Friday Night Fever: Houghton @ Utica College - Women's Basketball

Taxpayers of Herkimer School District will decide if area library will change funding structure

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.

A Day of Reflection and Recognition in Herkimer County

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.

Trenton Town Supervisor's Sex Abuse Trial Begins

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.

Red Cross Implements New Program To Increase Volunteerism

When everyone is running away.. they're the ones running toward the fires, floods, and shootings. Red Cross is implementing a new program to increase volunteerism in Central New York. They've created an on-call program for their Disaster Response Team; those are the volunteers that respond to day-to-day accidents. Members will be on-call for one full week at a time and then off for 3 weeks. Coordinators say this will provide more structure to the Red Cross and more responsibility for volunteers.

"Having a small group of 6-10 people is fine and we could cover the 2 counties that way. But we'd like to have a big bench so if something happens like the Herkimer shooting, we're not relying on 6-10 people. Now we have 20-30 responders and they can help us with those," says Rich Hajeris, Red Cross Emergency Service Manager.

Coordinators say this new program will require more staffing though and that's why they're urging people to volunteer today.

For more information, visit: www.redcross.org/ny/utica and/or www.redcross.org/ny/syracuse

Herkimer County Kicks Off 'Small Business Week'

Today marks the start of 'Small Business Week' across the entire state. In Herkimer County, the Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to shop locally by hosting different events all week long. In honor of Main Street Monday, Eyewitness News visits an Ilion restaurant who says this week has a big impact on owners, as well as community members.

"We're giving people a different variety and with our product , we've very personal, we like to take care of our customers. Something special, fresh cooked, and just taking care of our customers like we do our family members," says Kelley Holmes-Morton, owner of Froggy's Take-Out in Ilion.

Complete week-long schedule of events:

May 20th: Main Street Monday- encouraging residents to shop locally
May 21st: Tidy-Up Tuesday- Deb Cabral the DeClutter Coach hosts efficiency consulting at HCCC 8:30am
May 22nd: Wine & Dine Wednesday- encouraging residents to support local restaurants
May 23rd: Thank you Thursday- Find out how HCCC can help your business at an Evening Reception 5:30-7:30pm
May 24th: Fun Friday- Stop in the Chamber Office for additional information from week's events and grab some coffee and a doughnut 7:30-9:30am

For more information, visit: http://www.herkimercountychamber.com/

NB3 Foundation Challenge line-up revealed

12 of the world's elite PGA golfers are to compete in this year's NB3 Foundation Challenge.

Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter and four-time PGA Tour winner Notah Begay III announced the details for the 6^th annual event today.

The tournament will be led by Tiger Woods and other stars like Rickie Fowler and KJ Choi.

The Athletes playing this year will represent three teams, Team USA, Team Asia and Team International.

"Spectators who are fortunate to get tickets and come are going to be treated to some of the best golf they will see in this area for a long time. These guys are competitors. They want to come out and don't want to lose to the other team. So, these guys are going to come out and do their best and put on a good show," said Begay.

The event raise awareness and funding for the health and wellness of Native American Youth on Indian Reservations across the country.

The NB3 Foundation Challenge is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28^th.