Heroin Arrest in Schoharie

On December 11, 2014 State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Middleburgh man on multiple charges following the report of a vehicle off the roadway on State Route 443 in the Town of Schoharie.

 Troopers arrested Noel Ortiz age 37 of Middleburgh and charged him with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree. State police allege that Ortiz was the operator of a vehicle that drove off the roadway, during investigation it was determined that Ortiz had a suspended driver’s license and was in possession of heroin. Ortiz was arraigned and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on cash bail.

Letter to the Editor: Anti-Pipeline Activists Would Give Money from Poor to Corporations

If the hundreds of "extra" voters in the Schoharie "News" poll this week is any indication, a lot of outsiders are weighing on on the idea of the Constitution Pipeline coming in.

It's not the same as the fight against fracking, which would devastate local water supply. Whether activists agree or not, of all modes of hydrocarbon transfer, pipelines have the safest record. By far.

If the pipeline doesn't come through, then the natural gas will come by rail. Remember that explosion that leveled part of a town in Quebec? Well, here comes those same trains through Cobleskill. They can argue that they'd rather have no gas coming through at all, but that simply won't happen. Why do they support the method with far more accidents and deaths attached?

There are a lot of comments about how the corporations hold too much influence. Damn right. Denying the pipeline will keep artificially high energy prices high, hurting the poor the most. Electricity rates are averaging about 18 cents a KW in New England, over double many parts of the country due to shutdowns of coal and nuclear plants and reduced pipelines.

Who bears the highest burden and pays the largest share of their income to heat their homes in the winter? "Retired" trust fund babies telling us how to live our lives or the working poor?

Well, they can just apply for HEAP, you may say. Certainly, but that means you support taking tax dollars from the 90+% of the local economy that is not energy based and handing it almost straight through to the large corporations. The higher surcharges and service fees that customers have to pay-- who gets them? The large utilities and energy conglomerates.

The pipeline might be a bad thing for the area and something that should be fought. But realize that in doing so, you will also be supporting taking money from the poor and working class to buy another cigar for a corporate CEO.

Richard "Halliburton"
Summit

Delhi Man Arrested on Marijuana Charges

On December 7, 2014, State Police in Cobleskill arrested Benjamin M. Merriman, age 26, of Delhi, for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Merriman was the operator of a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado which was stopped on State Route 145 in the Town of Cobleskill after being observed crossing a double solid yellow line and making a wide turn. While interviewing Merriman, a strong odor of marijuana was detected inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a glass jar containing approximately 4.2 grams of marijuana. Merriman was issued an appearance ticket for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a violation, and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Cobleskill court on January 6, 2015.

Rescue Units Save Man in Summit

At approximately 7:30 pm on December 7, 2014, State Police in Cobleskill received a report of a disoriented 28 year old male from Summit, NY who had been out walking in extremely cold weather with inadequate clothing since 11:00 am. Members of the State Police, including Aviation, along with a DEC K-9 Unit, NYS Forest Rangers, Schoharie County Sheriffs, and the Summit Fire Department search and rescue team began an organized search of the area near Charlotte Valley Rd. At approximately 1:55 am the male subject was found on the front porch of a residence in need of medical attention . Summit EMS responded and transported him to Cobleskill Regional Hospital for evaluation.

Schoharie to Unveil New Business Next Week

As posted on the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook page, Schoharie will be opening another new business next week. This followed a flurry of new openings earlier this year:

Post by Schoharie Promotional Association.

Green Wolf Brewery Prepares Opening Weekend

November 21, 2014 - Green Wolf Brewing Company will hold the grand opening of its tap room on Friday, December 12th, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The opening coincides with Middleburgh’s annual holiday street festival, Miracle On Main Street, but the celebration will continue on Saturday and Sunday.

Initially, the Green Wolf Tap Room will be open three days a week – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and will feature beer on draft and in 22 oz bottles. Although the Green Wolf Tap Room will not serve food, patrons are encouraged to bring in food from home or from local restaurants to enjoy with their Green Wolf ales. Thoughtfully created by local owner, Justin Behan, the space is designed to be a family friendly, cozy affair with board games available to play, couches to lounge on, books to peruse, and occasional live music.

“We’ve been working on this a long time, and can’t wait for the tap room to finally be open,” said Justin Behan, Green Wolf’s president and brewer. “We specifically chose Middleburgh for our brewery and tap room because of its supportive business community, attractive downtown, and strong local support. This town is a wonderful place to visit already, and we see Green Wolf Brewing Co. as added incentive for folks traveling through to stop and spend some time.”

Miracle on Main Street this Friday in Middleburgh

The Middleburgh Business Business Association published the itinerary for the Miracle on Main Street Christmas event in Middleburgh this Friday. Put on by the local Renaissance Council, there will be carriage rides, business openings, hot cocoa, Santa, and more.

Heavy Storm Expected Tuesday into Wednesday

A severe winter storm is expected to hit the area over the next two days. Eight to twelve inches are expected Tuesday and 1-3 on Wednesday. Expect many schools and offices to be closed. A Winter Storm Warning is expected from Tuesday at 4am until Wednesday at 7am. The Noreaster may also bring in a small amount of ice. Make sure to keep track of the weather on our site. It's always updated and can be found here.

Santa in Schoharie December 14th

Santa Claus will be at the Schoharie County's Diner in Schoharie, the site of the former Alley Cat on December 14th. All are welcome to get pictures with Santa with the purchase of breakfast or lunch. Kids will also receive a free gift bag.

Letter to the Editor: Protect the Environment

Love Canal, Boston Harbor, Scintilla/Amphenol in Sidney, Railcon in Sidney, General Electric's PCB's in our Hudson River....billions of taxpayers' monies because of "brilliant leadership!" The companies DO NOT PAY FOR THE CLEANUPS!! We taxpayers do. How many times have I heard "NOT ONE SPILL IN PENNSYLVANIA!" What BS! Finally they had to reveal nearly 300 with the statement, "It might be more...Records are kinda loose!" Somebody gave us a beautiful Earth and gave us the choice on how to treat it, or destroy it. In India for centuries they have dumped sewage, chemicals and garbage into the Ganges River which they also bathe in and wash their clothes in. Oh and don't forget all the cremains dumped there...all in the source of their drinking water. "Leaders" have allowed that!" I am one of at least four in Otego Village who now have cancer. We all live next to cornfields which are sprayed repeatedly with RoundUp , which like carcinogenic fracking fluids by tractor trailer loads, go into each well. Stupid is stupid!...and not leadership! Our water, land, health and economies are in the balance. Greed is surpassing common sense, and giving the finger to The Creator!

Charlie Pierce
Otego

Man Arrested in Snowmobile Theft

Sheriff's deputies arrested Conor E. McDonald, 18, of Coxsackie with criminal possession of stolen property in the 5th degree following an investigation of a stolen snowmobile from Greene County. Mr. McDonald was arraigned in the Town of Broome court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail, to appear at a later date.

Letter to the Editor: Stand Up for Property Rights Against Pipeline

The following is an open letter to property owners from Robert Neid of the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities:

Please be advised that Constitution Pipeline has received only conditional approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). They DO NOT have the right to seize your property, enter your property or conduct any activity on your property at this time.

Recent letters sent to landowners by pipeline lawyers contained inaccurate information and empty threats. The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities has filed a formal complaint about those letters with the NY State Attorney General and called for an investigation.  The Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic has demanded a retraction of the threatening letters.

Landowners who have not signed easement agreements are urged to do the following:

·         Post “No Trespassing” signs.

·         Deny pipeline crews access to your property.

·         Call the police if pipeline crews come on your property without your permission.

·         Ask your neighbors to watch your property when you are not home, photograph any unauthorized activity by pipeline crews, and call you if someone tries to trespass.

·         Document any activity by pipeline crews on or near your property – take video or photographs, and record dates, times, license plate numbers and what activity occurs.

·         Discuss your situation with an attorney experienced in eminent domain.

Please remember that before the pipeline company can attempt to seize your property through eminent domain they must take you to court, usually Federal Court. For that to happen you must receive official papers via “personal service,” which requires the documents to be personally handed to one of the property owners (“served”), not sent by FedEx or mail.

For additional information visit: www.stopthepipeline.org and/or contact the toll-free Landowner Assistance Line: 800-795-1967.

Landowners are encouraged to call the Office of the NY State Attorney General at

800-771-7755 if they have received threatening correspondence from the pipeline company or their representatives.

The above is offered for informational purposes only and is not offered as, nor should it be considered, legal advice.

Vote in Our Poll: Do You Support Pipeline Decision?

FERC made headlines several weeks ago by declaring the Constitution Pipeline environmentally safe. Last week they made more waves by approving the project, leading to a timetable where it could start construction within several months.

What do you think?

Do You Support FERC's Decision to Approve the Constitution Pipeline?

Yes

No

I don't know

pollcode.com free polls

Sharon Man Arrested for Aggravated DWI

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Sharon man for Driving While Intoxicated following a traffic stop in the Town of Seward.

Troopers in Cobleskill arrested Joseph F. Nolette age 46 of Sharon for DWI following a traffic stop on State Route 10 in the Town of Seward. Nolette was issued a traffic tickets for Aggravated DWI and various other traffic violations before being released to appear in the Town of Seward Court on December 10, 2014 at 7:30pm.

Poll: Readers Support a New Party

Schoharie News readers are not pleased with the direction of local politics. Most readers that voted in the most recent poll state that they wish there was a third party available for choice. A strong minority back the local Republican Party with a smaller proportion believing that both parties are about equally right.

How Would You Describe Current Politics in Schoharie County?

- The local Republicans are usually right 25% - 26 
- The local Democrats are usually right 6% - 6 
- The two parties are about equally right 18% - 19 
- I wish there was a local third party 51% - 54 
 105 total

Legal Challenge Fights Pipeline Decision

The Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic has launched a counter attack to the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's decision to okay the Constitution Pipeline. Representing the local Stop the Pipeline organization, the group sent out a letter that made clear its objections.

 It reads in part:

According to your firm’s website, you specialize in eminent domain proceedings. Therefore you must know that your letter is replete with misleading information. It is apparent to STP that the intent of your letter is to bully landowners—who are already under duress from the December 2, 2014 decision by FERC that granted your client a conditional certificate of public convenience and necessity (“CPCN”)—into waiving their property rights. While we expect such unconscionable tactics from shady bill collectors, we do not expect them from a prestigious law firm such as Saul Ewing.

The law firm also challenged the legal standing the pipeline proprietors have used to support their project:

Please be advised that your misrepresentations of the facts and law to recipient landowners may violate the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. In particular, Rule 8.4, states that a “lawyer or law firm shall not: (c) engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.”

The move is supported by the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities, which is calling for the NY Attorney General to investigate tactics used by backers of the pipeline project.

Police Respond to Heroin Overdose

On November 29, 2014, State Police in Cobleskill responded to a residence in Middleburgh for a report of a possible drug overdose. Upon arrival they found an unconscious 30 year old female with shallow breathing who had recently injected heroin. Troopers on scene administered one dose of intranasal Naloxone which revived the victim. The female was transported via ambulance to St. Peter's Hospital in Albany for further treatment.

Gloversville Man Arrested for Marijuana Following Traffic Stop

On November 30, 2014, State Police in Cobleskill arrested Adam C. Brickle, age 19, of Gloversville, for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Brickle was the operator of a 2005 Lincoln which was stopped on State Route 10 in the Town of Jefferson for failing to dim his headlights. While interviewing Brickle, a strong odor of marijuana was detected inside of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 20 grams of marijuana and a marijuana grinder. Brickle was issued a traffic ticket as well as an appearance ticket for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, a violation, and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Jefferson court on December 15, 2014.

Vehicular Manslaughter Charges in Wright after DWI Fatality

A fatal motorcycle crash resulted in Vehiclular Manslaughter charges against the operator, on October 1, 2014, the New York State Police investigated an accident which occurred on State Route 443 in the Hamlet of Gallupville. A motorcycle with two riders left the roadway, struck a stand supporting a basketball hoop and continued until it struck a church. The passenger identified as Colleen M. Rogers, 24, of Wright was ejected from the vehicle and killed. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as Kristofer J. Govel, 28, also of Wright.

Govel who was also injured in the accident was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Vehiclular Manslaughter 2nd, he was arraigned in the Town of Wright Court on November 24th, 2014. Govel is set to appear in the Town of Wright Court on December 22, 2014.

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities on Pipeline Approval: Unacceptable

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a “Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity” for the proposed Constitution Pipeline. In doing so, the Federal agency essentially rejected the hundreds of comments, studies and concerns submitted by impacted landowners, communities, scientists and citizens groups. They also sent a signal to the NY State DEC and the US Army Corp of Engineers that concerns raised by those two agencies about the proposed pipeline would not be taken seriously. FERC also approved the proposed expansion of the compressor station in the Town of Wright which will facilitate the Constitution Pipeline and potentially others. By issuing the Certificate, FERC sets the stage for the seizure of private property through eminent domain to accommodate pipeline easements. Constitution may attempt to serve condemnation papers to individual landowners as early as today.

The proposed pipeline will follow a 50-60’ wide clear-cut path through Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie counties, dissecting forest, farmland, streams, wetlands and residential backyards. An estimated 1/3 of the route through Schoharie County will require blasting. Opponents have pointed out the pipeline will impact sensitive eco-systems and habitats for a wide verity of species including bald eagles and the bat colonies living in the Karst cave systems of Schoharie County, which are already threatened by “white nose syndrome” a disease that has resulted in the deaths of an estimated 6 million North American bats.

The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities submitted multiple comments to FERC opposing the pipeline including an extensive hydrogeology study and an industry standard white paper detailing the national security vulnerability of the proposed pipeline and associated compressor station. FERC dismissed the latter study essentially saying that steps were being taken to address the security issues but would not disclose what those steps are.  In response to the hundreds of environmental concerns raised, FERC deferred to “mitigation” promised by pipeline builders Cabot Oil & Gas, Williams Partners, Piedmont Natural Gas and WGL Holdings. FERC did not express concern about the safety records of Cabot and Williams, both of whom have garnered long lists of violations and fines related to drilling and pipeline operations.

Pipeline construction cannot begin until the NY State DEC conducts public hearings and grants a “401 permit.” Appeals to FERC’s decision are also likely by citizen and non-profit groups. Litigation is also possible by one or more of the hundreds of individuals and groups who have registered with FERC as “Interveners.”

Robert Nied, spokesperson for the Center issued the following statement after the FERC announcement:

“The Federal regulatory process has failed the citizens of New York. FERC has opted to ignore the health, safety, quality of life and property rights of the residents of our region and rubber stamp a destructive and unnecessary project in order to further the profits of a callus and out of control oil and gas industry. The Center will continue to fight this project and stand with those resisting its abuse of private property rights, community rights and the right of every citizen to a safe and healthy environment.”