County Board Takes Action on Ethington

After spending approximately forty minutes in executive session Friday morning, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors - on recommendation of County Attorney Michael West - voted fourteen to one to take disciplinary action on Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington.

Mrs. Ethington, who was indefinitely suspended with pay by the county board last November in the wake of the Fitzmaurice Report's release, has been under investigation since the end of fall with little to no movement on her status as a department head in county government. 

As of publication, the Schoharie News has not been able to confirm what disciplinary charges the Board of Supervisors or Mr. West had in mind for the personnel director. 

Former Board Chairman Harold Vroman was the lone vote in opposition to taking action against Mrs. Ethington Friday morning, as the Summit Town Supervisor is her only remaining political ally on the county board after several incumbents were defeated last election cycle. 

Stay tuned as we gather more information on this developing story.

Municipalities See Increase in County Sales Tax Revenue

Schoharie County's twenty-two municipalities are set to receive $171,467.53 in sales tax revenue after Supervisors voted to distribute the county's first quarter receipts Friday evening. The revenue is allocated based off of the respective town and village government's 2014 assessment value. 

Friday's allocated shares represent a $12,000 (7.5%) increase for local municipalities over the same period last year, when only $159,610.62 was dispersed by the County Treasurer's office. 

Although most municipalities remained stable in sales tax revenue brought in, the Town of Gilboa saw a 33% increase, or $6,000 additional in their share, due in large part to the Gilboa Dam receiving a higher assessment this past year. The Village of Esperance, meanwhile, will take home only $981.91.

Controversy has surrounded the county's decision to distribute the revenue based on assessment value, as former Cobleskill Town Supervisor Tom Murray maintained that method of allocation was unfair to the county's largest municipality, because "Cobleskill is the engine that drives everything." 

Prior to this quarter the Village of Cobleskill had always received the highest amount in county sales tax revenue, but fell behind the Town of Gilboa in the latest apportionment of funds, because of the small community's recent increase in assessment value that pushed them above the economic hub. 

American Legion Unveils Flag Drop Box in Middleburgh

With recently placed American flags dotting both sides of downtown Middleburgh Saturday afternoon, members of the American Legion were joined by Village Mayor Matthew Avitabile in the unveiling of a flag drop box in front of the village offices at 309 Main Street as part of Armed Forces Day. 

Photo by Sheila Donegan

It is recommended that the flag, when no longer fit for public display, be turned in to the American Legion for proper disposal. United States Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

Cobleskill Police Arrest Suspect for Selling Heroin

Following a joint investigation with the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), the Cobleskill Police Department Friday announced the arrest of Tahshiem M. Green, 24, of Cobleskill on two counts of the Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, class B Felonies. 

It was discovered over the course of an on-going investigation that Green was allegedly involved in the sale and possession of Heroin. The information was developed by law enforcement officers and led to two separate purchases of the illegal substance from the suspect in Cobleskill. 

Green was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $15,000.00 cash bail or $30,000.00 bond. The suspect is to return to Town of Cobleskill Court on May 20th at 4:00 pm for further action.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident, or with any information on drug activity in the Cobleskill community, is urged to contact Sgt. Rich Bialkowski at 518-234-2923. Any information provided will be kept confidential.

Schoharie County in Flood Watch (May 16, 2014)

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a flood watch for Schoharie and neighboring counties, including parts of Albany, Montgomery and Otsego. The watch is in effect from this afternoon through early Saturday morning, as a slow moving low pressure system is expected to bring two to three inches of rainfall into the area.

Flood watch map courtesy of WNYT

Heavy rainfall Friday evening, which may bring thunderstorms into the mix, could cause minor flooding to occur along the Mohawk River, West Canada Creek, and the Schoharie Creek. Ponding of water on roadways, flooding of poor drainage and low lying areas is also possible over the next twenty-four hours. 

Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should any flooding occur. 

Oorah Sues Town of Jefferson to Open New Gym to Campers

In a press release issued late Thursday afternoon, representatives of the New Jersey based Jewish charity Oorah announced that the organization has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Jefferson in order to secure the issuance of certificates of occupancy from the town's Building Inspector Keith Brooks. 

Oorah, which has summer camps in both the southern Schoharie County Towns of Gilboa and Jefferson, have alleged that Mr. Brooks has illegally withheld the certificates of occupancy for the recently built state of the art gymnasium on the property to deny the organization its rightful tax exemption. Campers wont be able to use the gym until the certificates are issued. 

Avraham Krawiec, Director of Oorah's TheZone camps, said that he believes, "It is unfortunate that we have been forced to the courts to resolve this issue," but he would later go on to add that, "At this point however, we have been stonewalled and mistreated for far too long. Time is of the essence in order to have this brand-new gym available for our campers who need it this summer."

The organization, which houses Jewish camp-age children from across the region in their two Schoharie County facilities, maintain that they have attempted to rectify the issue outside of the court system for years, but that both the town under former Supervisor Daniel Singletary and Mr. Brooks have actively resisted their efforts at every step of the process. 

Lamenting that, "It is truly a pity that we are being compelled to spend a charity's resources - time, money, and energy - on a matter which should have been simple," Krawiec viewed the situation positively that with a friendlier administration in place that, "we only hope that we can give our campers in Jefferson the same experience," as their counterparts in Gilboa. 

Cooperstown's Smithy Gallery Announces First Opening of 2014 Season

Cooperstown, NY - The Smithy Gallery announces the launch off the 2014 summer season with the first opening on Monday, May 26 at 5pm. Continuing the tradition of displaying diversity in art we begin by featuring local artists Rhea Reynolds, Fran Harris and Henry Drexler in the first floor gallery. The second floor will house a special exhibit of Susan Jones Kenyon’s art students. Their exhibit, ‘Personalities of Paint,’ will be complemented by the ceramic work of Alex Bauer, also featured in the garden. The third floor will highlight the works of our Member Artists in the exhibit ‘On Closer Inspection,’ curated by Deborah Ziegler. To add to an already full show of both sculpture, ceramics and paintings, we are pleased to announce the arrival of life-size sculpture by New York City artist, Adrian Landon. For the entirety of the summer, you will find the original steel horse that began Landon’s career in the garden. 

In addition to the gallery opening, they would also like to announce the publication of Wordsmiths: Volume One. It is an anthology of work from the on campus Writers’ Circle, filled with poetry, short stories, photography and drawings. All the authors will be present for a reading in the garden between 5:30 and 6:30. Signed copies of the publication will be available for sale at $10. 

It’s sure to be a lovely holiday evening, filled with art, literature and live music, compliments of the talented Sam Porter. The Smithy, as always, is delighted to present the incredible artist and their creations to the community. 

Vote in Our Poll: Which Community is the Fastest Growing Economically?

With the communities of the County all recovering from recession or flooding, which one do you think is currently the fastest growing?

SALT Announces Second Bounty of the County, Celebrity Guests

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) has announced the second annual "Bounty of the County" event set for June 28 and 29 as the organization invites friends and neighbors to celebrate the fertility and productivity of the county with special local celebrity guests. 

The flood recovery organization issued the following press release this morning, detailing the day by day events and special guests, who will join with everyone present to celebrate the bounty of Schoharie County's beauty and labor as move toward a stronger future:

On Saturday night, mingle over cocktails at the historic Schoharie Covered Bridge with The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Josh and Brent - accidental goat farmers, entrepreneurs, and stars of TV’s The Fabulous Beekman Boys, who are responsible for reintroducing the word mercantile into our vocabulary and introducing countless people to the beauty and bounty of Schoharie County. 

The cocktail hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m., will also feature samples of Schoharie- produced libations from Green Wolf Brewing Company, a nano-brewery new to Middleburgh; Kymar Winery and Distillery of Charlottesville; and Hummingbird Hills Winery of Fultonville. 

Stay for a mouth-watering (and belly-busting!) four-course dinner prepared by Chef Brisson beginning at 7 p.m. at the Carrot Barn.  Brisson who normally supervises a staff of 120 as Executive Chef at renowned steak house, Carnevino in Las Vegas, was featured on the TV show "Chopped" in 2013. All dishes on the menu feature produce donated by local farmers, and virtually everything our guests eat will have been produced here.  For a full list of participating farms visit SALTRecovery.org/BOCFarms. 

Come back to Schoharie on Sunday, when, beginning at 10 a.m., a country brunch kicks off Bounty of the County’s farmers and artisans market, to be held on the lawn of historic Lasell Hall. Visit SALTRecovery.org/BOCMarket for more information. 

SALT, the lead agency in coordinating flood recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek Basin and surrounding areas, will be hosting the two-day event. Besides raising vitally-needed funds for individuals and families still in need, Bounty of the County will showcase the recovery of this picturesque and historic area. 

To date, SALT has raised over $1.1 million dollars to assist in recovery efforts, but returning to a state of normalcy from this history-making natural disaster still requires considerable support. "We really need funds to keep the effort moving ahead, as we are supported primarily by private donations," reports SALT Executive Director, Sarah Goodrich. 

Seating for this exclusive, gourmet dinner is limited. To purchase tickets and for event details, please visit SALTRecovery.org/BOC. 

Schoharie Area Long Term generates synergy through multi-sector partnerships to advance disaster recovery for families and communities, fostering resilience and sustainability in the Schoharie Creek basin and surrounding areas.

County Board to Hold May Meeting Friday (May 16, 2014)

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors will hold its regularly scheduled May board meeting on this upcoming Friday, May 16, starting at 9:00 am and lasting as long as necessary. No official agenda has been published on the county website as of publication.

Stay tuned to the Schoharie News on Friday for updates from Schoharie on any breaking news out of the county board meeting.

Comptroller's Office: Town of Richmondville "Failed in Certain Key Areas" on Maranatha

The New York State Comptroller's Office has released its' official report on the Town of Richmondville's administration and handling of state grants in the construction of the $5.6 million Maranatha Family Center, located on Route 7 in the Town of Richmondville.

Its' contents were not favorable to the town, as it slighted elected officials for not properly overseeing the use of approximately $3 million in Restore NY and CDBG state grants, summarily concluding that although they properly administered some aspects of the grants, the town "failed in certain key areas." 

Failures that stemmed from the town's inadequate supervision of various consultants and grant fund allotments, which in one instance led to a duplicate payment of $75,000 being made that the town had to resolve this past spring with the Empire State Development Corporation. 

Additionally, the report slammed the town's lack of oversight into ensuring the project stayed within the original $3.8 million construction budget, as costs overran initial estimates by $450,000 or 12%. Furthermore, the town is likely to be saddled with $20,000 in costs to pay for a required audit the developer has yet to satisfy. 

Overall, after taking into account the project's current state of foreclosure and the facility's inactivity, the report surmised that, "with the facility closed, the local community is receiving no benefit from the grant moneys spent, and other projects throughout the State could have benefited more from these moneys."

The report can be viewed in its entirety here.

Gallupville Evangelical Lutheran Church to Host Spaghetti Supper Saturday

The Gallupville Evagelical Lutheran Church will be holding their annual spaghetti supper on Saturday, May 17th from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm. at the Gallupville Firehouse. The supper includes all you can eat spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert and beverages.

Tickets are available at the door and vary from $7 for adults; $5 for children 5-12, and free for kids under five. Additionally, a craft & bake sale will also be held at the event, which is supporting the church located at 890 State Route 443 in Gallupville, NY. 

Local Attorney Calls for Open Interview Process and Diversity in Third Judicial District

Albany County, NY – All across Albany County, every member of the Albany County Democratic Committee has received a letter penned and individually signed by Amy Joyce, informing them they have the power to help select the candidate who will replace retiring NYS Supreme Court Justice Joseph Teresi.

Not only does every member have a voice in the process, they also have the power to remedy a growing concern: the lack of diversity on the trial courts Statewide, and specifically here in the Third Judicial District. As Amy explains, there are currently ten men who serve as elected Supreme Court Judges on the trial bench. Historically, only four women have been elected in the Third Judicial District and none of those women currently serve on the trial bench. But Albany County County Democratic Committee members have an opportunity to make a large impact on the process.

"The Rules of the Committee provide that if a Committee Member requests than an individual be interviewed by the Law Committee for a judicial vacancy, then the Law Committee must convene and conduct interviews,” Joyce wrote.

It’s Amy’s hope that the Committee Members and elected officials will seize this opportunity to engage in the process, and request the Law Committee to interview her. As the Principal Law Clerk for NYS Supreme Court Justice Michael Lynch for the past nine years, Amy both knows the work of Supreme Court and the importance of increasing the diversity of the trial Court bench.

Amy Joyce resides, with her husband and three children, in Delmar, NY and is a fourth generation Albany County resident. Prior to her Principal Law Clerk position she served as Deputy County Attorney for former Albany County Executive Michael G. Breslin. The Third Judicial District encompasses Albany, Columbia, Greene, Sullivan, Schoharie, Rensselaer and Ulster Counties.

Blenheim Mourns Highway Superintendent's Sudden Death

With flags at half mast, and hundreds of memories impacting the close knit community this Tuesday afternoon, Blenheim is somberly mourning the loss of longtime Town Highway Superintendent Gerald Felter, who passed away unexpectedly Monday evening.

"Gerry," as he was known to town residents and close friends, had served as the small town's Public Works head for nineteen going on twenty years, during which he had guided the town through, "some catastrophic events such as the 1996 flooding and Hurricane Irene," said a saddened Supervisor Shawn Smith earlier today. 

There has been no official cause of death determined in Felter's death, who reportedly passed out in his home last evening and was found to be not breathing and unresponsive by emergency services shortly thereafter. 

Gerald Felter was fifty-seven years old.

Opinion: Both Sides Offer Hope for Future

Over the past two weeks, as editor of this publication, I have been fortunate enough to be invited to and attend both the local Republicans "Lincoln Day Dinner," and the Democrats "FDR Dinner," where elected officials and party faithful alike joined together to celebrate their respective parties past, present, and future.  

As I observed leaders in both parties espouse confidence, hope, and optimism for the future of Schoharie County, it dawned on me that neither side was that much different from the other. Sure, there are underlying ideological disputes, but nothing too serious that they shouldn't be able to work together. 

The only exception to that rule would be Democratic candidate for Congress Sean Eldridge, who in stark contrast to Representative Chris Gibson, spent a significant amount of time attacking his opponent in the upcoming congressional election and reflected the worst of party politics today.

However, for the most part, I walked away from both events feeling more hopeful about this county's future, because at the end of the day we all want what is best for our friends and neighbors. Our views might differ, and elections still occur, but our goal of creating a stronger Schoharie County is  - thankfully - a bipartisan platform we can all get behind. 

Seward Congratulates New York's Top Seniors

ALBANY, 05/12/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) recently congratulated New York State’s top senior citizens as part of the New York State Office for the Aging 2014 Senior Citizens Day Celebration in Albany.

“Our senior citizens are vital, instrumental members of our communities,” said Senator Seward.   “The extremely active seniors honored today fulfill significant roles – volunteering with local ambulance companies, managing area food pantries, and holding elected office.” 

Along with honoring the local honorees the senate also adopted a resolution (J.4811) proclaiming May 6, 2014 as Senior Citizens Awareness Day in the State of New York.  The resolution reads in part:

WHEREAS, The more than three million residents of New York State  60 years of age and older bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly  active  roles  they  play  in  today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, These senior citizens have  contributed  to  the  State  by building  and helping preserve the customs, traditions and ideals of the many ethnic groups that make up the mosaic of New York State.

“I also have to give credit to the local county office for the aging staff members that work so hard on a daily basis providing crucial services to area senior citizens and advocating for their needs,” Seward added.

The senior citizens from Senator Seward’s district honored are:

Chenango County                   Gladys Benjamin, New Berlin

Cortland County                     Sister Kathleen Heffron, Cincinnatus

Delaware County                    Frank Bachler, Meredith

Otsego County                        Ken Dreis, Richfield Springs

Otsego County                        Ellen St. John, Cooperstown

Schoharie County                   Edwin Guntert, Middleburgh

Schoharie County                   Deanna Urrey, Schoharie

Tompkins County                   Robert Spaulding, Ithaca

Ulster County                         Donald DuBois, Saugerties

“Each of these senior citizens is special, but it gives me added pleasure to recognize Donald DuBois of Ulster County who was named the senior citizen of the year.  Donald’s longstanding commitment to helping others, his thoughtful teachings that foster new ideas, and his sustained efforts to bring out the best in others are well documented and warrant him being named New York State Senior Citizen of the Year,” Seward concluded.

Casino Hearing Tonight in Cobleskill

Members of the public will have the opportunity to address their concerns on the proposed Howe Caverns Casino to Cobleskill Town Supervisor Leo McAllister and the rest of the town board in a public hearing scheduled for 8:00 p.m. this evening at the local firehouse. 

Mr. McAllister, who initially opposed any casino coming into the county, has been a staunch advocate for the public having input on this controversial issue. Although his position that only Cobleskill residents could speak at tonight's hearing has ruffled some in the community.

The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities blasted that decision in an e-mail sent to the municipality and press last week, claiming the restriction violates the New York Open Meeting Law and that the casino "has the potential for impacting the broader community in both positive and negative ways."

State Police Arrest Summit Man for Stealing $10,000 from Bowling League

New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill announced the arrest of Charles A. Bowen, 50, of Summit over the weekend, for Grand Larceny in the Third Degree after an investigation revealed that he had been stealing money from the Cobleskill Bowling League.

Bowen was elected treasurer for the league, based out of Cobleskill Lanes, and was tasked with collecting membership dues from each of the fifty members from September 2013 to April 2014. He received approximately $20,000 over the seven month period. 

When other league officers noticed that bills were being returned for insufficient funds, an inquiry was launched that revealed Bowen had taken nearly $10,000 out of the membership dues for his own personal use. Bowen was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to Schoharie County Jail.

Seward Pays Tribute to Fallen Ulster County Soldier

ACCORD, 05/08/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) Thursday presented the family of Sergeant Shawn Farrell II with the state senate’s Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate.

“The Liberty Medal is conferred on a select few, those who have distinguished themselves by meritorious action against hostile odds.  Sergeant Shawn Farrell II was that type of individual,” said Senator Seward.  “He served with courage, bravery and valor, and made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country.”

The Liberty Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate, recognizing those who were willing to sacrifice their lives, or did so, in defense of America and the cause of freedom and world peace.

“Shawn’s unwavering allegiance to his country and his fellow soldiers cannot be overstated.  A true American hero, he fully embodied the values and spirit of this prestigious decoration,” concluded Seward.

Sgt. Shawn M. Farrell II, 24, of Accord, New York, died April 28, in Nejrab District, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York.

Senator Seward also sponsored a special senate resolution (J.4858) honoring Sergeant Shawn Farrell II.  The complete resolution, and Senator Seward’s comments on the floor of the New York State Senate can be seen on-line here. 

Letter to the Editor: Resident Blasts Schumer on Fracking

Senator Chuck Schumer says fracking is good and there is widespread support for it. Congress just gave the green light to ship LNG overseas, and he's wasting no time getting the message out to the industry that Upstate NY is for sale.

Mr. Schumer, we want fracking about as much as we want skin rashes, nosebleeds, lung cancer, earthquakes, tap water you can light with a match and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Why is that over 210 municipalities have adopted legislation to ban fracking in NY State? Maybe it's because we've done our homework and seen the destruction this industry leaves in its wake.

New Yorkers will not be lured by the promise of jobs when it means sacrificing the health of our families and our homeland for the profit of a large corporation. What happened to the jobs that were promised by the rebuilding of our infrastructure, or green energy jobs that would restore a sustainable planet.

Annually, $52 Billion US tax dollars go to oil, gas and coal companies in Federal subsidies. Someone please wake up Senator Schumer, he's spending too much time in bed with the fossil fuelers.

Regards,

Deborah Krol