County Fire Fighters Complete Training Course

Members from multiple fire departments from across the County and outside have undergone training. In a post on the Schoharie County Fire Wire Facebook  page, the group successfully completed the NYS Scene Support Operations class. Firefighters from Carlisle, Cobleskill, Esperance, Jefferson, Richmondville, West Fulton and Stamford Heights participated.

Photo credit Schoharie Fire Wire.

6th Easter Bunny Photo Shoot to Support Local Wildlife

The New York Wildlife Rescue Center is sponsoring their sixth annual Easter Bunny Photo Shoot fundraising event on Saturday, March 29th at Middleburgh Hardware located on 316 Main Street in the Village of Middleburgh. 

Activities will start at eleven and last until two, during which you can have your photo taken with a bunny or lamb and learn something new about our local wildlife. Live Birds of Prey will also be on location for viewing and question/answer sessions. 

In addition to cute family photos, the event is a wonderful opportunity to support the Middleburgh based non-profit animal rescue, which relies on private funding to support all of its releasable and non-releasable wildlife. For more information call 518-827-7760.

Volunteers Help in Three Flood Projects

Volunteers in Middleburgh helped fix up three projects in town. The cooperation between the SALT, the Village of Middleburgh, and the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brought together over a dozen volunteers. This group assisted in fixing up three office spaces on Railroad Avenue.

Photo credit Sheila Donegan, SALT Community and Business Development VISTA.

With MOSA Dissolution Looming, County Approves Casella Resouce Solutions to Operate Transfer Station

Following the New York State Senate's vote to dissolve MOSA on Thursday, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors approved a five year contract with Casella Resource Solutions to manage the county's transfer station in Cobleskill with unanimous support from the county board. 

The contract, which is still under negotiation, would have Casella managing the daily operations and regular maintenance of the facility, while the county would maintain the operating permit and perform major repairs; such as roof and foundation work. 

There will be little to no change for local customers as the contract will neither alter existing operating hours nor limit any form of waste management. Casella has already set minimum operating fees, but the final rates will be determined by the county when the insurance companies issue their quotes.

In addition, according to Schoharie County Treasurer Bill Cherry, tipping fees are expected to remain the same and cover, "most, and perhaps all, county costs associated with owning the former MOSA facility."

The State Assembly is expected to vote on MOSA's dissolution early next week, which could come as early as April 30th if Otsego County has their way. In other action, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to enter into a five year landfill post-closure contract with neighboring Montgomery County. 

In Reversal, Board Supports Local Casino

One week after representatives of Howe Caverns briefed local legislators, state officials, and others on their plans to compete for one of New York State's seven recently approved casinos, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors reversed their close February decision against the concept of hosting one in county with a 13-3 vote in favor of the idea Friday morning. 

Cobleskill Stone General Manager Chris Tague spoke on behalf of Howe Caverns, telling board members that, "we're not solely here... to sell Howe Caverns, but to open up development of Schoharie County," many supervisors, however, questioned the resolution's original language that offered county support for a specific site. 

Among those questioning the original language were Supervisors Buzon, Milone, and Skowfoe, all of whom supported last month's casino resolution but felt it was inappropriate for the board to support one potential location over another, with Mr. Milone stating that he did not believe the county should, "be interested in earmarking for one specific entity."

After almost an hour of prolonged discussion, supervisors voted down the resolution in support of Howe Caverns' project and moved to reconsider last month's failed measure that simply expressed the county's willingness to New York State to host a casino in principle. In response, several lawmakers personally opposed to the concept proposed a public hearing be held on the matter to salve their uneasiness.

The result of which was a confusing trio of votes that saw the county board include a public hearing in the resolution, followed by a motion to set a public hearing for next month, and then finally they moved to take the public hearing out of the resolution altogether. The crowd of public officials and residents alike grew restless over this fifteen minute period of dysfunction. 

In the end, despite the confusion and different viewpoints, only three supervisors voted against Schoharie County hosting a casino for a second time: Barbic of Seward, Bradt of Carlisle, and Federice of Conesville. When asked why he opposed the resolution, Mr. Bradt said that he based his vote on his town's opposition to last year's statewide ballot referendum, and that he, "had to vote to represent the people of Carlisle."

A public hearing will be held next month on the matter.

Flood Grant Applications Due April 11

Anyone interested in applying for aid through the NY Rising program has about three weeks left to do so. The program, which aims to give grants to homeowners and business owners to pay for previous or current damage from 2011's flooding is closing its window. The program has supplied assistance to residents across the state, including those of Schoharie County.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying, call 1-855-697-7263 or visit www.stormrecovery.ny.gov.

Middleburgh, SALT, College Team Up to Repair Flood Damage

SALT, the Village of Middleburgh, and a SUNY Oneonta fraternity are teaming up to fix up flood damage in Middleburgh's business district. In the collaboration organized through the Mayor's office, the three groups have agreed to fix up two office spaces along Railroad Avenue that remain gutted since the 2011 flood. SALT is providing the materials, worth up to $5,000, Phi Kappa Psi fraternity of SUNY Oneonta is providing labor, and the Mayor's office is coordinating the efforts.

The repairs will start on Saturday, March 22nd at 10 until 4pm. Multiple volunteer days are expected before the offices are completed. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Mayor Matthew Avitabile at 763-6854.

This comes after similar arrangements with the Village, building owners, and SALT to work on three other projects in the business district over the last year.

Local Villages Elect New Trustees Amid Low Turnout

With turnout failing to reach fifty in either local community, a small number of residents in the Villages of Middleburgh and Richmondville came out Tuesday afternoon to vote in their respective municipality's unopposed trustee elections.

Village of Middleburgh

Lillian Bruno - 44

Sheryl Adams* - 43

Write-in votes - 1

Village of Richmondville

Milan Jackson* - 29

Stephen Shore - 26

Neither Village Board is expected to be significantly altered, as both political newcomers (Bruno, Shore) have already served their respective communities in various ways, while the incumbents (Adams, Jackson) were both appointed to fill vacancies by the existing board's before seeking the position in their own right.

*- Denotes incumbent

State Senate Approves MOSA Dissolution

ALBANY, 03/20/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) today announced senate approval of legislation he sponsors, allowing the dissolution of the Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie Solid Waste Authority (MOSA).  Senator Seward’s bill (S.6181) follows a home rule request from the three member counties and the authority.

“MOSA was created following a home-rule request.  Now, after a quarter-century, it is appropriate to honor a similar request to dissolve the authority,” said Senator Seward.  “With the service agreement governing the authority scheduled to expire in April 2014, the time is now to take this step.”

Along with formally ending the solid waste authority, the bill also includes a plan for the distribution of the authority’s assets and liabilities among the three member counties.

“Each member county has put in a great deal of time and effort planning for the future solid waste disposal needs of their residents.  This state legislation will allow them to move forward,” Seward concluded.

The bill has been sent to the assembly where companion legislation, A.8406, has been introduced by Assemblyman Bill Magee.

AECOM, Casino Likely to Dominate County Board Meeting Friday

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors will have its plate full during tomorrow's regularly scheduled legislative session, in which board members are expected to both vote on whether to throw county support behind the Howe Caverns casino proposal, and to address the emerging AECOM scandal publicly for the first time since the Schoharie News and the Times Journal broke the story earlier this week.

Supervisors will convene at nine in the morning and the meeting will last as long as necessary. As of Wednesday evening, no official agenda has been published on the county website. 

Vote in Our Poll: Would You Support a Casino at Howe Caverns?

Schoharie News readers may have turned down the general idea of a casino in our poll two weeks ago, but with an actual project making a pitch, the calculus may have changed. Make sure to vote in our sidebar and let us know-- would you support a casino coming into the Howe Caverns complex?

Gallupville Fish Fry this Saturday

The Gallupville Fire Department Auxiliary is holding a fundraiser fish fry this Saturday, March 22nd. The event, from 5-7pm is a take-out meal for just $9. All proceeds assist the School House Refurbishment Fund.

Photo Credit: Schoharie Count Fire Wire Facebook Page

Seward Meets With Schoharie County American Legion to Discuss Jobs for Veterans, SAFE Act

ALBANY, 03/18/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) met Tuesday afternoon in Albany with American Legion representatives from Schoharie County during the American Legion Department of New York annual legislative day.

“Our proud servicemen and women make great sacrifices defending our rights and freedoms,” said Senator Seward.  “I was pleased to discuss their concerns and learn more about legislation supported by the American Legion and our 1.7 million New York State veterans.”

From left, Senator James L. Seward, Schoharie County Commander Gary Schacher, Schoharie County Veterans’ Service Officer Eilene Fisher, Michael Saccento (Middleburgh Post 248), Myron Kniskern (Cobleskill Post 57), Paul Todd (Sharon Springs Post 1269).  

Senator Seward is a co-sponsor of the “NY Jobs for Heroes Program” which passed the senate overwhelmingly earlier this year.  The legislation, which is among the American Legion’s priority bills, creates a state contract preference for service-connected disabled veteran owned small businesses.

“The ‘NY Jobs for Heroes Program’ will mean careers and new opportunities for our returning disabled veterans and their families.  After sacrificing to protect and secure the American Dream our brave servicemen and women should be able to realize that dream themselves,” Seward added.

The American Legion is also calling for the repeal of the NY-SAFE act.  Senator Seward is a co-sponsor of multiple senate bills that would repeal the NY-SAFE Act and additional legislation that would repeal the anti-gun provisions of the law, but leave in place stricter penalties for crimes committed with firearms and measures to deal with the dangerously mentally ill.

“I voted against the NY-SAFE Act because it is an extreme measure which punishes law abiding citizens like our veterans while failing to confront the root causes of gun violence.  I proudly stand with the American Legion in opposition to this act which infringes on the very rights they fought to defend,” Seward concluded.

AECOM Bombshell: Forged Contract Could Cost County Millions, Imperil Stream Remediation

For fifteen months the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors has been operating under the impression that the county's $23 million stream bank remediation project being administered by the engineering firm AECOM was on track, both financially and construction wise, based on regular monthly briefings provided by the company's on-project representative Patty Flores.

Until last week, that was.

County officials learned in a closed door meeting that not only has AECOM requested anywhere from $1.2-$3 million in additional payments on top of the county board's already-approved $3.2 million agreement with the global design and construction firm, or else they will walk off the project, but that the official contract they came to terms with and signed in early 2013 no way reflects the board's original motion.

The revised version, which was never filed with the county board and may not have been approved by the county attorney, was altered without legal authorization to base the contractual agreement on works performed rather than a fixed percentage of costs. Changes were allegedly made by co-project manager and county Director of Planning and Development Alicia Terry and then initialed by former Board Chairman Harold Vroman.

AECOM's bombshell admission, which paints an unfavorable picture of two county leaders working outside the parameters of the board's approved decision of December 11th, 2012, moved by Gilboa Supervisor Tony VanGlad, has sent local officials scrambling to fill the money gap left by the unauthorized contract. The original $23 million price tag was carefully structured to ensure the county would be reimbursed for all costs by federal and state offsets on a 75/25% basis, a framework that is now imperil.

In addition, Schoharie County Treasurer Bill Cherry told the Schoharie News that the county could face even more financial heartache if the stream bank project's bondholder reneges and demands full payment. Cherry explained that because the original bond was constructed under false pretenses, the county could be saddled with millions in debt, which would then probably be pushed on property owners byway of significant tax increases.

With the project's construction phase set to begin within the next few weeks, supervisors will have their hands full at the upcoming county board meeting on Friday as they will have to decide both how to respond to the allegedly questionable actions of Ms. Terry and Supervisor Vroman that led to this growing scandal, and how to ensure its completion without adding potentially millions in debt. 

Summit Fire Department Spaghetti Dinner March 30th

The Summit Fire Department and Summit Conservation Club are holding a spaghetti dinner on Sunday. March 30th to benefit a local family. The event, that starts at 1pm costs just $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Photo credit: Schoharie County Fire Wire Facebook Page

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.