Letter to the Editor: Where is Seward and Lopez?

If there is one thing more upsetting and disheartening than having our land seized and eventually ravaged to bury this unnecessary pipeline. Which by the way serves no one who will have their land confiscated from them. It is the lack of support from my state and local officials. Of the 16 Schoharie County Supervisors only Gene Milone of Schoharie has stood steadfast in his opposition to this pointless pipeline, and I want to thank him for that. As for Senator Seward and Assemblyman Lopez your silence tells me everything, to you two. Thanks for nothing!


Jerry Fiore 
Summit 

Vote in Our New Poll: Lape as Chair

Make sure to vote in our newest poll on the sidebar. Do you approve of the County Board's decision to name Richmondville Supervisor Richard Lape as the new Board Chairman?

Winter Storm Warning from Monday to Wednesday

The area is could face anywhere from a medium storm to a massive snowfall, depending on estimates. The National Weather Service put out this warning:

...Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 1 PM Monday to 1 am EST Wednesday...* locations...greater capital region...helderbergs...Schoharie County...Saratoga region...Glens Falls area and northern Washington County.* Hazard types...heavy snow.* Snow accumulations...8 to 14 inches.* Maximum snowfall rates...1 to 2 inches per hour.* Timing...snow will overspread the region from southwest to northeast Monday afternoon...and will continue heavy at times Monday night into Tuesday...before gradually tapering off late Tuesday night.* Impacts...dangerous travel conditions due to snow covered roadways and low visibility. Blowing and drifting snow will also be likely.* Winds...north 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.* Temperatures...in the teens.Precautionary/preparedness actions...A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel...keep an extra flashlight... food...and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Keep track on our always updated weather page here.

Middleburgh Hosting Skating Day January 31st

Middleburgh is hosting a community ice skating day January 31st. The event, sponsored by the Rotary and Middleburgh Area Business Association will run from 5-8pm at the skating rink at Badgely Park. Hot drinks and popcorn will be available and the Middleburgh Firehouse will act as a warmup shelter.

Richmondville Man Arrested for DWI after Chase

The New York State Police in Cobleskill, NY arrested a Richmondville man for felony driving while intoxicated following a short pursuit that occurred in the Town of Richmondville.

Troopers arrested Mark T. Mcmahon age 49 of Richmondville for Felony DWI following a vehicle pursuit that began in the Village of Richmondville. Troopers allege that Mcmahon was originally stopped for a traffic infraction, before the Trooper could approach the vehicle Mcmahon drove away and led police on a short pursuit that ended on Rigley Road in the Town of Richmondville.

Mcmahon was charged with felony DWI, unlawfully fleeing a police officer 3rd degree and reckless driving. He was arraigned in the Town of Richmondville Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on cash bail to return to the Town of Richmondville Court at a later date.

Gallupville Man Sentenced to Four Years for Forcible Teeth Pulling

Steven Walker, 35, of the Town of Wright was sentenced to four years in prison. He made headlines in 2013 for pulling three teeth from an developmentally disabled eight year old girl. He pleaded guilty to second degree assault in June and accepted an assault charge. The four years handed down by Schoharie County Judge George Bartlett was the maximum sentence.

Cobleskill Police Blotter

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Mark A Scofield, 40, of Sprakers on charges of driving while intoxicated. He was released to return to court on January 27th.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested a 16-year-old East Berne boy on charges of petty larceny. He was issued an appearance and released to return to court on February 10.

The Cobleskill State Police arrested Clifford H. Swart, 32, of Berne on charges of unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop in the Town of Middleburgh. He was released on an appearance ticket to return to court on January 21.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Benjamin J. Urrey, 27, of Cobleskill on charges of second-degree reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, failure to obey a police officer, and traffic tickets. He was arraigned and sent to jail in lieu of $15,000 bail or $45,000 bond to return to court on January 27.

Thursday, January 15 The Cobleskill State Police arrested Johnnie D. Brown III of Middleburgh on charges of driving while intoxicated and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation after a traffic stop in the Town of Middleburgh. He was released on traffic tickets to return to court at a later date. Wednesday, January 14 A joint investigation by the Schoharie County Department of Social Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and the district attorney’s office resulted in the arrest of Kellie Rabbitt, 42, of Cobleskill on charges of welfare fraud and offering a false instrument. It is alleged that income as a home health aide was not reported on applications for assistance which resulted in benefits being fraudulently issued.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Nicole Kruger, 21, of Cobleskill on a warrant on charges of failing to appear for a court date. She was arraigned and released to return to court on February 10.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Margaret VanHoesen, 43, of Richmondville on charges of petty larceny. She was arraigned and released to return to court on January 27.

Tuesday, January 13 The Sheriff’s Office arrested William Harran, 36, of Richmondville on a parole warrant. The Sheriff’s Office, state Parole, and U.S. marshals executed the warrant at an apartment in Richmondville. Mr. Harran allegedly absconded from parole in June 2014. Mr. Harran has been jailed awaiting further proceedings.

Poll: Public Split on Effects of Fracking

With gas prices plunging across the country, the effects of fracking are split among Schoharie News readers. Some want the practice elsewhere with a similar number declaring that gas prices should not be a factor. Even was the idea about environmental degradation versus local fracking.

 Have Low Gas Prices Affected Your View on Fracking?

- Yes-- it's fine but not in my backyard 15% - 17
- Yes-- perhaps we can drill here 35% - 40
- No-- it shows how much the environment has been degraded 35% - 40
- No-- who cares about low gas prices? 14% - 16
113 total

Richmondville Man Arrested for Parole Violation

A 36 year old Richmondville man was arrested on Tuesday on a Parole Warrant.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Parole, along with the U.S. Marshalls executed the Parole Warrant on 01/13/2015 at an apartment in the Town of Richmondville, and located and arrested a William Harran who had absconded from Parole in June of 2014.

Mr. Haran has been incarcerated at the Schoharie County Sheriff’s awaiting further court proceedings.

Drug Arrest in Middleburgh

Troopers in Cobleskill arrested a Berne man for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana following a traffic stop in the Town of Middleburgh.

Clifford H. Swart age 32 of Berne New York was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana following a traffic stop. During the stop it was determined that Swart was in possession of approximately 2 grams of marihuana. Swart was released on an Appearance Ticket to return to the Town of Middleburgh Court at 6:00 pm on January 21, 2015.

Middleburgh Man Arrested for DWI

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

Johnnie D. Brown III was arrested and charged with DWI and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2^nd following a traffic stop in the Town of Middleburgh.  Brown was initially stopped for a traffic violation and further investigation led to the listed charges.  Brown was released on traffic tickets and is scheduled to return to the Town of Middleburgh Court at a later date.

Conesville Receives over $30,000 for Park Project

Conesville received a $32,500 grant from the Schoharie Watershed Advisory Committee. The Town has received the money to continue with improvements to the Town Park. This will include the restoration of the walking tack, access to the Manorkill at two points for fishing and recreation, and the installation of exercise fit stations. Design for the stream bank remediation is continuing with a tentative start date of mid-summer planned.

The project was announced by Town Supervisor Bill Federice who has been working to reverse creek issues and improve the standard of living for residents.

Knight: Je Suis Charlie

The world watched in horror last Wednesday as radical jihadists launched a deadly assault on Charlie Hebdo, a satirical newspaper published in France. Twelve people were killed, but millions of French citizens marched in support of freedom of speech just days later in Paris. 

Untold amounts of ink and web space have already been devoted to the motivations behind the attack, the western world's response to this unexpected assault on freedom of expression, and the very rude awakening Europe suffered as a result of this appalling terrorist act.

However, there is one question that remains unanswered: what now?

Journalism - regardless of which form it takes shape in - is not an easy business. There is a constant threat of lawsuits, negative comments from readers and politicians unhappy with your reporting, and pressures to report the news as fast as possible while remaining accurate. 

But never before, until last Wednesday at least, was the possibility of being the target of a coordinated terrorist attack ever on that list... And now that it is... What now? 

I get that the circumstances surrounding Charlie Hebdo are special, due to the controversial nature of the publication, but if the media's ability to offend by means of cartoons has been placed on the "potentially hazardous to your health," list. Where will the slippery slope end?

That is a question I cannot answer, but it does deserve a follow up: as a society, western culture has long treasured the right of a free, impartial, and truth seeking press to serve as our collective fourth estate, however, what happens when that fourth estate becomes afraid to do its job?

Again, I do not have the answer to that very troubling question... 

We live in uncertain times, as terrorism remains a threat to our daily existence and, in some cases, the very act of drawing a cartoon or taking a unpopular stance could draw that very real existence to your front door step. 

That is a threat that many a good journalist is unable to tolerate, for fear of their personal well being or that of their family, or even that of their newspaper. However, the day that fear becomes the norm and the norm becomes an inability to offend, is the day we all lose this battle. 

I don't know what all of you say, but as for me: Je Suis Charlie.

Ice Harvest Festival at Hanford Mills Museum February 7th

The first Saturday in February, people from across the region bundle up and head to Hanford Mills Museum for its annual Ice Harvest Festival. Using historic tools, children and adults can walk out on the frozen mill pond to cut and maneuver blocks of ice. The ice blocks are pushed up a ramp and then loaded onto sleds, which are hauled to a traditional ice house.

The Ice Harvest Festival, which runs 10 am–4 pm on February 7, includes a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The SUNY Delhi Hospitality Center Ice Team will be making ice sculptures. The Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited will teach visitors how to ice fish on the mill pond. Visitors can warm up by outdoor fire pits, and also at the soup buffet, which features soups from area restaurants. At the Hanford House, which shows family life in the 1920s, visitors can play tabletop games and see historic cooking demonstrations. Throughout the day, films of ice harvests from the1920s-1940s will be screened. The festival also includes horse-drawn sleigh rides and blacksmithing demonstrations.

“We call Ice Harvest the region’s coolest tradition. There is a great spirit of community as everyone joins together to fill the ice house,” says Liz Callahan, the Museum’s executive director. She noted that the popular Disney movie Frozen opens with an ice harvest.  “Frozen fans are invited to come participate in a real ice harvest, and impromptu sing-a-longs are very welcome.”

The Museum Shop will be open, offering Mill-made crafts, traditional toys, books and local products. Local food and craft vendors onsite will include: Ate.o.Ate Food Truck (snacks and lunch items), Byebrook Farms (Gouda cheese), Promisedland Farms (knitted hats, mittens and more), LeRoux & Co. (handmade soaps), and Cooperstown Distillery (tastings).

Up until the early 20^th century, ice harvesting was an essential winter activity in rural communities. “Before refrigeration, ice was the only way to keep food cold,” explains Liz Callahan, executive director of Hanford Mills Museum. “Ice blocks were cut from frozen rivers and ponds and then stored until the warmer months.” She said that area farmers used the ice to keep milk and other agricultural products cold, and also as an item to sell.

Callahan noted that the Ice Harvest Festival can attract more than 1,200 people. “It’s a great way to beat cabin fever.”

The ice harvested at the festival will be used to make ice cream at the Museum’s Independence Day Celebration on July 4.

See the website for more information, hanfordmills.org. This event is wheelchair accessible.

Admission and Information

Children 12 and under receive free admission. Admission for adults and teens is $9; senior admission is $7. AAA and other discounts available. Museum members receive free admission. Those living in zip codes (13757, 13739, 13786, 13750, and 13806) neighboring Hanford Mills also receive free admission.

About Hanford Mills Museum

Hanford Mills Museum operates an authentic water- and steam-powered historic site. The mission of Hanford Mills Museum is to inspire audiences of all ages to explore connections between energy, technology, natural resources and entrepreneurship in rural communities with a focus on sustainable choices. The museum, which is listed on the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places, will open for the 2015 season on May 15.

Hanford Mills Museum is located at 51 County Highway 12 in East Meredith, at the intersection of Delaware County Routes 10 & 12, just 10 miles from Oneonta, and 15 miles from Delhi.  For more information, visit www.hanfordmills.org or call 607-278-5744.

Rabies Clinic on January 24th

The SC DOH will be holding a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, January 24, 2014 from 1-3pm at Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad (RVES), 388 Main Street, Richmondville. Vaccinations are available free of charge by Cobleskill Veterinary Clinic. Donations to offset clinic expenses are appreciated.

Snowmobile Safety Course January 17th

SC OES Safety Officer is holding a Snowmobile Safety Course on January 17, 2014 from 8am and 4pm, at the Main County Office building (Basement), Schoharie. This safety course is intended for youth between the age of 10 and 17. All persons attending should register at 518 296 8606. A safety certificate will be awarded after passing a test at the end of the course.

Pictures: State Plow Catches Fire on Route 20

These photos are coming to us via the Schoharie County Fire Wire page. A New York State DOT plow caught on fire on Route 20 near the intersection of Route 145 in Sharon Monday. The driver appeared to make it out, although no word on injuries yet.

Cobleskill Rink Hosting Skate Day January 17th

Residents of Cobleskill are invited to come to skate at the community skating rink this Saturday.

Photo: Rollover Crash in Carlisle

A rollover crash in Carlisle Sunday caused scares but no major injuries.

Photo credit: Schoharie County Fire Wire

Apple Barrel Holding Fundraiser for DAR House January 29th

The Apple Barrel is continuing its role in local giving by hosting a major fundraising push later this month. The event, known as 'Cabin Fever,' will be held to assist the Daughters of the American Revolution house on Main Street, Schoharie.

The event will include a dinner, shopping, raffle, wine tasting, and more.

Photo credit: Schoharie Promo Association