Knight: Farewell to America's Captain

O' Captain, my Captain. 

After fifteen years of watching professional baseball - starting at age six - the last great hero of my youth is gone. Never to be seen again in Major League Baseball, or any other so-called professional level of athletics, for that matter. 

Yes, I'm talking about the legendary New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. And I don't use the word legendary lightly, with respects to the steroid tainted embarrassment the past decade has been to baseball. 

Furthermore, I will openly admit to my deep seeded and passionate hatred for the Yankees, due to their common practice of buying World Series titles, unbearable arrogance, and the overall disgust I have for their organization has a whole. Plus, 1999 is a sore spot. 

None of which, by the way, I hold over Jeter in any form whatsoever. He has been the walking definition of greatness and professionalism in the Yankees clubhouse for the past twenty years; loved for his athletic ability and untainted by scandal. 

Jeter, in addition to other Yankee greats such as Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada, carried the club to championship after championship on the back of their on-field prowess, while navigating the fierce and ugly world of New York City sports media and fandom without losing their souls off the diamond. 

But perhaps, even more importantly than anything else, is the conduct he has held himself to since announcing his looming retirement in the spring. No other departing athlete in recent history has done more to thank his fans or express his appreciation for his ball club than Jeter has done in the Bronx. 

From television commercials to full-page advertisements and the respect he was showered on adoring fans since April, not only in New York but across the county's ballparks, Jeter has established himself as America's Captain; the last living baseball legend we will encounter for a long time to come. 

I heap these praises upon Jeter despite my allegiance to the Atlanta Braves, who produced some of the greatest and more respected ballplayers than any other club during my youth. But Jeter was able to do something more: he was able to retain our faith in the sport through his love of the game. 

Steroid trials? No problem, Jeter was on the highlight reel making a ridiculous throw from shallow left field for the out. The question now is: who do we have left to look forward to? Who do we have to pick up that mantle and revive our faith in baseball's present and future?

Don't feel bad, I couldn't think of anyone either.

With all of that said, I wish my farewell to America's Captain; the last legend. The greatness he exhibited on and off the field will not be recreated anytime soon, nor will the loyalty he held for his team - the only time he ever played for - be seen again in this free-spending era of free agency. 

Nor will I forgive his .353 batting average in the '99 Series, but that is besides the point. 

Committee Recommends the Creation of County Administrator

It may have taken several months, but the special committee set up to study a possible County Administrator really did their homework.

The committee, made up of Supervisors Federice of Conesville, Barbic of Seward, Bleau of Wright, Jordan of Jefferson, and VanWormer of Esperance has published their findings on September 19th.

The report can be found here on the County Website.

The Committee interviewed a series of public officials from counties with similar populations and budgets as Schoharie. Those chosen were Delaware, Fulton, Greene, Warren, and Washington.

They found a series of similar circumstances, between Delaware County having a full time County Board Chairman to Fulton, Greene, Warren, and Washington Counties each employing a full time County Administrator. Those that do have the salary range from $76,000 to $129,000. Their staffs range from just one other employee to three.

Each County that has adopted the Administrator system speaks highly of it, with similar functions. The Administrator is expected to communicate with both the county department heads and the county legislators.

The Committee was clear: they recommend the formation of an administrator. In part, they found:

"The present position of a part time Board of Supervisors Chairman would be enhanced by a chief operating officr who would report directly to the Chairman who should remain as the chief executive officer representing the residents of the County through the Board of Supervisors"

The committee recommends a position created that is meant to be non-partisan or without influence. They suggested a salary between $85,000 and $90,000.

The position would be empowered to execute the will of the County Board. The administrator would attend all committee and full Board meetings. They would also work with the County Board to fill any department head vacancies and could conduct special investigations as needed. The administrator would also serve as the chief auditing agent, allowing another layer of fiscal protection. They would also work on collective bargaining and salary agreements.

The recommendations for minimum qualifications include clauses that no one shall hold a public office while serving as administrator and does not need to be a County resident when appointed, but must move here within 120 days. The candidate would:

"Possess a Bachelor's degree in Business Management or Administration from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and have ten years of full-time paid experience in public, business or industrial enterprise including a minimum of five years in public administration, or, possess a Master's Degree in Business or Public Administration from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with five years of full time experience in public, business or industrial enterprise including a minimum of three years of public administration."

Commitee Chair William Federice of Conesville said that the "need for [a County executive] became increasingly compelling as we conducted our interviews with other counties." He also said that the commitee is "confident those who consider the case for an Administrator without deciding beforehand will come to the same conclusion as the Administrator Committee that Schoharie County needs a full time chief operating officer as is the case in 54 of the 56 other counties in New York State. We feel a County Administrator in that role would bring professional full time day to day management of county business as well as play a key advisory role to the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and other elected officials and department heads."

The results have been shared with the remainder of the County Board, who will consider the proposal.

Man Charged with Promoting Prison Contraband

Sheriff's Deputies charged Gregory M. Duncan, 31, with promoting prison contraband in the second degree after he was remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on a separate charge. A subsequent search of his person by deputies revealed Mr. Duncan to be in possession of contraband. He was arrested at 7:36pm on September 25th. Mr. Duncan was issued an appearance ticket to return to the Village of Schoharie Court on October 13th.

Scenes of Irene: An Unseen Photoseries

Reader Ken Hubert sent us photos that he took of the area during and following August 2011's devastating flooding. Below are several photos of the Schoharie Valley during the disaster.

 Several from Mill Valley Road in Middleburgh.

To see the wider album, click here. For the Mill Valley album, click here.

Press Reports: Howe Caverns Casino Winners in Public Hearing

The public comment period may be over for the four potential casino projects in the area, but that doesn't mean that the rest of Upstate New York has stopped talking about them. The proposals that came before the NYS Gaming Commission had varying levels of public support, but it seemed like Howe Caverns won out, if you believe recent coverage.

The Times Union said that the Caverns project is a clear winner in public opinion:

I'll say this: The supporters of the Howe Caverns proposal have a great case to make for needing a casino's jobs and revenue. Their county, after all, is still recovering from the devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Irene three years ago — which only added to its problems with endemic poverty and unemployment.

TWC News also noted the high intensity among supporters, including the Scary Leg Runners' thirty mile run to the hearing:

Meanwhile back on the road, it's the end of the first leg of the relay and with rain beginning to fall spirits remained high. 

"This is what our community is about, just getting out and doing it," said Pamela Newell, who is running part of the relay.

The Cobleskill paper wrote in a similar vein Wednesday:

Heather Marr, a Schoharie native who's worked at Cobleskill Stone for 10 years, said she sees the project as a way to keep young people like herself here. 

"I love it here and I'm lucky that I have a job I love. I don't want to leave. But my friends...Everything's just falling down. There's nothing here for them. This will bring people in. It will be good for the community."

These reports, coupled with Howe Caverns' recent video ad could be seen as wind in the sails of the project.

Construction Begins on New Cobleskill Stewart's

Construction has begun on Stewart's new location at the intersection of Route 145 and Route 7 in Cobleskill.

Opinion: Now Move On

Did you hear? Cassandra Ethington has been found guilty of misconduct and removed from her position as County Personnel Director. Credit the County Board for a job well done, even if it took a while.

Still, there is much to be done. Ethington is gone from the office and will no longer be a factor. There will be effects lasting for months and years, revisions to policy recommended by the Fitzmaurice Report and other changes in the various departments.

However, there is a wider County to take care of. While unemployment is falling, it is still unacceptably high. Taxes are a major impediment to local economic growth. Costly New York State mandates handicap many businesses and local governments.

It's time to focus on all of these problems. The new Board, now in office for almost a year, has started on these programs. There's been approval of the Guilford project, hard work in containing taxes, and stiff opposition to unfunded mandates. However, now that the Ethington mess is behind the Board there is a chance to refocus efforts on these causes.

With Guilford filling and new businesses entering into Cobleskill, Middleburgh, Sharon, and Schoharie there is a very real opportunity for the County.

Seize it.

Dogtober Festival Aims to Raise Money for Animal Shelter

All are invited for the first ever "Dogtober," scheduled for Saturday, October 11th from 11am-3pm. The event at the Doc Reilly Park in Howes Cave will benefit the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, the area's no-kill shelter.

There will be demonstrations of working dogs and vendors selling goods.

If you would like to be a vendor at the event, space is still available for a $25 registration fee.
Please contact Kerrie at the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley 518‐296‐8390.
Flea market vendors welcomed, especially with family friendly goods. No Vendor's license is needed.

Howe Caverns Casino Launches Emotional Video Ad

The Howe Caverns Casino project released an emotional plea in its bid for gaming approval. The ad features several prominent locals, including Assemblyman Peter Lopez and Cobleskill Stone rep Chris Tague.

Tourism Magazine Highlights County's Bounty

Schoharie County has a new, independent tourism magazine. As we reported in March, The Seasons of Schoharie County, published by Cathleen Berry of Grindstone Press & Graphics, has hit the streets. Ten thousand copies of the full-color, glossy magazine are being distributed to hotels, restaurants, stores, and attractions outside Schoharie County. According to Ms. Berry, "My hope is to increase tourism in our unique county through articles and event information that spotlight the hidden and not-so-hidden gems in our region."

Produced completely by Berry, a well-seasoned graphic designer and resident of Schoharie County, this magazine demonstrates what one resident can do for an entire county. It is her goal to "help put Schoharie County back on the map and inspire others to do what they can to improve life for everyone who calls Schoharie County home."

"I'm not done yet," Ms. Berry added. "Next year, Middleburgh will host the Schoharie County Food for Thought Festival, which will celebrate wholesome food through 17 different events taking place throughout the county, on Columbus Day weekend. As committee chair, I invite everyone in the county to participate, either as a vendor or as an attendee." For more information, including sample pages, check out the magazine's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheSeasonsOfSchoharieCounty."

Pharmacy Opening in Middleburgh This Week

Middleburgh will see a return of a pharmacy after almost four years. Located at 312 Main Street the Valley Pharmacy will be opening on Friday at 1pm. On Saturday at noon the drug store will have a grand opening. All are invited.

The owner, Akrum Mourad is excited to serve the community. He said that the pharmacy is "dedicated  to bringing exceptional health services to you."

The pharmacy's Facebook page can be found here.

Schoharie County Unemployment Falls to Lowest Level in Six Years

The unemployment rate in Schoharie County has fallen sharply, according to new statistics. The figures from the New York State Department of Labor see August 2014 being the best labor market in the County since October 2008.

According to the figures that can be found on the NYS DOL website, the rate has fallen to 6.3%.

Year	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December	Annual
													Average
2014	9.2%	9.8%	8.8%	7.1%	6.8%	6.4%	6.9%	6.3%
2013	11.4%	11%	10.1%	8.9%	8%	7.9%	7.8%	7.1%	6.7%	6.4%	7%	7.4%	8.3%
2012	12.2%	12.1%	11.5%	9.2%	8.6%	9.6%	9.8%	8%	7.7%	7.7%	7.8%	9.6%	9.5%
2011	11.4%	11.6%	10.7%	9%	8.2%	8.8%	8.8%	8.5%	9.6%	8.7%	8.7%	9.5%	9.5%
2010	11.5%	11.8%	10.9%	9.1%	8.6%	8.8%	8.7%	8.5%	8%	7.9%	8.5%	9.6%	9.3%
2009	10.9%	11%	10.9%	8.9%	8%	8.6%	8.6%	7.9%	7.8%	7.6%	8.1%	9.5%	9%
2008	9%	8.9%	8.2%	6.6%	5.6%	5.9%	6%	5.8%	5.9%	5.6%	6.5%	8.4%	6.9%

With new businesses poised to open, the rate could fall further. Most years see a sharp increase in unemployment during the winter as contracting jobs subside.

The unemployment rate dipped as low as 4.1% in October 2006 and as high as 12.2% in January 2012.

Letter to the Editor: Neid Calls for Pipeline Withdrawal

Late this afternoon the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution opposing any additional pipelines through the county. The final vote came after several false starts in which the resolution was first passed, then withdrawn for reconsideration and finally passed again.

 

The resolution represents another impediment to the already troubled Constitution Pipeline and the more recently proposed Kinder-Morgan/Tennessee Pipeline and underscores the high level of opposition in Schoharie County to both projects. The resolution passed despite reported lobbying efforts by Constitution Pipeline representative John Faso at the County level.

 

The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities calls on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reject both the Constitution and Kinder-Morgan/Tennessee projects not only in response to overwhelming community opposition but also in recognition of the negative economic, environmental and cultural impacts they would cause across more than 120 miles of rural New York State. 

 

Bob Nied

Board of Directors

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

518-872-3903

Cobleskill Police Blotter

Monday, September 15, .2014

At 10:55 pm. Cobleskill Police arrested Jonathan A. Mascia, 20, of White

Plains: 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 30 at 5:00 pm.

At 10:55 pm Cobleskill Police arrested Spencer L. McKaig, 20, of Troy, NY, for

Violation ot the Village Noise Ordinance. He was issued an appearance ticket

and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 30 at

5:00 pm.

At 10:55 pm Cobleskill Police arrested Andrew C, Caraballo, 21, of Brewster,

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 30 at 5:00 pm.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

At 915 pm. Cobleskill Police arrested Chad Corsi, 32, or Carlisle, NY, on an

Arrest Warrant for Harassment. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and

remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $2,815.52 due to a Family Court

Warrant. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on October 7 at 5:00 pm

Thursday, September 18, 2014

At 12:40 pm. Cobleskill Police arrested Stephanie Goodsill, 19, of Middleburgh

NY, for Petit Larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She

is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on October 21 at 5:00 pm.

At 4:41 pm Cobleskill Police arrested Brandon J. Pileckas, 38, of Amsterdam,

NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd, Criminal

Possession of a Hypodermic instrument, Criminal Possession of a Controlled

Substance 7th and Petit Larceny. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court

and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $5000 Bail / $10,000 Bond. He is

to return to Cobleskill Town Court on September 30 at 5:00 pm.

At 4:41 pm Cobleskill Police arrested Danny P. Rivera, 31 of Amsterdam, NY,
for Petit Larceny and Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic instrument. He was

arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail

on $5000 Bail / $10000 Bond. he is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on

September 30 at 5:00pm.

SUNY Cobleskill Hosting Beer Education this Saturday

SUNY Cobleskill's Office of Professional And Continuing Education (PACE) will be offering Grain to Glass Workshops on September 27th. The event is open to the public. All sessions are free with the exception of the beer tasting, which is $8.50.

Please see the schedule for the all day event below:

Ethington Found Guilty by County Board

A pared down panel of members of the County Board of Supervisors have found Cassandra Ethington guilty of misconduct. The eight panel ad-hoc jury voted tonight to remove the former Personnel Director from her position.

The vote was a unanimous 8-0. All of the Supervisors on the panel voted to let her go. The trial has been going on for several months. The Supervisors on the jury were Buzon (Middleburgh), Bleau (Wright), McAllister (Cobleskill), Federice (Conesville), Smith (Blenheim), Smith (Broome), VanGlad (Gilboa), and VanWormer (Esperance).

The deliberation took for an hour. Former Schoharie News editor Tim Knight said, "Tonight's verdict was the culmination of many months of investigation into misconduct in County government and tonight justice was done."

Ethington had been suspended from her position since last year.

Vote in Our Poll: Vote for Governor

Vote in the poll on our sidebar for who you would choose for governor. Current Governor Andrew Cuomo clinched the Democratic nomination and will face off against Republican nominee Rob Astorino. Who do you choose?

Poll: High Skepticism Regarding New Pipelines

Schoharie County residents are skeptical about the idea of having new pipelines in the County. There is widespread opposition to the installation of further pipelines and some support for removing those already in the country.

Yes 25% - 45
Yes if deemed environmentally safe 24% - 43
Yes if fracking is banned 2% - 4
No-- we have enough 38% - 68
No-- get rid of the existing ones, as well 8% - 14
Don't know/undecided 3% -6
Total: 180

In another way, the poll could be seen as:

Yes- 25%
Yes, conditionally: 26%
No: 46%
Don't know/undecided: 3%

The opposition to the pipeline plan as currently configured is the strongest portion of the local populace.

Opinion: End the Ethington Era

Cassandra Ethington's rise to Personnel Director and her seizure of power over the Health Department and manipulation of the Planning and Development Department were a black mark on Schoharie County's history.

Now it's time to erase that mark for the County Board of Supervisors.

With eight members remaining on the "jury," it is their responsibility to make sure that Ethington's alleged misdeeds are confronted and punished. With a decision expected later this Monday, it is time for the Board to fire her once and for all: no more paid suspension, no more delays, and no hung jury.

It's the least that the Board can do, especially after the employees that had to face her wrath, including employees that should not have been removed in the first place. Constant manipulation, hiring of political allies, and the near breakdown of the County's system of government should have consequences.

And if there was anyone else that aided or directed Ethington's reign of terror, they should face justice as well.

Send her out the door.

Letter to the Editor: Why the Lack of Coverage?

Dear Times Journal,

Shame on you! I am referring to the lack of coverage of the Country Rock the Valley Concert in
Schoharie on August 23, 2014. Just because it was not advertised in your paper, does not mean that it
should not be covered as a popular community event. You also excluded the Schoharie Promotional
Association which puts on events all year long, for free!! There are 16 towns in Schoharie County which should receive coverage in the Times Journal, but it seems that only events in Cobleskill, Sharon Springs and Middleburgh, get coverage.

Paul LoCascio, Pete Bruyn and many others have been organizing the Country Rock the Valley Concert since Hurricane Irene in 2011. They even managed to get a huge concert together that year!!! Together they have raised over $100,000 for the people of Schoharie that were devastated by the Hurricane. The organizers and all the volunteers work tirelessly for months to ensure the success of the Country Rock the Valley Concert and to bring it to the level that it has become today.

All the bands donate their time and ask nothing in return. Maybe in the future the Times Journal could adopt a similar philosophy and help community groups and support them. I understand you are in business to make money, but if an organization chooses not to advertise in the paper, the news story of that event should not be underpublicized.

Although you published pictures of the bed races, there were no explanations as to why they were
taking place. Do you even know why?? The bed races are a fun way to get people out into the village
and have some fun together, while raising money for the Schoharie Volunteer Fire Department. They
still need help rebuilding three years after the Hurricane.

Please do not advertise as “The News of Schoharie County” if the news from the entire county is not
being covered.
Shari Carr
Schoharie, New York