Richmondville Man Arrested for Possession of Heroin

New York State Police have announced the arrest of twenty year old Leland W. Pitt of Richmondville, New York for possession of heroin after he was pulled over on I-88 for unrelated reasons on Thursday, June 12th. 

Troopers stopped the suspect in Duanesburg for an equipment violation at approximately three thirty that afternoon, when the officer on scene observed Mr. Pitt attempting to hide something on his person. A search of the driver and vehicle revealed the suspect was in possession of three decks of heroin.

Mr. Pitt was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a misdemeanor, and was subsequently released on tickets. He is scheduled to appear in Town of Duanesburg Court on Monday, July 7th at 7:00 p.m. 

Cobleskill Police Blotter (June 17, 2014)

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following press release concerning recent arrests by their officers in the Village of Cobleskill: 

Monday, June 9, 2014

At 1:10 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Mark Thompson, 20, of Cobleskill, NY, for Harassment in the Second Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on June 10th at 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

At 6:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Marsha Graham, 33, of Summit, NY, for Petit Larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on June 10th at 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

At 9:45 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Patricia Ware, 30, of Cobleskill, NY, for Conspiracy in the Sixth Degree. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on June 24th at 5:00 p.m.

At 9:45 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Kimberly Arnold, 23, of Cobleskill, NY, for Petit Larceny. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on June 24th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

At 7:11 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Tyler J. Briggs, 18, of Cobleskill, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Open Container. He was issued a summons for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21. He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 8th at 5:00 p.m.

Town of Middleburgh Introduces Official Website

Following in the footsteps of neighboring municipalities that have created their own websites separate from county hosting, the Town of Middleburgh officially launched its webpage Monday afternoon in an effort to better inform and communicate with its citizenry. 

The website, which was spearheaded by Town Councilman Brian DeFeo in early spring, offers a wide array of information for public consumption from the various departments hours of operation to thorough explanations of said agencies role and functions. 

Additionally, it includes specialized sections featuring monthly articles of interest, listings of essential local services, and a unique contact platform by which town officials can publicly respond to their constituents comments and concerns.

Middleburgh's new website can be viewed here. 

Vote in Our New Poll: Do You Approve of Alicia Terry's Job Performance?

On the sidebar is our new question: Do you approve of the job performance of County Planning Director Alicia Terry? Why or why not?

Seward Announces Grant Funds for Local Libraries

ONEONTA, 06/13/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) announced last week that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of over $685,000 in public library construction grant funds. 

The Community Library in Cobleskill received $40,462 in funding to replace roofing on the western half of the building and to add a ramp and door for improved accessibility. It was the only public library in Schoharie County to receive funds this fiscal year. 

"Our libraries are community hubs, hosting countless activities that enrich lives young and old," Seward said.“Libraries are also some of the most historic landmarks we have and they are often in need of costly technological and accessibility upgrades that must be accomplished while still maintaining their traditional character.”

Public library construction grants help local libraries and library systems to build new libraries, create additions, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.  New furniture, shelving, and equipment, including computer equipment, can be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space.

“Electronic lending has skyrocketed and many people utilize the Internet at their local library to job search or catch up on news from around the globe.  It is vital that libraries are able to keep up with changing needs,” Seward added.

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading.  More than 48 percent of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 30 percent are more than three decades old.

Senator Seward is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries and a consistent advocate for libraries.  He has routinely received high marks from the New Yorkers for Better Libraries for his support of libraries.

“Assisting libraries with state funds takes the burden off local taxpayers, while preserving and improving these valuable resources for generations to come,” Seward concluded.

The grants are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2013 state budget.

Poll: Readers Overwhelmingly Disapprove of Cuomo

Schoharie News readers overwhelmingly disapproved of Governor Andrew Cuomo's job performance in a recent poll conducted over the past week. Mr. Cuomo has faced a wave of bipartisan resentment over his widely unpopular gun control law, the "SAFE Act," particularly across Upstate New York. 

With slightly less than two hundred votes cast only 16% of readers approved of the first term executive's performance in Albany, while 80% view the rumored White House hopeful negatively. The remaining 4% were undecided.

This is in stark contrast with statewide polls that show Mr. Cuomo's approval ratings in the high fifties to low sixties as he prepares to take on Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in the fall. Schoharie County is expected to go strongly for Astorino after barely backing Paladino in 2010. 

Opinion: Taxation Without Proper Representation

We like to beat up on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors here at the Schoharie News, often on matters of ideological or philosophical differences, but lately we've become more set in our opinion that many of the board's faults can be attributed more to the system of government itself rather than those administering it.

Take for example last month's contentious decision to move forward on the controversial stream bank project. Nine of sixteen Supervisors voted against county taxpayers shouldering the burden of approximately $2.6 million in additional non-budgeted costs, but due to the board's antiquated weighted vote system, it passed nonetheless. 

In fact, when you take into consideration that Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAlister's one vote in favor of resuming the project was worth more than almost five of his colleagues votes in opposition, it's a wonder that legislators from Blenheim, Conesville, or any of the small towns continue to participate in this farce of democracy at all. 

If tomorrow morning residents of Schoharie County were informed that their votes would no longer be counted equally in countywide elections, but that it would be distributed based on their town's respective share of the county's overall population, immediate lawsuits and protests would (rightfully) flood the state's legal system. 

With that in mind, why doesn't the same hold true of our representatives in county government? Because, "legally," the weighted vote system is 100% constitutional and okay, even though its origins emerged out of a landmark Supreme Court decision that found non-proportional representation to violate the concept of "one man, one vote."

But rather than adopt a system where one man or one woman had just one vote, dozens of counties statewide adopted legislative forms of government where one man could have more than five or six men's votes on any given issue, which has had the effect of creating a situation where the solution is far worse than the original sin. 

A sin Schoharie County lawmakers have ignored for far too long. 

We don't pretend to know what the right course of action is on this disconcerting state of unequal representation on the county board, although we have our own ideas, but we do believe that if the Board of Supervisors is willing to examine the status of county government through a workshop committee or charter commission, that no harm can come out of working for the public's interests. 

Middleburgh Library to Host Legendary Performer Thursday

The Middleburgh Library's "The Not so Quiet Concert Series" will be featuring legendary songwriter, actor, concert performer and social activist Josh White Jr., on this upcoming Thursday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. 

Mr. White got his start at the age of four when he performed one evening with his father at the famed "Cafe Society", which is renowned for being New York's first integrated night club. He would land his first Broadway role at just nine and never looked back in a incredible career spanning seven decades. 

Tickets will be available at the door to hear the famous concert artist, who has had the honor of performing on the world's greatest stages across four different continents. A donation of $10.00 is suggested. 

Middleburgh's Heritage Day a Hit

Cars, ribbon cuttings, and so much more describe the fun filled atmosphere of Middleburgh's second annual Heritage Day, featuring Middleburgh Central School's Technopolooza on the high school lawn. 

Despite the rainy weather, area residents packed the historic village for a myriad of events ranging from the Rotary's Sloughter 5K in the morning to a scavenger hunt sponsored by the local business association and the official opening of Fish Tales & Fur on Main Street. 

Stealing the spotlight was the immensely popular Technopolooza, which showcased dozens of classic and modified cars for spectators enjoyment and displayed shop projects produced by local students inside the school.

Middleburgh resident Sheila Donegan captured the sights of Heritage Day and submitted the following photographs for publication. Enjoy!

Middeburgh Mayor Matt Avitabile and Village Trustee Bill Morton
 present mural artist Patti Brancoforte with the village's thanks

The Scavenger Hunt brought participants to Four Star Reality

The Middleburgh Business Association's table

After a year of planning, Middleburgh welcomes a pet store

Technopolooza from Main Street

Cobleskill FD 150th a Blast

Cobleskill residents celebrated the 150th anniversary of the community's beloved Fire Department.

Photo credit: Cobleskill FD Facebook Page

"Vroman's Gnomes" Unveiled in Middleburgh

Hosted by the Artisan's Gallery, a new exhibit is electrifying Middleburgh. Vroman's Gnomes, the brainchild of local artist Mike Galli, has become a sensation. The event Friday night introducing the gnomes was a hit for adult and child alike.

Trading cards printed by Race Printing were also available.

Photo credit: Artisan's Gallery Fan Page

Letter to the Editor: Residents Need to Remain Vigilant on Pipeline

Dear Editor:

For almost two years residents of Schoharie County have faced the possibility that a large, high-pressure natural gas pipeline would cut through the heart of the County while landowners in its path would face the seizure of their property under eminent domain or be forced to settle for a small one-time payment in exchange for giving up control of their property to Constitution Pipeline Company forever. At the same time many read news stories about the terrible safety record of the very companies proposing to build the pipeline, with almost monthly reports of fires and explosions, all to facilitate the export of fracked gas to Canada and ultimately overseas.

To their credit, many area residents organized and resisted bullying by the pipeline company, while simultaneously, the NY State DEC and other agencies called the pipeline company’s proposal inadequate and potentially harmful to the environment.  As a result, the Constitution Pipeline approval process has been significantly delayed and the project may never be built.

But before beleaguered landowners could breathe a sigh of relief they now have a second pipeline proposal slashing through many of the same properties. It is clear Schoharie County is a target for exploitation by gas companies who think they can do what they want to rural communities and ultimately, build an infrastructure that will help them frack our farms, fields and backyards.

The only way to stop them is to refuse to allow them to survey, to refuse to sign your rights away. Constitution is in trouble because the residents of our region have said “no” in large numbers. So far Schoharie County has been stronger than the drillers and the pipeline companies. We need to continue to be strong and not allow the dangerous industrialization of our rural communities.

If you receive a letter from a pipeline company return it to them with a registered letter denying them permission to come on your property.  If they knock on your door, send them away without permission to survey. If, at any time, you are harassed, threatened, intimidated or trespassed upon by pipeline representatives call the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities toll-free Landowner Response Line at 1-800-795-1467 and we will stand with you and help you protect your rights.

For additional information visit the Stop the Pipeline web site: www.stopthepipeline.org and consider attending the Stop the Pipeline meetings held monthly in Oneonta.

Bob Nied

Board of Directors

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

Seward Leads Opposition to Microstamping in State Senate Codes Committee

ALBANY, 06/13/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) this week was joined by fellow senators in voicing strong opposition to gun control legislation (S.68A/A.3244A) requiring the microstamping of ammunition.

“Microstamping is a flawed technology, easily defeated by criminals, that would only cost law abiding citizens while forcing hefty new expenses on firearms manufacturers like Remington Arms,”said Senator Seward.  “This bill came to the senate floor for a vote in 2010 when New York City Democrats controlled the agenda and I rallied opposition to defeat it.  This year, the gun control bill will not see the light of day.

“Those who support this bill seem to forget – criminals don’t follow the law.  Microstamping would not help police track down lawbreakers who obtain guns illegally, out of state, or file or switch a weapon’s firing pin, all common practices among criminals,” Seward added. 

A majority of the members on the New York State Senate Codes Committee, where the bill has been referred, have added their voices to Senator Seward’s opposition, effectively blocking the proposed legislation.

The measure, if enacted, would effectively end the manufacture of firearms in New York and sales in New York as gun makers would not produce “New York only” weapons for citizens or the police.

Senate Codes Committee Chairman Senator Michael Nozzolio and committee members Senators Phil Boyle, John DeFrancisco, John Flanagan, Patrick Gallivan, Joe Griffo, Andrew Lanza, and Tom O’Mara have all publicly declared their objections to the measure. They were also joined by Senators Cathy Young, Greg Ball, Tom Libous, James Seward, John Bonacic, Patty Ritchie, Kathy Marchione, Bill Larkin, Betty Little, Joe Robach, George Maziarz, Hugh Farley and Mike Ranzenhofer.

After recent anti Second Amendment moves in the state assembly, state senate Democrats are now pushing efforts to move the microstamping bill sponsored by Senator Peralta.

“Here they go again, in an extreme attempt to turn law abiding citizens into criminals, rather than tackling the real criminals. We must unite, in both the senate and throughout the state, to stop this extreme and costly effort. There is not a shred of credible evidence that proves the technology actually works. We will work together to protect the Second Amendment,” they said in a joint statement.

MCS Rountable Fundraiser Adds to Heritage Day Activities

Middleburgh's second annual Heritage Day, which includes the Sloughter 5k Run, Technopalooza, pet store grand opening, and mural unveiling has another event to add to its list. The MCS Roundtable is raising funds by holding a pulled pork BBQ on the school lawn from noon until sold out. Four meals will be just $20, individual ones $6. Anyone with questions can call Raelyn Mercer at 827-3086.

No Excuse This Weekend: County Full of Events (June 13, 2014)

Schoharie County is the place to be tomorrow, with several communities hosting different events in what should be a beautiful Flag Day across Upstate New York:

Blenheim - By far the most somber event of the day, Blenheim residents will be hosting a breakfast at the local Town Hall to benefit late Town Highway Superintendent Gerald "Gerry" Felter's wife in her time of financial need. The breakfast will kick off at 8:30 am and is donation only. 

Cobleskill - Marking the one-hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Cobleskill Fire Department, the county's largest municipality is going all out with a Main Street parade, all-day events at the fairgrounds and live entertainment to cap the celebrations. The festivities will begin at 10:00 am. 

Middeburgh - The Valley community will have a host of events for local residents to participate in the second annual Heritage Day celebration. They include the Rotary's Sloughter 5K set for 9:00 am, Technopolooza on the high school lawn, and the Creekside Park's mural unveiling. 

Schoharie - The Schoharie American Legion Auxiliary Flag Day Ceremony will be held at the Veteran's Park located on the corner of Main and Spring Streets in the Village of Schoharie. A special ceremony for retiring used flags will be performed at 6:00 pm with the help of local Boy Scout Troop #4.

Gibson Questions Bergdahl Release as House Grills Hagel

Members of the House Armed Services Committee, including local Congressman Chris Gibson, grilled U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Wednesday afternoon on the Obama administration's decision to swap five high-ranking Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay for U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who had been in captivity since 2009.

Congressional concerns centered around the administration's transfer of high-ranking enemy officials and strategists to Qatar, where they will be released within the next year, and the violation of federal law that requires Congress to be notified within thirty days of any prisoners release from the controversial military base in Cuba.

In a statement issued Monday morning by Congressman Gibson's staff, the former Army Colonel told the Schoharie News that although we need to bring every American back from captivity, he does not believe, "that we exhausted  all avenues in seeking the safe return of Bowe Bergdahl before entering into this agreement."

Defense Secretary Hagel told lawmakers in his prepared remarks Wednesday, "As the opportunity to obtain Sergeant Bergdahl’s release became clearer, we grew increasingly concerned that any delay, or any leaks, could derail the deal and further endanger Sergeant Bergdahl."

The Bergdahl exchange has attracted significant backlash from Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Washington, with many sharing our local congressman's concerns that, "this swap could set a dangerous precedent and put more Americans at risk," as there are fears it may encourage future detainment of U.S. personnel for prisoner exchanges.

Middleburgh's Turtle Rock is No More

The former Turtle Rock Cafe, once a popular restaurant and ice cream shop, was torn down earlier today. The building, purchased by the Town of Middleburgh through the FEMA buyout withstood terrible damage in 2011's flooding.

Photo credit: Sheila Donegan

The Town is in discussions to possibly turn the area into a park and ride.

More buildings around the County are set to be demolished in the coming months.

County Board Holds Special Meeting to Approve Grant Requests

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors met Wednesday evening to approve several Community Renewal Fund grant requests before New York State's June 16th application deadline is reached on Monday. Twelve Supervisors were present for the special legislative session. 

Among several grant requests applied for, the $200,000 micro-enterprise grant was seen as a potential game-changer for local businesses. Limited to small businesses with five employees or less, Sarah Blood of the Schoharie County Economic Development Office said it was of, "priority status." 

If approved, the grant would be administered by the county with an emphasis placed on awarding funds to veteran and women owned businesses. The state has stipulated that 23% of contract funds have to go to veterans, so long as they're honorably discharged, women or minority groups.

Small business owners would be able to apply and receive anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, with the caveat they are able to match the grant's funds. Schoharie County is not likely to hear the state's decision until October, which would place any announcements at or before election day. 

Video of Schoharie School Board Meeting

Schoharie Central School held its Board meeting last week, attracting dozens. Watch the video below.

Former Mayor Plays Prominently in Cuomo TV Ad

Andrew Cuomo may likely be headed for an easy re-election across the whole state, but is calling in for local support in Schoharie County. Cuomo has unveiled a series of new ads statewide, including a prominent former official. Former Middleburgh Mayor William Ansel-McCabe is seen with the Governor in the new ad touting the Governor's record over the last four years.

In 2012, Ansel-McCabe emphasized his tight relationship with the Governor, saying that he was a close political ally. If the ad is any indication, the former Mayor could help bring about a local boost for the chief proponent of policies that have affected Upstate-- from the tax cap to Common Core to the SAFE Act.

The ad can be seen here.