VanGlad Retiring as County Board Chair

County Board Chair Tony VanGlad has held the position for a little less than a year. Now, with the word that he is stepping down the County may have its fifth Board Chairman in recent years. The announcement came after VanGlad's personal commitments were weighed.

The County Board will hold a meeting next Monday, January 5th to decide who will become the Chair and Vice Chair. Potential front runners have been keeping cards close to their chest, but it appears that former Board Chairs will not be selected, according to sources.

Letter to the Editor: Anti-Science Activists Support Deforestation

The recent pipeline debate seems to have struck a nerve with some. The Schoharie "News" published an editorial in support of a green energy solution. Fine, I guess, if it was workable. One part that made sense was to actually push for energy instead of being one of the anti-everything activists.

Some so-called environmentalists have rallied against the pipeline and carbon fuel. Unfortunately, they don't understand that using coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat has saved the forests.

No-- really.

Using wood to heat houses is as old as time and with the large population boom in the 1800s and early 1900s, the forests of the US and Europe were cut at an alarming rate. When other types of energy were used to heat homes, namely deriving from carbon fuels, deforestation reversed course dramatically.

Contrary to claims that Pennsylvania's economy has been ruined by fracking and unemployment has gone up, using energy has had some positive effects. Frequently spouted "facts" on Facebook are just plain wrong. Someone needs to explain that unemployment has fallen from 8.7% in early 2010 when fracking was first used in PA to 5.4% today (lower than the national average) while GDP has grown from $554 billion in 2009 to $603 in 2013, but don't let facts get in the way of a good narrative. How many jobs have these protesters created again?

So let's get rid of coal, gas, and oil. Okay... so let's get wind! Oh no, the "environmentalists" in this county are against it. Okay, what about hydro power! Oh, wait. Solar! Not ready yet?

So let's use a renewable organic source of energy-- wood! Forested areas in the US and Europe are at the highest levels in over 100 years because people no longer clear cut for heat.

Who will tell our NIMBY friends that their desired policies would clear cut far more forest than any pipeline?

Cheers,
Richard "Halliburton"
Summit

Two Arrested for Burglary in Fulton

Two Montgomery County residents have been arrested by the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office with assistance of the Amsterdam Police Department following the investigation of a burglary of a residence which occurred on December 19, 2014 on Rossman Hill Road in the Town of Fulton. During the burglary money, prescription medications and a safe were taken.

Arrested on December 26th for Burglary 2nd Degree, after they turned theirselves in to the Sheriff's Office were Kristi Morreale, age 33 and Joseph Coleman, age 31 both of Amsterdam.

The subjects were arraigned in Fulton Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail in lieu of $2500.00 bail each. They are to return to court on December 30th.

The investigation is continuing and it is anticipated that some of the stolen property may be recovered.

Broome Audit Reveals $16,000 in Improper Spending

The small Schoharie County municipality of Broome has been chided by the Office of the New York State Comptroller for failing to effectively manage and oversee the town's financial assets over a fourteen month period beginning in January 2013 and ending this past March.

In an official audit released on Friday, December 19th, the Comptroller's Office Division of Local Government and School Accountability criticized the town board's past failure to ensure taxpayer dollars were being appropriately expended and accounted for. 

According to the report, which is available for public consumption here, missteps in oversight had occurred in the management of the Court, of the Highway Department, and in the administration of storm-related reimbursements to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

However, the largest blow was not dealt to the previous town board but to former Town Highway Superintendent Michael Parker, who after he was defeated in his November, 2013 bid for re-election, engaged in a one man shopping spree against the board's wishes:

...the outgoing Highway Superintendent was able to make two purchases for loader tires (four separate invoices) over $16,000 without the required authorization forms being approved. These purchases were in opposition to the Board’s intent because the Board was considering purchasing a new loader. These purchases were made after the Highway Superintendent lost his bid for re-election, but before the end of his term in December 2013. Although the current Board initially would not approve these invoices for payment and attempted to return the tires to the vendor, the tires had already been partially used and, therefore, were not returnable. The current Board eventually paid the invoices. 

Furthermore, in his continued display of mismanagement, Parker failed to maintain records of invoices or Town man and machine hours related to flood repairs for federal reimbursement. As such, the municipality may not obtain the full $235,900 it was eligible for.

Broome Supervisor William Smith, who had not been in office during most of the audit's time frame, commented in response to the report that "We agree with the findings within the audit and corrective measures have been taken and procurement policies have been followed since Jan 1 2014."

Smith defeated former Supervisor Anne Batz in November, 2013. 

Opinion: Area Needs to Build 21st Century Green Energy

Schoharie County may be sleepy, but it has been the center of major energy battles over the last decade. From the fight over wind energy to a county utility to fracking and pipelines to concerns about the Power Authority dam, energy always seems to be in the forefront.

Now that the Governor has finally pushed for fracking to be outlawed, the area needs to be proactive and build its green foundation. There is no immediate way to make the area completely environmentally friendly, but there are a few ways to start:

• Work on establishing a county energy utility or cooperative. It already works in Richmondville, where energy prices are regularly less than half that National Grid offers the rest of the area. Being able to create new incentives and methods for alternative energy and net metering will only help the consumer.
• Schoharie County's plans to construct significant solar panels is a step in the right direction. The privately owned panels will pass along the savings to the consumer with no negative consequences. The expansion of such a project would be a major boon to taxpayers.
• It is well past time for wind power to be considered. One of the big disappointments of the last decade has been that people and groups that proclaim themselves environmentalists led the change to kill the potential wind plans in the towns of Richmondville, Cherry Valley, and Fulton. Concerns that the wind farms would be privately owned should be secondary to the benefits in green energy, reduction in tax bills, and reduction in energy costs. Cherry Valley was offered a 25% cut to local electricity costs for residents, substantial PILOT payments, and no cost to the community.

There is much talk about keeping the area pristine and out of the clutches of the large oil and natural gas companies. It's time for both political parties to work together to at least begin the process of weaning the area off of existing energy systems, whether municipally or privately. Any group or individual that claims that the pipeline and fracking should not come to the area but opposes green energy initiatives should explain how they would meet the area's energy needs realistically.

Cuomo: Reopen Casino Application for Southern Tier

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his support for allowing a casino near the Binghamton area. Even though the state Gaming Commission rejected a bid for a casino in the Southern Tier, the governor is now calling for one to be placed there.

"If you agree to this request, the (casino board) should quickly establish a process for the fourth license that could be complete as expeditiously as possible as the Southern Tier needs jobs and investment now."

This part of the state has the highest unemployment rate and was one of the few parts of the state with substantial support for fracking, which will soon be outlawed. Cuomo shifted his position on a Southern Tier casino after pressure from local lawmakers.

There was broad shock that none of the Southern Tier casino applications were approved, including among his backers:

Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural was seething over being passed over, telling reporters after the announcement that he felt like a "fool" after he contributed $800,000 at Cuomo's behest last year to help a referendum pass that legalized casino gambling in New York.

There is no indication that a similar action will happen for the Capital Region.

Schoharie Community Meeting January 12th

The Annual Schoharie Community Meeting will be held on Monday, January 12th at 7 PM at the Town Hall. This meeting is an informal gathering to share information with village and town residents, businesses, organizations, and local officials -- get the facts and updates, ask questions, make announcements and introductions, meet your neighbors -- get involved — it’s your community (Refreshments will be served). Sponsored by the Schoharie Promotional Association

Info from the Schoharie Promo Association.

Vote in Our Poll: Reflecting on Howe Caverns Casino

Make sure to vote in our new poll about your thoughts on the Howe Caverns casino proposal and the reason the New York Gaming Commission rejected it.

2014 Schoharie Leader Runner Up: Matthew Avitabile

With almost twice as many votes as the next nominee, Schoharie News readers chose Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile as the 2014 Schoharie Leader Runner Up. He was nominated several times for the recovery Middleburgh has undertaken during his administration.

Avitabile cut his teeth taking on the mayor's responsibilities before he was elected in 2012. In 2011 he set up and ran the first volunteer efforts in the village, including setting up a relief fund that was able to send every flood victim a check from the village government.

After being elected in 2012, he started an ambitious program to rebuild flood damaged buildings, shore up existing businesses, and attract new ones. He utilized grants, low interest loans, and flood relief funds to get almost $200,000 to businesses that went through the flood. He assisted with organizing more volunteers and filling out NY Rising flood grant applications for businesses that suffered from Irene.

His work with the Middleburgh Village Board in saving almost $1 million in grant programs also helped establish two new parks in town, including two new pavilions. This funding and the ideas of Trustee Bill Morton created the wildflower project that has brought in visitors over the last two years.

Middleburgh's budgets are also helpful to taxpayers. For two consecutive years, the Village budget actually went down and for three straight years there have been no tax increases-- the only municipality in the County able to do so.

This year was a year of major expansion for the community, with the opening of a pet store, pharmacy, grocery, and brewery. Altogether, over a dozen new businesses have opened in the last three years and almost all flood damage is now repaired.

"I'm honored by this award," Mayor Avitabile told the Schoharie News, "Thank you very much and I hope for another solid year in 2015."

Letter to the Editor: Middleburgh Effort Paying Off

Reader Tim Hines recently donated land to the Village of Middleburgh to construct new park land:

Open letter to the Middleburgh Village Board and Mayor Avitabile,

I am glad the board has decided to accept the land in Middleburgh. I would also like the board and townspeople to know the main reason I am donating this land to the town is because of my dealings with you. From the time I first met you during the flood and all the times since it has been a pleasure to work with someone with so much passion and caring for their job. I am also impressed by how you care for people and for doing what's right.

 I look forward to wrapping this up and turning the land over to the town for its use as a part of the park in a timely manner. If there is anything I can do please let me know and I will be glad to assist. Please keep me posted as to your progress and please keep up the good work you are making a difference from all that I hear.

-- Timothy Hines

Jefferson, Charlotteville FDs Take on Blaze in Davenport

Two local fire departments took on a massive fire in Davenport. The fire took place at Cole's Garage.

Photos credit Schoharie County Fire Wire.

Knight: Whose History is it Anyway?

History is a polarizing subject. Either you find it fascinating or you find yourself fast asleep because of it, but regardless of what affect it has on you, its importance can nonetheless be accepted by all as not only a record of the past, but a guide to the future. 

However, the question becomes, whose history is it anyway? 

Now, I'm sure many are confused by the premise of the question, so hear me out on this. 

Historians and teachers tend to engage the past in black and white contrasts: ignoring the culture of the time and substituting our own values in place of them, which at face value may seen acceptable, but in reality cheats the whole learning process out in the end. 

Why is it cheating the learning process out? Well, I'm glad you asked. By substituting our own values in place of historical context, we're taking the conditions that lead to the creation of the history were studying out of the equation rather than understanding them. 

This is a serious problem because the truth of the past gets lost through historical fog. We're casting judgment on the actions of historical events and figures based on twenty-first century morals and values, which has the effect of taking history out of history. 

Take for example the American Civil War. There are three sides to viewing this great national conflict within the United States. There is the Union's side; the Confederacy's side; and, the black slave's side. 

The Union's side is obviously taught as historical record, along with the strong emotional appeal of the black slave's who were freed as a result of abolition. However, that's not the whole story of why the Civil War was fought. 

Yes, slavery was a major part of what the Confederacy represented, but there were other motivating factors behind their separation: including, but not limited to, a belief in greater state sovereignty and a sentiment that the north was attempting to oppress them. 

The great majority of Confederate residents, even property owners and plantation holders, did not own a single slave. They fought for the pride of their homes, families, and selves on the battlefield; not for king cotton and the institution of slavery. 

By no means am I trying to defend the Confederacy, as there is no means by which I could defend them with. They were nothing more than rebels, with a leadership that clung to slavery in a sickening manner. My point is simply to provide a full context to a complicated event. 

A context that, when fully understood, reveals the true contrasts of history to only be available through a prism of grey, because to every story there are multiple sides, and to every truth there are several versions awaiting to be explored further than the accepted account allows. 

So keep this question in mind the next time a conversation of historical record erupts: whose history is it anyway? And from that - the true truth will emerge. 

Letter to the Editor: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas in Schoharie

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Schoharie,
I look back on ’14, and, man, was it hairy.
What a year it has been for this sleepy valley county,
Of small towns and villages and plenty of bounty.

A community watchdog who’s not afraid to bite,
About eminent domain, he’ll stand up for your rights.
The pipeline, Maranatha, everyone take heed,
After all, what more could any one of us Neid?

No fracking! No casinos! But, a Constitution Pipeline,
Without all three, thank you, we are doing just fine.
A county administrator, well maybe, that would be merry,
But some don’t think we really need Mr. Cherry.

We read the Schoharie News, and Facebook, near and far,
Oh, who be the next Times Journal Star?
With SALT and Schoharie Recovery and lots of Green Shirts, 
We’ve beat that broad, Irene, and healed lots of hurt.

Guilford Mills finally sold and that’s very good news,
We’ll have jobs and employment and many work crews.
A new Stewarts and Wolfe’s and some senior apartments, 
Let’s not even go there, about the Planning Department.

On Lopez! On Gibson! On the Board of Supervisors! 
What happens in Executive Session, well we’re all none the wiser.
A local celebrity, our own Commissioner Ball,
And Galasso will build something, some day, after all.

Those stuck in Schoharie as property values drop,
To sell and go south is a dream they won’t swap.
And so I exclaim as I finish this poem,
Which started so small and turned into a tome.
I say to you all as I close down this gripe,
"Merry Christmas to All, And to All a Good Night!"

- Lisa Mulligan Ovitt

Opinion: Looking for a Bright 2015

Schoharie County has finally logged some wins in 2014. We've seen substantial improvement in Schoharie, Sharon, and Middleburgh and Guilford Mills has finally been sold. Changes in the Planning Department and hopes for a better budget next year is setting the backdrop for possible success in 2015.

However, the lessons learned in 2014 must be applied next year. Hopefully the County Board can finally put away infighting and work together to cement the gains of recent business expansion. For the first time in a long time, the general trend is that unemployment is falling and more businesses are opening.

Perhaps the biggest lesson is that while there are many with potential ideas to fix the many problems in the county, not every person can be front and center. Too much ego and personal agendas always seem to get in the way of cooperation, especially in efforts to one-up.

Here's hoping 2015 will be the year of Schoharie County.

Duanesburg Man Arrested for Possession of Multiple Drugs

On December 18th, 2014 Princetown Troopers arrested Dylan A. Struffolino, 21, of Duanesburg, NY for 2 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Struffolino was observed on his cell phone in the area of Broadway and Draper Ave. Upon interview, Troopers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. As a result of a probable cause search, Troopers seized a clear plastic baggie containing approximately .5 grams of cocaine, one oxycodone pill, 20 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Struffolino was transported to SP Princetown for processing where he was issued Uniform Traffic tickets and an Appearance ticket returnable to the City of Schenectady court on December 30th, 2014 at 9:00am.

Poll: Valley Has Way to Go

Schoharie News readers agree that progress has been made since 2011's horrific flooding. However, the level of such progress is not agreed upon.

It is better than before the flood 16% - 25
It is about the same as before the flood 7% - 11
Not quite there, but getting better 65% - 102
Not at all 12% - 19

157 total

Letter to the Editor: Avitabile, Board's Leadership has Rebuilt Middleburgh

Dear Editor,

Hands down, I would highly recommend Mayor Matthew Avitable and the Middleburgh Village Board for their leadership, their dedication, and the positive impact they have had on my hometown.

Prior to Hurricane Irene, Middleburgh was struggling with a revitalization and storefronts were about half empty.  Compounding that effort came Hurricane Irene.  Rising from the flood waters, there were several components that needed to be addressed in recovery.  It just wasn’t about cleaning up and rebuilding, it was filling empty storefronts and proving to budding entrepreneurs that strength of community far outshone the ravages of a natural disaster.  It takes getting the word out that this community is a special place with wonderful mom and pop shops and events for families to enjoy.  Matt makes a great sales pitch, obvious in the resulting “full house”  and then some we are finally enjoying on Main Street.  It’s not just filling the store fronts, it’s about promotion, enhancing and creating events and seizing every financial opportunity.  Its about follow-up and recruiting people to get the job done.  Its about attracting locals and tourists to sustain those businesses.  Matt works with a great Village Board, who obviously put in a great deal of time and effort that has given our village the outstanding recognition it now embraces. 

Just look at Middleburgh…you have to love its shops, the festive decorations, the murals and the wildflowers…its so exciting to see!  Main Street parking is full, shops are busy, conversation is so positive!

In 2006, I tallied 400 cars in one hour that drove through Middleburgh on a Friday afternoon.  Ten percent of those vehicles stopped while ninety percent drove over the bridge to other destinations.  In 2014, during Miracle on Main Street, I was challenged to walk through the crowded streets with my small Grandsons and parking was nearly impossible.  That Ladies and Gentlemen is WONDERFUL!

Thanks to our Mayor and his outstanding Village Board, Middleburg is no longer the drive-through community it once was… it’s clearly a destination!   Middleburgh's Mayor and Village Board deserve this award.  I applaud them all!

Sincerely,

Debbie Magee

Knight: Where Is Christmas?

My family celebrated Christmas to not only become closer as a unit, but to celebrate the birth of Christ, our Savior. Presents were important, but having each other - and the experiences - were what was most important to us.

However, something changed. Not only within our own family, but through out all of society as a whole. 

Slowly but surely the traditional elements of Christmas - faith and family - were replaced with materialism and who possessed the most objects, or received the most expensive presents, or the latest video game console. 

You see it every holiday season, when hordes of turkey filled consumers rush the doors and fight gladiator style through the aisles at Wal-Mart to get their hands on the latest, and greatest, and not to mention cheapest, vacuum.

Talk about taking Christ out of Christmas. 

It's not all negative. To be sure: acts of kindness still exist, but unfortunately in our culture, they are worthy of media coverage because of their exception to the general rule, and that just... Makes me wonder where it went to hell.

Me, personally? My favorite Christmas memory is of the time my brother Isaiah and I bought each other football's behind the others back, or when my mom and I trudged up the mountain and chopped down our own tree. 

Those were some great times, but today it feels like I am being strangled by a wall of materialism and hyper commercialism that is destroying the true meaning of the holiday and just replacing it with yet another extension of societal greed. 

And yes, Christmas isn't really about Christ, because it represents a throw back to Ancient Rome and the pagan gods of old, but even that isn't as bad as today's gods of greed and objects. Damn, don't I sound like a bah humbug? 

Say what you will, but each Christmas I feel myself drifting further and further away from celebrating it, because of what it's become. And as time continues to march on, the memories of old are badly fading away.

Leaving me with just this question: where is Christmas? And can it ever truly be recovered?

Babysitter Charged in Kenneth White's Strangulation Death

Five year old Kenneth White's babysitter has been charged in his death. Tiffany Van Alstine, 19, was charged with second degree murder. White's body was found last night by a K-9 unit buried under the snow near the house. She is the cousin of White. Van Alstine's mother had custody of White and his siblings.

The cause of death was discovered through the autopsy as asphyxia due to strangulation.

Credit: WTEN

The babysitter's original story that the boy was abducted by two men was not true. Van Alstine's contradicting stories to the police created red flags. Two other children that were under Van Alstine's care last night are safe.

CSRC Offering Support for Landowners Harassed by Pipeline Companies

The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities encourages all landowners to refuse to cooperate with representatives of the Constitution and NED (Kinder-Morgan) pipelines. When faced with trespassing pipeline crews we urge landowners to immediately call the police and to contact the Center’s toll-free Landowner Response Line 800-795-1467. Available volunteers in Schoharie and Delaware counties will be dispatched to assist landowners in documenting pipeline crew activities. 

Bob Nied
Center for Sustainable Rural Communities