A two-day Youth Basketball Clinic will be held at the Wells Community Hall, State Rte. 30, on Saturday and Sunday July 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     The program's focus is on basic fundamental skill building, its goal to provide youngsters with the tools and guidance to improve their game. A variety of stations will be set-up to test skill levels and instructions will be provided by top area coaches.

     The clinic is open to boys and girls in grades five through nine. Reservations are required as space is limited to 40 youngsters.

     To reserve a spot, call Clinic Director Shawn Taylor, former Wells Central School head coach, at (518) 924-3572. Price is $10 per child to cover cost of an appearance by European professional Harley Fuller. Any unused portion of this revenue will be donated to the WCS Elementary Basketball Program.

      Fuller is a 23 year old 188cm point guard from Gloversville, New York. He began his professional basketball career a few years back in Germany.and currently plays professional ball in Argentina.

     Additional appearances will be made by former Siena College Basketball Coach Jim Zullo and former WCS Varsity Coach Randy Begeal.  The program promises to be a very exciting way for kids to learn about sportsmanship, ball handling and teamwork.

     The 2013 spring turkey season opens Wednesday May 1 in all of upstate New York lying north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31, 2013:

     Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Long Island.

     Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their small game hunting or sportsman license.

     Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.

     Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day.

     Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8, or with a bow and arrow.

     Successful hunters must fill out the tag which comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested.

     Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report harvest online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html.

     The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing changes to regulations that would provide increased hunting and trapping opportunities for sportsmen in an effort to address a growing bobcat population. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens recently announced rules related to a five-year Bobcat Management Plan are now open for public review and comment.

     Over the past several decades the bobcat population has increased throughout upstate New York.  New York's bobcat population is estimated to be approximately 5,000 animals and growing, even in areas where regulated hunting and trapping seasons have been in place since the 1970s.

     A bobcat management plan was adopted by DEC in October 2012 following public input.

     In accordance with the management plan, proposed regulations simplify season dates in areas where hunting and trapping seasons have been open for many years.  The plan also establishes new hunting and trapping opportunities in several wildlife management units across the Southern Tier.

     Public comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted until April 8, 2013.  Citizens who wish to make formal public comments may do so by writing: Mr. Bryan L. Swift, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233 or emailing wildliferegs@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

     Additionally,the governor's Executive Budget proposes that hunting and fishing licenses be simplified and fees be reduced. For more information, go to http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/02202013-ny-open-for-fishing-and-hunting.

     The specific regulatory proposals can be seen at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html. 

     The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)  2012-13 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) may be purchased at the Wells Town Clerk Office, 1438 State Rte. 30

     The Town Clerk Office is open Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 6-9 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

     Left over Deer Management Permits (DMP's or doe Permits) will be available on a first come first serve basis beginning Thursday, Nov. 1  The Town Clerk will have hours from 9-11 a.m. to accommodate anyone interested in applying for one.

     Buyers who have not obtained a license through DECALS previously should bring proof of residency information (driver's license number or non-driver's ID number with a valid NYS address to qualify for a resident license). Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunting education certification or a copy of a previous license unless this information is already contained in their DECALS file.

New Regulations for 2012-2013

• Deer Management Permits (DMPs, "doe tags") may be used in all seasons in the Northern Zone.  DMPs may only be used in the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) for which they are issued.
• Mandatory antler restrictions (3 points on one side minimum) are now in effect in WMUs 3A, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W during all seasons for all hunters 17 years and older.
• All of Suffolk County will be open for the special January firearms season, subject to local discharge ordinances.
• A Deer Management Focus Area in central Tompkins County will intensify use of hunting to assist communities in the Ithaca area with the burden of overabundant deer populations. 
• Bear hunting seasons will run concurrently with the newly adjusted deer seasons. 
• New legislation now allows use of rifles for big game hunting in Cayuga County.

     Beginning Monday, February 13, 2012, the Wells Town Board will hold its monthly meetings at the Town of Wells Ambulance Corps/Meal Site Building.  Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are open to the public.

Last December, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a provision in the New York State Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act which prohibits disposal of most rechargeable batteries as a solid waste. The new provision of the law gives consumers the opportunity to drop off rechargeable batteries at local retail stores.  The law already requires battery manufacturers to provide for collection and recycling of rechargeable batteries in a statewide program at no cost to consumers.

     Most retailers that sell rechargeable batteries are required to accept used ones from individuals during normal business hours.  The law requires battery collection by both local retailers and direct sellers of rechargeable batteries (i.e., catalog, telephone, or internet sales).  Retailers must also post signs alerting consumers about the disposal ban and the opportunities to return rechargeable batteries at their location. 

     Rechargeable batteries covered by this law include; nickel cadmium, sealed lead, lithium ion, nickel metal hydride and any other dry cell rechargeable batteries weighing less than 25 pounds.  This law does not cover vehicle batteries or non-rechargeable batteries such as common alkaline batteries.  Rechargeable batteries from cordless power tools, laptops, telephones, cameras and other electronic devices are among a growing list of products New Yorkers can return to retailers for recycling at the end of its useful life. 

     For more information on the New York State Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act, visit DEC's Web site at:  http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/72065.html.

     The Hamilton County Home Improvement Program has up to $25,000 of grant funding available per eligible single family, owner occupied home to help residents with badly needed repairs.  Included are electrical and heating upgrades, roofing, windows and doors, porch and entry repairs, siding and exterior protection, wells, and other important upgrades that many homeowners simply cannot afford on their own.

     More than 40 home owners throughout Hamilton County have been assisted through this program since 2005. The County hopes to keep the pace moving to justify additional HOME grant funding from New York State by assisting 10-15 home owners this year.

     Brochures outlining income eligibility guidelines are available at the Town Clerk Office, 1438 State Route 30. To obtain a Pre-application form, homeowners may call Avalon Associates, Inc. Program Coordinator, at 518-798-0777 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

     The program is supported by a grant from the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) using funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.