HCR Home Care Celebrating National Nurses Week

May 6, 2015 — As part of its celebration of National Nurses Week, May 6 -12, 2015, HCR Home Care is issuing placemats with information about nurses along with health tips for the summer.

HCR, a leading in-home health care provider, is distributing approximately 2,000 of the placemats to community centers, elder housing facilities and county offices for the Aging in the local communities it serves across New York state.

On the placemat, HCR provides the following tips for people to enjoy the summer months:

•             Wear shoes with rubber grips to prevent falls

•             Apply sunscreen, even if the sun doesn’t seem very bright

•             Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

•             Consult a physician or HCR nurse before beginning any new physical activities

The company also includes a statement about why people should pay tribute to nurses: “At the front line of medical care, nurses play a key role in advocating for the health and well-being of their patients ... Nurses work tirelessly, logging long hours to ensure their patients receive the quality care they deserve.”

National Nurses Week celebrates the role nurses play in delivering the highest level of quality care to their patients and acknowledges the strong commitment, compassion and care nurses display in their practice and profession.

Founded in 1978, HCR Home Care (hcrhealth.com) is a leading provider of home health services to patients, physicians and other health care professionals across New York state. The company’s quality and services are routinely recognized nationally and statewide, including being named a Top 100 agency by HomeCare Elite™ and receiving the Rochester Business Ethics Award. HCR is certified and approved for Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., the company currently operates in 19 counties across the Catskill, Central New York, Finger Lakes and North Country regions.

Lerny's Gift Shop Opens in Middleburgh

The Middleburgh business community welcomed its newest addition on Tuesday morning, with the grand opening of Lerny's Gift Shop at 110 Railroad Avenue.

Located just off of Main Street in the village, the gift shop features Middleburgh themed apparel ranging from coffee mugs to hats and t-shirts. 

Owned and operated by Larry Kossman-Nelson and his husband Ernie, the couple lost everything in the devastation of Hurricane Irene. However, they had been inspired by the community spirit  that Middleburgh displayed while rebuilding.

Commenting that he was "thinking one day as how Middleburgh has come so far and I feel it's on the verge of something big," Mr. Kossman-Nelson wondered why there "wasn't a gift shop focusing on Middleburgh itself."

And after months of homework and research, as well as teasing the community on facebook about the shop to come, Larry and Ernie took the plunge on Tuesday morning.

On scene with members of the village board, Mayor Matthew Avitabile said that the village is "very proud of the work that Larry and Ernie did to make this project happen and of the volunteers that helped in rebuilding the store space."

A resident of Middleburgh since 1971, Larry told The Schoharie News that he couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Stating that there is a lot of unspoken pride in Middleburgh, he would later add that he thought "it was a time for me to give that pride a voice."  

Valley Fire Departments Deploy to Sullivan County

Aaron and Johnathan Bywater of Central Bridge fight
a smoldering flame side by side. Photo by Matt Brisley

Schoharie Valley firefighters under the direction of County Fire Coordinator Matt Brisley were deployed to Sullivan County on Tuesday morning to assist local fire crews engaged with a massive blaze. 

Starting over the weekend in a rural area of Sullivan County, the fire quickly spread and grew into a mile long inferno that overwhelmed local fire departments. Reinforcements have come in from across the state, including Schoharie County. 

Thirteen firemen and women from the Central Bridge, Grand Gorge, Middleburgh, and Schoharie departments deployed at approximately 6:30 a.m. yesterday, where they were immediately sent to the front-lines to patrol the volatile fire line. 

Fire Coordinator Matt Brisley reported that helicopters were hovering throughout the area to drop buckets of water on the flames, while firemen worked on the ground to prevent the blaze from jumping the established perimeter. 

The Associated Press reported that officials suspect the brush fire was caused as a result of a homeowner burning rubbish outdoors in violation of a statewide burn ban. County crews recently faced this same scenario in Huntersland.

Jason Marsh and John Shaw of Middleburgh
take a breather. Photo by Matt Brisley

Letter to the Editor: Landowner Forced into Eminent Domain by Constitution Pipeline

To the Editor

 

I am a landowner in Davenport, NY, who is about to have my property and life ripped apart by the Constitution Pipeline.  I am a typical working class American, who is fortunate to own my land.  I see myself as a steward and believe the care I’ve given to my land has provided environmental benefits for everyone living in what I grew up to believe was a democracy.  Now my land is being taken by eminent domain so the gas can be shipped to a foreign country and sold at a higher price.

 

If the pipeline trench is dug and the land blasted, that democratic ideal would also be ripped away from me by an opaque and devious energy company that has no respect for the basis of American democracy: Private Property.  I find it especially disturbing that my own government, through the federal agency FERC, could take my land just so a corporation could profit from it. Eminent domain used this way is not only undemocratic; it is government-sanctioned corporate theft.

 

Here in Davenport I fear that the peaceful rural environment and the pristine headwaters of the region are about to be permanently industrialized by giant energy corporations, all for the purpose of increasing the wealth of just a handful of people. Those people have been able to wield great power over landowners like me; simply we landowners are of lesser wealth and are poorly represented.

 

Because the UN-Constitution Pipeline Company needs NY DEC permits to construct this pipeline, the only way the project could now be stopped is through the DEC.  I hope the DEC, the Attorney General, and Governor Cuomo do the right thing and refuse to issue these permits. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Lidsky…  a Landowner forced into Eminent Domain by Constitution Pipeline.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (05/05/2015)

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced the following arrests for the week of Monday, April 27th through Sunday, May 3rd:

Friday, May 1, 2015

At 12:56 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jena L. Haynes, 22 of Central Bridge, NY, for Driving While Intoxicated, Operating a Motor Vehicle with .08% or higher, and other vehicle and traffic tickets.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 19th at 5:00 p.m.

At 2.22 a.m. Cobleskill Police issued a summons to Tyler J. Pallokat, 20, of Union Springs, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 19th at 5:00 p.m.

At 10:05 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested  Erick K. James, 20, of Brooklyn, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 19th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

At 11:50 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Desiree E. Quick, 19, of Cobleskill, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd and 3rd.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released after paying $250 bail.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on May 12th at 5:00 p.m. 

Non-Profit Groups Call on DEC to Deny Pipeline Permits

The non-profit Center for Sustainable Rural Communities, in partnership with Otsego 2000, has submitted formal comments to the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NY State Department of Health, and Governor Cuomo highlighting the potential public safety risks created by siting natural gas pipelines in areas subject to severe flooding.

Citing an advisory issued by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in which the agency underscores how flooding, river scour and river channel migration can result in the catastrophic failure of pipelines, the two organizations are urging the DEC to deny water quality and crossing permits for new gas pipelines proposed for areas that have experienced historic flooding events. 

Robert Nied, Acting Director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities called the siting of the proposed Constitution and Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipelines in areas devastated by flooding “irresponsible and shortsighted.” Mr. Nied said that it was incumbent on all agencies involved to “act with due diligence and protect the rural residents of Upstate NY from what could be a double disaster of flooding and pipeline failure.”

If approved, the Constitution Pipeline would cut through hills, valleys, forests, and wetlands, intersecting over 270 waterways along a 124 miles corridor. As proposed, nearly all of those waters would be crossed by burying the pipeline in shallow trenches. “This creates precisely the problem that the federal PHMSA advisory warned of where floodwaters can expose a pipeline or wash away its supporting  soil and cause a rupture” said Nicole Dillingham, President of Otsego 2000. “These are dangers with potentially catastrophic results that DEC must not ignore.”

The joint letter also includes a link to video footage by Dan Brignoli of severe damage caused by torrential flooding where the Constitution Pipeline is now proposed. Brignoli, whose property is in the proposed route, said, "Constitution wants to locate this pipeline in the very same place where roads have been repeatedly washed away. If the DEC approves this project, it will be a disaster."

Audubon Adds Pledge to Shot Eagle Reward Fund

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. (DOAS) has pledged $250 toward the reward fund set up to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for shooting an immature Bald Eagle found in New Lisbon, Otsego Co. on Saturday April 25. The bird is presently at Cornell University recovering from surgery. Part of one wing was amputated. The bird will not be able to be released since it will never fly again.

DOAS director Tom Salo said, “New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation spent millions of dollars bringing this symbol of America back from the brink of extinction. We are pledging this money in the hope of helping find the perpetrator and bringing them to justice.”  Under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, violators can receive a fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense.

The reward fund is organized by wildlife rehabilitator Wes Laraway of NY Wildlife Rescue in Middleburgh, who first treated the shot eagle.  The fund is now in excess of $1000.  Pledges may be made at http://www.redmaplefarm.net. Anyone with information on this crime should call the anonymous DEC Law Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-847-7332.

Editor's Note: Our original article on the New York State Wildlife Rescue Center's reward was liked by over one hundred readers and shared by almost as many. Thank you for spreading the word on this important story - and please continue to do so. - Timothy Knight, Editor.

Schoharie Breaks Ground on Lily Park

Members of Schoharie Promotional were joined by local residents and public officials on Saturday afternoon in breaking ground on the new Lillies of the Schoharie Valley Walking Park and Gardens located on Fort Road in the Village of Schoharie. 

The park's location, once known as Fox's Dorf, is the historic entrance to the Village of Schoharie. It is close to the Fox Creek covered bridge, which presently attracts many passersby for its ideal photo opportunities. 

Planning to create a gravel path that stretches from Fort Road to Route 30, Schoharie Promotional is creating the park in expectation of filling it with lillies. Volunteers began these efforts Saturday by clearing brush and old tress from the area.

Envisioning the lily park as a tourist destination that will bring in needed foot traffic and tourist dollars to the still recovering community that was devastated by Hurricane Irene almost four years ago, Schoharie Promotional is focusing their attention on the park this year. 

The Village of Schoharie has recently received a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant from New York State to look at ways to revitalize the community with connections to the water. It is oriented to recreation and connections between Fox Creek Park and the Old Stone Fort.

Opinion: Cherry Deserves Praise for Jail Decision

Almost four years after the devastation of Hurricane Irene, Schoharie County has finally secured federal approval to rebuild and relocate our Public Safety Facility outside of the flood zone and to put the long-shuttered jail back into operation.

It wasn't easy. 

Fighting county appeals and pleas to relocate the facility to higher ground, the Federal Emergency Management Agency cited regulatory statutes and past decisions in their refusals, while we had a simple, rock-solid truth that could not be disputed: the question isn't if we will face another major flood event, but when? 

And when that major flood event comes rolling down the Schoharie Creek again, do we really want to risk our law enforcement apparatus being knocked out of the game, again? As well as worry about the housing and safety of dozens, if not hundreds of potential prisoners that might be in jail at that time?

Common sense aside, we also had state law on our side: New York State prohibits the expenditure of its funds to the rebuilding of emergency buildings inside of a existing flood zone. Furthermore, when properties within a flood zone are subject to FEMA buyouts, those properties are permanently barred from future construction. 

Why wouldn't the federal emergency agency apply those same standards to the primary hub of law enforcement in an entire county?  

We don't have an answer for that, but we do have a lot of praise to offer for those federal, state, and county officials who fought so hard for us in this lengthy fight. 

Regardless of party or proximity to Schoharie County, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson, New York State Senator Jim Seward, and New York State Assemblyman Pete Lopez pulled their collective political clout together to fight for Schoharie County. 

However, special praise must be given to Schoharie County Flood Recovery Coordinator Bill Cherry, who in addition to his elected role as Treasurer, has spent countless hours fighting for his county's behalf not only in butting heads with FEMA, but with rallying the entire federal and state delegations behind our position. 

Cherry, with the support of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors and consultant Ron Simmons, as Senator Schumer said in a press release issued last week, "have all worked on this tirelessly since the day the building flooded four years ago," and are the reason why we are finally seeing the light at the end of this tunnel. 

Jefferson Man Arrested for Domestic Dispute

New York State Troopers stationed in Cobleskill have announced the arrest of a twenty-nine year old Jefferson man following a domestic incident that occurred yesterday evening at approximately 11:30 p.m. 

State Police arrested Joel R. Wilson following the report of a physical domestic in progress. Wilson was charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Harassment in the Second Degree after a confrontation with a female victim. 

Wilson was arraigned in the Town of Jefferson Court, where an Order of Protection was issued. The accused is set to return to the Town of Jefferson Court on Monday, May 4th at 5:00 p.m. 

Vote in Our New Poll: Who do you Support for the Democrat 2016 Nomination?

Yes, it's that time of the election cycle again - candidates are lining up on the left and right of each other to run for President in 2016. With President Obama term-limited, both parties will be holding primaries to determine nominees. 

Thus far, several candidates have announced for both the Democratic and Republican nominations, with former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the presumable front-runner in next November's general election.

So, beginning with the announced, soon to announce, and rumored candidates on the Democratic side, who do you support for their nomination? The poll is located on the right-hand sidebar and will remain open until next Friday. 

Middleburgh Library News (May 10th-16th)

Week of May 10. 2015 – Middleburgh Library

5/2 to 5/15 – Art at the Library – In the Tech Room - Join us for a photographic journey of Middleburgh and Schoharie County with artist Voitek Moszynski.  Originally from Cracow, Poland, Mr. Moszynski considers photography as his lifetime hobby, not as a source of livelihood.  He travels extensively and takes photographs everywhere that he travels.  His photographs have been exhibited in numerous galleries.  All of his photographs are processed by him in his own laboratory. Voitek is especially proud of the Golden Award that he received from the Sierra Club of San Francisco, California in 1975.  Opening reception will be held on May 2nd at 7:00 at the library.

5/11 – 6:30 PM – Board of Trustees Meeting - Our meetings are open to the public.  Please join us!

5/12 – 10:45 AM - Drop-in Storytime - Get ready to move in this interactive storytime designed especially for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.  We’ll read books, sing songs, recite fingerplays, dance and watch a short movie based on a weekly theme.  

5/12 – 1:00 PM – Mahjong Mania - Men and women are invited to come learn the game of Mahjong.  No experience necessary!  Just a willingness to learn and have fun!  No registration necessary.

5/13 – 11:00 AM – Doodlebugs - Doodlebugs is preschool art exploration for little ones and their caregivers.  Appropriate for ages two and up.  Registration is required.

5/13 – 5:00 PM - Kundalini Yoga - Kundalini Yoga involves repetitive movements with the breath, building strength, toning the nerves and clearing the adrenal glands.   Wear comfortable clothing and bring 2 blankets or a mat and blanket. A $5.00 donation is requested. Please use the back entrance when entering the building.  No registration required.

5/14 - 7:00 PM – Knitting Circle - These friendly ladies (men are welcome, but we haven't seen any yet!) knit and crochet, embroider and quilt, and more. You can learn a new skill here or share your own special talents with others - or just craft in the company of friends. Drop in anytime! No registration required.   

5/16 – 9:00 – 5:00 PM – Colonial Beer Fest – 1870 Beer Challenge & Revolutionary War Festival – Activities include a Revolutionary War Encampment, colonial brewing & cooking demonstrations, 18th century toys & games for kids, talks on the history of beer and hops in upstate NY and the Schoharie Valley.  There will be Schoharie Valley hops display at the Middleburgh Library, beer samples from Green Wolf Brewing Co. and MacKinnon Brother, of Ontario Canada.

9:00-2:00 – Hops history display in the library.

12:00-10:00 – Green Wolf Tap Room open.

1:00-5:00 – Revolutionary war encampment (behind the library) with the Burning of the Valleys Military Association (US) and the King’s Royal Yorkers living historians (Can), plus talks on Beer and Hops.

Admission $15.00 for Adults 21 years of age and older, includes beer sampling - $10.00 for non-drinkers or those 20 years or younger.  Children under 10 are free.

For more information on events, see our website at www.middleburghlibrary.info.

Pet Talk Column: Gardening for You and Your Pet

It’s National Pet Week May 3-9th. It’s that time of year again; April showers bringing May flowers, green grass and garden season. It’s a favorite time of year for many, especially for your pets. They look forward to running around in the fresh warm air; spreading their toes in the soft green grass and rolling around in whatever they can find. Do you find them munching on the grass or green shoots coming up? Do you wonder why they do this and if it will hurt them or wonder if they are sick? 

While it may seem like a strange behavior—especially when they throw up afterwards—there’s not much to worry about. Most experts in the veterinary and animal world don’t see a danger in letting them munch on the grass and in fact can prove to be beneficial for them. Grass contains essential nutrients a dog or cat might crave, especially if they are on a commercial kibble diet. 

Juices in grass contain folic acid just like mothers milk. This is an essential vitamin used for such bodily functions as production of hemoglobin; which helps move oxygen in their blood. It’s kind of like a wheat grass shake for your pet. Grass also acts as a natural laxative, counteracting cases of indigestion. 

When your pet eats things from the yard, grooms a lot or finds dead critters; grass will help them clean out their gut and eliminate it by vomiting. As with anything, there are always precautions to watch for. If your pet has a sudden increase in grass eating and begins gulping it down in large quantities; it could be a sign of a more serious underlying illness that your dog or cat is trying to self-treat and will require veterinary evaluation.

If you notice your pets have been munching, then you may want to introduce them to natural herbs and or cooked veggies in their diet. Cats tend to be more finicky than dogs but neither are fond of raw veggies either. They are kind of like big furry kids. 

You can start an herbal garden at home to give them an alternative to outdoor grass and landscaping that may lead to accidental ingestion of chemicals, herbicides or pesticides used to treat your (or your neighbor’s) yards. 

Whether you have a large yard space, a small 4x4 plot, or a windowsill; you can grow a healing garden for your cat or dog. The plants I suggest will be easy to grow, inexpensive and can double as a home remedy for you and your family. Below is a list to use as a guide.

Burdock Herb: Treats allergies, digestive and kidney issues. Needs to be kept in rich soil and keep it well pruned.

Milk Thistle: Used for liver disorders. Loves sun/part sun and flowers need to be removed.

Peppermint: Good for indigestion and nausea. Likes rich, moist soil, sun and/or shade. Keep it trimmed to keep healthy and from being invasive.

Astragalus Herb: Used for lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It also improves digestion and promotes healing. It likes sandy soil. You will need to scratch the seeds before planting.

Garlic Grass: Is an immune booster. Plant a clove of the bulb in rich soil pointed side up. The grass that grows from the clove is okay for either to eat. Limit dogs on clove ingestion. Do not feed garlic cloves to your cat, just the grass from it.

Rosemary: Is an immune booster. It’s a hardy perennial, that doesn't like too much water and needs to be kept well-trimmed.

Grass: (From wheat or Barley berries from a health food store) Grass from these are good for digestion. Grow a plot just for pets. Moist balanced soil without weeds, is what allows it to grow best.

Gardening can be great for you and your pets. Consult your veterinarian or local master gardener for other pet friendly herbs and flowers and happy gardening.

Lorraine Fancher, LVT

Eagle Shot, Wildlife Rescue Offers $1,000 Reward for Arrest of Those Responsible

Appalled by the shooting of a young bald eagle in Otsego County this past weekend, the Middleburgh based New York State Wildlife Rescue Center is offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime.

Shot near New Lisbon, a rural small town north of Oneonta, the eagle was brought Saturday evening to Wes Laraway, managing director of the wildlife center, whereupon he took immediate action to keep the bird alive. Actions which included giving the bird pain medication and wet packing the bullet wound.

Transported to the Cornell Wildlife Clinic for treatment and surgery the following morning, the bald eagle was saved, but it will unfortunately be grounded for the rest of its life, which may last for as long as forty more years.

Personally disgusted by the act, Laraway at-first offered a $200 reward for information on his personal facebook page starting Monday night, but drawing a wide range of support from friends and supporters alike, the bounty quickly rose to a thousand dollars in just a few days and it is still growing.

Commenting that he started the reward because shooting the eagle "was a horrible thing to do," Laraway hopes the culprit will be brought to justice and that it will "deter someone from doing it in the future."

Nearly going extinct due to contact with dangerous pesticides and a lack of nesting sites only forty-two years ago, the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of endangered species in 2007 after its population rebounded. However, the national symbol of the United States remains protected by three separate laws.

Laws that could lead individuals accused of capturing, killing, shooting, or wounding a bald eagle to face up to $250,000 in fines or two years in prison if convicted on the federal level. Civil penalties may also include the possibility of fines or jail time.

Although happy that the bird is alive, Laraway is sorry that it will have to spend the rest of its life out of the air, but he accepts that it is better than the alterative. Saying that the crime was unacceptable, the wildlife rescuer was baffled that someone would use the national symbol for target practice.

If you or anyone you know has any information regarding the shooting of the bald eagle, you may contact the New York State Department of Environmental Protection hotline at 1800-847-7332. Reward posters are available by contacting Mr. Laraway at laraway@midtel.net for a pdf copy. 

Gibson Attends Weekend Band Concerts

The Schoharie Valley Concert Band and the Depot Lane Singers collaborated for two special shows this past weekend in Schoharie County, with Friday's being attended by Congressman Chris Gibson and his two daughters. 

Congressman Gibson (right)
 talking with clarinet soloist
Brittany Bertola and her dad.

On Friday evening, April 24 at 7:30pm, they appeared together in the Schoharie High School auditorium, and again on Sunday afternoon, April 26 at 3pm, at the Cobkeskill-Richmondville auditorium.

DLS performed two selections from their upcoming "Tributes" concerts, America, The Dream Goes On and The Armed Forces Salute. Members of the audience were asked to stand when their service song was played, and there was great applause when they did so.

As a special feature of the Sunday concert, there was an appearance by the Fabulous Beekman Boys (Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell), introducing a piece called The Sharon Polka. It was a 19th century piece, composed by Theodore C. Clark of Canajoharie, for the "Lady Visitors of Sharon Springs."

Cobleskill Woman Arrested for Criminal Trespassing

New York State Police in Cobleskill have announced the arrest of a woman for Criminal Trespassing after she entered a home looking for her ex-boyfriend.

Troopers report that Donna M. Taylor, age 52, of Cobleskill, New York, entered a residency uninvited and unannounced while the residents were not home. A friend of the residents was home and found Taylor, who was asking if her ex-boyfriend still love there.

Taylor was arrested for Criminal Trespassing in the Second Degree, a class A Misdemeanor. She was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Cobleskill Court on Tuesday, May 12th, 2015.

FEMA Approves County Bid to Relocate Jail

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Chris Gibson today announced that, following personal appeals, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has approved of the framework that will finally allow Schoharie County to relocate its Public Safety Building away from the Schoharie Creek and out of the flood plain. Schumer, Gillibrand and Gibson explained that this important project has been delayed for years after the building was severely damaged during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. Schumer, Gillibrand and Gibson said that Schoharie County and FEMA Regional staff recently came to an agreement over a framework for the total project cost of $37 million, which includes $1.5 million in insurance proceeds. The project will have a 75% federal cost share. On Tuesday, Schumer made a personal call to Administrator Fugate, where he urged Fugate to provide this final seal of approval of this framework, which will now finally allow this project to become a reality. Gillibrand also wrote Fugate in February urging him to expedite FEMA’s review of the County’s multiple requests.

“After four years of bureaucratic hurdles that were put up by FEMA, we were finally able to break through the red-tape. Now, Schoharie County will finally be able to receive the federal funding it needs to relocate its vital Public Safety Facility and get this long-overdue project underway. I was proud to go to bat for Schoharie, and that is why I personally called Administrator Fugate to urge him to swiftly approve this framework and funding,” said Schumer. “Schoharie County has already waited too long, but now, we can finally say this project is headed toward the finish line. Thanks to the perseverance of Bill Cherry, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, and their consultant, Ron Simmons – who have all worked on this tirelessly since the day the building flooded four years ago – we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”

“I am pleased to announce that FEMA has finally heard our calls to move Schoharie County's public safety facility out of the flood plain and has approved the framework that will fully fund the relocation plan,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “I toured the area after the storm and saw firsthand how important it is that this critical facility gets moved out of the flood plain. I wrote Administrator Fugate on multiple occasions urging him to expedite FEMA’s review and respond to the county’s requests. I fought for years to help get Schoharie county through this red tape so they can relocate this critical facility and now this long overdue project can finally move forward.”

“This is wonderful news for the taxpayers of Schoharie County and the hard-working men and women of the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department,” said Congressman Gibson. “They have persevered with abundant strength, dedication, and community spirit in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and the loss of the public safety building. For over three years now, my staff and I have been honored to work with representatives at every level of government to see that federal authorities provide Schoharie County with the support and assistance it deserves. Those efforts have paid off here, and I want to express my gratitude to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Governor Cuomo, Senator Seward, Assemblyman Lopez, Andrew Feeney and his team at the State Emergency Management Office, and a host of local officials, especially Sheriff Tony Desmond and County Treasurer William Cherry. We will continue to work together to see that our first responders have the resources they need to keep our communities safe, and that the ongoing flood recovery mission continues with the federal support that is required.”

“The people of Schoharie County deeply appreciate the strong and rock-solid support shown by Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Gibson for the relocation of our flood-damaged Public Safety Facility.  This important project will guarantee that such a vital facility and emergency response center will never again be left vacant and inoperable at the critical moment when it will be most needed should we face another disaster.  Thanks to their combined leadership and consistent support, FEMA will now allow us to accomplish that goal, and the fact that each of these officials have personally intervened on our behalf with FEMA Director Fugate to bring this process to a successful conclusion, certainly means a great deal to all of us involved in this very important project,” said Bill Cherry, County Treasurer and Flood Recovery Coordinator.

Schumer, Gillibrand and Gibson explained that before the storm the Schoharie County Public Safety Facility performed critical public safety functions for the surrounding community. Specifically, the Public Safety Facility housed county inmates, the Sheriff’s Department and road patrol operations, the county emergency operations center, and the 911 emergency communications coordination center. During Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, the facility suffered massive damages, with floodwaters reaching the ceiling. Most operations have been temporarily relocated as the majority of the building remains uninhabitable.

Mburgh Canoe Race Attracts Hundreds

Set on the majestic Schoharie Creek, the Middleburgh Sloughter Canoe/Kayak Race attracted over one hundred participants and hundreds more of spectators as nine classes of competitors took part in the five mile course on Saturday afternoon. 

Lining up at the Fultonham parking area on Route 30 and finishing at the new Middleburgh pavilion in Timothy Murphy Park, racers encountered fast but cold waters thanks to last week's unseasonably cool weather and rain/snow showers. 

Organized by the Middleburgh Rotary Club in coordination with MCS Booster Club, West Fulton Rod & Gun Club, Middleburgh Rod & Gun Club, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scout Troop 2, and area State Parks, Saturday's event was the second in a throwback to the canoe races of the seventies and eighties sponsored by the Middleburgh Rotary Club.

Racers of varying age groups and degrees of expertise from across the Schoharie Valley, Schoharie County, and region participated in the event, which awarded class victors with bragging rights and medals. 

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department and Middleburgh firemen were on scene to provide assistance with traffic and in case of emergency on the water.

Lopez "Seriously Considering" Run for Congress

New York State Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R-Schoharie) is at the center of recent rumors concerning a possible congressional bid to replace outgoing Congressman Chris Gibson, but as of Friday evening the lifelong Schoharie resident has yet to make a final decision. 

Explaining that "Ultimately it boils down to my family," Mr. Lopez told The Schoharie News that he is seriously considering a campaign, but that he is weighing several factors before jumping into the race. 

Citing a "sense of urgency in the community" concerning flood recovery, common core, and the unpopular SAFE Act, the five-term representative said that he would not run unless he could "remain focused on my job as an Assemblyman, because that's my highest priority." 

The Catskill based Daily Mail set off a firestorm on Wednesday, April 15th when they inaccurately reported that Lopez had officially announced a run for Congress, while the Oneonta Daily Star wrote an article the same day disputing the Mail's story. 

In addition to the Schoharie native, who is seen as a hometown son by many in the county, State Senator Jim Seward, Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, and former Assembly Minority Leader John Faso have also been mentioned as potential Republican candidates. 

Calling himself fortunate to be able to serve in six of eleven counties with the congressman, Mr. Lopez praised Gibson as an "intelligent, thoughtful man who works hard for his community." 

Although surprised by Gibson's decision to retire after having just won re-election handily in November over Democratic challenger Sean Eldridge, the assemblyman believed that he was just being honest with his constituency. 

Driving over one thousand miles per week across the 102nd Assembly District, Lopez said that "folks are fragile these days," and that they are facing questions every day on whether they have a job, a roof over their head, or a education for their children. 

Still, despite the long hours and hard work, Lopez considers his position in the assembly to be a privilege; one that he approaches with a sense of urgency as one-third of the calls his office receives still concern flood recovery, even as the fourth anniversary of Irene nears. 

Explore Nature Trails at the Iroquois Indian Museum May 23

Howes Cave, New York - The Iroquois Indian Museum, in partnership with the Audubon Society of the Capital Region, presents a Bird Walk and a live birds of prey show starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 23. 

Everyone is welcome to this free public event at the Museum.

Join members of the Audubon Society while exploring the Museum's hiking trails. Be sure to bring your binoculars to see what spring migrating birds are in the museum's forest and fields.

"There is so much to see on the Nature Trail at the Museum. Having members of Audubon Society with us guarantees an enhanced experience for our guests," said Iroquois Indian Museum Director Stephanie Shultes.

The local chapter of the National Audubon Society is dedicated to the protection, conservation and enjoyment of birds, wildlife and the environment in the Capital Region.

After the walk, you can take a seat in the museum's new, outdoor pavilion and enjoy a Live Birds of Prey show at 10:30 a.m., presented by Kelly Martin, president of the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. The council is a not-for-profit, statewide organization that has been in existence for more than 20 years.