Opinion: The Power of a Job

It has been said that a job is the most effective anti-poverty program there is.

Schoharie County's finding that out after a long, slow learning process. The deal to bring in up to 900 jobs to the Guilford Mills site is a Christmas miracle. Even any significant fraction of such employment would be a boost to the local economy not seen in well over a decade. For the first time since Interknitting started closing down in 2001 will the private sector make up for its loss of 700+ jobs.

Many jobs are dependent on local tax dollars-- local schools and governments are vital part of local society. However, private sector jobs also have the ability to branch out and bring in addition investment, new jobs, and pay in more to the local tax base. Altogether, one person with a new $40,000 job and the means to pay for a house, car, and local products is a massive boon to our local economy.

Just imagine 900 of them. Imagine the extra demand this will put on our local restaurants, contractors, shops, and other parts of local commerce.

The process is being started across the County. Middleburgh has created dozens of local jobs over the last several years, and Cobleskill is preparing a large growth spurt. Schoharie is opening new businesses and repairing old buildings. Just add 900 jobs and the long reaching effects on top of all of this.

Let's try to keep young and working age families here in the County. We can build enough of a tax base that the rates don't have to jump every single year for many school districts and municipalities. We have a golden opportunity: let's use it to our full advantage.

Cuomo Nears Fracking Decision

Governor Cuomo seemed to indicate that he will finally make a stand in the fracking debate. In the four years he's been in office, the Governor has not indicated either way where he stood on the controversial practice. Now he says that he is awaiting a health report on fracking's effects due out by January 1.

In a recent interview, the Governor was slightly more clear, but still obtuse about his final decision. He said, “By the end of the year, we should have positions on both that are clear. We'll start the new year with major decisions under our belt.”

It is not clear which position he will wind up taking. Some speculate that he may allow very limited fracking, but ban it in almost every part of the state.

Man with Knife Arrested after Fight, Trespassing

On Thursday, 12/11/2014, at about 5:48 pm, the Cobleskill Police Department received a report of “two males fighting” on the porch of a residence located on Union Street in the Village of Cobleskill. Upon arrival, patrol officers were advised by a witness that an altercation had occurred between 2 males and that one of them may have been stabbed. A suspect identified at the scene was observed throwing a knife to the ground as officers arrived. He was quickly placed into custody without incident.

Upon further investigation it was determined that the suspect, Patrick C. Emery, age 26 of Cobleskill, had responded to the victim’s residence to engage him in a confrontation over a female known to the both of them. Emery is reported to have illegally forced his way into the victim’s residence, and a physical confrontation between the two occurred. The victim was able to remove the suspect from inside of his residence, at which time the suspect reportedly displayed a knife and told the victim that he was going to “kill him”. A physical confrontation between the victim and suspect then continued outside of the victim’s residence until the victim was able to re-enter his residence and secure the door. Witnesses called the police and the victim was able to remain in his residence until patrol officers arrived on scene.

The victim sustained minor contusions and abrasions as a result of the altercation, but was not injured by the knife.

After reviewing the incident with the Schoharie County District Attorney’s Office, police charged Emery with Menacing in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, both class A misdemeanors, and Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation. Emery was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $1000.00 cash bail or $2000.00 bond. Emery is to return to Town of Cobleskill Court on 12/16/14 at 5:00 pm for further action.

Vote in Our New Poll: Have We Recovered from Irene?

Make sure to vote in our newest poll. Has the Valley from Blenheim on up properly recovered from Hurricane Irene?

Has the Valley Recovered from Irene?

It is better than before the flood

It is about the same as before the flood

Not quite there, but getting better

Not at all

pollcode.com free polls

Poll: No to Pipeline

A large majority of readers do not support the recent decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve the Keystone Pipeline.

 Do You Support FERC's Decision to Approve the Constitution Pipeline?

Yes 25% - 155
No 74% - 468
I don't know 1% - 7
630 total

Middleburgh Museum Launches Fundraising to Repair Damage

A Middleburgh museum has launched a bid to repair damage to its historic carriage house. In need of over $22,000 in repairs, the Best House Museum is asking for assistance from the community. The former home and office of local Doctor Christopher Best the museum offers a look back to the turn of the 20th Century for local history and medicine.

For more information and to donate, check out the museum's fundraising page here.

Casino Decision Expected Wednesday

Our sources indicate that the decision of whether or not the area will be approved for a casino will take place this Wednesday, December 17th. There are conflicting views among insiders over whether or not the casino will be approved.

Sheriff's Department Rescues Man in Broome

A Town of Broome man was rescued from his home Friday evening by members of the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office including the snowmobile patrols.

At 2:45 Friday afternoon the Sheriff's Office received a call from a resident on Armlin Hill Road advising that a neighbor who resided in a small cabin which has no phone, electricity and is heated with wood had not been seen or heard from since Tuesday when 22 inches of snow fell in the area.

The Sheriff's Office responded to Laura Lane and using snowmobiles went to the residence and located David Garrison age 60 inside. Garrison who has some disabilities was transported with his dog by snowmobile to his neighbor's house.

Garrison said that he was unable to get to his woodpile because of snow and his condition he had tried to keep warm by burning parts of his house in the woodstove.

Garrison declined medical attention and his neighbor was allowing him to stay with him for the time being.

Richmondville to Receive Grant for Water Main Replacement

The Village of Richmondville will be receiving over a half million dollars to replace much of its water system. A NYS Homes and Community Renewal grant approved last week will bring $535,000 to undertake water improvements in the Village.

Middleburgh Receiving Money for Rehabilitation, Historical Projects

The Village of Middleburgh is continuing its impressive recovery with two new projects to be funded through the state. Piggybacking on the success of new parks and wildflowers, the community was approved last week for two major expansions.

One is to use space near and around the Schoharie Creek to revitalize much of the area. The $20,000 will be used to study the area and rehabilitate dilapidated buildings and plan parks and other projects. Middleburgh was also awarded $15,200 to develop a "Breadbasket" Heritage trail to honor local history and attract visitors.

Cobleskill Receiving over $600k for Pool Repair, Housing Rehabilitation

Mayor Linda Holmes and the Village of Cobleskill has two new notches on their belt. The community, which has already had another $3.4 million in grant funding approved this year, had over a half million dollars approved by the state for two major projects.

First, the community will fix a major portion of its Forever Generations Nick Iorio Park. Almost $160,000 will be used to replace the aging pump house at its pool, allowing for its continued quality use. Another $500,000 will be used to repair much of Lark Street housing through a NYS Community Development Block Grant.

County Receives $150k for Multi-Use Trail

It's been talked about for over a decade now, but a multi-use trail spanning much of the County may actually become a reality, due to several recent moves. First, local committees for the NY Rising projects came together with a plan for a trail to stimulate local athletic, ecological, and business activities in the area.

The plan is to bring a trail along the Schoharie Creek to allow a combination of hikers and bikers to travel along the scenic region. The trail would run from Blenheim to Esperance and pass through Fulton, Middleburgh, and Schoharie. The $149,876 project will be funded through the Department of State. The new Schoharie Area Wild group, established by SALT with local municipalities, has been working on local planning.

The state describes the project as:

"Schoharie County will implement recommendations from the Schoharie County New York Rising Community Reconstruction Plan to improve community resiliency and promote tourism and recreation. The project will examine the feasibility of a Schoharie Creek multi-use trail from North Blenheim to the Village of Esperance.Schoharie County will implement recommendations from the Schoharie County New York Rising Community Reconstruction Plan to improve community resiliency and promote tourism and recreation. The project will examine the feasibility of a Schoharie Creek multi-use trail from North Blenheim to the Village of Esperance."

County Receives $37,500 to Study Broadband Expansion

Schoharie County may have been one of the first Upstate counties with local internet service through the Middleburgh Telephone Company. Today, most of the County has some broadband service, but large portions are relegated to just dial up. New York State announced last week that it will be funding a study on how to expand these services to a broader swath of consumers. Funded through Empire State Development, this should allow the County to create a plan for such expansion over the coming years. The $37,500 project is one of several local projects being funded this year.

Schoharie School Establishes Cooperation with Local Homeschoolers

From the Schoharie Central School website.

One of the goals of the SCS Board of Education is to "increase the authentic engagement of ALL parents in the education of their children and reach out to ensure all students are advocated for and provided an opportunity to learn and thrive. We will establish an atmosphere of trust and teamwork and provide our families, faculty and staff with an increased 'voice' through open, honest two-way communication."

Consistent with that goal, Board of Education Member Maureen Bernhardt is now serving as a liaison between the district and parents of homeschooled children. In the voluntary, service-oriented role, Bernhardt seeks to be "a bridge for homeschoolers who want to become more involved in the district" or who are seeking information on various topics.

Bernhardt, who holds an associate's degree in early childhood education, is herself a parent of children who are both homeschooled and attend SCS schools. She hopes to tap her own experience and desire to become more involved in the district by helping other homeschooling parents.

"I have homeschooled my own children in the Schoharie School District for 15 years, and also have children who attend SCS," Bernhardt said. "The district has a very inclusive policy for homeschooled students, offering them many opportunities such as afterschool clubs, activities and intramural athletics.

"While State Education Law prevents homeschoolers from participating in interscholastic sports and credit-bearing activities, there are many extracurricular offerings open to all children in our district,” she noted. “This is just one area where homeschooling parents have had questions in the past."

Bernhardt may be reached via email at MBernhardt@schoharie.k12.ny.us, and homeschooling parents may contact district administration for assistance at any time.

Town of Richmondville Passes Fracking Ban

It may have taken three years, but the Town of Richmondville has banned fracking. The vote was unanimous and came after efforts from David Slottje, Shane Nickle and others to ban the practice. This follows bans from many municipalities, most recently the Town of Middleburgh.

Schoharie Farm to School Dinner December 16th

Join the members of the Farm to School Project Planning Council on Tuesday, December 16^that 6:00pm!

 

Our dinner meeting will be held at the farm to table venue, the

204 Main Bar and Bistro, in Sharon Springs NY.

 

Dinner cost - per person - paid at the door (with Salad, Entrée, Dessert,

Tea or Coffee, and inclusive of tax and tips) is $35.

 

Our end-of-year meeting will review activities of the past year and seek advisement from members of the committee, and of the community, as to ideas to pursue, on resources yet untapped and on possible next steps we can all take together!

Please RSVP by, or before, 10am Monday, December 15th.

 

 We look forward to a bigger and better year in 2015, with your help! Sign up

to work with us on any one of 4 subcommittees (including one for farmers/ producers.)

 

Call Project Coordinator, Regina Tillman at 518-229-1548 (cell) or

518-234-4303 (Extension Office) for more info or to RSVP!

 

www.facebook.com/SchoharieValley.Farm2School.Project

Salad is Choice of green ...or a beet and goat cheese... salad with vinagrettes

Main Course is Choice of 

 --- Pan roasted chicken, adirondack potatoes, brussel sprouts

 --- May Pan Noodles (crispy rice noodles in Malaysian style sauce with chicken, shrimp and roasted peanuts)

 --- Gnudi (ricotta and parm dumplings) with mushrooms

Dessert is Chocolate Souffle with Whipped cream, Tea or Coffee

Please pay by cash, at the door. Drinks, otherwise, are on you as well as the cost of anyone accompanying you at the $35 dinner price per person. Spouses are welcomed.

Letter to the Editor: Pipeline Assertions are Wrong

In a recent letter to the Schoharie News, an anonymous author, using a fictitious name coyly referring to the nation’s largest drilling contractor, blamed pipeline opposition on “retired trust fund babies.” As the son of a factory worker and homemaker who works full time while being active in the fight to stop the Constitution Pipeline, I can’t help but wonder why I haven’t run into any trust fund babies among the hundreds of farmers, clerks, plumbers, dentists, mechanics, warehouse workers and other assorted “ordinary” folks fighting the Constitution pipeline.

The unknown author also speculated that “outsiders” participated in the recent Schoharie News poll. The proposed pipeline will run 124 miles from Pennsylvania to the Town of Wright and then connect to other pipelines running east to Boston and beyond, impacting thousands of people in multiple states. You have to wonder who the author considers “outsiders” in this case, - people in Ohio? I don’t think Ohioans skewed the poll results. I think the poll results reflect the regional nature of, and deep concern about, the proposed pipeline.

The author says that pipelines are the safest mode of “hydrocarbon transfer” but seems unaware of the dismal safety records, and long list of fines levied on, those behind the proposed Constitution Pipeline for everything from leaks, to fires and explosions. He is apparently unaware of the more than 40 people who have died and the thousands injured in pipeline explosions over the last ten years.

The author talks about heating costs and infers that this pipeline would help reduce those costs. Unfortunately, Constitution Pipeline will not provide gas to Schoharie County, a fact confirmed by a Williams Company spokesman this week on the Capital Connection radio program.  The gas is going eastward and north to Canada to eventually be exported. It may reduce heating costs for some but those people are likely to be in China and Eastern Europe.  That being said, there is someone “local” who will get the gas - $750,000 in taxpayer money has been earmarked by governor Cuomo to build a special distribution line to Delaware County’s Amphenol Corporation, a company that CNN News has included in their list of corporations who have moved American jobs overseas.

The author suggests that those opposing the pipeline are taking money from the poor, a contention that is both absurd and ironic. It is absurd to suggest that lower local heating costs will somehow result when the terminus for the proposed pipeline is ultimately an export terminal in Canada. It is ironic because the pipeline will run through Schoharie and Delaware counties which have 12% and 15% of their populations, respectively, living below the poverty level and for whom the pipeline will: devalue their properties, impact how they use their land, increase insurance costs, raise liability and exposure to litigation, make first and second mortgages more expensive and harder to get and increase anxiety, fear and risk. All of that, for people already stressed by living in a region with a seriously depressed economy.

Finally, the author suggests that opposing the pipeline somehow puts money into the pockets of rich CEOs, I suggest reading the Wall Street Journal which has reported on the precipitous drop in stock prices for Williams Company, a partner in the proposed pipeline which is more than a year behind schedule, because of an effective and well-organized opposition.

Bob Nied

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

Heroin Arrest in Schoharie

On December 11, 2014 State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Middleburgh man on multiple charges following the report of a vehicle off the roadway on State Route 443 in the Town of Schoharie.

 Troopers arrested Noel Ortiz age 37 of Middleburgh and charged him with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree. State police allege that Ortiz was the operator of a vehicle that drove off the roadway, during investigation it was determined that Ortiz had a suspended driver’s license and was in possession of heroin. Ortiz was arraigned and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on cash bail.

Letter to the Editor: Anti-Pipeline Activists Would Give Money from Poor to Corporations

If the hundreds of "extra" voters in the Schoharie "News" poll this week is any indication, a lot of outsiders are weighing on on the idea of the Constitution Pipeline coming in.

It's not the same as the fight against fracking, which would devastate local water supply. Whether activists agree or not, of all modes of hydrocarbon transfer, pipelines have the safest record. By far.

If the pipeline doesn't come through, then the natural gas will come by rail. Remember that explosion that leveled part of a town in Quebec? Well, here comes those same trains through Cobleskill. They can argue that they'd rather have no gas coming through at all, but that simply won't happen. Why do they support the method with far more accidents and deaths attached?

There are a lot of comments about how the corporations hold too much influence. Damn right. Denying the pipeline will keep artificially high energy prices high, hurting the poor the most. Electricity rates are averaging about 18 cents a KW in New England, over double many parts of the country due to shutdowns of coal and nuclear plants and reduced pipelines.

Who bears the highest burden and pays the largest share of their income to heat their homes in the winter? "Retired" trust fund babies telling us how to live our lives or the working poor?

Well, they can just apply for HEAP, you may say. Certainly, but that means you support taking tax dollars from the 90+% of the local economy that is not energy based and handing it almost straight through to the large corporations. The higher surcharges and service fees that customers have to pay-- who gets them? The large utilities and energy conglomerates.

The pipeline might be a bad thing for the area and something that should be fought. But realize that in doing so, you will also be supporting taking money from the poor and working class to buy another cigar for a corporate CEO.

Richard "Halliburton"
Summit

Delhi Man Arrested on Marijuana Charges

On December 7, 2014, State Police in Cobleskill arrested Benjamin M. Merriman, age 26, of Delhi, for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Merriman was the operator of a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado which was stopped on State Route 145 in the Town of Cobleskill after being observed crossing a double solid yellow line and making a wide turn. While interviewing Merriman, a strong odor of marijuana was detected inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a glass jar containing approximately 4.2 grams of marijuana. Merriman was issued an appearance ticket for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a violation, and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Cobleskill court on January 6, 2015.