Troopers were called to 5700 State Route 145 in the Town of Seward shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving after the home exploded. Troopers assisted the Schoharie County Fire Coordinator and his team at the scene. The residence is unoccupied and no one was inside at the time of the explosion. No injuries resulted from the blast. The Sharon Fire Department responded to the scene. The investigation into the incident is continuing.
11/30/20
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Police Investigate House Explosion in Seward
Written By Editor on 11/30/20 | 11/30/20
11/25/20
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BOCES Students Aid the Joshua Project
Written By Editor on 11/25/20 | 11/25/20
SCHOHARIE -- Capital Region BOCES students, faculty and staff volunteered to make Thanksgiving a little brighter for residents of Schoharie County.
The students, members of the SkillsUSA chapter on campus, joined Criminal Justice teacher Gerald Place, Teaching Assistant Andrea Rea and Business Liaison Nancy Liddle in preparing food baskets at the Fusion Church in Cobleskill as part of The Joshua Project.
Students taking part in the Friday afternoon and evening charitable work included Hunter Bouck, a criminal justice student from Schoharie, Destiny Honsinger, an automotive trades technology student from Cobleskill-Richmondville and Jillian Schoenherr, a culinary student from Schoharie.
Earlier in the day, culinary students on the Schoharie Campus led by teacher Chris Snye prepared dozens of cookies to go into the food baskets.
“I'm very proud of the leadership that our SkillsUSA students are showing your fellow-students here at Schoharie CTE and am happy to see so many participants helping at the church. They are truly making a difference in the community,” said Principal Mindy Iannotti.
SkillsUSA is a national organization for career and technical education students that promotes personal and professional growth and offers them the opportunity to compete at the local, regional, state and national levels.
SkillsUSA bolsters students skills, character at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School
ALBANY/SCHOHARIE/ROTTERDAM – Ask graduates of the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School what their favorite memory is and many you will give you the same answer – their time in SkillsUSA.
Whether it be the comradery of competing in regional, state or national competitions or the skills they learn, students who take part in the SkillsUSA program say it was one of the best decisions in their young lives.
“My time in SkillsUSA gave me priceless leadership, professionalism, and communication skills. SkillsUSA made me the leader I am today,” said Class of 2020 Diesel Tech graduate Aidan Enders of Duanesburg.
Saratoga Chef and Food Network TV series Chopped Champion Michelle Hunter also credits SkillsUSA with sharpening her skills while she was a student at Capital Region BOCES.
“I did a lot of competitions in BOCES for SkillsUSA and I did a few after that and the all taught me to prepare and over plan to make sure the timing was right,” said Hunter, a 2007 BOCES graduate.
SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 high school and students. The organization promotes personal and professional growth and offers students the opportunity to compete at the local, regional, state and national levels. Locally, a competition drawing hundreds of students from across the region and beyond takes place each March in Schenectady with the winners competing against peers in Syracuse in April. Winners of the state competitions advance to nationals in Kentucky each June.
Enders, who served as New York State president of the national organization, said he learned numerous professional skills from workshops and training offered in the program, as well as through the interactions and mentoring he received.
Meet people, make friendships, network
But it’s not just the skills taught through mentoring and workshops, it’s the passion engrained in students and the ability to meet and work with other like-minded people their own age.
“It’s a good opportunity to meet new people and see how you are compared to others,” said Class of 2020 culinary graduate Taylor Lang from Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk.
“Competing was a great experience. You can learn a lot by watching others and meeting new people,” added fellow 2020 graduate Chelsey Manor of Cohoes.
Building skills
New SkillsUSA officers were recently installed at the Albany and Schoharie campus chapters. Many of them said they are looking forward to the entire experience the organizations affords its members.
“I am looking forward to expanding my leadership abilities and learning new skills, as well as just meeting new people,” said Albany Campus afternoon session Co-President Melody Francis.
“I look forward to expanding my leadership skills and promoting the program and BOCES,” said Schoharie Campus President Hunter Bouck from Schoharie Central School District.
While building skills and experience is one aspect of SkillsUSA, so is giving back to the community. Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School SkillsUSA students regularly take part in community service offerings, such as collecting toys and food for local organizations around the holidays to volunteering their time Concerned for the Hungry, Inc. and other charitable groups.
“It’s nice to be able to help people who are working and just can’t make it all the way to the end of the month without a little help,” said Emily Simon, a senior in the criminal justice program from Schalmont.Any student attending the career and technical school is eligible to join the SkillsUSA organziation. For more information, go to https://www.skillsusa.org/.
11/24/20
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Carlisle Man Arrested for Allegedly Peering into Houses Nude, with Crack
Written By Editor on 11/24/20 | 11/24/20
On November 22, 2020 , Troopers in Cobleskill arrest a 57-year-old Carlisle man for Class B Misdemeanor of Public Lewdness and the Class A Misdemeanors of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th.
Troopers charged Steven E. Janesky of Carlisle following calls from neighbors which reported Janesky was peering into area homes while nude. During the subsequent investigation, Janesky was found to be in possession of a small quantity of crack cocaine which resulted in the additional charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th..
Janesky was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Carlisle Court on 12/09/20.
Senator Jen Metzger Concedes in Race for the 42nd District
Three weeks after Election Day, most of approximately 30,000 absentee and affidavit ballots have been counted in the contest for New York’s 42nd State Senate District, and Senator Jen Metzger has conceded the race. Metzger picked up a majority of the votes counted after election day, and the final margin will be less than one percentage point when the remaining ballots are counted.
Senator Metzger has issued the following statement:
“Serving the people of the Hudson Valley and Catskills as State Senator these past two years has been the great honor of my life. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring about positive change that improves people's lives in this unique place we all love. I want to thank my dedicated and hardworking staff, as well as my campaign team and the hundreds of volunteers who made our people-powered campaign a purposeful and steady force down to the very end.
“In January, Mike Martucci will take this seat in the State Senate, and I wish him the best in his new position, because we all deserve good representation, regardless of our political point of view. Until then, I will serve the remainder of my time in office with the same energy and commitment I've given this job for the last two years. We cannot stop fighting for the dignity and well-being of all people in our communities. Whatever positive change we make in the world, we make together."
11/23/20
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Daily Schoharie County Emergency Services Report
Written By Editor on 11/23/20 | 11/23/20
From the Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services:
Current Incidents: - 08/24 – 11/20/2020: Interstate 88 (Richmondville/Cobleskill) East/West; Concrete Pavement Repair; Alternating Long Term single lane closures.
- Schoharie County State of Emergency (March 16, 2020) is still in effect due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Schoharie County Buildings are open to the public by Appointment Only. (06/15/2020)
Hydrological Outlook:
· Outdoor Flood Warning Sirens
o Wed 11/18/20: Silent testing of the Outdoor Flood Warning Sirens complete, nothing significant to report.
· Stream Gauges
o Gilboa Dam elevation: 1125.62’. Notch crest gate is OPEN (down); both syphons off; Water IS Spilling.
o Individual Stream Gauge Graphs Attached.
Road Closures & Repairs:
· NYS DOT
o 08/24 – 11/20/20: I88 (Richmondville/Cobleskill) East/West; Concrete Pavement Repair; Alt lane closures.
· County DPW
o Nothing significant to report (NSTR).
· Town/Village DPW
o Nothing significant to report (NSTR).
Utility Outages:
· National Grid
o Nothing significant to report (NSTR).
· NYSEG
o Nothing significant to report (NSTR).
· Water/WWTP
o Nothing significant to report (NSTR).
· Pipelines
o Nothing significant to report (NSTR).
OES Fire Branch:
Fire Danger Risk for Schoharie County is Low.
USDA Drought Conditions for Schoharie County normal.
OES EMS Branch:
· Nothing significant to report (NSTR).
OES Safety Branch:
Nothing significant to report (NSTR).
Law Enforcement:
· The Sheriff’s Office has created a Tip Line in effort of battling ongoing issues in our county. If you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING! Law enforcement can’t do it alone – they need your help! 518-295-2295.
Department of Health (DOH):
For the latest information and guidance on the COVID-19 Pandemic, please see:
Schoharie County Department of Health Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SchoharieDOH/
New York State Department of Health: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
New York Forward: https://forward.ny.gov/
Governor Cuomo Executive Orders: https://www.governor.ny.gov/executiveorders
Legal Notice: Windham Fire District Annual Elections
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Election of the Windham Fire District No. 1 will be held at the Windham Town Hall, 371 State Route 296, Hensonville, New York, on the 8th day of December, 2020, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on said day, during which time the polls will be open for the receipt of ballots for the election of a Fire District Commissioner for the term of five years commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2025 and for the election of a Fire District Commissioner for the term of three years commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023.
Dated: November 18, 2020
By Order of
Windham Fire District No. 1
Sandra Allen
Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum Celebrate #GivingTuesday!
On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum will celebrate Giving Tuesday with nonprofits across the nation. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the U.S. and in close proximity with the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
Those interested in joining Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum’s #GivingTuesday initiatives can visit FenimoreArt.org or FarmersMuseum.org. In addition, every donation made will be matched up to a total of $10,000 by a generous anonymous donor, doubling the impact of each contribution. This match will be applied to all gifts received by both museums from now until #GivingTuesday ends (midnight on December 1).
“We are proud of what we were able to accomplish this year despite the many challenges, and we cannot thank our donors enough for their continued support,” said Dr. Paul S. D’Ambrosio, Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum President and CEO.
Funds raised for both museums will directly support educational programming–which includes Distance Learning and Virtual Programs. Distance Learning takes the place of in-person student field trips and provides free content to teachers everywhere. Virtual Programs continue to offer a rich slate of activities throughout the winter. Both programs are essential for students during the ongoing pandemic.
For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org).
Follow both museums on Instagram and Facebook or sign up for e-newsletters to keep up with the latest information. For more, visit FenimoreArt.org or FarmersMuseum.org.
NYS Sheriffs Association Statement on Thanksgiving Gatherings
Since the first COVID-19 orders issued by the New York State Health Department, Sheriffs across the state have been responding to thousands of complaints of violations of those orders. They have been doing what they can, within the law and the Constitution, to address those complaints. The criminal laws have very limited applicability with respect to those complaints, and in most cases use of the criminal laws would be unwise. Fortunately, our citizens have, for the most part, willingly complied with advice and encouragement to follow health directives. We think that is the best approach and we continue to advise and encourage all our citizens to comply with guidance issued by state and federal health agencies, and to exercise caution and common sense. So far, that approach seems to have worked, helping New York achieve one of the lowest infection rates in the country – without having to apply heavy-handed law enforcement tactics.
Recently, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order which limits “non-essential private residential gatherings” to no more than 10 individuals. That has caused great consternation among many of our citizens, who envision armed officers arriving at their doors to count the number of people around the Thanksgiving table. Many Sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders have felt compelled to allay those concerns by assuring citizens that officers will not be randomly coming to their homes on Thanksgiving Day to count the number of people inside. That would be neither practical nor Constitutional. The Governor has responded by dismissing those serious concerns on the part of local law enforcement, saying, “Law enforcement officers don’t get to pick and choose which laws they will enforce”. We find that comment ironic, and disingenuous, since the Governor has
directed that his own State Police do not have to enforce the order. Apparently, it is another case of “do as I say, not as I do”, such as we have seen with many other political leaders. He has also called Sheriffs “dictators” for following the Constitution rather than his orders, which we also find ironic.
We do not know if the Governor’s limit on home gatherings to ten individuals is the right number or not. That is a decision for science, not us, to make. We do know, however, that the Governor has attempted to foist upon local law enforcement an impossible task. How are officers to know, without violating citizens’ right to privacy and other Constitutional rights, how many people are in the home? How are they to determine if the family gathering is to be deemed “essential” or “non essential”? If twelve people normally reside in the home, are the officers to order two of them to move out? If eleven individuals are found to be present in the home, who is to be charged with violating the order, all eleven or just the last guest to arrive? Or is it only the homeowner who is in violation? Are officers really supposed to arrest guests who don’t stay 6 feet apart or who fail to have on their face masks during dinner?
All of those are serious questions which make it impossible for law enforcement to know how to legally enforce the Governor’s order. They are questions that could have been addressed if we had a functioning State Legislature, creating clear and enforceable laws after input from those who would be impacted by them. Instead we are faced with an unenforceable dictate issued without any consultation with law enforcement or the public as to enforceability.
We believe that rather than issuing orders that cannot be practically enforced, and then blaming law enforcement when they are not enforced, the Governor would better serve the people of New York if he were to use his position to encourage citizens to use common sense and voluntarily adhere to the guidance of state and federal health officials. We would gladly join him in that. We know the citizens of our communities, and we believe they would be far more likely to voluntarily follow his recommendations than his orders.
In conclusion, we urge all our citizens to keep informed on the best steps to take to protect themselves, and others, from the spread of this terrible disease. We urge you to listen to our public health officials. We urge you to limit your exposure to those outside your household as much as you reasonably can. If we all do that, we will sooner be able to get back to normal. We in law enforcement do not have the resources nor the legal authority to force you to do those things. It is a matter of individual responsibility and we are confident that you will all voluntarily rise to the occasion.
Assemblyman Crouch Column: The Governor's Overreach Must End
Throughout the course of fighting this pandemic, the state government has had its ups and downs. The successes belong to the people who acted smart and sensibly, followed health codes and advisements and worked together to push through the worst of it. We’re especially thankful for the frontline healthcare workers and first responders who have saved countless lives since the spring.
Unfortunately, Gov. Cuomo’s unwillingness to give up his emergency powers have made governing the state impossible. The executive branch has superseded the legislative branch completely. It’s an insult to the 19 million New Yorkers who rely on their state legislators to represent their specific interests, needs and values.
After the debacle in our nursing homes in which the state directive to house COVID-positive patients led to thousands of preventable deaths, I would think the governor, like most New Yorkers, would be eager to get a vaccine to our people as soon as possible. Unfortunately, thanks to political fights between our governor and Washington, there is a likelihood that New Yorkers will have to wait for a vaccine longer than the rest of the country, forcing us to continue to fight this virus longer than should be necessary.
Our state government was never organized or designed to accommodate one man’s authority over the rest. The Legislature has just as much of a part to play in fighting this virus as Gov. Cuomo, and despite the holiday season, the Legislature needs to prepare to bring that fight to the governor.We must convene in Albany to relieve him of his unilateral powers.We must cooperate with one another to enact meaningful legislation that will give New Yorkers the support they need as we continue to move past this pandemic and end the politicization of the virus and the vaccine.
Delgado Visits Schoharie Lexington ARC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2020
CONTACT: Margaret Mulkerrin
845-527-4809
Delgado Visits Lexington ARC in Schoharie County
SCHOHARIE, NY—Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) visited the Lexington ARC in Schoharie County, a non-profit that provides resources and programming for people with special needs in our community. This afternoon, the Congressman toured the facilities and learned more about how the ARC has made adjustments to their facilities to keep folks safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here to see additional photos from Rep. Delgado’s visit to the Lexington ARC today.
“Lexington ARC does essential work to meet the needs of young people and adults in our area living with disabilities. Today, I visited their facilities and met with members of the team where I learned more about how their programs have adjusted over the last several months to allow folks to live an independent life, while keeping their staff safe from COVID-19,” said Rep. Delgado. “Organizations like the ARC show the best of our communities. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit today and look forward to returning soon.”
Rep. Delgado Visits The Community Pantry in Margaretville
MARGARETVILLE, NY – Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) visited The Community Pantry in Margaretville, where he met with the organization’s leadership and learned more about how they’ve adjusted their distribution process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Congressman toured the food storage facilities and saw where they pack and deliver supplies for the community.
Click here to see additional photos from Rep. Delgado’s visit to The Community Pantry.
“This morning, I joined the team at The Community Pantry to learn how they are preparing to serve our region this holiday season and feed hungry families across Delaware County. The good folks at the food pantry are doing critically important work to provide for the most vulnerable in our society,” said Rep. Delgado. “In this season of giving, I am inspired by the community organizations that are going above and beyond to meet the needs of struggling families in NY-19. I’m glad to see how the pantry has adapted to expand their services throughout the pandemic. I’ll keep working at the federal level to ensure future coronavirus relief legislation includes state and local funding, distributed through my Direct Support for Communities Act, so our food pantries have the resources they need to provide for our area.”
“The Community Pantry really appreciates the opportunity to connect Rep. Antonio Delgado today and discuss how our pantry is providing for the working poor and the elderly in our area. Our conversation focused on a variety of needs in our region including supporting mental health and addiction, assisting small farmers, and federal funding that will allow us to continue to build a healthy and prosperous community,” said Joyce St. George, Coordinator, The Community Pantry.
In October, Rep. Delgado voted to pass an updated version of the Heroes Act which includes a number of priorities championed by the Congressman to bring urgently needed assistance to communities across New York’s 19th Congressional District. The text has Rep. Delgado’s bipartisan Direct Support for Communities Act, which creates a distribution formula for state and local funding to ensure that all localities, regardless of size, receive direct federal support. The bill also includes Rep. Delgado’s Small Business Debt Relief Extension Act to automatically extend repayment measures for qualified SBA loans, as well as his Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program or P4 Act, which allows the hardest hit businesses to apply for additional PPP funding.
2020 'Toys for Tots' Campaign Underway in Delaware County
Join the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in providing Christmas gifts to Delaware County children in need by dropping off a new, unwrapped Christmas gift in a Toys for Tots collection box located throughout Delaware County.
Toys for Tots works with the U.S. Marine Corps to provide a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. The Toys for Tots program was created in 1947 and has distributed 584 million toys to date to 265 million children.
In 2019, The Delaware County Chamber, through its member businesses, collected nearly 800 toys which were distributed to Delaware County children.
This year, participating members who have placed toy collection boxes in their businesses include:
Community Bank, Delhi
Coldwell Banker Timberland Properties, Margaretville
As You Wish Design & Gifts, Walton
Feather & Stone Restaurant, Walton
Ren-Rest Building Supply, Walton
Robinson Terrace Nursing Center, Stamford
NBT Bank, Grand Gorge and Hobart
Delhi Telephone Company, Delhi
Margaretville Telephone Company, Margaretville
Hobart Hardware, Hobart
Hobart Book Stores, Hobart
Delhi Motors, Delhi
The Arc of Delaware County, Hamden and Walton
M-ARK Project, Arkville
Beaver Mountain Log Homes, Deposit
Mirabito, Steiner Road, Sidney
Roxbury Town Hall, Roxbury
Catskills Regional Harvest, Andes
Catskill Seasons, Margaretville
Sidney Municipal Airport, Sidney
This year’s Delaware County campaign runs from Nov. 2 through Dec. 4. Chamber staff will pick up the toys from member businesses on Dec. 4 and deliver them to Delaware Opportunities which has partnered with the Chamber, to provide distribution of the gifts to Delaware County families.
To sign up a family in need of Christmas gifts contact Delaware Opportunities at 607.746.1600.
"Be There" for the Landis Arboretum this Year
In this year of unprecedented challenges, Landis has been here for you, dawn to dusk, every day.
Our grounds have been open to you, and we've brought some of our best classes and our Landis Full Moon Music Concerts to you virtually.
We invite you to "be there" for Landis with your donation to our Annual Appeal. Your support, no matter the amount, goes a long way to help us maintain our grounds and horticultural collections, and this year, to supply the recently completed community emergency shelter next to our Meeting House.
You can donate safely online using PayPal here, or if you prefer to donate using a check, please make it payable to Landis Arboretum and send it to Landis Arboretum, PO Box 186, Esperance, NY, 12066. We truly appreciate your generosity in helping to ensure the survival of this wonderful regional resource.
Senator Seward Column: A Time to Give Thanks
While I typically devote my weekly column to the work of state government and the efforts of the New York State Senate to propose, deliberate, and pass laws to help improve lives, this week I wanted to take a momentary departure to observe one of the governmental roots of Thanksgiving. This year, we are celebrating the holiday much differently than in past years. However, the sentiments expressed by President Lincoln still mean a great deal.
Historians trace the origins of the modern Thanksgiving observance to 1621 and a celebration held at Plymouth Plantation. Then, in 1789, President George Washington issued a historic proclamation designating Thursday November 26 as “A Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer.” Later, in 1863 in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued his own proclamation.
Proclamation of Thanksgiving
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well as the iron and coal as of our precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the imposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purpose, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
A Thanksgiving Message from Sheriff DuMond
DELHI - As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the fine members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office would like to take a moment to pause and thank the people of Delaware County for their continued cooperation and support throughout 2020 thus far. Without a doubt, it has been a difficult year for everyone; dealing with the COVID pandemic and the associated problems, restrictions, political strife, etc. along the way.
However, one of the things we can all be thankful for this year is the place we call home, Delaware County. Our people are our best asset. Despite whatever comes our way, we find a way to pull together, help each other out, and function as a community. I remain optimistic that we can work collectively to avoid the divisions we see elsewhere and focus on finding common ground to always do what is in the best interests of each other and our communities.
We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with peace and love. As always, we remain ready and committed to provide the most professional and community dedicated services you have come to expect from the Sheriff’s Office.
Ashland Speaks
By Lula Anderson
Another week gone by wondering "How do I dress today?" Rain, snow, sleet, cold, windy means rain gear or winter coats. Sun, warm, balmy--sweater, no jacket? I just can't figure it out. Should I go out, or plan to work in the house? It's the end of November.. We have to expect it.
The LoPresti and Hudecek family want to extend their sincere thanks to all who sent cards, food and prayers. It is such a comfort to know that there are so many around that we all can depend upon for assistance.
With the Christmas season fast approaching, and the end of the year, it's time to remember others. If you would like to make a donation in John's name, or just make a donation to a worthy cause, please consider the Senior Angel Program of Greene County. They do wonderful things for the Senior Citizens, including finding new appliances if you can't afford one, helping out for Respite care for Caregivers, and other services too numerous to mention. Another very worthy organization is Home Delivered Meals. They not only NEED volunteer drivers, but also monetary donations to help float the cost of the nutritious meals.
I hope you all heard Mike Ryan on the radio Wednesday. He wanted to interview me regarding the passage of the Windham Ambulance/ Senior Citizen building. I got a chance to air my new project: a blood drawing location in Hensonville. We have the facility, but don't have a person to draw the blood. No physical exam is complete without a CBC, but we have to go to Catskill to get our labs done. Time to call, write, and generally be proactive.
The women of the Ashland Church baked bread this week for their annual Loaves of Love Day. The breads are given out to the Senior Citizens and Home Bound of Ashland. What a great annual tradition!
A Crew came on Friday to put lights on the outdoor tree at the Ashland Community Church. The official lighting will be on Sunday November 29 at 4:30. Hot chocolate will be provided as we begin the Advent Season with carols and goodwill.
Last week it was reported that a large bear was seen three houses away from the school. Kevin Holmok (who now resides at the former Doc Blakeslee residence) says a Mama bear and her three cubs were at his house. The cubs were up a tree while she checked out the food supply. Guess there was nothing good in the trash, as they all left and ambled down to the Batavia Kill/
Check out Ginny Gurley's column to read about the Annual Christmas Gift program for the Veterans in the VA Stratton--Albany. It's a very worthwhile project with 100% of the donations going to our Vets.
Happy Belated birthday to our dear friend, Betty Hapeman. Many best wishes and blessings.
AS I REMEMBER IT
After the Old Coach Inn was torn down, there was no longer any restaurants, or take out food or drinks in the Village. Today, it's one restaurant after another, but in the late 60's and 70's, there was no place left to go to have a meal. There was no "going out for a hamburger" dates. The local teens had no place to go on a date. It was a sad time. Can you imagine having to go down the mountain for pizza? But, there was a parking lot for ????
Next door, is the Masonic Temple. Before the Central School was built, this was the High School for the area. Local schools used to go only until the 8th grade, and only the children who "had potential" went on to high school. There was no busing, so anyone who went on with their schooling had to have transportation, or lived in town to go to school. With centralization, the building became too small, and so WAJCS was built. The original building burned and a new Masonic Temple was built by the members of the Lodge. The Masons, and Eastern Star are still in existence, and hold regular meetings.
Next down the street we come to the home of Elizabeth and Welcome Moore. He had a feed business for the farmers in the area. Milton Brandow got up in the morning, did his farm chores, and then went to work for Welcome as a driver. Each week, he had to go to Oneonta to pick up the supplies as no deliveries were directly made to small farm businesses. Of course, he had to be home in time to do his afternoon milking.
During the week, I will be compiling stories of the tenants who lived in the Miller Brothers building.
Man Arrested on Multiple Driving Charges
Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announces the arrest of a Sidney Man, on two felony level offenses.
On November 13th 2020, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Mirabito Gas Station in the Village of Hobart, on a report of a male subject passed out behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Upon arrival at the scene, Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 41-year old Robert Stutzer, of Sidney New York. Further investigation revealed that Stutzer was allegedly operating a motor vehicle while ability impaired by drugs, and had allegedly operated a motor vehicle while having a suspend drivers’ license.
Sheriff’s deputies charged Stutzer with Felony driving while ability impaired by drugs, and felony aggravated unlicensed operation 1st degree. In accordance with NYS Bail Reform regulations, Stutzer was later released on tickets returnable to Stamford Town Court at a later date.
11/22/20
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Editorial: To Give Thanks
Written By Editor on 11/22/20 | 11/22/20
This Thanksgiving is different, to say the least. This year has been a trial by fire, or perhaps more accurately put, a trial by disease. The Coronavirus upended so many aspects of our life-- from our daily routines to illness and death.
It has also given us a new perspective on what is important.
Perhaps you are one of many people who lost their job or working hours due to the pandemic. Paying your mortgage or providing food for loved ones is no longer as simple as it was before.
Perhaps you lost a dear loved one or cared for a person through their illness. In some tragic cases, family members have been unable to be in the same room as a sick or dying relative.
Perhaps your business has been hampered, shut down, or saw declining business due to the new economic reality. It seems as if we only missed a national depression by a whisker.
Perhaps your children’s schooling has changed-- maybe for the better or often, despite the best of efforts, for the worse.
Perhaps your job has changed and you are still adapting to the idea or the practicality of working from home.
All of these, and many more, are a part of our new reality.
Our area is known for our resilience. We have fought through and won over larger challenges. Our towns and villages defeated the ravages of Hurricane Irene. We went from a historically high unemployment rate to one below the state average before the pandemic started. And our hearty folk and resolute attitude is one thing that is constant.
We are not heroes, but instead those that a disease, a recession, a national crisis will not bow down. Our efforts, in volunteering, local service, and business is what is driving us through this crisis.
And although I do not know the details in between, we will emerge at the end of the tunnel stronger and tougher than before.
That, we can give thanks for.
CWC Watershed Education Grant Applications Available
MARGARETVILLE, November 13, 2020 – The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) is now accepting Watershed Education Grant proposals from schools and non-profit organizations serving students and teachers in the New York City Catskill-Delaware (West-of-Hudson, or WOH) Watershed and within the five boroughs of New York City.
Applications are also available for projects intended for WOH adult or mixed-age audiences. All proposals are due by 4pm, February 5, 2021. Watershed Education Grants are offered in partnership with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.
The application form and guidelines are available at cwconline.org (Programs/Education Grants). A short video about the Education Grant program is also viewable on the Resources page of the CWC website. Potential applicants are also encouraged to visit watersheducators.org to find ideas for projects, field trips, teacher training opportunities and links to watershed and environmental programs.
Projects must focus on fresh water, the WOH Watershed and the New York City water supply system. They may use science, art, classroom exploration, outdoor experience, history research, hydrology experiments or any other teaching method that results in a greater appreciation for the critical role of water in our lives.
Applicants may also choose from among several Special Options, including trips to environmental education centers, Arm of the Sea Theater performances, Trout in the Classroom and classroom models for teaching about water quality.
Questions may be directed to Samantha Costa 845-586-1400, ext. 104; scosta@cwconline.org.
The CWC is a non-profit, Local Development Corporation responsible for several environmental protection, economic development, and education programs in the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River.
Obituary: Charles Blumberg
Charles Blumberg Sr., 73, of Jefferson passed away at his home Monday, November 2, 2020. He was born in Oceanside, NY on 08/24/1947, the son of Donald and Shirley Blumberg of Lindenhurst, NY where he grew up. Charlie moved to Jefferson, NY with his wife and children in 1985 which was always a dream of his.
Charlie served in the US Coast Guard for four years. He was a hard worker as an electrician in the pump and tank industry. He owned his own business and loved working with his sons. He loved raising chickens, took pride in his yard and gardens, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and adored his grandchildren. He also enjoyed talking politics, fishing, camping with his wife and family and playing his favorite music.
He will be remembered by his loving wife of 47 years Leah; and children; Dina & Rich Nelson, Tom & Rebekah Dyckman, Charles & Patricia Blumberg, Danny & Tara Blumberg, Fred and Erin Blumberg; 7 grandchildren; Sammantha (Alex), Kyle (Brooke), Connor (Angel), CJ, Travis, Alexis and Violet, 3 great-grandchildren Declan, Corbin & Ellie, Sibling; Ken Blumberg. He was predeceased by his oldest brother Donald. He was loved by many other family members and friends.
Such a wonderful man, he will be missed by all.
Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Blumberg family.
Obituary: Thomas McGlynn
Thomas White William McGlynn, 76, of Prattsville, NY passed away on November 11, 2020 at Bassett Medical Center Cooperstown, NY surrounded by his loving family, who adored him more than anything in the world.
Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY to John and Rita McGlynn on June 2, 1944. He was a tinkerer by nature, and worked as a diesel mechanic for Sun Oil Company for many years. On February 25, 1967 he married Mary, the love of his life, and embarked on a remarkable 53 year journey of deep abiding love, laughter, and happiness.
A dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Tom took great pleasure in working with his hands, spending hours on woodworking projects, restoring and maintaining automobiles (mostly his children’s), family backyard barbecues, and conquering a good crossword puzzle. He was happiest doting on his life partner, Mary, which included cooking her a delicious meal, a day of thrift shopping, and other small gestures of love.
Tom was an inspiration and will be missed deeply by his many friends and family.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, his brothers John (Jo), Kenneth, Marita Borowski (Stephen) and Gerard; his ten children and their spouses, Mary DeStefano (James), Thomas (Rachel Ramirez), Brian, Kathleen Copeland (Tyrone), Chris (Tricia), John (Rebecca Thompson), Daniel, Veronica Sherburne (William), Jacqueline Ormandy (Travis) and Victoria Bouck (Brad); plus his 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus on November 18, 2020 at 11 AM. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Catskill, NY. A celebration of Thomas’ beautiful life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Town of Ashland Ambulance Service, PO Box 129, Ashland, NY. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many first responders, medical providers, and countless number of people who have offered support throughout the years; a special heartfelt thank you is extended to Dr. Aaron Harrison for his superior care and deep friendship.
Local National Guard Soldiers Promoted
Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Andrew Jackson from Richmondville, N.Y. (12149), and assigned to the Company G, 427th Support Battalion received a promotion to the rank of private on October 2, 2020.
Nicholas Yorke from Summit, N.Y. (12175), and assigned to the Company G, 427th Support Battalion received a promotion to the rank of private first class on October 1, 2020.
Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.
These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com
The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.
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