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VOLUME 135 — WHOLE 7098
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2018
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Haley Steenland Hits 1,000 Page 15
Walton Urges DOT in Delaware Street Fixes Page 6
Janelle Montgomery Takes the Reins Area Schools and at Delaware Opportunities Athletics Stand United With Walton Central School Following Student’s Death By Rosie Cunningham
By Rosie Cunningham WALTON - There are guidelines in regards to how to support students and personnel during times of tragedy. But at the end the day, there is nothing that can truly equip a school or a community with the loss of a loved one, especially a child and student. Walton High School senior Destyni Twyman, 18, died suddenly last Tuesday as a result of a blood clot. She was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital from Walton Central School (WCS) after suffering a “medical emergency” in the hallway, according to a statement from the school. According to an obituary
submitted by family, Twyman had just signed up and was sworn in to the U.S. Army and was scheduled to become active on July 10, 2018. The student was loved by many at WCS and beyond. She played soccer, basketball and track and was a scholar-athlete. “We have trained staff in place to help our students and staff as they struggle with this loss,” Superintendent Roger Clough stated in a media release. “No planning, however, can adequately prepare a school or a community for this sort of thing. We will work together to see our Walton school family through it. Our thoughts and See Walton page 4
Contributed Photos
South Kortright Central School stands “United With Walton.” Students donned orange shirts last week.
Delhi Pool Project Saved by Last Minute Donation By Lillian Browne DELHI - As committee volunteers announced a shortfall of $158,000 for the Delhi Community Pool project at a meeting of the Delhi Town Council on Jan. 9 and town officials appeared to lean toward scrapping it, a last-minute telephone call from the O’Connor Foundation pledging $200,000 to cover the build out saved the long awaited project. Three companies bid on the project, but even the low bidder price was more than the committee had acquired for the project, Council member Al Perkins explained to the gathered crowd of town and village residents.
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Delhi Supervisor Mark Tuthill authorized the acceptance of the $200,000 grant from the O’Connor Foundation at a meeting of the Delhi Town Council on Jan. 9. Perkins explained that the “simple” pool project, consisting of a bathhouse, kiddie pool and fencing was complicated because it’s being undertaken by a municipality, which is required to pay prevailing wage, among other things. Without the eleventh-hour donation, Perkins said he would not have been inclined to put a project in motion that doesn’t have funding in place, and would instead be shouldered by taxpayers. “I have to do what’s right for the taxpayers, not what I think is right,” he said. See Pool page 4
DELHI - Janelle Montgomery will be taking the lead as Delaware Opportunities Inc. Executive Director, following the tragic loss of longtime Executive Director John Eberhard. Eberhard, 70, of DeLancey, was killed as the result of a onecar accident Jan. 6. Eberhard had served as executive director of the not-for-profit since 1984. According to Wayne Marshfield, a member and treasurer of the agency’s board of directors, the board appointed current employee Janelle Montgomery to the post. “She has been with Delaware Opportunities for a long time and runs many of the programs,” said Marshfield. “She’s very dedicated, a hard worker and extremely smart.” Marshfield admitted that Montgomery has “big shoes to fill” but he said he believes she is more than capable. “She will do an excellent job,” he said, continuing, “As for John, he truly believed in the agency and working with individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and to create a better quality of life. John gave us insight on how to carry on and be passionate about Delaware Opportunities as he was. It is our mission to provide services so others can succeed. He was so devoted to that organization. Every time
you went down, whether it was a weekend or an evening, he was working.” Montgomery said she has been a part of the agency since 2000 and that she is profoundly proud to be a part of Delaware Opportunities. “Previously, I was the child and family development director,” she said. “John was a wonderful boss and man and I learned a lot from him.” Montgomery, 44, was born and raised in Walton and graduated from Walton Central School. She attended SUNY Delhi and earned her BA in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta. She lives in Delaware County and has two children. According to Marshfield, one of Eberhard’s proud moments was the completion of the agency’s headquarters in Hamden in 2005, which brought employees and services together under one roof. Ten years later, the building was dedicated to Eberhard on the 50th anniversary of the agency. In 1976 - The Weatherization program was added, in 1978 - The agency began operating WIC and a small rental assistance program limited to the Village of Walton. In 1980 - The agency began housing rehabilitation, utilizing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Block Grant Program. About the same time, a program to assist people with heating costs, which later
evolved to HEAP, was initiated. In 1981 - A food bank was initiated to provide food to those without food or money. In 1983 - A small day care development and assistance program was initiated to enroll family day care providers. That same year, the agency began the domestic violence prevention and services program. In 1985 - A rape crisis and sexual assault program was added. In 1986 - The agency began a crime victims program. Also in 1986, the agency was designated as a Rural Preservation Program by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. In 1989 - The agency began to provide respite care for families with a developmentally disabled member. In 1990 - The agency assumed responsibility for the Parent Aide, and the Big Buddy Programs. About the same time, transportation services were significantly expanded to take people to and from medical appointments. In 1999, the agency assumed operation of the Department of Social Services’ foster homes and independent living skills programs, expanding services to particularly needy foster children. Eberhard initiated a Head Start program for children in Delaware County as well. To view all programs and services, or for general information, visit www.delawareopportunities.org/about-us.
Policing with Drones By Lillian Browne With the announcement of an unmanned aerial system program by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office on Jan. 10, Delaware County residents can expect to see additional air traffic, in the form of a drone. Four drones will be put into service with the New York State Police this month in Troops A, D, F and G. By April, according to New York State Police Spokesperson Kristin Lowman, Troop C - which includes Delaware County, is expected to have a drone. Drone operators will be FAA (Federal Aviation AdministraSee Drone page 10
DA’s Henry Post, a 2018 Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump Fundraiser Recipient By Rosie Cunningham PORTLANDVILLE - The 23rd annual Polar Bear Jump at Goodyear Lake in Portlandville is slated for Feb. 17 at 12:30 p.m. This year, a Delaware Academy student is among the recipients of the event’s proceeds. Each year, hundreds gather to support the fundraiser. Last year, $128,400 was raised for those in need of fiscal support. This year, Henry Post is among those who will benefit from funds raised. The money will help offset medical costs, care, travel costs, or necessities relating to anything regarding his illness. “We appreciate it and are so thankful to everyone,” said Post’s mother, Mollie Spangenberg. Post has Crohn’s disease, a See Polar Bear Jump page 4
Rosie Cunningham/The Reporter
The Goodyear Lake Polar Bear poses with, top left: Mollie Spangenberg, Henry Post, DA Superintendent Jason Thomson and Post’s grandparents, Carol and Dick Brennen. Front, from left: Brenda Waters, Preston and Anna Post and Jamie Waters.