Linda Kellett/For the Recorder

Kevin Smitka, co-owner of the Smitka Brothers’ 67 Cycle Works, chats with Ray Apollo of Rockaway, N.J. (reflected in Smitka’s sunglasses). Apollo, who was professionally known in professional wrestling circles as “Doink the Clown,” and Smitka were awaiting the presentation of trophies during the city of Amsterdam’s second annual Spring Fling motorcycle show in the Key Bank parking lot on Saturday.

Second annual spring fling a feast for the senses

By LINDA KELLETT For the Recorder From behind a silky red blindfold, a daring volunteer suspiciously sniffed the contents of a box held by wildlife presenter, Shawn Cebula. “What does it smell like?” Cebula asked the unidentified youth, picked from a growing crowd during the second annual Spring Fling in downtown Amsterdam Saturday. “Nothing,” said the boy in obvious confusion. “That’s because it’s an empty box,& ...

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Mayor issues reminder after seven rescued from Canajoharie Creek gorge, one injured

By LINDA KELLETT For the Recorder CANAJOHARIE — With the mid-afternoon rescue of seven Hamilton College students from the Canajoharie Creek gorge last week, Canajoharie Mayor Francis Avery on Saturday issued a stern reminder: Anyone in Wintergreen Park before its Memorial Day opening, in the creek, or down by the falls is trespassing and will be prosecuted. Exempted from that restriction is the scenic nature trail that overlooks the gorge, he said. A ...

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Wrestling royalty turns out for PWHF ceremony

By ADAM SHINDER Recorder Sports Staff A generation apart, Bruno Sammartino and Mick Foley were two of the most beloved and decorated stars in professional wrestling. Saturday night, both members of pro wrestling royalty were in Amsterdam, with a very similar motivation to be attending the 11th annual Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the America’s Best Value Inn. Sammartino, a record-setting World Wide Wrestling Federation Heavyweight ...

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Firefighters quickly extinguish blaze in abandoned Division Street residence

By LINDA KELLETT For the Recorder Despite the presence of visible flames, Amsterdam firefighters quickly extinguished a fire reported in the attic of an abandoned residence at 158 Division Street around 11 p.m. Saturday. No one was believed injured in the incident. The cause of the blaze was under investigation. Amsterdam Police Officer Chad Alukonis said the front door of the structure, which had boarded up windows, was secured. At press time, it wasn&rs ...

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