Opinion: Yes to Administrator

The recommendations are clear: the County government is a mess.

It's not necessarily a mess because of the individuals on the County Board of Supervisors, but rather due to the antiquated system that it runs under. While an overall overhaul may be a better option in the long haul, the chances of it coming into being through the current government system is unlikely.

The committee's report is chock full of relevant research and parallel experiences of similar counties. Chair Bill Frederice has put together a compelling argument that the current system is unsustainable.

After all, it is the current system, with a weak executive in the County Board Chair that allowed the Cassandra Ethington mess to unfold. Even further, there is great instability in such a system-- look at the four different Board Chairs over the last several years.

The Administrator position is non-partisan and independent. It would require some money for salary and at least one assistant, but realistically, it is far more efficient than the current arrangement. For those concerned about the amount of money that would be spent, the Board could propose the exact amount spent to be cut from next year's budget.

The Administrator would allow for the different Departments' efforts to be arranged, instead of allowing for an accumulation of power as Ethington engineered or a mismanaged fiefdom, like Alicia Terry's handling of the Planning Department. Allowing for these Departments to work on similar goals, such as economic growth or streamlining costs is something that has not been done to its fullest.

We always get emails and calls asking for an investigation into x or y department in County government. Wouldn't someone that is responsible for overseeing each one prevent waste and abuse? After all, the current Board Chairman's position is only part time with limited authority.

The Board can make some changes to the recommendations, but they appear to be solid. Tie the threads of County government together in competent hands and help heal the many issues confronting Schoharie County.

Letter to the Editor: Please Attend Fracking Law Hearing

I want to announce that  a public hearing will be conducted Thursday, October 9th, at 7pm at the Middleburgh Town Hall.  This hearing will provide an opportunity for residents and business owners  to express their views on the proposed amendments to the Town's zoning ordinance designed to prevent gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the Town of Middleburgh.

The proposed amendments were developed by David and Helen Slottje and have been upheld by three courts, including the New York State Court of Appeals, the highest court in the State.  Helen Slottje was awarded the prestigious Goldman Award for her work on these particular zoning provisions. This is an international award which only five people in the world received in 2014.  Over 200 towns in New York State have adopted the Slottje provisions. All work, including work for the Town of Middleburgh, has been done on a pro bono basis by the Slottjes.  This includes two trips to Middleburgh from Ithaca.

The Towns of Blenheim, Broome, Fultonham and Schoharie have adopted the Slottje provisions leaving Middleburgh the only town in Schoharie valley not to have adopted them.

This is an important hearing the outcome of which could have far reaching consequences not only for the Town of Middleburgh, but  for Schoharie valley as well.

Please plan on attending the hearing to share your views.

Bill Morton
Middleburgh

Food Store Returning to Middleburgh

It may have taken three years, but a food store is again returning to Middleburgh. Coming in the next month, the Olde Corner Store will be opening its doors at 308 Main Street. The store, currently a staple in Gallupville, had been looking to relocate in Middleburgh for over two years now.

Owner Joy Heckman is optimistic about her new venture. She said that she was compelled to come to the community due to the "the void in Middleburgh and the surrounding area that was left by Hurricane Irene." She aims to become a major partner in the community, both at her store and with the recent expansion of events in town.

"I love what I do." she said.

The Olde Corner Store has been a popular stop for the last eight years in the Town of Wright and will be expanded in Middleburgh. Joy Heckman is planning on purchasing a new open display case and has opened an online fundraising pitch to aid in the endeavor. The store will have expanded deli and bakery options from what she has now.

The site, formerly Four Star Realty, will also use a back office facing Railroad Avenue affected by Irene partially fixed by volunteers organized by the Village and SALT. The Olde Corner Store will place its bakery in that space, allowing for more food options in the front section.

"I welcome the Olde Corner Store and Joy to Middleburgh," said Mayor Matthew Avitabile, "The quality of her store and her enthusiasm will be well met in the community."

Heckman wants to offer an arrangement of grocery and health food items, saying that "I look forward to serving the residents of Middleburgh and providing quality food and health supplements in a friendly atmosphere."

Efforts by the Village of Middleburgh have so far paid off, with most of Main Street now fixed and occupied or ready to be occupied. The pharmacy has opened two doors down from the Heckman's.

County Budget To Be Announced at Press Conference on 14th

On Tuesday, October 14th at 10:00 a.m., Schoharie County Treasurer and Budget Officer William Cherry will release the county’s 2015 Tentative Budget. Copies of the spending plan along with proposed tax rates, changes in expenditures, recommended adoption calendar, and a summary of the highlights of the Tentative Budget will be included. Questions from the press will be welcomed during the conference which will be held at the Treasurer’s Office on the first floor of the County Office Building, 284 Main Street, Schoharie, NY.

Vote in Our Poll: Do You Support Administrator Committee's Recommendations?

Just a week and a half ago, the County Administrator Committee looked into the possibility of creating a new position to manage local government. The County Board has yet to vote on this possibility. What do you think?

Readers: Split New York into Two

Schoharie News readers overwhelmingly agree that New York State should be divided in two. According to our weeklong, unscientific poll, readers choose the option of splitting the state by a more than 3 to 1 margin. The chances of such an event seem unlikely, although is likely reflected across much of Upstate New York.

 Should New York State Split into Upstate and Downstate?
 Yes 73% - 115 
 No 22% - 35 
 Don't know 4% - 7 
 157 total

Knight: Society's Depression Stigma

Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld once quipped that, "There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know."

While his comments pertained specifically to national defense related issues at the time, they can be used to explain American attitudes toward depression, and the stigma that is attached to mental health topics in general. 

We all know that depression exists, that millions of individuals suffer with mental distress for any number of reasons, and that without obtaining the resources necessary to address it, suicide can often seem like the last option for depressed souls. 

However, the real question is: why does it have to reach that point?

The answer, at least in my opinion, is because society as a whole does not understand the nature of depression, or its warning signs, or its symptoms, or its causes, or its solutions; and because of this lack of understanding, members of society balk at what they don't know. 

True, as stated before, we generally know the concept of depression exists, but beyond the outlying signs, there is a knowledge gap. A knowledge gap that has harmed mental health awareness for years, due to the fear of those afflicted that no one will understand their condition, or that society will judge them as outcasts. 

Furthermore, this stigma has only been advanced by the collective ignorance of American society that places too much emphasis on strength, will, and determination, while leaving those unable behind to trug along by themselves with no help.

Sure, "strength, will, and determination," might be a great catchphrase for nations declaring war, but they might not be able to save the soldiers returning home who have PTSD, or the young student who has difficulty finding worth in their own life during a strenuous time period adjusting to his or her academic situation. 

The scariest aspect of Rumfeld's comments are the unknown unknown, which by definition we know nothing of, but think about that for a second... When you take a walk, or go to the grocery store, stop and consider how many people around you have contemplated suicide or self harm, and then ask yourself how many of them have kept that to themselves because of how they thought you would respond...

... And that's why we, as a society, must change our attitudes toward mental health in this nation, or else those afflicted with depression will never be able to come out of the shadows, and embrace the light of life.

I apologize for the directness of my column this week, but enough is enough. Depression can no longer be approached idly, with uncommitted attitudes. It must be addressed with care, with love, and with understanding. 

History and Harvest Weekend Features Many Events in County Oct 10-12

Throughout the Schoharie Valley, it’s time to celebrate a bumper crop of good times during the History & Harvest Weekend Oct. 10-12.

On Friday, Oct. 10, festivities begin with a Harvest Dinner that takes place from 5-7 p.m. at Wellington’s Herbs & Spices in Schoharie.  

. Noting its 125^th anniversary and preserving and promoting Schoharie County history is the Old Stone Fort. To commemorate -- and to celebrate the milestone -- the Old Stone Fort will host an outdoor concert on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 5-9 p.m.  The concert is the highlight of the Fort’s history Fair and it begins with “From Big Bang to Big Band: 125 Years of Music” with the Schoharie Valley Concert Band playing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. It will feature real cannons from three centuries. The concert continues with a set from Skip Parsons’ Riverboat Jazz Band, followed by big band music and dancing with the Burnt Hills Melody Makers. The concert is free and all are welcome.

The Stone Fort History Fair throughout the weekend features a mixture of living history, historic re-enactors, musical performances, demonstrations and activities from more than three hundred years. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.

While the history fair is underway, the Village of Schoharie has its annual Pumpkin Festival that includes games, music, and an autumn bake off, a farmers ’ market and wagon rides to the History Fair. The Pumpkin Festival is from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Main Street in Schoharie. One of the festival’s features will be the Schoharie Sloughter[i] Auction at 2 p.m.  with all items made, grown and offered in Schoharie. At the hive in Schoharie, their Music on the Porch Series features Critical Mass from 12-2 p.m.

Just down the road in Middleburgh on Oct. 11, will be the 23^rd Annual Fall Festival Parade with this year’s theme, Schoharie County Sloughters. The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. from the Middleburgh Elementary School.

The Timothy Murphy 10K Run and Walk for the Environment gets underway at 9 a.m. on Oct. 11 at the Max V. Shaul State Park in Fultonham.

On Oct. 11-12, from Noon to 4 p.m., Lasell Hall in Schoharie will celebrate the restoration of the 1795 Tavern following the 2011 flood.

At a Taste of Europe, there’s an Octoberfest on Oct. 11 with live music, German food and beer starting at 6: p.m.

At the George Landis Arboretum in Esperance, the weekend includes a Bird Feeder Workshop led by Science Educator George Steele at 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 at The Meeting House. On Sunday, Master herbalist Barbara Nezek will speak on Herbal Wisdom: The Nervous System at 11 a.m.

On Oct. 10 and 11, get ready as the Night Terrors Haunted Farm  from 7-11 p.m. at 4193 State Route 7 in Schoharie with haunted hayrides and more designed to give a good fright

At the Iroquois Indian Museum in Howes Cave; where there are stories in the log cabin at 2 p.m. on Oct. 12. Plan to visit throughout the weekend Historic Lansing Manor and the Visitor Center on the grounds of the New York Power Authority in North Blenheim. In Schoharie. The 1743 Palatine Houseand the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum are open. The Dr. Christopher Best House and Medical Exhibit in Middleburgh features a quilt show and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Along the way from one event to another, businesses are ready to welcome you with special offers during this special weekend including Schoharie Valley Farms/The Carrot Barn and Barber’s Farm.

For more information about all there is to do and see in the Schoharie Valley, visithttp://schoharievalley.org.

Northern Stem Canker Crop Disease Found in Northern NY

A serious crop disease called northern stem canker has been confirmed for the first time in Northern New York soybean fields as part of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program-funded NNY Corn and Soybean Disease Diagnosis and Assessment Database building project. 
 
NSC occurs in most Midwestern states and in Ontario, but Cornell Plant Pathologist Gary C. Bergstrom says the finding in Jefferson County in northern NY and in six other counties elsewhere in the state is the first confirmation of NSC in New York or the northeastern U.S.
 
Reported yield losses to NSC in the Midwest have ranged from minor to in excess of 50 percent.  
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension/CCE Field Crop Educators Michael E. Hunter and Kitty O’Neil scouted soybean production fields in all six northern NY counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence. 
 
Hunter and O’Neil recorded observations on field conditions and diseases, and collected and sent plant samples to the Field Crop Pathology Laboratory at Cornell University for positive diagnosis of suspected disease problems.  
 
‘One option soybean producers can immediately consider to manage NSC is to plant canker-resistant varieties,’ says Hunter, who works with farmers in Jefferson and Lewis counties. 
 
‘We are encouraging growers and crop advisors to learn how to recognize the symptoms and differences of northern stem canker and other late season crop diseases,’ O’Neil says. 

With additional funding from the New York Soybean Check-off Program, NSC was diagnosed in plant samples from soybean fields in Jefferson, Livingston, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, and Wayne Counties. Diagnosis was based on characteristic symptoms, laboratory isolation of the causal fungus, and confirmation of a portion of its DNA sequence. 
 
Northern stem canker (NSC) is caused by the fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora and differs from a related fungus, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis, that causes southern stem canker throughout the southern U.S.
 
‘This research partnership with the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is providing growers with early notice of common pest and crop diseases and, in the case of Northern Stem Canker, a new challenge so they can quickly respond to maintain crop health and productivity and farm profitability,’ says New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association Executive Director Julia C. Robbins.
 
A complete report is posted in the Field Crops section of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program website atwww.nnyagdev.org. Growers can also contact their local Cornell Cooperative Extension office for more information.

The NNYADP is a farmer-driven grants program funding on-farm, practical research supporting the agricultural industry in the six northernmost counties of New York state.

SUNY Cobleskill Hosting Mental Health Guest Speaker October 7th

In the aftermath of the tragic suicide of a SUNY Cobleskill student on Sunday, the college is hosting a guest speaker on mental health issues. The October 7th event starts at 7pm in Bouck Hall and features speaker Colleen Coffey. According to the college, she will speak about "mental health issues, suicide prevention, and stigma reduction."

Warnerville Cutoff to Close October 13-17th for Repairs

Canadian Pacific will conduct a series of planned repairs at the Warnerville Cutoff, County Route 23A. The repairs will take place from October 13th to 17th. The entire road will be closed and drivers will be detoured on Routes 7 and 10. CP Rail will be replacing the RR Crossing on Warnerville Cutoff (CR-23A) from October 13th -17th. The work will require a full road closure, so traffic will be detoured using NYS Routes 10 & 7.

Middleburgh Pharmacy Now Offering Immunizations

Middleburgh's Valley Pharmacy is now offering flu shots for local residents, with others to follow. The shots, which can be free of charge depending on the insurance carrier, are recommended for all people over 6 months of age, especially the young and elderly.

Pharmacist Akrum Mourad sent us a photo of him vaccinating Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile yesterday.

October Storytelling Sundays at the Iroquois Museum

Storytelling Sundays take place October 12, 19, 26 in the Iroquois Indian Museum’s historic 1850s log cabin, with Mohawk story teller Amanda Tarbell.

The story sessions start at 1 p.m. and last about an hour. There are scary, funny, serious, and sorts of stories to be heard. Space is somewhat limited and reservations by groups are appreciated.

“It’s a perfect time of year to visit the Museum, enjoy the nature trail and to hear the stories,” said the Museum’s Executive Director Maria Vann.

The cost of Storytelling Sundays is included in Museum Admission. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Special events, including Storytelling Sundays, are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and friends and members of the Iroquois Indian Museum.

DAR Hosting Open House October 11th

The Membership of the Schoharie Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) welcome you back to the restored rooms of Lasell Hall. During the process of restoration we were able to return to the building to it's original floor plan of the 1795 Tavern, built by Johannes Lawyer. Come and see the incredible transformation of the Historical Lasell Hall!

We will be hosting tours of Lasell Hall Saturday October 11th and Sunday October 12th from 12-4pm. We will also provide free Revolutionary Patriot lookup information. 

We will be hosting tours of Lasell Hall and providing free Patriot Lookup information. Stop on in while you enjoy the Pumpkin Festival in downtown Schoharie Village. See you there!

SUNY Cobleskill Student Dies in Apparent Suicide

SUNY Cobleskill has announced  death of one of its students. In a press release, the college said that Abir Sadik of Buffalo was found unresponsive in his dorm room at 6pm Sunday night. The event is under investigation. SUNY Cobleskill President Debra Thatcher expressed condolences for Mr. Sadik's family and all affected.

$650,000 in New Funding for Streamwork

The Schoharie Valley delegation of U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson, New York State Senator James L. Seward and New York State Assemblyman Pete Lopez joined to announce funding for a major stream rehabilitation project for flood prone areas of Schoharie County and to reduce the financial impact on Schoharie County taxpayers. 

Schoharie County is in the process of making major repairs to property which suffered heavy damage during the 2011 disasters of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.  The Schoharie County Emergency Watershed Protection Project will reconnect the flood plain with four streams – Little Schoharie, Line Creek, Platterkill, and Dave Brown Mountain Tributary – which all flow into the Schoharie Creek.  The repair work will mitigate future flooding and damage to residential and agricultural land.

The Schoharie County Emergency Watershed Protection Project is the largest stream restoration project currently underway in New York State.  The design, permitting and bidding phases of the project are complete, with construction expected to begin in mid-October.

To date, over $23.1 million in federal and state funds have been committed to the Schoharie County Emergency Water Protection Project.  Senator Seward today announced an additional $650,000 grant he has secured to assist with new project expenses. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also announced an additional $300,000.

Congressman Chris Gibson said, “We appreciate the work of the NRCS team in helping keep this project moving forward and on track, as it is one of the largest NRCS remediation projects in the country.  We also Senator Seward for his work in securing additional funding, and the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors for moving forward with this vital effort.”

Senator James Seward said, “Schoharie County has worked hard to rebuild since being devastated by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee three years ago and we are making progress.  Redesigning streams and properly preparing for future disasters will help save lives, property, and money.  Unfortunately, such precautions come with a financial cost that is too high for a rural county already struggling to make ends meet.  Working collaboratively, we are able to draw funds from multiple sources to further help Schoharie County rebound without placing an added long-term burden on taxpayers.”

Assemblyman Pete Lopez, whose own family members suffered at the hands of Irene and Lee, said, “Too many of our neighbors remain at risk along the banks of these waterways.  Protecting life and property from future storm events relies on our ability to manage our creeks and streams to take the energy out of them and find places for flood waters to go where they can do the least harm.  All of us understand the costs of this much-needed work may be unaffordable to our community.  My colleagues and I gladly accept the shared obligation of bringing funding and other resources in to help provide relief.  None of our neighbors should have to live in fear.”

Schoharie County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tony VanGlad said, “Schoharie County is very appreciative of the support from Governor Cuomo, Senator Seward, and Assemblyman Lopez after storms Irene and Lee. It's great to know the state has our county's back. This funding will go a long way in helping us to repair these damaged streams.”

Schoharie USDA NRCS New York State Conservationist Greg Kist said, “We appreciate all the work of our partners to plan and prepare for these essential projects.  Schoharie County will be much better prepared for future storms when these stream repairs are completed and the collaboration from local, state, and federal sponsors will make these efforts worthwhile.”

Funding sources for the Schoharie County Emergency Watershed Protection Project include:

New Funding Announced Today

·         $650,000 – Senator Seward/NY State Senate

·         $300,000 – NRCS

Previously Announced

·         $17,801,137 – NRCS

·         $5,303,374 – Empire State Development

Poll: County Residents Choose Astorino over Cuomo

Local residents have a clear favorite for governor this year. Incumbent governor Andrew Cuomo appears weighed down by his positions on the SAFE Act and other factors.

According to our readers, the results were:

Astorino (R): 70% - 130
Cuomo (D-inc.): 16% - 29
Other: 9% - 17
Don't know: 5% -10
Total votes: 186

While this may hold in Schoharie and other Upstate counties, Cuomo is still the clear favorite statewide.

Opinion: Cherry's Astonishing Success

Last week the County Board approved a deal that will see Guilford Mills purchased, fixed, and reopened.

With 500-900 jobs created.

The negotiations to get GRSI to bring their business from New Jersey were nothing short of amazing. County Treasurer Bill Cherry took the lead and was able to sell Guilford in a fraction of the time than the Planning Department held responsibility for it.

There are many people to thank for this amazing project, including Assemblyman Peter Lopez. However, it must be noted that without the initiative and hard work of Treasurer Cherry it would have never happened. 900 jobs is nearly as many as the Interknitting facility once held. It would be an economic miracle for the area, now finally recovering.

There is no downside to this deal, so long as it is carried out. With negotiations already this far, a building complex re-appears on the tax rolls and Schoharie County will see reverberations for years.

Vote in Our New Poll: Should Upstate Secede?

Vote in our new poll on our right hand sidebar to let us know if you think that Upstate New York should be its own state. Why or why not?

Pharmacy Opens Doors in Middleburgh

At noon today, Valley Pharmacy had its grand opening on Main Street Middleburgh. The store, open from 8am-6pm Monday through Saturday is now an anchor of the community's business district. Flanked by business and community leaders, owner Akrum Mourad and Mayor Avitabile cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Photo and film credit to reader Radenko Sarac

It was also a major milestone for Mayor Avitabile's business push. Since 2012 the initiative has brought eleven businesses into Middleburgh. The pharmacy can be found online at its Facebook page.

The Village is working on eight further business projects, several of which hope to open in the next month.