Gillibrand Joins Growing Chorus in Support of Relocating Schoharie Jail

United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has become the latest member of Schoharie County's state and federal delegation to support the county's ongoing appeal to FEMA representatives in an attempt to relocate the Public Safety Facility and jail outside of the floodplain. She joins senior Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Gibson's earlier calls. 

In a letter addressed to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in late February, Mrs. Gillibrand expressed her concerns that, "rebuilding the facility in the same location exposes the County to potential future damage due to severe storms and flooding." She would go on to point out that the, "structure has been damaged by floodwaters three times in the last 20 years."

Schoharie County officials appealed FEMA's earlier decision to deny relocation of the county jail after the agency justified their refusal by arguing that, one - state funds would be used during the course of the project in direct conflict with federal regulation, and two - the county could not add mitigation costs to construction figures to overcome FEMA's 50/50 rule. 

In her written appeal to Mr. Fugate, Senator Gillibrand stated that she believed that a, "future flood could have a larger impact on the County's emergency preparedness as the County would have to evacuate all inmates and interrupt their emergency operations." Alluding to the county's proposed alternative, Gillibrand renewed her call that, "FEMA consider the appeal from Schoharie County."

Seward Meets With Central Bridge 4-H Student in Albany

ALBANY, 03/04/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) Tuesday welcomed Schoharie County 4-H member Emma Wegner to Albany as part of the 79^th annual 4-H Capital Days.

“As a former 4-H member, I am pleased to see the program continuing to offer our young people a well-rounded education on topics like agriculture, leadership and life skills,” said Senator Seward.  “Ms. Wegner and her fellow 4-H members are our future leaders.  Meeting with them and providing some insight into Albany’s daily proceedings is a welcome highlight.”

Senator James L. Seward (left) welcomes Schoharie County 4-H member Emma Wegner (Central Bridge) to Albany for the annual 4-H Capital Days.

Ms. Wegner and students from other area 4-H chapters met with Senator Seward during a legislative breakfast, quizzing him on pending legislation, local issues of importance and the inner workings of the state senate.

In December of 2013, Senator Seward was named a Distinguished 4-H Alumnus, the first documented New York honoree to be listed in the national directory.

“The ideals I learned while a 4-H member helped give birth to my interest in public service and continue to foster my passion each and every day,” added Senator Seward.

4-H, a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, brings students, volunteer leaders and staff from across the state to Albany each year for a two day conference.  Students spend time witnessing the state legislature in session, touring the Capitol and learning about history and state government.

Reality Check Presents: Movie Fame & Shame Awards of 2014

Cobleskill, NY – Smoking imagery in youth-rated movies is still common and a primary recruiter of teen smokers – just one of the many manipulative marketing tactics embraced by the tobacco industry.  Reality Check of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties is joining youth around the world to create awareness about the way Hollywood encourages youth to smoke during the International Week of Action (February  24 to March 2), which coincided with the week leading up to the 86th Academy Awards.

To celebrate International Week of Action and recognize the best and worst of smoke free movies, Reality Check youth from across New York State will present awards to the following movie studios and actors:

Fame & Shame Awards 2014

The Fame Awards:

1.  Walt Disney Studios

Reality Check presents a 10^th Anniversary Fame Award to Walt Disney Studios for providing family entertainment with a commitment to protecting youth from tobacco imagery.  Tobacco incidents have almost disappeared from Disney’s G and PG movies.  We salute Walt Disney Studios for adopting a policy to keep smoking out of youth-rated movies and producing movies like “Saving Mr. Banks” without tobacco imagery despite the historical use of tobacco by the lead character, Walt Disney, played by Tom Hanks.

2. Stanton A. Glanz & Jono Polansky, Smoke Free Movies Network
   Reality Check presents a 10^th Anniversary Fame Award to Stanton A. Glanz and Jono Polansky of the Smoke Free Movies Network for their tireless dedication to working to protect youth from tobacco imagery in movies.  The Smoke Free Movies Network is a project of Stanton A. Glantz, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and director of the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education.  Jono Polansky works with Professor Glanz and consults with UCSF on tobacco control strategy.  Together they use research, commentary and information about the deadly consequences of tobacco imagery in movies and its recruitment of young smokers to apply ongoing pressure on the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to change its rating system and rate movies with smoking R.
3. National Association of Attorneys General & The New York State Attorney General’s Office

Reality Check presents a 10^th Anniversary Fame Award to the National Association of Attorneys General and The New York State Attorney General’s Office in appreciation of their dedicated staff and resources to addressing tobacco imagery in youth-rated movies.  For more than 10 years, Attorneys General have been urging movie studios and the MPAA to reduce youth exposure to tobacco in movies.

The Shame Awards:

1. Film Director Woody Allen

Reality Check presents a Shame Award to film director Woody Allen for his complete disregard for youth and their exposure to tobacco imagery in his movies.  As a director, Allen decides what appears on screen and could easily avoid the use of tobacco in youth-rated movies, but chooses not to.  His most recent and blatant support of tobacco came in 2013 when he cancelled the release of his film “Blue Jasmine” in India because he refused to air an anti-tobacco message prior to the film as required by India’s Ministry of Health.

2. Actor Johnny Depp

Reality Check presents a Shame Award to Actor Johnny Depp for allowing the popular animated character he voiced, Rango, to smoke in the movie by the same name. Rango is an animated film rated PG, intended for youth and widely seen by young audiences. This film included more than 60 smoking instances on screen including smoking by Rango, the hero and main character of the film. 

3. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio

Reality Check presents a Shame Award to Actor Leonardo DiCaprio for making smoking look cool on screen in the PG-13 rated movie “The Great Gatsby”.  While the novel “The Great Gatsby” only mentions smoking 8 times, this new 3D  version includes more than 150 smoking instances despite the reality that Americans smoked less in 1922 than they do now.  Tragically, this film has already delivered 2.5 billion tobacco impressions to audiences including youth.

4. The 10^th Anniversary Ultimate Shame Award:  Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA)

For 10 years, Reality Check has joined with other youth across the U.S. to encourage the MPAA to change its rating system to trigger an R rating when tobacco imagery is part of a film.  In 2007, the MPAA announced that it would “consider” smoking in its film ratings, but has yet to elevate the rating of any film for smoking or implement a policy where smoking generates an R rating similar to certain language.   The MPAA has received thousands of communications from youth, parents and the public in support of a change to its rating system, yet youth-rated movies continue to deliver billions of tobacco impressions.  For not taking action in the best interest of our nation’s youth, shame on you, MPAA.

Reality Check of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties and 15 other Reality Check contracts throughout NYS will be will sending the Fame recipients a photo of their youth with thank you messages written on the photo by youth thanking the recipient for their work in protecting kids from toxic movies. Each contract will send and empty shipping box to the Shame recipients with nothing in the box but a written message on the inside bottom saying “YOU CAN VIEW YOUR SHAME AWARD ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE AT REALITYCHECKOFNY.COM.” 

For 10 years, Reality Check has been working to get Hollywood to eliminate smoking in youth rated movies with an “R” rating.    “By the 2015 Oscars, we hope to have a new standard for “R” ratings to celebrate,” said C.J. Smith, Program Coordinator for Reality Check of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties.  “Movies that contain smoking should have an “R” rating because smoking on screen kills in real life.  It’s time for Hollywood to stop glamorizing smoking in the movies kids see.” Smith said. 

According to the Surgeon General’s 2014 Report, youth who are exposed to images of smoking in movies are more likely to smoke; those who get the most exposure to on-screen smoking are about twice as likely to begin smoking as those who get the least exposure.  The report further states that actions that would eliminate the depiction of tobacco use in movies could have a significant effect on preventing youth from becoming tobacco users.  PG-13 movies are the biggest concern since they accounted for nearly two-thirds of the smoking scenes adolescents saw on the big screen in 2012.

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has so far been unwilling to change its rating system to trigger an R rating when smoking imagery is part of a film.  Six of the leading movie studios, Sony, Disney, Time Warner, Comcast, Paramount and Viacom have voluntarily adopted smoke free movies policies, but have often failed to abide by their own policies.   One major studio, News Corporation (Fox) has failed to adopt a policy at all.

“Parents, teachers and our community are encouraged to send a message to the movie industry that celebrities enticing kids to smoke has got to stop,” said Will Hodge, a senior at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School and Reality Check Youth Advocate.  “Send an e-mail to the MPAA at ContactUs@mpaa.org.”

For more information about the harmful effects of tobacco marketing in movies, visit www.realitycheckofny.com.

Village of Middleburgh Joins Safety Committee

The Village of Middleburgh decided last night to join in a joint safety committee with the Town of Middleburgh, MEVAC, and the Middleburgh and Hunterland Fire Departments. The idea, promulgated by Town Councilman Brian DeFeo, received its blessing from the Town of Middleburgh two weeks ago. 

According to the Mayor's office, the Board accepted the proposal and appointed Trustee William Morton the representative. Morton, also a member of MEVAC will join DeFeo, representatives from the other agencies and two at-large members chosen from the public. The committee will discuss how to coordinate emergency services, especially in a post-Irene period.

Man Gored by Irate Buffalo in Town of Richmondville

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department issued the following update on March 4th, 2014: "The name of the man who was injured by the charging Bison is BrianWare, he is 34 years old and resides in the Town of Richmondville. As of this writing, he has been released from the hospital."

In the midst of loading bison onto a cattle trailer for transport in over the weekend, a local man was chased and gored by an irate Buffalo in the Town of Richmondville. 

The man, whose identity has not been released at this time, attempted to run away from the charging beast but tripped and fell in the snow, where he was attacked and impaled by the one-ton behemoth. He was then brought to safety by the other wranglers on the scene, who immediately called 911. 

Photo credit: Times-Union

The incident, which occurred Saturday evening around seven at the Grumpy Buffalo Farm on Harroway Road, left the man in severe pain and with difficulty breathing, but fortunately members of the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad arrived quickly and treated the victim on scene. After stabilizing the man, they transported him to Albany Medical Center for further treatment.  

He reportedly suffered no internal injures, according to Schoharie County Sheriff Tony Desmond. 

Schoharie County Bar Association to Host Training Program March 18, With Focus on Flood Insurance Reform

Schoharie County Bar Association will host a training program "The Changing Face of Real Estate Practice" on Tuesday March 18, 2014, from 10:00am-2:30pm. The program will highlight important updates including the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012.

Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 legislation passed in response to the devastating floods of the last several years and places risk of loss due to flooding on those who will be most benefited. The result is significant increases to flood insurance rates and many more properties than formerly included in the risk pool. 

Previously, flood insurance holders enjoyed a significant subsidy by the Federal Government. However, the costs associated with flooding from hurricanes including Katrina, Irene, Sandy and other rain events, have caused financial pressure and a shortfall in the insurance funds available.

This program is intended mainly for real estate professionals including attorneys, land surveyors, engineers, real estate sales persons, insurance agents and municipal code enforcement officers, however, it will be of interest to anyone who owns real estate in a flood zone or identified area of potential flooding.

The program will include training and a review of the germane aspects of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), using and understanding Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), Flood Elevation Certificates and other flood related topics. Speakers include Tim Blanchard, NYS DEC Certified Flood Plain Manager, Jon Thompson, Professional Land Surveyor and Joanne Darcy-Crum, Attorney and Professional Land Surveyor.

The program is being sponsored by Schoharie County Bar Association in cooperation with Schenectady County Bar Association and Catskill Area Association of Land Surveyors and will be held on Tuesday March 18, 2014. Registration and coffee starts at 9:30, with the program from 10:00a.m.-2:30p.m.at SUNY Cobleskill. The fee for the seminar is $100 for members of participating organizations, $ 125 for non-members, which includes Continuing Education Credit. Others are invited for a fee of $50 (if no Continuing education is needed) and includes handouts and a working lunch. Reservations are required. For additional information contact the office of Joanne Darcy Crum, L.S. at 518-234-4650 or jdcrum@hotmail.com.

Cobleskill Police Arrest Woman for Stealing More Than $4,000 from Employer

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following arrest report this morning:

   

      On 03/02/2014 at about 09:05 pm, Cobleskill Police arrested Misty M. Wayman, age 38, of Cobleskill NY on arrest warrants for Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class C Felony; and Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, a class E Felony.

On December 31st, 2013, police received a complaint from Wayman’s  employer, the Schoharie County Council of Senior Citizens, Inc., alleging that Wayman was believed to have been involved in an on-going course of theft of money from the business over the course of her employment.

Business and financial records were subpoenaed and reviewed during the investigation. Subsequent information discovered during the investigation showed that Wayman is believed to have stolen a minimum of $4,055.87 between January 15th 2013 to November 28th 2013. Wayman is alleged to have used a business credit card for unauthorized personal purchases as well as taking cash deposits for her own use from  “The Everything Shoppe”, a business owned and operated by the Schoharie County Council of Senior Citizens. 

    

VanWormer: Empower Board Chairman to Meet Administrative Needs

With the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors largely undecided on Schoharie Town Supervisor Gene Milone's county administrator proposal, one member believes the ongoing public debate could be resolved within the framework we currently have now, rather than adding an executive layer to local bureaucracy.

Arguing that the implementation of an appointed county administrator would further widen the gap between residents and their government, Esperance Town Supervisor Earl VanWormer has suggested a simpler fix to the county's lack of executive oversight: empowering the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to assume many of the proposed administrator's responsibilities.

Mr. VanWormer's proposed change would elevate the Board Chairman, a position he held for much of the last decade, to the equivalent of an Prime Minister in a parliamentary system. In addition to representing their town's constituents on the board, they would oversee the daily operations of county government and work with the department heads to ensure all gears turn properly. 

Citing figures that range from $250,000-$300,000 to cover the costs of an county administrator and all the position entails - personal staff, work space, office supplies, etc. - the Esperance lawmaker believes only a modest salary increase would be necessary to adequately compliment a full-time board chairman's additional workload. 

Coming just days after the Board of Supervisors welcomed the Greene County Administrator to brief them on his county's own governmental transition, it remains to be seen whether Mr. VanWormer's proposal takes a foothold in the continuing conversation, or like other proposed changes to county government, is assigned to the wastebasket of history. 

Fighting Tigers Close 2013-14 Season on Low Note

The SUNY Cobleskill men's basketball squad capped an already disappointing 2013-14 season by falling 66-57 in the first round of the North Eastern Athletic Conference tournament Friday night to the Penn State Berks Nittany Lions, an opponent the Fighting Tigers had defeated twice in the regular season. 

Led by junior Cortrell King's fourteen point performance, the Fighting Tigers offense had little to celebrate as they struggled with turnovers through out the contest - losing possession twenty-two times to the Nittany Lions - who would convert 45% of their shots  from beyond the arc, and for the upset victory. 

King averaged 14.2 points per
game this season, a team high

Finishing 11-14 overall in his sixth season at the helm, SUNY Cobleskill head coach Matt Allen will head back to the old drawing board in hopes of configuring a successful formula for the Fighting Tigers. His squad struggled greatly away from home this season, losing ten straight road games at one point, but posted a winning record om campus.

Support Our Sponsors

Topping 60,000 page views in the month of February, the Schoharie News has grown phenomenally since our conception last summer. We currently have over 2,100 facebook fans - more than any other source of local news in the Cobleskill-Middleburgh market - and average 2,000 hits per day on the website's server. 

None of which would have been possible without the continuing valued support of both our readership, and our handful of advertisers; both of whom we have praised consistently for making this possible through their loyal audience, but today we want to specifically thank Schoharie County's small businesses that have taken a chance on us.

From old friends at Magical Printing & Designs, The Hair Artist and Four Star Realty to new sponsors at the National Bank of Coxsackie and Tri-Town Computers, we have been fortunate enough to meet wonderful entrepreneurs and business professionals that span the county's diverse economic marketplace.

As such, we would like to encourage our readership in its entirety to support our hard working sponsors for making this news project possible. There are many ways to go about this, and they range from liking our advertisers on social media to stopping by their local establishments and experiencing a taste of the high-quality services they offer in person.

Need professional level business cards? Magical Printing & Designs on 281 Main Street in the Village of Schoharie is the place to go for that and so much more. They designed the Schoharie News' cards, and we cannot praise them enough for the quality of their work.

Looking for a local salon? Susan Stiles stylish The Hair Artist, located on 678 East Main Street in downtown Cobleskill, needs no introduction after twenty years in the styling and beauty industry - easily becoming the leader in Schoharie County fashion.

Maybe you're thinking of moving? Four Star Realty's dynamic duo of realtors represent the royalty of realty in the Schoharie Valley. With decades in real estate experience, Tracy Boomhower and Lisa Tenneson are the choice for high-level professionalism you'll love.

Tired of the same 'ole banking? The National Bank of Coxsackie's Middleburgh branch is not just another location on the corporate map, but an addition to the bank's expanding network of Catskill area communities they have adopted as their own, and have invested into.

Is your computer still not working properly? Stop by one of Tri-Town Computers two Schoharie County offices in either Cobleskill or Schoharie and they'll get your technology back into working shape, or you don't pay - that is the Tri-Town business guarantee.

Please share this article to your friends, neighbors, and family; and tell them about some of Schoharie County's finest small businesses, and most importantly of all, stop by their offices and check out our sponsors extraordinary quality - you wont be disappointed.  

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities to Host Comment Writing Workshop Saturday March 22

The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities is sponsoring a Comment Writing Workshop to help area residents, public officials and agencies develop and submit formal comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concerning the proposed Constitution Pipeline. (The deadline for submitting comments to FERC is April 7, 2014.)

This is an important opportunity for the community to send a strong message to FERC that the pipeline will negatively impact the safety, property values and quality of life of area residents. Join us on March 22, 2014 from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities, 296 Main Street, Richmondville, NY.

Instructions for writing a simple comment letter will be presented by community activist Allegra Schecter. Computers, printers and other supplies will be provided and volunteers will be available to assist you. Refreshments will be served. Registration is necessary. To register please call toll-free: 1-800-795-1467 or email: rnied@ruarlcommunities.org.

Petitions Available for Middeburgh Library Board March 1st

Starting today petitions will be available for local residents interested in running for the Middleburgh Library Board of Trustees at the library located on 323 Main Street in the Village of Middleburgh. Petitions come with an informational packet, and must be completed and returned by Saturday, March 22nd. 

Interested residents can run for any of three Board of Trustee seats open in the upcoming election, which will be held in conjunction to the annual library budget vote on April 22nd. There are currently nine members on the library board, but that number is being expanded to eleven with the addition of two seats this election. 

Members of the public are encouraged to speak with library director Teresa Pavoldi or attend the next library board meeting on Monday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. for more information. 

Charlotteville Fire Department to Host Buffet Dinner March 14th

The Charlotteville Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a benefit buffet dinner on Friday, March 14th from 5-7:30 p.m. 

Members of the public are invited to attend the community spread, which will feature an exciting Irish themed menu of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, Irish soda break, green bean casserole, and much more.

Cost of admittance ranges from $9.95 for adults, $5.00 for kids 6-12, and no charge for children six and under. For more information, please contact Georgia at 607-397-8054.

Schoharie County ARC To Host Blood Drive in March

Schoharie County ARC will host a blood drive on Thursday, March 13, from 1-6 p.m. at the ARC Campus on Route 30 between Middleburgh and Schoharie.

The blood drive is part of the NYSARC Gives Back Project, which includes ongoing efforts to give back to the community through volunteer programs and by providing essential supports and services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families.

To schedule an appointment to give blood, please call (518) 295-8130 or 1-800-RED CROSS. You may also schedule an appointment online at www.redcrossblood.org.  Those donating blood in March will receive a limited Edition Red Cross decal. 

Capital Area Rock Band to Shoot Music Video in Sharon Springs

Sharon Springs, NY - Cuttlebone, a Capital area rock band, will be filming a live music video taking on the subject of government surveillance. The video shoot, which will take place Saturday, March 1st at the historic Smith and Empire building in Sharon Springs, will be the second for the band. Their first video "Greasejoint" accompanied the release of their freshman album, "Welcome to Joe's."

Cuttlebone performing

The 5 piece progressive band will perform the song "HELLo" during the music video. The song, which was written by front man Berto Benac, describes a man's frustration with the government surveillance state. "HELLo" is a part of a larger project, the aim of which is to question the role of the government in the lives of everyday people. "HELLo" will be released as part of a sampler EP in April. The band plans to release the entire project next year.

The video shoot will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the public is invited to attend. The Smith and Empire building is located across from the Roseboro Hotel at 209 Main Street on Route 10, Sharon Springs, New York. 

Letter to the Editor: Gigandet Expresses Thanks, Gratitude for Board's Decision

Dear Editor,

I am writing to thank the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors which voted on Friday to return me to my position in the Health Department, one I lost in December of 2011. 

Gratitude goes to not only the Board Members present on Friday, many of whom have been tireless champions of truth and right, but also to the Clerks of the Board, department colleagues, other department employees and Directors, retired employees, community members, and dear friends who have been so supportive throughout this difficult journey. Also to www.theschoharienews.com for the unbiased and consistent reporting. 

As word spread in the building it was clear that this decision, which also returns my colleague to her job, was cause for celebration not just for us, but represented a very positive turn for many, many others.

I am looking forward to rejoining the team, sprinkled throughout the county and adjoining ones, that works to give us all resources to respond and recover from a variety of disasters.

    

Most Sincerely,

Eva Gigandet

(returning) Schoharie County Public Health Preparedness Coordinator

Supreme Court Overturns Schoharie Zoning Laws

Ruling that the Town of Schoharie's adoption of Local Law 2-2005 was, "arbitrary and capricious and affected by an error of law," Schoharie County Supreme Court Justice Eugene Devine rendered the zoning laws null and void in a decision handed down on Wednesday, February 19th. The case had been before the Court since 2005. 

Arguing that the Town of Schoharie failed to properly comply with requirements set forth by SEQRA, Cobleskill Stone Products successfully made the case that local lawmakers flouted environmental review standards in the course of adopting the zoning laws. Their repeal is a major victory in Cobleskill Stone's fight to expand mining operations, which had previously been set back by a Court decision on August 21st, 2013 that found they did not have, "vested rights to expand its mining activities to adjacent parcels."

According to Wednesday's decision, town officials submitted two Negative Declarations with either incomplete environmental assessments, or none at all. In addition, the law permitted numerous activities that were not previously allowable in local Agriculture Districts, including manufacturing, telecommunications, technology and research development, etc.

Town officials disputed Cobleskill Stone's arguments by stating the 2005 law was the, "culmination of several years' worth of consideration and consultation with other agencies on the potential environmental impact of the zoning revisions," and therefore, felt it unnecessary to prepare a draft EIS and the negative declarations were drafted and published.

However, Judge Devine would find the town's arguments unsatisfactory as the minutes provided, "offer no insight as to the discussions or deliberations that lead to this conclusion." He would later add that, "the onus of strict compliance with SEQRA procedural requirements was not placed upon CSP, but rather, was an obligation that rested solely with the Board."

Last week's ruling will not be the end of this ongoing dispute; as Cobleskill Stone is in the process of appealing the August decision, the Town of Schoharie must decide what their next course of action will be, and in the meanwhile, the town's zoning laws have been reversed to 1970's standards, possibly complicating 21st century development. 

Maranatha's Future in Doubt

It has been nearly half a year since Marantha Family Center’s new facility on Route 7 closed its doors. The center has moved some classes to its former location on Elm Street in Cobleskill, but the future of the new 62,000 square foot building remains uncertain.

The most notable movement came in October of last year, when New York City investor Da-Lai Wu expressed interest in the facility. He came with an investment plan which he said involved expanding the facility, while also reopening the existing building as quickly as possible. However, Mr. Wu said the complex legal arrangements required for the transaction took longer than he had anticipated. “Records showed that the majority of MFC's revenue occurred from December through part of March,” said Wu in a letter to the editor of The Schoharie News. The duration of the proceedings cut into this important time and this delay, along with a number of other complaints Mr. Wu addressed in his letter, were what Mr. Wu said caused him to retract his offer.

Photo credit: Ed Munger,
Daily Gazette

Many of the problems with finding an investor stem from the conditions surrounding the facility’s initial construction. A large portion of the funding came from grants. The terms of these grants stipulate that only the current owner, Stella McKenna, can have any share of ownership. This means that, before any investment contracts can be signed for Maranatha, a waiver of this requirement must first be agreed to. Although the Town of Richmondville did file a request for such a grant, Mr. Wu said the request came too late to be effectve. He cited this delay as one of his primary concerns upon exiting from negotiations.

In addition to these legal barriers, any potential buyers of Maranatha also face many financial problems. The facility has approximately $31,000 in unpaid electric bills, which were the initial reason behind the closure. Marantha also faces an approximately $20,000 equipment audit of the facility’s construction grant. The property is also in foreclosure.

The financial liability and legal troubles facing potential investors are typically cited as the prime reasons for the apparent lack of interest. Mr. Wu, among others, has made the case that the Town of Richmondville has the ability, in at least some cases, to waive or delay these burdens. The Town, however, is reluctant to accept too much risk, which they say is out of fear that taxpayers will be left to pay the facility’s expenses, should the business fail again even with investment.

Now, as Mr. Wu begins pursuing another property interest in Middleburgh, Richmondville residents and membership holders are left with Marantha’s message, written on the sign in front of the new facility for most of its closure. “Reopening ASAP.”

Sheriff's Office Discovers Summit Man Trapped in Home, Suffering from Hypothermia

Editor's note: The Sheriff's Office filed the following press release early this morning to local news organizations.

At 12:15 today, February 25, 2014, the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office received information from a concerned citizen reporting that a subject who resides on Mud Lake Road in the Town of Summit was potentially in need of assistance. 

The Sheriff’s Office, Richmondville Fire Department and The Summit Rescue Squad responded to the scene and found entry to the house was blocked due to a large amount of snow. There was no indication that anyone had been in or around the house for several days.

Upon entry they found a 76 year old male resident in serious need of medical care. There was no heat in the home.  The subject was suffering from hypothermia, frost bite and dehydration. The subject was transported to Cobleskill Regional Hospital and admitted in serious condition. 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that during this cold weather, they should check on their elderly neighbors or call the authorities if they are unable to do so.

Any questions related to this press release can be directed to Sheriff Anthony F. Desmond. Sheriff Desmond can be contacted by calling 518-860-3092.

Local Officials Participate in Pro-Active Webinar

Cobleskill, NY (February 24, 2014) – Creating Healthy Places To Live, Work and Play hosted a webinar at SUNY Cobleskill for elected officials and road crews to learn Cost Effective Solutions for Complete Streets on February 24th. Representatives from towns and villages as well as County level employees were invited to participate in this viewing and discussion.

Complete Streets is a way of looking at roads being used by all – cars, buses, trucks, as well as bicycles, wheel chair and pedestrians.  It looks at access to being able to get from one place to another by the mode of transportation that is best for the individual.  

Currently in Schoharie County Sharon Springs and Schoharie have adopted Complete Street Policies that were crafted with assistance from LaBerge Group from Albany; their assistance was supported by Creating Healthy Places grant funds.  Blenheim and Middleburgh are working on drafting  policies  with LaBerge group currently.

The webinar offered inexpensive ways to implement Complete Streets within communities, whether it is during a planned restriping of a road to enlarge a shoulder for bicyclists and pedestrians or if it is a making a plan to clear not only sidewalks, but curb cuts so that people can easily cross streets.  The webinar was presented by Jeff Olsen from Alta Group in Albany and sponsored by TriState Transportation and DASH NY.  After the webinar, a discussion was held on projects to consider locally as well as how to fund some of the more costly changes being discussed by communities through the NY Rising discussions.

Complete Streets have several benefits including allowing for people to have a walkable community.  Complete Streets also can improve the economics of a community by creating a more conducive environment for people to shop in downtown stores.  Complete streets can improve the environment by encouraging people to walk and bicycle instead of take a car for short trips or to use public transportation to get where they are going and thereby reducing emissions released into the air.

Creating Healthy Places is a grant funded through New York State Department of Health to address the growing problem of obesity and its effects on chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Heart Disease.  The Grant was awarded to SUNY Cobleskill in 2010 for 5 years with $875,000 coming into the community to work on access to fresh fruits and vegetables and places to be physically active.  For more information or questions, please contact Maureen Blanchard, Project Coordinator at (518) 255-5294.