As taxpayers of the Herkimer
School District vote on the school's budget, they'll also decide whether or not
an area library will change its funding structure.
Basloe Library is asking
residents to approve them to become a library district, meaning the taxpayers
will vote on the library's budget and its board of trustees.
In return, it will provide
more funding for the library.
"We're looking to get
$270,000 out of this vote. That will restore our funding to where it was five
years ago. This is what it's about- to restore our funding," said Library Director,
Lesley Paul.
The library is currently
funded by the Village of Herkimer. Over the years, officials say the village
had to cut contributions to the library. By becoming a library district,
funding will be coming from the taxpayers within in the school district.
The Herkimer County Legislature
has proclaimed today as a "Day of Reflection and Recognition."
Officials tonight will
remember the four lives taken on March 13th during a shooting spree in the Herkimer
and Mohawk communities.
First responders and
public safety agencies that responded that day will also be recognized for
their brave services.
"During the events of
that day and that month, we had to bury the dead and mourn appropriately. Now
we let everything reset," said Chairman Vincent Bono.
A ceremony will take place
tonight at HCCC's gymnasium. The public is invited the event will kickoff at 7
tonight.
The Trenton Town Supervisor accused of sexually abusing a young boy
began his trial today. Mark Scheidelman was in Oneida County court this
morning for a single charge of first-degree sexual abuse.
Jury
selection is all about finding an honest jury with no outside
influence. But when it comes to a case involving a well-known town
supervisor, also a former political leader, that process can be more
difficult. Oneida County Court Judge Michael Dwyer spoke to more than 70
potential jurors before a selection was made.
"We need you to be
fair and impartial and that means coming into this courtroom without
any preconceived notions," says Judge Michael Dwyer, Oneida County
Court.
It's
a case that's garnered media attention; and after hearing, reading, and
seeing several allegations about Mark Scheidelman these past few
months, will a jury of his peers give him a fair shot? Scheidelman is
charged with first-degree sexual abuse after he was accused of sexually
touching a boy through his clothes in the presence of two other boys.
Scheidelman's attorney says his clients' social standing will only help
his case
"I'm not worried about it. I'm pleased with it because
he has such a well respected standing in the community. And I certainly
think it will be reflected in the outcome. He's earned a good standing,
he's earned a good reputation," says George Aney, Scheidelman's attorney.
A
topic of debate in previous hearings has been a secretly recorded
conversation Scheidelman had with police while he was being questioned.
Scheidelman was not in custody at the time. But Judge Dwyer ruled that
police did not violate his rights and prosecutors will be allowed to use
parts of that conversation in the trial.
"That secret recording,
which I do not approve of, strangely enough, bodes well for Mark. Not
only then but throughout the trial and let's find him not guilty and
let's be done with it, that's the way it should be," says Aney.
Judge
Dwyer also ruled that prosecutors could not use any part of the
recording after Scheidelman said he wanted to speak with an attorney -
that was 16 minutes into the recording.
After a long
selection process, there will be 5 men and 8 women serving on the jury
for Scheidelman's trial. Both sides also gave opening statements.
Witness testimony will begin on
Wednesday, and is expected to last through Thursday.
