Artisan's Gallery to Host Catskill Candies and Confections on Saturday March 8

The Artisan's Gallery, located on 322 Main Street in Middleburgh, will be hosting Raelene Bond of Catskill Candies and Confections on Saturday, March 8th from noon until 4 pm to showcase her homemade chocolate creations and much more. Free samples will be available from the Margaretville based shop. 

In addition, the Artisan's Gallery is fully prepared for springtime - offering unique gifts for everyone, and every occasion through June - with free wrapping thrown in for those special Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day and graduation mementos purchased in-store. The Gallery is open regularly Wednesday through Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-4. 

Schoharie Skating Starting at 4pm Today

In just about an hour, skating will begin at Schoharie's Fox Creek. All are invited.

From the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook:

Come on down to Fox Creek Park today starting at 4 PM. Even though the sun and rain have severely affected the ice skating rink, we will still have a bonfire, music, food and a chance to get out to meet and talk to your neighbors!

Split Board Approves Countywide Tax Abatements

With months of controversy setting the stage for Friday's public hearing on tax abatements, Supervisors and concerned residents spent almost an hour and a half arguing the merits and pitfalls of two proposed local laws that if approved would put in place countywide exemptions for first time homebuyer construction and certain property improvements.

Arguing that the exemptions would, "get people to look at Schoharie County," Middleburgh Town Supervisor Jim Buzon and others made the case for passing the local laws. On the flip side, Carlisle Town Supervisor Larry Bradt insisted there is, "no free lunch," and that abatements amounted to nothing more than, "a feel good law."

A majority of Supervisors disagreed. Casting two separate roll call votes on the abatement proposals, the county board approved Local Law #5 (property improvements) 1718-1009* with Mr. Barbic, Mrs. Bleau, Mr. Bradt, Mr. Federice and Mr. McAllister in opposition, while passing Local Law #6 (first time homebuyer) 2314-413*. 

Tax abatements entered the public discourse after the Town of Schoharie adopted them last fall. Since their town-wide enactment, Supervisor Gene Milone has spearheaded efforts to see them span not only the still-recovering Valley communities, but the county as a whole. The Village of Schoharie and the Town of Blenheim have recently approved their own versions of law, while the Towns of Esperance and Middleburgh have extensively considered them.  

It remains to be seen whether the abatements will truly, "draw families into our communities," as Mr. Milone stated forcefully before his colleagues Friday afternoon, or if Mr. Bradt's repeated warnings that they will end up costing local taxpayers in the long run, come to fruition. 

* - weighted vote

Middleburgh Adopts Public Safety Committee

Town of Middleburgh board members, who convened Wednesday evening after last week's snowstorm cancelled their regularly scheduled meeting, approved a draft proposal submitted by Councilman Brian DeFeo that would form a standing joint committee between the Town and Village of Middleburgh to address and review all aspects of public safety within the municipalities. 

The Public Safety Committee would consist of a member from both the Town Council and the Village Board of Trustees; one officer each from the Middleburgh Fire Department, the Huntersland Fire Department, and the Middleburgh Volunteer Ambulance Corp. In addition, both the Town and Village would be able to appoint an unaffiliated member of the public as well.

After briefly discussing the proposal, the Town Board unanimously adopted Mr. DeFeo's proposal in its entirety. The Town Councilman is planning to attend the respective organizations March meetings in order to personally invite their members to participate in the new committee.

Committee members would meet on a quarterly basis and would oversee a variety of public safety issues, including fire prevention, emergency medical response, and law enforcement concerns. Any operational expenses would be shared equally by the Town and Village governments.

Breaking News: County Board Reinstates Gigandet and Grimes

Following a prolonged executive session, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors voted 13-1 this afternoon to reinstate Eva Gigandet and Penny Grimes as employees of the county Public Health Department. The board sanctioned Fitzmaurice Report identified both women as being wrongfully terminated by Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington during her, "reign of terror."

Town of Carlisle Supervisor Larry Bradt was the lone vote in opposition, arguing his decision was based on the lack of information concerning their compensation and severance packages. Neither Supervisor Vroman of Summit, nor Smith of Broome were present for the afternoon session. 

Visibly emotional after the vote, Ms. Grimes told the Schoharie News on both her and Ms. Gigandet's behalf that they were appreciative and thankful for the county board's decision, which came over four months after the report was publicly released and Mrs. Ethington was placed on administrative leave for her actions. 

Winter Advisory in Effect (February 20, 2014)

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a winter advisory for much of Upstate, New York - including Schoharie County - until eleven this evening due to updated weather models indicating that the local area, and surrounding communities, could expect several inches of snow mixed with sleet to impact the area. 

County Board to Meet Friday (February 21, 2014)

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors will be holding their second regular monthly meeting of the 2014 legislative session tomorrow morning at nine, which will be immediately (currently scheduled for two in the afternoon) followed by a public hearing on Town of Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone's proposed countywide tax abatements. 

No agenda has been published on the county website at this time, but sources have indicated that Supervisors may possibly consider rehiring Eva Gigandet and Penny Grimes, two former Health Department employees that were systematically targeted and fired by now-suspended Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington during her, "reign of terror," according to the infamous Fitzmaurice Report.

Stay tuned to the Schoharie News for immediate coverage of tomorrow's county board meeting on both the website and facebook. 

Middleburgh Town Board to Meet Tonight (February 19th)

On account of last Thursday's gigantic nor'easter that dumped upwards to three feet of snow in parts of Schoharie County, the Town of Middleburgh was forced to cancel that evening's monthly board meeting - the first time that has occurred in decades - and it was rescheduled for this evening at 7:15 p.m. at the Middleburgh Town Hall that is located on 143 Railroad Avenue.

Letter to the Editor: Wu Sets Record Straight

Dear Editor,

In light of some online rabble-rouser’s absurd and untruthful comments, it is time for me to set the record straight regarding my involvement in the Maranatha Fitness Center (MFC). My willingness to invest in the MFC was offered with the specific intention of salvaging a recreation facility both needed and wanted by the community. All grant monies had already been spent almost a year before my awareness of MFC, much less my involvement, and my only intent was to move forward.

Every business has its model, including a health club. Records showed that the majority of MFC's revenue occurred from December through part of March, which is well within the industry's standard parameters. However, the drop-off in membership from May through September was so large and is so unique to this locale, that the limited revenue-producing time period specifically requires an abundance of success just to keep the business running without some exceptionally creative programming during the warmer months—which I was confident that I could provide. Additionally, to invest in a business which was running such a large deficit and with no working capital, required that the business model be altered to produce a greater percentage of return on the investment, including, equity ownership. With that said, in September 2013 I asked for two concessions from the Town and the Village of Richmondville in order to have a reasonable amount of time to get the business running again before having to cover all the arrears.

I first asked the Town to allow me to postpone a federally requested grant audit that cost $20,000 dollars, and which carried absolutely no penalty if not done. They agreed to give me a postponement opportunity, but wanted me to put $20,000 dollars in escrow, which is the same as not giving me a postponement. I also asked the Village of Richmondville's board to stretch out the electric bill payment of $31,000 dollars over three months, which they denied. Since neither the town nor the village was willing to make any concessions, under the health club model described above, in which the profits of the winter months must carry the business through the lack of activity in the summer months, the requirement of such a large initial payment after the winter term had already begun, made the investment untenable.

On top of that, the town’s delay in requesting a waiver from the state regarding the recapture of any funds related to the grant—the only way to have allowed me to obtain equity ownership—and which the state offered in late September, as well as numerous times in October and November, made it almost impossible to work within the business model and timetable required to make MFC successful. The need for a substantial infusion of capital then became way more than the business model's standard. By the time the town requested the waiver in mid-December, (which protects the taxpayers from having the state ask for any recapture of funds from the original grant) it was just too late in the season to get MFC’s doors open and viable.

The rabble-rousers who protested and focused on what was, and not what is, over these past couple of years—like they were Soviet citizens protesting the USA hockey team's win over their own team in Sochi, days after the game already ended—and especially, since those actions so severely affected the town officials' courage and their ability to move forward with what was necessary to allow the business model to flourish until after Election Day, has caused the facility to remain closed, and for all of the public debts to become solely the taxpayer's responsibility.

In my opinion, that is exactly why all in the community should ignore those who want to cry about what went wrong back in the day, and who refuse to make any efforts to find a way to currently make the situation better for everyone. They make a lot of noise which benefits no one, while this valuable community resource remains closed, and most likely, affected in a grossly negative manner by this year's intense weather conditions. The bottom line is that the facility could have easily been reopened, and everyone in the community would have had something healthy and enjoyable to occupy their time without having to hibernate in their homes due to all of the cold and snowy weather conditions which we are now experiencing.

Sincerely,

Da-lai Wu

State Police Arrest Richmondville Man for Endangering the Welfare of a Child

On February 19, 2014 State Police in Cobleskill arrested Zachary R. Foland, 21, of Richmondville, NY for assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. at an address on State Route 7 in the Town of Richmondville. The victim and her children left the residence and reported the incident to State Police.  

Zachary Foland

Foland was arrested when he turned himself into the State Police later that same day. Foland was charged with assault in the 3rd degree, criminal obstruction of breathing, and endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanors. Foland was arraigned in the Town of Richmondville Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail in lieu of $5000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.   

Poll: Rebuild Blenheim Bridge

With the controversy about the Blenheim Bridge mounting and letters to the editor arguing for one position or another, Schoharie News readers are similarly divided. After a week of polling, our readers were asked if they would prefer to rebuild exactly where the bridge was exactly how it was, to build a replica in another location, or if the cost is too great for such a project.

- Yes, exactly where it was 194 (53%) 
- Yes, but as a replica elsewhere 19 (5%) 
- No, the cost and risk is too great 140 (38%) 
- Undecided 12 (3%)

The controversy will not dissapate anytime soon about the issue. With such a result, be sure to vote in our newest poll on our sidebar, whether or not you approve of the Schoharie News.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (February 18, 2014)

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following press release concerning recent arrests by their officers in the Village of Cobleskill: 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

     At 4:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Ashlee C. King, 22, of Cohoes, NY, for a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $5,000 Bail / $10,000 Bond. She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on February 18^th at 5:00 p.m.       

Friday, February 14, 2014

     At 8:06 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Christopher M. Majewski, 32, of Warnerville, NY, for 2 Counts Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2^nd. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $100 Cash / $200 Bail.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 4^th at 5:00 p.m.

           

Saturday, February 15, 2014

     At 12:45 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Enrique Rivera, 23, of Cobleskill, NY, for Violation of the Village Noise Ordinance.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 11^th at 5:00 p.m.  The property of at 155 MacArthur Avenue was posted for Unruly Gathering per the Village Noise Ordinance.

     At 2:19 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Albert M.V. Chapman, 24, of Brooklyn, NY, for violation of the Village Noise Ordinance.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 3^rd at 5:00 p.m.  The property at 110-1 Mallard Lane was posted for Unruly Gathering per the Village Noise Ordinance.

     At 8:55 p.m. Cobleskill, NY, arrested Robert J. Ambroz, 41, of Cobleskill, NY, on a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $125 Bail. 

SALT to Host "Fat Tuesday" Buffet to Benefit Flood Recovery

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) will be hosting a buffet style breakfast on "Fat Tuesday," March 4th from 5:30-7:30 pm to benefit local flood recovery efforts. The buffet will be held at the Fusion Community Church, which is located on 375 North Grand Street in Cobleskill. 

With pancakes, eggs, bacon, and much more on the menu, patrons can both satisfy their hunger and support a worthwhile cause for only $10 per adult, and $5 for children age twelve and under if they reserve their spot beforehand. Prices will rise slightly for walk-ins. 

Richmondville Woman Arrested for Possessing Heroin, Other Substances

On February 16^th, the State Police in Cobleskill arrested Lindsay Serio, 31, of Richmondville, NY for possessing heroin, oxycodone, and marihuana.  At approximately 2:10 pm Troopers stopped the vehicle in which Serio was a passenger, on I88 in the Town of Schoharie for a violation of the move over law.  During the stop Troopers detected the odor of marihuana.  

Lindsay Serio

A search of the vehicle and its occupants revealed that Serio was in possession of heroin, marihuana, and a crushed oxycodone pill.  Serio was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, a misdemeanor.  Serio was also charged with unlawful possession of marihuana and possessing a controlled substance outside its original container, both violations.  

Serio was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to return to the Town of Schoharie Court on March 3rd at 5:00 p.m.  Also arrested was the operator of the vehicle, Khondker Hossain, 25, of Levittown, NY for driving with a suspended license.  Hossain was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the 2nd degree, a misdemeanor.  Hossain was arraigned in the Town of Schoharie Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1000 bond.  Hossain is scheduled to return to the Town of Schoharie Court February 24th at 5:00p.m.  

Local Opposition Persists to Pipeline, Despite New Right of Way Leases

With public opposition quietening in recent months over Constitution's proposed natural gas pipeline that would complete its approximatly 124 mile journey in Schoharie County, the company has been busily working under the radar to negotiate right of way leases from local landowners.

The proposed pipeline, which would originate in Pennsylvania and end in the Town of Wright, passes through seven local townships: Jefferson, Summit, Richmondville, Cobleskill, Middleburgh, Schoharie, and Wright. Thus far, roughly 50% of property holders have granted easements, leaving Constitution in an unfavorable position to justify federal approval.

However, since the New Year, the company has obtained eleven new right of way leases according to the Schoharie County Clerk's Office. The new batch of leases are primarily in the Towns of Schoharie and Summit, including one costly $10,500 contract that secures Constitution passage through Shaul Farms property near the Schoharie Days Inn and Suites.

But despite recent successes local opposition is still present, as demonstrated by the Blenheim Town Board's unanimous decision to ban any form of natural gas production within their boundaries, and the release of an anti-fracking documentary by filmmaker and Village of Middleburgh Trustee Bill Morton. 

Still, to the distress of advocates and supporters alike on both sides of the controversy, little can be done locally to resolve the situation; as that power rests solely with the federal government.

Letter to the Editor: CARRT Encourages Family Activities in February

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you as a member of the Child At Risk Response Team (CARRT) of Schoharie County.  Over the past 10+ years, I have had the privilege and honor of working with this professional group of men and women who are passionately dedicated to the health and well-being of every Schoharie County child and adolescent.  We work together to prevent, investigate, and prosecute child maltreatment when it occurs here in our own community.

As a team we are celebrating February as the month to encourage Family Activities.  Given this long winter season, February is an opportune time to connect and bond with our close family members.  Consider cooking or baking together, going outside for some sledding or ice skating, rent a family friendly movie, pop the popcorn and snuggle together in the warmth of your TV room.  Spending time together making positive memories is a sure way to increase your family well-being and communication. 

I would like to extend personal appreciation to the numerous folks in our community who have invested in the creation of family friendly activities in our communities such as the Fox Creek Park Ice Skating, Middleburgh Ice Skating, SUNY Cobleskill’s Family Swim Hours, and many other opportunities!  Please consider posting your activities on CARRT’s Facebook Page and we would be happy to help you promote your family friendly activities.  We believe that supporting healthy family activities in our community is an important step in the prevention child abuse and neglect.

The CARRT’s Child Advocacy Center provides: (1) Centrally located services to prevent, intervene, investigate and prosecute as appropriate cases of child abuse and neglect; (2) A non-threatening, child-friendly setting where services can be coordinated; (3) Support for the child and non-offending family members and caregivers during a difficult time, Advocacy throughout investigation, court proceeding and aftercare; and (4) Community education.

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Schultz, LMSW

CRCS School Social Worker

Middleburgh, NY

Schoharie County Emergency Services Scanner Now Featured on the Schoharie News

In case of emergency or just to stay connected, a scanner is a great tool to see what is going on in the area. If you do not have a scanner, feel free to use the one linked on the Schoharie News site. We have installed the live feed of the Schoharie County Emergency Services scanner live at the top of our always-updated weather page. Check it out and take a look. Bookmark the page so it is handy in emergencies.

Women's Health Clinic in Cobleskill March 18th

From the Schoharie County Health Department's Facebook page:

Free Health Screenings with Bassett's Mobile Mammography Coach!

What: The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. There are no income guidelines. 

When: Wednesday, February 26, 9 am - 3 pm 

Where: Shoppers Mart Plaza (SCCAP parking lot) 795 E. Main Street, Cobleskill NY

Details: Screenings include pap tests with pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms and take home colorectal test kits (for men and women 50 or older)

Contact: Please call this toll free number 1-888-345-0225 to set up your appointment.

Please share this important information!

Contact: Please call this toll free number 1-888-345-0225 to set up your appointment.

Please share this important information!

Schoharie Fire Dept Searching for Disaster Consultant

With the stress of the last several years still present in operations, the Schoharie Fire Department has placed a request for proposals for a consultant to review disaster management. The Department, which was among the most active in 2011's flooding despite losing their original fire house is undergoing major changes as it is moving its operations to a potential new fire house and is pushing hard for an independent fire district separate from control of the Village of Schoharie.

On the Department's website, there are more details about what SFD is looking for. The Department is hoping to select a consultant by March 31st after a series of interviews.

Some of the tasks for the consultant, according to the RFP, would include:

 Represent the Owner and attend meetings with FEMA/NYSOEM on behalf of the Owner.

 Damage Site Assessment & Project Worksheet Formulation.

 Identify Potential Improvements & Maximize Public Assistance 406-Mitigation Funding.

 Meet with Village Trustees, Town Councilpersons, Officers, and Department Heads and

 Collect/Compile Cost Documentation for Project Worksheets (PW’s). 

Proposals are due March 7th at 2pm.

Central Bridge Fire Department Joins Facebook

The Central Bridge Fire Department has joined many of the other Fire Departments of the County by joining Facebook. In just several days, their page has attracted hundreds of likes. The site is right here for you to like.