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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.