Middleburgh, Richmondville Set for Quiet Village Elections

Residents in the Villages of Middleburgh and Richmondville are expected to turn out in small numbers this afternoon, as their respective communities head to the polls to vote in a slew of uncontested Village Trustee elections. Citizens will have the opportunity to vote in both municipalities from noon until nine tonight.

Middleburgh

Two candidates are seeking two four year terms on the Middleburgh Village Board. Both seats are uncontested and their terms will expire in March 2018.

• Sheryl Adams is an incumbent Village Board member who was originally appointed to fill Mayor Matthew Avitabile's unexpired term in 2012 and was then subsequently elected in her own right last March. 
• Lillian Bruno has held no public office before, but she has represented the Village of Middleburgh on the NY Rising CRP Committee since the summer and is employed as a planner by Schoharie County. 

Richmondville

Two candidates are seeking two two year terms on the Richmondville Village Board. Both seats are uncontested and their terms will expire in March 2016. 

• Milan Jackson is an incumbent Village Trustee who was appointed to the position in September 2013 following a board member's resignation. 
• Stephen Shore has held no elected office to this point, but he has served as Chairman of the Village of Richmondville's Planning Board since 2011.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (March 18, 2014)

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

Thursday, March 13, 2014

     At 2:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police issued a summons to Quade F. Kirk, 20, of Ava, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 1st at 5:00 p.m.

   

Friday, March 14, 2014

     At 1:48 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jennifer M. Loeber, 30, of Cobleskill, NY, for DWI, Operating a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.08%, and 1 other vehicle and traffic ticket.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 1st at 5:00 p.m.

     At around 8:05 a.m. the Cobleskill Police Department received a call about a suspicious male in the area of 161 Elm St., who seen running from that location into the woods. Patrols began an immediate search of the area and located a male subject attempting to hide in-between some vehicles that were parked in the driveway of 161 Elm St. The male was taken into custody without incident and was identified as Brent D. Speeding.

     At 8:30 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Brent D. Speedling, 35, of Howes Cave, NY, for Criminal Contempt 2nd.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $2,000 Bail / $4,000 Bond.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 18th at 5:00 p.m.

           

Saturday, March 15, 2014

     At 2:03 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Robyn Federico, 31, of Cobleskill, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 1st at 5:00 p.m.

     At 4:03 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Joseph Cooper, 27, Homeless, on a Bench Warrant for failing to appear for a court appearance.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $500 Bail / $1,000 Bond.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 18th at 5:00p.m.

Artisans' Gallery to Host Bubblerations this Saturday

As part of National Bubble Week, the Artisans' Gallery will be hosting "Bubblerations," an event honoring the warm weather past-time and the official coming of spring to winter weary New York. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 22 from 11 am-3 pm at the gallery's shop on 322 Main Street in the Village of Middleburgh. 

Inside the gallery both adults and kids will have the opportunity to compete in the bubble gum blowing contest, with original bazooka bubble gum; while outside the kids will have a chance to pose for the bubble wand photo contest, with winners being decided by which photos receive the most votes on the shop's facebook page. 

Easter Egg Museum Expands Open Hours

In another step forward for Schoharie, the Easter Egg Museum is expanding its hours over the coming months. According to a post on the Schoharie Promotional Assocation's Facebook page, the museum will be open during the weekends between April 4th and April 20th. The profits from the opening will go towards the Schoharie Free Library. The location will be open between 10-5 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On Easter Sunday, the museum will open from 12pm-5pm.

For information about volunteering, interested people can contact Debbie Paden at 295-8184.

Plurality Supports Fracking in Schoharie County

With over one hundred and fifty votes cast since Monday, a narrow plurality of Schoharie News readers support the idea of fracking - in one form or another - within Schoharie County. The result is surprising to say the least, given the strong local opposition to the Constitution Pipeline that was expressed in a similar survey last December.

Do you support fracking in Schoharie County?

Yes, no matter what                 - 19 (12.6%)

Yes, if environmentally safe     - 57 (37.7%)

No                                            - 72 (47.7%)

Undecided                                - 3 (1.9%)

The poll's margin was narrow at just four votes, and it reflects the county's divisive split on the contentious issue, but opponents of the controversial method of natural gas extraction should feel comforted that overall 84% of voters opposed any initiative that would be harmful to the environment, a major concern at the forefront of their fight. 

Free Health Screenings in Middleburgh April 9th

From the National Bank of Coxsackie:

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties is offering FREE health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. There will be a FREE screening at The National Bank of Coxsackie Middleburgh Branch on Wednesday, April 9th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 1-888-345-0225 for your appointment.

Howe Caverns Casino? Owner Makes Pitch to Local Leaders

A casino might be coming to Schoharie County after all.

In a meeting between representatives of Howe Caves Development Corp., LLC and Senator James Seward, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, members of Congressman Chris Gibson's staff, as well as other local officials earlier this week, Cobleskill businessman Emil Galasso, who wasn't present at the meeting but whose daughter and staff was, announced Howe Caverns' interest in hosting one of the seven casinos approved in last year's statewide ballot measure on their sprawling property.

Howe Caverns

Mr. Galasso, who purchased the popular natural attraction in 2007 with businessman Charles Wright, touted the property's 330 acres of shovel ready development approved land in a press release filed Friday evening, in which he stated that after, "long consideration, he and members of his team have officially decided to pursue the process for the Howe Caverns property to be considered."

Adding that Schoharie County has suffered economically from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee's effects in August 2011, Mr. Galasso believes the proposal could spur local job growth, infrastructure repairs, and restore economic value to the county and surrounding areas, if approved. 

Pubic sentiment, however, is mixed on the idea of welcoming a casino into the county. Local residents approved the statewide ballot measure by just two hundred votes last fall, while the Board of Supervisors voted down a resolution last month that would have signaled the county's willingness to host a gaming venue. In addition, 53% of Schoharie News readers opposed the idea in a recent survey. 

Thanking local leaders for attending the meeting, Mr. Galasso concluded that based on his forty-five years of experience as a businessman, he found that in comparison to other proposed sites that Howe Caverns had to, "make the most sense due to its location, economic activity, opportunity for business development and beauty of the Schoharie Valley."

NY Rising Announces Over $280 Million in Payments to Flood Damaged Homes

The NY Rising Housing Recovery Program has distributed more than $280 million in payments to 6,388 homeowners for damages that resulted from Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, or Tropical Storm Lee. Every eligible homeowner who applied by January 20 has been issued a check for home reconstruction. Over 4,650 Nassau residents have been issued rebuilding payments totaling over $201 million and over 1,350 Suffolk residents have been issued over $65 million in rebuilding payments. Additionally through its buyout and acquisition program, the State has made offers totaling over $293 million to purchase the homes of 709 homeowners.

The program began accepting applications in April 2013. The deadline to complete applications for NY Rising Housing Recovery assistance in counties outside NYC is April 11. (For point of reference, New Jersey closed its applications on September 30, 2013 and the City of New York, which operates an independent housing assistance program, closed to new applicants October 31, 2013.)

These deadlines do not affect homeowners already in the program, in process of receiving their award, or those seeking clarification of their award. The community buyout program in which neighborhoods can opt-in to have the state buy out their entire neighborhood will also close April 11.

The funds were made available through State’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

Homeowners interested in applying may do so by calling 1-855-697-7263 or visiting www.stormrecovery.ny.gov.

Town of Blenheim to Hold Special Meeting Tonight (March 14, 2014)

The Blenheim Town Board will be holding a special meeting tonight at 7 pm to discuss several items of note that have cropped up since their last regularly scheduled gathering, including unresolved personnel and legal issues. In addition, town board members will devote part of the meeting toward a budget workshop to see where Blenheim stands financially at this point. 

Two Seek Village Board in Richmondville

Milan Jackson and Stephen Shore, two residents in the Village of Richmondville, are seeking election to the municipality's Board of Trustees in next week's local races. Both are running unopposed for the two two year seats on the small community's governing body.

Neither candidate is new to local government, as Mr. Jackson was appointed to the Board of Trustees last September to fill a vacancy caused by Trustee Vincent Massarotti's resignation, while Mr. Young has served as Chairman of the Village Planning Board since 2011. 

The election will be held on Tuesday, March 18th from noon until nine at the Radez Elementary School on 319 Main Street. Citizens will also be heading to the polls in the Village of Middleburgh, where they too will have only two choices for two open seats on the ballot. 

Sheriff's Office Arrest Two for Possession of Syringes, Endangering Child

On March 12th 2014, the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ashley Oliver, 29, of Schoharie, and Frank Taylor, 22, of Schoharie, both for Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, while conducting an investigation into stolen prescription drugs, executed a search warrant on Prospect Street in the Village of Schoharie. As a result of this search warrant, several used syringes were located throughout this residence, almost all within reach of a 5 year old child who also resided at this residence.

Ashley Oliver was arraigned in the Village of Schoharie Court, and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 secured bond; to reappear in the Village of Schoharie Court on 03/24/2014.

Frank Taylor was arraigned in the Village of Schoharie Court, and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 secured bond; to reappear in the Village of Schoharie Court on 03/24/2014.

The Schoharie County Child Protective Services were notified, and assisted at the scene.      

Annual Charity Grace Race April 26th

Fields of Grace Outreach, based out of Cobleskill, New York will be holding its annual Grace Race on Saturday, April 26th. Registration begins at 8:30am and the race, which includes both a walk and a race compontent, starts at 10am. The charity, which aims to build responsibility and Christian values for local children, has been instrumental in several programs, including working with the Boy Scouts, teaching Red Cross training, and the Rooms of Hope program, which fixed parts of dozens of homes across Schoharie County after 2011.

More information can be found on the Fields of Grace website.

Wu One Step Closer to Opening Gym in Middleburgh

Middleburgh is one step closer to opening a gym. 

Joined by local officials and representatives of the business community, New York City investor Da-Lai Wu made his case for opening a gym at the vacant Grand Union on Route 30 to members of the Planning Board on Tuesday night.

Wu, who in the fall unsuccessfully pursued purchasing the $5.3 million Maranatha physical fitness complex in Richmondville, briefed members of the Planning Board and the public on his plans to transform the old grocery store into a functioning fitness center, with the addition of tennis courts a possibility down the road.

After forty-five minutes of public discussion, the Planning Board voted unanimously to begin the process of issuing Mr. Wu a special use permit for the project, which will take approximately three months to undergo full review and final approval. The project could be open as early as this summer. 

Village of Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile, who initially contacted Wu about a potential project, praised the "fastidious manner which the Planning Board handled the issue," in a facebook post published on the Middleburgh community group page Wednesday morning. 

Concurring in support of the Planning Board's decision on the town's "antiquated zoning laws," Middleburgh Town Supervisor Jim Buzon called the proposed physical fitness center a "boon to the town," that will serve as a sign of life to motorists entering the Village from Route 30. 

Cobleskill Cheerleader Recognized for Exceptional Spirit, Personal Best

Albany, NY  – Capital Region Orthopedics is proud to award a driven cheerleader that is committed to always giving her Personal Best. 

Valerie Snyder, now a sophomore, is a student in Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. Valerie is currently a varsity cheerleader for the school’s basketball team.  Her accomplishments in cheerleading haven’t come easy, but her dedication has helped her succeed in the sport.

Valerie has down syndrome, and her experience as a cheerleader has inspired her teammates and the community.  Valerie’s coach, Regina Hagues says, “She comes to practice every day, she does what’s expected of her, and she’s always beaming.” The cheerleading squad has helped Valerie ever since day one. Valerie’s teammate, Jessica says, “It’s easy to teach her new things because she wants to learn. Whenever she has a question, she’s not afraid to ask for help.”

Valerie has proved that anything is possible when you are driven to overcome any obstacle you face. Her story has helped bring her community together, and inspire others to perform at their Personal Best.

Lopez, Seward Sample Taste of Schoharie

ALBANY, 03/10/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) met recently with students from the SUNY Cobleskill culinary arts program during the New York Farm Bureau’s “Taste of New York” legislative reception in Albany. He was joined by Assemblyman Peter Lopez (R/C/I - Schoharie).

From left, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, Elaine Marcel, Bethany Sperbeck, and Senator James L. Seward at the New York Farm Bureau “Taste of New York” legislative reception in Albany. 

“The New York Farm Bureau event is a grand stage for the wonderful, diverse home-grown products available across our state,” said Senator Seward.  “The SUNY Cobleskill booth is always one of the highlights and this year was no different.  It is a great way to showcase the school’s outstanding culinary program and the quality food harvested right in our backyard.”

The SUNY Cobleskill culinary arts students offered a menu made from locally-sourced products from Barber’s Farm, Danforth Jersey Farm, Hessian Hill Farm, and Schoharie Valley Farms.

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. 

Introducing Premium Ads

If your business or organization needs longterm visibility, consider renting one of our premium adspaces in our logo. Our site had 47,084 views in December, 52,603 in January, 58,763 views in February and is on track to grow even further.

Consider advertising on one of the premium adspaces for $200 per month and get upwards of 60,000 people seeing your ad.

There are so many possibilities. What are you waiting for?