Desmond Picks Up Schoharie County Deputies' Support

Sheriff Tony Desmond has announced through his campaign's Facebook page that he has the support of the majority of the deputies in the Sheriff's Department. The Schoharie County Road Patrol Association has decided that the incumbent is worth keeping as their boss.

It reads in part that the union believes that the Sheriff "proves leadership and experience have the agency on a path for continued success."

SALT Hosting Surf and Turf Dinner

SALT's first Surf and Turf Dinner was so successful, they have decided to hold another one. This one will be held at the Schoharie Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 1 from 4-7pm.. The meal sounds delicious:

The dinners will feature delicious fresh lobster, steak, shrimp, clams and seasonal sweet corn. Pre-sale tickets are $25, and regular tickets are $30. The dinners may be eaten on site or taken to go.

More info on the event page.

Desmond Picks Up NRA's NY Branch Endorsement

Sheriff Tony Desmond has made it a point to explain that he believes his stance on the Second Amendment is the best. The Sheriff has joined with others in Upstate New York in stating that they will not enforce the SAFE Act and posed for a campaign photo with an AR-15. The Air Force veteran has now reaped the benefits.

The National Rifle Association's local affiliate, the New York Rifle and Pistol Association has chosen the incumbent for his stances regarding gun rights.

Our endorsement is based upon his public opposition to the so-called SAFE Act and willingness to speak out against Governor Cuomo's assault upon 2nd Amendment rights. 

NYSRPA encourages all gun owners and concerned citizens to support Sheriff Desmond in the November general election.

The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later Set for SUNY Cobleskill Presentation

 

The Theater Project of Schoharie County and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Union of SUNY Cobleskill are presenting "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later" on campus Thursday evening to remember the tragic murder of Matthew Shepard on October 6, 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming.

 

According to their press release:

On October 6, 1998, gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard left the Fireside Bar with Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. The following day he was discovered on a prairie at the edge of town, tried to a fence, brutally beaten, and close to death. Six days later Matthew Shepard died at Poudre Valley Hospital in Ft. Collins, Colorado. On November 14, 1998, ten members Tectonic Theatre Project traveled to Laramie, Wyoming and conducted interviews with the people of the town. Over the next year, the company returned to Laramie six times and conducted over 200 interviews. These texts became the basis for the play ‘The Laramie Project." 

Ten years later on September 12, 2008, five members of Tectonic returned to Laramie to try to understand the long-term effect of the murder. They found a town wrestling with its legacy and its place in history. In addition to revisiting the folks whose words riveted us in the original play, this time around, the company also spoke with the two murderers, McKinney and Henderson, as well as Matthew’s mother, Judy Shepard. "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later" asks the question, ‘How does society write its own history?’

 After presenting the first of the two-play series at Teen Town in Golding Park on Friday evening, "The Laramie Project," the groups will be concluding with "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later" on Thursday night, 7:30 pm at Bouck Hall on SUNY Cobleskill's campus - thus completing the "Laramie Cycle" to achieve a better understanding of what occurred fifteen years ago in that sleepy western town and how that evening has effected everyone involved.

 

 

 

 



Opinion: A Clear Choice in Jefferson

We've heard enough here at the Schoharie News to make up our minds on another pivotal election. Yes, Jefferson may only control about 1-2% of the weighted votes on the County Board, but it has become one of the most important-- and contested races in the whole County.

It all started with the machinations of current Supervisor Dan Singletary. His boisterous, condescending attitude on the Board helped sharpen the fissures already affecting the body. The current term of the County Board may have had the most trouble of any in the last several decades and much of it had to do with the stonewalling and bizarre tactics of one Supervisor in particular.

In a race like this, an editorial is supposed to list at least a few positive accomplishments of the candidate we do not endorse. I'm sure that Mr. Singletary has accomplished something positive on the County level during his time in office, but we can't find anything of note. Perhaps it would be better just to leave that box unchecked as his antics have caused more harm than good.

Surely County Treasurer Bill Cherry made the right call in aiding Singletary's ouster from the GOP ticket but our decision is based on more than that.

The residents of Jefferson-- and the entire County-- need someone that will be able to work with the people around him-- both in politics and outside. His outbursts are unacceptable and are holding back some important efforts.

Now, we could not endorse if there wasn't a better candidate. Fortunately, there is.

Sean Jordan is an excellent example for the people of Jefferson and the wider County. A near-expert in planning and development issues, Mr. Jordan can do tasks that other Supervisors would have to pay for. He could write grants, work with people at the County and State level that he has already been in professional contact with-- and come in with a positive attitude and demeanor that Mr. Singletary never has. He has the drive and the experience to take on the task at both the Town and County level.

Mr. Jordan is an intelligent, thoughtful candidate and the one fit to lead Jefferson for the next two years.

Desmond Endorsed by Bill Cherry

Bill Cherry spoke forcefully in favor of retaining the current Sheriff, Tony Desmond at the Republican Caucus in June. He has lauded Desmond's efforts over the last three years and now has put ink to paper and has one of the largest calls of support in the race so far.

In a letter sent to Sheriff Desmond, Cherry wrote that the Sheriff deserved another four years. In the letter, he stated that "Sheriff Desmond has ensured that every one of these duties and responsibilities was performed in a way that protected the citizens of Schoharie County and followed the law."

Cherry concluded by saying that "he was there when we needed him most."

Desmond Showing Weakness in Schoharie, Middleburgh

Much of the politics of Schoharie County in the last two years have been tied up in how to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. With so many issues still facing the County, many Supervisor's races and even the Sheriff's race seem to hinge on the event and how to get Schoharie County back on its feet.

There have been a lot of allusions to the horrible events of 2011, largely surrounding current Sheriff Tony Desmond. His supporters state that he has carried a lot of weight under conditions that no one had anticipated. Meanwhile, others have quietly criticized what has been described as a poor response in affected areas.

Only one large-scale effort seems to point to it-- an ad run last week by Deputy Todd Ethington, criticizing aspects of the Sheriff's Department's operations since then. There was a swift and visceral pushback-- with four comments on the article alone.

But how are some of the most affected areas of the County, a trend has developed. Larry Travis' late start has inhibited his support in many areas outside of Cobleskill, but a base can still be seen. Similar can be said about Sheriff Tony Desmond-- who has a larger group of supporters in both Schoharie and Middleburgh.

But the candidate with the most momentum appears to be Ethington. Taking a drive around either community shows more enthusiasm for the Deputy. Along Middleburgh's Main Street, Ethington signs outnumber Desmond by more than two to one. Meanwhile, many of the Ethington signs are placed exactly where Desmond signs sprang up in 2009.

There has been the sharpest criticism of Desmond's handling of the flood in both of these communities. While this does not directly aid either of the other candidates, a clear trend against re-electing the Sheriff is clear. Many officials from the municipalities and the Middleburgh Fire Department have backed away from Desmond. Former Middleburgh Fire Chief Brian Devlin posted on Ethington's Facebook page Sunday:

I must say that there is an overwhelming support for him In this area! I got to listen to residence with their questions and concerns over the current administration! To hear Todd Ethington answer these questions with the upmost professional and knowledgable answers just goes to show who is the right choice for the job!

Devlin's brother Michael also backs Ethington. There have been a lot of discontent among some, but there has also been a pushback-- with some describing Ethington's approach as too aggressive while questioning other aspects of the campaign.

SALT Hosting Artisan Fair October 13th

SALT is hosting the Autumn Artisan's Market this Sunday. The event, which aims to bring in the whole family, will raise money for flood victims. It will take place at the Schoharie County Annex parking low between 10am and 3pm. More from the event's facebook page here.

Video: The Old Stone Fort Days are Coming Up!

Local Firemen Complete NY State Mutual Aid Resource Management Course

26 local volunteer firemen successfully completed the New York State Mutual Aid Resource Management training course on September 18th and 19th at the Schoharie Fire Station, which was taught by Shawn Brimhall of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control. 

The course touches on establishing minimum requirements to track resources sent from one county or region to another, such as we have seen in the past couple of years due to two devastating storms and spring flooding, that ensures resources wont be lost under a uniform method of tracking.

Those attending the course from local fire departments: Frank Nestle and Maria Nestle of Canajoharie; Dick Klingbeil, Tim Herzog, Eric Johnson and Dan Rosecrans of Central Bridge; Andrew Tator, Rick Albert, Howard Burt, Ben Righi of Cobleskill; Tim Deffer, Charlie Stanton, Bob Cater and Kyle Smart of Esperance; Amy Wayman of Livingstonville; Adam Buschynski of Middleburgh; Gary Rightmyer of Richmondville; Marty Piece of Schoharie; Stacy Wojciechowski of Sharon Springs and Matt Brisley, Dale Nunamann, Howard Wayman, Rich Cooper, Scott Johnson, Greg Baxter, Aaron Cooper and Peggy Hait of the Schoharie County Fire Coordinator's Office.

ALERT: Tornado Watch Today Until 5pm

The threat of extreme weather is coming to the area in just several hours. A tornado watch has been issued until 5pm for Schoharie and surrounding counties.

Keep up to date with our weather page-- full of up-to-date radar, forecasts, and the Gilboa Dam level.

Travis to Host Campaign Fundraiser

 

Chief Larry Travis, the Democratic and Shield of Integrity Party nominee in this fall's sheriff election, is hosting a reception and full buffet dinner in support of his candidacy on Thursday, October 24th, 6:30-8:30 pm at Justine's Restaurant in the Village of Cobleskill.

 



Tending to shy away from the traditional political aspects of campaigning thus far, Chief Travis has chosen to focus more on running a positive, law enforcement first platform that has saw him address both the county's fire chiefs and sheriff union over the past two weeks, while keeping his candidacy out of the mud that has engulfed the supporters of both his opponents.

 

This fundraiser is his campaign's first foray into the political realm and it is extremely limited at that, focusing solely on raising funds to carry his candidacy across the goal line with whatever measures he decides are best heading into the final week of the race.

Middleburgh Hosts Volunteer Day

Middleburgh had some help over the weekend as over a dozen volunteers from a SUNY Oneonta fraternity helped in several projects around town. According to the Middleburgh Community News website, this is the "third volunteer day since last year."

Volunteers at work. Credit: Middleburgh community site.

Ethington Slammed By Deputy Tillapaugh

Deputy Duane Tillapaugh, a longtime associate of both Demond and Ethington faced the two in June's Republican caucus. Tillapaugh has come in second and has not endorsed a candidate as of yet. However, his feelings on Ethington burst out on Facebook Wednesday in response to the Dan Singletary's comments published last week.

The self proclaimed "Sheriff Todd" is the most UNQUALIFIED candidate in this years Sheriff's race. This guy, who preaches gun safety, was dismissed from the firearms instructor school for dangerously discharging his weapon in the classroom. That's only one bad incident of several in his law enforcement carrier. Those of you who want to know more, give me a call. Those who have his signs because he asked you to put them out, pull them!!!

Ethington's standing in the Schoharie News' unscientific online poll is similarly distressing. Ethington led Desmond on Monday 42%-37% with 300 votes cast. Now, with 507 cast Desmond has assumed a 45-33% lead.

Heroin a Growing Problem

The rise of opiates across the United States has rocked the law enforcement community. Once relegated to the worst parts of large cities, heroin and similar poppy-based drugs have opened a door into even the smallest of towns. Unfortunately, the problem has increased significantly in Schoharie County, as across the country, over the last five years.

Many of these forces are due to problems outside of the control of local law enforcement. Lax bag checks on Amtrak allow funneling through Utica and Amsterdam, Mexico's drug war has made harder drugs more profitable, and cultural shifts have contributed to the problem. Upstate New York, with its mix of cities and rural environments and poor local economy, has been particularly hard hit. Even last month came five arrests on serious drug charges, including heroin in Amsterdam.

In 2013 alone, we've seen two major arrests of County residents over the drug-- one arrest of four in Cobleskill and one arrest of two in Princetown.

One of the strongest defenses against the tide of opiates into the County could be the Schoharie County Sheriff's office. While the Sheriff has made major strides in campaigns against methamphetamines and cannabis, heroin has exploded. The Sheriff's Department reacted to the growing heroin problem in 2013 with a special confidential tip line. Still, this comes years after the problem has become acute and noticeable.

In an interview last year with the Mountain Eagle, Sheriff Desmond indicated that the problem was here to stay and that the problem began at home. He suggested that parents keep drug cabinets locked up and that residents keep an eye out for suspicious activity:

“One of the big things that you see are several people stopping for a short period of time at a house or apartment, coming and going,” said Desmond. “That is usually a good indication of some activity.”

While there is nothing functionally wrong with this approach, it remained primarily reactive and to date no major anti-heroin initiative has been rolled out by the Sheriff's Department.

Still, the County has recorded more drug arrests in the past year. Overall, since the beginning of Desmond's administration, there have been 63 felony and 121 misdemeanor drug arrests as compared to the previous three years having 31 and 75 respectively. These numbers include all arrests in the County-- by the Sheriff's Department, State Police, and local forces.

Indeed, a bright spot has taken place in the Village of Cobleskill. The community has stepped up enforcement and is responsible for the largest bust this year. Police chief Larry Travis has shown acumen in his attention to the problem and has shown results. From the middle of 2012 until early 2013 the Village of Cobleskill made six heroin busts.

Chief Travis told the Cobleskill paper in February of this year that it's a problem that's growing:

"The ease of obtaining the drug, the cost of it indicate it's increasing," he said.

Indians Vs. Knights: First Varsity Basketball Matchup December 18th

With fall sports in full swing across the county, I doubt I'm the only one who regrets the dismal truth that there can be no Valley showdown on the gridiron between the Knights and Indians - due to Middleburgh's lack of football program - but fear not for my sorrows will be eased with the start of varsity basketball.

 

And more to point: on December 18th, 7:30 pm when Schoharie will be on the warpath against league rival and neighboring school district Middleburgh on the Knights home court for the first of two contests this upcoming season, the second of which will be held January 17th on Indians territory.

 

This, perhaps being my favorite part of The Schoharie News, will allow me to expand my horizons into the realm of high school athletics and most importantly varsity basketball, where the action and energy of the home team supporters can rival that of college programs if the stakes are high enough - as they always are in the battle of the Valley.

Travis Pick of Cobleskill Benevolent Association Endorsement

Cobleskill Police Chief Larry Travis picked up a significant endorsement from the local law enforcement community in late August (just releasing the information publicly yesterday) amid a slew of political support for his two opponents in this fall's election. The Cobleskill Police Benevolent Association regretted that if elected Sheriff he would be sorely missed in Cobleskill, but that he would "perform admirably... if elected."

Out of the three candidates, Chief Travis has remained more or less under the radar - visiting events and greeting voters without attracting a great deal of attention towards him politically - which fits his status as a career law enforcement officer and political novice.

Ethington Endorsed by Former Sheriff Harvey Stoddard

Tony Desmond may have the support of the current Sheriff of Otsego County, but Todd Ethington has picked up support from someone a little closer to home. One of Desmond's predecessors, Harvey Stoddard, has endorsed Todd Ethington in his Conservative Party contest for Sheriff. The endorsement is a large step but is contrasted with a large amount of local police support for the current Sheriff, as well. Former Sheriff John Bates has not made an official endorsement after strongly supporting Desmond's 2009 opponent, Bill Slater.

Desmond Endorsed by Cohn

Sheriff Anthony Desmond has received another high-profile endorsement as former Cobleskill Supervisor Roger Cohn has thrown his support behind him. In a message from Cohn printed on Desmond's Facebook page, the Sheriff received glowing praise:

"I served with and sat next to Tony when I was on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors as the Supervisor for the Town of Cobleskill. I found that he always reviewed and gave a great deal of thought to the issues before the Board and then voted accordingly. I'm sure that he follows that same pattern in carrying out his duties as Sheriff of our County. I wholeheartedly endorse Tony as he seeks reelection to the Office as Sheriff of our County. A good man like Tony comes along just now and then. Vote for Shefiff Desmond.

This also comes as Desmond received more signs yesterday and is preparing a large October push.

"The Report" Weighs Heavily in Schoharie Race

This is round number three for Gene Milone and Martin Shrederis. They have faced each other in 2009, 2011, and this year. Shrederis won in 2010 by a 54-46% margin and Milone won 56-44% in 2011. With Schoharie still rebuilding after the flood, this year's race may be a tight one.

There have been many issues that have surfaced in the Town of Schoharie and some have been more influential than others. While both candidates may not wish to speak about the "report" coming out later this month, it appears that it is the most frenetic issue.

At the County Board meeting two weeks ago, Milone said that the report was meant to retrieve the "truth" over allegations of misconduct at the County level. Milone and Middleburgh Supervisor Jim Buzon were two of the strongest supporters of beginning the report process. Mr. Milone is perhaps the most visible proponent of researching the allegations.

Meanwhile the rumblings from the people associated with the Shrederis camp is that the report will show almost no validity and that it was a waste of $300,000. A call in to Mr. Shrederis two weeks ago about the issue was not returned.

About what the report itself will say, it is yet unknown. However, Mr. Milone does have something that the former Supervisor does not: he has transcripts of the interviews that is leading to the report's formation. Sources also suggest that at least one person from the Town of Schoharie will be indicated in the report although the timing (before the current Supervisor's term) automatically precludes anything negative about Milone.