County Board Passes Anti-Depression Initiative

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors took a positive step in dealing with emotional trauma. Last Friday, the Board unanimously approved an effort to deal with depression. This was spearheaded by Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith and introduced by Sharon Supervisor Sandra Manko. The text of the resolution reads as follows:

WHEREAS depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other mental illnesses, impact the lives of Schoharie County residents on a regular basis, including up to approximately a quarter of the student body at the State University of Cobleskill, and an unknown number of students within Schoharie County's six school districts; and

WHEREAS treatment for mental illnesses, both medicinal and therapeutic, have a high success rate for those afflicted with either clinical or conditional bouts of mental distress, but approximately two-thirds of American students choose not to seek help for fear of embarrassment, of shame, or of the social stigma associated; and

WHEREAS the United States Congress established the first week of October as the National Mental Illness Awareness Week in 1990, and that mental health advocates continued to bring awareness to those afflicted between October 5th and October 11th of this year; and

WHEREAS a collection of local students, government officials, and young adults have joined efforts to form a depression awareness organization, Light the Way, to disseminate information and host events in support of increased education on mental illness with the hope of decreasing the social stigmatization associated with depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, while working to serve as a torchlight of hope, by way of sharing personal stories and providing information and resources to the afflicted, to light the way for troubled souls in the shadows; and

WHEREAS the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors desires to aid those suffering from depression and other mental illnesses in any way that it can.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it supports the efforts of the County Mental Health Department, Light the Way, and other national, state, and local government agencies and organizations to bring continued awareness to mental illnesses both in and outside of Schoharie County.

Canjo Woman Arrested in Cobleskill on Drug Charges

On October 16, 2014, Troopers from SP Cobleskill stopped a 2000 Plymouth for rear window tint traveling on State Route 7 in the Town of Cobleskill. While interviewing the operator Jasmine E. Freeman, 29, of Canajoharie, an odor of marijuana was detected inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a clear bag containing marijuana. Freeman was issued an appearance ticket for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a violation and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Cobleskill court at a later date.

Join Jefferson FD for Hunter's Dinner November 14th

Please join the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department for their Annual Hunter's Dinner on November 14th. Prime Rib, Clams, Door Prizes, Gun Raffle, 50/50 and more. Call Marc Lawrence at 607-287-4681 or Lynn Vroman at 607-376-2262 for tickets.

New Cuomo Ad: No Common Core Scores for Five Years

In what appears to be an about face from the fast-tracked implementation of Common Core in New York, Governor Cuomo has released a commercial saying that no Common Core scores will be at least for five years. After that, it will only be used if it 'works.'

The governor also criticizes overtesting of students.

Halloween Events: Zombies, Scares and Pumpkins -- Oh, My!

Halloween-time makes its grand entrance with all types of events guaranteed to give you a hauntingly great experience in the Schoharie Valley.

The focus on Oct. 25 is the Scare Fair and Zombie Run at the New York Power Authority in North Blenheim.  The Scare Fair that takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., , held in conjunction with Mine Kill State Park, features food, craft vendors, laser tag, music, a haunted house and children’s costume parade and contest at 12 p.m., with one pumpkin for each parade participant. The Scare Fair is free and the public is invited.

The Zombie Run 5K, sponsored by the Middleburgh Library Association, is a strike back against the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. The fun begins at 9 a.m. There is a fee of $35 for adults, $25 for those under 18 years of age, and $25 for Zombies (must be 16-plus).

At the Middleburgh Library, Ghost Detective with author Michael Worden, takes place at 1 p.m. Worden is a police detective and seasoned ghost investigator.

            The Pick--A-Pumpkin Pumpkin Patch is open through Halloween (closed Sundays) with hayrides, mazes and much more. Night Terrors Haunted Farm in Schoharie. continues through Halloween with appropriate frights for all!

            At the Landis Arboretum there is a full-moon Owl Prowl, led by the Arboretum’s Science Educator George Steele.             The next day, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lansing Manor on the site of the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center in North Blenheim, will be the scene for “Exploring the Spirits and Senses.”  At the Iroquois Indian Museum, there are stories in the log cabin at 1 p.m.

            But, for those who want an early start on fun-filled times, on Oct. 24 there is a Star Party that evening at the Arboretum and in conjunction with the Albany Area Astronomers. And, make a stop by the Dr. Christopher Best House in Middleburgh to see the life of a Victorian-era doctor’s family through Oct. 30.

Along the way from one event to another, businesses are ready to welcome you including Hive, Terrace Mountain Orchards, Wellington’s Herbs & Spices, Schoharie Valley Farms/The Carrot Barn and Barber’sFarm.

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

Ceremony thanks Mayer for 41 Years as Middleburgh Clerk

Dozens of well wishers arrived at the Middleburgh Fire Department Saturday to give their thanks and best wishes for retiring clerk Janet Mayer. Mayer served as Village Clerk for 41 years and stepped down at the end of September.

Speakers included current and former Mayors of Middleburgh, Mayor John Borst of Schoharie, Congressman Chris Gibson, Assemblyman Peter Lopez, County Treasurer Bill Cherry, and others.

Past and present mayors Matthew Avitabile, William Ansel-McCabe, and Arthur Wargo present Janet Mayer with a retirement plaque

Mrs. Mayer said that she would "do it all again" if she could. Zoning Board of Appeals Chair John Wingfield said that it was obvious that Janet loved serving the community. Former Mayor Arthur Wargo said that Janet's character could be seen from her great love of her family.

Deputy Clerk Melanie Laraway took office as Clerk on October 1st.

Photo and information credit: Sheila Donegan.

Large Majority Disapprove of County Board

By a large margin, Schoharie News readers disapprove of the performance of the current County Board of Supervisors.

Yes 13% - 20
No 86% - 134
Don't know 1% - 2
 156 total

Letter to the Editor: Thank You for Making the Weekend a Success

The Schoharie Chapter, NSDAR wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to all those who helped to make our Columbus Day "Open House" weekend of events a huge success.  We could not have been able to open up historic Lasell Hall without the support, labor and volunteer efforts of many over the past 3 years.  We wish to express our appreciation to Ky-Mar Distillery, Under the Nose Bakery, Harpersfield Cheese, and Ralph and Irmgard Buess for all their generous donations of food and drink for our Friday evening cocktail party.  We also wish to honor and recognize our several distinguished guests including Johanna Shogun, District III Director for the NYS DAR, Larry Wilson of Mesick-Cohen-Wilson-Baker Architects, Rich Rappleyea from Dimensions North, Tom and Dusty Putnam of Fenimore Asset Management, and several members of the Captain Christian Brown Chapter, NSDAR.

During the open house events Saturday and Sunday we were very pleased to host a variety of visitors to Lasell Hall.  We had a very special visit on Sunday afternoon from members of the Oneonta Chapter, NSDAR.  The Oneonta Chapter, NSDAR has been very sympathetic to the challenges that our chapter has faced since Hurricane Irene.  Their member has been here to volunteer during cleanup efforts, they have contributed financial donations, and on Sunday presented the Schoharie Chapter with a beautiful new American Flag and flag stand for its business meetings.

We are so happy to open up Lasell Hall and to make it accessible to our community once again.  Please keep Lasell Hall in mind as a venue for any future social events.  For more information please contact the Schoharie Chapter membership at SchoharieChapterNSDAR@gmail.com.

Jennifer Schultz, Vice-Regent
Schoharie Chapter, NSDAR

Wright Man Arrested on Two Counts of Reckless Endangerment

Sheriff's Deputies arrested Patrick Slavinski, 35, of the Town of Wright on an arrest warrant stemming from an incident that occurred on State Route 443 on 10/08/2014. He was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment in the second degree Mr. Slavinski was arraigned in the Town of Schoharie court and released to return to the Town of Schoharie court at a later date.

State Police Arrest Woman After Altercation in Cobleskill

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a local woman following an altercation that occurred at a residence on State Route 145 in the Town of Cobleskill.

Troopers arrested Kayla E. Tyree and charged her with Harassment 2nd following an altercation, Tyree allegedly spit and punched two women during an argument. Neither of the victims was injured during the altercation.

NH Man Arrested in Cobleskill on Drug Charges

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a man following a traffic stop in the Town of Cobleskill on October 15, 2014.

Christopher N. Magee age 19 of Barrington New Hampshire was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana after Troopers found marihuana and drug paraphernalia secreted in his vehicle during a traffic stop.  Magee was released on an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Cobleskill Court on October 21, 2014 at 4:00 pm.

Two Arrested for Esperance Larceny

State Police in Cobleskill arrested two subjects following a larceny that occurred on Egelston Drive in the town of Esperance.

Paul R. Baird-Blackwood age 23 of Fultonville, and Danielle Dwyer age 26 of Esperance were arrested and charged with Petit Larceny following a complaint in Esperance.  Troopers allege that the pair stole five car batteries from a residence on Egelston Drive.  They later returned and were attempting to steal scrap metal when the homeowner arrived at his residence and found them on the property.  Both subjects were known to the homeowner who then contacted the State Police.  Both subjects were subsequently located and taken into custody.

Blackwood and Dwyer were processed and issued Appearance Tickets to appear in the Town of Esperance Court on November 5, 2014 at 6:00 pm.

Letter to the Editor: Justin Corcoran for Supreme Court Judge

On November 4^th, you will have the opportunity to cast a vote for Justin Corcoran for Supreme Court Judge.  Justin was born and raised in the Capital District area, graduating from Voorheesville High School in 1986.  After being recognized with academic honors at SUNY Binghamton, Justin attended Albany Law School and once again stood out serving as the Associate Editor for the Albany Law Review.  Over the past 20 years,  Justin has handled thousands of complex civil cases in Supreme Court while also trying countless jury trials to verdict.  Justin has also served as a Special Prosecutor for Albany County and has distinguished himself as the Chairman for the Albany County Ethics Commission.  Justin’s law firm was recognized by the Albany County Women’s Bar Association with the “Family Friendly Firm” award.  His firm has also been recognized by the New York State Bar Association with the President’s Pro Bono Service Law Firm Award in recognition of outstanding contribution of time, resources, and expertise to the provision of free legal services to the poor. Justin’s accolades have included being recognized as a preeminent civil litigator by Best Lawyers of America and Super Lawyers.  Most importantly, as a judicial candidate, Justin was given the highest rating – “Highly Qualified” - by the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission, an independent, nonpartisan screening panel.  There is no other judicial candidate on the ballot who has been so recognized.  I vouch for Justin Corcoran’s legal competence and his ethical standards.  Justin’s intellect, temperament and strong moral compass will be assets to the Bench and to this community.  On election day vote for Justin Corcoran for Supreme Court Judge.

- Terence P. O'Connor

Overnight Parking Restricted During Winter in Cobleskill

The Cobleskill Police Department would like to remind residents that there is no overnight parking along Village streets from November 1st to April 15th from 2-6 am.

Cuomo: NYS Prepared for Ebola

The Governor made a statement in New York City yesterday and said that the state is ready for any possibility.

  

Source: Casino Missing Necessary Approval Document

According to a recently released Freedom of Information request, a source has told the Schoharie News that the Howe Caverns project's claims of having a completed State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA), a necessary step towards project completion, is not true.

The news conflicts with Howe Caverns Resort and Casino LLC documentation to the NYS Gaming Commission. According to the Corporation, the SEQRA has been fully completed.

 Another document sent to the Gaming Commission by the Howe Caverns Project has the approval slated for next month.

In a FOIL response sent to us by local resident Bob Neid from the Town of Cobleskill, the SEQR is not complete. Mr. Neid requested a copy of SEQRA completion, as a representative from Howe Caverns claimed was complete to the Times Union recently. The Town of Cobleskill wrote back:

the Town of Cobleskill does not have documentation that mets the criteria in your FOIL request of October 14,2014

Neid wrote to the Schoharie News, "Please note that a SEQRA completed for the 2011 caverns expansion proposal is NOT the same as the assessment required for the casino. To suggest otherwise is deliberately misleading. Our organization is concerned that the residents of our county are not being given the complete story on the casino proposal and deserve to know the actual status of the proposal."

A completed SEQRA is required for the project to move forward.

Constitution Pipeline Faces Delay over Army Corps of Engineers Inquest

The US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) has requested that Constitution Pipeline address a series of concerns related to the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, alternative routes, compressor stations, mitigation plans and how Constitution can justify the use of “remote sensing” for a large number of parcels they have been prevented from surveying due to landowner resistance, before USACE will consider approving the proposed pipeline.

USACE also called on Constitution to examine and explain the potential cumulative impacts of pipeline infrastructure build outs including the proposed Northeast Energy Direct (NED) Project, something Constitution and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have resisted to date.

USACE ‘s concerns echo those raised by pipeline opposition groups including Stop the Pipeline and the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities and will likely result in lengthy delays for a project which is already more than a year and half behind schedule and still without approvals from the FERC, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and USACE. Because of seasonal constraints imposed by DEC and other agencies to protect wildlife habitat, this latest roadblock could mean an additional delay of a year or more for Constitution.

Bob Nied, from the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities, said: “when citizen groups raise these types of substantive issues they are often ignored by the pipeline companies and FERC but when the USACE raises them they can’t be ignored. Without USACE approval, the pipeline project is dead.” Nied added that “Constitution will have a difficult time answering USACE’s concerns in any meaningful way because, short of withdrawing their application, they simply can’t fix the many things that are wrong with the pipeline proposal.”

The following is a link to the letter issued by USACE:

http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20141015-5134

Opinion: Seward, Lopez, and Gibson a Winning Team

While there has been significant concern about some local officials over the last several years, it is clear that Schoharie County is well served by its representatives to the state and federal governments.

Congressman Chris Gibson has repeatedly assisted communities hit by flooding. He helped resolve a three-year old FEMA funding issue for the Town of Schoharie and was personally thanked by Supervisor Gene Milone. His work on behalf of farmers and against Lyme disease show his local concern for the area. His bipartisan work has assisted officials of both parties.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez has served the residents of the area for over thirty years now. His swift action in 2012 prevented flooding during Hurricane Sandy. He has fought for and won funding and recognition for Upstate communities even as Assemblymen from Downstate dominate the chamber. His actions following Hurricane Irene are still talked about and remains a responsive advocate for local residents.

Senator Jim Seward has fought consistently for the towns and villages he serves. Just recently he successfully gained hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding for the streambank mitigation project. He has also played a major role in assisting communities with grant funds and flood recovery efforts.

This November remember the actions of these representatives and how they've helped shape the recovery over the last three years.

Schoharie Fresh Ranked In Top 100 Most Celebrated In the Country

—After more than three months, American Farmland Trust’s 2014 I Love My Farmers Market Celebration came to a close and Schoharie Fresh ranked number 26 in the Top 100 Most Celebrated in the Country – with 86 pledges collected. This is the second year that Schoharie Fresh participated in this celebration and a significant jump in the national placement from the 64 spot in 2013.

 Schoharie Fresh is an online Farmer’s Market in Schoharie County that was funded initially through the Creating Healthy Places grant through NYS Department of Health to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables to residents in Schoharie County. It was started in 2011 with a pick up location at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building in Cobleskill. It was moved to the SUNY Cobleskill campus in 2012 and the season was expanded. In 2014 two additional customer pick up locations were added to make it more convenient for those living in Schoharie and Central Bridge to purchase local foods through Schoharie Fresh. Also in 2014 Schoharie Fresh was approved to accept SNAP benefits, enabling more people to utilize this service. Schoharie Fresh is now open from February through December each year.

 Each week the I Love My Farmers Market Celebration encouraged shoppers to champion local family farmers by pledging to shop at their farmers markets each week. Nationally, shoppers pledged to spend $443,608.62at farmers’ markets this season, putting funds directly into the pockets of family farmers.

 “Farmers and ranchers are the cornerstone of our country. Yet their lands are under constant threat from development and unchecked urbanization,” said Susan Sink, Vice President of Development and External Relations. “This is why we created the I Love My Farmers Market Celebration — to showcase the importance of farmers markets in keeping family farmers on their land. Pledging to shop at your local farmers market shows your support for the farmers and ranchers who support you.”

I Love My Farmers Market Celebration is part of American Farmland Trust’sNo Farms No Food® Campaign – an effort to highlight the abundance of fresh, healthy, and local food produced by America’s farms and ranches and to recognize that we must do more to save America’s rapidly disappearing family farms. 

For more information on Schoharie Fresh, please go to the website at www.schohariefresh.com or contact us at schohariefresh@gmail.com. Schoharie Fresh is funded in part by Creating Healthy Places, a NYS Dept of Health grant initiative and United Against Hunger from the United Way of the Greater Capital Region

Slow Traffic On Routes 10 and 30, County Route 2 Until 22nd for Transformer Transfer

Bay Crane will be moving 2 separate transformer loads via special trailers from Richmondville to Gilboa Power Authority via NYS Rt 10, Cnty Rt 2 (North Road) and NYS Rt 30 into the lower reservoir access road on October 15th-22nd depending on weather and equipment breakdowns. Traffic will be very slow during this move.