There is free freshwater fishing this coming weekend in New York to help encourage more people to get outdoors and enjoy the many world-class fishing opportunities available. Although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing weekend, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.
The Film COOP is presenting a screening of “The Big Lebowski” on Friday, March 10 at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center in Oneonta to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary. Doors open at 7pm and showtime is 8pm. Admission is by donation.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation awarded a $40,000 grant for the City of Oneonta Planting Trees after Ash Loss Program. The City will use the funds for approximately 45 trees in the River Street neighborhoods and 12 heritage apple trees to recreate a small orchard at the Swart-Wilcox House site.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation announced results of the second year of a pilot program allowing mentored 12- and 13-year-old hunters to harvest deer with a firearm or crossbow. The results show youth big game hunters enjoyed another safe, successful, and well-attended season afield.
A landlord from Davenport is charged with two counts of harassment from recent incidents. Police say they received a comolaint from a man and woman who said the landlord had been harassing them repeatedly and one trime it involved a motor vehicle.
The Community Foundation of Otsego County announced it has awarded a half-million dollars in grants to nonprofits in the first three years of the foundation’s existence. Officials say they hit the milestone with a $15,000 grant to Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties for the Oneonta Warming Station.
Schohaie County’s Public Health director has resigned. According to the Cobleskill Times-Journal Dr. Amy Gildemeister cited a hostile work environment, reckless actions by the Board of Supervisors, and lies about her performance as reasons for her departure. The Board of Health will be working with supervisors on naming an interim and then a new director.
New York is offering fully paid parental leave benefits to state employees. More than 10,000 unrepresented State employees will be eligible to receive 12 weeks of fully paid leave to use for bonding with a newborn, fostered, or adopted child. The majority of employees will be able to take leave starting today.
Cornell Cooperative Extension hosts Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers, Darleen Fournier and Carol Phelps, for Seed Starting Tips, an in-person, hands-on workshop this Saturday, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the CCE Education Center in Cooperstown. The workshop is $10 per person, payable at the door.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation opens the application period for the Trees for Tribs’ “Buffer in a Bag” program. Qualifying private and public landowners may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting near streams, rivers, or lakes. Application deadline is April 7.