Knight: The Death of Conversation

Approximately twenty-five hundred students attend SUNY Cobleskill annually, where we stumble across campus with our heads down and phones up on a regular basis. Or even worse, we congregate in restaurants or buffets, and silently eat our food and stare at our electronic distractions while hanging out with friends and classmates.

And people wonder why we need to take classes on interpersonal communications and conversational skills to graduate from college. 

It is truly a saddening state of affairs in human existence when college age adults, living in the height of our lives, cannot look away from our Iphone 5 or Galaxy smartphones to acknowledge the shy girl sitting in the corner, or push away our virtual worlds to engage in real world, wholesome and lasting interactions with fellow human beings.

Another thing that is sad? We actually have to differentiate between the real and virtual worlds in our depressing state of twenty-first century existence. Oy vey. 

Don't get me wrong: I am just as guilty of this than anyone else. I use computers in-class to check facebook statuses, order hockey tickets, or message other friends in the exact same course. But I, at least, feel guilty about my behavior and try to make up for it by encouraging real interaction. 

Encouragement that often falls on death ears.

Yet, for all the time we spend in the virtual world; if often yields little of value beyond the immediate search for something to occupy our ever decreasing attention spans. Sure, everyone was aware of Robin Williams' death, but President Obama's national address on combating ISIS? No dice. 

Still, despite my lamentations, real and lasting friendships are made on college campuses everyday world wide. Relationships are birthed between flirtatious youth, and knowledge is expanded in the classroom, whether we as students want it or not. 

However, though, my concerns and qualms remain not as a Luddite, hellbent on the destruction of technology, but as a communicator fearful of the great art that is conversation, ultimately and irreparably declining to a form of emoticons and grunts where it had once been an expression of verbal prose, beautiful and powerful all the same.

- Timothy Knight 

Gibson-Authored Bill Against Lyme Disease Passes House

A bill authored by Schoharie County's Congressman Chris Gibson has made it through half of Congress. The Tick Borne Disease Research and Accountability Act, introduced by Gibson was adopted by voice vote unanimously. It now moves onto the Senate for their approval or denial before going to the President.

The bill supports a widening of research to combat Lyme disease and an effort to consolidate government resources to do so. The bill includes a provision that would require no additional spending and to use existing money already budgeted. Within three years the Secretary of Health and Human Services would introduce a strategic plan to combat the disease.

Read the proposed law here.

Student-on-Faculty Assault Causes Shelter in Place at C-R School

Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School released the following statement regarding an incident at the school yesterday:

Good evening, this is Mrs. Ausfeld, Principal of the Cobleskill- Richmondville High school. I am calling to notify parents and guardians of an incident that occurred today, Sept. 10, 2014, at approximately 1:30pm that resulted in a Shelter in Place for all students and staff at the HS. A staff member was assaulted by a student resulting in an injury that prompted a response by law enforcement and EMS. The shelter in place was called immediately to ensure the safety of students and staff and allow school officials and law enforcement to deal effectively with the situation. As always, school safety is our primary concern. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the High School Office. Thank you and have a good evening.

We are waiting on details and will report as they come in.

Opinion: Unity on Our Darkest Day

This year, on the thirteenth anniversary of the September 11th atrocities, it is important to remember the vital months of unity that followed the attacks.

Across the country, state, and even in our little county there are often sharp and divisive debates over vital issues. It is not uncommon for people to treat each other more as enemies than partners in the area's future. With the divides in the area over various causes, we have to remember that almost every person in the County loves and care for it and wants to build a better future. We should treat each other respectfully knowing that this is the case.

From the unity of action following Hurricane Irene or at Ground Zero, many people can do great things. It's better to do them together.

Cobleskill Man Arrested on 32 Counts of Public Lewdness

Following a joint investigation between the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, a Town of Cobleskill resident was arrested on September 5th and charged with 32 counts of Public Lewdness.

Douglas A. Spaulding , age 61, of 461 Myers Road was charged after the investigation revealed that he had exposed himself to passing motorists along Route 20 in the Town of Carlisle during early morning hours. The incidents occurred between May 1st and August 31st of this year.

Spaulding was arraigned before Cobleskill Town Court and committed to the custody of the Sheriff’s
Office in lieu of $2,500 bail. Defendant is scheduled to return to Carlisle Town Court on September 10th

This is an ongoing investigation. Police are asking anyone who may have been a victim of Public
Lewdness along Route 20 in Schoharie County to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 518-295-8114 or the
State Police at 518-234-3131.

Emergency Preparedness Training at SUNY Cobleskill Saturday

SUNY Cobleskill is hosting an emergency preparedness training session in conjunction with the NYS Prepare program. The program is this Saturday, September 13th at 10am at the Bouck Auditorium. All people, from public officials to anyone is invited. All attending participants will receive an emergency preparedness bag.

To register, click here.

Cuomo Wins Bruising Primary Challenge Statewide, Loses Schoharie in Landslide

Governor Andrew Cuomo, who recently polled a 16% approval rating in Schoharie County, warded off a serious challenge in Tuesday's Democratic Party primary against Zephyr Teachout, who ran an inexpensive insurgent campaign.

With almost 95% of the ballots counted, it was:

Cuomo (inc.): 61.8%
Teachout: 34.5%
Credico: 3.7%

In Schoharie County, Teachout won in a landslide:

Teachout: 71.1% - 361
Cuomo: 24.6% - 125
Credico: 4.3% - 22

Teachout's percentage was third-highest in Schoharie County, trailing only Columbia County's 77.9% and Otsego County's 72.7%.

Republican candidate Rob Astorino won the primary, running unopposed.

Cobleskill Police Blotter

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

At 1:40 am Cobleskill Police arrested Troy M. Primes, 18, of Berkshire, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 29th at 5:00pm.

At 4:01 pm Cobleskill Police arrested Amanda Sword, 28, of Cobleskill, NY, on a Warrant for issuing a Bad Check. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on September 9th at 5:00 pm.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

At 6:06 pm. Cobleskill Police arrested Jeanne Brown, 45, of Cobleskill, NY, for Criminal Mischief 4th. She was issued an appearance ticket arid released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 30th at 5:00 pm.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

At 1:11 am. Cobleskill Police arrested Lawrence K. Hammond, Jr. 28, of Worcester, NY, for DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.08% and other vehicle and traffic tickets. She was released and is to appear in Cobieskill Town Court on September 30th at 5:00 pm.

At 4:46 pm. Cobleskill Police arrested Donald Q. Radcliff, 21, oi Cobleskill, NY, for DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.08% and other vehicle and traffic tickets. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $500 Bail/$1000 Bond. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on September 9th at 5:00 pm.

At 3:08 pm. Cobleskill Police arrested Jamie Lynn Bartlett, 23 of Sprakers, NY, for Petit Larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is to appear in Cobteskiil Town Court on September 30th at 5:00 pm.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

At t;55 am. Cobleskill Police arrested Jillian M. Salzmann, 22, of Calverton
NY, for DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.08% and other vehicle and traffic tickets. She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 30th at 5:00 pm.

Ethington Decision Expected September 22nd

Two weeks from today, the Ethington saga may be over. According to the County Board of Supervisors, the next hearing date of September 22nd should be the last. The hearing is taking place at the County Courthouse at 6pm and is open to the public.

The decision will be made by the remaining 8 Supervisors on the ad hoc jury in an unweighted vote. Five votes or more are needed to convict, or find not guilty. A tie would result in a mistrial. The Supervisors making the decision are Buzon (Middleburgh), Bleau (Wright), McAllister (Cobleskill), Federice (Conesville), Smith (Blenheim), Smith (Broome), VanGlad (Gilboa), and VanWormer (Esperance). There is no indication yet on how the Supervisor will vote. There has been extensive questioning by the special prosecutor and the defense attorney.

If Ethington is found not guilty, she will serve out her remaining contract, which will not expire for three years. It is unclear if she would physically return to the office or serve at home.

Opinion: SALT Forever, Sustainable

SALT has been among the most effective community groups since 2011's flooding. Its intrepid employees and volunteers have been incredibly effective at rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives shattered by Irene.

They need to stick around. There are still homes and businesses left to be fixed and the need for volunteers. SALT also partners with other groups to educate the public about flood and disaster response. There will be a need for general flood mitigation. Unfortunately, some day in the future the area will need a rapid reaction force ready to take on flooding.

SALT will, and should be there for these eventualities.

However, three years on after the flood, some things should transition. SALT has effectively aided over 600 properties, and has organized and distributed thousands of hours of volunteer labor and hundreds of dollars. There's a new reality as the flow of volunteers and donations slow to a trickle. It's nothing that SALT or any other local group did wrong, it's just that money and labor follow recent disasters. Schoharie Recovery co-founder Josh DeBartolo is in Colorado helping with flood recovery there-- it's just what good-hearted people do.

So with less cash and fewer hands on deck over the next years, what should SALT do? A large portion can stay the same-- keep the VISTA volunteers ready-- paid for by federal grants, keep sending out as many volunteers as possible, and keep informing the public. However, due to the fact that donations have declined and will continue the decline, moving to an all-volunteer basis (or a very low stipend system) is the only way that a group of the scale of SALT can sustain itself over the next several years. Any significant administrative costs will eventually rival the costs of materials and work done on-site. It happened to other major groups and could easily happen here.

SALT is, was, and will be an integral part of the County. It's important that it places itself in a position to do so.

Best House Hosting 'Business After Hours' Event Thursday

Middleburgh's Best House museum is hosting the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours get together. The event will pull together business leaders from across the County and include the County's new tourism director, Becky Stark.

The September 10th event will take place from 5-7pm and will offer refreshments and a giveaway of Tiffany champagne flutes. There will also be a mini-tour of behind-the-scenes elements of the museum. To register, please call 518-296-8820 or do so online.

Vote in Our Poll: What Will Happen in the Ethington Case?

With the Ethington trial nearing its end, the public is curious to see what the ad hoc jury made up of a portion of the County Board of Supervisors will do with former Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington. Here's your chance to weigh in: what do you think will happen?

Mixed Vote in SALT Poll

Readers want a shift in SALT's direction, but they're not clear on which one, according to the latest Schoharie News poll. Readers were asked where the flood recovery group should go, after Director Sarah Goodrich said that it has completed the vast majority of work in fixable houses and businesses.

The largest share of votes went to making the group into an all-volunteer group to meet future challenges. Right behind was disbandment and making no changes.

What Should SALT's New Role Be?

Don't change a thing 26% - 20 
Transition into an all-volunteer flood recovery and mitigation group 29% - 23 
Disband gradually 14% - 11 
Disband immediately 27% - 21 
Don't know 4% - 3 
 78 total

Middleburgh Library Holds Anniversary Celebration

The Middleburgh Library held a birthday celebration on Saturday, September 6th. The event, which ran from 4-7pm was well attended. It was an opportunity for visitors to meet and speak to members of the Library volunteers, including its Board of Directors and other officials.

There were opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Among the exhibits was a large birthday cake, a magician, Best House museum information, a bouncy house, a fundraiser for the Knights of Columbus, and others. Hot dogs and other food was served to the visitors, which numbered in the dozens. The Library is celebrating 82 years in operation.

The Library expects to make this event into a yearly tradition, and based on how events went this weekend, it sounds like a winning idea.

Analysis: Fracking Development Would Mainly Aid Two Local Companies

The fracking debate in Schoharie County has heated up of late. The New York State Legislature has passed a three year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing. In Middleburgh, Town Board members are under fire by local residents for delaying a vote on the Slottje anti-fracking provisions. A state court decision also stated that local home rule laws could strictly allow or ban the practice.

However, one company believes that these local laws are irrelevant and deserve to be ignored.

“The ultimate lever for utilizing home rule is zoning, but the oil and gas laws supersede municipal zoning laws,” said Cobleskill Stone Products Attorney John Holmes when interviewed for an academic publication, “...Should the local have a veto effect over the majority? You have heard of a tyranny of the majority, what about a tyranny over the majority by the minority?” The attorney added that the company has a contract for natural gas development on a property in Chenango County, NY.

Former Cobleskill Mayor Mark Galasso believes similarly. He stated in the same series of interviews that loyalty to Schoharie County is irrelevant and that it could only be placed in the United States. He blamed local politics, “Home rule is mob rule.” In 2011, it was reported that upwards of 35% of profits of Galasso's company, Lancaster Development is due to hydraulic fracturing involvement. His company builds many of the large roads for fracking practices in Pennsylvania. He said that anti-natural gas advocates' thinking "is like that of a Neanderthal."

It was reported in December 2012 in the Cobleskill paper that the Town of Cobleskill was considering allowing fracking in its two industrial zones-- both owned by Cobleskill Stone Products, owned by Emil Galasso. The large amounts of water needed to hydraulic fracture the sites could now be provided by the extension of the Village's water line-- a $9.2 million project paid by taxpayers pushed through by then Mayor Galasso and then Supervisor Murray. As WNYT reported earlier this year, the pipe for the Constitution Pipeline has already been delivered to local sites. One of the primary staging sites for construction is owned by Lancaster Development in Richmondville.

Opinion: Leadership in Cobleskill, At Last

The Village of Cobleskill is the economic engine of the County and a local transportation hub. Its business and political successes or failures affect the entire wider area.

Unfortunately, since 2005 the Village suffered a large leadership drought. Mayor Michael Sellers and his successors allowed many opportunities to pass by. This changed last year with the overwhelming victory of former Trustee Linda Holmes as Mayor.

Since taking office, Holmes has lived up to her promises, and then some. Then-Trustee Holmes promised to coordinate community efforts and to ramp up volunteer efforts. She's delivered, often with her own hands. Whether it was her and the Village Trustees shoveling snow in the winter to help residents, or working on a compromise on CRCSD issues, or recently coordinating efforts around the Village-- she and Cobleskill's active citizens been on a roll.

Mayor Holmes' strength is not so much herself, but what she has engineered to happen. Similar to efforts in Middleburgh, she has crafted a local government and various groups to work with the same goals in mind, allowing for a multiplier effect of time, money, and effort. She has actively sought out public opinion, fostered business development, and has done nothing for personal gain.

Mayor Holmes might be modest about her leadership, but the Village's actions leave nothing to be modest about.

Letter to the Editor: Faso's Role in Pipeline Questioned

John Faso was a failed candidate for NY State Comptroller. He later lost the election for governor by the largest margin of any Republican candidate in the state’s history. As a member of the State Assembly his voting record was criticized from both sides of the aisle. He was called “out of touch” by members of his own party. Mr. Faso now works for a law firm and serves as pitch man for Constitution Pipeline, a company that is threatening to seize the private property of landowners across Schoharie County.

Despite Mr. Faso’s rather dubious credentials he feels compelled to tell Schoharie County what it should do. In a recent letter to editor of the Times-Journal Mr. Faso spoke against a draft resolution before the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors that would oppose any further natural gas pipelines through the County. He also engaged in some rather transparent double talk, first reminding the readers that interstate pipelines like the proposed Constitution do not provide natural gas to local resident and then inferring that Constitution would increase the likelihood that local residents could reduce their energy costs by using natural gas.

Mr. Faso knows that the proposed pipeline is intended only to exploit Schoharie County residents not help them. He also knows that his client has repeatedly stated that they are not in the business of providing gas to Schoharie County and he also knows that the likelihood that a developer will invest millions in a distribution network for rural Schoharie County residents is so remote as to be a non-issue.

Mr. Faso suggests that Schoharie County residents should happily surrender their property rights in order to help A Delaware county company reduce its heating costs. Mr. Faso doesn’t mention that the Delaware county firm, for which Governor Cuomo proposed $20 million in taxpayer funded grants and reduced electricity costs, threatened to pull 1,000 jobs out of the area if those opposed to the pipeline are successful in stopping it. If Mr. Faso is troubled by this distasteful brand of economic blackmail he doesn’t show it.

Mr. Faso knows that the proposed pipeline will reduce property values, create a threat to the safety and security of area residents, and reduce their quality of life and their ability to use their land as they intended. He also knows the pipeline will encourage the build out of related infrastructure such as the compressed natural gas (CNG) facility now being fought by the residents of the residential/agricultural area in the Town of Duanesburg, just over the Schoharie County line. Mr. Faso doesn’t care about any of that. He cares about the profits of the company he represents and you can be sure he will be compensated very handsomely by Constitution if he convinces Schoharie County to buy what he is selling.

Bob Nied

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

Hanson Lawsuit Dismissed

A lawsuit launched by former Schoharie County Department of Public Works employee William Hanson was dismissed late last month. The judgement by Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Gerald Connolly on August 21st backed the narrative of the County.

Hanson was suing over what he described as an intentional purge to remove him from his position and demanded restitution.

According to Judge Connolly, since Mr. Hanson was hired on a probation basis, he had less leverage in his case than a full civil service employee. The Judge declared that in this limited review of the termination as allowed by law, there was no legal standing to the suit. Connolly said that Hanson's own suit did "not allege that his dismissal was made for an improper or impermissible reason."

The Judge continued that probationary employees could be fired for "no reason at all" in court precedent. The dismissal also notes that Hanson's original brief admitted that he was a probationary employee, and in a second document contradicted his first story, stating that he was not probationary during his time with the County.

The judgement ended with acceding to the request of Schoharie County to dismiss the case and that Hanson's claims would be "dismissed and the relief in this proceeding is in all respects denied."

Former Alley Cat Diner Changes Hands

The site of the former Alley Cat diner has new owners. Devastated by the flooding of 2011, the popular Alley Cat never returned and was rebuilt and reopened as the Blue Star Cafe.

Recently, the store was bought and reopened as Schoharie County's Diner. The diner is open Tuesday through Sunday and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Photo and information credit the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook page.

Otsego County Sheriff's Department Requests Police Robot

The Otsego County Sheriff's Department is looking to make a technological feat and introduce a police robot to its force. The tracked robot costs about $27,000 and can traverse many terrains. It has a camera and sound recorder on the device to capture what is going on around it. The robots are powered by batteries and come with little to no recurring costs.

Photo credit: Daily Star

The Oneonta Daily Star has reported on the robot, stating that:

 Manufactured by a firm based in Sunnyvale, Ca., the Avatar III robot is about the size of a desk telephone, looks like a small tank, and is capable of negotiating staircases, grassy areas, sand and other terrain.  

It is operated via remote control, allowing the operators to keep a safe distance from suspected explosive devices or other hazardous situations.

It is unclear if the Sheriff's Department will receive the device or if there's similar interest in Schoharie County. A decision is expected later today.