Poll: Readers Overwhelmingly Disapprove of Cuomo

Schoharie News readers overwhelmingly disapproved of Governor Andrew Cuomo's job performance in a recent poll conducted over the past week. Mr. Cuomo has faced a wave of bipartisan resentment over his widely unpopular gun control law, the "SAFE Act," particularly across Upstate New York. 

With slightly less than two hundred votes cast only 16% of readers approved of the first term executive's performance in Albany, while 80% view the rumored White House hopeful negatively. The remaining 4% were undecided.

This is in stark contrast with statewide polls that show Mr. Cuomo's approval ratings in the high fifties to low sixties as he prepares to take on Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in the fall. Schoharie County is expected to go strongly for Astorino after barely backing Paladino in 2010. 

Opinion: Taxation Without Proper Representation

We like to beat up on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors here at the Schoharie News, often on matters of ideological or philosophical differences, but lately we've become more set in our opinion that many of the board's faults can be attributed more to the system of government itself rather than those administering it.

Take for example last month's contentious decision to move forward on the controversial stream bank project. Nine of sixteen Supervisors voted against county taxpayers shouldering the burden of approximately $2.6 million in additional non-budgeted costs, but due to the board's antiquated weighted vote system, it passed nonetheless. 

In fact, when you take into consideration that Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAlister's one vote in favor of resuming the project was worth more than almost five of his colleagues votes in opposition, it's a wonder that legislators from Blenheim, Conesville, or any of the small towns continue to participate in this farce of democracy at all. 

If tomorrow morning residents of Schoharie County were informed that their votes would no longer be counted equally in countywide elections, but that it would be distributed based on their town's respective share of the county's overall population, immediate lawsuits and protests would (rightfully) flood the state's legal system. 

With that in mind, why doesn't the same hold true of our representatives in county government? Because, "legally," the weighted vote system is 100% constitutional and okay, even though its origins emerged out of a landmark Supreme Court decision that found non-proportional representation to violate the concept of "one man, one vote."

But rather than adopt a system where one man or one woman had just one vote, dozens of counties statewide adopted legislative forms of government where one man could have more than five or six men's votes on any given issue, which has had the effect of creating a situation where the solution is far worse than the original sin. 

A sin Schoharie County lawmakers have ignored for far too long. 

We don't pretend to know what the right course of action is on this disconcerting state of unequal representation on the county board, although we have our own ideas, but we do believe that if the Board of Supervisors is willing to examine the status of county government through a workshop committee or charter commission, that no harm can come out of working for the public's interests. 

Middleburgh Library to Host Legendary Performer Thursday

The Middleburgh Library's "The Not so Quiet Concert Series" will be featuring legendary songwriter, actor, concert performer and social activist Josh White Jr., on this upcoming Thursday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. 

Mr. White got his start at the age of four when he performed one evening with his father at the famed "Cafe Society", which is renowned for being New York's first integrated night club. He would land his first Broadway role at just nine and never looked back in a incredible career spanning seven decades. 

Tickets will be available at the door to hear the famous concert artist, who has had the honor of performing on the world's greatest stages across four different continents. A donation of $10.00 is suggested. 

Middleburgh's Heritage Day a Hit

Cars, ribbon cuttings, and so much more describe the fun filled atmosphere of Middleburgh's second annual Heritage Day, featuring Middleburgh Central School's Technopolooza on the high school lawn. 

Despite the rainy weather, area residents packed the historic village for a myriad of events ranging from the Rotary's Sloughter 5K in the morning to a scavenger hunt sponsored by the local business association and the official opening of Fish Tales & Fur on Main Street. 

Stealing the spotlight was the immensely popular Technopolooza, which showcased dozens of classic and modified cars for spectators enjoyment and displayed shop projects produced by local students inside the school.

Middleburgh resident Sheila Donegan captured the sights of Heritage Day and submitted the following photographs for publication. Enjoy!

Middeburgh Mayor Matt Avitabile and Village Trustee Bill Morton
 present mural artist Patti Brancoforte with the village's thanks

The Scavenger Hunt brought participants to Four Star Reality

The Middleburgh Business Association's table

After a year of planning, Middleburgh welcomes a pet store

Technopolooza from Main Street

Cobleskill FD 150th a Blast

Cobleskill residents celebrated the 150th anniversary of the community's beloved Fire Department.

Photo credit: Cobleskill FD Facebook Page

"Vroman's Gnomes" Unveiled in Middleburgh

Hosted by the Artisan's Gallery, a new exhibit is electrifying Middleburgh. Vroman's Gnomes, the brainchild of local artist Mike Galli, has become a sensation. The event Friday night introducing the gnomes was a hit for adult and child alike.

Trading cards printed by Race Printing were also available.

Photo credit: Artisan's Gallery Fan Page

Letter to the Editor: Residents Need to Remain Vigilant on Pipeline

Dear Editor:

For almost two years residents of Schoharie County have faced the possibility that a large, high-pressure natural gas pipeline would cut through the heart of the County while landowners in its path would face the seizure of their property under eminent domain or be forced to settle for a small one-time payment in exchange for giving up control of their property to Constitution Pipeline Company forever. At the same time many read news stories about the terrible safety record of the very companies proposing to build the pipeline, with almost monthly reports of fires and explosions, all to facilitate the export of fracked gas to Canada and ultimately overseas.

To their credit, many area residents organized and resisted bullying by the pipeline company, while simultaneously, the NY State DEC and other agencies called the pipeline company’s proposal inadequate and potentially harmful to the environment.  As a result, the Constitution Pipeline approval process has been significantly delayed and the project may never be built.

But before beleaguered landowners could breathe a sigh of relief they now have a second pipeline proposal slashing through many of the same properties. It is clear Schoharie County is a target for exploitation by gas companies who think they can do what they want to rural communities and ultimately, build an infrastructure that will help them frack our farms, fields and backyards.

The only way to stop them is to refuse to allow them to survey, to refuse to sign your rights away. Constitution is in trouble because the residents of our region have said “no” in large numbers. So far Schoharie County has been stronger than the drillers and the pipeline companies. We need to continue to be strong and not allow the dangerous industrialization of our rural communities.

If you receive a letter from a pipeline company return it to them with a registered letter denying them permission to come on your property.  If they knock on your door, send them away without permission to survey. If, at any time, you are harassed, threatened, intimidated or trespassed upon by pipeline representatives call the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities toll-free Landowner Response Line at 1-800-795-1467 and we will stand with you and help you protect your rights.

For additional information visit the Stop the Pipeline web site: www.stopthepipeline.org and consider attending the Stop the Pipeline meetings held monthly in Oneonta.

Bob Nied

Board of Directors

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

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.