Seward Leads Opposition to Microstamping in State Senate Codes Committee

ALBANY, 06/13/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) this week was joined by fellow senators in voicing strong opposition to gun control legislation (S.68A/A.3244A) requiring the microstamping of ammunition.

“Microstamping is a flawed technology, easily defeated by criminals, that would only cost law abiding citizens while forcing hefty new expenses on firearms manufacturers like Remington Arms,”said Senator Seward.  “This bill came to the senate floor for a vote in 2010 when New York City Democrats controlled the agenda and I rallied opposition to defeat it.  This year, the gun control bill will not see the light of day.

“Those who support this bill seem to forget – criminals don’t follow the law.  Microstamping would not help police track down lawbreakers who obtain guns illegally, out of state, or file or switch a weapon’s firing pin, all common practices among criminals,” Seward added. 

A majority of the members on the New York State Senate Codes Committee, where the bill has been referred, have added their voices to Senator Seward’s opposition, effectively blocking the proposed legislation.

The measure, if enacted, would effectively end the manufacture of firearms in New York and sales in New York as gun makers would not produce “New York only” weapons for citizens or the police.

Senate Codes Committee Chairman Senator Michael Nozzolio and committee members Senators Phil Boyle, John DeFrancisco, John Flanagan, Patrick Gallivan, Joe Griffo, Andrew Lanza, and Tom O’Mara have all publicly declared their objections to the measure. They were also joined by Senators Cathy Young, Greg Ball, Tom Libous, James Seward, John Bonacic, Patty Ritchie, Kathy Marchione, Bill Larkin, Betty Little, Joe Robach, George Maziarz, Hugh Farley and Mike Ranzenhofer.

After recent anti Second Amendment moves in the state assembly, state senate Democrats are now pushing efforts to move the microstamping bill sponsored by Senator Peralta.

“Here they go again, in an extreme attempt to turn law abiding citizens into criminals, rather than tackling the real criminals. We must unite, in both the senate and throughout the state, to stop this extreme and costly effort. There is not a shred of credible evidence that proves the technology actually works. We will work together to protect the Second Amendment,” they said in a joint statement.

MCS Rountable Fundraiser Adds to Heritage Day Activities

Middleburgh's second annual Heritage Day, which includes the Sloughter 5k Run, Technopalooza, pet store grand opening, and mural unveiling has another event to add to its list. The MCS Roundtable is raising funds by holding a pulled pork BBQ on the school lawn from noon until sold out. Four meals will be just $20, individual ones $6. Anyone with questions can call Raelyn Mercer at 827-3086.

No Excuse This Weekend: County Full of Events (June 13, 2014)

Schoharie County is the place to be tomorrow, with several communities hosting different events in what should be a beautiful Flag Day across Upstate New York:

Blenheim - By far the most somber event of the day, Blenheim residents will be hosting a breakfast at the local Town Hall to benefit late Town Highway Superintendent Gerald "Gerry" Felter's wife in her time of financial need. The breakfast will kick off at 8:30 am and is donation only. 

Cobleskill - Marking the one-hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Cobleskill Fire Department, the county's largest municipality is going all out with a Main Street parade, all-day events at the fairgrounds and live entertainment to cap the celebrations. The festivities will begin at 10:00 am. 

Middeburgh - The Valley community will have a host of events for local residents to participate in the second annual Heritage Day celebration. They include the Rotary's Sloughter 5K set for 9:00 am, Technopolooza on the high school lawn, and the Creekside Park's mural unveiling. 

Schoharie - The Schoharie American Legion Auxiliary Flag Day Ceremony will be held at the Veteran's Park located on the corner of Main and Spring Streets in the Village of Schoharie. A special ceremony for retiring used flags will be performed at 6:00 pm with the help of local Boy Scout Troop #4.

Gibson Questions Bergdahl Release as House Grills Hagel

Members of the House Armed Services Committee, including local Congressman Chris Gibson, grilled U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Wednesday afternoon on the Obama administration's decision to swap five high-ranking Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay for U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who had been in captivity since 2009.

Congressional concerns centered around the administration's transfer of high-ranking enemy officials and strategists to Qatar, where they will be released within the next year, and the violation of federal law that requires Congress to be notified within thirty days of any prisoners release from the controversial military base in Cuba.

In a statement issued Monday morning by Congressman Gibson's staff, the former Army Colonel told the Schoharie News that although we need to bring every American back from captivity, he does not believe, "that we exhausted  all avenues in seeking the safe return of Bowe Bergdahl before entering into this agreement."

Defense Secretary Hagel told lawmakers in his prepared remarks Wednesday, "As the opportunity to obtain Sergeant Bergdahl’s release became clearer, we grew increasingly concerned that any delay, or any leaks, could derail the deal and further endanger Sergeant Bergdahl."

The Bergdahl exchange has attracted significant backlash from Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Washington, with many sharing our local congressman's concerns that, "this swap could set a dangerous precedent and put more Americans at risk," as there are fears it may encourage future detainment of U.S. personnel for prisoner exchanges.

Middleburgh's Turtle Rock is No More

The former Turtle Rock Cafe, once a popular restaurant and ice cream shop, was torn down earlier today. The building, purchased by the Town of Middleburgh through the FEMA buyout withstood terrible damage in 2011's flooding.

Photo credit: Sheila Donegan

The Town is in discussions to possibly turn the area into a park and ride.

More buildings around the County are set to be demolished in the coming months.

County Board Holds Special Meeting to Approve Grant Requests

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors met Wednesday evening to approve several Community Renewal Fund grant requests before New York State's June 16th application deadline is reached on Monday. Twelve Supervisors were present for the special legislative session. 

Among several grant requests applied for, the $200,000 micro-enterprise grant was seen as a potential game-changer for local businesses. Limited to small businesses with five employees or less, Sarah Blood of the Schoharie County Economic Development Office said it was of, "priority status." 

If approved, the grant would be administered by the county with an emphasis placed on awarding funds to veteran and women owned businesses. The state has stipulated that 23% of contract funds have to go to veterans, so long as they're honorably discharged, women or minority groups.

Small business owners would be able to apply and receive anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, with the caveat they are able to match the grant's funds. Schoharie County is not likely to hear the state's decision until October, which would place any announcements at or before election day. 

Video of Schoharie School Board Meeting

Schoharie Central School held its Board meeting last week, attracting dozens. Watch the video below.

Former Mayor Plays Prominently in Cuomo TV Ad

Andrew Cuomo may likely be headed for an easy re-election across the whole state, but is calling in for local support in Schoharie County. Cuomo has unveiled a series of new ads statewide, including a prominent former official. Former Middleburgh Mayor William Ansel-McCabe is seen with the Governor in the new ad touting the Governor's record over the last four years.

In 2012, Ansel-McCabe emphasized his tight relationship with the Governor, saying that he was a close political ally. If the ad is any indication, the former Mayor could help bring about a local boost for the chief proponent of policies that have affected Upstate-- from the tax cap to Common Core to the SAFE Act.

The ad can be seen here.

Coby-Rich 3rd Graders Win Farm Tour

COBLESKILL, NY - June 8, 2014 - Schoharie Valley Farm to School Project of Cornell Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce that it has awarded the opportunity for a Farm Tour to the 3rd grade class of teacher, Debra Henry, of Radez Elementary School, Cobleskill-Richmondville CSD. The free tour, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11th, to begin at 11:45 am and end at 1:45 pm, is being made available through the support of Fox Creek Farm CSA of Gallupville, NY and Farm Family Insurance - Burke, Miller Associates, headquartered in Glenmont, NY.

Hosting the Farm Tour are Fox Creek Farm CSA owners, Raymond and Sara Lurhman, who will ensure that all members of Ms. Henry’s class have a chance to rotate thru several activities during their two hour tour. In order to get a close up view of a working farm, students will enjoy: 

(1) Planting: to learn about how plants grow from a seed; they will take their seedling home with them;

(2) Animals: walking to the cows and chickens (and to a pond - with its fish and tadpoles); seeing how their daughter Johanna’s small egg enterprise works;

(3) A “Haywagon” ride - to see the entire farm and the different crops being grown; will include a visit with the beekeepers, Tim and Jack Norray, at the hives on the farm.

The drawing for a free Farm Tour was limited to school districts who have been participants of the Schoharie Valley Farm to School Project. An additional qualifier limited consideration to teachers who had involved their classroom in the NYS Agriculture in the Classroom sponsored “I Love NY Ag” Art and Writing Contest, held from March - April 2014. 

All of the local entries will be on display at the Schoharie County Sunshine Fair. Included in the winning classroom is a statewide winner, Myteah Sperbeck. With over 300 entries judged from school districts across New York State, Myteah received an individual award of Honorable Mention in the category of 3rd grade submissions and will also have her entry on display at the New York State Fair in Syracuse.

For questions, contact Farm to School Project Coordinator, Regina Tillman, via email at rmt371@live.com, or via mobile phone at (518) 229- 1548, or call the office of Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties at (518) 234-4303 / (518) 296-8310.

Learn to Swim at Mine Kill State Park

Beautiful Mine Kill State Park, located on Route 30 in North Blenheim, New York is once again offering its annual “Learn to Swim” program at the Olympic-sized pool complex within the park.  Lessons are available for both children and adults, and will be taught by certified Water Safety Institute instructors. The pool opens on June 28nd and Community Lessons will begin on Monday, June 30th.

All lessons are based on American Red Cross guidelines and include the Infant and Preschool Aquatic Program (IPAP) Stages 1 and 2 for children 6 months to 4 years, followed by instruction Levels 1-6 for ages 4 and up.  Mine Kill will again be having two 4-week sessions for IPAP, Stage 2, and American Red Cross levels 1-6. Lessons will be held Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

Session 1                                            Session 2

June 30 - July 24                          July 28 – August 21

In addition to the traditional Learn-To-Swim classes, Mine Kill State Park is also offering Adult Swim Lessons (depending on staffing levels) and a Competitive Swimming class.  The competitive swimming class will aid students in improving their stroke definition based on the Red Cross level they have completed.  Each individual will learn competitive swim techniques, drills, and self-discipline.  This class will be taught by WSI certified, coach, and competitive swimmer, Erica Buel.

Starting June 4, if you would like to enroll yourself or your son/daughter in this program, please contact Ashley Cunningham. You can do this at your convenience by phone at (518) 239-6322 or e-mail atcunninghama545@strose.edu . Enrollment is limited in each session, so individuals who are closed out in the first session will be given priority in the second session. 

Admission into the park will continue to be free when you arrive for lessons after 3 PM.  However, parents and children entering the pool area for lessons will be required to pay the pool admission fee. This year we are also excited to announce that our Kiddie Pool will be open. Come enjoy Mine Kill State Park and all that it has to offer.

Mine Kill State Park is located in the scenic Schoharie Valley overlooking the Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project.  The reservoir provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities.  The eight miles of trails, including trails from the Park to the NYPA Visitor Center such as the Long Path, are great for hiking, biking and birding.  Cascading 80 feet through a narrow gorge is the picturesque Mine Kill Falls for which the Park is named.  The Park also has an Olympic sized swimming pool with separate wading and diving pools.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintain 179 State Parks and 35 Historic sites throughout the Empire State. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call (518) 474-0456 or visit www. NYparks.com, “like us” on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

Pet Store Breathes New Life into Middleburgh's Main Street

Set for a Friday opening and Saturday grand opening, Fish Tales and Fur has had a long journey towards opening at 330 Main Street.

Owner Mark Czyszczon and his family have been tirelessly working to get the location open. Unoccupied before the flood, it was damaged in 2011. The family and volunteers put in sweat equity to get the location ready for use.

A newly repainted storefront

The store will offer a wide range of pets and pet supplies, with fish being a major component. The resident fish expert is manager Bob Czyszczon, who previously managed a pet store in Cobleskill.

Soon to be filled tanks

Mark is doing the best to fulfill the dream of his wife and business partner Tina to run a pet store. Mark, who was also a volunteer at numerous locations along Main Street after Irene, wants to give back even further. "I want to serve the community," he said.

The owner also wanted to emphasize the store's other strength-- flexibility. "If anyone wants something that we don't have in stock, we'd be happy to order it for them," he said. The store is already packed with lizard, fish, and other supplies. Pet food ranging from dog to cat to rodent to fish to lizard will also be available. For the braver visitors, so will large spiders.

Manager Bob Czyszczon after putting up a front display tank

The store's Facebook page can be found here and a website is soon to follow. The owners want to have a full opening this Friday.

A grand opening is planned for 1pm Saturday during the Middleburgh Heritage Day festivities. All are encouraged to attend.

State Police Arrest Teen Driving 103 on I-88

State Police Arrest Teenage Speeding on I-88

On Monday, New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill arrested seventeen year old Kevin Lenehan of Delanson after he was observed driving a 103 miles per hour on Interstate-88 in the Town of Schoharie. The driver, according to police reports, repeatedly asked why he had been pulled over. 

The State Trooper on scene smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle while interviewing the driver. A search of the blue Honda Civic del Sol revealed that Lenehan and his passenger, seventeen year old Harrison McQueeny, of Duanesburg, were both in possession of the criminal substance. 

Both teenagers were ticketed and are scheduled to appear in the Town of Schoharie Court on June 16th, at 4:00 p.m. 

Sheriff's Department Arrest Schoharie Man Following Stewart's Incident

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has announced the arrest of forty-eight year old Ward Arnold Jr. of Schoharie for Harassment in the Second Degree following a incident at the Schoharie Stewart's on Monday morning.

Arnold was reportedly harassing a female patron in the convenience store. The suspect was issued an appearance ticket to appear before Town of Schoharie Court on June 16th. According to the Oneonta Daily Star, he was previously arrested by Sheriff's Deputies for Harassment in the First Degree back in 2009. 

Poll: Readers Split on Favorite NFL Team

Schoharie County's varied beliefs and politics are well known to the Schoharie News, as months of polling data have documented the fluidity of local politics. However, never before have we seen a result as inconclusive as our latest survey on Schoharie County's favorite professional football team.

Reflecting the diversity of New York sports fans, and the failure of all three local teams to successfully control their market, only 54% of county residents favor one of the New York franchises, while over one-third of them support a team out of state altogether. 

What is your favorite NFL team?

Other - 26%

New York Giants - 26%

New York Jets - 18%

New England Patriots - 11%

Buffalo Bills - 10%

What is the "NFL" - 10%

Please remember to vote in our current poll, located on the right-hand sidebar of the website, asking whether or not Schoharie News readers approve or disapprove of Governor Andrew Cuomo's job performance in Albany. 

Middleburgh Readies for 2nd Annual Heritage Day

The Village of Middleburgh in conjunction with the Middleburgh Area Business Association are readying plans for the community's second annual Heritage Day set for this upcoming Saturday, June 14th. It will be kicked off by the Middleburgh Rotary Sloughter 5K at 9 am that morning. 

Among other items, the event will feature guided historic tours, gnomes demonstrations at the Artisans Gallery, a scavenger hunt sponsored by the business association (entry forms will be available at NBT Bank), and Technopolooza, which will include live entertainment, food, student exhibits and rocket launches. 

The official unveiling of the Baker Avenue pavilion mural will also take place.

Vote in Our New Poll: Do You Approve of Governor Cuomo's Job Performance?

Governor Cuomo's administration has had a lot on its plate over the last four years from fracking to gun issues to taxes to regulations. Do you approve of the way he's handled the job the last three and a half years? Vote in our sidebar to make your voice heard.

Dangerous New Form of Heroin Infecting Area

A new, more easily-addicted form of heroin is making its first appearances in Schoharie County. Most likely coming from sources in Utica, New York City, and Albany, this new type is easily concealable and avoids visible effects of heroin use, such as track marks.

Sublingual heroin has gained in popularity nationwide over the last decade. So called because it can be put into pill or film form and placed under the tongue. The veins under the tongue can carry the drug through the blood stream rapidly and without need for a needle. This does result in a smaller "high" but has the advantage of being far less traceable and more portable.

Due to heroin's low cost, this type of heroin could rapidly become a major form of the drug. While sublingual heroin has not overtaken that delivered by the needle, it will likely become a major secondary version of the opiate.

While there have been no specific arrests for sublingual heroin, sources indicate that it has reached Schoharie County. Major recent drug arrests could make a dent in its expansion as the Cobleskill Police Department has taken the lead in combating heroin, among other drugs.

Opinion: County Board Needs to Unify Around Common Cause

The 2014-15 Schoharie County Board of Supervisors has a dynamic group of members tasked with overseeing the administration of government in this county; from lawyers to union officials and small businessmen to farmers, all facets of rural Upstate New York are represented in this legislative body. 

However, and perhaps unfortunately to some extent, the result of having a diverse set of individuals convene to conduct public policy is that with whatever positives they bring from their personal life, it's inevitable that at least a few negatives will come along with them. Namely, large egos and set attitudes. 

Both, again unfortunately, are at the root of dysfunctional county government, and while it would be easy to just point fingers and yell at the supervisors to put aside their petty differences, we are not naive or idealistic enough to believe sixteen individuals will agree on anything contentious, let alone retinue business.

With that said, we do believe the county board can come together on a broad set of similar principles that can serve as a unifying measure between supervisors that although they have different ideologies and distinct personalities, that they all have a common desire to see Schoharie County succeed in their own way.

Sure, perhaps our youthful idealism is clouding the realities of political discourse, but we strongly believe that it the sixteen men and women sitting around the U-shaped table on the third floor of the county board can spell out their similarities for wanting this county to thrive, then maybe they will be more willing to consider each others differences. 

Mine Kill to Host Father's Day Fishing Tournament

Join the Friends of Mine Kill and Max V. Shaul State Park on Saturday, June 14, 2014 during the Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Tournament, from 7am - 12pm.  Celebrate Father’s Day and beat the heat along the beautiful Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir.  Entry per individual is $10, while a family of 4 or more may enter for $30.  Registration will be at the boat launch area in Mine Kill State Park or you can call Mine Kill State Park at (518) 827-8690 to pre-register.  

The fishing tournament will take place on the Blenheim-Gilboa Lower Reservoir for a chance to win 50% of the entry fees.  The remaining funds will support educational programming and recreational activities at the park through the Friends of Mine Kill and Max V. Shaul group.  The individual with the longest recorded fish (any species) will be awarded the winnings following the end of the tournament at 12pm sharp.  Anglers may fish from the shore of the reservoir or may use a boat.  Please note that the New York Power Authority no longer requires a seasonal permit to launch a vessel on the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir.  However, all boaters must check in at the Mine Kill State Park office and then power-wash the boat prior to entering the water. 

Mine Kill State Park has many more fishing opportunities for you.  If you can’t make it out to the Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Tournament then please join us during the Late Summer Fishing Tournament on Saturday, August 16th.  The Mine Kill Summer Fishing Tournaments continue to grow thanks to everyone who has participated in past events and spread the word.  Please note, if you are 16 years or older you must have a valid fishing license.  In order to use a boat (both motor and non-motorized) on the reservoir, please stop at the Mine Kill park office and fill out the appropriate information.  All boats are required to be power-washed at the power-wash station adjacent the park contact office.  However, boats are not needed though since there is plenty of shoreline access for all your fishing fun.     

Mine Kill State Park is located in the scenic Schoharie Valley overlooking the Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project.  The reservoir provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities.  The eight miles of trails, including trails from the Park to the NYPA Visitor Center such as the Long Path, are great for hiking, biking and birding.  Cascading 80 feet through a narrow gorge is the picturesque Mine Kill Falls for which the Park is named.  The Park also has an Olympic sized swimming pool with separate wading and diving pools.

For those who would like to extend their visit, nearby Max V. Shaul State Park is a small, quiet camping area with 30 wooded tent and trailer sites, picnic grounds, a state of the art playground and boat access along the Schoharie Creek.  In addition to the Max V. Shaul trails and fishing opportunities, campers have free access to Mine Kill State Park. 

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Artisan's Gallery to Host Vroman's Gnomes Opening

Gnomes are coming to Middleburgh...

Starting Friday, June 13th at the Artisan's Gallery located on 322 Main Street, Middleburgh, NY, artists Mike and Joe Galli will be unveiling their Vroman's Gnomes. The Gallery will be open from 6-8 pm for the special event, and light refreshments will be served. 

The artists foretold that, "When the clock strikes 6 on the evening of June 13th under the strawberry moon, you are invited to experience the newly discovered land of Vroman's Gnomes. These mystical creatures have been living amongst us since the Devonian Period and have rarely been seen. Emerging from the Ancient Forest and migrating to different regions of Schoharie County, these gnomes hiked from Vroman's Nose and have surfaced to reveal themselves to Humankind." 

Residents and art aficionados are invited to come and see the Gnomes in their natural habitat. For more information on these mysterious creatures, you can visit their official facebook page here which states they were discovered atop Vroman's Nose; protecting the landmark.

Schoharie Man Faces Alcohol and Drug Related Charges

New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill have announced the arrest of fifty-seven year old Dennis Robtoy of Schoharie, who was stopped on State Route 145 by a State Trooper for failing to keep right earlier this week, and will face alcohol and drug related charges stemming from the incident. 

After being pulled over, Robtoy was found to be intoxicated and was in possession of marijuana and a metal smoking pipe that contained the illegal substance. He tested at a .08% blood alcohol concentration and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. 

Robtoy will appear in the Town of Cobleskill Court on June 10th for further action.