Jan. 1, 2012

Officer Daniel Furner charged Robert E. Schuler, 45, of Devaul Road, with driving while intoxicated, an unclassified misdemeanor; operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater, a class D felony; and failure to signal a turn after a traffic stop on Tuscarora Road at Bolivar Road. According to police reports, Schuler’s breath test indicated a blood alcohol content of .12 percent. The vehicle was towed.

Jan. 10

Robert R. Klein of Townsend Street, Syracuse, was arrested on a warrant.

Jan. 11

Nicci L. Graham was charged with issuing a bad check with knowledge of insufficient funds, a class B misdemeanor, and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.

Jan. 18

Kenneth E. Fink was charged with second-degree harassment (physical contact).

Officer Paul Donahue charged Brian D. Alling, 25, of West Genesee Street, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief (intentional damage to property), a class A misdemeanor. He is scheduled to appear in village court April 25.

Jan. 22

Joshua P. Torres was charged with third-degree unlawful possession of personal identification and petit larceny, both class A misdemeanors.

Jan. 24

Office George Millet charged Douglas Cleaves, 25, of Whittier Avenue, with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, an unclassified misdemeanor; and insufficient tail lights after a traffic stop for an equipment defect. He was arraigned and remanded to Madison County Jail in lieu of $750 cash bail or $2,000 bond.

Jan. 25

A 16-year-old was charged with disorderly conduct, a violation.

Robert G. Dumont was charged with petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment (physical contact).

Your Scholars

Local students named to Springfield College dean’s list

Springfield College has named the following local residents to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2011 term.

Daniel Patane of Canastota. Daniel is studying Undeclared.

Logan Aikins of Sherburne. Logan is studying Applied Exercise Science.

News from SUNY Potsdam

SUNY Potsdam Students Earn Spots on President’s List

The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named more than 900 students to the President’s List for the Fall 2011 semester in recognition of their academic excellence.

Among the local students who made the SUNY Potsdam President’s List were:

Allison Forth of Canastota whose major is Childhood/Early Child Education

Corey Hopkins of Canastota whose major is Music Education

Kali Jarvis of Canastota whose major is Childhood/Early Child Education

Rhimmon Simchy-Gross of Canastota whose major is Music Performance

Mary Whitcombe of Canastota whose major is Childhood/Early Child Education

Robert Taube of Cazenovia whose major is Music Education

Emilie Weinheimer of Cazenovia whose major is Psychology

Cortney Mayo of Hamilton whose major is Speech Communication

Caleigh Tuttle of Hamilton whose major is Theatre

Timothy Simmons of Sherburne whose major is Psychology

To achieve the honor of being on the President’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.5.

Local Students Named to Clarkson University Dean’s List

The following students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at Clarkson University.

Beth A. Schneider, a senior majoring in civil engineering from Bridgeport.

Matthew R. Ager, a junior majoring in engineering and management from Canastota.

Tristan R. Jones, a freshman majoring in chemical engineering from Canastota.

Jeffrey R. Merrell, a freshman majoring in civil engineering from Canastota.

Michael R. Tornatore, a sophomore majoring in innovation and entrepreneurship from Canastota.

Michael A. Blanchard, a junior majoring in chemical engineering from Cazenovia.

Ryan J. Eklund, a freshman majoring in aeronautical engineering from Chittenango.

Danielle K. Cuddeback, a freshman majoring in pre-physical therapy/psychology from DeRuyter.

David E. Revette, a senior majoring in civil engineering from DeRuyter.

Andrea M. Riedman, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering from Kirkville.

Nicole M. Verone, a freshman majoring in engineering studies from Kirkville.

Raeanne J. Clabeaux, a freshman majoring in university studies from New Woodstock.

Molly E. Ogden, a sophomore majoring in history/interdisciplinary social sciences from Earlville.

Mallory J. Carhart, a senior majoring in interdisciplinary social sciences from Hamilton.

Heather H. Munz, a senior majoring in biology from Hubbardsville.

Loren J. McNamara, a senior majoring in civil engineering from Leonardsville.

Rebecca R. Kirley, a senior majoring in global supply chain management from Madison.

Colin Maykish, a junior majoring in software engineering from Sherburne.

Dean’s List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

Local Students Named Clarkson University Presidential Scholars

The following students were named Presidential Scholars for the fall 2011 semester at Clarkson University.

Ellen M. Heenan, a junior majoring in engineering and management from Bridgeport.

Thomas F. Wilkowski, a senior majoring in electrical engineering from Bridgeport.

Alexandra B. Cameron, a freshman majoring in chemical engineering from Cazenovia.

Josh Bunce, a freshman majoring in civil engineering from Chittenango.

Sean P. Shea, a freshman majoring in aeronautical engineering/mechanical engineering from Chittenango.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

Evans Named to Sacred Heart University’s Dean’s List

Kiley Evans of Cazenovia was named to the fall 2011 Dean’s List at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. To receive this honor, a student must achieve a 3.6 grade average, based on a 4.0 scale.

Cazenovia College Honors Area Students

A number of students in Cazenovia College’s Class of 2012 completed their degree requirements in December, 2011. Among them:

Roberta L. Clarke of Chittenango will earn a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications at Cazenovia College’s graduation ceremony on May 12.

Stephanie R. Froelick of Canastota will earn a bachelor of professional studies degree in management, specializing in business management at Cazenovia College’s graduation ceremony May 12.

Khristyn K. Ostrowski of Bridgeport will earn a bachelor of science degree in psychology at Cazenovia College’s graduation ceremony May 12.

Area students Placed on Dean’s List

The following area students were named to the Dean’s List at Paul Smith’s College during the fall 2011 semester. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction:

Tessa Heintz of Canastota, John Mullins of Cazenovia, Kara Sternberg of Kirkville, Erik Palmer of Earlville and Marshall Lagoe of Sherburne.

Morley Makes Dean’s List

Ethan Morley, a senior history major of Bouckville, was named to Lycoming College’s dean’s list for the fall semester.

The dean’s list is issued at the close of each semester in recognition of superior scholarship. Students make the dean’s list if they complete at least four letter-graded courses and earn a minimum grade point average of 3.50 for the semester.

Area Residents Named to Fall Dean’s List

Dr. Stephen J. Havlovic, vice president for academic affairs at Alfred State College, has announced the Dean’s List of students for the fall 2011 semester. The following were among the over 500 students from Alfred State College who made the fall Dean’s List:

Zachary Taylor, a resident of Bouckville and Brian Klein, a resident of Madison.

Students from both the Alfred campus and the School of Applied Technology campus in Wellsville are selected for the Dean’s List if they maintain a 3.50 grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0.

Morrow Added to Dean’s List

Meghan Morrow, a Junior Arts and Sciences major from New Woodstock, has been named to the University of Delaware’s Dean’s List for Fall 2011. To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.33 or above for the semester.

Purdy Named to Dean’s List

Jaimie Purdy of Erieville has been named to the fall 2011 Dean’s List at Mansfield University. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must be attending the university full-time and attain at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester.

SUNY Geneseo Announces Fall Dean’s List

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its dean’s list for the fall semester 2011. To be on the list, a student must have achieved a 3.5 grade point average while taking at least 12 credit hours. Students on the list from this area include:

Robert Carpenter, Isaac Schultz and Robert Wojcikiewicz of Cazenovia; Melissa Bebernes and Gregory Foster of Chittenango; Emily Sinesi of DeRuyter; and Rachael Bradley of Sherburne.

Nazareth College Announces Spring 2011 Dean’s List

Nazareth College is proud to announce the following students have earned dean’s list honors for the fall 2011 semester:

Abigail Goings of Canastota is studying commun science and disorders; Emily O’Hara of Cazenovia is studying biology; Meredith Furtado of Chittenango is studying commun science and disorders; Christopher Greene of Chittenango is studying health sciences; Rosemarie Thresh of Chittenango is studying music education; Amanda Stevens of Kirkville is studying accounting; Kassandra Lathrop of Earlville is studying commun science and disorders; Megan Matott of Sherburne is studying biology; and Gretchen Erlichman of Waterville is studying music education.

A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean’s list at Nazareth.

Engle Named to University of New Haven Dean’s List

(Waterville) Brianne Engle (junior) or Waterville was named to the dean’s list at the University of New Haven for the fall 2011 semester. Full-time undergraduate students must have a 3.50 or better cumulative GPA for the semester to be eligible for the dean’s list.

Dellas Earns Master of Science at University of Vermont

The University of Vermont conferred degrees on nearly 400 graduates, including 324 bachelor’s, 57 master’s and post-baccalaureate certificate and 13 doctoral degree recipients during the 208th commencement ceremonies held in December.

Among them was Kate A. Dellas of Cazenovia, who received a master of science in historic preservation.

Residents Named to Cazenovia College Dean’s List

Cazenovia College recently released names of students honored for academic achievement during the fall 2011 semester. The College is home to about 1,000 degree-seeking students; those named to the dean’s list have achieved a 3.5 or better grade point average for all courses attempted, and have earned 12 or more academic credits during the semester.

Among the students on Cazenovia College’s fall 2011 dean’s list are:

Kiley A. Barr, of Cazenovia, a senior working toward a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications; Kailee Findlay, of Canastota, a sophomore working toward a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art; Stephanie A. Joyce, of Earlville, a junior working toward a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art specializing in photography; Megan E. Kim, of Cazenovia, a sophomore working toward a bachelor of professional studies degree in management specializing in fashion merchandising; Melissa A. Schleifer, of Munnsville, a senior working toward a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art; and Leah E. Schmitt, of Earlville, a sophomore working toward a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications.

(Chittenango, NY – Jan. 2012) The Chittenango Music Boosters will host a Jazz Night entertainment event Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Chittenango High School Auditorium.

The event provides an opportunity for members of the public to enjoy music by the High School and Middle School Jazz Bands, Dixieland Band and performances by the Chittenango Alumni Jazz Band.

The cost is $3 per person with a $20 family maximum.

(York, PA – Jan. 2012) Travis Oot of Kirkville, a junior Accounting major at York College of Pennsylvania, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2011 semester.

To be eligible for this honor, a student must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.

(Kirkville, NY – Jan. 11, 2012) Sullivan-based state police charged William A. Ryfun, 54, of Dausman Street, East Syracuse with DWI following a two car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Sullivan at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.

The accident investigation conducted by Trooper Mark Buzzard revealed that Ryfun was operating a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup truck southbound on Bridgeport-Kirkville Road and had stopped at a stop sign and flashing red light at the intersection of Fyler Road.  Ryfun proceeded into the intersection, failing to yield the right of way to a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt operated by Alicia M. Wolf, 26, of Oneida Street, Chittenango, travelling westbound on Fyler Road.

Wolf was treated at the scene by Kirkville Fire EMS for hand pain and transported to Crouse Hospital in Syracuse by Rural Metro Ambulance.

Ryfun was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to SP Sullivan for processing, where a breath test determined his blood alcohol content to be .11 percent.

Ryfun was issued traffic tickets for DWI, Driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more, Failure to Yield the Right of Way and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in a Motor Vehicle and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Sullivan Court Jan. 24.

(Chittenango, NY – Jan. 2012) This Chittenango Music Boosters will host a coffee house Jan. 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event, to be held in the Chittenango Middle School cafeteria, features entertainment by local musicians and the opportunity to enjoy some great food.

Donations will be accepted at the door.

George Fischer of Kirkville (left) attaches a ski rail on a new snowmobile bridge on the Weisbrod Farm near Bear Swamp Road in the town of Cazenovia, while Walt Joncas (right) of Cazenovia operates the board leveler. Derek Joncas of Chittenango is in the background.

Chittenango Polar Bears news

By Mike Fischer

(Chittenango, NY – Dec. 2011) Chittenango Polar Bears Snowmobile Club members have been busy preparing trails for the upcoming snowmobile season. Despite the lack of snow thus far, club volunteers are preparing for the season, readying the trails and installing signage.

Trails remain closed in New York state until after big game season at the earliest. In the Chittenango area, the official opening of trails in will depend upon conditions and how quickly club volunteers can complete the pre-season preparations. As always, check with the club to be sure the trails are open before riding.

“Our members are hard at work getting the trails ready for snow,” said club president Tom Hanggi.

That means repairing bridges and culverts, trimming brush, removing downed trees and placing trail signs and markers. The club reroutes portions of trails each season, as land use changes and as the club works to improve the trails and enhance safety.

Reroutes mean added expense for lumber to build new bridges, additional trail signs and posts and time and effort to clear brush and remove trees.

“We are always looking for ways to make the trails better,” Hanggi said, “whether to improve safety, minimize environmental impact or help control sled traffic.”

During the January meeting planned for Monday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Ten Pin Restaurant in Chittenango, the club will distribute raffle tickets to help with the fundraising effort necessary to pay for trail maintenance. Other agenda items include trail grants, trail development issues, safety classes and other issues.

The Chittenango Polar Bears Snowmobile Club maintains about 25 miles of trails connecting to the statewide trail system. The club’s trails run from the Erie Canal south to Pompey and Fenner and include a trailhead at Chittenango Falls State Park.

The club is a member club of the Madison County Association of Snowmobile Clubs and the New York State Snowmobile Association.

For more information, visit chittenangopolarbears.com.

Mike Fischer is volunteer publicist for the Chittenango Polar Bears Snowmobile Club.

Joy! Sophomores Greta Swift, Josh Cretaro, Summer Gardner, Kari Cumber and Matt Cretaro serve delicious, free chili to residents at the 2011 Chittenango Village Tree Lighting Ceremony.

From the Bear Facts

By Allison Clarke

(Chittenango, NY – Dec. 2011) On Dec. 3, the village of Chittenango held its annual tree lighting ceremony. The tree is prominently displayed in Dr. West Park, and each year a new person is asked to light it. This year the village bestowed the honor upon Margaret Kelsey.

Kelsey is idolized in the community for her dedication to the community’s schools, as well as the students. She has been teaching in the Chittenango School District for more than 30 years.

Kelsey has participated in “Oz-Stravaganza,” led the Christmas carols at the village tree lighting in years past, and played a part in many other projects. She was the perfect person to honor due to her continuous efforts to make Chittenango a better place for the children and the community.

Aside from the tree lighting, there were many activities in which visitors could participate, all in hopes of spreading some holiday cheer. For some outside fun, people enjoyed authentic horse-drawn sleigh rides around the village.

After facing the cold, many people warmed up by tasting the wide variety of homemade chili cooked up by cook-off contestants. This annual competition is held in the fire barn, where people can compete for recognition of their chili.

This year, first place was awarded to Larry Liles, and the Mayor’s Choice award was given to a Chittenango graduate, Casey McGrath.

Upstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were sitting and greeting families and hopeful children who were able to enjoy some homemade cookies donated by community members.

After the much-anticipated sugar rush kicked in, the younger kids made their rounds at the games offered. High school volunteers from Junior Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America ran the face-painting, snowman bean-bag, holiday coloring and clothes pin drop activities.

Organizers say the goal of spreading the joy of the holiday season was accomplished, adding that the village tree lighting was a great success thanks to the countless volunteers who devoted their time and efforts.

Thanks to this holiday tradition, the spirit of the season can truly be felt in Chittenango this year.

Allison Clarke is a senior at Chittenango High School and member of the journalism program.