Iroquois Museum to Host 33rd Indian Festival

The 33rd Iroquois Indian Festival is a celebration of Iroquois creativity and self expression. Held in conjunction with the Museum’s new 2014 exhibit, Standing in Two Worlds: Iroquois in 2014, the two-day festival has many other features. 

There is an all Iroquois Indian Art Market where visitors may shop for authentic items.  Both traditional and contemporary arts are showcased. The Sky Dancers from Six Nations Reserve in Ontario will perform traditional Iroquois social dances, and may invite the public out onto the dance floor to participate. The Children’s area will feature arts & crafts activities including beadwork and cornhusk doll making.

Local wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin will discuss wildlife conservation in the region and present a variety of wild animals including birds of prey. The Museum’s archaeology department will be available to identify archaeological finds and give demonstrations of flintknapping and other early technologies.  Serving as Master of ceremonies for the two-day festival is Perry Ground, a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation. His life’s work is educating all people on the history, culture and beliefs of the Iroquois. Storytelling by Kay Olan, Mohawk.

The event will take place at the Iroquois Museum on 324 Caverns Road from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday August 30th/31st. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children.

Letter to the Editor: Milone Asks "Are We For Sale?"

Dear Editor,

    Neighbors & friends; Once again many of our residents in Schoharie County are faced with the fears of another natural gas pipeline proposed by Tennessee Gas.  Many of us have become well educated with respect to the process that will take place to convince the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that this pipeline is necessary to benefit the greater good.  The question is whose greater good.  Certainly not the residents of Schoharie County since, once again, we will not have access to the cheaper energy the pipeline will carry.  It’s compounded by the fact that our county is becoming a gateway for pipelines to all destinations including export of the product.

    Our county’s residents know all too well the detriment these pipelines create not only causing devaluation of properties and posing potential threats to life and limb.  Let us not forget what happened in the Town of Blenheim not long ago.  Many of our residents have been dealing with pipeline representatives concerning easements and surveys on the proposed Constitution pipeline earmarked to travel through our county and where resistance from landowners has presented itself, trespass has occurred.   Please be reminded trespass carries a penalty.  These very same representatives have been offering self-serving contributions to many of our emergency services as well as County Government itself, but to date we have declined to accept any such donations.  Are we for sale?  What dollar amount compensates all of the problems these pipelines create?

    Local leaders who are opposed to these pipelines have been without the support of our representatives at the next levels of government, making our effort to stop the building of these pipelines through our county even more difficult and we have also experienced, in some cases, the lack of concern for each other, which is unfortunate (Divide and Conquer).

    There are many issues that will threaten our environment as well as life as we know it.  These issues if left unchecked can destroy an entire lifestyle.  I believe it is time for all members of the County Board of Supervisors to stand up and say that Schoharie County will not accept any more pipelines.  We are not for sale and we have every intention of protecting our communities.  Hopefully this will inspire our representatives at the next levels of government to do the same.

    The residents of Schoharie County and their leadership are responsible for our county’s future.  We must band together to preserve this rural lifestyle and this county’s landscape.  There is an answer to cheaper energy for all without jeopardizing our environment, without placing people in harms way in case of compromise from a pipeline and without devaluation of properties; it’s the solar energy movement already being explored by county leadership, a source of energy that can replace fossil fuel dependency.  Without question, there will be some of our residents that will disagree with the content of this letter and we are all entitled to our opinions, but let us not forget our obligation to protect the future of Schoharie County.

Gene Milone  

Schoharie Town Supervisor 

After Flood, Middleburgh Sees Swift Revival

Middleburgh was the second-hardest hit community by 2011's devastating flooding. Faced with much of its business sector and residential areas demolished by Hurricane Irene, recovery seemed to be over a decade in the making.

Now, just two years later Middleburgh appears to be poised for its quickest growth in decades.

The community lost six businesses and dozens of residents in the flood. There is still a waiting list to demolish flood-damaged buildings and some people still have parts of their homes yet to be fixed. However, for much of the village it would appear that the deluge never happened at all.

In the middle of 2012, various programs were put in place to assist both flood victims and build up a residential and commercial base battered by the economy and weather. $20,000 in flood recovery money was collected and sent out directly to businesses and homeowners by the Village government. The Middleburgh Area Business Association was created by Mayor Matthew Avitabile and over 40 businesses have joined to coordinate efforts for events and initiatives. Their most recent series, the Fourth Friday events, have become very popular, bringing in hundreds of visitors each month.

Fourth Friday events on Main Street. Photo credit: Sheila Donegan

Various grant programs left for dead were revived and used to fund the recovery. A Main Street Block Grant intended for a 2008 completion was found moribund and closed out in 2013. The revived program allowed over $150,000 for repairs to over a dozen businesses. Another $20,000 was used for many of the most recognizable projects of the last three years: a deer mural, a picnic pavilion, wildflowers, and other projects. Another mural was placed up in 2012 from another formerly mishandled grant fund. A New York Community Block Grant meant for a 2006 completion assisted with another $60,000 in low-interest loans for businesses-- partially used for flood damage and some used to nab new businesses such as Green Wolf Brewery and Valley Tax Accounting. Another grant intended for closure in 2003 was used to complete the Creekside Park project on Baker Avenue. Several damaged homes were taken down and turned into greenspace. Across the Schoharie Creek, a new pavilion was erected by the Knights of Columbus and Rotary Club. Trustee William Morton has been expanding his wildflower project in the area and placed a monument to Timothy Murphy. All told, almost $1 million in grants were rescued that would have instead been handed back to the state.

Much of the recovery took place after a fearful jolt. After the effort by former Mayor Gary Hayes to dissolve the Village government in early 2013, residents reacted decisively against the plan. The occurrence re-galvanized volunteer and local efforts to revive the community. The Neighbors Eating Together dinners, a cooperation between Middleburgh's four churches grew to large proportions, now gaining around 100 neighbors per week in the fall and winter to dine and converse. The Rotary worked with other groups to put on the first kayak/canoe race in 30 years this April.

Meanwhile, the summer that saw a brief flash flood also saw the sun. William Morton's wildflower project arose at the same time as other projects. The Village reached out to various business types to meet needs in the community. So far, the effort has paid off. Offices for an architect, an engineer, and an accountant have all met the Mayor's call. Morton's wildflowers attracted hundreds of visitors and created a boost for the local economy. New flags lined the streets. In June, Middleburgh held its second annual Heritage Day. The Best House, now under the stewardship of Bobbi Ryan of the Middleburgh Library saw a large increase of new and returning visitors, events, and a new sign. Quilt squares placed by the Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail now grace the Middleburgh Library, NBT Bank, and other structures around town.

The underlying success seems to be a plethora of effort from the community. Led by the local government and businesses, projects from the Rotary, Century Club, Library, and the churches have grown cohesive. The tax rate in the Village has remained at the same level for 2012, 2013, and 2014-- the first time since 1997. With help from Carver Stone, the former NAPA building on Main Street has been torn down and will be replaced with storefronts. A new coat of paint graces Kelley's Bar and Grill and an office on the opposite side of the street is seeing a total rehab. It hasn't had a business in it since the 1980s and now hosts a realty office that has returned since the flood. Another four office spaces are being fixed up in a collaboration between owners, the Village, and SALT.

One of two pavilions opened in the last three years

Just this past several year there have large gains for the small community. In early December, Valley Tax Accounting opened its doors on Main Street, as did this little paper. A pet store, Fish Tales and Fur, opened on Main Street in June. All told, ten businesses have opened since the effort began. There are currently eight additional business projects aiming to open in Middleburgh over the coming months. First will be the Green Wolf Brewery on Main Street and the new Valley Pharmacy. Other projects include the Green Iguana Bistro, a bookstore, and others.

Middleburgh still faces challenges, including bringing a grocery into the community, but its ascent surely seems to be reaching an apex.

Middleburgh Garage Sales This Saturday

Next Saturday, August 16th will see Middleburgh's annual garage sale day. The community is expected to have over a dozen garage sales. Schoharie's is coming up on Saturday, September 6th.

August in Schoharie Filled with Events

From the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook Page, there are multiple events happening in the County Seat this month. August 15th-17th: Schoharie Free Library's second annual “Concert on the Lawn” series August 16th: Family Farm Day with three participating Schoharie farms -- Schoharie Valley Farms, Wellington's Herbs and Spices, Hessian Hill Farm August 16th - 31st: Art Opening at hive – Celebrate the Bowl- pasta, yarn, soup August 22nd: Las Vegas Night by the Schoharie Fire Dept. August 23rd: Bed Race, Firematics, and Country Rock the Valley concert to benefit the Schoharie Fire Department

Artisan's Gallery to Host Local Artist August 8th

The Artisan's Gallery, located on 322 Main Street in the Village of Middleburgh, is inviting the general public to an opening reception of watercolors and prints by local artist Sherry Holmes on Friday, August 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Patrons will have the opportunity to meet and greet the local artist, and view other work produced locally to enhance your home and special gifts. Light refreshments will be served. Ms. Holmes' work will be show as the guest artist until August 30th.

Regular Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday's 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (August 6th, 2014)

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

At 12:49 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Brandon L. Thibodeux, 21, of Schenevus, New York, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released on $100 Bail. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on August 12th at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, August 1, 2014

At 8:55 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Frank R. Taylor, 23, of Cobleskill, New York, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $1000 Bail/$2000 Bond. He is to return to Cobleskill Court on August 5th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

At 2:58 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Brett M. Jaycox, 22, of East Durham, New York, for DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.08% and other vehicle and traffic tickets. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $750 Bail/$1500 Bond. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on August 12th at 4:00 p.m.

At 5:01 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Brett M. Jaycox, 22, of East Durham, New York, for Escape in the Third Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $5000 Bail/$10000 Bond. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on August 12th at 4:00 p.m.

At 1:03 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Theodore Snyder, 51, of Fort Plain, New York, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on August 26th at 5:00 p.m.

At 2:42 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Mercedes R. Lambert, 18, of Richmondville, New York, for Trespassing. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on August 26th at 5:00 p.m.

At 2:42 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Robert T. Merwin, 18, of Delanson, New York, for Trespassing. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on August 26th at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

At 3:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Theresa A. Wohr, 44, of Johnstown, New York, on a Bench Warrant. She was arraigned in Town of Richmondville Court and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on August 5th at 5:00 p.m.

Opinion: A Yellow Rose

New York City: a sprawling concrete jungle that stretches farther than the eye can see, miles in every direction, with only water cutting off the vast confines of Manhattan from the other four boroughs of lesser prominence. 

What a sight to behold through the virgin lenses of a born and raised country boy.

Few places in the United States, let alone the world, can escort you from the beauty of Battery Park overlooking the Statue of Liberty to the controlled chaos of Times Square, often called the center of the universe (although it doesn't impress the author that much), and finally to a reserve of nature at Central Park; all within a subway wide of each other.

However, beyond the must-see tourist attractions that everyone has booked on their once in a lifetime visit to Manhattan, nothing spells out the amazing character and personality of New Yorkers more than the 9/11 Memorial. 

Situated in the shadow of the One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower), the grounds are somber as thousands pay their respects to the fallen of September 11th, 2001. The noise of the world's grandest city melt away before your eyes, as the compassion of humanity overwhelms your senses. 

The massive size of the Twin Towers become apparent as you observe the solemn waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet below, where the symbols of American prosperity once stood. Surrounding them, are the names of victims who perished during the terrorist attacks etched in bronze plates attached to parapet walls. 

In the midst of this scene, while offering a silent prayer, I noticed the most beautiful and memorable part of my adventure to New York City: a simple yellow rose placed in the name of William Michael Weems, a rose I later discovered was placed to commemorate what would have been his birthday Saturday.

Soon after my girlfriend's sister informed me of this pretty little flower's purpose, I noticed a handful of other carefully placed yellow roses memorializing the birthdays of other victims. To say my heart fell would be an understatement, but to know that almost thirteen years after Mr. Weems' celebrated his last birthday that we still remember it, is a testament to the good in all of us.

So in a weekend full of memories and personal heartache, I walk away with those roses still fresh in my eyes, reminding me of the good that remains in this world and our nation's vow to remember those fell on that fateful day...

On-Farm Berry Research May Provide Fruit Pest Control; Field Day August 13

Two eastern NY farmers with Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education/SARE grants are teaming with the 16-county Cornell Cooperative Extension Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program to evaluate a promising way to help berry growers reduce damage by an invasive species of fruit fly. 

Farm owner Dale-Ila Riggs of The Berry Patch at Stone Wall Hill Farm in Stephentown, NY, installs one of two types of netting she is evaluating for protecting blueberries from insect pests, primarily Spotted Wing Drosophila which has become a major threat to Northeastern fruit crops since 2011; photo: Laura McDermott/Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program

Spotted Wing Drosophila/SWD was first identified in the U.S. in California in 2008. It made its way to the Northeast by 2011 and is now a major pest of berry crops throughout North and South America. One fly can complete 15 generations in one year. By the time growers become aware of the damage, it is too late to save the crop.

 

In 2012, SWD infested some Northeast berry crops at 80-100 percent. The eFly SWD Working Group of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension assessed the measurable loss to SWD of cultivated blueberries in 27 states in 2012 and estimates New York losses, based on a 30 percent loss of 900 acres of berries, at $1,356,000. The loss of raspberry crop value was even higher.

 

The Northeast SARE-funded research, conducted at Hay Berry Farm, LLC, a small-scale diversified organic, you-pick berry and herb farm in Hoosick Falls, and The Berry Patch at Stone Wall Hill Farm, a larger diversified fruit and vegetables farm in Stephentown, both in Rensselaer County, is evaluating the use of netting to protect crops rather than using costly insecticidal applications.

 

At Hay Berry Farm, a popular you-pick destination known as a ‘no-toxin’ farm, owner Lawrie Nickerson had originally planned to plant 4.5 acres of blueberries but stopped at three acres after the 2012 planting because of SWD. The use of netting there in 2013 effectively excluded SWD and other insects of similar size and larger from the trial area.

 

Nickerson adds a key point: “The upshot is that insects the size of fruit flies could not get past the netting, and using the netting did not negatively effect our harvest weight, yield, or timing. In some cases, the berry yield was slightly higher.”

 

“The 2013 project at Hay Berry Farm indicated that netting smaller plantings could be an excellent strategy for coping with SWD, particularly as an alternative for organic growers,” says Cornell Cooperative Extension Fruit and Berry Specialist Laura McDermott with the 16-county Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program.

McDermott has provided technical support with project design, data collection and analysis, and outreach support to both Nickerson and Dale-Ila Riggs, owner of The Berry Patch at Stone Wall Hill Farm, where Riggs harvests all of her fruit crops for fresh, direct market sale from the farmstead, at Farmers Markets, and to dozens of regional restaurants. 

 

“Two years ago we lost 40 percent of our crop to SWD. We believe the insect was brought in by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee,” Riggs says. She estimates SWD damage cost $8000 in lost blueberry income alone.

 

In 2014, Riggs is testing netting on a half-acre of blueberries that ripen over a two-moth period. The vigorous plants are 8-feet-tall and 8-feet-wide. She is evaluating two different mesh sizes of netting. The major portion of her planting is covered with the very fine netting Nickerson used; one row is covered with a less-fine netting that is also less expensive.

“We need a system that will control SWD yet be practical for working around the berries and less costly,” Riggs says.

 

“I am waiting to see how well the less expensive netting works at Dale-Ila’s farm. If it works well there, we will evaluate the economics and I believe there may be a strong possibility that I will put netting up next year,” Nickerson says.

 

Both Nickerson and Riggs tried a number of other adjunct measures, including insect trapping and weed mats, as part of their NESARE grant projects. More information is available from the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program/ENYCHP that provides research-based expertise on production and marketing to commercial food and horticultural producers in Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Dutchess, Essex, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Orange, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, Warren, and Washington counties

The ENYCHP will hold a Growers Field Day at The Berry Patch in Stephentown on August 13 from 3pm to 5pm. Learn more online at http://enych.cce.cornell.edu or call Marcie at 518-272-4210

New Disc Golf Course to Open at Mine Kill State Park

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced that its first permanent disc golf course in the Saratoga-Capital Region will open at Mine Kill State Park in North Blenheim. The course opening will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 9AM just outside the Mine Kill pool complex, featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony, an Ace Race and other great disc golf games.

“We are thrilled to welcome the first disc golf course to a State Park in the Capital Region,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said. “Disc golf is a fun and easy way to get outside with friends and family at New York State Parks. The Mine Kill Disc Golf Course will be a magnificent new destination for one of the fastest growing sports in the Catskills and Capital Region.”  

Disc Golf is played similar to traditional golf with tees, holes and strokes per hole, but with plastic flying discs used instead of a ball and clubs. A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to an elevated basket, which is the "hole." As players make their way down the fairway, they take each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. The player with the fewest throws wins.

In addition to Mine Kill, disc golf courses are available at Beaver Island, Darien Lake, Evangola, Joseph Davis, Lakeside and Wilson-Tuscarora State Parks in Western New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Lower Hudson Valley, and Gilbert Lake State Park in Otsego County.

The Ace Race tournament at Mine Kill State Park will make a great introduction to disc golf for players new to the sport. An Ace Race is like a hole-in-one contest with a bit of a twist; all players must throw the same type of disc on every hole. Players only count holes in one (Aces) or when their disc strikes a part of the target basket. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers at the MKDGC Ace Race.  Players will also receive 2 prototype discs, a towel, baseball cap, a mini-marker disc and other great items upon registering.  

Admission to the Ace Race is just $25 per player.  

Players interested in exploring the new Mine Kill disc golf course on their own can borrow a disc at the park or pool office.  There is a $10 deposit per disc required for using a disc for the day.  Disc purchases may also be made at the park for $10 per disc.  Admission to the park from late-June to Labor Day is $3 per vehicle from 9am to 5pm.  

For more information on the Mine Kill Disc Golf Course Ace Race event, or to learn more about the terrific sport of disc golf, please contact the park office at (518) 827-8690.  

Wright Republicans to Host Gibson August 10th

Town of Wright Republican Club has announced that they are hosting a Chicken BBQ on Sunday, August 10th, during which Republican Congressman Chris Gibson is scheduled to address the crowd.

The club has reserved the Gallupville School House, located on School Street in Gallupville, to host the day's festivities which will include take out dinners starting at 4:00 p.m. and a sit-down dinner at 5:00 p.m until they exhaust their food. Gibson is scheduled to speak at 6:00 p.m. 

Dinners are $10 and 1/2 Chicken only is $7. Pre-sale tickets are available at the Gallupville Corner Store or George Karlewicz at 518 872-1261 or George@KarlewiczAssociates.com or Lynn Herzog at 518 895-9078 or LynnHerzog68@gmail.com

State Police Arrest Jersey Man for Marijuana Possession

New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill have announced the arrest of a New Jersey man for possession of marijuana. 

Thomas C. Dagostino, 51, of Monroe, New Jersey, was stopped on I-88 near exit 23 in Schoharie for speeding on Monday afternoon. Upon interviewing the suspect, an odor of marijuana was detected inside the vehicle by State Police on scene. 

A search of the vehicle yielded approximately 7.6 grams of marijuana in a plastic bag, as well as a metal grinder, metal pipe, and a brown wooden box all with marijuana residue.

Dagostino was issued an Appearance Ticket and Traffic Tickets returnable to the Town of Schoharie Court on August 11th.

Opinion: One Hundred Years of War

One hundred years ago this week, the massive Austrian-Hungarian Empire declared war on the tiny country of Serbia for the actions of military renegades that resulted in the assassination of Austrian Archduke Ferdinand in the border city of Sarajevo, Bosnia. 

It would become the bloodiest military campaign in human history, only to be outdone by the next generation of European leaders mid-century. Armies from around the globe converged in support of their respective alliances, and the rest, is the work of historians. 

However, there is one important lesson we often fail to recognize in studying the great conflict: the failures of civilized men that begat World War One set the stage for over one hundred years of war spanning the world.

From the emboldened rise of communism in Russia to the redrawing of the Middle East in the Ottoman Empire's ashes, and even the oppressively written demands of reparations hoisted upon an indebted, weakened Germany following peace, the conditions had been set in place for continued conflict.

Even now, as we sit in the remote comfort of our homely settings, five wars rage across the globe today: civil wars in Iraq, Syria and the Ukraine, while the Israeli Defense Force strikes at Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip. Not to be forgotten, our men and women still deployed in Afghanistan.

We do not fancy ourselves historians at the Schoharie News, but rather students of history. And as students we have come to an understanding that in order to avoid the mistakes of our past we must first recognize what those mistakes were in the first place, and only then can we etch out a new beginning. 

Social Dance, Basket Making at Iroquois Museum

HOWES CAVE, N.Y. -- Social Dance Saturday and Mohawk basket making are on the August calendar at the Iroquois Indian Museum.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Niagara River Dancers perform for Social Dance Saturday. The dance troupe from Tuscarora, is from one of the seven Iroquois Indian reservations in New York State. Social dances are group dances that encourage audience participation and are performed to the music created by voice and traditional Iroquois instruments.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, the “Catch the Basket” mentoring program features Mohawk basket makers Carrie Hill and Laura Mitchell. The artists continue a family tradition that extends generations. Hill creates fancy baskets of Sweetgrass and Black Ash. She is dedicated to passing on her knowledge and teaches Mohawk youth at the Akwesasne Cultural Center in Hogansburg.

Special Events are included with museum admission.

About the Museum

The Iroquois Indian Museum is an educational institution dedicated to fostering understanding of Iroquois culture using Iroquois art as a window to that culture.  The Museum is a venue for promoting Iroquois art and artists, and a meeting place for all peoples to celebrate Iroquois culture and diversity.  As an anthropological institution, it is informed by research on archaeology, history, and the common creative spirit of modern artists and craftspeople.

The Museum represents the world’s most comprehensive collection of modern Iroquois art work. This collection celebrates the ancient unity of the Iroquois still expressed in the creative spirit of today’s artists. A special interactive children’s area introduces young visitors to Iroquois traditions through a variety of crafts, games and technologies. A guide posted Nature Park of 45 acres is open year round for walks, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Explore Mine Kill State Park by Kayak

Join park staff along with other paddling enthusiasts for a chance to explore beautiful Mine Kill State Park by kayak. American Canoe Association certified kayak instructors will lead several classes on the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir located at the park.  Paddlers will have a fantastic opportunity to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, explore the Mine Kill creek or examine fascinating fossils from the prehistoric Devonian Sea.  Each class is limited to 15 participants or less, so please call Mine Kill State Park at (518) 827-8690 to pre-register for each event.    

Bring your kayak, paddle and PFD on Saturday, August 2nd, 2014, from 10am - 2pm for an ACA endorsed, Quick Start kayak course.  This course is geared toward beginner to intermediate paddlers, and will cover the fundamental kayaking maneuvers as well as safety considerations on the water.  Participants will also get a chance to see advanced paddling skills and recoveries, in addition to an active bald eagle nest located near the reservoir.  A donation of $10 is recommended for this class.  

Then on Saturday, August 16, 2014, from 11am to 1pm, learn the paddling basics with an ACA Smart Start course at Mine Kill State Park.  The Smart Start course is for first-time to beginner paddlers, and is designed to cover the various parts of the kayak, different types of PFD’s and paddles, and other considerations before launching.  Once on the water, paddlers will learn the essential kayak strokes and then have a chance to perfect them.  A donation is recommended for the Smart Start course on 8/16.  

Finish the summer paddling season at Mine Kill State Park with an Introduction to Kayaking course on August 23rd.  Meet at the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir boat launch at the park, from 9am to 3pm, to hone your paddling skills.  The Introduction to Kayaking course is suitable for intermediate to advanced-level paddlers, and will feature more in-depth equipment and demonstrations.  Participants will also learn how to conduct a wet exit and then perform deep water recoveries.  Paddling safety, CPR and first aid considerations will also be discussed in the course.  Due to the advanced techniques and curriculum, there is a $20 fee per paddler for the course on 8/23.      

Please note that each paddler will need to provide his/her own PFD (personal flotation device) along with a kayak and paddle.  Many different types of kayaks may be used, including sit-in/sit-on-top, tandem and inflatable. Paddlers will also get a chance to see stunning views from the reservoir, like resident bald eagles, outstanding geology and the scenic Schoharie Valley. 

Please note that the New York Power Authority no longer requires a seasonal permit to launch a vessel on the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir.  However, all boaters must check in at the Mine Kill State Park office and then power-wash the boat prior to entering the water.  Please remember to contact the Mine Kill office at (518) 827-8690 to register, as there are a limited number of spots available per course.  

Mine Kill State Park is located in the scenic Schoharie Valley overlooking the Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project.  The reservoir provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The eight miles of trails, including trails from the Park to the NYPA Visitor Center such as the Long Path, are great for hiking, biking and birding.  Cascading 80 feet through a narrow gorge is the picturesque Mine Kill Falls for which the Park is named.  The Park also has an Olympic sized swimming pool with separate wading and diving pools.

For those who would like to extend their visit, nearby Max V. Shaul State Park is a small, quiet camping area with 30 wooded tent and trailer sites, picnic grounds, a state of the art playground and boat access along the Schoharie Creek.  In addition to the Max V. Shaul trails and fishing opportunities, campers have free access to Mine Kill State Park. 

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversee 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (July 29, 2014)

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

Monday, July 21, 2014

At 3:45 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Thomas Kearney, 53, of Richfield Springs, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd. 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.

At 6:40 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Robert Effner, 20, of Cobleskill, NY, for Sex Abuse 2nd.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on July 22nd at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

At 4:20 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Michael Kissinger, 22, of Cobleskill, NY, for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Harassment.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 29th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

At 3:10 pm, Cobleskill Police arrested Sarah A. Hughes, age 34, of Schenectady NY for 1 count of Petit Larceny, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, and 1 count of Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $2,500.00 cash bail or $5,000.00 bond. She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on July 29th, 2014 at 5:00 pm.

NY Rising to Host Blenheim/Fulton Meeting Thursday

With millions in state recovery monies soon to be dispersed to the Schoharie County municipalities of Esperance, Middleburgh and Schoharie, the Valley communities next in line for substantial aid are the Towns of Blenheim and Fulton. 

The New York Rising Community Reconstruction Plan is in its infancy for both townships, but progress is in the process of moving forward with two meetings scheduled on Thursday evening that the public from both municipalities can attend.

At 5:00 p.m. the NYRCR Planning Committee will host its second meeting where residents can learn more about the recovery organization and share their ideas. This will be followed by NYRCR's first two-hour long public engagement meeting. 

Both meetings will take place at the Blenheim Town Hall and Hose Company located on Route 30.

Books Galore at Middleburgh Library Sale

Hundreds, if not thousands, of books were on sale Saturday morning for reading enthusiasts and book lovers alike at the Middleburgh Library. Everything from children's literature to non-fiction histories and nutritional how to guides were available for super cheap steals, all to benefit the local library. 

The Middleburgh Library is located on the corner of Main Street and Baker Avenue in the Village of Middleburgh and it is open weekly Monday through Thursday, and on Saturdays. For more information on upcoming events, visit its official facebook page here. 

Conesville to Host Town Wide Garage Sales

The Conesville Fire Department Auxiliary will be sponsoring the Fourth Annual Conesville Town Wide Garage Sales on Saturday, August 2nd from 9:00 to 4:00 PM. Antiques, treasures and unusual items will be among the objects for sale.  

Maps showing the 24 registered stops around town will be available on Route 990V at the Conesvile Town Hall, Conesville Fire House, Clark's Restaurant and the Manorkill Store. All of the garage sales will be labeled with a pink, yellow or green neon numbered sign.  

During the sales the Gilboa-Conesville School Cheerleaders will be selling refreshments including breakfast items, beverages and hot dogs at the Conesville Fire House at 1292 State Route 990V. Also, starting at 11:00 the Conesville United Methodist Church Chapel will have a take out chicken barbecue. The church is located at 1295 State Route 990V directly across from the firehouse. 

Man Arrested for Possessing Hypodermic Needle

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has announced its second drug related arrest of Middleburgh residents this week.

Sheriff's Deputies arrested forty-two year old Joseph Panetta on Monday, July 21st for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument in the Town of Schoharie. 

Mr. Panetta was detained by the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office after an investigation by the Schoharie County Probation Department discovered he was in possession of the illegal instrument. 

The suspect was arraigned in the Town of Schoharie Court and was released to appear back at a later date.