Breaking News: Constitution Pipeline Approved by FERC

The Federal Energy Regulatory Committee has made an astonishing decision, announced today. Coming months off of its statement that the proposed Constitution Pipeline would be environmentally safe, the regulatory body has declared that the pipeline has been conditionally approved.

This has resulted in a mad dash by parties to stop or to begin the project. A statement from the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities will be published shortly decrying the decision. Meanwhile, the natural gas industry will likely attempt to start construction in early 2015. Construction could be done by the end of the year.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Williams Energy has several other pipeline projects prepared, although these may not intersect Schoharie County:

Williams also has several other pipeline projects in the works that would expand and reroute gas shipments to increase its ability to move Pennsylvania gas on its Transco network, which runs from Texas to New York.

State Police Respond to Overturned Vehicle on I-88

On November 27, 2014 at approximately 2:43 AM State Police in Cobleskill investigated a one car accident involving a vehicle that flipped over onto its side on I-88 Eastbound. A 2008 GMC Acadia was found overturned on its side after the operator David P. Guest, age 29, of Midlothian, VA lost control and slid off the left shoulder of the roadway. Guest was ticketed for Failure to Keep Right and Speed not Reasonable and Prudent for the conditions due to the slush covered roadway. Neither Guest nor his passenger was injured in the crash.

Grocer Opens in Middleburgh, Ribbon Cutting December 12th

A small grocer has opened its doors on Main Street in Middleburgh. The Olde Corner Store, formerly of Gallupville, opened up at 308 Main Street. Operated by owner Joy Heckman, the store offers a full assortment of deli meats with various canned goods, produce, cooking supplies, specialty teas, and more. A bakery is expected to be functional shortly.

The store, located two doors down from the community's new pharmacy, opened its doors last Tuesday. There will be a formal ribbon cutting right before the festivities of Miracle on Main Street begin and the same day as the ribbon cutting for the new Green Wolf Brewery.

Mrs. Heckman has been able to open in part thanks to efforts of local officials to bring a food store back to Middleburgh. She also sees a wider purpose and welcome: "I am overwhelmed by the welcoming spirit of the residents of the village and town of Middleburgh. As one of my favorite customers says - I'm just happy to be here!"

Letter to the Editor: Changing Assessments for Political Purposes Improper

After reading several news articles concerning the pending sale of the Guilford Mills property I find myself compelled to respond. One article quotes County Treasurer Bill Cherry saying “the county never asked Cobleskill Assessor Alan Danforth to lower the assessment because a higher number makes the plant look more attractive”. While I won’t comment on whether the tactic is effective or not, I can’t stand silently by while our elected officials attempt to pervert the assessment process and deceive would be buyers of the property. But what is perhaps even worse is the lack of indignation or even concern by the local paper’s editorial staff concerning blatant and overt injustice in our tax assessment system.

The sole responsibility for determining and assigning an assessed value to a property lies with the Town Assessor. The Schoharie County Treasurer, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, or even a Town board should have no bearing or influence on the process. Mr. Cherry’s comments and the local paper’s subsequent portrayal indicate that the County has interfered with Mr. Danforth’s assessment. This is highly irregular and improper. Mr. Danforth has no option but to assign the correct assessment for every property within his jurisdiction. On each tentative assessment roll issued by the assessor Mr. Danforth must sign and attest that he has assigned the correct values. Either Mr. Danforth believes and can justify an assessed value of 4.5 Million dollars or he has violated his oath of office and sworn statement.

If what has been reported is true, some serious ethical and legal violations have occurred. Manipulating assessment values is a serious offense with severe implications for all county taxpayers. By inflating the assessment of the Guilford property every tax payer outside of the Town of Cobleskill and Cobleskill Richmondville School District has paid more than their fair share of property taxes. Meanwhile those taxpayers living in those two tax jurisdictions have paid less than their fair share. Certainly no system is perfect and assessment mistakes can and do happen, but to learn that the Schoharie County Treasurer has willfully and intentionally conspired to manipulate the system goes too far. This action cannot go unchallenged. Therefore I have written the attorney general and asked for an investigation to determine if a crime has been committed.

Of course, we all hope that the sale of the Guilford property goes through and promised jobs come to fruition, but our need and desire for jobs cannot trump government honesty and transparency. We must be disciplined enough to do things the right way. That requires a local press that is able and willing to call out elected officials for their misdeeds not glorify them or sit idly by.

Sincerely,
Robert Mann, Jr.
Blenheim Resident

Middleburgh FD Hosting Breakfast with Santa this Sunday

The Middleburgh Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary is holding a breakfast with Santa on Sunday December 7th. The event is $5 for adults and $3 for kids from 6-12 and seniors. Kids 5 and under are free. The event will be at the Middleburgh Fire House from 8-11am. See below for more information.

NYS Retirement Fund Posts Loss

The New York State Common Retirement Fund, in which many of the state's pensions are funded from is facing a stark reality. Already believed by some to be underfunded, the State Comptroller's office announced that the fund lost .52% in the most recent quarter.

The results were published on the Comptroller's website. The fund is partially invested in a series of stocks and other equities meant to raise more money than the rate of inflation and pay for hundreds of thousands of current and future pensions. The fund gained 3.6% in the last quarter but the overall long term expected return is 7.5%. It now has $178.3 billion dollars stashed away.

Vote in Our Poll: Local Politics

How would you describe the state of local politics? Do you favor one party over another or want to throw them both out?

Poll: No to Immigration Changes

Schoharie News readers overwhelmingly reject the recent changes to national immigration policy made by President Obama.

Yes 20% - 27
No 77% - 105
Don't know 3% - 4
136 total 

Santa Coming to Schoharie December 7th

Serenity Frog Photography would like to invite everyone to a day with Santa. Bring the kids to see Santa and have their picture taken with him. We are doing this by donation just to help cover the cost of having the pictures printed. This is just an idea to give the kids in the area a chance to see Santa and tell him what they would like for Christmas. The date and time is December 7 from 1-4 at the Days Inn and Suites in Schoharie. Hope to see everyone there!

Two Arrested on Harrassment, Mischief Charges

State Police in Cobleskill arrested 2 males from Duanesburg and Schoharie following a property dispute in Central Bridge.

State Police report that Dylan J. Finch, age 20, of Schoharie, NY and Christopher L. Fahrenkopf, age 18, of Duanesburg, NY were involved in a dispute over the sale of a snowmobile with a resident of Central Bridge. Finch was arrested for Aggravated Harassment 2nd, a class A Misdemeanor after allegedly making threatening phone calls to the resident. Fahrenkopf was arrested for Criminal Mischief 3rd, a class E Felony after allegedly slashing 4 tires on a vehicle belonging to the resident with a knife. Both men were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in the Town of Schoharie Court on December 1, 2014.

Stamford Woman Arrested for DWI, Other Traffic Infractions after Accident

State Police in Cobleskill arrested Kathleen Denario of Stamford, for DWI-drugs and multiple traffic infractions following her involvement in a personal injury auto accident. Denario was traveling southbound on State Route 10 in Jefferson, NY in the northbound lane before striking another vehicle. Denario was found to be impaired at the scene and admitted to using hydrocodone and marijuana. Denario was taken to Cobleskill Regional Hospital for a complaint of a head injury and was treated and released. She was processed at SP Cobleskill after providing a blood sample at the hospital. She was issued tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Jefferson Court on December 1, 2014. The driver of the second vehicle was uninjured in the crash.

Letter to the Editor: Representatives Slow to Act on Pipeline

Maybe our state representatives have been silent on the Constitution Pipeline because it only affects a few of their constituents. You will never see them at a Stop the Pipeline rally. They are way too busy, probably marching at some parade, at a photo op, or cutting a ribbon. Why should they care about a small group of people who will have their land taken from them by the pipeline companies? Also, their good friend John Faso is on Constitution Pipeline’s payroll. Although, they must be doing a great job as both were just reelected to another term by successfully beating Mr. Unopposed.

Jerry Fiore
Summit

Saratoga Schenectady Schoharie Association of Realtors Meeting Aids Local Youth

The Saratoga Schenectady Schoharie Association of REALTORS ® Inc (SSSAR) held its annual meeting on November 7, 2014. The meeting featured a fundraising event to benefit local youth through the Franklin Community Center of Saratoga County. The meeting also featured the announcement of the prestigious 2014 REALTOR ® of the Year Awards.

Association members, who are local real estate professionals, donated funds and gifts benefitting the Franklin Community Center Holiday Assistance Program to reach out to local children and teens who are in-need this holiday season. The donations will help families facing economic hardships provide a bright holiday filled with hope to their children. Association members donated gift cards to local businesses, toys and funds.

The annual meeting, which was a brunch held at the Edison Club in Rexford, was generously sponsored by local businesses: Manfred Real Estate Learning Center, House Masters and Mullen Moving. The meeting featured the announcement of the REALTOR ®of the Year Awards. These awards recognize those who have served not only the real estate profession but also their communities. Recipients were nominated by their peers.

The REALTOR ® Associate of the Year for 2014 is Allen Caruso of 1st Integrity Real Estate. Since starting in the real estate industry just over a year ago, Allen has demonstrated a true commitment to his clients and the real estate profession. He also volunteers his time with the SSSAR Strategic Planning Committee.

The REALTOR ® of the Year for 2014 is Stuart Thomas of Reality Realty. Stuart has served as President of SSSAR for five years. In addition to his many volunteer duties as President, Stuart worked with local business leaders on the Give Forward program to facilitate Realtors in helping clients donate food to the Regional Food Pantry which otherwise may have been thrown away when moving.

SSSAR represents real estate professionals who are active throughout the Capital and Adirondack regions. SSSAR promotes cooperation and continuing education of its’ members to better serve the community. More information can be found on the SSSAR website: www.sssar.com

200 Emergency Ready Kits Provided for Vulnerable Populations

Hope for the Home-bound, a new program formed by SALT, Office of Emergency Services, and AmeriCorps will be distributing 200 Emergency Ready Kits to vulnerable populations all across Schoharie County on November 25 at 258 Main Street, Schoharie. A press conference will be held at 11:00am to launch the distribution event.

Emergency Ready Kits are comprised mostly of common household items that are meant to sustain and comfort for three days in the event that a family is stranded at home. The kits are not just for natural disasters, they are important to have during events such as power outages, winter storms, or thunder and lightning storms.

Hope for the Home-bound could not have been accomplished without key partnerships and donations from over 30 organizations and individuals. The program’s goal is to not only help provide people with Emergency Ready Kits, but to teach them the skills necessary to help themselves as well as those who rely upon them. As stated recently by a member of the community, “I wish everyone would realize how important it is to have one of these kits.”

It costs approximately fifty dollars to assemble an Emergency Ready Kit home-bound individuals, who may suffer from a physical or medical condition, rely on public transportation, live in an isolated area or feel they would have nowhere to go should they need to evacuate, might not have the ability to assemble their own Emergency Ready Kit.

The press conference at 11:00am will provide food and refreshments volunteers and supporters throughout the day. If you are interested in helping to assemble or distribute kits, or would like more information on how to be prepared for any event, please contact Volunteer Director Jillian Kubiak at Jilliank@saltrecovery.org or by phone at 518-702-5017.

Vote in Our New Poll: Recent Immigration Changes?

Make sure to vote in our poll on the right hand sidebar about recent changes to the national immigration policy. Do you approve of President Obama's executive order to legalize up to 5 million illegal immigrants?

Poll: Middleburgh Prettiest Downtown in County

Schoharie News readers are overwhelming in their assessment of the prettiest downtown in Schoharie County. By a wide margin, readers decided that Middleburgh is the most attractive with Schoharie in a distant second and Cobleskill and Sharon in a near tie.

Which Community Has the Prettiest Downtown?

Blenheim 3% - 8
Broome 1% - 2
Carlisle 2% - 5
Cobleskill 5% - 13
Conesville 1% - 2
Esperance 0% - 1
Fulton 3% - 7
Gilboa 2% - 4
Jefferson 1% - 3
Middleburgh 61% - 155
Richmondville 1% - 3
Schoharie 13% - 34
Sharon 6% - 14
Summit 1% - 2
Wright 0% - 1
254 total 

Conesville FD Responds in Western NY

Some pictures of the dramatic snowfall and recovery efforts were sent to us by Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice. The Conesville FD was one of several local Fire Departments to respond to the western part of New York to deal with the unexpected catastrophic snowfall there.

Firefighter Annmarie Cummings and Firefighter Stephanie Skowfoe.

Carl Fancher, Conesville Fire Chief

Partners Bring Major Strides in Schoharie

Since September when the Village of Schoharie Long Term Community Renewal grant strategy was completed and was unanimously approved by Board members enthusiasm abounds as ‘Summit Committees’ meet monthly and work progresses on three major areas—Marketing, Website design, and development of a historic walking tour. Three working groups have formed and continue on-going efforts on a village-wide marketing campaign that includes a new Village logo and tag line (Village of Schoharie – A good life in a beautiful place), a website, and a historic walking tour.

The website is being developed for the Village that will provide village news, local government information, links to events, organizations, and businesses, and promote business and tourism. The groups are also working to locate and install fountains in the Village to build on the historic ‘fountaintown’ theme of the Schoharie area. A historic walking tour will highlight the wonderful historic resources in the Village and bring new people to the area.

At the same time the Schoharie Promotional Association is finalizing development of a map showing all existing businesses to be displayed outside the Village/Town Hall. That map is also being transferred to downloadable format on their website and a soon-to-be released brochure. Partners in these projects include the Schoharie Promotional Association, Help Us Grow Schoharie (HUGS), the Valley Association, SALT, the Village Board, and several passionate residents. This is unprecedented accomplishments by utilizing the skills and labor of all groups and individuals willing to put in their time and talents.

Three Arrested for Damaging Mailboxes

Sheriff's Deputies arrested Andrew Freeman, age 18 of Watertown, NY, Kodi Diccico age 18 of Geneva, NY and Wyatt Bromley age 18 of Eden NY for the class A Midemeanor of Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree. It is alleged that, while on Dodge Lodge Rd. in the Town of Richmondville, the defendants intentionally damaged several mailboxes. After a thorough investigation, the defendants were arrested and issued appearance tickets to reappear in the Town of Richmondville Court on December 17, 2014.

Budget Passes: Terry Demoted, Planning Department Split

It was a raucous meeting at the County Board yesterday, with the future of economic development one of the many topics fought over by a divided board.

So divided, that a minority of the Supervisors were able to pass the 2015 budget.

The passed budget was similar to that proposed by County Treasurer Bill Cherry. The largest bone of contention was what to do with the County Planning Department. In a compromise shepherded through by Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAllister, several large changes were made.

• The Schoharie County Planning and Economic Development Department was split between its two current functions. Current Chief Alicia Terry was demoted by the Board to become a Senior Planner and had her salary cut by $8,000.
• Shane Nickle was promoted from Senior Planner to a joint Supervisor/Senior Planner position of the new Planning Department. 
• Marketed Specialist Sarah Blood was eliminated from her position.
• The proposed bus fare of $1.50 was reduced to $1.20.
• There will be no salary increases for any Town Supervisors.
• The tax rate increase will be slightly lower than originally proposed, at 5.06%.

Overall, the Board was bitterly divided. The final tally was:

- Yes: McAllister (Cobleskill 16.2% of the weighted vote), Milone (Schoharie, 11.0%), Barbic (Seward 5.5%), Manko (Sharon, 6.2%), Lape (Richmonville 8.1%), Jordan (Jefferson 4.3%), and VanGlad (Gilboa 4.1%). 7 Total, 55.4% of the weighted vote.

- No: Bradt (Carlisle 5.9%), Bleu (Wright 5.2%), Buzon (Middleburgh 11.8%), Federice (Conesville 2.5%), Smith (Blenheim 1.1%), Smith (Broome 3.2%), Skowfoe (Fulton 4.3%), VanWormer (Esperance 6.9%), and Vroman (Summit, 3.8%) - 9 Total, 44.6% of the weighted vote.