Dollar General Coming into Sharon Springs, Manko Hopes for Reopening of Spa Properties

Dollar General, which recently opened a store in the Town of Middleburgh on Route 30, is moving into another underserved market in Schoharie County: this time in the Town of Sharon Springs on Route 20. That's according to Sharon Supervisor Sandra Manko, who thinks it is a "definite thing" at this juncture.

 

 With plans of buying the old St. Mary's Church near the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, the national low-price chain is "moving ahead" after meeting with the Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday night. There is no current timeline for the store's construction or opening.

 

Although pleased with Dollar General's plans to move into the Town of Sharon, Supervisor Manko feels that despite new faces being in the community, particularly business wise, that there is no real population growth in her small municipality of 1,200 citizens - which is backed up by the most recent school census that revealed a declining figure of only 270 enrolled students at Sharon Springs Central School - a concern of hers.

 

One priority of Mrs. Manko, which is shared by her Village counterpart Mayor Doug Plummer, is to see the spa properties - Imperial Bathhouse, Inhalation Bathhouse, Adler Hotel, etc. - reopened not only as the tourist location they once were (drawing in thousands of Jewish travelers to the mineral water enriched bathhouses), but also as a magnet for new businesses and residents to come into the already economically booming area.

 

However, Rome was neither built nor destroyed in one day, and the addition of Dollar General to the Town's economic framework is definitely a step in the right direction for Mrs. Manko's hopes of growing her community's business and population base beyond where they currently stand.

 

County Board Hears Dam Update, Flood Recovery Report, Recognizes Bob Mann in Year-End Meeting

"Two years ahead of contract schedule," is what John Vickers of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection told the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors about New York City's efforts to build up the Gilboa Dam at Friday morning's December and year-end board meeting in Schoharie.

 

Vickers, who was assisted by regional engineer Mark Suttmeier in Friday's power-point presentation, stated that two of five phases were completed in dam reconstruction work thus far and that 165,000 tons of weight will be added to the dam at the project's conclusion, coming from the replacement of loose stone structure with concrete steps and 38 torsional anchors.

 

Town of Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone questioned why "there was not a dredging project attached to this as well," pointing out that there was a build up of sedimentation behind the dam and that they were losing storage of water supply. Mr. Vickers conceded there has not been a study on sediment build up since the nineties, and that they were planning to do one in the near future, but that "as long as sediment builds up in the dead storage area it has no impact on water storage."

 

In other county business, the Board of Supervisors heard from an AECOM representative that while there are "four highly qualified contractors to work on the four creeks," included in local efforts to address stream restoration, that seventeen landowners have still not signed on. Board Chairman Phil Skowfoe commented that the landowners were potentially "jeopardizing the project."

 

Possible ways for the project to move forward if the landowners continue to hold out is for either AECOM to redraw their plans or for the county to consider using eminent domain. In a startling admission, the AECOM representative revealed that they have "overshot their numbers," and are $400,000 over design costs as of now, although the money is available through Natural Resources Conservation Service grants the project has been awarded.
 

Schoharie County Treasurer and Recovery Coordinator William Cherry followed up AECOM's report with news that FEMA has officially denied the county's request to relocate the jail and Public Safety Facility to higher ground. FEMA maintains that the construction costs of rebuilding and code-mandated mitigation efforts should not be added with a total rebuilding price tag of $13.2 million and that they would only use the construction cost when calculating their "50% rule."

 

However, as Mr. Cherry pointed out, FEMA has added construction and mitigation costs together to exceed the 50% threshold in other projects across the country, but have insisted that those cases do not set a precedent, which the county disagrees with. The Treasurer also stated that State DEC officials may write a letter to FEMA saying that they do not encourage rebuilding in the flood plain.

 

The Board of Supervisors voted 12-0 on Mr. Cherry's recommendation to further appeal FEMA's position that they repair the existing building by presenting their arguments directly to officials in Washington D.C., with full support of New York Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Chris Gibson, as permitted in the appeal process.

 

On the lighter side of things, Town of Esperance Supervisor Earl Van Wormer praised five departing members of the county board: Anne Batz of Broome, Donald Brandow of Conesville, Robert Mann of Blenheim, Thomas Murray of Cobleskill and Dan Singletary of Jefferson for their service, saying that "It's a good thing to have people you disagree with."

 

He followed up his praise by offering a motion of special recognition to Blenheim Town Supervisor Robert Mann, who he was elected to the Board of Supervisors with twenty years ago, that was agreed upon unanimously and with applause from all members of the county board. Mr. Mann wasn't present at Friday's meeting.

 

Members of the county board then approved a series of resolutions, committee motions and entered into a brief period of executive discussion, concluding the 2013 legislative session.

Berne-Knox Outlasts Middleburgh 64-63 in Overtime

The Berne-Knox Bulldogs one point, overtime victory over the Middleburgh Knights Friday night before an evenly split crowd in the Middleburgh High School gymnasium can be described as epic, breath-taking, the reason why fans love high school athletics in the first place, and much more.

 

 

Berne-Knox, which held a slim lead most of the matchup over Middleburgh, was led by Zack Hilton's twenty point performance that included three conversions from the paint, two outside the perimeter and a 88.9% success rate at the free-throw line that added eight more to the Bulldogs tally. Justin Lee contributed thirteen points to Berne-Knox's cause.

 

 

However, that didn't prevent the Knights from making a late fourth quarter effort - on the backs of Troy Hinkley and Ryan Bechtold - that gave Middleburgh a 53-52 lead with 58.4 seconds remaining. In a bit of tit for tat, the Bulldogs scored two with under forty seconds remaining that Middleburgh's Adam McMullen responded by converting a single free throw attempt with 22.2 seconds left that resulted in both teams tied at 54 and overtime.

But with both teams exhausted after four quarters of tough play, the Bulldogs were able to outlast the Knights just long enough to squeeze out at a 64-63 victory in the final seconds of overtime. Earlier in the evening the Middleburgh Knights junior varsity squad prevailed 59-57 over their Berne-Knox counterparts, setting the stage for a night of close match ups.

Schoharie United Presbyterian Church to host Christmas Eve Services

The Schoharie United Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening on Christmas Eve. Jay Bramer, Burke Herrick, Sara Cipperly, as well as a select choir, will be singing and sharing special music. Jan Herrick will lead the service. Susan Bramer, Chairman of Music and Worship, wanted to add that everyone should "please plan to join us so that you can participate in the joy!"

 

Schoharie United Presbyterian is located at 314 Main Street in the Village of Schoharie.

 

If you want to have your church's Christmas Eve service published, just leave a note on the facebook page or email us at aaaabraves@yahoo.com and we'll help spread the good word.

County Board Denies New York State Permission to Use Seal, Name and Offices in Enforcement of SAFE Act

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, joining several other county boards and legislatures, voted 11-3 yesterday morning to deny New York State permission to use the Schoharie County seal and name in enforcement of the so-called "SAFE Act," in a resolution introduced by Town of Carlisle Supervisor Larry Bradt.

 

Discussion of Mr. Bradt's resolution was kicked off when Town of Esperance Supervisor Earl Van Wormer put on a hat with an AK-47 in the background that read "come and get it." He wore the hat while praising his colleagues' pro-second amendment efforts, which led to the Board taking the resolution out of order.

 

Mr. Bradt would then read the resolution in its entirety:

 

Whereas, the State of New York has passed a gun control law referred to as the SAFE Act, and

 

Whereas, this act clearly indicates that the enforcement of this law is the responsibility of New York State, and

 

Whereas, in recent discussions, the State has indicated an interest in using the Seal of Schoharie County and the names of the offices of the Schoharie County Sheriff in pistol permit recertification notices, and

 

Whereas, the County Sheriff has voiced his strong objection to this request and suggestion, now, therefore, be it hereby

 

RESOLVED, that the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors denies the State of New York permission to use the Name, Seal of the County or any other likeness of it, Sheriff's Office Logo, letterhead or address for purposes of correspondence with legal and registered gun owners regarding permit recertification or any other purpose associated with the SAFE ACT, and it be further

 

RESOLVED, that copies of the resolution should be transmitted to the office of the Governor of New York State, the Superintendent of State Police, NYS Senator James L. Seward, Assemblyman Peter Lopez and the legislature of every County in the State of New York

 

Sheriff Desmond, who was asked to speak by Mr. Bradt, called the SAFE Act "a thorn in the Sheriff's department since its enactment." Adding that it is nothing but "more harassment of law abiding gun owners," and that he doesn't want to be "any part of this." The Sheriff also voiced his dismay over the SAFE Act's recertification process that will require residents, some of whom have had pistol permits for forty, fifty years, to recertify their legally obtained pistols with the Sheriff's Department.

 

The Board would follow Sheriff Desmond's comments with a roll call vote that would result in the resolution's passage. Two supervisors, Robert Mann of Blenheim and Donald Brandow of Conesville were absent, while three voted in opposition: Anne Batz of Broome, Carl Barbic of Seward and Amber Bleau of Wright.

Bleau Takes Seat on County Board, Wright Finally Represented

After going nine months without a voice on the county Board of Supervisors, since the unfortunate passing of former Town Supervisor Bill Goblet, residents of the Town of Wright received the gift of representation yesterday when Amber Bleau took her seat in the long vacant chair between outgoing supervisors Tom Murray and Dan Singletary.

 

Mrs. Bleau, who won November's general election by five votes over Democrat Karl Remmers and was officially named Supervisor by the Wright Town Board on December 9th, has served as acting head of the small community of 1,500 citizens since Goblet's death. However, without the correct credentials to also serve on the county board.

 

The reason for that is the fact Mrs. Bleau, who was deputy supervisor, would have to resign her position on the Town Board in order to be appointed as Supervisor. Not a big problem, except that another councilwoman adamantly refused to support Mrs. Bleau no matter what, leaving the Town Board with only three members and without a legal majority to conduct business of any kind if just one councilperson was opposed to a motion.

 

With all of that in the past, Mrs. Bleau took her seat yesterday morning and although she listened more than she spoke, she wasn't afraid to go against the majority in one of her first votes and helped to clarify a statement by Treasurer Bill Cherry in a follow up question, showing both freshmen restraint but also a streak of independence in her inaugural board meeting.

 

 

 

 

Board of Supervisors to Hold December Meeting Tomorrow (December 20th, 2013)

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors will be holding their December and year-end meeting tomorrow morning, starting at 9 am and lasting as long as necessary, to complete county business for the year and consider anything new that is brought before them. There has been no public agenda published at this time on the county website.

 

It will be the last board meeting for five Supervisors: Mr. Mann of Blenheim, Ms. Batz of Broome, Mr. Murray of Cobleskill, Mr. Brandow of Conesville and Mr. Singletary of Jefferson. Mann, Murray and Singeltary were defeated in their bids for re-election in November, while Batz unsuccessfully ran for Town Clerk and Brandow retired after being elected Vice-Chairman of the Board in January.

 

Stay tuned to the Schoharie News and our facebook page through out the day tomorrow afternoon for updates from the Board of Supervisors on any breaking news that may develop during their meeting.

Winter Advisory for Region Friday through Sunday

The National Weather Service is warning about severe weather issues for the next several days. Below is an advisory:

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK NWS ALBANY NY 502 AM EST THU DEC 19 2013 for SOUTHERN HERKIMER-SOUTHERN FULTON-MONTGOMERY-SCHOHARIE

DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION...INCLUDING FREEZING RAIN...TONIGHT.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION...INCLUDING FREEZING RAIN TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY MORNING...AND AGAIN FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING...AND SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING...AS AREAS OF LOW PRESSURE MOVE ALONG A FRONTAL BOUNDARY STALLED OVER THE REGION.

IN ADDITION...AS A STRONGER AREA OF LOW PRESSURE APPROACHES ON SUNDAY WARMER TEMPERATURES WILL SURGE INTO THE REGION. SNOW MELT...ALONG WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL COULD LEAD TO FLOODING ISSUES...INCLUDING ICE JAM PROBLEMS

For more information, stay tuned to our weather page.

Press Release: Stop the Pipeline Blasts Constitution's "Arrogance"

Central NY - Stop the Pipeline (STP) filed extensive comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today, blasting the Constitution Pipeline Company’s lack of directness and transparency in its responses to requests for information made by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corp) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The comments were prepared by the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, which represents STP. The Clinic spent weeks analyzing the pipeline company’s responses after FERC told the company that it had to provide answers to all agencies’ comments before FERC releases its draft Environmental Impact Statement. 

“We were shocked by the evasive techniques the pipeline company used to avoid answering questions,” said Anne Marie Garti, a founding member of STP and a volunteer at the Clinic. “They ignored most of the agencies’ comments, developed legal theories to try to avoid answering others, and then buried the rest in thousands of pages of submitted files so that no one could find them.” 

The Constitution Pipeline Company requires permits from both the Army Corps and the DEC before it can begin construction. Both agencies have submitted comments that require extensive analysis from the pipeline company under laws that are outside of FERC’s authority.  

Stop the Pipeline (STP) is a grass roots organization of landowners and citizens who are committed to preserving Central New York from the countless negative impacts of the proposed 30”, 124-mile high-pressure gas transmission line that would run through pristine territory, from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania to Schoharie County, New York. STP retained the Pace Law School’s Environmental Litigation Clinic last Fall to help stop the pipeline. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. founded the Litigation Clinic, and co-directs it with Professor Karl Coplan.  Professor Daniel E. Estrin is the Clinic’s Supervising Attorney working on the case. 

“A gas pipeline project such as this, proposed to cut through pristine wilderness areas, including trout stream beds and vital wetlands, has potential to cause enormous adverse environmental impacts,” explained Professor Estrin.  “We have been pleased with the efforts of the Army Corps and DEC to obtain data that are absolutely necessary to assess those impacts, as well as to analyze whether there is a need for the pipeline project.  Conversely, we have been extremely disappointed by the Company’s game of hide the ball, which is clearly designed to make it so hard to find responsive data that the agencies and public will eventually lose interest and give up.  The company should know that the public is tracking this process very carefully, and that its efforts to prevail through atrophy of energy or interest will not succeed.”

Schoharie Downs Middleburgh 65-53, Brown Scores 23

Despite holding home court advantage, with a boisterous crowd in attendance, the Middleburgh Knights struggled through out last night's Benefit Boys' Basketball varsity matchup against Schoharie, falling by twelve points, 65-53, to a determined Indians squad that Middleburgh had defeated just two weeks prior in the Cutspec Memorial Tournament.

 

Troy Hinkley gears up for a free-throw attempt

Led by Connor Brown's twenty-three point performance, with James Sacket contributing seventeen in support, the Indians took control of the situation from the opening tip-off and never looked back, only losing their game-long lead for a few seconds at a time. Schoharie would convert twenty-three shots from the paint and ten more from the free throw line.

 

Photo credit: Emilie Werner, Schoharie News

Middleburgh, which scored only four points in the opening quarter, came back from eight down in the second quarter to capture a brief lead after the half, due largely to the performance of Ryan Bechtold - the Knights leading scorer with fourteen points - who hit four three-pointers in a eight minute stretch, but it just wasn't enough to hold back Schoharie's sustained offensive attack.

Devan Smida positions himself for the inbound pass

At one point the Indians held a blowout twenty point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Knights were able to tighten the score with three consecutive three-pointers by Keith Campbell, who had the entire gym cheering on his amazing spree by the third conversion. However, by then it was too little too late for Middleburgh as their opponents would then run out the clock.   

Earlier in the evening the junior varsity matchup, which kicked off the benefit double-header that raised $284 from at door admission and two large boxes of food items that will be split evenly between Middleburgh and Schoharie area food banks, ended in a blowout victory for the Knights as they carried that contest 52-33.

                       1st   2nd   3rd   final
Middleburgh     4    26    36    53
Schoharie       12    28    53    65

Cherry Blasts Mann, Airey over Blenheim Covered Bridge Dispute

Editors note: Schoharie County Treasurer William Cherry forwarded the following email, which is addressed to the Blenheim Long Term Recovery Committee and members of the Blenheim Town Board, to the Schoharie News among other media outlets yesterday afternoon for immediate publication.

Dear members of the BLTRC, and Town Board members,

I am writing to you in response to a newspaper article that was published in the Mountain Eagle in their December 5th edition (see attached photocopy). The article centers on the regular monthly meeting of the Blenheim Town Board which took place on Monday, December 2nd. According to the article, Supervisor Robert Mann and BLTRC Chairman Don Airey made some damning and accusatory statements about me personally, and more specifically, about my delay in submitting the latest proposal to FEMA relating to the Blenheim Covered Bridge. I believe that those accusations are blatantly false, and once you know the truth, I think you will agree. 

 

In September, Don Airey, representing the BLTRC, made a presentation to the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors requesting that they submit a new proposal to FEMA describing the former Blenheim Covered Bridge as a "pier". Mr. Airey’s reasoning was that FEMA had paid to replace the Santa Monica Pier in California which jutted out into the Pacific Ocean when it was damaged in a storm, therefore FEMA should also pay to replace the Blenheim Bridge because, like a pier, it was connected to land on the eastern side but not connected to the bank on the western side of the Schoharie Creek. In an effort to support the wishes of the people of Blenheim, the Board of Supervisors agreed to Mr. Airey’s request without necessarily taking a position on the logic of the argument. The Board then instructed me as Recovery Coordinator to direct Simmons Recovery Consulting to put a proposal together based upon Mr. Airey’s "pier" concept and submit it to FEMA as soon as possible.

 

As requested, Ron Simmons used his extensive knowledge of FEMA regulations to put together the documentation to be submitted. At the Board of Supervisors meeting which was held on November 15th, I reported that the Simmons pier proposal would be ready to be submitted to FEMA by the 25th of November, some ten days later. Ron completed his work ahead of the deadline, and on November 18th, the proposal was ready to be sent in to FEMA as soon as I signed the cover letter. A series of emails were exchanged between Don Airey, Robert Mann, and me over the next few days. In those emails, both Mr. Airey and Mr. Mann repeatedly requested that I hold off on sending the pier proposal in to FEMA until the BLTRC had the opportunity to review the document.

　

A sampling of those emails is as follows:

 

"I would appreciate it if Blenheim would be given ample opportunity to review and comment before any submission to FEMA is made." Supervisor Robert Mann, 11/18/13

 

"Bill, I ask that you please consider said request and not rush to submission but instead, delay such admission to early December in view of Thanksgiving and people’s schedules." "There is no need to rush." BLTRC Chairman Don Airey, 11/19/13

 

"Is there some urgency for the November 25th date? We have been waiting patiently for two years, it seems a shame not to give Blenheim at least a few days to consider it." "Please extend this small courtesy." Supervisor Robert Mann, 11/19/13

 

"Of course we wanted the proposal submitted as soon as possible, but in view of how long it has taken Simmons to do so, at this point a week or two more will not change the result either way…" BLTRC Chairman Don Airey, 11/19/13

 

I responded to these requests in the following manner:

 

"It is my understanding that (at the Town of Blenheim’s request), Ron Simmons was directed by the Board of Supervisors to prepare a submission to FEMA describing the former bridge as a ‘pier’ and to attempt to get FEMA to replace the former covered bridge with a replica to be located on the same site." "Just last Friday I delivered my Recovery Report to the full Board and informed them that Ron’s proposal would be submitted to FEMA by November 25th." Recovery Coordinator Bill Cherry, 11/19/13

 

"I am prepared to sign this proposal and submit it immediately unless the Board of Supervisors informs me they feel differently." Recovery Coordinator Bill Cherry, 11/19/13

 

After receiving the repeated email requests from Mann and Airey, and with due respect for the BLTRC and the Town of Blenheim, I wrote this to Don Airey:

 

"You and Robert Mann can have all the time you need as far as I am concerned. I was under the impression that you and Blenheim wanted this proposal submitted as quickly as possible, and that time was of the essence." "I will hold off on submitting it until I hear a consensus from the Board of Supervisors." Recovery Coordinator Bill Cherry, 11/19/13

 

In direct conflict with the true series of events, at the December 2nd Blenheim Town Board meeting, Mr. Mann and Mr. Airey tried to turn the situation completely around and lay the blame on me for not submitting the proposal in a timely manner. I cannot even begin to explain their motivation for twisting the facts of the matter to the members of the BLTRC, to town officials, and to the public. They both know perfectly well, and the emails prove it, that I was anxious to submit the Simmons proposal to FEMA as quickly as possible, in fact on the same day I received it from Simmons, and that I only held back based upon the repeated and strident requests by Mann and Airey. I guess this proves the old saying that no good deed goes unpunished. As quoted in the Mountain Eagle, here are some of things they said about me and the pier proposal:

 

Don Airey was quoted as saying that: "he was sick and tired with the anchor-dragging at the county level and frustrated with the lack of real support and initiative he has received from the county, and in particular, Cherry." At the Blenheim Town Board meeting, 12/2/13

 

"Quite frankly, I am growing fatigued with Mr. Cherry’s inappropriate, inconsistent, and intransigent attitude in dealing with this issue." Don Airey, 12/2/13

 

"As far as the bridge goes, he’s holding it (the Simmons proposal) on his desk right now, knowing that all he needs to do is commit and submit." Don Airey, 12/2/13

 

"We all want to move forward." "In my opinion he (Cherry) is basically thumbing his nose at the Board of Supervisors and I am angry." Don Airey, 12/2/13

 

"The problem now is it’s sitting on Bill Cherry’s desk and he said it will not be submitted to FEMA until he receives a go ahead from the Board of Supervisors." "At this point I feel like we are getting the run-around." Robert Mann, 12/2/13

 

It wasn’t until last Friday, December 13th, that I was presented with a copy of the newspaper article, so I really had no idea of what had transpired at the Town Board meeting until eleven days after it happened. Given the fact that in September, the Board of Supervisors had originally ordered the proposal to be submitted to FEMA as soon as it was drafted, and since the only reason it was still sitting on my desk awaiting my signature was because of the direct personal requests of Mr. Mann and Mr. Airey, on that same day, Friday, December 13th, I signed the cover letter and submitted the Simmons pier proposal to FEMA.

 

I will leave it to the members of the BLTRC to decide how to handle the matter from here, but in the meantime, rest assured that the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, and I, are actively pursuing your request to replace the Blenheim Covered Bridge in its original location via the pier argument. Mr. Airey has been pushing for me to come to Blenheim to discuss this matter further with the BLTRC, but in light of the events described in this letter and the toxic relationship that has clearly developed between BLTRC Chairman Don Airey and myself, I prefer to await FEMA’s reaction to the proposal before entering into any further discussions. I hope you can appreciate my position.

 

　

Respectfully,

 

William Cherry,

Recovery Coordinator

 

Richmondville Town Board Unanimously Approves Maranatha Waiver Request, Wu Keeps Options Open

Just weeks after negotiations broke down between the Town of Richmondville and potential Maranatha investor Da-Lai Wu due to the municipality's stringent requirements that Mr. Wu had to meet in order for Town Supervisor Richard Lape to sign a waiver request to Empire State Development, it appears a deal may occur after all.

Despite publicly announcing that he was taking a step back from the project, Mr. Wu continued to pursue a potential deal - reaching out to local banks and state officials - while the facility's owner, Stella McKenna, was served with notice of foreclosure and seizure of equipment following years of tax delinquency and a chronic failure to regularly pay bills.

The result of which was a unanimous vote last Thursday evening by the Richmondville Town Board, on recommendation of Town Attorney Marvin Parshall Jr., to authorize Supervisor Lape to sign the necessary waiver request that both satisfies the Restore New York grant requirements and paves the way for Mr. Wu to take ownership of the $5.3 million project.

However, it still remains to be seen whether Ms. McKenna, who Mr. Wu has offered a deal to in exchange for her sub-leasing the property, decides to step aside now and allow Maranatha to reopen in a matter of one to two weeks, or if she will ride the storm to the inevitable end result - delaying any potential opening until mid-2014 at the earliest estimates.

Mr. Wu, who has planned a series of renovations upon his potential ownership - including the installation of hardwood floors on the dance and exercise room floors, plastic grid non-slip floors in the shower area and the addition of TRX and boxing equipment in the weight room - told the Schoharie News that he expects everything to be completed within the next week, or else he is scrapping all current plans and putting a down payment on a property in Middleburgh.

But with the Christmas holiday fast approaching, which Mr. Wu plans to spend working on opening a training facility somewhere within the county, gym members and residents alike in Richmondville might receive the gift of an occupied and operational Maranatha Family Center, allaying fears of another failed Guilford Mills and restoring a pivotal business in the Town's financial framework if all works out.

Middleburgh Resident Arrested for Weapons Charges, Suspected in Multiple Burglaries

The State Police have arrested a man on multiple weapons charges, but also suspect him in a series of burglaries around the area. Eugene Falco, 64, of Middleburgh was arrested in Cobleskill for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree, two counts of Criminal Purchase of a Weapon and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree.

Photo Credit State Police. Linked from WNYT article

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Otsego County Sheriff's Office and State Police in Fonda have all been investigating Falco, suspected in a string of burglaries. This investigation led to the issuing of warrant to search his residence. Upon search, multiple weapons that he was forbidden to own due to a prior conviction were found. In addition, it is believed that two weapons were purchased with funds from proceeds from burglaries.

He also had a wood splitter believed to be stolen from the Otsego County Sheriff's Office. He was arraigned in Town of Middleburgh court and faces $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond.

This also comes after the announcement of another Middleburgh man's arrest for grand larceny.

State Police Arrest Middleburgh Man for Grand Larceny at Amsterdam Target

New York State Police stationed in Fonda have arrested Matthew Elder, who resides on Warrior Way in the Village of Middleburgh, for Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree following a larceny complaint at the Target Store located in the Town of Amsterdam.

Matthew Elder

The suspect allegedly stole $1,100 in electronic equipment from the national retailer which he later sold in the City of Schenectady. There had been broadcasts reporting that a silver Ford Taurus was used in the crime and was later located by the Amsterdam Police Department, which led to a targeted traffic shop that obtained information leading to Mr. Elder's arrest on December 13th.

Mr. Elder was then taken into custody by State Police in Fonda where he confessed to stealing the electronics. He was arraigned and incarcerated in the Montgomery County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond and is due back in the Town of Amsterdam Court today at 6:00 PM.

Snowfall Will Total 2-4"

The area is not catching a break from winter weather. Light flakes are falling right now in Middleburgh, following moderate snow earlier this morning. Total snowfall for today, including the over one inch that has already fallen total between 2 and 4 inches. Meanwhile, it's bitterly cold out, reaching 0 degrees for much of the County last night. Right now it's 12 in Middleburgh, 13 in Schoharie, and 11 in Cobleskill.

Bundle up and drive safe out there! Keep an eye on our up-to-date weather page.

Plummer: "The Possibilities for Sharon Springs are Endless"

"The possibilities for Sharon Springs are endless." That is what Doug Plummer, who was elected Mayor of Sharon Springs earlier this year, told the Schoharie News* in a recent two-hour sit down that covered the growth and expectations of the booming community, which have been aided by Mr. Plummer's proactive and positive attitudes.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Mr. Plummer moved to New York City and performed in the local theatre until he finally settled in Sharon Springs in 1990, where he opened the Rockville Café. He would go on to, with the assistance of his now-husband Garth Roberts, to purchase the historic American Hotel in 1996 and after years of hard work opened it up in 2001.

Mr. Plummer (right) and his husband dressed in Victorian style
clothing during Sharon Springs recent Holiday Celebration.

When asked what his goals for moving Sharon Springs forward were, Mr. Plummer was anything but content with where the historic Village of 500+ citizens currently stands. Among his ideas is to bring in live theatre and arts into Klinkhart Hall (an old movie theatre), a community park, solar power to municipal buildings and hopefully within the next month, revitalization of the old bath houses.  

Presently the Village of Sharon Springs is home to many fine shops and restaurants, including the Black Cat Café and Bakery, Sharon Springs Natural Soap Company, Cobbler and Company and  the Beekman Mercantile 1802, all located on beautiful Main Street. The municipality also hosted a massive harvest festival in late September that, according to police estimates, over 10,000 people from across the country attended.

Between the Villages of Sharon Springs and Middleburgh, there is a growing sentiment of not only optimism but noticeable change within these communities, that is not only responsible for Schoharie County's declining unemployment rate and recent explosion in local small businesses, but is also bringing hope to an area that has long suffered from economic impotence and a sense of defeatism.

For more information on upcoming events and small businesses in Sharon Springs, please visit the Enjoy Sharon Springs website that has a complete listing of local merchants, restaurants, festivals and more.

* This feature article was written and edited by Timothy Knight, with notes being provided from her recent sit down with Mr. Plummer by Louise Knight.

Middleburgh-Schoharie to Face Off in Benefit Boys' Basketball Double-Header Tomorrow

The Middleburgh and Schoharie junior varsity and varsity basketball squads will face off tomorrow evening, December 18th, inside the Middleburgh High School gymnasium for the second of three match ups this season between the neighboring Valley schools in what is being called the Benefit Boys' Basketball double-header.  

 

This comes just two weeks after the Knights varsity team came back from a four point deficit at halftime to overcome the Indians in the first round of the Cutspec Memorial Tournament for a excruciatingly tight 55-53 victory that paved the way for Middleburgh to then reach the event's championship game, which will be played against Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville at a date to be determined.

Tomorrow's double-header will also serve as a charitable fundraiser, as spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to receive half price admission. All food items and admission proceeds will be donated to support Middleburgh and Schoharie food banks. Action will kick off at 6 pm with the junior varsity game, which will be immediately followed by the varsity teams taking center court.

Vote in Our Poll: Rate the County Board Chair's Job Performance

The Schoharie News has launched its newest poll on our right hand sidebar. Here's our readers' chance to vote on how the County Board Chair Phil Skowfoe is doing in his position. Let us know if you approve or disapprove of the job that he has been doing so far.

Conesville Organizational Meeting set for New Years Day, Appointment of Highway Superintendent to be Made

Following weeks of interest in the Town of Conesville's tied Highway Superintendent race in early November between Democrat Stephen Young and incumbent Republican Larry Brandow, and who and when the Town Board will appoint an occupant until a follow up election is held next fall, it has been announced that a decision will be made on New Years Day.

 

The election, which was split evenly between Mr. Young and Mr. Brandow at 154 votes apiece, has had many twists and turns since the final absentee and affidavit ballots were counted a month ago - including the exclusion of one ballot, due to its owner's untimely passing, and the discovery of a write in candidate's 8% (or 18 votes) total share of the electorate.

 

But none of that will matter as the Town of Conesville holds their annual organizational meeting on January 1st, presumably early this year to give the appointed Superintendent an early start in his department, to end by-then two months of speculation over who will head arguably the small rural community's most important function of government.

 

At least until next fall, because New York State law requires any appointment to an elected Town office to be followed by another vote at the next regularly scheduled election, potentially setting the stage for residents of Conesville to have their voices heard one more time on this important local office if both major candidates decide to run again.

 

Stay tuned as we continue to cover this bizarre story.

 

 

Middleburgh's Miracle on Main Street a Success

Bolstered by an influx of new businesses and hundreds of visitors, Middleburgh's Miracle on Main Street was a great success Friday evening as continuous lines of twenty to forty people braved the frigid temperatures and blustery winds to get both face time with Saint Nicholas and carriage rides across the beautifully lit Village of Middleburgh.

From young carolers outside the public library to a live Nativity scene on the lawn of St. Mark's and dozens of businesses lined up and down both sides of Main Street with displays, the atmosphere was abuzz with Christmas cheer and holiday spirit. Commenting on the success of the event, Mayor Matthew Avitabile described the event as "a wonderful show of community spirit," of which he estimated eight hundred people attended, the largest Miracle on Main Street since the event's creation fifteen years ago.

Tracy Boomhower of Four Star Realty serves up reindeer food
to local children, always a hit during Miracle on Main Street

The Middleburgh Renaissance Council, and in particular Sheryl Adams and Patty Beal, worked on planning and developing this year's Miracle for months. And their hard work showed off in both the number of people who attended and the amount of success the event ultimately had.