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The Best Gifts from Schoharie County

Updated Story: State Police Nab Gallupville Man to End Standoff

Written By Editor on 4/10/14 | 4/10/14


The Schoharie News has received additional information on last night's standoff in the hamlet of Gallupville:

On Wednesday night at approximately 6:15 PM the man, who is still unidentified, smashed the windshield of a car and assaulted a female at the Schoharie Dunkin Donuts on Route 30A. The woman is suspected of being either his current or ex-wife. 

He then fled the scene to his residence in Gallupville, where shortly thereafter State Police arrived and he refused to vacate the residence; he was reportedly armed with a shotgun. State Police responded by bringing in the Mobile Response Team and a negotiator. 

Around 11:00 PM the subject came out of his house and surrendered to law enforcement. He was taken into custody at the State Police station in Cobleskill. Schoharie County Sheriffs also assisted in the standoff; the second of which that has occurred this past week.

Two Local Businesses Compete for $1,500 Start-up Grant


Two Schoharie County business have entered into the 2014 All Over Albany Startup Grant, which is being sponsored this year by Staff Ciampino & Company P.C., Certified Public Accountants, that will award $1,500 to the local business that receives the most public support by way of voting on AOA's website. 

Nineteen startups have applied for the $1,500 grant provided by Berkshire Bank, including the Richmondville based Earthly Remedies by Erin that produces organic skincare products and the local Olde Country Store that is looking to relocate from their current spot in Gallupville to Middleburgh. 

Both local businesses exemplify the county's innovative character and hard working spirit, but need extra help moving their dreams to the next step. You can vote for only one business per day until the contest ends on April 11 at 1:00 pm. 

Easter Egg Hunt in Central Bridge April 19


The Central Bridge Civic Association will be holding the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19 at 11:00 am. The event will be held rain or shine at the Central Bridge Community Park for youth 12 years of age and under. There will be three chances to win an Easter Basket. 


Refreshments will be served and all are welcome in the community.

Man Surrenders to Police in Gallupville Standoff

Schoharie County faced another tense standoff with police late today as a man accused of breaking a window at the Route 30A Dunkin Donuts and assaulting a woman surrendered to police at his Gallupville home.

Channel 10 is reporting that the standoff ended peacefully after police surrounded the man's home and closed off part of Route 443. The situation ended around two hours ago:
The man surrendered around 10:20 p.m. and was taken to the State Police Cobleskill barracks. His name has not been released. Charges are pending.
Expect more updates as this story develops.

NY 19 Race Gains National Attention Contrasting Two Candidates

Written By Editor on 4/9/14 | 4/9/14

On the sidebar of Real Clear Politics today there is a link to a Politico article about the contentious NY-19 Congressional race between incumbent Chris Gibson (R) and newcomer Sean Eldridge (D). With both candidates likely to win their parties' primaries, the backgrounds of the candidates is coming under close scrutiny.

Gibson, 49, is a decorated veteran who served multiple tours in Iraq. Eldridge, 27, is funding his effort through a private equity firm he founded with money from his husband's profits from co-founding Facebook.

Photo credit: Politico
Politico tracked both candidates down and found different approaches in their styles and substance:

Regarding Eldridge:
Chartock came away without any real sense of the candidate. 
 Eldridge sounded like “what a young person thinks a politician should sound like,” the radio host said in an interview. “He’s right on all the issues, but what I think people are looking for is a person. He’s extremely bright, has all the assets that you need to run. But it’s cookie cutter.”  
 .....
 For a while, Eldridge had his eye on another congressional seat. In 2011, he and Hughes, who had been living together in a SoHo loft, purchased a $5 million estate in Garrison, N.Y, positioning Eldridge to run in the neighboring 18th District. But in November 2012 that district’s Republican congresswoman, Nan Hayworth, lost reelection to a Democrat. So Eldridge looked north to the 19th District, where Gibson had just won a second term.
Regarding Gibson:
On Feb. 24, 2005, during combat in Mosul, Iraq, Gibson suffered shrapnel wounds in his right leg and the right side of his face. A few fragments remain in his leg. In his Washington office, the congressman keeps a piece of the rocket-propelled grenade that hit him.  
Gibson says his modest means helps him identify with voters in the middle-class district. During a daylong car ride through the area’s rural back roads, he said an “empathy factor” would play a prominent role in the race.

Cobleskill Resident Arrested for Breaking Into "Taste of Europe" Twice

From the New York State Police:

On April 7, 2014 the State Police at Cobleskill arrested Andrew P. Harte, 48 years of age, of Cobleskill, NY for two counts of Burglary Third Degree. In June of 2013 a burglary was reported to a local restaurant, "A Taste of Europe" located on State Route 145 in the Town of Cobleskill. Forced entry was gained into the restaurant where an investigation revealed alcohol was stolen. 

Andrew Harte
Then two months later on Labor Day weekend of 2013 a second burglary was reported. This time food items were taken from the business. A ten month investigation has lead to the arrest of Harte. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 secured bond. He is to return to court at a later date.  

Schoharie School Band to March in Central Bridge, Esperance Memorial Day Parades


Months of brewing contention between two local communities and the Schoharie Central School District over the use of the school's marching band on Memorial Day weekend has been resolved, according to a press release issued by the school. 

Controversy was ignited last fall when the school dropped Central Bridge from their parade route, citing scheduling conflicts, and was further inflamed by the Esperance Fire Department when they uninvited the band in solidarity with their neighboring community. 

In a meeting held last week between representatives of all parties and Assemblyman Pete Lopez, who mediated the conflict, a compromise was agreed upon in-which the high school band will march in the Central Bridge parade and the elementary/junior varsity squad will do likewise in the Village of Esperance.

Praising the Schoharie Central School District's commitment to volunteer fire departments and emergency rescue squads to join in honoring this country's veterans, Assemblyman Lopez stated that he was "very pleased that his office could help bring everyone together to work through this." He would later add, "this is the right thing to do." 

Central Bridge Fire Chief Scott Johnson thanked all parties involved for coming together and reaching a compromise that will see Schoharie's youth participate in both communities Memorial Day parades, which will be held on Monday, May 26th. Superintendent Brian Sherman added that both bands have been practicing in anticipation. 

Cobleskill Police Blotter (April 8, 2014)

Written By Editor on 4/8/14 | 4/8/14

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following press release/police blotter for the last day of March into the first week of April. 

Monday, March 31, 2014
    
     At 2:10 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Tracy A. Lord, 41, of East Worcester, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 15th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 2:15 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Nikki Lord, 20, of Richmondville, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Criminal Mischief 3rd.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released on $1000 Bail.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on April 1st at 5:00 p.m.
    
Wednesday, April 2, 2014

     At 12:45 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Dave R. Malivert, 22, of Cobleskill, NY, for Petit Larceny.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 22nd at 5:00 p.m.      

     At 5:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested John Garrow, 23, of Delanson, NY, for Petit Larceny.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 22nd at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

     At 1:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Sam L. Bindier, 23, of Central Valley, NY, for Criminal Possession of Criminal Substance 7th and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on April 29th at 5:00 p.m.

    At 5:08 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Andrew D. Benson, 21, of Cobleskill, NY, for DWI, and Operating a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.08%, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 19th at 5:00 p.m. 

Middleburgh NAPA Comes Down in Heap of Rubble


In what was once the historic Oneida Markets grocery store, located on the corner of Baker and Main in the Village of Middleburgh, is now a heap of rubble after construction crews began the process of demolishing the rundown building that has been abandoned by Middleburgh NAPA since the devastating effects of Hurricane Irene in 2011. 

Construction crews sealed off Baker Avenue
as they began the process of tearing the old
NAPA down - Photo Credit: Sheila Donegan
A crowd of residents and passersby gathered to watch the demolition unfold, as for years the vacant eyesore has left much to be desired within the village's buzzing business district, which has seen tremendous expansion and growth in post-flood recovery.

Mayor Avitabile watches on as NAPA reaches
its destined end - Photo Credit: Sheila Donegan
Demolition should be completed by the end of the week, but the space will not be empty for long as Mayor Matthew Avitabile teased on the community's facebook page that out of the building's rubble several store fronts are expected to rise, perhaps within the next year. Middleburgh's NAPA auto parts has since relocated to 158 Wells Avenue. 

State Police Arrest Middleburgh Man Following Domestic Dispute

Written By Editor on 4/7/14 | 4/7/14


Earlier this evening State Police stationed in Cobleskill announced the arrest of Jacob I. Armlin, twenty, of Middleburgh for Harassment in the 2nd degree and Coercion in the 2nd degree subsequent to a domestic dispute that occurred on April 1, 2014. 

It is alleged that Mr. Armlin pushed and then physically forced the victim to sign over the title of her vehicle to him while threatening to harm her if she refused his demand. Mr. Armlin was arraigned in the Middleburgh Town Court and remanded to the custody of the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office in lieu of $500 bail or a $1000 bond. 

The suspect is scheduled to reappear in court on April 9, 2014 at 7:00 PM. In addition, according to the State Police press release, Mr. Armlin may possibly face further charges for another domestic dispute with the victim that occurred two days later. 

Charity Basketball Game to Raise Funds for Children with Cancer

The Stamford and Jefferson Fire Departments are working hard to raise money for two local children with cancer. The departments will face off against each other on April 11th at the Stamford High School at 7pm to raise money for Scout Lamport and Bryc Cole. All are invited!

Information from the Schoharie County Fire Wire facebook page.


Savor Schoharie to Raise Money for Flood Recovery

SALT is hosting another push to raise funds for flood victims later this month. The Savor Schoharie meal offers some of the best cuisine of the County in three different locations.


Find out more information about the April 26th event on the Facebook page.

Letter to the Editor: "Rural Myth" That Lowes Was Pushed Out of Cobleskill

Written By Editor on 4/6/14 | 4/6/14


Dear Editor:
The Schoharie News recent op-ed piece discussing Schoharie County’s unemployment crisis was important and timely. By repeating a “rural myth,” however, the piece serves to mire the discussion in persistent misinformation. The Editor recounts the reoccurring notion that a Lowes Home Center was not built in Cobleskill because of “inaction and community tension.” Simply repeating something over and over again does not make it true. The unfounded Lowes legend is no exception. What is true is there is absolutely no documentation to support the claim that Lowes’ decision not to invest in a store in Cobleskill was anything other than a reasoned and careful decision made by an experienced corporation after a lengthy analysis of economic conditions and demographic data.
While people like former Cobleskill Supervisor Murray successfully spun the Lowes’s myth to help promote an unnecessary and absurdly expensive water and sewer expansion to Howes Caves and former Mayor Galasso leveraged the same myth as an excuse to attack the most basic of zoning protections, Lowes did not “leave” because of water or sewer issues or onerous zoning regulations. In fact, they didn’t leave at all. They were never here, only exploring one of many siting options in a manner that is consistent with its business model.
Lowes rejects potential sites far more than it finalizes them. For example, In 2011 Lowes decided against building in the populous community of Huntington Station, Long island after it had spent millions to acquire land. (See http://thehuntingtonian.com/2011/11/07/opinion-lowes-demographics-costs-etc/). They did so because they knew the store could not be sustained in even a densely populated location with a declining economy. When Lowes identifies a potentially profitable location it overcomes obstacles far more complex that a small town zoning regulations or the need for a commercial scale septic system. The reality is that building a large home store in an area like Schoharie County with a depressed economy, near zero home growth, high vacancy rates and below average median income (11% living below the poverty level) is not prudent. A visit to the often near empty Lowes store in Oneonta drives this point home. The population density of Oneonta is more than 2,000 people per square mile. The population density of Cobleskill is 110 people per square mile. For Lowes, investing in Cobleskill made absolutely no sense.
What also doesn’t make sense is the absolute lack of a County-wide economic development plan that is informed by sound policy or infused with even the slightest amount of energy and creativity. Schoharie County Economic Development Agency, in particular, continues to grasp at an outdated model that dreams of the large employer or big box store to solve the county’s employment problem, waits like a dejected lover for a manufacturing company to bring its operations back from China and buy the old Interknitting building or falls head over heels for a half-baked business plan and money grab for public funds, in the style of Maranatha.
Economic development in Schoharie County will only be successful when new approaches are embraced like the wide-spread expansion of high speed Internet access to fuel the growth of home-based, entrepreneurial business; non-traditional agricultural markets that benefit small farms, market gardens and boutique farm product production; proactive and aggressive searches within high-tech sectors for small startup business willing to locate in the County; and a serious push for tourism that incorporates progressive community planning, support for eco and agri-tourism and a real effort to resist the bland and off-putting landscape of fast food corridors like Route 7. Finally, the community must throw real energy behind addressing the relatively low number young people with college degrees (nearly 13% lower than the State average) and the uptick in dropout rates (almost 9%). Without an educated workforce we have little to offer.
Alternatively, we could all sit back and hope that Lowes or Home Deport will come to the rescue. If that is the choice, we should be prepared for a long wait and ever-growing unemployment. 
- Bob Nied

Life in Schoharie Contest Winner: Fall Serenity

Written By Editor on 4/5/14 | 4/5/14


With more than two hundred and seventy votes cast since Wednesday afternoon, Schoharie News readers have studiously selected Cobleskill resident Cheyla Bevins "Fall Serenity" submission as the victor of our first annual Life in Schoharie Photo Contest. There were nine photographs submitted overall. 
The winning photograph received 36% of votes
Ms. Bevins submission was the only photograph to reach one hundred votes, with Marvin Marsh's "Painted Night" the second closest at fifty-six. She will receive a $20 gift certificate to Cobleskill Wal-Mart for winning the contest, but in reality all of the photos submitted reflect that we are all the true winners for having such a beautiful place to call home.

Third Straight Year With No Tax Increase for Middleburgh Residents


Village of Middleburgh residents are poised to see their taxes hold steady for a third consecutive year, an accomplishment Village Mayor Matthew Avitabile argues has saved homeowners on average $139 since 2012. Avitabile posted an update on the valley community's facebook page earlier this week concerning budgetary figures. 

The proposed 2014-15 public budget, which will be presented to the village board and members of the community on Monday, April 7th at 7:00 pm, contains no tax increase but plenty of additional spending for local projects. 

With additional funds being put aside for local infrastructure (streets, sidewalks) and the Youth Commission, which manages the pools and summer programs, the village's more significant expenditures include a one-time $20,000 allotment to the Fire Department for firehouse repairs and a $2,000 increase in funding for the village's park projects. 

Village Trustees are expected to approve the proposed budget, which came as a result of several workshop meetings, Monday evening. 

Sharon to Host Run 4 The Hills Event to Benefit First Responders


The Sharon Springs community will be hosting their Inaugural Run 4 The Hills event to benefit the Sharon Springs Fire Department and Rescue Squad on Saturday May 3rd, which will kick off at 9:00 am sharp that morning. The cost of registration is $25 and is available only on online until April 15th, 2014 or until the race reaches its capacity of 150 participants. 


If there are still available slots open after online registration closes, organizers may consider the possibility of opening up last minute or race day registration options for interested runners. The cost of these alternatives would be dropped down to $20 per runner, but would not include the Inaugural Run 4 The Hills event tee.

Runners will be able to pick up their packets either on Friday, May 2nd at The American Hotel, located on 192 Main Street in the Village of Sharon Springs, between 3 and 5 pm, or the morning of the race from 7:30 until 8:30 am. Packets will neither be held nor mailed to runners who don't check in by 8:30 am race day.

For more updates and information on the Sharon Springs run/walk event, you can like them on facebook or follow their tweets on twitter.

Opinion: Schoharie's Unsustainable Unemployment Crisis

Written By Editor on 4/4/14 | 4/4/14


We really don't need to make any case to back up the title of this op-ed piece, as the New York State Department of Labor did that for us in last month's statewide unemployment report that showed Schoharie County is not only at the bottom of our region in terms of employment, but also the entire state.

Facing an uphill battle to address the county's staggering 9.2% rate of unemployment, which accounts for roughly 1,400 local residents out of work, Schoharie County has actually seen the number of employed citizens decline by roughly one hundred compared to the same time last year, with little to no workable solutions to resolve the problem. 

Wherein lies the crux of the situation: Schoharie's long-term working goal to stimulate job growth has publicly relied on luring in an interested entity to either lease or purchase the long-vacant Guilford Mills property in Cobleskill, in hopes of reclaiming hundreds of jobs that were lost in the facility's closure almost thirteen years ago.

Meanwhile, we have watched the $5.3 million partially publicly funded Maranatha Fitness Center rise and fall in the Town of Richmondville, while just a few miles down the road on Route 7 government inaction and community tension contributed to Lowes deciding not to build a store near the existing Wal-Mart supercenter. 

In the end, with our past economic failures hanging over the county's head, our lone salvation to over a decade of chronic economic stagnation may be the proposed Howe Caverns casino, which has split our county's electors and electorate in half since the issue first erupted in February.

However, besides publicly approving the concept of a local casino in their March meeting, the Board of Supervisors can do little but hope New York State chooses Schoharie over Saratoga, and that we reap the economic benefits of expanded gambling while not suffering under the tag-along societal repercussions.

One more alarming factoid from last month's unemployment report: the number of people without work in Schoharie County declined from 1,800 to 1,400 since last year without any corresponding increase in employment, which means either able bodied workers have moved elsewhere in search of jobs, or our neighbors have simply given up.

Either way, something must be done to address what is truly an unsustainable unemployment crisis in this county. We don't have the answers to this, and quite frankly no one might, but maintaining the status quo on economic growth is flat out unacceptable any longer. 

Local Mayors, SALT Join Forces to Recognize Impact of National Service

Schoharie, NY – On April 1, Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) along with local leaders joined more than 1,750 mayors and town supervisors across the country in a day of recognition to highlight the impact of national service on local challenges. 

SALT and local leaders, including Mayor Avitabile of Middleburgh and Mayor Borst of Schoharie hosted a luncheon and press conference at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, 178 River Street, Middleburgh.  At the event SALT AmeriCorps VISTA members were recognized and thanked for their commitment to national service and the local recovery effort.

Local officials, members of SALT and long-time
volunteers enjoyed a "thank you" lunch as well
The nation’s mayors and town supervisors are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to address city challenges at a time of fiscal constraint.  Currently, eight AmeriCorps members serve in Schoharie County, proving vital support to residents by assisting with ongoing flood recovery efforts. Since 2012, over 23 AmeriCorps VISTA members have served with SALT in this capacity. While serving in the Schoharie Valley, they have assisted with volunteer recruitment and management, construction management, fund development, grant research and writing, marketing and special events, business and community development, and technology services. 

In addition, VISTA members have helped to leverage over $238,000 in cash and over $640,000 of in-kind resources for the recovery effort. They have also recruited and coordinated over 5,200 volunteers, helped to organize over 20 special events, and submitted over 35 grant applications.  “The VISTA members have significantly increased our overall capacity to assist with recovery in SALT’s coverage area. It is our distinct honor to have been awarded this AmeriCorps VISTA grant.”  SALT Executive Director, Sarah Goodrich stated.  “We especially appreciate our VISTA volunteers for their commitment to the mission, their dedication to our daily work, and for the many varied gifts they bring to our team. Congratulations and thank you to all of our VISTA members for their outstanding service to our community!” 

Furthermore, committed long term volunteers were recognized for their dedication to rebuilding our community. Cathleen Berry, Jim Czebiniak, Bill Kinisky, Jim Lord, Dr. Rev. Carlton Shepard, and Michael Vamvas were among those recognized for their long-term service to the recovery effort.    

SALT also kicked off a spring volunteer recruitment campaign for ongoing recovery work and to build up a pool of volunteers who will be ready to serve Schoharie County in the event of a future emergency or disaster. All of these volunteer opportunities will help move Schoharie County toward a community that is resilient, vibrant, and fully recovered.  To sign up today visit SALTRecovery.org/Volunteer, email: volunteer@SALTRecovery.org or call 518-390-8828.

Dylan Thompson Named March's Young Motivator of the Month

Written By Editor on 4/3/14 | 4/3/14




The Young Motivators of Schoharie County and this month's sponsor, the Donna Lavigne Agency, announced Dylan Thompson as March's Young Motivator of the month in a press release issued Wednesday morning.  

Dylan with his family
Dylan, 13, is a very active member in Scouts where he has been a part of fundraisers and various activities. Dylan has also helped out at his church's luncheons and dinners, volunteering to do whatever task he is asked to do. Recently, he helped a neighbor with an errand that she was not able to do at the time. Dylan is a community oriented young man.....a true motivator.


To nominate a Young Motivator, you may e-mail youngmotivatorsschoco@gmail.com or message the group on facebook. Nyssa Roennpagel was previously named Young Motivator of the Month in February. 

Letter to the Editor: Resident Questions County's Reversal on Casino


Dear Editor,

I was wondering what kind of pitch the representatives from Howe Caverns gave the supervisors for them to make a complete 360 and vote "yes" for a casino. They voted "no" just last month. 

Could it be that the main player in the game is Chris Tague? He wears many hats in Schoharie County. Mr. Tague is General Manager of Cobleskill Stone and also the representative and spokesman for Howe Caverns. Another hat he wears is for the Republican Party of Schoharie County. He is the Vice Chairman.

That concerns this taxpayer very much as the Republicans hold a majority on the board. It just might be a conflict of interest. I hate to say it, but it looks like the Good Ole Boys are at it again. 


Jerry Fiore

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