Alissa Scott/For the Recorder

Standing up for themselves

Amsterdam Police Department Sgt. Owen Fuhs talks to nearly 90 women at the Women's Safety and Crime Prevention Education Program in the Carondelet Pavilion Tuesday evening. Throughout the evening, women learned about how to stay safe and keep from becoming the victim of a crime or sexual assault. Women left with added knowledge and new self defense tactics.

GASD budget OK'd

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Updated: 3:08 AM

By ALISSA SCOTT For the Recorder Residents approved a $63 million Greater Amsterdam School District budget for the 2013-14 school year on Tuesday. Incumbent John Bottisti and newcomer Robert Vennett were also elected to the seven-member school board. The budget, which reports no increase in tax levies or any layoffs, implements an 8.7 percent increase in spending. It received 527 votes in favor and 448 votes against it. Final school tax rates, which establ ...

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F-F plan approved

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Updated: 3:08 AM

By HEATHER NELLIS Recorder News Staff FONDA -- Voters of the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District approved a $24 million budget Tuesday by a margin of 431-372. The plan raises the tax levy by 4.5 percent, keeps staff and programming intact, reinstates modified athletics and extracurricular activities cut from the current budget, and adds a new initiative at each building. "This is a victory for the students," said interim Superintendent Ray Colucciell ...

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Council delays plan for bridge in Amsterdam

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Updated: 3:08 AM

By REBECCA WEBSTER Recorder News Staff The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook, commonly known as the Amsterdam pedestrian bridge, continues to await the passage of a maintenance agreement. On Tuesday evening in Common Council chambers in City Hall, city lawmakers failed to pass a resolution to approve a bridge maintenance contract between the city and the New York State Canal Corporation. Third Ward Alderwoman Gina DeRossi and 4th Ward Alderman David Dybas vot ...

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Residents speak out about city's budget

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Updated: 3:08 AM

By REBECCA WEBSTER Recorder News Staff Three city of Amsterdam residents and one city official gave their thoughts to Common Council members Tuesday evening during the city's budget hearing, with concerns ranging from the user fees to the transportation department. John R. "Chet" Watroba was the first to take the podium, telling the council that he has been paying taxes since 1991 and has watched the changes in the taxes and fees. Watroba said he felt the ...

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County OFA honors centenarians

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Updated: 3:08 AM

By HEATHER NELLIS Recorder News Staff TOWN OF AMSTERDAM -- Angelina Garassi never expected to live to 100. "Never," the Amsterdam native emphasized. "I got polio in both of my legs when I was very young, and I've been paralyzed ever since." Garassi never let that stop her, though. She's actually 101, with a birthday next month. She's one of seven 101-year-olds in Montgomery County, and altogether, there are currently 27 centenarians that the Office for Agi ...

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County health trust contract in doubt

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Updated: 3:08 AM

By HEATHER NELLIS Recorder News Staff FONDA -- A contract signed last year by late Board of Supervisors Chairman Shayne T. Walters is in doubt because the board never approved a resolution authorizing him to do so. The county Finance Committee on Tuesday discussed an approximate $20,000 bill from Toski, Schaefer & Co. stemming from an audit of the county health insurance trust's finances. Board Chairman and Root Supervisor John Thayer said Walters sign ...

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