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The Best Gifts from Schoharie County

Old Stone Fort to Host 'War of 1812' Lecturer

Written By Editor on 7/21/14 | 7/21/14

On Thursday,  July 24 at 7:00 PM,  the Schoharie County Historical Society presents the second program in its free Summer Lecture Series at the Old Stone Fort Museum complex.  John Osinski will discuss the role played by Schoharie County is the War of 1812, as part of the Bicentennial observance of that conflict.
War of 1812 is perhaps best remembered for the British attack on Fort McHenry, that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner.”  Some may remember that the British burned Washington, D.C. or the victories of the tiny United States Navy over ships of the world-dominating Royal Navy.  But little is generally known of the land battles that occurred along New York’s border with Canada.

John Osinski is one of the founders of the recreated Kellogg’s Artillery, a reenactment group portraying a militia company from Cobleskill that fought in the St. Lawrence/Lake Champlain campaign of 1813.  He will describe this action and other stories of Schoharie County volunteers.  The museum holds several significant artifacts from the War of 1812, including three militia artillery sabers that probably belonged to members of Kellogg’s, a collection of Giles Kellogg’s papers and a drum used by the Schoharie Militia.

The free lecture is open to the public and will be held in the Badgley Museum Annex, just across the street from the Old Stone Fort itself.  The museum is located in the village of Schoharie at 145 Fort Road, off NY State Rt.30, 2.5 miles south of Interstate 88 Exit 23.   The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and from Noon to 5 on Sundays.  For information, contact the museum at (518) 295-7192 or on the internet at theOldStoneFort.org.

Inside Look: Administrator Committee Makes Progress

Written By Editor on 7/20/14 | 7/20/14


One month after being tasked with the responsibility of investigating whether Schoharie County government should adopt additional oversight by way of an administrator, Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice informed the county board on Friday that the aptly named Administrator Committee is, "making very good progress." 

The study committee was approved unanimously by Supervisors at the June county board meeting on motion by Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith, and was subsequently appointed by County Board Chairman Tony VanGlad to consist of two proponents of an administrator; two opponents of the idea, and one neutral member. 

With hopes of concluding the committee's work by September at the earliest, Mr. Federice - who is serving as chair of the study group - told his fellow board members that they have already scheduled road trips to visit other counties that currently have administrators to obtain more information by asking questions and observing. 

Schoharie County Treasurer Bill Cherry, whom many had speculated might accept the position if created, pointedly dispelled any such motions with a brisk letter to the editor in early July that stated, "I don’t want the job... I will not apply for, nor accept, an administrator position that serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors."

Still, pending the release of its findings, the committee's impact on the county board as a whole remains to be seen, which on its last vote concerning the matter, voted down the administrator concept by an overwhelming margin at the May county board meeting. 

In addition to Mr. Federice of Conesville, Mr. Barbic of Seward; Ms. Bleau of Wright; Mr. Jordan of Jefferson; and, Mr. VanWormer of Esperance serve as members of the Administrator Committee. 

Vintage Car Show at NYPA Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center Today (July 20, 2014)

NORTH BLENHEIM — If you like vintage cars and trucks, stop by the New York Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Project visitors center on Sunday, July 20.

                                       Photo Credit: NYPA.
A wide variety of antique vehicles will be on display, including a 1910 Oakland Model 24 roadster and a 1913 Chase Model M Express truck, along with a ’56 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, a ’56 GMC Suburban pickup, a ’65 Corvair, and antique tractors.

Visitors are invited to drive their own classic wheels to the show and socialize with fellow car buffs. Admission and parking are free. To register for a chance to win a trophy in a variety of categories, call 518-234-7495.

Short films on cars will be screening in the visitors center theater. Barbecue and other food will be available. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arrive early, as several thousand car enthusiasts are expected.

Guests can also tour the B-G visitors center to learn more about electricity and New York State’s largest hydroelectric pumped storage power plant and drop by historic Lansing Manor, a country estate built in 1819. Both are open until 5 p.m.

The B-G visitors center is located on route 30 in North Blenheim, five miles north of Grand Gorge, 17 miles south of Middleburgh and 50 miles southwest of Albany. For more information, please call 1-800-724-0309.

Richmondville Man Arrested for Street Fight


New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill have announced the arrest of a Richmondville man following the report of a disturbance on Main Street. 

At approximately 4:30 a.m. Saturday July 12th, State Police received the disturbance report. Responding patrols encountered Culver Hernandez, thirty-four, of Richmondville, New York, attempting to fight multiple individuals in the roadway. 

Law enforcement on scene initially determined that the suspect had became intoxicated and engaged in the physical confrontation. Hernandez would reportedly be detained while the State Police continued its investigation. 

Further investigating led to the discovery that the suspect has destroyed property and groper a female prior to the fight that then spilled out into the street. Hernandez would then be charged with Forcible Touching, Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, and Disorderly Conduct. 

The suspect was arraigned in the Town of Richmondville Court, and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility to return to court on July 23, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.

County Board Withholds AECOM Pay

Written By Editor on 7/18/14 | 7/18/14


Passions flared at the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors meeting Friday morning, as legislators argued for the better part of an hour over the contentious stream bank project being administered by AECOM that is facing a significant budget shortfall. 

Supervisors had expected AECOM representative Patty Flores to be present following a June motion by the full board requesting her or another company official to be present for explanation of how AECOM arrived at the oft quoted $2.6 million figure that legislators have been discussing in earnest since late March.

However, with Ms. Flores reportedly on vacation, no representative of AECOM appeared before the county board for an update on the stream bank's progress or financial woes. Members of the board were not enthused.

Visibly agitated, Carlisle Supervisor Larry Bradt recommended, "not paying them until they come." Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith stated that he would second Mr. Bradt's statement if it was made into a motion, which Mr. Bradt responded by doing in kind.

Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice, who has led efforts to have the State Comptroller's Office audit the stream bank project's administration, commented pointedly that AECOM is a billion dollar company, and questioned why they didn't send someone else to brief the board in Ms. Flores' place.

Urging caution, Middleburgh Supervisor Jim Buzon warned legislators that withholding the company's pay would only cost the county more down the road, and that more delays would only further endanger an already, "project in jeopardy."

With only three supervisors in opposition - Mr. Buzon of Middleburgh, Mr. Smith of Broome, and Mr. Vroman of Summit - the motion was approved overwhelmingly, and later set the stage for another bout of contentious back and forth later in the afternoon, which will be covered in a separate news piece.  

Salt to Host Surf & Turf Dinner July 25, 2014

What’s better than chowing down on lobster, steak, shrimp, clams, baked potato and sweet corn? Supporting a good cause while chowing down on lobster, steak, shrimp, clams, baked potato and sweet corn. SALT is hosting one of it’s famed Surf & Turf Dinners on Friday, July 25. 


Come on down to the Middleburgh Reformed Church (178 River Street, Middleburgh) between 4:00pm - 7:00pm to enjoy the feast prepared by Chef Michael Vamvas. SALT welcomes you to dine-in with good company, warm smiles, and delicious food. Can’t stay long? Not a problem. Order the Surf & Turf trimmings to go!

Tickets are on sale now! Pre-sale tickets are only $30.00 through July 22. Regular ticket price is $35.00. http://www.saltrecovery.org/lobster

Check out photos of our last Surf & Turf Dinner! http://www.saltrecovery.org/past-events/

State Police Arrest Two, Charge Three Others for Trespassing


New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill have announced the arrest of two suspects, and charged three others, following a trespass complaint in the Town of Gilboa. 

On July 14, State Police were called to investigate a trespass in progress on Stryker Road in the Town of Gilboa. The ensuring investigation revealed that five young adults in their teens and twenties had entered a posted property on Stryker, and that two of them had entered a storage building on the grounds.

Charles Deiterich, 18, of Grand Gorge, New York and Robert Remley, 20, of Prattsville, New York were arrested for Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree and issued Appearance Tickets to return to Town of Gilboa Court on July 24th at 7:30 p.m. 

Additionally, Kaitlyn Snediker, 18, of Islip, New York; Brooke Koerner, 19, of Gilboa, New York, and John Voetelink, 20, of Prattsville, New York were all charged with Trespass and released on Appearance Tickets to also appear in court on the 24th. 

Head-On Crash Closes Route 30, Causes Power Outage Wednesday

Written By Editor on 7/17/14 | 7/17/14


On Wednesday morning a horrendous head-on collision on Route 30 in the Town of Blenheim caused the main road to be closed for approximately six and a half hours, power outages to occur across the area, and both drivers to be transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. 

According to information supplied by local law enforcement agencies, the crash occurred when a passenger vehicle travelling southbound crossed over the medium and struck a northbound truck hauling garbage; sending the truck into a nearby power pole and the vehicle into the guardrail. 

Photo credit Schoharie Co. Fire Wire & News 
The Schoharie County Sheriff's 911 Dispatch were notified at approximately 9:09 a.m. of the collision. 

New York State Troopers were the lead agency on scene, while the North Blenheim Hose Company and Middleburgh Ambulance were initially dispatched. Mutual aid would be additionally supplied by the Middleburgh Fire Department, and the Jefferson and Conesville Rescue Squads. 

Firemen on scene freed the operator of the vehicle by using a rescue tool, and he would subsequently be airlifted to Albany Medical Center by Life Net. The truck driver would be transported to Fox Hospital in Oneonta by Conesville Ambulance. Neither are facing life threatening injuries. 


Additionally, the Schoharie County Sheriff's Department, NYSDEC Spill Response (oil was leaked on the road during the accident), National Grid, and the New York State Police Accident Reconstruction teams were on scene. The road was re-opened at approximately 3:40 p.m. 

For additional reporting on the crash, please see the Watershed Post's coverage from yesterday afternoon here. Also, more pictures from the scene can be found on the Schoharie Co. Fire Wire & News facebook page, which offers around the clock updates on local emergency services. 

Fracking Likely to Dominate R'ville Public Hearing


The Richmondville Town Board will be holding its regular board meeting for the month of July tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad building located on Route 7 near the outskirts of the Village. It was rescheduled to this evening due to the Ethington hearings that were held last week.

In addition to the regular agenda, members of the board and general public will have the opportunity to comment during a public hearing on the new proposed Zoning Law, which has been under review and rewrite for several years, and can be viewed on the municipality's website here

One potential point of contention within the proposed law is language viewed as hostile to fracking interests, which was promoted by members of the community concerned with the controversial natural gas practice of extraction, and has become a hot button topic of discussion in the Town of Richmondville. 

The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities, which favors stringent language against fracking and other industry related activities in Richmondville, sent an email to supporters Wednesday afternoon urging area residents to attend tonight's meeting and stand for the proposed environmental protections. 

Carving Lacrosse Sticks 7/26 at Iroquois Museum

HOWES CAVE, NY -- Alf Jacques and Parker Booth will be at the Iroquois Indian Museum on Saturday, July 26, sharing the art of carving lacrosse sticks -- a “Catch the Basket” museum mentoring program.

Taught by his grandfather and father, Jacques (Onondaga) has carved lacrosse sticks and snow snakes for almost 40 years. Jacques, a retired machinist, is one of the very few Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) who maintain a mastery of the art form. Jacques has been both a lacrosse player and coach; and brings knowledge of the wood and of the game to his hand-crafted sticks. Commissioned to create sticks for the International World Cup Lacrosse games, he feels that an appreciation for his craft ends with the players, and does not extend to other members of his community. “I think here, it’s not out of the ordinary, it’s something we just take for granted. There is a misconception that it’s always been here, it always will be,“ says Jacques. Jacques has served as a demonstrating artist at Ganondagan Historic Site (Victor, NY), Otsiningo Powwow, and Saint Marie, among the Iroquois (Syracuse, NY), the Utica Children’s Museum and schools throughout the region.

Until recently, Jacques had no apprentice to whom to pass on his knowledge until Parker Booth. The lengthy time commitment and physical demands of the craft discouraged most members of his community. Even as a young boy admired Jacques’ work and knew he would one day learn the craft. In 2012 at age 33, Booth moved back to the reservation with his family and made the decision to work closely with Jacques. His deep cultural dedication to traditions will ensure the crafts’ continuation for another generation.

Catch the Basket and all events at the Museum are free with paid admission. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 12 Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed Monday. Regular admission is $8 for adults, $6.50 for seniors/students and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under five are free when accompanied by an adult. Special group rates are available by calling the Museum at 518-296-8949.

For more information, visit www.iroquoismuseum.org.

State Police Arrest Local Man for Stealing Sister's Car

Written By Editor on 7/16/14 | 7/16/14


New York State Troopers stationed in Cobleskill have announced the arrest of Jeffrey D. Johnson for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Petit Larceny after a complaint was filed by the suspect's sister.

Johnson was arrested by State Police on Saturday, July 12th after he took his sister's car without permission while she was asleep earlier in the week. After realizing her car was missing the complainant contacted her brother and requested that he return the vehicle.

Although the vehicle would be returned the following day, Troopers discovered over the course of their investigation that Mr. Johnson also removed an I-Pad from the car, which has not been recovered at this time. 

The suspect was arraigned and ordered to reappear in the Town of Esperance Court on July 16, 2014. 

Caverns Casino Submits Executive Summary


The New York State Gaming Commission has released the executive summaries of seventeen casino proposals statewide that are vying for just four sites located in specific regions across Upstate New York. Five, including the Howe Caverns Resort and Casino bid, are competing in the Capital Region.


Claiming that, "there is no proposed Gaming Facility in the State that can be underway and built faster than ours," the Howe Caverns summary touts the site's strong community support, its already existing stature as a popular tourist destination, and its position away from other existing facilities, as reasons to be selected. 

Additionally, the executive summary contends that the Howe Caverns site would not just be a casino, but "a regional economic engine" that will create almost five thousand jobs between the construction and operating phases and that the gaming aspect alone would bring in over $131 million in the first year without factoring in other revenue sources. 

Still, it is only one bid out of five the New York State Gaming Commission has to choose from within this region, and besides the still unnamed Amsterdam site; the rest have viable odds of being selected to construct the Capital District's host casino and gaming facility, pending the commission's final decision. 

A full copy of the Howe Caverns Resort and Casino executive summary is available here

Gibson Focuses on Education in New Ad


Attempting to capitalize on local parents anger toward common core education standards in public schools, Republican Congressman Chris Gibson's campaign released a new education themed ad Tuesday morning that touted the incumbent's stance of, "Common Sense... Not Common Core."

The ad (included below) features a local mom and Mr. Gibson's wife criticizing the recently implemented standardized testing methods, while touting the Congressman's local ties and opposition to common core in the House of Representatives.


Mr. Gibson's Democratic opponent, Sean Eldridge, has listed on his official website that if elected he would, "strengthen our schools by working to expand early childhood education, make college more affordable, reform high stakes-testing, and ensure that our students are trained for the new economy."


Update: Sharon Dollar General Eyes August Opening

Written By Editor on 7/15/14 | 7/15/14


The highly anticipated opening of the Sharon Springs Dollar General may be coming sooner than public officials had previously expected, this according to Town Supervisor Sandra Manko.

Only two weeks ago the Schoharie News had reported that while town officials varied in their timelines of when the national low-price chain would open its doors on Route 20, that best estimates had pinned a date at or before the upcoming 2014-15 school year began. 

However, according to new information provided by Ms. Manko, the Town's Code Enforcement Officer Jerry Weis has indicated that construction is going good and that they're making healthy progress. Additionally, it was learned that Dollar General hopes to open its new location by August 5th. 


Construction began on the site, which once housed St. Mary's before its doors were shuttered, over this past spring and has continued over the summer, with steady progress visible as the new store has began to take its form for passersby and residents alike to observe. 

County Board to Meet Friday (July 18, 2014)


The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, following last week's special legislative session and three nights of hearings on suspended Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington, are scheduled to convene once again this coming Friday at 9:00 a.m. for their July monthly board meeting in Schoharie. 

As of publication there has been no official agenda published on the county's website, although Supervisors are expecting AECOM representatives to brief them on the project's current status and to provide them with hard numbers on the estimated $2.6 million budget shortfall facing county taxpayers. 

Cobleskill Police Blotter

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

Monday, July 7, 2014

At 7:30 p.m. Cobleskill State Police arrested Kassandra M. Woodbeck, 25, of Fort Plain, New York, for Petit Larceny. She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 22nd at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

At 4:18 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Vincent Spruill, 25, of Cobleskill, New York, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on July 29th at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, July 11, 2014

At 8:50 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Michael Royea, 34, of Cobleskill, New York, on an Arrest Warrant from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. He was turned over to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office for further action.

At 10:19 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Daniel Pallotta, 31, of Fulton, New York, on a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released after paying fine.

At 4:18 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested David Rundblad, 29, of Schoharie, New York, for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on August 12th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

At 10:13 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Gary Gray, 59, of Cobleskill, New York, for Trespassing. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on August 12th at 5:00 p.m.

At 8:10 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested a 17 year old female from Schoharie, New York, for Petit Larceny and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on August 5th at 5:00 p.m. 

Wal-Mart Gives $10,000 to SALT

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


Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) was presented with a $10,000.00 check on June 24th by the national supermarket chain Wal-Mart, all thanks to the men and women who work at the Sharon Springs Distribution Center and who chose the flood recovery organization to receive the money. 

Photo credit: SALT
Every year only one of the one hundred and fifty Wal-Mart distribution centers in the United States receives the Helen R. Walton Award for Excellence in Community Service. This year, the local employees at the Sharon Springs warehouse received the award to recognize their volunteer efforts. 

As part of the award, employees received a grant of $10,000 for them to give to the organization of their choice. They chose SALT, where many of them first gave back to the community and volunteered with in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee to assist their neighbors in recovery.

Opinion: The County's Kangaroo Court


Schoharie County's trial of suspended Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington could be seen as the county's attempt to achieve justice for victims of her alleged "reign of terror," while retaining Ms. Ethington's right to a fair and just hearing before a panel of eight Supervisors tasked to sit in final judgment. 

However, as is often the case, reality tells another story altogether. 

From the initiation of proceedings, Ms. Ethington's trial has been marred by chaos and controversy, diluting the reasons for holding these hearings in the first place and revealing the county's lack of preparation for handling this unique under coming. 

Originally scheduled for three consecutive evenings, with the possibility of meeting on additional nights remaining open if need be, the trial was expected to go through several witnesses and be well on its way toward a conclusion by Thursday night, but instead hearings are stalled on the second witness with no end in sight. 

The reasoning for this is two-fold: defense attorney Ron Dunn went on an extensive, often repetitive, six hour back and forth exchange with Schoharie County Labor Attorney Mary Roach; eating up almost three nights worth of time. Meanwhile, the county never put in place the proper protocols to maintain its schedule or to avoid the possibility of a filibuster.

Additionally, the public exclusion of Supervisor Jordan from the panel was mishandled and afforded the first-term legislator no defense against unwarranted embarrassment in front of a packed courtroom of spectators and colleagues; all for evidence that was eventually thrown out on grounds of irrelevancy by Chairman VanGlad. 

With eight days until the proceedings reconvene, there is still time for the county to set the trial on a just and proper path, but if next Tuesday's hearing mirrors that of the first three affairs... It will inevitably devolve into an irreparably damaged kangaroo court that will shed whatever credibility remains of its public standing, if there is any to be found, that is...

The Smithy's Third Annual Fundraiser Set for July 31

Cooperstown, NY - For the third year, The Smithy will be hosting their Annual Fundraiser featuring a live auction with Don Raddatz and Mike Stein as the auctioneers. This year the event will also include a silent auction, raffles, heavy horderves, and dessert and the company of those in the local arts community. Live music will be provided by The Dharma Bums, while local magician The Amazing Great returns to mystify attendees after a highly successful solo performance. Additionally, attendees receive a free, beautifully handcrafted ceramic vase with admission. Several of the exciting auction items from the past will be returning such as the chance to bid on a ski house in Tahoe, art from the gallery’s Member Artists and a tour at The Baseball Hall of Fame. There will also be some intriguing new items such as a water skiing / tubing adventure on Otsego Lake with a packed lunch from Black Cat Café, donations from the Cooperstown Distillery and several generous gift certificates to your favorite local restaurants, as well as a Thai dinner and cocktail party. Silent Auction Items will be on display at the Smithy from July 24 to July 30 with pre-bidding as an option. 

The event will run from 5:30 t0 9:00pm with the live auction taking place from 7:15 to 8:15pm. Tickets are $55 for adults, $100 for couples and $35 for children over 12 years of age. Join your community for a night to support the arts that will help the Smithy to bring new exhibits, workshops, concerts and performances to Cooperstown. It will be a great event where all donations will be used to keep The Smithy a central place for local entertainment and arts education.

The newly affiliated Smithy and Cooperstown Arts Association offers many opportunities to become involved with the arts, such as exhibits, classes, writers’ circles, concerts, performing arts and much more. The Smithy Gallery is free and open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 10 - 5pm, Sunday from 12 - 5pm, closed on Monday. The Clay Studio offers classes and workshops with experienced instructors. We are located on 55 Pioneer Street, just past Cooley's Tavern. For more information on what is offered, call (607) 547-8671 or visit our website at www.smithyarts.org.

Letter to the Editor: Resident Addresses Concerns Over Howe Caverns Casino

Written By Editor on 7/13/14 | 7/13/14

Dear Editor:
The non-profit Center for Sustainable Rural Communities does not oppose casino development nor does it oppose the siting of a casino in Schoharie County. While we would prefer the allocation of resources for the revitalization of Schoharie County’s downtowns and other projects that would better enhance the quality of life in our rural communities, we understand the critical need for job creation, the failure thus far of tourism initiatives and the plurality of support for a casino by County residents. That being said, we are concerned about both the viability and impacts of the Howe Caverns proposal and the choice of development partners.
While Howe Caverns representatives sound optimistic when they discuss their chances for approval, the reality is that other applicants may be more favorably positioned because of better vetted and funded partners, proximity to interstate rail lines, airports, existing infrastructure, lodging and other amenities. Additionally, Howe Caverns representatives persist in making inaccurate statements about completed environmental reviews (SEQRA) that purport to underscore the site’s “shovel ready” status but actually cast doubt on the developer’s understanding of the regulatory process and their truthfulness. In short, an environmental review can only be completed for a specific project whose phases, scope, footprint and operating conditions have been clearly defined in a documented site plan. That has not happened and a legitimate and defensible environmental review for a casino project has not been completed despite claims to the contrary by Howe Caverns. Repeating the false assertion that a potentially massive development project has gained environmental approval before it has been fully defined and reviewed does little to support Howe Cavern’s credibility or its chances of gaining a casino license.
Disclosures by Schoharie News that Howe Cavern’s partner in the proposed casino project has a record of financial irregularities, fines, association with a Ponzi scheme and sentencing for domestic violence does little to instill confidence in an application that must be scrutinized and approved by a State Gaming Commission which is highly sensitive to even the appearance of criminality, unethical behavior and/or financial shenanigans.
The recent knee-jerk vote by the Schoharie County Board of Supervisor’s to support a casino proposal without conducting a cultural and economic impact analysis and without full knowledge of the people involved is disheartening. Blog posts by County residents insisting that we should ignore the developer’s troubling history because we are desperate for jobs and a recent editorial in the Times-Journal that infers that the “OK” of a powerful local businessman trumps the disturbing reports of criminal activity, are also disheartening.

What is most disturbing is the potential for a County that has suffered through devastating natural disasters, protracted economic hardship and previous exploitation by unscrupulous developers may yet again face the emotional roller-coaster that comes with the belief in of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that does not exist. There is the potential that when the initial excitement of a proposed casino fades we will have a much clearer view of the hidden costs to a community of ill-conceived plans, false statements and questionable participants. We hope that in the end, the Gaming Commission, local officials and the public make the best decision possible.


Bob Nied
Board of Directors
Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

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