Author Archives: Jay Lawson

Town of Webb Board considers changes to Paddlefest contract

The Town of Webb Board discussed an extension of the contract period of Paddlefest, an outdoor kayak and canoe expo held annually at Old Forge’s lakefront, to three years from its current one-year, at the request of John Nemjo, owner of Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co., which conducts the event.

All board members stated support for the event, but at least two, Councilwomen Kate Russell and Mary Brophy-Moore, said they were hesitant about committing to a three-year contract.

Councilwoman Russell noted the continual growth of the event, which she said could compel some changes to the contract before a scheduled three-year renewal. Continue reading →

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Progress continues in Town of Webb Revamping Local Health Care: St. Elizabeth rep. tackles community concerns at Tuesday meeting

The future of Town of Webb health care came into finer focus Tuesday, as the town board hosted Robert Scholefield, Chief Operating Officer for St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, for an informational meeting that had Scholefield answering questions from the local public for about an hour.

And the audience indicated its approval of the presentation by its closing applause.

As reported last week, St. Elizabeth’s has been tapped by the board as the most promising provider of future health services for the Town of Webb, following the review of two viable proposals.

A contract has yet to be drawn and details are still being worked out, but Scholefield was able to give some precise detail as to what a clinic run by St. E’s would look like. Continue reading →

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Webb Health Plan: Spokesman outlines timeframe for assumption of operations

Provided that an agreement can be reached with the town, Robert Scholefield outlined a process to the clinic’s opening, along with an anticipated timeframe.

“In order to get approval to operate, first I have to work with the New York State Health Department. I have to file what’s called a ‘certificate of need’ application for the opening of an extension clinic in the Town of Webb,” he said.

That means preparing a Patient Care Plan, a Building Plan, a Staffing Plan, and a Business Plan that the Health Department would have to approve. Continue reading →

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St. E’s: No stranger to Regional health needs

St. Elizabeth’s hospital has been around since 1866, and is no stranger to health care in the area, according to Robert Scholefield, its Chief Operating Officer.

“We have 14 physician offices throughout Oneida/ Herkimer County. We have a combination of inner city, suburban and rural health care clinics. We employ over 60 physicians throughout those clinics, and we’ve been doing that since 1975—so it’s not something new for us,” he said. Continue reading →

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Webb board considers two health center proposals, agrees to move toward contract with St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center

The Town of Webb Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to open negotiations with St. Elizabeth Medical Center toward a final contract that would establish a new public health services arrangement at the Professional Offices building in Old Forge.

The arrangement would have St. E’s managing all heath care offerings and allow the Town of Webb to effectively “get out of the health care business,” according to town Supervisor Ted Riehle, who said the town is ill-equipped to continue its historic support role.

The health care climate has changed and the longtime partnership between on site health providers and the town is no longer feasible, added Councilman Mike Ross.

The decision process started on Monday, May 7, when representatives from St. E’s and another potential service provider—Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare—presented proposals to the town board. Continue reading →

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Varsity Baseball: Clemans hits two singles, one RBI in Old Forge loss

Garrett Pavlus on the mound for Old Forge. Courtesy photo

Old Forge got two hits apiece from John Gaffney, Parker Clemans, and Griffin Kleps, with Clemans and Tyler McGough each knocking in a run on Monday, May 7 in a game the team lost at home to New York Mills.

Also adding hits were PJ Perkins, Garrett Pavlus, McGough and Tecwyn Williams.

Garrett Pavlus started on the mound for Old Forge, and over five innings he struck out nine while walking just one.

Greg Hunkins took over in the sixth, allowing just one run.

“We played fairly well and stayed pretty close throughout. New York Mills is a pretty good team—they always are year in and year out.”

Still, Old Forge had some chances in the bottom of the last inning when the team loaded the bases with no outs.

“We weren’t able to deliver the runs, but we played well and certainly made opportunities for ourselves,” Riedman said. Continue reading →

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Lynn Durkin appointed new Inlet Librarian

Lynn Durkin

Lynn Durkin has been appointed as the Inlet Public Library’s new librarian following the retirement of longtime librarian, Beth Ste.Marie.

Durkin, who began her new position in December, said she was glad to have had a few months of experience behind her and is now looking forward to the summer.

“Things are already picking up and I’m expecting a busy season,” she said.

But, she added, you don’t replace someone with Ste.Marie’s experience overnight.

“She had great knowledge of this library, but I’m trying my best to fill her shoes,” Lynn said.

The library is currently open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but when summer hours begin in July, it will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Continue reading →

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