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The Best Gifts from Schoharie County

Schoharie's Engine Company to get new Fire House

Written By Michael on 6/24/15 | 6/24/15

SCHOHARIE - Announcing that FEMA has approved additional funds totaling $6.4 million to rebuild the Niagara Engine Company No. 6 Fire House in Schoharie, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand praised the rural fire department in a press release issued on Thursday.

“The brave men and women of Niagara Engine Company No. 6 voluntarily put their lives on the line to protect Schoharie County residents from dangerous fires. And for far too long, they were working out of a temporary facility because FEMA put up bureaucratic red tape that prevented them from building a new fire house,” said Senator Schumer.

“Fire stations serve as the nerve center for our first responders to answer emergencies and now Niagara Engine Company No. 6 will be able to consolidate all of its resources and firefighters into one new operational facility to help effectively serve the residents of Schoharie County,” said Senator Gillibrand.

John Wolfe, Chairman of the Schoharie Fire Department Building Committee said, “This project is extremely important to the protection and welfare of the citizens of Schoharie County, and I am excited that we will finally be able to move forward with building the new facility."

Milone to Bring Residents Concerns Before County Board

Written By Michael on 6/23/15 | 6/23/15

SCHOHARIE - Upset over the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors decision to build the new Public Safety Facility at Seebold Farm on Route 30, over two dozen residents came to the June Schoharie Town Board meeting to make their displeasure known.

However, before they got the opportunity to do so on Wednesday evening, Schoharie Town Supervisor Gene Milone addressed the audience, admitting in his comments that he "never anticipated this type of reaction."

Stating that "this facility has been apart of the community for twenty-five years," Milone made reference to a recent letter to the editor that spelled out the potential financial pitfalls the town would face if it lost the jail, including a loss in sales tax revenue.

But, recognizing that the assembled crowd's displeasure was "democracy at work," the town official told residents that "What I want to know is what you are looking for specifically," with a promise that if presented a solution in writing he will "make a motion to step backwards and look at additional properties."

Mr. Milone requested that residents join him at the county board meeting on Friday, June 19th at 9 am to support his proposed motion that will likely seek to restart the search process for a new location.

Milone's promise did not come without his warning that restarting the search process was likely to cost Schoharie County the Federal Emergency Management Agency's reimbursement for housing its prisoners in Albany County, a potential added cost of over half a million dollars to county taxpayers.

Furthermore, if the Public Safety Facility leaves Schoharie and fully disconnects from the Schoharie Water and Sewer District, the Village will lose approximately $35,000 of once guaranteed money, or roughly 8% of its overall pre-flood district income, a loss that will likely have to be picked up by the rest of the district.

Pleased by the supervisor's offer to bring their concerns to the county board, which has the final say on where the new jail will be located, residents led by Wanda Culyer began collecting emails, names, and phone numbers to organize their ideas into a unified and singular effort.

Still, cooperation came only after residents first disrupted reports from the town assessor and code enforcement officer with questions concerning the Seebold Jail site, which led Town Councilman Richard Sherman to repeatedly inject that "we can't do anything about this," because, Sherman pointed out, the decision is the county's to make.

In other business, the town board:

• Heard from Town Highway Superintendent Daniel Weideman that Schoharie has received an additional $6,500 from CHIPS funding for winter recovery. Additionally, Weideman reported that the town's two FEMA buyout properties have been demolished, and that they are at the next level of reimbursement.

• Heard from attorney Allison Phillips that the Schoharie County Planning Commission took no action on the municipality's proposed 6 month moratorium extension, meaning that the town could not take any action on it until thirty days after the commission's decision.

• Heard from John Wolfe of the Niagara Engine Company No. 6 that FEMA has approved an additional $6.4 million in federal funds to rebuild and relocate the company's fire house outside of the floodplain.

• Voted to hold a special town board meeting on Monday, June 29th at 5:00 pm to resolve the moratorium issue.

Middleburgh Considers its own Moratorium

MIDDLEBURGH - Residents in the Town of Middleburgh urged town board members to implement a moratorium on quarry expansion and solar farms Thursday evening, but the municipality took no action.

Calling on councilpersons to consider a moratorium to allow for the completion of the township's comprehensive plan, Joan Gallagher cited the protection of the valley community's rural character in addressing the board.

Gallagher's comments came on the heels of news breaking that Carver Stone is seeking the expansion of their quarry operations in Middleburgh, while Borrego Solar is attempting to build solar arrays despite it currently being a prohibited activity in the town's zoning regulations.

Mirroring her compatriot's comments in favor of a moratorium, Marjorie Troidle pointed out "there was a negative environmental impact" on Carver Stone and further commented that a lot of residents in the town were unaware of where the project is in the process.

Although expressing sympathy with the residents call, Town Supervisor Jim Buzon cautioned that Carver Stone's "draft environmental impact study has not been completed" and that a period for public comment still has to be held, both of which could take several months.

Furthermore, commenting that a moratorium had been discussed at a joint meeting of the town and village earlier in the week, Buzon indicated that opinions were mixed on the idea and that, "we should wait on the comprehensive plan before we make any rash decisions."

Expected to be completed by October, the new comprehensive plan is likely to lead to the rewrite of the town's zoning regulations.

As for Borrego Solar, the company's requests have been rejected by both the Planning Board and the Code Enforcement Officer, with solar representatives recently appearing before the Planning Board again to argue that according to case law they are an approved activity as a public utility.

Buzon disagreed, saying that only a public entity could qualify as a public utility; not a private company that would make profits from the transfer of electricity.

In other business, the town board:

• Heard from Town Highway Superintendent Dale Nunamann that the highway crew has laid stone and oil on School House Road, Oak Meadows Drive, and other town roadways. Nunamann further reported that prices have gone through the roof for stone, although the budget should be okay overall.

• Voted to appoint Janet Mayer to manage the administration and Charley Spickerman to manage the financial aspects of local projects funded by New York Rising.

New Grocery Store Coming to Cobleskill?

Written By Michael on 6/22/15 | 6/22/15

By Timothy Knight and Joslen Pettit

SCHOHARIE - The Village of Cobleskill might be getting another grocery store to the detriment of the Schoharie Valley.

After years of negotiating with representatives of Big M Supermarkets to bring a grocery store to the Schoharie Valley, Schoharie Town Supervisor Gene Milone announced at his town board's June meeting on Wednesday evening that the Syracuse based food chain is looking to possibly open a store in Cobleskill instead.

Breaking the news after Middleburgh Town Supervisor Jim Buzon and himself have worked on trying to bring the supermarket chain to the valley for over a year and a half, Mr. Milone said that he was disheartened by Big M's decision, which he and Buzon had only recently learned about in a closed door meeting.

Telling the two supervisors that they know Cobleskill has a guaranteed four to five million dollar per week grocery market, Big M representatives indicated that they are interested in the vacant Rite Aid building and one time Eckerd Pharmacy on Main Street in Cobleskill near NBT Bank.

However, that was news to Cobleskill Mayor Linda Holmes.

Telling The Schoharie News that she was unaware of Big M's interest in the vacant building, Mrs. Holmes said on Thursday afternoon that, "we have no application at our codes office from Big M."

Still, Big M's decision was a major blow to the Schoharie Valley. Pointing out that there had been attempts to locate a potential store in Middleburgh, but that "the landowners killed that concept" with excessive land prices, Milone was blown away by the rejection of a deal he characterized as one "you couldn't refuse" in Schoharie.

Working out a deal with the owners of the old Catholic Church in Schoharie, the chain was offered two years of no rent and no taxes to come into the Village of Schoharie, but alas, store representatives thought differently, and turned their attention toward Cobleskill, where two grocery stores already operate.

Functioning without a major grocery store since Hurricane Irene wiped out the Grand Union store in Middleburgh, residents of the Schoharie Valley and the southern portions of the county have had to travel to Cobleskill, Duanesburg, or Stamford to buy their groceries since August of 2011.
Although Middleburgh has seen some strides with the opening of a Dollar General store on Route 30 and The Olde Corner Store in the Village, the need for a full service supermarket remains; a need that public officials had hoped would be filled by Big M Supermarkets.

The largest independently owned supermarket chain in New York, Big M currently operates twenty stores in both New York and neighboring Pennsylvania. Despite being in a prime position to come into the Schoharie Valley, the grocer has faced financial pains since the 2007 recession began, selling seven stores to Tops Friendly Markets across the state.

Cobleskill, in addition to having Wal-Mart and Price Chopper, also has several big box pharmacies - CVS and Rite Aid - as well as Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and smaller delicatessens and locations that sell food products.

Multiple calls to Big M Supermarket's corporate offices were not returned.

Sharon Springs Moves Forward on Bathhouse Revitalization

Written By Cicero on 6/17/15 | 6/17/15

SHARON - The Sharon Springs Town Board voted last Wednesday to allow Sharon Springs Inc. to remove the roof and floors of the Sharon Springs Bathhouse.

Part of the reason for the municipality's name, springs of magnesium and sulfur made the bathhouse a prominent vacation destination and the spa became a prosperous resort community, attracting the attention of the Vanderbilt family and Oscar Wilde. 

At its height the spa hosted around 10,000 people each summer and made the small community very prosperous, even boasting a direct rail line to a ferry station that would link to New York City and other metropolitan areas, such as Boston.

However, business began to dry up for the small community in the mid twentieth century due to a lack of tourism.The bathhouse closed and has since fallen into a state of dilapidation. Since then members of the community have attempted to further revitalize the community where many grand hotels and small beauty stores can be found.

With Wednesday's vote, the Sharon Springs Incorporation may be rapidly on its way to renovating the structure in the hopes of attracting more tourists to the area. The town board unanimously passed the legislation allowing them to remove the decrepit ceiling and other areas of the building with compromised integrity.

In other business, the town board voted to:

  • Approve the opening of the community pool on the 27th of June.
  • Reappoint Robert Countryman to the Joint Planning Board for the next 7 years.  

Conesville Hosting two Events This Weekend

This Saturday, June 20th the Manorkill Cemetery Association is having a fundraising chicken and rib dinner sale at the Conesville Fire House starting at 12:00 noon until sold out.

On Sunday, June 21st, the Conesville Fire Department Auxiliary is having a Father's Day Pancake Breakfast at the Conesville Fire House from 8:00 to 11:00

Opinion: Money, Money, Money...

Written By Cicero on 6/16/15 | 6/16/15

Money - we all subsist off of it. Businesses need money to operate, people need money to live, and governments need money to govern. 

However, it should be said, that there is a reasonable expectation that all three will be diligent enough with their resources, as to not harm others, but what happens when outside forces conspire to harm your money supply?

That is the conundrum that the Village of Middleburgh is presently facing. 

Faced with a multitude of lawsuits from a single individual, the municipality paid over $7,600 in legal fees over the last budget cycle to defeat the suer and his frivolous suits. That amount is equal to roughly one percent of the village's entire budget and nearly equal to the amount in levies that taxes were raised by this past year. 

Coincidence? 

The Mayor of the community, Matthew Avitabile, made a good point at Monday's meeting, when he pointed out that more had been spent on legal fees associated with this string of lawsuits than on the village's successful wild flowers and the recently constructed pavilion combined. 

Although few residents were at the meeting, we believe that a vast majority would say community oriented projects such as what the mayor referenced are worth far more than a continuous legal battle in court.

A continuous legal battle in court brought upon by the former mayor. We will offer no comments as to the validity of the petitioner's suits, for that is not our role, but we do find it offensive that someone once tasked with the responsibility of leading the village is now actively working to bleed it financially. Whether that was intended or not, that is the result of the former official's actions.

Once again, governments need money to govern. They need resources to fix sidewalks, pave roads, promote community minded projects, and so forth, but what they don't need is an ever increasing legal fee line item that is driven by the whims of a single individual for whatever his motives are, because it's not only harmful to the government, but to the people who provide the funds - the taxpayers.

- Timothy Knight,
Editor and Publisher,
The Schoharie News.
Tuesday, June 9th, 2015. 

Pet Talk Column: Chinchillas

Written By Cicero on 6/11/15 | 6/11/15

A member of the rodent family and descendants of the 11 chinchillas first brought to the United States in 1923, by Mathias Chapman; these furry, big eyed, 4 toed, bushy tailed critters, can make great pets for the right homes. They are related to guinea pigs and porcupines and originated in the Andes Mountains in Northern Chile. The colors we see today are typically gray or brown with black tips developed through selective breeding, but were originally from yellow mottled fur. They have long been prized and hunted for their fur, to the point of endangerment and now are a protected, wild species. The ones we see today are raised on chinchilla breeding farms for their fur or the commercial pet industry. They grow to roughly 10-14 inches in body length with the tail adding another 5-6 inches. Their life span is 15-22 years and is full of activity.

  So, is a chinchilla the right pet for you? They are primarily nocturnal, meaning they spend most of their active time at night, while sleeping by day. Are you a night owl too? They like routine and stress easily over frequent changes or noisy conditions during sleep times. Their favorite times of day are dawn and dusk and have the most energy during this time. They are extremely playful and need a large area to be able to run around and play in. They love tunnels and hiding under or in things. Our furry friends like a lot of roughage, so their diet consists of quality grass hay and chinchilla pellets. They have sensitive stomachs, so their diet needs to be consistent with little to no change. Are you careful, precise and consistent? Do you like taking dirt baths? No, well Chinchillas do. Volcanic dust baths twice weekly is a favorite pastime of theirs. This dust bath helps keep their coat thick and clean by removing dirt and oil. 

   In the wild, Chinchillas live in large social colonies, but in captivity, they can do quite well as a single pet, if they are given plenty of room, activities, handling and toys. If they are raised from a young age, they will become quite friendly and tame. Do you like your own space? Chinchillas do too. They get selective about their amount of space and handling and decide if they want to be cuddled or not. They have teeth that continue to grow, so they need lots of safe things to chew on to keep the length of their teeth down. They are funny and curious little critters and are sure to make you laugh.

  Still not sure if this is the pet for you. These pets need to be near a veterinarian that handles exotic animals, so they can get regular check-ups and vaccinations. They are also not recommended to be in homes with small children due to their want to handle and play with them. I suggest you learn as much as you can about any potential pet, prepare your home, and consider any potential needs for you and the pet before getting your pet, especially chinchillas. For more information on these wonderful animals full of curiosity and mischief; I recommend the following sites: 

•www.chinchillacare.org 
•www.livescience.com/chinchilla
•www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/chinchilla-care-advice 

   Find out if a chinchilla is for you!

 Lorraine Fancher, LVT

New York Legalizes Some Fireworks

Written By Cicero on 6/9/15 | 6/9/15

By Schoharie News Staff

The New York Legislature has passed a convoluted bill allowing the legalization of some types of fireworks. However, in order for the sale of these fireworks to be allowed, each County must specifically pass an enabling resolution. No plans to do so in Schoharie County have been announced.

New York was one of four states to disallow the sale of fireworks. The new section 405 of the NYS Penal Law now allows the sale of "ground based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke."

The new state statute allow severely restricts the periods that fireworks are sellable. The law only allows sales between June 1st and July 5th and December 26th through January 2nd. All other periods would remain illegal.

Furthermore, most types of fireworks still allowed in most other states will remain illegal here. The NYS Division of Homeland Security site reads, "All other types of consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, remain illegal statewide."

Tornado Watch Until 8pm Tonight

Written By Editor on 6/8/15 | 6/8/15

NWS has issued a tornado watch for Schoharie County until 8:00pm tonight. A Tornado Watch indicates that conditions are favorable for tornadoes in and near the watch area, which may pose a risk to life and property.

Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. If you see a tornado, or are warned of an imminent tornado, Pick a tornado safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Make sure all members of your family know to go there. Don't forget pets if time allows.

Keep up to date with our current weather page.

Schoharie County: A Love Affair With Automobiles

Written By Cicero on 6/4/15 | 6/4/15

SCHOHARIE - A love affair began in 1903 in Upstate New York’s Schoharie County.
   
And, it just keeps growing with the years.
  
Schoharie County’s love of the automobile is captured throughout the county with a series of car shows and a museum that houses Schoharie’s first car.
   
At the Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie, a 1903 Rambler has a place of honor. Owned by then Mayor of Schoharie, Perry Taylor, the automobile was donated to the museum. Made of mostly wood, the mayor’s wife Eleanor Taylor was the first woman to get a driver’s license in New York State.

 Today, the love affair with automobiles also shows itself beyond the museum walls with a series of car shows and cruise ins as well as events that salute cars and other vehicles of long ago.
  
“Here we have a lot of car collectors and owners of classic, antique cars,” said Phillip Liddle who organizes car shows in Schoharie County.
  
On June 13, 14, 20 and 21, The Hudson-Mohawk Chapter of the Pioneer Gas Engine Association, Inc., presents the 48th Annual Gas Up at 106 Murphy Road in Schoharie. 
  
This tribute to antique steam, gasoline and oil engines shows them in action daily. There are also antique military vehicles, fire trucks, antique trucks and automobiles to enjoy.
   
On June 21, it’s time for street machines, rods, muscle cars, antiques classics and more at the 5th Annual Schoharie Sloughter* Car Show in the Village of Schoharie. Proceeds from this show ware donated to The Patriot Highlander, a group that supports wounded veterans.
   
You never know where vintage cars will be. But chances are excellent they are part of the annual Jefferson Heritage Day on the village’s Main Street as a celebratory parade steps off at 11 a.m. on July 11.

Then on July 19, it’s time for the annual Schoharie Valley Region Antique Automobile Show at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center in North Blenheim. A wide variety of antique vehicles features 24 classes of vehicles, dating prior to 1990. 

These include family transportation, wagons and vans. There also will be displays of antique outboards and early single-cylinder farm engines and equipment. Proceeds are shared with the Leather Stocking Honor Flight, Elks BPOE 2040 Scholarship Fund and the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley.

Cruisin’ in the Caves, a car and motorcycle show, takes place on Aug. 8 (rain date Aug. 9) at the county’s largest show cave, Howe Caverns. It’s a benefit for Ronald McDonald House and for Kaitlin’s Journey which benefits a child with severe medical problems.
   
On the fourth Friday of every month through October, there is a “Cruise-In” at the historic The Dr. Best House in Middleburgh. The cruise-in is open to all makes and models of vintage, classic, muscle, Ratrod and motorcycles. 

Schoharie Seeks Extension of Moratorium Until 2016

Written By Cicero on 6/2/15 | 6/2/15

SCHOHARIE - Town board members in Schoharie agreed on Wednesday evening to seek a six month extension of the municipality's moratorium on heavy industry, solar farms, and other previously prohibited activities while the town continues to move through the process of implementing a new land use law. 

A public hearing was set for the regularly scheduled June 10th town board meeting so that town residents would have the opportunity to address councilmembers on the proposed extension.

Operating under a set of zoning laws dating back to the seventies because of the Supreme Court's February 2014 ruling that rendered the municipality's 2005 zoning laws null and void, the Schoharie Town Board has passed a series of moratoriums. The last of which was set to expire in July.

Town Councilman James Schultz expressed his opinion that "it is very important that we do not rush the process and that we make sure the land use law fits with the changing times and the needs of the residents and businesses."

Legislators made the decision to seek an extension to the moratorium after speaking to the town's zoning attorney David Brennan in executive session. 

Town Supervisor Gene Milone commented that the town board had received some new documents from Brennan, and that the final draft of the new zoning law is in the process of construction. Upon their completion, they will be forwarded to the both the Town and County Planning Boards for review.

Mr. Milone estimated that two to three public hearings are likely to be held on the draft zoning laws. 

Starting back in 2005 when the last set of regulations were adopted, Schoharie has been embroiled in a decade long fight with Cobleskill Stone Products, which operates a quarry within the township and has long sought to expand its operations. 

CSP argued in early 2014 that town officials had failed to properly follow environmental requirements set forth by SEQRA. A position that then Schoharie County Supreme Court Justice Eugene Devine agreed with. 

 Judge Devine stated in his February 19th, 2014 decision that Schoharie's 2005 zoning laws were "affected by an error of law."

New Poll: Should Your Supervisor be Re-elected?

Written By Cicero on 5/28/15 | 5/28/15


With the 2015 election season starting to fire up in Schoharie County, our poll question this week concerns whether or not you believe your incumbent Town Supervisor should be re-elected this November if he or she chooses to seek another term. What are your thoughts? The poll is open on the right hand sidebar until Saturday morning.

The Mayor's Nest: Importance of Local History

Written By Editor on 5/27/15 | 5/27/15

Many issues faced by Schoharie County's residents and communities are wider than the obvious implications. Often many issues, both positive and negative come out of the winding history of the area. Preserving such local history and connecting it to the present and future is key.

Local history was ingrained in me from the start. From my Schoharie County History course with Wes Laraway teaching me to honor our heritage with local service to Steve LaMont and Charley Spickerman's local history colloquialisms and excellent work with the Middleburgh Library Historical Documents room, the ideas are still fresh in my mind. The Old Stone Fort and County Historical Society's efforts have both fascinated locals and drawn in those from out of the area in sharing our collective interest.

The same can be said in building the future. As a history professor at SUNY Oneonta, I can certainly appreciate how history rhymes. The many volunteers that have rebuilt Middleburgh have tied in our local history-- including the Green Wolf Brewery's beer festival, the Heritage Day celebrations every year, the Best House revival under great leadership, and Middleburgh's recent creation of a historical trail.

We are often asked why Middleburgh has come such a long way since the flood. There are many reasons and many people that have contributed. Sometimes old wounds or inability to change have hurt efforts in communities across the country. We do the opposite: taking the best parts of local history with an attitude that welcomes positive change. By connecting our efforts with knowledge of the past the area is stronger and in better shape to be a good page in a future history lesson.

Head out to one of your local historical society meetings, the Old Stone Fort, a historic site, or crack open a book. You're writing the area's history every day-- make it one worth learning about!

Matthew Avitabile,
Mayor of Middleburgh

Voters Approve School Budgets by Wide Margins

All six of Schoharie County's public school districts received a vote of confidence in Tuesday's school board votes, where budgets, buses, and candidates were on the ballot for area residents to consider. 
   
Middleburgh - With six candidates running for two seats on the Board of Education, Middleburgh Central School District residents had more than enough options to consider, but chose to stick with the incumbent school board members. 
  
Receiving 375 and 324 votes respectively, Becky Binder and Pamela Standhart were elected to serve another term of three years beginning in July. 
  
 Of the challengers, Michael A. Parker polled the best with 244, while Thomas N. Wargo received 126, Laura Arnwine got 106, and Doralee Mickle placed six with 94. 
  
Voters also approved the school district's $20.77 million proposed budget, 441-295, the purchase of a new bus, 404-334, and the sale of 3.2 acres of school property on Cotton Hill Road, 601-135.
   
 Schoharie - District residents overwhelmingly voted to approve the Schoharie Central School District's 22.38 million proposed 2015-16 budget, 308-137, and the purchase of a new school bus, 253-182. 
   
Mark Quandt and Bill Nuehle were elected to the Board of Education with 344 and 334 votes respectively. They faced no opposition.
   
Cobleskill-Richmondville - CRCS residents approved the largest proposed school budget in the county - $38.5 million - with over 75% of the vote. Residents also voted to approve the district's purchase of four large buses and two small buses by a similar margin.
  
Incumbent Board of Education members Melissa Bartlett and Dan Schulte were elected with ease, receiving 702 and 463 respectively. Challenger Justin Smith polled 359 votes in support of his candidacy.
    
Sharon Springs - Requiring the support of 60% of voters, the $9.3 million proposed 2015-16 Sharon Springs Central School budget received 165 votes in favor and 38 against, surpassing the necessary threshold by over twenty percent. 
     
Kevin Kutzscher was elected as a write-in candidate to serve on the school board. Mr. Kutzshler pulled in 95 votes, while another write-in, Steven Bade, got just 25. No official candidates were on the ballot.
     
Gilboa-Conesville - Just shy of 80% of voters approved the proposed Gilboa-Conesville 2015-16 budget at $9.3 million, the purchase of a school bus, and the election of Harold Mattsson to the school board.
    
Jefferson - Residents of the Jefferson Central School District voted 121-55 to approve their district's proposed school budget, 118-57 to purchase a new school bus, and 144 voters supported the unopposed candidacy of Peter Pochily to the school board.

Republicans Embrace Memory of Lincoln

Written By Cicero on 5/22/15 | 5/22/15

Be sure to read this story and more in The Schoharie News - now available countywide for 75 cents per paper.

COBLESKILL - A touch of Honest Abe was on the agenda Thursday night for Schoharie County Republicans who gathered at the 68th Annual Lincoln Day Dinner.

Packing the Best Western ballroom full of party dignitaries and faithful, attendees listened to speaker after speaker extol the virtues of the sixteenth president, including the keynote speaker.

Quoting Lincoln as stating "A house divided against itself cannot stand," 2014 Attorney General candidate John Cahill warned in his address that the divide between downstate and upstate New York has only grown deeper.

 Despite calling it a system "driven by the special interests of one area of the state," which has resulted in unpopular legislation such as Common Core and the SAFE Act, Cahill remained positive.

 Saying that the "commitment to hard work is very much alive," the first-generation American born to Irish immigrants rallied his party counterparts by encouraging them to stay strong and stay involved. 

Other speakers, including State Senator Jim Seward, also alluded to the unpopular SAFE Act in their speeches. Seward pledged that the GOP controlled State Senate in Albany would continue to work on chipping away at the law.

The highlight of the evening was District Attorney James Sacket announcing that former Cobleskill and Richmondville Village Trustee George Konta was the 2015 Republican of the Year award recipient. 

Sacket, the 2014 Republican Man of the Year, called the honoree a "great friend and loyal Republican supporter."

Admittedly speechless, the one-time treasurer of the Schoharie County Republican Committee told the crowd that "there is no one who has more love for this community than I do," and that life has been "very good to me."

New Poll: Is Memorial Day Important to you?

Written By Cicero on 5/21/15 | 5/21/15


With Memorial Day fast approaching, The Schoharie News is submitting the following question to our readers: is Memorial Day important to you? The poll, located on the right-hand sidebar, is open until Saturday morning. Please feel free to leave additional thoughts on the comments section or on facebook.

Pet Talk Column: Ticks and Mosquitoes

Be sure to read this story and more in The Schoharie News - now available countywide for 75 cents per paper.

The sun is shining, grass is growing, leaves are filling in and a warm breeze is blanketing the landscape. We are all getting out of our cooped up states from a long winter season; but we aren't the only ones; so are the ticks and mosquitoes. 

According to an April 30th, 2015 report from CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council), which is the leading source of data about internal and external parasites that can, are or will threaten the health of people and pets; ticks and mosquitoes are expected to be at an all time high and will spread this year. Their prediction is based on temperatures, precipitation and population densities.

There has been a misconception that because a pet stays indoors or is of the exotic variety, that they can’t pick up one of these disease carrying organisms. It’s also been thought that they are only active in warmer months. It just isn't the case anymore. 

Ticks and mosquitoes are considered zoonotic organisms or those that transmit disease to both humans and pets year round and why they are of such great concern. A variety of animal species are susceptible; even ones thought previously not to be affected. Ticks carry many diseases but the 3 most prevalent in our area are Lyme, Erlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis.

The most common mosquito diseases for our area are Heartworm and West Nile. Most animals are affected by mosquitoes and ticks and the diseases they carry, including reptiles and birds. Both of these animal species have soft skin areas not protected by feathers or scales. Ticks and mosquitoes are adaptable and the diseases they carry are as well. A recent report found Heartworm in whistling swans, so it just goes to show that prevention, and protection of yourself and your pets is vital to everyone’s health and wellbeing. 

Indoor pets are just as at risk as those going out. As pet owners, we are in and out of our homes several times a day. With each opening of the door, there lies the availability of space for mosquitoes and ticks to enter. We can carry them in on our clothes, shoes, hair or even things we carry in. They can be on plants we bring into the home from a local nursery or wood for the stove. These organisms are designed to find a way to get a blood meal. Their survival depends on it. 

So, what do you do against these invasive and very harmful organisms?     

The first step is to take your pet to your local vet or have them visit your home and get your pets tested, vaccinated and protected with a preventable. There are blood tests for Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis in a 4DX 10 minute snap test. This will ensure your pets aren't positive to any degree with any of these diseases. 

Once this is known, then you can take the necessary measures to protect your pets from getting infected. There are oral, topical and injectable choices depending on the level of protection needed and financial investment you are willing to invest. 

Many times a combination of methods is best to be sure your pets are protected. Your vet will know what is suitable for your particular pet based on species, age, health and geographic location. There are also natural organic methods available with specific plantings or plant based sprays. Most are for repellent use and not for eradication of these organisms. 

For more detailed information on specific ticks, mosquitoes or the diseases they carry, I recommend the following websites:

•http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/ 
•http://www.cdc.gov/  
•http://www.mosquito.org/ 
•http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/mosquito/ 

I recommend becoming as informed and educated on these organisms and the diseases they carry and what threats they pose to you and your family, as best you can. Your pets depend on you, so please make sure they are protected. 

Next week May 18-24 is Dog Bite Prevention Week. 

   - Lorraine Fancher, LVT

Schoharie Memorial Day Parade set for Thursday at 6:30 PM

Written By Cicero on 5/20/15 | 5/20/15

Be sure to read this story and more in The Schoharie News - now available countywide for 75 cents per paper.

The Schoharie Memorial Day Parade will be held on Thursday, May 21st, 2015 at 6:30 pm. 

Businesses, organizations and groups are all welcome to participate in the parade. For more information call 295-7231, email wolfeden@midtel.net, or stop in at The Wolfe's Laundry Den, 299 Main Street, Schoharie.

The 2015 Grand Marshall is the Schoharie Valley Lodge #491 of Free & Accepted Masons which is celebrating its 155th year. They were granted their charter on June 23, 1860 by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and has met twice monthly ever since. The Lodge has been meeting on the second and third floors at 297 Main Street since 1926. Hundreds of men from Schoharie and surrounding communities have been members over the past 155 years. 

A short Memorial Day Ceremony will follow the parade at Veteran's Park located on the corner of Main and Spring Streets, followed by Grand Marshall presentations and announcement of parade prize winners.

The parade and ceremony are sponsored by the Schoharie Unit #1261, American Legion Auxiliary. 

One Year Later: Blenheim Remembers Felter

Written By Cicero on 5/19/15 | 5/19/15

Be sure to read this story and more in The Schoharie News - now available countywide for 75 cents per paper.

Blenheim - Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of former Blenheim Town Highway Superintendent Gerald Felter's unexpected passing, causing a wave of emotions and remembrance in the tight-knit community.

Serving as head of the small municipality's public works for nineteen going on twenty years, Felter had guided the township through several catastrophic events, including the 1996 flood and the devastation of Hurricane Irene in 2011.

Town Supervisor Shawn Smith, who had worked with "Jerry" for only four months at the time of his sudden and traumatic death, remembered him as a "mentor for me and a friend." 

Recalling the on the job training that he and current Town Highway Superintendent Dave Mattice had to go through after Felter's passing, Smith commented that "even now when Dave and I meet to go over a project to figure out the best way to approach it,  one of us often says: well this is how Jerry used to do it."

Mr. Mattice added that Felter would tell people to "bowl up" and that town and village highway superintendents across the county miss Jerry to this day.

Having recently remodeled the town park behind the Fire Department and Town Hall, Blenheim officials had only one person in mind when naming the beautiful creekside area: The Jerry Felter Memorial Park.

Felter was fifty-seven years when he died, leaving behind a loving wife and a community of heavy hearts.

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