SAFE Act-Compliant ARs Now Selling

Upstate gun stores are now selling guns that are compliant with the letter of the SAFE Act, although not with the spirit. Multiple vendors are now stocking the specially-milled weapons that have been painstakingly created to comply with the 2012 law. According to the Times Union, the new guns are nearly as effective as the old, but are missing some features.

Lawmakers and others who opposed the law say it's an example of how economics, along with a bit of imagination and tinkering, are prevailing over what they see as a hastily crafted law. 

"The industry is starting to respond to the market," said Rochester-area Republican Assemblyman Bill Nojay, a vocal opponent.

With such weapons now available and the 7-round mandate struck down by a judge, the effective lifespan of the SAFE Act might be on life support.

Man Seeks Shelter in Vehicle, Dies Overnight in Schoharie

Update: After a personal plea from the victim's family, the Schoharie News has removed the Times-Union's story concerning the death of a young man in Schoharie, which according to our sources may have been inaccurately reported earlier this evening. Thank you. 

Update 2: We have confirmed certain details of the Times-Union's story with Sheriff Desmond, but will hold off on publishing any details until the autopsy is completed, and the department issues their own press release concerning the man's death. 

Update 3: The Sheriff's Office filed an official press release published here. 

Skating Open in Schoharie

Following Middleburgh's first skating rink opening in a decade, Schoharie is celebrating its own winter activity starting up. According to the Schoharie Promotional Association Facebook page, a skating rink was opened up in the Fox Creek Park thanks to Floyd Guernsey. There is also lighting available from 6-9pm and they are planning a Family Fun Day on February 22nd.

Photo Credit Schoharie Promo Assoc.

SCARSA to Host Cardiac Emergency Training February 19th

The Schoharie County Ambulance and Rescue Squad Association (SCARSA), and Hudson Simulation Services, will be presenting local EMS 1st responders with the unique opportunity to participate in Cardiac Emergencies: an on-site simulation-training event. 

Greg Vis and educator Andrew Stern will be presenting a new format for group simulation training, which will be held on Wednesday, February 19th, 7-9pm in the basement of the Schoharie County office building. All rescue squad agencies are invited.

The schedule will consist of two cardiac scenarios. Each scenario will have a short refresher-lecture before the small group hands-on simulation. CME Credits will be issued at the event's conclusion.

Two Seeking Village Trustee in Middleburgh

With final petitions due on Tuesday, February 11th at the Middleburgh Village Hall, there are currently two candidates collecting signatures to run for the two expiring Trustee seats in the Village of Middleburgh's March 18th election. 

Sheryl Adams, who was appointed to fill Mayor Matthew Avitabile's Trustee seat in 2012, and was subsequently elected to the Village Board on her own right last year, picked up her petition in mid January in hopes of securing a second term. She is also a member of the Middleburgh Renaissance Council. 

Political newcomer Lillian Bruno, who is a Village-appointed member of the CRP Committee that is reviewing $12 million in Restore NY funds for the Schoharie Valley, has also securing a nominating petition. She is running to replace Deputy Mayor Thomas Gruning, who is retiring from public office. 

Both candidates are running under the Middleburgh First Party banner, which was founded by then Village Trustee Matthew Avitabile in 2006, and currently has control of the entire Village Board after a string of successful election showings. 

HCR Announces New Leadership Team

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2014 — HCR Home Care, a leading provider of home health care services across New York state, announced today a new leadership team.

HCR’s leadership team is comprised of Elizabeth Zicari, the company’s new president; Richard Glickman, chief financial officer; and Laura Habza, chief operating officer. Company founder Louise Woerner remains in her roles as chair and chief executive officer. Former CEO Mark Maxim recently retired.

Elizabeth Zicari, HCR's new President

“I am very pleased to announce HCR’s new leadership team,” said Louise Woerner, CEO and chair, HCR Home Care. “Elizabeth, Richard and Laura will work with me to lead HCR at an exciting time for our company, as we implement our expansion across New York state and continually improve patient care and care coordination. Their leadership, experience and expertise will be invaluable as we move forward in the ever-changing health care marketplace.”

Elizabeth Zicari, who joined HCR in 2000 and previously served as HCR’s vice president of clinical services, brings to her new role more than 30 years of professional experience in nursing, administration and business management. Zicari, a Johnson and Johnson/Wharton Executive Nurse Fellow, is a three-year member of the Home Care Association of New York State’s Policy Council. A Brighton, N.Y. resident, she received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Salve Regina College and is certified in executive nursing practice.

Richard Glickman joined HCR in 2013, after serving as controller/senior manager-corporate special projects at Time Warner Cable in Rochester, N.Y. and Charlotte, N.C. He also previously held positions at AT&T/ACC Telecom, Frontier Communications and Arthur Anderson and Company. A member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Glickman earned his M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the Simon School at the University of Rochester and his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He resides in Fairport, N.Y.

Laura Habza joined HCR in 2013 as practice manager, overseeing business growth initiatives, market analysis and financial performance. Habza’s background includes more than 25 years of experience in marketing strategy and implementation, business operations management, process and organizational design, and product management. A past president of the Rochester Business Alliance Women’s Council, she earned her M.B.A. in Marketing and Organizations and Markets from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester and her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Economics from Michigan State University. Laura Habza resides in Rochester, N.Y.

The Schoharie News Offers Discounted Advertising Rates in February

The Schoharie News, due to the short length of February and in acknowledge of today's difficult economic times, would like to offer across the board discounted advertising rates to area businesses and law firms to see their ad placed on Schoharie County's online source for local news.

For new advertisers that sign on in the month of February, their monthly rate will start at $20 for photo ads and be locked in for tree months - a 20% overall discount that applies to all ad services on the website, including yearly rates and the Legal Directory. 

With over 50,000 page views in January, the Schoharie News holds a loyal audience of readers that keep coming back for immediate coverage on county politics, bad weather, crime, and Middleburgh Knights high school hoops updates. 

Please email Timothy Knight at aaaabraves@yahoo.com, or call at 518-231-1465 for more information. 

Knights Top Northville 63-48 on the Road

Led by Troy Hinkley's eighteen point performance Thursday evening, the Middleburgh Knights varsity squad cruised to victory over the Northville Falcons 63-48 in a contest that was close early, but moved toward the Knights after the half. The WAC match up was held in Northville. 

Middleburgh's Tanner Van Aller converted 66.7% of his
shots from the free throw line - Photo credit: Bob Roney

Tanner Van Aller contributed sixteen points, and Ryan Bechtold added another nine in support of the Knights effort, while Kalob Russell led the Falcons with thirteen points. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, finding the basket just six times downtown. 

On the flip side, Middleburgh converted twelve of eighteen of their free throw opportunities, while Northville was held to just twelve shots - a reversal of the Knights season long struggles picking up the extra shots on offense, while limiting on defense. 

Middleburgh 63
Northville     48
                     1st  2nd  3rd  Final
Middleburgh   17  24  45  63
Northville       11  24  34  48

Blenheim Unaminously Approves Abatements, Fracking Law

With everyone in attendance voicing support for the controversial idea, members of the Blenheim Town Board voted unanimously in favor of two local laws Monday evening that pertain to tax abatements. The laws are the brainchild of Town of Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone, and have seen momentum spread across the Valley in recent weeks. 

Blenheim's version offers assessment exemptions to first time home buyers, and reconstruction efforts up to 50% of the house's value for five years, with the abatements being phased out in 10% annual increments. Both were specifically recommended by Real Property Tax Services. 

In other action, Blenheim board members voted - again without public, or political opposition - in of another proposed local law that would ban hydrofracking in their small community. The Town will formally pass the law next month, after receiving a referral from the County Planning Commission.

Armored Vehicle Used in Knox Standoff

Some interesting information coming in from News 10 on the standoff in Knox yesterday. According to News 10, an Albany County Sheriff's armored vehicle was used to subdue Kenneth Fortuin.

Apple says without the vehicle they would have had to stay back. "Able to get very close, very safe and knew where he was," he said. A fully armored exterior and the massive size...makes the military vehicle look very intimidating.

We covered the acquisition of the vehicles last year.

Alleged Arson, Explosions in Knox as Man Has Standoff With Police, Firemen

A Knox man allegedly intentionally set fire to his garage and then blocked access to the area for fire and police personnel. When the first responders arrived to the fire around 10:30pm last night, the man refused to come out and did not turn himself in until 7:00am this morning.

During the fire, propane tanks and ammunition exploded on Saddlemire Road in Knox. He threatened any first responders if they came closer and blocked off access to his property by cutting down trees. He allegedly had a handgun with him during the incident.

NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

The man was believed to be armed and dangerous was identified as 49-year old Kenneth Fortuin. He is charged with 3rd degree arson and with blocking fire department operations. He may be charged with more as the investigation continues.

More information from News 6.

Part of 30A Closed Near Sloansville

With the Governor's announcement of a snow emergency, many roads across the state are out of commission. One is closed in our county at the moment: the stretch of Route 30A between Route 20 and Briggs Road. There's a tractor trailer blocking the roadway there. Snow is continuing and we expect between 8-16 inches. Some areas already have over a foot. Stay safe out there!

Seward Proposes Anti-Welfare Fraud Bill

In an email sent out to supporters, State Senator James Seward has co-sponsored sweeping legislation to cut down on welfare fraud in New York State. According to the email, a similar bill has already passed the State Senate three times, while not coming to a vote in the Assembly.

That's why I co-sponsored "The Public Assistance Integrity Act", passed by the senate today. This will crack down on those who use their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards on items like cigarettes, beer, and lottery tickets. The bill would also stop ATM withdrawals at liquor stores, casinos, and strip clubs.

Seward says that New York needs to act soon or it could lose $122 million in federal aid. More information on the bill can be found here on his website.

Blenheim to Host Community Breakfast February 22

The Town of Blenheim will be hosting a free community breakfast at the Blenheim Town Hall on Saturday, February 22 from 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM. The breakfast menu includes: pancakes, french toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and toast.

All are welcome to attend.

Snowfall Meets Predictions

Snowfall has ranged around the County, but here in the central part of the Valley, snowfall is about one foot. Many schools and businesses are closed for the day as plows cris-cross the roads. Middleburgh is already largely cleaned out and almost no cars or pedestrians are braving the white walls cropping up around town.

Remember that you can stay current with the Schoharie News weather page, including a look at the local radar-- up to date day or night.

Vote Brigading Mars Cherry Opinion Poll

In a case of vote birgading, hundreds of additional votes were added to our recent Schoharie News poll, sometimes dozens in just several minutes. The week-long poll is of course unscientific, but severe issues plagued this one, which does have rudimentary blocks to prevent repeat voting but is not foolproof.

According to the poll, which had heavy periods of "no" votes once the "yes" reached over 50%.

The numbers, likely inaccurate wound up at:

Do You Approve of County Treasurer William Cherry's Job Performance?

Yes:  485: 42.7%
No: 648: 55%: 57.0%
Undecided: 4: 0.3%

Cherry Files Second Appeal for Jail Relocation

After months of seeking statewide support, redrafting arguments, and working with the County Board of Supervisors, Recovery Coordinator Bill Cherry filed the county's second appeal to FEMA officials on Friday morning. The appeal, if approved, would relocate the county's Public Safety Facility to higher ground, and outside of the floodplain. 

In a letter addressed to the New York State Emergency Management Office, and republished in the Schoharie News, Mr. Cherry argued that, "Our second appeal to FEMA is based not only upon economic common sense and fairly predictable future events, it is based upon FEMA’s own legal and regulatory requirements. First and foremost is the fact that when dealing with a critical facility located within a designated flood-zone, FEMA is legally obligated to comply with local and state code requirements when evaluating whether to repair the existing damaged structure as compared to relocating that structure to higher ground outside of the floodplain."

FEMA rejected Schoharie County's initial appeal on the agency's 50% rule, stating that it would not accept a project that included state funding. The state has committed to paying 25% for any costs associated with the reconstruction, but this conflicts with FEMA regulations.

According to the County's letter to FEMA, the agency did not send a response back to the first appeal, and FEMA even "failed to understand the precedence of our arguments which are that law trumps regulation and regulation trumps policy." The County also says that FEMA cannot have it "both ways" in the process and that their involvement in the moving of the facility is vital for the success of the project.

Vote in Our New Poll: Do You Support Tax Abatements?

Here is a chance for our readers to weigh in on the controversial tax abatement proposals that Town of Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone has spearheaded since last fall. The proposals have been enacted in both the Town and Village of Schoharie, and considered across much of the Valley, but faces stiff opposition from Republican members of the County Board.

The poll is located on the right hand sidebar of the website.

Special County Board Meeting Set for Today

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors will be holding their first special meeting of the 2014 general session this afternoon at three, where several local laws and flood mitigation litigation issues will be discussed, among other items.

Supervisors will open the floor for public comment, possible debate, and then vote on proposed local laws two through four:

Local Law #2-2014 - Establishing the Schoharie County Department of Information Technology and Services & Designating Director of Department as Unclassified for Civil Service Purposes and Designating Deputy Director of Department as Exempt for Civil Service Purposes 

Local Law #3-2014 - Establishing the Schoharie County Department of Emergency Services & Designating Director of Department as Unclassified for Civil Service Purposes and Designating Deputy Director of Department as Exempt for Civil Service Purposes 

Local Law #4-2014 - Changing the Term of Office for Clerk of the Board of Supervisors 

February's regular monthly board meeting is scheduled for the 21st at nine that morning.

Gilboa Man Charged With Second Degree Murder in Kingston

The Watershed Post published the following story this morning:

A 33-year-old Olivebridge man was fatally shot by a coworker at the Kingston office of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection at 71 Smith Avenue around 6:45 a.m. on Monday morning. A suspect in the shooting was taken into custody at the scene shortly after the incident.

The Kingston Police Department has identified the victim as Aron Thomas of Olivebridge, in a statement issued mid-day Monday. According to New York City payroll records, Thomas was a watershed maintainer at the agency. He has worked for the DEP for nearly nine years. 

On Monday afternoon, Kingston police announced the identity of the suspect: 53-year-old David Reese, a Gilboa resident. Reese, a DEP engineer, worked in the same area of the building in Kingston that Thomas did, police said. 

Reese has been charged with second-degree murder. He is scheduled for arraignment at 5 p.m. in City of Kingston court.

For more details on this senseless crime, please visit the Watershed Post's website.