Poll: Voters Strongly Approve of Jaycox

The latest Schoharie News poll has found that readers strongly support the job performance of Schoharie County Clerk Indy Jaycox, who has served in her current capacity since being appointed to replace Peter Lopez following his election to the Assembly in 2006. 

Mrs. Jaycox has since been re-elected twice to the position, most recently over perennial candidate and former Middleburgh Mayor Gary Hayes by a near two-to-one margin in November 2011.

According to the survey, which over one hundred and fifty readers participated in, 67% (104 votes) approved of the Clerk's job performance, while only 25% (39 votes) disapproved and the remaining 7% (12 votes) remain undecided at this time. 

We have previously surveyed the approval ratings of Sheriff Desmond, District Attorney Sacket, and County Treasurer Cherry; the last of which was marred by voter fraud.

Howe Caverns Site Ahead of Curve on Environmental Study

Cobleskill, NY – During the mandatory meeting of the 22 interested parties looking to be approved to build one of four casinos in New York State, the repeated concern of the day was the ability to meet the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). 

“It became clear at the meeting that several potential developers are concerned over meeting the requirements and doing so in a timely fashion.  Howe Caverns has already completed a SEQR review giving us a leg up as a true ready to build site for a casino,” Emil Galasso, President of Howe Caves Development Corporation, said.

A SEQR review requires the sponsoring or approving governmental body to identify and mitigate the significant environmental impacts of the activity it is proposing or permitting. This process can take upwards of 18 months.

This becomes of serious concerns to potential casino developers and operators as licensees can be fined for failing to open for gambling within two years of getting a license, and must declare any obstacles to completing the environmental review.

“Time and again, we have shown that Howe Caverns is one of the premier sites in New York to build a casino.  We have over 330 acres of true shovel ready land that can be built on immediately.  This includes the cumbersome and time consuming SEQR review.” Galasso said.

“Our proposal is consistent with the Governor's stated goals to target areas in need and build destination resorts in communities that express local support.  I think it is becoming clearer each day that Howe Caverns is the best site with least obstacles for the quick, successful development of a casino,” Galasso continued.

Howe Caverns has been in operation since 1842.  In 2007, businessmen Emil Galasso and Charles Wright purchased Howe Caverns and since that time, have updated the original facility and added outdoor attractions such as the Howe High Adventure Park. 

Howe Caverns sits on a beautiful mountainside with spectacular views overlooking the Helderberg Plateau.  It is located just off Interstate 88, about 30 minutes from Oneonta and Cooperstown to the west, and 30 minutes from Albany to the east and 2.5 hours from NYC. 

Depot Lane Singers Concert this Weekend

This Friday and Saturday, enjoy the music of the Depot Lane singers at their concerts.

Sacket Honored by Schoharie County GOP

Schoharie County District Attorney James Sacket was honored by the Schoharie County Republican Party as the 2014 Republican Man of the Year award recipient in their 67th annual Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday evening at the Caverns Palace. 

The annual event hosted over one hundred Republican faithful and featured several guest speakers, including Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors Tony VanGlad, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, State Senator Jim Seward, and Congressman Chris Gibson.

Mr. Sacket was introduced by 2013 Republican Man of the Year Judge Dan Lamont, who described the five-term District Attorney as a fair practitioner of the law and deserving of the GOP's recognition.  

Shortly after Mr. Sacket was named, his wife Rhonda was announced as the 2014 Women's Republican of the Year award honoree by Gilboa Town Councilwoman and 2013 recipient of the award Dottie Pickett. 

The couple, who have been married since 1994, were joined by their two children at the event.

Seward to Host Training For Lifesaving Heroin Overdose Medication

ONEONTA, 05/01/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) announced Wednesday that he will be hosting a free heroin/opioid overdose prevention training class on Wednesday, May 7th at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta.

“A key aspect in the short term battle against heroin and opioid abuse is preventing overdose deaths,” said Senator Seward.  “Training more individuals to administer the overdose reversal medicine Naxolone or Narcan will save lives, that’s why I am sponsoring this event and will be among those taking the class on May 7^th .”

Narcan is a prescription medicine which can be administered nasally and can revive someone who is overdosing.  Currently, in order to obtain this life-saving medication, you must complete a brief training class.

Senator Seward will be partnering with Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc., and Otsego County Addiction Recovery Services to conduct a free training class that meets New York State Department of Health requirements.  Participants will receive a certificate of completion and an emergency resuscitation kit that includes Narcan.  

Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc., Executive Director Jeanette Tolson said, “Offering public trainings about preventing overdose from opioids is a critical step in combating this complicated problem.  A community effort bringing together individuals in recovery and their families, friends and allies is essential in long term solution development.”

Otsego County Chemical Dependency Program Manager Justin Thalheimer said, “Narcan is already saving lives and it is a matter of time before it saves a life here if it has not already.  Senator Seward’s assistance in highlighting this emergency treatment is a significant step in educating the public.” 

Senator Seward is a member of the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction.  He recently hosted a roundtable discussion to solicit input from local experts on the rise in use of heroin and other opioids.  Similar forums are being held across the state, and the task force will use the findings to help develop legislation that will be advanced during this legislative session.

“A comprehensive approach is needed to combat the rise in heroin use, which has reached epidemic proportions.  Better education programs, improved insurance coverage for treatment, avenues to help recovering addicts find a job, and stronger criminal penalties for heroin dealers are all under consideration,” added Seward.

The rise in heroin use and the deadly effects of the drug are well documented.  A 2012 federal survey on drug use and health reported that the number of people who said they used heroin in the past 12 months rose from 373,000 people in 2007 to 669,000 people in 2012.

The heroin/opioid overdose prevention class will take place on Wednesday, May 7^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wellness Conference Room, FoxCare Center in Oneonta.  The training is free and open to the public.  Space is limited and pre-registration is strongly recommended online at www.senatorjimseward.com or by calling (607) 432-5524. 

Schoharie News Tops Half a Million Page-Views

Yes, that headline is correct.

Since the Schoharie News first debuted in June 2013 and officially launched that following fall, this little internet newspaper has received slightly over half a million page views from our absolutely incredible readership of thousands of friends and neighbors in Schoharie County. 

We owe every bit of our success to our humble readership, and we will forever be indebted to the amount of support you have contributed to this amazing project's success. From news tips, photos, donations, and our advertisers, we simply never would have been able make it this far without your faith in what we set out to accomplish. 

I do not know for how much longer this project will continue, or where the work I have done on it will bring me, but in spite of the hardships associated with spearheading the county's only online source of news: threatening e-mails, working all hours of night during heavy news periods, and sacrificing personal time; it has been worth it. 

Again, I thank every person and organization who has supported us through out this project and who will continue to lend their assistance as we continue to grow and report on the news that matters to you, the humble reader of this website, and our neighbor in the community. 

- Timothy Knight, Editor and Publisher of the Schoharie News

Gibson Launches 2014 Re-Election Campaign (Video)

Congressman Chris Gibson (R-NY 19) recently launched his 2014 congressional re-election campaign, and earlier this week the two-term Congressman's web team released the following video of his remarks at the campaign launch. 

Schoharie Valley in Flood Watch

The National Weather Service in Albany announced earlier this morning that most of the Capital District - including the Schoharie Valley region - is in a flood watch due to a, "large slow moving low pressure system that will impact the area into Thursday resulting in widespread showers."

Weather map courtesy of WNYT Albany

Showers that are expected to bring anywhere from one and half to three inches of rain over the next day to the immediate area, with parts of the Eastern Catskills likely to see in excess of four inches. 

Minor flooding of rivers and streams is possible, with additional flooding of poor drainage, urban, and low lying areas likely with heavy rainfall. Residents in the aforementioned areas are cautioned to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding occur.

We will keep everyone updated here at the Schoharie News as the storm develops.

Coby-Rich to Host Donkey Basketball to Benefit AED of Schoharie County Friday

Cobleskill-Richmondville, in conjunction with neighboring school districts and Green Mountain Donkeyball, are set to host the uniquely commissioned "Donkey Basketball Fundraiser" on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 7:00 pm to benefit the AED Project of Schoharie County. 

The donkeyball match, which will be held inside Cobleskill-Richmondville High School gym, will have participating teams from several local high schools, and in addition to the wild and crazy show on court, the event will also feature concessions, 50/50 raffle, and an opportunity to meet with the donkeys.

Pre-sale tickets cost $5 per student/$7 for adult and can be obtained by visiting Carpets and Then Some, Fit Coalition or by contacting Nancy Brumaghim at nan.c.b71@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available at door, but with a slightly higher price tag of $8 per student/$10 for adult.

SUNY Cobleskill Mourns Loss of Freshmen Student in Auto Accident

SUNY Cobleskill students are mourning the loss of Alexander Batson, a freshmen in the rural university's Fisheries and Wildlife program, who tragically died Monday morning in a motor vehicle accident near his hometown of Poland, New York.

In an email sent to the student body on Monday afternoon, Vice-President of Student Affairs Steven M. Ackerknecht informed students of Mr. Batson's untimely passing. Counseling was made available to his classmates and friends who needed support that evening and into Tuesday. 

The freshmen student, according to Utica's News Channel 2 NBC-WKTV, was driving in a 2003 Pontiac when he "failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the car." Mr. Batson attempted to regain control of the vehicle, but "exited the roadway again and struck a second tree with the front driver-side fender and door." 

Mr. Batson was eighteen.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (April 29, 2014)

The Cobleskill Police Department has submitted the following press release concerning recent arrests in their jurisdiction. 

Thursday, April 24, 2014

     At 12:10 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Conor G. Anson, 19, of Albany, NY, for violation of the Noise Ordinance.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 13th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 1:30 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Gabriella D. Desmond, 23, of Mount Sinai, NY, on a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.

  

Friday, April 25, 2014

     At 10:30 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Amanda A. Gibson, 22, of Albany, NY, for violation of the Noise Ordinance.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.  The property at 600-8 East Street was posted for Unruly Gathering.

           

Saturday, April 26, 2014

     At 10:56 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Johnnie Brown, III, 22, of Middleburgh, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3^rd.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 10:56 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Nicholas McDonnell, 20, of Middleburgh, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

Hosting Casino Would Bring Millions in State Aid, Funding to Schoharie County

The stakes just got that much higher. 

According to a document published on Schoharie County's official website, whether the Howe Caverns site is selected to host the Capital District's regional casino or not, local counties are in line to receive millions in school funding, property tax relief, and government aid.

However, the true jackpot is in hosting the gaming facility, where the home county is projected to receive over $11.4 million in additional revenue. To put that in perspective, that would be the equivalent of funding 15% of Schoharie County's 2014 $71.9 million public budget from just one source. 

As current calculations stand, Schoharie County would receive just under $1 million in funding regardless of where the casino is located, the smallest amount in the entire Capital District by half a million and barely one-sixth of Albany County's projected take home figures. 

Howe Caves Development Corporation recently anted up $1,000,000 in their own funds to move forward with the state application process, signaling the resolve of Schoharie County's local site to be fairly and seriously considered for the gaming facility. 

All eight counties will walk away from the process with something to show for, but only one will be able to cash in their chips because in poker, the house always wins. 

Jefferson School Board Adopts 2014-15 Budget, 2.41% Tax Increase Under State Cap

Last Tuesday evening, the Jefferson Central School Board of Education unanimously approved the proposed 2014-15 operating budget for the rural school of approximately three hundred students in southern Schoharie County.

The budget, which will be presented to district voters on Tuesday, May 20 for final adoption or public veto, calls for a 2.41% increase in real property taxes for local homeowners, which is under the state imposed property tax cap.

According to a press release issued by district officials, the school was able to keep costs down by eliminating or not filling two personnel positions, while reducing another staff member to part-time employment. The district has reduced personnel by 15% since 2005 while maintaining a consistent number of enrolled students. 

US News and World Reports recently named Jefferson Central School as one of America's best high schools for the fifth time in nine years, a feat Superintendent Carl Mummenthey called an, "independent validation of our school's success."

The district's annual budget hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The annual budget vote and board elections, which two incumbents are vying for reelection to, will be held from noon until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 in the library lobby.

County Line Rebels to Headline Caverns Palace May 3

MAY 3, 2014 – The County Line Rebels – 9 pm to 1 am – Ask any of their fans and the phrase you’ll hear most often to describes The County Line Rebels is “unique new traditional music.” Founded in 1988, they have been going strong ever since. Their music is performed with power, conviction and respect for their audiences. They’re a musical experience you won’t want to miss….

They are one of the Northeast Country Music Association’s most award nominated groups, garnering nominations for awards as Entertainers of the Year, Vocal and Instrumental Group of the Year, and Sunrise Award almost every year since 1989. Individual members have been nominated for awards in various categories. Band leader, Howard Bellinger was the recipient of the Northeast CMA Pioneer Award  in 2009.

They have had the honor of opening for Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame’s Hank Thompson, Freddy Hart (“Mr. Easy Lovin”), and Grand Ole’ Opry member, Charlie Louvin (of the Louvin Brother’s.)

They hope you will allow them to “reintroduce” you to classic and new country along with some 50’s & 60’s rock ‘n roll thrown in just for fun! They also do square dances. In sum, The County Line Rebels are well‐seasoned professionals with experience and insight who have only their audience’s enjoyment at heart.

You won’t want to miss this Good Old Country Time!!! $5.00 at the door, food and drink specials all evening!!!

Middleburgh Canoe Race Attracts Hundreds

Over a hundred contestants and hundreds of cheering family members, friends, and onlookers participated in the re-founding of an old Middleburgh tradition. The Middleburgh Sloughter Canoe/Kayak Regatta was held yesterday for the first time in almost thirty years. The event was a very popular one that used to pit many experienced canoe racers against each other. This new iteration now includes kayaks.

The results were tremendous. The number of contestants about tripled initial estimates and had more people involved than the original programs. The race started at the picnic pull off near Fultonham and finished in Middleburgh's new Timothy Murphy Park.

Middleburgh Fire Department handled safety for the event

Contestants old and young participated yesterday, including some that were involved in the original races. Rotary President Jim Spencer was MC and members of the Middleburgh Booster Club, Rotary, the Knights of Columbus, and others helped in the event.

All photos credit Sheila Donegan.

State Police Arrest Fulton Man Over Domestic Dispute

On April 26, 2014, State Troopers in Cobleskill arrested James E. Papas, 51, following a Domestic Dispute. It is alleged that Papas slapped and choked the victim following an argument. 

Papas was arrested for Harassment in the 2nd degree (Violation) and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing (Misdemeanor) and was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court.  

He was remanded to Schoharie County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond and is to reappear in court on April 29th. 

 

Vote in Our New Poll: Do You Approve of County Clerk Indy Jaycox's Job Performance?

In our latest survey of Schoharie News readers, we are asking whether you approve or disapprove of Schoharie County Clerk Indy Jaycox's job performance as head of the local Department of Motor Vehicles office in Schoharie. 

Mrs. Jaycox, who was first appointed to the position by Governor Pataki after Assemblyman Peter Lopez was first elected to the state legislature, has subsequently been elected twice to head the countywide office that suffered severely from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Irene. 

The poll is located on the right-hand sidebar of the website and will remain open until Friday afternoon. 

Sheriff's Office Investigating Sharon ATV Accident, Driver Remains Hospitalized

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV accident that occurred on Route 10 in the Town of Sharon on Thursday night, slightly north of the Village of Sharon Springs, according to a press release submitted earlier this afternoon by the department. 

At approximately 8:00 pm, Franklin Butler of the Town of Sprakers was operating his 2003 Artic Cat ATV southboundd on Route 10 when he lost control. Mr. Butler was subsequently ejected from the machine and sustained severe head and neck trauma.  

The operator was airlifted to Albany Medical Center for evaluation, where he remains at this time. In addition to local Deputies, members of the Sharon Springs Fire Department and Rescue Squad, along with several Schoharie County Medics, were also on scene. 

Maple Festival, Lumberjacks to Dominate Busy Cobleskill Weekend

The Cobleskill Fairgrounds will be busy with activity this weekend, as residents countywide are gearing up for the 49th annual Schoharie County Maple Festival where a new Maple Queen will be crowned on Saturday, while lumberjacks from across the North East are sharpening their axes for the Stihl Timbersports Collegiate Qualifier that is being held today into tomorrow afternoon.

Joining in on the community action, the Village of Cobleskil will be hosting their 19th annual Fish and Wildlife Festival in conjunction with their 2014 Earth Day Celebration and Village Clean-Up event, both of which will take place at the Village Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  

Voters Approve Middleburgh Library Budget, Three Trustees Elected

With slightly under one hundred residents voting in Tuesday's Middleburgh Library Board election, the community-oriented organization's 2014-15 fiscal year public budget was approved by 80% of voters; only sixteen no votes were cast.

The budget's approval will result in a 7% increase in taxes for local residents, which will equal out to roughly $2-$4 per household, depending on where they reside in the Middleburgh Central School District.

In addition to approving the proposed budget, local residents also elected three new members to the Library Board of Trustees - Rebecca Young-Cherizard, Susan London, and Timothy Knight - who will replace retiring incumbent Carol Coltrain and fill two recently created positions.