Daily Archives: January 23, 2014

Carl M. Kafka, 61, passes away

Carl M. Kafka, 61, of Inlet and formerly of Lewis County, died unexpectedly at his home on January 13, 2014.

He was born in Constableville on January 19, 1952, a son of Francis A. and Anna (Mohmoch) Kafka. Carl was a graduate of South Lewis High School in Turin.

He was united in marriage with Kathleen Faduski on July 1, 1972 at St. Hedwig’s Church in Turin, and was of the Catholic faith.

Carl had worked for the last 18 years as a greens keeper at the Inlet Golf Club. Prior to that he had worked at several major road construction sites in various locations around New York State.  Continue reading →

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Spring service planned for Ruth E. Phillips, 72

Ruth E. Phillips, 72, of Inlet and formerly of Mayfield Heights, OH, died unexpectedly on January 15, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

She was born September 15, 1941 in Cleveland, OH, a daughter of the late Howard I. and Dorothy (Hansen) Hosack. Ruth graduated from Mayfield High School in 1959. She was united in marriage with Howard Phillips on September 3, 1976, in Chardon, OH. The couple moved to Inlet in 1982 and purchased the Inlet Marina. Mr. Phillips passed away in October 2012.

Ruth enjoyed taking part with her friends in the local Relay For Life activities, and was an avid collector of various items. When able to get away from the family-run business, Ruth enjoyed playing the slots at Vernon Downs and other casinos throughout the United States. Continue reading →

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Summer service planned for Darwin P. Johnston, 74

Darwin P. Johnston, 74, passed away on January 15, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Ann Verblaw Johnston, son Gregory Johnston (Karry), daughter Catharine Johnston-Brooks (Roger), grandchildren (Ian, Abagail, Jack and Emma), and sister Catharine Westlake.

Darwin was born on October 21, 1939 in Jamestown, NY. Darwin worked for Oneida Silversmiths for over 25 years, retiring as Vice President of Personnel.  Continue reading →

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Service to be announced for Virginia D. Adkins, 96

Virginia D. (Ginny) Adkins, 96, of Raleigh, NC died January 14, 2014. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Anne and James Durning.

After being raised in Pittsburgh, she lived most of her adult life in New York State, before retiring to Raleigh in 1982.

She was an artist, whose formal training was at Syracuse University. She was very active in the art community in Raleigh, which she embraced with gusto throughout her retirement.  Continue reading →

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Town of Webb UFSD: Administrators report to Board of Education

The Town of Webb UFSD Board of Education held a meeting on Tuesday, January 21, where it took the actions summarized as follows (not official minutes).

Approved the Minutes of January 7, 2014 meeting.

Approved the Warrants and Claims.

Approved the Treasurer’s Reports for December 2013.

Approved the Inter-Municipal Cooperation Agreement between the Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida Board of Cooperative Educational Services and the Town of Webb Union Free School District for January 21 – June 30, 2014. Continue reading →

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Why does the occasional business seem plunked in an odd location?

Just like certain buildings or structures, grandfathering can apply to the business or commercial use of a property as well.

Within the Town of Webb there are plenty of examples.

The local law calls them a “Lawfully pre-existing and Non-conforming Use.”

Without identifying any particular business, it’s not too difficult to figure out where they are.

In almost all cases, a grandfathered business had to be established before the adoption of the first zoning ordinance… which was 1965. That’s nearly fifty years ago.  Continue reading →

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State must focus on concerns of real people, demand real results

The work of a state senator is diverse. To me, though, the most important aspects of the job—connecting with real people, learning their real concerns, and producing real results—are my highest priorities.

My interactions with the people who live and work in my senate district are the basis for what I focus on when developing my legislative goals for the upcoming year.

With that in mind, here are some of my top priorities for the 2014 legislative session.  Continue reading →

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