One Last Brush With Snow for Schoharie County

Coming off temperatures in the mid-fifties Tuesday afternoon, Schoharie County residents are preparing for one (hopefully) last brush with snow as the return of spring hearkens next week. But before the long awaited change in seasons can occur, parts of Schoharie County will have to contend with anything from five to ten inches Wednesday afternoon. 

WNYT is calling for snow to develop over the early
morning and to become steadier in the evening

Unfortunately, as has been the case more than once this winter, today's snow event will be followed by a blast of frigid air tomorrow that is projected to cause local hummingbird thermometers to dip below freezing until the weekend, which will feature highs stuck in the thirties straight through next week. 

Letter to the Editor: Citizen Blasts Constitution's "Grants"

Dear Editor:

The people behind the Constitution Pipeline have been very busy applying enormous pressure to landowners along the proposed route, continuing to insist that the pipeline is inevitable and that giving up and giving in is better than fighting. They have been aggressive, telling residents that if they don’t give Constitution what they want, Constitution will simply take them to court and take their land. At the same time they are engaging in a public relations campaign to convince regulators and naive members of the public that they are just nice folks.

They recently doled out a new set of “grants” that included money to the Richmondville Emergency Squad, which took the money despite the many residents in their town who will face seizure of their land and who will live near a pipeline built by a company with a terrible safety record. They took the money despite being in a town that has passed a formal resolution opposing the pipeline. They took the money despite being in a community that has overwhelmingly spoken out against the pipeline.

So why is taking the money a bad thing?

By taking the money they are helping the pipeline get built and are helping to ensure that their neighbors will lose their land, their property values and their safety. By taking the money they help Constitution pretend that they are just out to help the community while they exploit it. By taking the money they help Constitution get approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Iroquois Museum also took the money. Despite insisting they are dedicated to highlighting the culture and history of Native peoples, they conveniently forgot that having land taken away is a terrible part of Native history. They don’t seem to care that patrons and neighbors of the Museum will lose their land to Constitution.  They also conveniently ignore the fact that not far from here the Onondaga Nation is waging a bitter battle against their own pipeline threat and helping activists in Schoharie County fight the very pipeline from whom the Museum has taken the money.  They have blindly cashed a check from Constitution to fund a museum dedicated to indigenous peoples while indigenous peoples around the world are actively fighting exploitation by the same gas and oil companies that are behind the Constitution Pipeline.

It is often said that everyone has a price and so it seems that some in our community indeed have a price. I am deeply proud of those who do not have a price and who have said no to the bullying tactics of the pipeline company and no to the sleazy efforts of that company to buy community support with payments that represent a ridiculously tiny fraction of their enormous profits.  I am deeply proud of those landowners who have stood up to protect the land of their parents and the land of their children. I am proud of every non-profit, fire company, emergency squad and struggling museum that has refused to sell out their neighbors.   I am also committed to fighting an arrogant pipeline company that thinks all it takes for a community to surrender is a few dollars in one hand and the threat of eminent domain in the other.

Bob Nied

Cobleskill Police Blotter (March 11, 2014)

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

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

    At 1:46 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jayna Whitbeck, 28, of Loudonville, NY, on a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $500 Bail / $1000 Bond.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 4^th at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

     At 12:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police issued a summons for Samantha K. Maidens, 18, of Oneonta, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 12:20 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Sandra L. Hayes, 49, of Cobleskill, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 5^th.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 11^th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 12:20 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Precious McBride, 18, of Bronx, NY for Petit Larceny.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 1:10 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Richelle Brownell, 51, of Cobleskill, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 5^th.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 11^th at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

     At 3:50 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Stephanie R. Annello, 21, of Schenectady, NY, for Petit Larceny.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

   

Friday, March 7, 2014

     At 12:33 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Zachary T. Brassard, 19, of Cheshire, MA for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and he was issued a summons for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 12:33 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Misty D. Anderson, 21, of Jefferson, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 12:33 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Renae S. Curbelo, 20, of Monticello, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

    At 12:33 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Ronald J. Greene, 19, of Granville, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 2:40 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jeffrey C. Buffalino, 21, of Merrick, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 2:40 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Noah M. Roberts, 19, of Central Square, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

     At 3:50 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Samora VanDespuije, 20, of Peekskill, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3^rd.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 5:10 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Zachary J. Fuegmann, 26, of Richmondville, NY, for Misapplication of Property.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

    At 12:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Kyle M. McMillan, 21, of Hopewell Junction, 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 April 1^st.  The property at 194 Elm Street was also posted for Unruly Gathering.

    At 12:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Kenneth M. McMillan, Jr. 23, of Hopewell Junction, 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 April 1^st.  The property at 194 Elm Street was also posted for Unruly Gathering.

Wolfe's Laundry Den Offers Schoharie Local Choice

Among the businesses lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene's devastation in the Village of Schoharie was the Valley community's only laundromat. Washed away by five feet of raging flood water, it became just another empty storefront on the county seat's badly damaged Main Street.

Until the Wolfe family decided to act and purchased the damaged structure in July 2013, whereupon they embarked on a journey spanning from late summer through mid-winter to repair, renovate, and improve the building to not only once more serve Schoharie's wash needs, but to meet their customers 21st century expectations. 

In addition to housing eighteen washers and twenty-four dryers, Wolfe's Laundry Den has made several customer friendly alterations: adding a handicap accessible bathroom and automatic door openers, offering free wi-fi to web savvy patrons, installing an air conditioner to combat the summer's stifling heat, and soon a complete lounge area. 

The laundromat, which officially opened on Monday morning in what Nancy Ann Wolfe described as an, "soft opening," and wont hold its grand opening until the weekend of April 11th-12th, represents both the return of a vital service to the small community and another step toward rebuilding Schoharie beyond what it once was.  

Wolfe's Laundry Den is open Monday-Sunday, 6am-10pm according to the business facebok page. 

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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.