450 Signatures Presented to Middleburgh Against Fracking

Last Thursday the Middleburgh Town Board had a lively debate about the potential merits and dangers of fracking. Most of the conversation warned against the practice, with various fears regarding the possibility of it coming to Schoharie County.

Village Trustee William Morton with the help of several volunteers received a series of signatures asking the Town Board to ban hydrofracking within its borders. The petition specifically asks for the Town Board to pass the "Slottje provisions," written by two attorneys as a watertight law unlikely to be overturned in appellate court.

The 450 signatures represent a large segment of the Town's population, noted Trustee Morton. He stated that upwards of 80% of those asked to sign did so.

In order to pass the Slottje provisions into law, the Town Board must first set and hold a public hearing. There was a lively debate over whether to set this hearing among the members.

Council member Susan Makely said that the signatures represent many people that want something done immediately.

Supervisor James Buzon, who has struggled to convince the Town Board to agree to ban fracking, agreed.

Council member Frank Herodes said that he did not like mention of how natural gas development could affect deer hunting. He said that he did not like hunting.

After a spirited debate, the Board voted 5-0 to set the public hearing on the Slottje provisions. While it is unclear if the provisions will pass next month, it is the farthest the discussion has gone in over two years of debate.

Letter to the Editor: Will There Be Change in Jefferson?

Dear Supervisor Sean Jordan,

When you were first elected, we anticipated the beginning of a new era. An era free of corruption, ineptitude and bias. We welcomed the new leadership and the opportunity to start a fresh, positive relationship with the town. We hoped to see a change in attitude, a fair approach, a new face.

Sadly, nine months later, we have yet to see any indication that there’s been any change in Jefferson. All we see is the perpetuation of old biases, the retaining of unqualified and incompetent contractors, the same old excuses, tired and worn pretexts.

As you well know, the governing body of the Town of Jefferson has been embroiled in an ugly dispute with Oorah for years. Repeatedly and through various means, the town has attempted to prevent our organization from fulfilling its mission. Documents have established that there has been a clear pattern of bias and abuse of power.

Oorah was forced to sue the town four times over the past four years. First because, under former Town Supervisor Daniel Singletary’s leadership, the town refused to issue building permits for properly designed camp structures. The town’s defense was unsuccessful and the permits were issued. Schoharie County Attorney Michael West, who represented the town in that case, later accepted an appointment as an administrative judge, proposing to decide a regulatory matter filed against Oorah by the County Department of Health.  This revealed Mr. West’s disregard for the rules of professional conduct by serving in positions that placed him in a direct conflict of interest. Every decent lawyer knows that you cannot serve as a judge over a party that the lawyer just had a case against. Later, Mr. West reluctantly recused himself when we pointed out the ethical problem, and the routine Department of Health matter was then easily resolved administratively.

Then the town, again under Mr. Singletary’s leadership, twice refused to grant Oorah its tax exemption, and again, lost the two suits filed against it. Town assessor Mark Los publicly stated, “It was worth the fight”. It is difficult to imagine that the town’s taxpayers would agree with this assessment.

In this ongoing fourth case, Oorah seeks certificates of occupancy for its completed camp buildings. The town refuses, baselessly, to issue them. Within the last week, the Supreme Court of New York has issued the third interim order requiring the township to allow Oorah to occupy and use its gymnasium, the primary building in question. Yet the Town of Jefferson continues to drag out the legal process, with no end in sight.

 From the start, we have done everything in our power to bring this case to a peaceful resolution, attempting at all times to comply with the town’s requests and demonstrating our good-faith efforts to move toward a mutually satisfactory conclusion. Our position has always been clear: we are here to make peace.

Every indication had been that you, too, were interested in a fair resolution of issues and putting aside ill will and uncalled-for antagonism. Yet we are sorry to say that those indications seem to have been unfounded.

We had hoped that we would finally be able to focus our time and resources on our vital mission without the distraction of baseless harassment by a town government motivated by bias. Those hopes have regrettably remained unrealized.

  

It’s not only we who deserve a clear answer. Your constituents, the good people of Jefferson, deserve to know as well: Why does its government  continue to waste taxpayer dollars on a lost case? Let the residents of Jefferson know why its political leadership stubbornly continues to fight an old battle which the courts have found to be without merit, carelessly spending tax money on exorbitant legal fees.

The facts of the case are clearly documented. We have been forced by the town’s desire to extend this battle to retain engineers and other experts who have certified that our buildings are safe, but you unreasonably refuse to accept these findings. The courts have ruled in our favor. Oorah, the residents of Jefferson, and the cause of justice are owed leadership that will step up to the plate to end this pointless war. Leadership that will control ethically compromised lawyers and bring the case to its end, as should have happened long ago.

We urge you to take the reins and change the way you will be perceived in this narrative. Will you go down in the annals of Schoharie history as the hero who finally brought an end to this dragged-out affair or as the weak leader who followed meekly in the footsteps of his belligerent and biased predecessor in wasting town funds to launch a losing and hopeless battle?

We would like to see this case settled and leave it behind us so that we can begin a new, improved relationship. But we’ve been mistreated for far too long already, and our responsibility to ourselves, to those we serve, and to those who support our work is to ensure that this illegal and unjust campaign is brought to an end. In addition to the actions already taken, keep in mind that there are other legal options open to us. Indeed, the documentary evidence seems to indicate that such measures will further vindicate Oorah, and expose the town, and possibly its officials, to extensive liability.

We offer peace.  Will you work with us to bring peace to the Valley or will you continue to allow your constituents to fund, and others to wage, this needless, lost war of retribution?

-- Camp Oorah

Richmondville Couple Arrested for Growing Marijuana

A Richmondville couple has been charged with several offenses stemming from an alleged marijuana growing operation.

A search warrant revealing ten pounds of marijuana and growing equipment led to the arrest of Samantha Buffo, 24, and Thomas McLasky, 29. 

 According to police, Along with marijuana, fireworks and two non-commercially manufactures M1000 type explosives were found.

More information from WTEN here.

Before and After: An Irene Photostudy

Local reader Michael Avitabile sent us these photos of scenes from Middleburgh, Schoharie, and down the Schoharie Valley of scenes of heartbreak and recovery from the flood.

The former Chamber of Commerce location on Main Street Middleburgh, now ICCI Computer Concepts

Wayman's Furniture, Middleburgh

Main Street, Middleburgh

Debris, Middleburgh

Main Street, Schoharie

Old and New Stewart's, Schoharie

River Street, Middleburgh

Student Escorted Off Schoharie Campus After Unidentified Threat

From the Schoharie Central School webpage:

A Schoharie High School student was escorted from school this morning, September 17, by the New York State Police regarding a threat made outside of school. At no time were students or staff at risk, and the school remains calm and safe. The safety of students and staff is paramount to Schoharie Central Schools and the New York State Police, and all threats are taken very seriously. The matter is being handled by the New York State Police and the student is not in school at this time. Questions or concerns may be directed to SCS Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathryn Gerbino or High School Principal Dr. Stacey DeLaney.

2014 County Flu Clinic Schedule

Shared with us by the County Health Department.

Letter to the Editor: Set the Record Straight

One of the articles in the police blotter written about me is inaccurate. In the September 15 Cobleskill police blotter it says that I was arrested for a noise ordinance. This is untrue as the police came to my apartment, illegally entered during my friend's birthday celebration (who also is in the article as "arrested") and then wrote us a summons for a noise violation. We were never quoted Miranda rights or anything to signify being arrested. The responding officer told us that it was just a summoning ticket to find if we pay a fee or not. When my name is searched I do not want a false arrest appearing which slanders my name or the name of my friend, Alberto Vidales.

-- Patrick Pensivy

Sharon Springs Fire Dept. French Toast Breakfast this Saturday

The Sharon Springs Fire Department is offering its annual French toast breakfast. The event is open to the public and is all you can eat. Come on Saturday, September 20th from 7am-noon and join in the fun.

The Sharon Springs Harvestfest is happening the same day.

RSVP or find out more here.

Flurry of Business Openings in Schoharie

Schoharie is continuing is ascent out of the dark days after the flood. In the past several months, the community has seen a sharp increase in the number of businesses on Main Street. Just this past week the village has opened its second hair salon in recent months.

The Top Knot Hair Salon and Makeup Lounge and the Amy Rockwell Photography studio both opened its doors at 289 Main Street, in different parts of the building.

Photo credit: Schoharie Promo Association

Schoharie also saw the opening of Rehab Support Services on Main Street.

Top Knot's facebook page can be found here. Amy Rockwell Photography's site can be found here.

Cobleskill Police Blotter

Friday, September 12, 2014

At 8:35pm Cobleskill Police arrested Ashley A. Brantley, 19, of Springfield
Gardens, NY, for Petit larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and
released. She is to appear is Cobleskill Town Court on September 30th at 5:00
pm.

At 11:38 pm Cobleskill Police arrested Caitlyn R. Lockwood, 24, of Cobleskill,
NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd. She was
arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. She is to return to Cobleskill
Town Court on September 30th at 4:00 pm.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

At 11:00 pm Cobleskill Police arrested Patrick J. Pensivy, 22, of Hicksville, NY,
for Violation of the Village Noise Ordinance. He was issued an appearance ticket
and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 30th at 5:00
pm.

At 11:00 pm Cobleskill Police arrested Alberto M. Vidales, 23, of Mamaroneck,
NY, for Violation of the Village Noise Ordinance. He was issued an appearance
ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 30th
at 5:00 p.m.

At 11:00 pm Cobleskill Police issued a summons to Emily K. Doyle, 18, of
Kingston, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21. She is
to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 30th at 5:00 pm.

At 11:00 pm Cobleskill Police issued a summons to Devon A. Mintzes, 17, of
Bay Shore, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21. She
is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 30th at 5:00 pm.

Vote in New Poll: Pipelines in Schoharie

Make sure to vote in our new poll on the right hand sidebar regarding the future of pipelines in Schoharie County.

Poll: Most Think Ethington Will Be Found Guilty

Most of the readers of the Schoharie News believe that former Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington will be convicted by the County Board of Supervisors and removed from her position. The unscientific poll, conducted over the last week attracted over 100 respondents.

 What Do You Think Will Happen in the Ethington Case?

She will be found guilty 55% - 74 
She will be found not guilty 22% - 30 
There will be a mistrial 14% - 19 
Don't know 9% - 12 
 135 total

Schoharie Presbyterian Annual Ham Dinner September 27th

The Schoharie United Presbyterian Church on Main Street will be holding its annual ham dinner on Saturday, September 27th from 4-7pm. Dinner for adults are $12, children from 5-10 $6, and no charge for children under 5. Takeout orders add $1.

All are welcome.

Zombie 5k Run October 25th

Come and join the undead in a 5k Zombie Run starting and ending at the Power Authority Visitor's Center in North Blenheim. The event is being hosted by the Middleburgh Library Association.

Emergency Services Rescue Elderly Man in Summit

On Sept 11, 2014, emergency personnel responded to 345 Clapper Hollow Road, Town of Summit for a 77 year old male that left the residence on his ATV and had not returned for several hours.

Emergency personnel continued the search for 77 year old, Lester “Bud” Savarese at 8 am this morning

Friday, Sept 12. A NYS Police helicopter located the ATV, abandoned in a nearby creek. While officers investigated the location of the ATV, the individual was spotted approximately 1⁄4 mile southeast of the ATV in a field. Emergency personnel aided the individual to the roadway where he was evaluated and then transported to Albany Medical Center.

The Agencies/Personnel that assisted in the search and rescue were:

Schoharie Co Sheriff’s Office
NY State Police Aviation
NYS Encon/Forrest Ranger
Schoharie Co Search & Rescue
Summit Vol Ambulance
NYS Forrest Ranger
Schoharie Co Fire Coordinator
Charlotteville, Summit and Jefferson Fire Departments
Schoharie Co Medics

SALT Hosting Surf and Turf Dinner September 20th

SALT is hosting its next Surf and Turf dinner to raise money for flood victims. The event, from 4-7pm on Saturday, September 20th is at the Delmar Reformed Church at 386 Delaware Avenue, Delmar.

This dinner will include lobster, clams, shrimp, steak, and corn.

Anyone that is interested can buy tickets here or call 518-702-5017.

County Building Evacuated in False Alarm

Yesterday there was a false alarm at the County Building, and the entire staff was evacuated. The event took place a little after 10am. There was apparently a false alarm that was tripped, although the exact cause has not been released.

Due to the false positive, the local fire departments were asked not to respond, but the County Emergency Services office checked to scene to make sure there was no danger. The evacuation was orderly and quick.

Employees re-entered the building at 10:27.

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.