Cobleskill EMS Pancake Breakfast Sunday, March 16th

The Cobleskill Rescue Squad Junior EMS Program is holding a pancake breakfast on March 16th for all interested. The event, from 8am until noon was listed on the Village of Cobleskill Facebook page.

Photo credit: Cobleskill FB Page

Local Republican, Democratic Party Finances in Rough Shape

In an all-out effort to capture a majority on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors last November, the Schoharie County Republican Committee spent over $8,200 in campaign and post-election funds to support their candidates up and down the ballot, according to disclosure reports filed by the Republican committee to the New York State Board of Elections. 

Although the end result has Republicans occupying ten of sixteen seats on the county legislature, the GOP's treasury has been left almost non-existent with little more then $550 in funds left in their campaign coffers; a familiar situation for both parties after local elections. Republicans had roughly $900 on hand after the 2011 campaign, and even less the year before. 

The financial situation isn't much better across the aisle. After spending an unprecedented $14,000 in defense of their legislative majority and against incumbent Republicans, the County Democrats are sitting on slightly less than $1,100 in cash, but with no significant electoral achievements to show for their campaign spending spree.  

Both committees are expected to fundraise heavily through out 2014 and into next year as political insiders expect several contentious rematches to spring up across the county electoral landscape. National and state elections rarely cost local parties more than a few thousand dollars, as their focus is inherently closer to home, but they offer good fundraising opportunities. 

Vote in Our Poll: Would You Support Fracking?

The next Schoharie News poll is going to be controversial. Do you, our readers support the idea of hydraulic fracturing in Schoharie County? Why or why not? Vote in our sidebar and comment on our Facebook page.

Poll: Most Say No to Casino

Schoharie County residents remain deeply divided about the means to stimulate the sluggish growth the area faces. One proposal recently rejected by the County Board of Supervisors was a provision to allow a casino. The proposal had the support of some Supervisors from the County, but majority support was not behind it.

A similar situation played out in our most recent Schoharie News poll.

Should a Casino be Built in Schoharie County?

Yes: 86 - 45%

No: 100 - 53%

Undecided: 5 - 2%

Total: 191

The issue is likely not dead, and public support is still almost even. Still, with land available for development, the potential use of it remains a matter for discussion.

Cobleskill Student Claims New York American Legion Oratorical Championship

ALBANY -- Five high school students from around New York State competed Saturday (March 8) in the New York State American Legion Oratorical Contest at Sand Creek Middle School, with Andrew R. Hartnett of Cobleskill-Richmondville High School grabbing the state title.

New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor presents plaque to state oratorical champion Andrew Hartnett of Cobleskill-Richmondville High School.

Hartnett receives a $6,000 scholarship and now goes on to national finals April 5-6 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the top three orators will share $50,000 in scholarships, New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor noted. Hartnett is a senior at Coblesill-Richmondville High, located in Richmondville, Schoharie County.

Finalists in the New York State American Legion Oratorical Contest pose with state Legion Commander Kenneth Governor. From left, the finalists are: James R. Gallagher, Sara A Bogen, Andrew R Hartnett, Nidhi B. Shah and Sarah Thomson.

 The Legion Oratorical Contest features original speeches on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, noted state Oratorical Chair Anthony L. Paternostro.

The other finalists are:

-- Sarah Thomson, a home-schooled student from Rochester in Monroe County, who grabbed second place and a $4,000 scholarship.

-- Nidhi B. Shah of Horseheads High School in Chemung County, who won third place and a $2,500 scholarship.

Runners-up were James R. Gallaher of Xavier High School in New York City and Sarah A. Bogen of Pius V School in Mellville, Suffolk County. They both receive $2,000 scholarships.

The five students had competed in county, district and zone competitions to become state finalists, noted state Chairman Anthony L. Paternostro.

Seward Paves Way For Additional Highway Funding

ALBANY, 03/05/14 -- On Wednesday afternoon State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) joined senate colleagues to call on Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders to increase state funding for local highway improvements. 

“Local roads, bridges, and culverts are the backbone of our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Seward. “We need a comprehensive strategy, along with state funding, to improve these key transportation components to ensure motorist safety and economic vitality.”

Local roads and bridges account for 87 percent of the roads, 52 percent of the bridges, and 48 percent of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.

Senator Seward was one of a dozen senators to sign a letter to Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders calling for:

• A $50 million increase in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funding in the 2014-15 budget;
• Creation of a dedicated $200 million “State Aid to Local Bridges and Culverts Program” to address local priorities.

Senator Seward was joined by county and town highway superintendents from across New York at a Capitol news conference announcing the call for additional state funding. 

“Last year I was able to help secure an additional $75 million in CHIPs funding, the first increase to the program in five years.  The added funding helps the dedicated men and women who maintain our local roads do so at a cost taxpayers can afford.  Continued, consistent state support is critical,”Seward concluded.

Abatement Info Available on County Website

Following the successful passage of two controversial local laws that offer exemptions to first-time home buyer construction and existing homeowner repairs, Schoharie County's web team has added a section on the county website that seeks to address both resident concerns and questions regarding the recently adopted abatement package. 

Including separate pdf documents to read the local laws contents and information in their entirety, the web section also has downloadable applications and instructions for homeowners interested in utilizing the county wide tax exemptions.

The local laws, which were originally adopted in the Town of Schoharie and spearheaded for approval on the county level by Schoharie Town Supervisor Gene Milone, passed on a split vote at the February Board of Supervisors meeting. Opponents argued the laws will end up costing existing homeowners down the road, while supporters insist it will lessen their financial burden by broadening the tax base. 

Nyssa Roennpagel Named February's Young Motivator of the Month

The Young Motivators of Schoharie County and this month’s sponsor Jenna Strang of StudioFab, would like to announce their first recipient for the month of February, Nyssa Roennpagel. 

Jenna Strang (left) poses with Nyssa, who was named
the Schoharie County Young Motivator of February

Nyssa, 9, is from Cobleskill and the oldest of 4 siblings. Nyssa is an active member at StudioFab where she participates in Lyrical, Gymnastics and Double Dutch. She is well liked by her peers and demonstrates leadership by always being the first to offer a helping hand. Nyssa is always motivating her team mates to do their best and to work just a little harder. She does this for herself as well, always striving to do a little better each time. Nyssa believes that everyone deserves a chance to be a friend regardless of reputation or difference. 

Young Motivators of Schoharie County is a small group who would like to recognize the youth in Schoharie County for the good that they do. We want to give a little positivity to the up and coming leaders of our communities and the world. Each month, people (teachers, family, peers…) may nominate youth (up to age 21) from Schoharie County that have shown they are a motivator: a positive influence. Maybe they motivated themselves, their families, their friends, their community or others. They get things done and encourage others to get things done as well. No motivation is too small. At the end of the month a recipient is chosen from the nominees. 

To nominate a Young Motivator, you may e-mail youngmotivatorsschoco@gmail.com or message the group on facebook. 

Village of Middleburgh Welcomes New SALT Vista

Earlier this week Middleburgh Village officials welcomed in local resident Sheila Donegan as the newest member of the Valley community's flood recovery team. Ms. Donegan has lived in Schoharie County for twenty years, however, she felt compelled by both the natural and political upheaval of Middleburgh's past three years to take a larger role in her adopted hometown. 

Sheila Donegan is already working on several
community projects in her new role as VISTA

Telling the Schoharie News that, "Following the flood, and the election of a new mayor, I wanted to become more involved in my community," Ms. Donegan started to attend local government meetings, and became the secretary of the Middleburgh Area Business Association.

But that was only beginning for Ms. Donegan, who applied for a position with VISTA - Volunteers in Service to America - with SALT Recovery as her project agency. After undergoing two weeks of training in Philadelphia and Utica, Ms. Donegan started her year of service on March 1st in the Middleburgh Village Hall. 

Valley to Reach Above Freezing Today, Tomorrow

It may not be much, but the area is facing a little higher temperatures. For the first time in two weeks over much of the County, the thermometer will hit above freezing. Some of the temperatures will hit above around 1pm: Schoharie: 40 Middleburgh: 34 Cobleskill: 40 Jefferson: 37 Sharon: 38 Gilboa: 37 How are you going to enjoy this tropical heat wave?

Coby Firemen to Take on CRCS Faculty in Benefit Basketball Game

The CRCS All-Sports Booster Club is sponsoring the fifth annual Cobleskill Fire Department vs. CRCS Faculty basketball game on Saturday April 5th, 2014 at the CRCS High School gym. Proceeds will benefit the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Cobleskill Fire Department.

Cost of admission is $1.00 for students, $2.00 for adults, and $5.00 for a family of four or more. In addition to the scheduled 7:00 PM tip-off; the school will be conducting a Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle, concession stand, halftime event featuring their younger student athletes, and much more. 

Schoharie County Organizations Receive Grants for Local Art Programs

The Greene County Council on the Arts is proud to announce the recipients of 2014 DECentralization Grant awards.  These awards, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, utilize taxpayer monies to make the arts accessible to all citizens of New York State.

Greene County Council of the Arts

In Schoharie County eight organizations received funding to produce and offer arts and cultural programming throughout the county in 2014.  Projects include: a multi-site art installation featuring the work of Norm Magnusson sponsored by The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities, "Stories, Rhythms and Vocals of West Africa" sponsored by the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association (as part of a summer children's workshop series), string quartet performances by the Upper Catskill String Quartet as well as an original play reading featuring the work of local playwright Phil Potak (Jefferson Historical Society), the 2014 Theater Season brought to by the Theater Project of Schoharie County, a performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture with live cannon fire as well as performances by Skip Parson's Riverboat Jazz Band and the Burnt Hills Melody Makers (Schoharie County Historical Society), "Music at the Mill" summer concert series (Richmondville Historical Society) and a performance by the Mettawee River Theater at the George Landis Arboretum.

The DECentralization Grant Program is administered by the Greene County Council on the Arts (on behalf of Schoharie County) and operates this program year-round with a new funding cycle beginning in June.

Questions can be directed to Grant Coordinator, Renee Nied at: schoharieDEC@gmail.com

Alleged Check Forging Leads to Grand Larceny Arrest

An Esperance woman was arrested for allegedly writing thousands of dollars of bad checks. According to the State Police, Valerie Ingraham is accused of a felony for writing over $17,000 in bad checks. According to the Daily Star article:

Troop G Public Information Officer Trooper Mark Cepiel said Ingraham, of Esperance, was hired in 2012 to assist individuals with day-to-day living at a private residence in the town of Middleburgh. While working there, Cepiel said, Ingraham allegedly forged checks from her employers to herself totaling more than $17,000. Cepiel said troopers began investigating the incident in early January after a relative of the victims noticed financial discrepancies and contacted state police. Ingraham was issued an appearance ticket, Cepiel said, and is set to appear in the Town of Middleburgh Court on Wednesday.

Dr. Best House to Host Season Opener on April 5th

UPDATE: Just a reminder, the Dr. Best House season opener will be held on April 5th, this upcoming Saturday, and will feature several new exhibits, including period military and wardrobe pieces in addition to a special surprise not seen in twenty years. Suggested donations are $5 per person and $15 for families.

The Dr. Best House will be holding their season opener on Saturday April 5th, as part of the Rise n' Shine event. Guided tours will be given inside the medical exhibit from 10am-2pm, while the Carriage House is scheduled to be open for visitors, weather permitting.

From battle tested Civil War kits to exquisite 19th century hats and gloves; 1920's kitchen decor, and thousands of period medicinal bottles, the Dr. Best House is one of Schoharie County's hidden gems with innumerable treasures waiting to be discovered.

For more information on scheduling private or group tours, call 518-827-5142 or visit the exhibit's website here. The Dr. Best House is located on 1568 Clauverwie Road in the Village of Middleburgh, just behind the Methodist Church.

Tourism Magazine Showing County's Appeal

For almost a year now, Cathleen Berry has been working on a project to highlight the positive growth of Schoharie County. In her project, the Seasons of Schoharie County, she aims to distribute valuable information to potential visitors across the state and let them know about the undiscovered jewel of the area.

Her magazine lists helpful stories, anecdotes, and advertisements from local businesses. She hopes to publish a paper copy of a magazine for distribution. On her Facebook page, she lists the different businesses that are working with her on the project and how the process is developing.

The stories provide perspective on the area that was once known as the Breadbasket of the Revolution and will serve as a primer for those looking to get acquainted with the area.

Sample story from the Facebook page.

For more information, Ms. Berry can be contacted at cathleen@grindstonepress.com.

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.