues for Freeville student

This morning's Ithaca Journal quotes Railey Savage, a 19-year-old from Freeville, in an article on the legal fight to keep Wells College from going co-ed. Savage wants to keep Wells a women's college because it is: "populated by strong women...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

December 13, 2004

Helicopter inspections

There's very little specific to Dryden in today's Ithaca Journal, but Briefly in Tompkins notes that NYSEG will be conducting helicopter-based inspections of their high-power lines (and we have many of those) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and possibly Thursday. On the...

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

December 11, 2004

Two laurels

It's a quiet day for Dryden news. Today's Ithaca Journal just includes a few Dryden-related laurels. One thanks the people who rescued Sam Walcott from under tons of salt, and the other is from Linda Wagenet of Dryden, thanking "many...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

December 10, 2004

Etna Fire Department discussion

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the decision last night not to send the Etna Fire Department its 2004 contract yet. Fire issues were a large part of last night's town meeting, and I'll be reporting more on that part...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

December 9, 2004

County budget; schoolbuses

It's a quiet day for Dryden in the Ithaca Journal. There's an odd short recap of Tuesday's county budget vote that seems to repeat yesterday's article on the budget. I did talk with County Legislator Michael Lane yesterday, and he...

Posted by simon at 8:41 AM

December 8, 2004

Victorian Festival; physical therapy; jail voted down

Cathy Wakeman's describes last Friday's Victorian Winter Festival and provides a list of holiday events yet to come in today's Ithaca Journal. There's also a profile of Freeville physical therapist Richard Weiner, looking at a class he taught in Ithaca...

Posted by simon at 8:52 AM

December 7, 2004

Dryden resident arrested at Pyramid Mall; jail vote tonight

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the quick thinking of an off-duty sheriff's deputy that led to the arrest of a Dryden teen for the theft of $53 from the Santa Claus photo booth at Pyramid Mall. The County Legislature...

Posted by simon at 8:51 AM

December 6, 2004

Deer on the march

Dryden's number of accidents involving deer is up to nine this year from three last year, though it isn't clear if this year is high or last year was low. On the opinion page, Edward Marx,Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning,...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

December 4, 2004

Drug busts, wood stove safety, jail

The Monitor reports on two cocaine busts in Dryden, one tied to an arrest earlier this week, and one marijuana arrest. The Journal has an article on the fatal fire in Slaterville this past week, exploring safety measures needed to...

Posted by simon at 9:34 AM

December 3, 2004

Passing schoolbuses; school assault

There's not a lot of Dryden news in this morning's Journal. Dryden school bus driver Becky Colbert writes about a large problem on her route along Route 13 from Irish Settlement Road to Pinckney Road. Motorists keep driving through her...

Posted by simon at 8:21 AM

December 2, 2004

Education money questions

The announcement earlier this week that a court-appointed panel would require the state spend $23 billion more on New York City schools has created all kinds of questions, including where the money will come from and whether poor rural districts...

Posted by simon at 7:42 AM

December 1, 2004

Nearby trains

Wednesdays are usually pretty busy days for Dryden in the Ithaca Journal because of the Our Towns section, but this week's news there is mostly of Groton and Caroline. There is a piece on trains in Caroline, including some discussion...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

November 30, 2004

Dryden-Freeville trail update

Today's Ithaca Journal provides an update on plans for the trail from the Village of Dryden to Freeville. Environmental Planner Debbie Gross talks about hiring a contractor and the early planning. Trail landowner Warren Van Pelt talks about his concerns,...

Posted by simon at 7:32 AM

November 29, 2004

FEMA restores funding

The Ithaca Journal reports this morning (as I reported Thursday) that FEMA has decided to restore the $170,000 in funding they had removed because they claimed the project had changed since it was authorized. The McLean Fire Department has purchased...

Posted by simon at 8:55 AM

November 27, 2004

State budget and TC3

Today's Journal reports on Governor Pataki's apparently sustained veto of $325,000 in aid to TC3. The article left me wondering if the college aid was included in a list of vetoes the Senate couldn't override because the Assembly hadn't overridden...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

November 26, 2004

Varna cleanup in progress

After an article earlier this week that mentioned the uncertain status of a gas spill at Varna Auto Works, the Journal has an update that talks with the owners about the status of the cleanup. Varna Auto is investing over...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

November 25, 2004

Indictment, outage

Today's Ithaca Journal reports on the indictment of a Lower Creek Road man for DWI and vehicular manslaughter in an accident last June on Fall Creek Road. A power line break along the Town of Dryden/Town of Ithaca line blacked...

Posted by simon at 7:40 AM

November 24, 2004

Eagle Scout project at DVMH; Victorian Winter Festival coming

This morning's Ithaca Journal is pretty well packed with news about and surrounding Dryden. Cathy Wakeman's Town Talk column looks at Eagle Scout Christopher Ackley's project, rebuilding the east entrance on the Dryden Veterans Memorial Home. Wakeman also offers a...

Posted by simon at 8:28 AM

November 23, 2004

Suspect returned to Dryden

There's lots of news about Dryden in today's Journal. As they alluded on Saturday, the Journal reports that robbery suspect Mao Sheng Lin has been returned from Houston to Ithaca to face trial for a November 2003 robbery at the...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

November 22, 2004

Boxes of Joy

Today's Ithaca Journal has a picture of children packing gifts at the Bethel Grove Bible Church for the Operation Christmas Child program of Samaritan's Purse. An Etna resident, Susan Morse, and her dogs Kiss and Whisper, are noted in K-9...

Posted by simon at 7:53 AM

November 20, 2004

Thanks for flu clinic; suspect returned; inspiration

There are two Laurels in today's Journal about the flu clinic that Tompkins County held at the Hanshaw Road Armory on November 10th. Joan Hogan of Trumansburg thanks Alice Cole of the county health department for the clinic, while Cole...

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

November 19, 2004

Dryden quiet, county busy

There's not much directly about Dryden in today's Ithaca Journal, but there's plenty about issues that affect Dryden. They've published a list of TC3 students receiving scholarships, including several from Freeville and Dryden. Negotiations between TCAT and its unions, required...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

November 18, 2004

Cortland accident, county jail, state reform

While I'm grateful that there haven't been many accidents inside Dryden lately, there seem to be more and more nearby. Yesterday, Dryden rescue workers were among those responding to tractor-trailer crash on Route 13 in Cortland that left one of...

Posted by simon at 9:51 AM

November 17, 2004

McLean activity

Today's Ithaca Journal has lots of news about McLean, a hamlet that crosses the Groton/Dryden town line. McLean residents are working on new activities for youth, preferably run by teens themselves. There's also an article on Turtle Dreams, a bed...

Posted by simon at 9:13 AM

November 16, 2004

Dryden legislators disagree on jail

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the thorny issue of building a new jail may cause large problems for the budget. While no one, including the Journal's editorial, is happy with the New York State Commission of Corrections insistence that...

Posted by simon at 7:52 AM

November 15, 2004

Quiet weekend on Dryden

The only mention I can find of Dryden in today's Ithaca Journal comes in an editorial congratulating the Dryden boys' soccer team for winning a sectional championship November 6th. There's also a piece from Ithaca City School District Superintendent Judith...

Posted by simon at 7:42 AM

November 13, 2004

Railroading on the Auburn Division

Today's Ithaca Journal includes an article by John Marcham on the history of the Lehigh Valley's Auburn Division, giving a brief overview of many lines, including the ones that crisscrossed Dryden. The History Center of Tompkins County has just published...

Posted by simon at 8:21 AM

November 12, 2004

Etna Fire Company issues

The Ithaca Journal reports this morning on last night's Town Board meeting, focusing on board members' growing concern with the reponse times of the Etna Fire Company. The board approved contracts for other departments, but not for Etna. The article...

Posted by simon at 8:05 AM

November 11, 2004

Flu shots and prescription cards

County health officials distributed 1500 doses of flu vaccine yesterday at the Armory on Hanshaw Road, and are waiting for another 350 doses from the state. Tompkins County's prescription drug discount card will be arriving in January 2005, giving residents...

Posted by simon at 8:31 AM

November 10, 2004

Visiting the Crackerman of Etna

Today's Ithaca Journal Our Towns section visits the Crackerman of Etna, a baking business run by John and Beverly Bender of Etna. They've revived old-style crackers, and bake them in their house, a real cottage industry. If you want to...

Posted by simon at 8:30 AM

November 9, 2004

Dryden school audit clean

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Dryden Central School District got good marks in an audit, and that the board is looking at academic intervention support and energy management. The Journal also takes a look at TC3's alcohol awareness programs...

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

November 8, 2004

Veterans' parade, accident

There isn't much specifically about Dryden today in the Ithaca Journal, though there are a few articles which come close to the town's borders. There's a picture of McLean resident Margie Albern and her grandchildren in an article on the...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

November 6, 2004

Kitchen cupboard, laurel, election

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Tompkins County Kitchen Cupboard programs, including one in Dryden, looking at where they get their food and funding and the services they provide. On the opinion page, there's a Laurel from Laurie Schutt of...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

November 5, 2004

Flu shots at the Armory

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the county will be distributing flu shots at the National Guard Armory on Hanshaw Road (map). The county will be screening people to make sure they live in Tompkins County, for medical reasons not...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

November 4, 2004

Apprenticeships, Veteran's Day

Yesterday was a fairly quiet day in Dryden. The county legislature approved requiring apprenticeship programs of its contractors by a 9-5 vote. County Legislator Michael Lane is quoted at the end of the article supporting the measure, though they don't...

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

November 3, 2004

Elections, budget

Much of the Journal's coverage today is about yesterday's elections. They lead their local coverage with a piece on the defeat of the OTB referendum, which quotes Bruce Drowne of Dryden as supporting the measure. There's also an article on...

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

November 2, 2004

Election news, bookkeeper sentencing

There's lots of news about today's election in the Journal, including general instructions for voting and a list of election-day dinners including the one at the Dryden United Methodist Church. The Journal takes a look at how Tompkins County residents...

Posted by simon at 7:20 AM

November 1, 2004

Election day polls, dinners

While the Ithaca Journal seems to have finished with local opinion about the election on Saturday, there's still a lot of detail about election mechanics in today's paper. The number of absentee ballots, military ballots, and ballots for citizens living...

Posted by simon at 7:20 AM

October 30, 2004

Dryden firefighters to receive awards today

At halftime during today's Cornell-Princeton football game, a number of fire fighters from the Town of Dryden and Bangs Ambulance will be receiving awards: Captain Ken Vorstadt of Neptune Hose Company will be receiving the Firefighter of the Year award....

Posted by simon at 7:53 AM

October 29, 2004

Heating aid, county budget, opinions

There's not much Dryden news in today's Journal, but there's a fair amount that applies to Dryden in some way. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is starting up again for the winter, and the Tompkins County Office for the...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

October 28, 2004

Ellis Hollow silt, county planning

This morning's Ithaca Journal takes a look at the silt problems in Ellis Hollow that came up at this month's Town Board meeting. Jennie Daley talks with residents near the intersection of Turkey Hill, Ellis Hollow and Quarry Roads about...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

October 27, 2004

New assistant principal

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Edmund Walsh has been named assistant principal of Dryden Middle School, a newly created post. Walsh has taught English in the district for 25 years. On the now-shrunken Our Towns page, Cathy Wakeman reports...

Posted by simon at 8:46 AM

October 26, 2004

OTB in Tompkins?

Today's Ithaca Journal looks at the proposition to allow Off-Track Betting in Tompkins County that is on next Tuesday's ballot. They've had two opinion pieces on the subject in the last few weeks. This is the one part of next...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

October 23, 2004

Stone Circle School, letters

Today's Ithaca Journal is pretty quiet about Dryden. It notes today's Stone Circle School open-house from 1:00 to 3:00pm today (map), and there's a dart from Murray Cohen, who writes "The world might be better off without Saddam but it...

Posted by simon at 11:52 AM

October 22, 2004

Village of Dryden projects

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on last night's Village of Dryden Board of Trustees meeting. The Trustees discussed possible grants for housing rehabilitation, sorting out issues with the Town regarding the Cortland Road Sewer District, and Christmas decorations. (The decorations...

Posted by simon at 8:17 AM

October 20, 2004

New Dryden Intermediate principal, gift box drive

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on Sandra Sherwood, the new Dryden Intermediate School principal, who came to Dryden from Marathon this September. In the Our Towns section, there's a report (with complete directions for how to participate) on the "Home...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

October 19, 2004

Sample ballot, and other politics

Today's Ithaca Journal notes that sample ballots are available from the Tompkins County Board of Elections. The Dryden ballot can be viewed online here (46KB PDF). There's an article on a variety of web sites pushing reform of New York...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

October 16, 2004

County budget sorting out

The county budget is coming to a conclusion, but it sounds like a muddle. Capital spending issues, especially for the jail and highways, drove the budget beyond the 3% levy increase cap. $48,000 for a half-time prosecutor, which seems to...

Posted by simon at 9:39 AM

October 15, 2004

Dryden budget; Miller visit tomorrow

Ithaca Journal reporter Jennie Daley provides details on a subject that wasn't addressed directly at last night's meeting: the budget, and a likely 7% tax levy increase. Highway equipment, recreation, and a decline in state and federal aid are all...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

October 14, 2004

Political days

As we get closer to the election, more and more of the news is political. The Journal today mentions Congressional candidate Jeff Miller's stop in Ithaca this coming Saturday, October 16th, at 2:00pm in the Mural Lounge in the Clinton...

Posted by simon at 8:35 AM

October 13, 2004

Swimming in Dryden; voter registration up

Cathy Wakeman reports on the Dryden Aquatic Racing Team (DART), a competitive swimming program held at the Dryden High School Pool from 6:30 to 8:00pm four nights a week. She also notes that Friday will be busy at Dryden High...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

October 11, 2004

Energy costs, environmental committees

This morning's Journal has very little specific to Dryden, but does include an article on a subject that affects us and a letter from the town on that subject: energy. Last week, the Journal published an article on a 15%...

Posted by simon at 8:05 AM

October 9, 2004

County highway funding, accident laurel

County Legislator Martha Robertson is quoted in this morning's Ithaca Journal opposing a defeated motion to add $418,000 to the County Highway Department budget. The Journal notes that the "proposal failed by a 6-5 vote with four legislators absent," but...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

October 8, 2004

Registration, TC3 scholarships, letters

The Ithaca Journal seems to have found yesterday a quiet day for Dryden. I didn't see anyone from the papers at last night's Town Hall with Senator Seward. WHCU was there interviewing him, but I don't see a piece on...

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

October 7, 2004

Tomorrow last day for voter registration

Tomorrow, October 8th, is the last day to register to vote in the November general election in New York State. If you haven't registered yet, you can go to the Board of Elections office (map) until Friday at 5:00pm. Mailed-in...

Posted by simon at 8:31 AM

October 6, 2004

Learning to ride the bus

Today's Ithaca Journal includes a story about Freeville Elementary School students learning about bus-riding etiquette while also getting a dose of local history and nature and visiting a farm. Local artist Pam Beck created the characters of frog Freeville Freddy,...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

October 5, 2004

Dryden graduate in Wells College protest

Several stories in this morning's Ithaca Journal touch on Dryden, so I'll start with a mention I didn't expect to see, given the article's setting up Cayuga Lake in Aurora. The Journal's contact among students protesting Wells College trustees decision...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

October 4, 2004

Selling anti-depressants in school

This morning's Ithaca Journal is pretty quiet about Dryden, with the first mention of Dryden in the Monitor. A 15-year-old girl at Dryden High School was selling prescription drugs to other students, and she and a 14-year-old customer were arrested...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

October 2, 2004

Fire funds division approved

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the chiefs of the four Dryden fire companies have sorted out how to spend out-of-state insurance funds. The Neptune Hose Company will get 32 percent of the money, Varna Volunteer Fire Company and W.B....

Posted by simon at 5:19 PM

October 1, 2004

Keeping farms alive; McLean crossing guard

Today's Ithaca Journal explores the many issues around land-use planning and agriculture in Dryden. The article looks at farmers' concerns about disappearing ag land, their financial needs, and different possible ways of addressing the issue. There's also an article on...

Posted by simon at 5:37 PM

September 30, 2004

Varna BBQ Saturday, Dryden opinions

Dryden news today is light, peaking with an announcement that the Varna Community Association will be selling chicken halves for $4 each on Saturday, starting at noon at the Varna Community Center (map). In county news, legislators voted themselves a...

Posted by simon at 10:46 AM

September 29, 2004

Eagle Scout project success; county budget hike

In today's Dryden Town Talk, Cathy Wakeman reports that Adam Pamel's Eagle Scout project, raising money for school supplies for 33 children, was a success. Pamel set up collection boxes, held a car wash, and was noticed by Cayuga's Helping...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

September 28, 2004

Meet Dryden Superintendent Mark Crawford tonight

This morning's Journal looks at last night's Dryden School Board meeting. The Board appointed Amanda Kittelberger to the seat Tricia Edgecomb resigned, and worked on annual goals, the strategic planning committee, and the public relations committee. Following state mandates, they...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

September 27, 2004

Vietnam politics

It's another quiet day for Dryden news. The only Dryden-specific item in today's Ithaca Journal is a letter from Dryden resident Steve Scott defending President Bush on both his recent statements about John Kerry's service in Vietnam and Bush's service...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

September 26, 2004

A bigger Town Hall would be nice

The Town Board met Friday at 8:30am. Because court was in session, the board met in the Zoning Officer's office. It was a little crowded, and the picture doesn't even show two more of us who were in there. Town...

Posted by simon at 6:33 PM

September 25, 2004

New Recreation Coordinator

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on yesterday's Town Board meeting, noting the appointment of a new Recreation Coordinator, Jennifer Staton. (The Journal says "Stanton", but I'm pretty certain I saw "Staton" on the papers yesterday.) Outgoing Recreation Coordinator Jennifer Glaab,...

Posted by simon at 9:38 AM

September 24, 2004

Raptors across town line

I couldn't find much on Dryden in today's Ithaca Journal, but they did have an article about Cornell getting approval to build a raptor barn in their poultry complex on the western (Ithaca) side of Game Farm Road. It sounds...

Posted by simon at 6:00 PM

September 23, 2004

Quiet in day in Dryden, county news

This week continues to be a quiet one for Dryden-specific news, but there's a fair amount of county news that affects Dryden. The Tompkins County Municipal Officers Association will be having a forum on county government, with a focus on...

Posted by simon at 9:26 AM

September 22, 2004

TC3 hiring; County approves jail expansion planning

The Wednesday Ithaca Journal isn't what it used to be. As I noted last week, the Our Towns page is shrinking. Ads eat half the page, the demographic chart is gone, and one of the columns is on the other...

Posted by simon at 9:51 AM

September 21, 2004

Jail choice tonight

Dryden news is mostly quiet today, but the county is poised to make a $19.96 million (or $2.13 million) decision tonight: what to do about the county jail. The more expensive option will expand the jail to 136 beds, while...

Posted by simon at 8:48 AM

September 18, 2004

Fire funds questions; Church celebrates 200 years

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that questions about what constitutes an 'active member' are delaying the distribution of foreign fire insurance money. State law requires that the money, which comes from out-of-state insurance carriers covering property in Dryden, be distributed...

Posted by simon at 9:28 AM

September 17, 2004

Dryden Grange outlives most local Granges

An Ithaca Journal article on a celebration of 100 years of the Tompkins County Pomona Grange discusses how only two of its founding nineteen local granges still exist: Enfield Valley and Dryden. The Ithaca City School District is studying why...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

September 16, 2004

Dryden school board approves teachers' contract

It looks like the contract negotiations in the Dryden Central School District have finally reached a positive conclusion, as the school board voted unanimously to approve the contract that teachers approved September 2nd. Meanwhile, in the Ithaca District, negotiations with...

Posted by simon at 12:41 PM

September 15, 2004

Boehlert wins Republican primary

Today's Ithaca Journal reports that Sherwood Boehlert defeated David Walrath by 20,365 to 14,741. In Tompkins County, the vote was 919 for Boehlert to 613 for Walrath. In the general election, Boehlert will face Walrath, who has the Conservative line,...

Posted by simon at 4:48 PM

September 14, 2004

Republican primary today

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on today's Congressional primary between Sherwood Boehlert and David Walrath. Polls are open today from noon to 9pm. You must be a registered Republican to participate in the primary. On the opinion page, Lily Parsons...

Posted by simon at 9:24 AM

September 13, 2004

Ellis Hollow fair, ICSD redistricting

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the Ellis Hollow Fair, saying: As it has for more than a half century, the second Saturday in September brought legions of locals to the annual fair, with its booths, games and other traditional...

Posted by simon at 10:16 AM

September 11, 2004

Helping after a hurricane

This morning's Journal reports on the return of Dryden resident Frank Palmer and Jill Ferguson from hurricane relief work in Florida. Volunteering with the Red Cross, both went to Florida after Hurricane Charley and "were redeployed when Frances made landfall."...

Posted by simon at 9:46 AM

September 9, 2004

Weather, Reagan

It's a quiet day for Dryden news in Thursday's Journal. Hurricane Frances' remnants are soaking the area, though not producing flooding. There's an article on Ithaca High School's rules for parents opting out of information sharing with military recruiters, which...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

Students back at school

Wednesday morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the return of students to schools. Dryden schools opened Tuesday. The Dryden Recreation Department is hosting fall sports events, including an eight-week field hockey program and the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick contest,...

Posted by simon at 1:13 AM

September 6, 2004

Primary, Lifton

It's a quiet holiday for Dryden news. There is an announcement for next Tuesday's Republican primary, where Congressional incumbent Sherwood Boehlert and challenger David Walrath will face off. On the opinion page, Fred Quinlan of Freeville writes of Assemblywoman Barbara...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

September 4, 2004

Schools watch roofs; county transportation

Dryden appears briefly in this morning's Journal, mentioned once in an article about schools inspecting their roofs after a collapse in Washingtonville, and once in an article on the start of football season. The county is working on a long-range...

Posted by simon at 10:11 AM

September 3, 2004

Dryden teachers approve contract 128-2

Dryden teachers finally have a contract, after working four of the last five years without one. The Dryden Faculty Association (DFA) approved a new contract yesterday, and teachers will start the school year with a contract in place. The Board...

Posted by simon at 7:33 AM

September 2, 2004

New classes at TC3

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on a range of new courses at TC3, from General Genetics to Web Design Solutions to Writing Romance Novel and Other Genre Fiction to Introduction to Sociology. The county's application for a grant to seek...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

September 1, 2004

School renovation costs rise; festivals coming

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that 10 to 15% increases in the cost of materials may force changes in plans for elementary school renovation. The Dryden Central School Board will have to look at a list of options and choose...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

August 31, 2004

Rain damage, forum tonight

Yesterday's heavy rains are a big story in the Ithaca Journal today, with a piece on a rollover on Hanshaw Road caused by flooding, an article on flooding in Groton and throughout the county, and an article that looks at...

Posted by simon at 8:10 AM

August 30, 2004

Dryden Veterans Memorial Home robbed

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Veterans Memorial Home was robbed last weekend. Thieves broke into a video lottery machine and an empty safe, and cut phone lines. Farm disaster aid is available for farmers whose crops were...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

August 28, 2004

Non-profit option for Rec Partnership

It doesn't sound like anything happened in Dryden yesterday, but the Journal reports on another option for the Rec Partnership: forming a non-profit. There's no mention of Dryden's position on this option, but the Caroline, Newfield, and Ulysses town boards...

Posted by simon at 7:31 AM

August 27, 2004

More youth in need of supervision

Judging by the Journal's local news page, yesterday was one of the quietest local news days in a long time. I guess it's August! County Legislator Martha Robertson is cited extensively in a story about the rise in Persons In...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

August 26, 2004

Artists' haven; college veto frustrations

The Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts, on Ellis Hollow Road, gets an Ithaca Journal article about its Artist Colony program today. Five artists at a time spend a month at the colony working on projects. There's more discussion of...

Posted by simon at 8:26 AM

August 25, 2004

$5,000 for Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

August 24, 2004

Crawford starts well; Gingrich to speak for Boehlert

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that new Dryden superintendent Mark Crawford "has made a positive impression in a short time." Crawford made progress quickly in reaching a contract agreement with the Dryden Faculty Association that will be voted on September...

Posted by simon at 8:09 AM

August 21, 2004

Pataki vetoes TC3 expansion funding

Governor Pataki's budget vetoes struck TC3 and Cornell yesterday, as the governor vetoed all capital funds for higher education, including $10.6 million for TC3's expansion and $12 million for Cornell renovations. A legislative override seem uncertain, though there's definitely some...

Posted by simon at 8:14 AM

August 20, 2004

Dryden teachers, district reach agreement

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Central School District and Dryden Faculty Association have reached a tentative four-year agreement. (Because of the delay in reaching a contract, it covers from July 2002 to June 2006.) Teachers will vote...

Posted by simon at 7:40 AM

August 19, 2004

Volunteers needed, budget, TCAT

The most Dryden-specific news in this morning's Ithaca Journal is a notice calling for volunteers to help Project CARE, a volunteer program of the Tompkins County Office for the Aging. There are two opportunities to help people in Freeville and...

Posted by simon at 8:02 AM

August 18, 2004

Willowbrook anniversary, road repair difficulties

It's Wednesday, so the Ithaca Journal's Our Towns section is focusing on Dryden and Groton. This week, there's lots of Dryden news. They lead the Our Towns section with an article on the 25th anniversary of Willowbrook, the senior-citizens' complex...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

August 17, 2004

Community yard sale in Varna, upstate taxes

This morning's Ithaca Journal notes a community yard sale that will be held in Varna on Saturday, August 21st. There will be tables at the Varna Community Center (map) and maps for other local yard sales will be available. There's...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

August 16, 2004

"Ultimutt Makeover" pilot show filmed in Etna

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the shooting of a reality TV pilot show in Etna, as "UltiMutt Makeover" combines home remodeling reality show with pet care. Richard Parker and Nancy Douglas and their St. Bernard, Shasta, have left for...

Posted by simon at 8:35 AM

August 14, 2004

Looking forward to TC3 expansion

The state legislature has approved $10.6 million for TC3 to build a new athletic facility, though Governor Pataki's veto remains a possibility for now. The project overall will cost $23 million, with Tompkins and Cortland counties providing a local share,...

Posted by simon at 9:12 AM

August 13, 2004

Town board meeting, deficits

This morning's Ithaca Journal covers last night's town board meeting, focusing on the well contamination issues. The story also notes one part of the Highway Superintendent's report I'd forgotten: someone is stealing road signs in the northeast corner of the...

Posted by simon at 12:19 PM

August 12, 2004

No Dryden headlines, much Dryden news

There aren't any headlines that mention Dryden in today's Ithaca Journal, but there's lots of news relating to Dryden. There's an article on state aid to local schools that cites Dryden Central School Board President Rachel Dickinson: "Dryden's tax rate...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

August 11, 2004

School numbers arrive, jail numbers don't

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the New York State Legislature has finally passed an education bill, so schools will know their aid levels before they send out tax bills. Dryden will be getting $12.85 million this coming year as...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

August 10, 2004

Smoking, ATVs, Recreation Partnership

This morning's Ithaca Journal doesn't have a lot of news specifically about Dryden, but there's a fair amount that applies to Dryden. County Legislator Mike Lane is quoted asking "How do you weigh the employee health risks vs. the economic...

Posted by simon at 8:18 AM

August 9, 2004

Fingerlakes1.com

I just noticed another news source for the area, though it seems mostly to redirect to a variety of news sources: www.fingerlakes1.com. It seems to be the home site for a network of radio stations, but also includes things like...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

August 7, 2004

School funding uncertainty

Thanks to New York's protracted budget delay, local schools are still wondering what aid they'll be getting as they prepare to set their tax rates. Dryden School Board President Rachel Dickinson and Business Administrator Teresa Carnrike are both quoted in...

Posted by simon at 7:52 AM

August 5, 2004

Congressman Boehlert in Freeville

Congressman Sherwood Boehlert held a forum at Freeville's W. B. Strong Fire Company yesterday, addressing a program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which is set to expire at the end of this year. Boehlert is working on its renewal,...

Posted by simon at 9:24 AM

August 4, 2004

Organic farm research in Freeville

This morning's Ithaca Journal visits the open house at Cornell's Freeville Organic Research Farm, looking at the experiments underway and visitor reactions. Also in Freeville, Congressman Sherwood Boehlert will be hosting a forum on homeland security and first responders at...

Posted by simon at 6:55 AM

August 3, 2004

School lunch price hike

This morning's Ithaca Journal talks about impending increases in school lunch prices as well as additional costs (driven by the increasing cost of steel) for a heating and ventilation system. The Dryden Central School Board will vote on what to...

Posted by simon at 9:26 AM

July 31, 2004

Generator poisons contractors; opinions

Emergency crews responded to a carbon-monoxide poisoning incident in Dryden yesterday after two men were overcome by fumes in a basement where they had set up a generator. On the opinion page, John and Marlene Nardi of Freeville send a...

Posted by simon at 10:21 AM

July 30, 2004

4-H fair; assault at George Jr.

Today's Ithaca Journal has pictures of the 4-H Fair in progress on Lower Creek Road. The Monitor includes news of an assault on a George Jr. Republic employee as well as a DWI. There's also a notice of a poker...

Posted by simon at 11:59 AM

July 28, 2004

Golf course volunteers recognized

This morning's Ithaca Journal has an article on the volunteers keeping the Lakeview Golf Course going. Town Supervisor Steve Trumbull appreciates their efforts: "Those members who are donating time, fully free, mowing the course, mowing the greens, donating money for...

Posted by simon at 11:53 AM

July 27, 2004

And another quiet day in the Journal

Either Dryden is very peaceful lately, or the Journal is saving up time-insensitive Dryden news for tomorrow's Our Towns section. In county news, there's a piece on the new 911 center by the airport in Dryden. The editorial looks at...

Posted by simon at 5:44 AM

July 26, 2004

Quiet day in the Journal

There's very little Dryden news in the Ithaca Journal today - just a notice for the 4-H Youth Fair, which runs from Wednesday July 28th to Saturday July 31st....

Posted by simon at 7:01 AM

July 25, 2004

Catching up with yesterday's Journal

It's a good thing I put up a late-night post that produced an entry for yesterday, as I left at 6:30am for Ottawa, Ontario, to pick up a friend, and wound up returning home after midnight, after my wife drove...

Posted by simon at 3:43 PM

July 23, 2004

Brong pleads guilty; new SPCA leader

The Ithaca Journal reports that former Town of Dryden bookkeeper Liva Brong pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny for depositing an $8,993.42 forged check. The Town is still reviewing its books for last year. Brong will be sentenced October 22nd,...

Posted by simon at 8:36 AM

July 21, 2004

Principal, roads, 2-for-1 cats

Wednesdays are often busy Dryden days in the Ithaca Journal, but today's issue is overflowing. Doug Premo, Dryden Intermediate School Principal for grades three through five, is leaving for a job in Ballston Spa after fifteen months in Dryden. He'll...

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

July 20, 2004

TC3 advocate dies, county and state issues

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the sudden death of Rere Hassett, a professor at TC3 and head of the Public Assistance Comprehensive Employment (PACE) program there. They also report that senior coupon booklets for the Farmers' Market will be...

Posted by simon at 8:20 AM

July 19, 2004

Fishing, opinions

This morning's Ithaca Journal has a picture of nine-year-old Brandon Elia fishing at Dryden Lake as part of the Wal-Mart Kids All American Fishing Derby that was held Saturday. The State Police seem to have been busy along Dryden's borders,...

Posted by simon at 8:02 AM

July 17, 2004

Teachers' contract negotiations, stream monitoring

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that there may be hope for Dryden's stalled teacher's contract negotiations, as new Superintendent Mark Crawford sets up informal meetings and the personnel involved shift. There was a brief mention of a Six Mile Creek...

Posted by simon at 1:40 PM

July 16, 2004

Congressional race shaping up

This morning's Ithaca Journal has two articles on the race for Congress in the 24th District. Democrat Brian Goodell of Lansing has left the race and endorsed Jeff Miller of New Hartford. Meanwhile, Republican incumbent Sherwood Boehlert has raised a...

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

July 15, 2004

School budgets, boards, lots of small news items

The Ithaca Journal has lots of news stories on Dryden today, though Dryden plays only a small part in many of them. On the schools front, Tricia Edgecomb is resigning from the Dryden school board a year into her term....

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

July 14, 2004

Farm walk, abuse charges, more

If you read this in the next hour, you have time to get to a dairy walk at 9am this morning exploring how Lewie and Steve Stuttle "have successfully combined pasturing with high milk production on their farm in Dryden."...

Posted by simon at 8:02 AM

July 13, 2004

Half-timbered house, Fahrenheit 9/11

This morning's Ithaca Journal brings a story of a house on German Cross Road being built of timber, clay, and straw. The foot-thick walls are as insulated as walls using typical 6-inch fiberglass batts. The materials are all local, and...

Posted by simon at 8:17 AM

July 12, 2004

County patrols, OTB, jail, sign thefts

There's very little in today's Ithaca Journal specific to Dryden, but county issues come up. The Journal reports that State Police told the County Legislature Friday that they couldn't easily take over road patrol duties from the Sheriff's Department. Troopers...

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

July 10, 2004

Volunteer fire companies, jail, laurels

Today's Ithaca Journal has a strong focus on volunteer firefighting, with a piece on families volunteering and the difficulties of recruiting volunteers, the latter of which quotes Dryden Chief Ron Flynn about the sign in front of the Neptune station....

Posted by simon at 10:32 AM

July 9, 2004

FEMA dispute; 4-H Youth Fair

Today's Ithaca Journal looks at last night's Dryden Town Board meeting, notably reporting on the $170,000 dispute with FEMA and the service award program for firefighters. The Journal also notes the 4-H Youth Fair, which will be held July 28th...

Posted by simon at 5:07 PM

July 8, 2004

Supervisor Trumbull on golf course

This morning's Ithaca Journal includes a letter from Dryden Town Supervisor Steve Trumbull about the Lakeview Golf Course. It doesn't say that the town is buying the course. Instead, "We want to dispel the notion that the town board is...

Posted by simon at 8:41 AM

July 7, 2004

Nature preserve, Supplies for Success

This week's Our Towns section in the Ithaca Journal takes a look at the creation of the O.D. von Engeln Preserve in Malloryville, which hosts pitcher plants, carnivorous sundews, and native orchids. Its two miles of trails are attracting a...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

July 6, 2004

State police promotions, SPCA, hazards

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden state police barracks has a new commander. Major Thomas P. Kelly, Jr. the previous commander of Troop C, has been promoted to staff inspector at the State Police Division of Internal Affairs...

Posted by simon at 7:58 AM

July 5, 2004

Blood drives July 21st and 24th

It's another quiet day for Dryden news. The only mention of Dryden in the Ithaca Journal is in a listing of Red Cross blood drive locations. There are two drives in the Town of Dryden, one at the Dryden Veterans...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

July 3, 2004

TCAT dart, calendar laurel

Posted by simon at 9:42 AM

July 2, 2004

Remembering a Freeville resident

Today's Ithaca Journal is quiet on Dryden, except for Roger DuPuis' remembrance of former colleague and Freeville resident Jarrett McLaughlin, who died in a car accident in Newfield on June 30th....

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

July 1, 2004

TC3 awards tech funds

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Tompkins-Cortland Community College has awarded $45,000 in technology funds to local schools, including a Civil Engineering and Architecture Community Collaboration project at Dryden High School. The Journal also has a cheerful picture from the...

Posted by simon at 8:31 AM

June 30, 2004

A quiet Our Towns

This week's Our Towns section in the Ithaca Journal focuses mostly on Groton, but there are a few pieces about Dryden. Kiwanis "Kids Against Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco" winners and a notice for the Dryden High School Class of '84...

Posted by simon at 8:48 AM

June 29, 2004

SPCA director leaving, County executive

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that Nathan Winograd, executive director of the Tompkins County SPCA, will be leaving at the end of the summer. Winograd has overseen the adoption of a no-kill policy and the construction of the Dorothy Park...

Posted by simon at 8:01 AM

June 26, 2004

Hanshaw Road accident, Freeville barbecue

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports a rollover on Hanshaw Road north of Neimi Road that injured two women while two children avoided injury. There is also a chicken barbecue today at the Freeville United Methodist Church (map). Police arrested a...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

June 24, 2004

Dryden teachers' contract rejected 116-45

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that that the Dryden Faculty Association voted down a proposed contract because of "finances and lack of respect by the district to the collective bargaining process." DFA president Mary Ellen Bossack is quoted saying "Other...

Posted by simon at 7:15 AM

June 23, 2004

Revised Dryden budget passes 3-2

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that the revised Dryden Central School District budget was approved by a 1287-860 vote, avoiding a contingency vote. The original budget failed on a 718-718 tie. On a related note, the Our Towns section focuses...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

June 21, 2004

Car crash kills two on Fall Creek Road, blood drive Friday

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that two Freeville residents were killed and a third critically injured in a one-car crash on Fall Creek Road south of Malloryville. The paper also announces a blood drive sponsored by the Varna Community Association...

Posted by simon at 7:54 AM

June 18, 2004

Family reunion, TC3 tuition hike

This week's Ithaca Journal seems to be overflowing with Dryden-related news. This morning's paper brings an article on an upcoming family reunion for Freeville resident Donna Freedline supported by the Fairygodmother Foundation and an article on TC3's 5.4% tuition hike,...

Posted by simon at 7:33 AM

June 17, 2004

Septic problems reach paper

Today's Ithaca Journal covers a complicated problem that's come up at two recent Town Board meetings. Reporter Jennie Daley takes a close look at the water contamination problems at Cindy and Craig Basl's home and their struggles with the county...

Posted by simon at 7:17 AM

June 16, 2004

Dryden Dairy Day, school budget

The lead article in the Our Towns section of today's Ithaca Journal is Dryden Dairy Day brings town together, which takes a look at last Saturday's event from the parade to events to the current state of dairy farming. Pictures...

Posted by simon at 8:45 AM

June 15, 2004

Preschool, Reagan, specialized degrees

Today's Ithaca Journal mentions Dryden in two stories, while the editorial focuses on TC3. In an article on New York State's efforts to back preschools, Dryden Superintendent Patricia Archambault discusses space problems and the instability of state funding as reasons...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

June 14, 2004

Dairy Day, accident on Lower Creek

Today's Ithaca Journal has a picture of children throwing candy from a float at Dryden Dairy Day, as well as mention of an accident on Lower Creek Road. The accident report says "she lost control of the car on loose...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

June 9, 2004

Dryden Dairy Day and more

This morning's Ithaca Journal is overflowing with Dryden news. That's not unusual on Wednesday, when the Our Towns section features Dryden and Groton, but today there's news throughout the paper, much of it even good. A cow greets readers at...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

June 4, 2004

Guilty plea in robbery; school testing results

Today's Ithaca Journal reports that one of the three men accused of robbing the Song Tao restaurant in Dryden in last November, Cam B. Quan, has pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary. Two other accomplices, also from Texas, have not yet...

Posted by simon at 7:37 AM

June 2, 2004

Dryden legislators split on assessments

Today's Journal reports that the County Legislature voted 9-5 against a proposal for a public hearing on shifting to a three-year assessment cycle put forward by Dryden County Legislator Mike Lane. Lane voted for it, while the other two legislators...

Posted by simon at 8:26 AM

May 26, 2004

All kinds of Dryden news

Today's Ithaca Journal has lots and lots of Dryden-related news. The lead story is on the Dryden School Board's efforts to develop a new budget after the tie vote on the previous one. Developing that budget seemed difficult to start...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

May 19, 2004

Dryden school budget fails in tie; Ithaca budget passes

The Dryden Central Schools budget failed to pass with a 718-718 tie. The school buses proposal passed 738-592, and Anderson Young (1055 votes), Margaret DeGaetano (936), Russ Kowalski (902) will join the board, defeating Paul Lutwak (699 votes). Board President...

Posted by simon at 8:11 AM

May 18, 2004

School elections today

School budget and board elections are today. The Ithaca Journal gives an overview of school elections in the county. In Dryden, the two largest districts by far are the Dryden Central School District and the Ithaca City School District. Voting...

Posted by simon at 8:19 AM

May 15, 2004

School elections

With school elections coming Tuesday, the Ithaca Journal has a collection of articles on different aspects of school elections, as well as lots of letters endorsing various candidates. Included today are: an article on voter apathy, with quotes from Dryden...

Posted by simon at 11:25 AM

May 14, 2004

Ithaca candidates and budget, homeless census

Most of the Dryden-related articles in today's Ithaca Journal have to do with the Ithaca school board elections and budget. There are a set of questions for candidates and answers, a piece on a meet-the-candidates forum, and a letter co-signed...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

May 13, 2004

Wage fraud, redistricting

Today's Journal looks at $107,000 in unpaid wages by a Dryden employer following a guilty plea by the firm's former owner. There are also articles on possible state pension fund changes that might ease the county budget, and Ithaca school...

Posted by simon at 8:58 AM

May 12, 2004

Schools forum, Freeville people

Today's Ithaca Journal has lots of Dryden news, including the weekly Our Towns section. Last night's Dryden school budget hearing and candidates forum gets an article, examining reaction to the increases and listening to the four candidates for three seats...

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

May 11, 2004

Dryden school budget, Ithaca school candidates

Today's Ithaca Journal includes an article on the Dryden Central School District budget, told mostly through the perspectives of candidates running for the board. It also mentions tonight's candidates forum. On the editorial page, the Journal endorses Dryden resident David...

Posted by simon at 8:26 AM

May 8, 2004

School candidates, Ithaca Produce, more

After a quiet week, today's Ithaca Journal is bursting with Dryden news. The Journal profiles the four candidates running for the Dryden School Board: Margaret DeGaetano, Paul Lutwak, Russ Kowalski, and Anderson Young. Paul Lutwak also has a letter to...

Posted by simon at 8:22 AM

May 7, 2004

Freese Road bridge stays closed

Today's online Ithaca Journal was late, but it continues to be a quiet week for Dryden in any case. In Dryden-specific news, Freese Road bridge will be closed yet another week, to Thursday, May 13. There's also a piece on...

Posted by simon at 12:33 PM

May 5, 2004

Poverty in Dryden, county budget

The articles in this week's Our Towns on Dryden and Groton are all about Groton. (Last week was largely Dryden.) There is a sidebar in the print edition with some statistics on families living on incomes below poverty level in...

Posted by simon at 9:23 AM

May 4, 2004

Draft, abuse prevention, schools

The only Dryden-specific item in today's Ithaca Journal is a letter to the editor about the prospect of a draft from Ellen Schmidt of the Town of Dryden. In broader county news, the Journal covers a presentation by Meredith Wiley,...

Posted by simon at 8:32 AM

May 3, 2004

SPCA facilities, Stone Circle School

Today's Dryden news in the Ithaca Journal is friendly stuff. The Journal takes a look at the new SPCA building on Hanshaw Road, which is nearing completion. It sounds like an enormous change from the old building, which will still...

Posted by simon at 7:43 AM

April 30, 2004

School grades, expenditures

The print edition of today's Ithaca Journal contains a "Grading Our Schools" supplement which lists test results for schools and school districts in the area, including Dryden, Ithaca, and many more. It also lists spending per pupil for the 2000-2001...

Posted by simon at 12:47 PM

News near Dryden

This morning's Ithaca Journal has two stories one intersection west of Dryden, including an accident at the Sapsucker Woods-Route 13-Brown Road intersection that backed traffic into Dryden and a celebration of a one-lane bridge's 100th anniversary in Forest Home. (Anyone...

Posted by simon at 7:41 AM

April 29, 2004

Two Dryden residents leaving ICSD board, one running

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports that six people are running for three seats on the Ithaca City School District Board of Education. None of the three incumbents, including Dryden residents Arthur Berkey and Henry Kramer, is running again, while Dryden...

Posted by simon at 7:30 AM

April 28, 2004

beyondmeasure, Grange recognition, more

Since the Ithaca Journal instituted the Our Towns section, Wednesdays have consistently been a busy day for Dryden news. Today's paper includes: a story on beyondmeasure, the Dryden High School a cappella group that recently recorded a CD (and recorded...

Posted by simon at 8:50 AM

April 26, 2004

Dryden benefit raises $2700 for Lansing teen; environment thoughts

This morning's Ithaca Journal reports on the success of yesterday's country dance benefit for Lansing teen Valerie Glass, held at the Dryden Veterans Memorial Home. An article on Earth Day quotes Dryden nine-year-old Gabriel Banford. Finally, there's a guest column...

Posted by simon at 8:49 AM

April 24, 2004

A quiet Saturday

This morning's Ithaca Journal is pretty quiet on Dryden. There's an article on a benefit for Lansing teenager Valerie Glass at the Dryden Veterans Memorial Home tomorrow from 2-6pm. There's also an article on what this week's change from the...

Posted by simon at 9:29 AM

April 22, 2004

Green buildings, ICSD

Today's Ithaca Journal, taking note of Earth Day, takes a look at green building practices in Tompkins County, including the Tompkins County SPCA expansion building under construction on Hanshaw Road. There's also a lot of coverage of the Ithaca City...

Posted by simon at 8:10 AM

April 21, 2004

A quiet Our Towns

Today's Our Towns section is mostly about Groton, though there are several Dryden pieces in that section and elsewhere in the paper worth attention: The Dryden Sertoma Club's 2004 Service to Mankind award goes to William Deming, superintendent of Dryden...

Posted by simon at 8:17 AM

April 14, 2004

Former bookkeeper indicted, Freeville police reduction, more

Liva Brong, former bookkeeper for the Town of Dryden, has been indicted on multiple forgery-related counts connected to accusations of writing $17,900 in checks to her boyfriend's business, reports this morning's Ithaca Journal. Because it's a Wednesday and their new...

Posted by simon at 8:33 AM

April 6, 2004

George Junior Republic talks encouraging

Today's Ithaca Journal reports that labor negotiations between SEIU Local 200 and George Junior Republic seem to be improving, as George Junior has backed down on its removal of family health care coverage from the contract. The negotiations and issues...

Posted by simon at 8:39 AM

April 3, 2004

Memorial, lawsuit remind area of deaths

Today's Ithaca Journal has two stories which are reminders of very different but very sad moments in the Dryden area's history. Members of communities surrounding Eglin Air Force Base, in Florida, have built a memorial and a road in memory...

Posted by simon at 9:31 AM

March 31, 2004

Premiere of Our Towns: Dryden and Groton

The Ithaca Journal's first installment of the "Our Towns" page on Dryden and Groton arrived today, on page 3B. Most of the section is available on the Journal's site. The lead article is Dryden surveys golf course purchase (which I'll...

Posted by simon at 8:37 AM

March 29, 2004

Ithaca Journal meeting

I went to the Ithaca Journal's "Coffee with the Journal" session today, and came away pretty impressed. I'm not always thrilled with either the Journal's reporting or their editorial at times, and mentioned it, but the people there - Managing...

Posted by simon at 8:07 PM

March 27, 2004

"Our Towns" coming to the Journal

The print edition (but not the online edition) of today's Ithaca Journal announces that starting Tuesday, the Journal will include a new section called "Our Towns", which covers town news Tuesday through Thursday. Tuesdays will include Ulysses and Enfield, Wednesdays...

Posted by simon at 3:15 PM

Dryden laurels

Posted by simon at 8:02 AM

March 24, 2004

Journal praises Trumbull on fire companies, annexation

Today's Ithaca Journal editorial praises Town Supervisor Steve Trumbull for improving relations with the fire companies and for the recent annexation of land to the Village for a DOT facility. There certainly does seem to be much less strife with...

Posted by simon at 7:39 AM

March 23, 2004

Marriage, jails, economy

Today's Ithaca Journal, like yesterday's, is very quiet on Dryden, though it covers some county and state issues that have an effect. Today's paper includes: a letter from Pat Ober of Dryden opposing gay marriage, discussion of the county jail...

Posted by simon at 6:20 AM

March 19, 2004

Village and school budgets

Today's Ithaca Journal reports on the 11% percent increase in the tax levy proposed in the Village of Dryden, driven by a 7% increase in total spending and reflected in a 4.5% tax rate increase. Health insurance, retirement, legal, and...

Posted by simon at 8:54 AM

March 18, 2004

School report cards, budgets

Today's Journal reports that New York State issued school report cards yesterday, and the news is mostly good for the Dryden and Ithaca districts: "Ithaca City School District elementary and middle schools did significantly better on state tests than those...

Posted by simon at 8:47 AM

March 17, 2004

Schools testing, budgets, taxes

Today's Ithaca Journal has an extended article on schools looking forward to tomorrow's state test results, and opens with discussion of Dryden Intermediate School's fourth grade. There's also a piece on the Ithaca City School District's budget plan, which currently...

Posted by simon at 7:08 AM

March 16, 2004

More on school board budgets, affordable housing

Today's Ithaca Journal has stories on budgeting at both the Dryden Central School District and the Ithaca City School District. As noted yesterday, the Dryden district's budget looks especially bleak: "Last year when we said we'd keep it to 10...

Posted by simon at 8:57 AM

March 15, 2004

Dryden fire departments at Rose Inn fire, SPCA spaying

The Ithaca Journal has had two articles on the fire which gutted the Rose Inn in Lansing and the investigation into its causes. The Dryden, Etna, Freeville, McLean, and Varna fire companies were among a dozen departments on the scene....

Posted by simon at 9:27 AM

March 11, 2004

Dryden teachers rally; fact-finder's report recommends compromise

The Ithaca Journal reports this morning that members of the Dryden Faculty Association rallied to remind passers by that they have worked nearly two years without a contract, just as a fact-finding report, submitted Monday, suggests that both the District...

Posted by simon at 8:09 AM

March 10, 2004

Dryden busing, ICSD budget, vaccinations, Corinthians

Today's Ithaca Journal notes an April 1 deadline for Dryden Central School District residents seeking buses to non-public schools and a report from the Intermunicipal Recreation Partnership, and examines what next year's Ithaca City School District budget would look like...

Posted by simon at 7:30 AM

March 9, 2004

Absentee ballots, healthy food in ICSD

The Ithaca Journal reports that today is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot for the Freeville or Dryden village elections, though ballots may still be picked up in person until March 15 from the Board of Elections....

Posted by simon at 8:16 AM

March 6, 2004

Summer school, art scholarship, board briefs

Today's Dryden schools news comes from three different papers. The Ithaca Journal reports that the Dryden Central School District will include summer school funds in its budget, providing juniors and seniors who need to pass classes to graduate to take...

Posted by simon at 10:26 AM

March 4, 2004

New principal, roof repairs, elections

Today's Ithaca Journal has a story on the new principal of Dryden Middle School, Roger Fedele, interviewing both Fedele and Dryden parents. There will be a welcoming reception for Fedele on March 8th, at 7pm in the Middle School cafeteria....

Posted by simon at 8:35 AM

March 3, 2004

Commuters, ballots, assessment

It's another quiet day for news in Dryden, but the Ithaca Journal has a story on commuters who drive from other counties to Tompkins County, many of whom drive through Dryden, as well as information on absentee ballots for upcoming...

Posted by simon at 8:30 AM

February 24, 2004

Volunteer firefighter killed at fire

The Ithaca Journal reports that Bret E. Neff, a volunteer firefighter in the Harford fire department, was pinned between two tanker trucks and killed yesterday at a fire in Slaterville Springs. Neff, of Dryden, was 37. The fire, at 395...

Posted by simon at 7:54 AM

February 23, 2004

Dogs adopted from research labs party at 4-H Acres

The Ithaca Journal reports that there was a party for dogs adopted from research labs on Sunday. The party was at Kiwanis Hall at 4-H Acres on Lower Creek Road, which is in the Town of Dryden, not the Town...

Posted by simon at 7:35 PM

February 17, 2004

Health Department reports

Today's Ithaca Journal includes more than you likely want to know about water, sewage, restaurant, and other violations in Tompkins County, including Dryden....

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

Communities and drug addiction

In yesterday's Dryden Town Talk, Cathy Wakeman visited the Bethel Grove Church for a meeting of the Community Faith Partnership, discussing "Recovery, Redemption and the Christian Community." The role of community in helping people out of addiction was a key...

Posted by simon at 8:27 AM

February 16, 2004

Snowmobiling for breast cancer

The Ithaca Journal features a picture of a female snowmobile rider on her way through the hills of Dryden and Caroline as a benefit for breast cancer....

Posted by simon at 9:00 AM

February 14, 2004

More Dryden opinions

While it's not quite last Saturday's outpouring of Dryden opinion, there are three items from people in Dryden in today's Journal: A guest column from Brian June, a member of the Dryden Central School Board, on teen suicide and parents,...

Posted by simon at 10:40 AM

February 9, 2004

Montgomery Park ice rink has mixed results

The Ithaca Journal reports that the outdoor ice rink has had some difficulties, largely because of uneven weather. The rink (directions), which was created by Neptune Hose Company pouring 10,000 gallons of water on the basketball courts, hasn't had the...

Posted by simon at 9:14 AM

February 7, 2004

Hazard mitigation, assessments, slippery roads

The 1996 Virgil Creek flood leads a story on hazard mitigation in today's Ithaca Journal, examining how the county and the towns are working on plans to protect themselves from various kinds of disasters. There's also more on assessments. The...

Posted by simon at 9:40 AM

Lots of Dryden opinions

Today's Ithaca Journal includes three letters and a dart from Dryden residents: In Darts and Laurels, David Connor sends CBS a dart for refusing to run ads from MoveOn and PETA during the Super Bowl; A letter from Kathy Zahler...

Posted by simon at 9:28 AM

February 4, 2004

SPCA, roads, school costs

The Ithaca Journal is fairly quiet today on Dryden news. The largest item is a guest column from the SPCA director defending the SPCA (which is in Dryden and serves Dryden as well as the rest of Tompkins County) from...

Posted by simon at 8:31 AM

January 16, 2004

No news, sort of

I'd guessed that there would be an Ithaca Journal story today on the Town Board meeting last night, but there isn't - maybe tomorrow? I'll be writing up my own story, though that'll have to wait until later today, as...

Posted by simon at 8:29 AM

January 10, 2004

Cold doesn't stop the news

Posted by simon at 11:33 AM

January 1, 2004

Looking forward and back

The Ithaca Journal welcomes the New Year with warm wishes to new leaders in local municipalities, including Dryden, and reports mixed results for the county's economy in November....

Posted by simon at 11:31 AM

December 30, 2003

State Police hiring

Of course, you already knew that if you'd driven Route 13 North toward the Village of Dryden lately - it's hard to miss the big flashing sign. The Ithaca Journal has details....

Posted by simon at 9:27 AM

December 27, 2003

Mysterious dart

There's an unusual dart in the Ithaca Journal today: DART: From Scott Campbell of Dryden. To whoever cut down the fir tree in my front yard last week. The tree was planted by a longtime family friend in memory of...

Posted by simon at 9:33 AM

December 25, 2003

Robbery suspects indicted

Just in time for the holiday, the three men apprehended after a robbery in Dryden were indicted....

Posted by simon at 6:01 PM

December 22, 2003

Red hats and cropland

Cathy Wakeman reports the formation of a Red Hat Society. Requirements for membership are "being an older, retired woman, and wearing a red hat". She also reports on the Dryden Senior Citizens and the Christmas dinner at the Dryden Veterans...

Posted by simon at 8:53 AM

December 20, 2003

Schools, dispatchers

The Ithaca Journal notes this morning that the Ithaca City School District is still working out elementary school redistricting, and mentions Turkey Hill Road in particular as a place where some students go to Caroline and others to Cayuga Heights....

Posted by simon at 11:13 AM

December 19, 2003

Annexation hearing, water important

At last night's discussion of land annexation by the Village from the Town of Dryden, adding water services to the parcel seemed to be the main reason people supported it - beyond the underlying purpose of putting a state DOT...

Posted by simon at 9:40 AM

December 18, 2003

Fire, accidents along edges of town

Emergency crews were busy yesterday through yesterday's snow with a fire in McLean and a fatal accident on 34B, plus a 3-car accident on 13 near the airport....

Posted by simon at 7:41 AM

December 17, 2003

Dryden teachers deadlock continues

It looks like the Dryden Faculty Association will be working without a contract for a while longer, as a meeting with a fact-finder produced no new results. Superintendent Patricia Archambault estimates that this will continue into February or March. Meanwhile,...

Posted by simon at 8:43 AM

December 16, 2003

What's up at NYSEG?

The building I refer to as "NYSEG headquarters" looms everytime I drive home along Route 13. It's an enormous complex, and dominates the overlapping area of Routes 13 and 366. The "Utility Headquarters" sign indicates a left turn lane just...

Posted by simon at 8:42 AM

December 15, 2003

The news is snow

The news yesterday into this morning was snow, and lots of it. I removed about three inches from the driveway yesterday at 4pm and a foot this morning. When I'm making the first run with the snowblower (which now works,...

Posted by simon at 8:54 AM

December 11, 2003

Schools, small business, traffic

It's another quiet news day for Dryden, but there are some interesting pieces in today's Ithaca Journal. The Dryden School Board approved stipends and held off on a contract for review. The headline of the story seems backward relative to...

Posted by simon at 11:16 AM

December 8, 2003

Cakes and coffee

Cathy Wakeman reports in her Dryden Town Talk that Googer's Bakery and Coffee Shoppe will be opening today at 22 West Main Street. I've enjoyed the food at Googer's Cakes and Things on Route 13 very much, and I look...

Posted by simon at 10:25 AM

December 3, 2003

County budget passes, 15.8% rate increase

Tompkins County passed a budget last night. Legislators hunted for extra revenue, lowering the tax rate increate from 19.65% to 15.81% without changing spending. The property tax levy is increasing from $25 million to $31 million, 23.6%. (Assessment changes make...

Posted by simon at 8:48 AM

Snow day in Dryden; superintendent retires

Yesterday was a busy day for the Dryden Central School District - it started with a surprise snow day, and concluded with the approval of the June 2004 retirement of superintendent Patricia Archambault. Archambault, who's retiring to Florida, noted "My...

Posted by simon at 8:44 AM

November 29, 2003

Quiet weekend

As is probably appropriate for the weekend after Thanksgiving, there isn't a whole lot of local news. There's some crime, and analysis of the county budget's reserve fund. There's also the obligatory story on the start of the Christmas shopping...

Posted by simon at 8:15 AM

November 27, 2003

Happy Thanksgiving

Dryden-related holiday news in today's Ithaca Journal seems pretty light, and all from Freeville. The United Methodist Church there is having a free Thanksgiving dinner at 1pm today (844-3305 for reservations). Meanwhile, a concrete goose is getting dressed for the...

Posted by simon at 7:31 AM

November 26, 2003

Resource sharing, school vote coverage

There isn't much news about Dryden in the Ithaca Journal today, but the opinion page has a piece on sharing resources between towns in the face of county cuts, and apparently I'm not the only one who thought the Journal's...

Posted by simon at 8:19 AM

November 25, 2003

Dryden robbery details

A business dispute seems to have driven last week's robbery of the Song Tao restaurant in Dryden. It seems very strange - demand $150,000, take $500, end up in jail facing felony charges....

Posted by simon at 8:30 AM

November 24, 2003

Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund

In this week's Dryden Town Talk, Cathy Wakeman focuses on the creation of "a vehicle for realizing dreams by encouraging ideas that are forming in the community." (An earlier article on the DYOF is available here.) It looks like it's...

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

November 22, 2003

Crimes

It seems to be a busy time for police in the Village of Dryden. After yesterday's robbery, whose suspects are facing a hearing Monday, there's now a cocaine seizure and related arrests....

Posted by simon at 10:57 AM

November 21, 2003

Dog enumeration

The Town of Dryden is currently enumerating dogs, looking for dogs without licenses. I wonder if the enumerators have to visit every house in Dryden - that could take a while. A few more details are available in Town Board...

Posted by simon at 8:25 AM

Dryden robbery suspects caught in Cortland

The Ithaca Journal reports this morning that police captured three Texas residents at a seat-belt check in Cortland shortly after a robbery at the Song Tao restaurant in the Village of Dryden. No one appears to have been injured, but...

Posted by simon at 8:16 AM

November 20, 2003

Can't we all just get along?

In today's Ithaca Journal, the lead editorial, "Dryden's Controversies" hopes that the new Republican supervisor and board members will "will enjoy success in bringing Dryden residents together and moving their town beyond the divisiveness that seemed to dominate politics this...

Posted by simon at 8:38 AM

November 19, 2003

County rejects budget

The County Legislature voted 9-5 last night to reject the proposed budget. Of the Dryden legislators, Martha Robertson voted for it, while Mike Lane and George Totman voted against it. The future of the budget looks pretty complicated, so I...

Posted by simon at 12:04 PM

November 18, 2003

Quiet day for news

The news today is quiet, though there are at least two votes today that will have a substantial effect on Dryden. The Tompkins County Legislature is voting on next year's budget tonight. In the Dryden School District, the renovation vote...

Posted by simon at 7:52 AM

November 17, 2003

Schools referendum, weather

Today's Ithaca Journal brings an article on the Dryden school renovation referendum, as well as a brief letter to the editor on the subject. The vote takes place tomorrow from 7am to 9pm in the Dryden Central School auditorium. Apparently...

Posted by simon at 8:56 AM

November 15, 2003

Local finance

Most of the Dryden news today seems to be financial. The Ithaca Journal explores snow removal in a period of tight budgets. There is also a guest column from Rachel Dickinson, president of the Dryden Central Schools Board of Education...

Posted by simon at 9:11 AM

November 14, 2003

Weather as news

The weather was pretty definitely the most exciting news yesterday. High winds, trees falling, lights flickering. The Ithaca Journal reports bricks blowing off a building in downtown Ithaca, while Dryden had more ordinary power outages. It was loud most of...

Posted by simon at 9:42 AM

November 13, 2003

Town Council, Malloryville

The Ithaca Journal has a story on last night's town council meeting. While I'm disappointed in the results of the Town Board elections, and can't say I'm thrilled with views of the people now running the place, I can take...

Posted by simon at 1:34 PM

November 12, 2003

Gadabout, Enfield accusations

There's not much on Dryden in the paper today. There is a story on volunteers for Gadabout, the on-demand bus service for elderly and disabled residents of Tompkins County. There's also an extended piece on Republican smears over in Enfield....

Posted by simon at 8:23 AM

November 11, 2003

County taxes

County taxes seem to be the main local story in the Ithaca Journal today, with stories on a County Legislature public hearing on the budget, notes on other counties' tax plans, and a report blaming the state for high local...

Posted by simon at 8:34 AM

November 10, 2003

Taxes, Golden Retrievers

Today's Ithaca Journal has a piece on taxes in Tompkins County, noting that assessments have gone up for many people as well as taxes. One comparison is especially interesting for Dryden: "In the villages selected for this article, a Village...

Posted by simon at 7:47 AM