Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Schoharie County

The National Weather service has issued this warning:

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 2 AM EST SUNDAY... * LOCATIONS...THE EASTERN CATSKILLS...SCHOHARIE VALLEY...GREATER CAPITAL REGION...NORTHERN AND CENTRAL TACONICS...SCHOHARIE VALLEY...HELDERBERGS...AND THE EASTERN MOHAWK VALLEY. * HAZARD TYPES...ACCUMULATING SNOW...SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN.

Make sure to keep up on the weather at our always updated weather page.

DWI Arrest in Middleburgh

State Police in Cobleskill arrest man for DWI in the Town of Middleburgh following a traffic stop.

Troopers in Cobleskill arrested Carl E. Vanburen age 49 of Preston Hollow New York for Driving While Intoxicated following a traffic stop on State Route 145 in the Town of Middleburgh. Vanburen was initially stopped for multiple traffic infractions; further investigation led to the DWI charge. Vanburen was released on traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Middleburgh Court on January 21, 2015 at 7:00 pm.

Esperance Man Arrested for Harassment, Criminal Contempt

State Police in Cobleskill arrested an Esperance man for multiple charges following a domestic incident in the Town of Esperance.

Photo: NYSP

Troopers in Cobleskill arrested Roger E. Sulem age 36 following a domestic incident in the Town of Esperance. Sulem was charged with Harassment 2nd and Criminal Contempt 2nd following a complaint where it was alleged that he threatened to strike a female during an argument. During the investigation Troopers determined that there was an active Order of Protection in place. Sulem was arraigned where he was released on his own recognizance to appear in the Town of Esperance Court on January 7, 2015 at 7:00 pm.

Middleburgh Man Arrested for DWI

State Police in Cobleskill arrest Middleburgh man for DWI following traffic stop.

Troopers in Cobleskill arrested Zeth A. Porter age 33 of Middleburgh for DWI following a traffic stop in the Town of Esperance. Porter was originally stopped for a traffic infraction; further investigation led to him being charged with Driving While Intoxicated. Porter was released on traffic tickets to appear in the Town of Esperance Court on January 21, 2015 at 6:00 pm

Stop the Pipeline Files Request for Pipeline Rehearing

The Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, representing grass roots organization Stop the Pipeline (STP), has submitted a request for a rehearing of the proposed Constitution Pipeline to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

In the 73 page document submitted to FERC, Pace contends that the FERC violated the Clean Water Act, the Natural Gas Act, National Environmental Policy Act and landowners’ constitutional right of due process when it issued conditional approval of the proposed pipeline. Pace’s filing is the 5th request for rehearing submitted to FERC by public interest groups and attorneys representing landowners.

A link to the filing is here: http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20150102-5158

The Center for Sustainable Rural communities applauds the efforts by STP and Pace to protect the health, safety, quality of life and property rights of Upstate NY residents. The Center urges landowners to continue to resist and reject efforts by the pipeline company to bully and intimidate them.

Landowners who have been served with condemnation papers by Constitution should consider seeking qualified legal counsel. While the Center does not provide legal advice or recommend specific law firms we can provide landowners with a list of law firms who have agreed to handle pipeline condemnation cases, including law firms willing to represent landowner groups in order to reduce the cost to individual landowners.

Landowners who have been served with condemnation papers by Constitution Pipeline can email: landownerhelp@ruralcommunities.org or call toll-free: 800-795-1467 for information about individual and group representation.

Area residents are strongly encouraged to attend one or more of the hearings to be held by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and express their concerns about the potential impacts of the Constitution Pipeline of area aquifers, rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and private water wells. Without a 401 Water Permit from DEC, the Constitution Pipeline CAN NOT BE BUILT.

Dates, times and locations for the DEC hearings are as follows:

Monday January 12th East Middle School Auditorium 167 East Frederick Street Binghamton, NY

Tuesday January 13th SUNY Oneonta Lecture Hall IRC # 3 108 Ravine Highway Oneonta, NY

Wednesday January 14th SUNY Cobleskill Bouck Hall Theater State Route 7 Cobleskill, NY

Local Young Cyclist Prepares to Bike across U.S. to Benefit Affordable Housing

This summer, Sophie Connor is joining Bike & Build, a national nonprofit committed to raising money and awareness for affordable housing, to ride her bicycle across the country with a team of 30 other young adults on the Northern United States route.

The journey will begin on June 13, when Sophie will report to Portsmouth, NH. Over the next 10 weeks, the Northern US team will pedal an average of 69 miles per day to Vancouver, BC and the Pacific Ocean, arriving August 27. Along the way, the riders will participate in volunteer build days with 10 different affordable housing organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and small local housing nonprofits to help build affordable homes for families in need. Riders will build in towns like Buffalo, Madison, Minot (ND), and Whitefish (MT), among others. They will also advocate for the need for affordable homes for all Americans in the many host communities and pass- through towns along the way.

“I really feel like this trip is going to have a monumental impact, both on my life and the lives of others,” Sophie says. “It’s such a great opportunity to get involved in charity work. Plus, I can’t wait to see the countryside from the vantage point of a bike!” Sophie must fundraise at least $4,500 to support the trip. Much of that money is then donated to affordable housing organizations. The 2014 Northern US team donated $67,600; Bike & Build is confident the 2015 team can repeat or exceed that total. To support Sophie, visit her fundraising page at http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/7979. You can also mail a check to Bike & Build and write “Sophie Connor” in the memo.

“We are deeply proud of riders like Sophie who are so committed to the affordable housing cause that she is willing to raise much-needed funds and spend over two months biking across the country,” said Justin Villere, Bike & Build’s Director of Operations and Outreach. “Bike & Build provides the opportunity, but it is the riders who make the lasting impact in so many communities.”

The Northern US route is one of eight cross-country trips Bike & Build offers each summer. In total, roughly 300 18-to-28 year old riders will see and experience first-hand the affordable housing need in this country. In addition to volunteering with construction efforts at affordable housing sites, riders also meet with local officials and community members to discuss affordable housing issues. Riders will sleep in local churches, community centers, and schools, and will rely on the generosity of hundreds of community members for food, showers, and other necessities. When the trip is complete, many Bike & Builders have gone on to continue their commitment to service through their career choices or further volunteering.

Based in Philadelphia, Bike & Build is a non-profit organization that encourages young adults to address the country’s affordable housing crisis through organized bicycle trips. Trip participants support the affordable housing cause by fundraising and building efforts. Since its founding in 2003, Bike & Build has motivated over 2,600 young adult volunteers and contributed over $5.1 million and 185,000 volunteer hours to housing groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together to fund projects in the United States. For more information, visit www.bikeandbuild.org or call (267) 331-8488.

Letter to the Editor: Broken Local Government Shows Need for County Executive

New Year, same government in Schoharie County. Does anyone think 2015 will be any different? We will have a new chairman this year, my guess it will either be the Supervisor from Cobleskill or the Supervisor from Conesville. Fresh face, maybe new ideas, we have seen this all before. It doesn't matter who is holding the reins of the stagecoach, the wheels will eventually fall off. I am sure those who serve on the board are all fine people doing the best job they can. But after watching this futility for years it's obvious that this form of government is not working. And for the county to move forward there should be a change. The answer is not an administrator who will be chosen by this board, it should be a County Executive elected by the taxpaying citizens of the county.

 Jerry Fiore
Summit

Lawsuit Alleges State Illegally Using Confidential Data for SAFE Act Confiscation

A lawsuit is alleging that the state is using its authority under the SAFE Act to illegally target gun owners. Under one provision of the law the state is using data from medical professionals to construct a state database of at risk residents, as reported yesterday.

A federal class action lawsuit led by Donald Montgomery claims that such data is being compiled illegally. The suit occurred after Montgomery had his guns seized after checking into a Buffalo hospital for trouble sleeping. This happened despite him being both a retired law enforcement officer and veteran.

Montgomery is suing Governor Cuomo and several other state officials for what he believes is an unconstitutional law. His lawsuit alleges that the state compiles data from medical professionals without a subpoena and without knowledge of the person whose information is being shared. This is in conflict with years of medical confidentiality. The plaintiff calls this a "gross overreach."

The lawsuit also alleges that the number of people listed as being unfit to own guns has been called "too low" by Governor Cuomo in October.

The suit alleges that the law unfairly punishes patients for voluntarily visiting mental health professionals, especially targeting former military and police.

If Montgomery et al wins the lawsuit, the portion of the SAFE Act dealing with such mental health provisions will be overturned.

Text of the lawsuit can be found below.

  Montgomery v. Cuomo by rethin5675

Cuomo Inaugurated for a Second Term

Governor Andrew Cuomo was inaugurated for a second term today, declaring that he would take further action over the next four years.

The event took place at the World Trade Center site and was well attended. The Governor announced that he had accomplished much in his first term and would eclipse it in his second.

The New York Times quotes the Governor as saying, "It’s time to be bold, my friends. Because there are no small solutions to big problems."

Photo credit: Governor's Twitter Account

We will lead the nation by our example. We are NY’ers and this is what we do. #NYGov2015
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 1, 2015

State Minimum Wage Rises to $8.75

The state minimum wage rose from $8.00 to $8.75 yesterday, as part of an agreement of the state legislature. On December 31, 2015 the wage will further increase to $9.00. The legislature is considering a further increase to $10.10, while Governor Cuomo's administration is considering a further increase for workers under the wage, such as waiters.

Multiple states have wage increases coming into effect for the new year.

NYS Flags 35 Schoharie County Residents for Gun Confiscation, Denial Under SAFE Act

One of the parts of the SAFE Act that is being actively enforced is the provision that those deemed mentally unfit by the state will not be able to own guns. This includes both non-owners that will be denied access to purchase firearms and current owners that will have their firearms confiscated.

According to records from New York State, compiled by Syracuse.com there are thousands statewide on a do-not-sell list and 278 current gun owners intended for confiscation.

There are currently 35 Schoharie County residents on the list for being referred to the state for mental illness by medical professionals. Of these, two are current gun owners that, if the law is enforced, have their firearms taken by police.

The names of the residents have not been released and there have been no reports of confiscation as of this date. The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has already stated that it will not enforce the SAFE Act, passed two years ago.

Meteor Lights Up East Coast, Estimated to Have Landed in Schoharie County

In one of those rare occurrences, a meteor lit up much of the Northeast last night. And the scientists that followed its path seemed to find it... in Schoharie County.



More info from the American Meteor Society:

Below is a 3D trajectory of the fireball’s entry plotted by the AMS using data from the witness sightings. The geometric impact point is located South West of Carlisle, New York ( 42°44’48.07″N, 74°25’4.78″W).

Photo credit: American Meteor Society

Florida Passes New York in Population

New York's population growth faced another major obstacle in the last year, with the state falling to the fourth most populous in the country. New York, with 19.7 million people, fell behind Florida, now with 20.0 million this year.

New York's population growth has stayed nearly flat over the last three decades, while other states see a large surge.

Meanwhile, job growth has also remained nearly flat. New York and Texas were nearly tied in 1990 while now New York is significantly behind.

Environmental Groups Challenge FERC Pipeline Decision

Attorneys for a consortium of environmental groups, including: Catskill Mountainkeeper, Clean Air Council, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, Riverkeeper, Inc. and the Sierra Club have filed a a request for a rehearing of the decision made by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to conditionally approve the proposed Constitution Pipeline.

The request sites multiple failures on the part of FERC to adequately address the potential impacts of the pipeline. It is expected that additional groups and individuals also be filling rehearing requests and other legal actions to delay or block the 124 mile long greenfield pipeline which would cut through Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie counties. A copy of the request for rehearing can be found on FERC’s web site: http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20141230-5288

Upcoming public hearings to be convened the NYS DEC are expected to attract vocal and organized opposition to the pipeline by impacted landowners as well as community and environmental groups.

Schoharie News Reaches One Million Hits

Thanks to our loyal readers and former editor Timothy Knight, the Schoharie News has reached one million total pageviews. It's been a great last year and three months and we are looking forward to our next million!

Sharon Man Arrested for DWI after Accident

On Monday, December 22, 2014, State Police at Richfield Springs arrested Jeffrey White, 42, of Sharon Springs, NY for Driving While Intoxicated. The arrest resulted after an accident on US Route 20 in the Town of Cherry Valley. Mr. White was released after posting $500.00 cash bail.

Photo credit: NYSP

Jefferson Woman Arrested for Shoplifting

On December 27, 2014, Troopers arrested Zana M. Margretta, 25, Jefferson, NY for petit larceny. This arrest occurred following a complaint of shoplifting at the Tops Family Market on Main Street in Stamford, NY. An investigation determined that she failed to pay for yogurt when she left the store. Margretta was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Stamford Court on January 13, 2015.

Worcester Man Arrested for DWI

(Maryland, NY - December 29, 2014) On December 28, 2014, Troopers arrested Ralph A. Basso, 22, of Worcester, NY for Driving While Intoxicated with a reportable BAC result of .10%. The arrest occurred after a vehicle and traffic law stop for failing to stop at a stop sign at County Route 56 and State Route 7 in Maryland, NY. An investigation determined that he was driving while intoxicated. Basso was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Maryland Court on January 6, 2015.

Credit: State Police

Cobleskill Police Blotter

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Nathan Maxwell, 24, of Cobleskill on two warrants. He was turned over to the Sheriff's Office for processing.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Lisa C. Shaut, 43, of Fort Plain on charges of petty larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released to return to court on January 6th.

The Cobleskill Village police arrested Ashley Constable, 33, of Cobleskill on charges of fifth degree criminal possession of stolen property and petty larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released to return to court on January 13.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Crystal Butler, 27, of Cobleskill on charges of petty larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released to reutrn to court on January 13.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Alishia Scala, 24, of Jefferson on charges of fourth degree criminal mischief and reckless endangerment of property. She was arraigned and released.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Michelle L. Nay, 37, of Catskill on a warrant on charges of failing to appear for a court appearance. She was arraigned and sent to jail in lieu of $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond to return to court on January 13th.

Rensselaer Mayor Calls for Schenectady Casino Approval to be Stripped

Rensselaer's mayor is making waves with a controversial proposal. Dan Dwyer, mayor of one of the communities that lost out on the gaming commission's decision, decided to press Governor Cuomo to lean on the NYS Gaming Commission. The request was reported in the Schenectady Gazette, citing a letter from Dwyer dated December 29th.

The mayor wrote in part, that the decision was, "inexplicable how the Capital District casino choice could have been the Rivers [project] located on the western edge of Schenectady rather than the Hard Rock Casino on the shores of the Hudson River in the City of Rensselaer and supported by the cities of Albany and Troy."

The approval from the Commission was made unanimously.

This comes right after Governor Cuomo announced that he would ask the Gaming Commission to reconsider allowing a casino into the Southern Tier.