Cobleskill Police Blotter

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Alexander J. Acompora, 21, of Harrison on charges of driving while intoxicated and other traffic tickets. He was released to return to court on February 24.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Nicholas K. Arthurton, 19, of Oneonta on charges of petty larceny. He was released to return to court on February 24.
The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Robin L. Harpp, 29, of Cobleskill on charges of petty larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released to return to court on March 3.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Roger S. Graham, 19, of Cobleskill on a warrant on charges of fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass. He was arraigned and sent to jail in lieu of $500 bail or $1,000 bond to return to court on February 10.

The Cobleskill State Police arrested Brian Johansen, 51, of Richmondville on charges of second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief after a woman alleged that a verbal argument with him turned physical with him pushing her against a wall. In a later argument, he allegedly punched a separate wall causing damage at the victim’s home located in the Town of Wright.
Mr. Johansen was arraigned and released on an appearance ticket to return to the Town of Wright Court on February 16, according to police. The court issued an Order of Protection in the case.

The Cobleskill State Police arrested Dale C. McGregor, 41, of Jefferson on charges of second-degree harassment, fourthdegree criminal mischief, and second-degree criminal contempt following a 911 call reporting a domestic incident in the Town of Jefferson.
Mr. McGregor left the home prior to the arrival of police, according to police. He was located by Troopers in the Town of Harpersfield. He was arraigned and sent to jail in lieu of cash bail and an order of protection was issued by the court.

Middleburgh Man Arrested for Vehicle Larceny

Sheriff's Deputies charged Sean D. Bouck, 44, with one count of Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree and one count of Petit Larceny following an investigation of a larceny to a vehicle. Mr. Bouck was released on appearance tickets to return to the Town of Middleburgh court at a later date.

Winter Storm Warning Until 6 AM Tuesday

The National Weather Service has issued the following winter storm warning for the area. Keep it tuned to our always updated Schoharie News weather page.

...Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 am EST
Tuesday...


* locations...east central New York and adjacent western New 
  England. 


* Hazard types...persistent accumulating snow.


* Accumulations...storm total snowfall of 9 to 18 inches through 
  Monday night. 


* Maximum snowfall rates...one half to one inch per hour...
  mainly Sunday afternoon through Monday. 


* Timing...light snow continuing overnight into Sunday morning...
  with periods of moderate to locally heavy snow Sunday afternoon
  through Monday. Steady snow is expected to finally taper to snow
  showers late Monday night.


* Impacts...hazardous travel conditions due to snow covered 
  roadways and reduced visibilities for a prolonged period of 
  time. 


* Winds...generally east to northeast around 5 to 10 mph... 
  becoming north to northeast to around 10 to 15 mph on Monday. 


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.

Richmondville Man Arrested after Domestic Disturbance

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Richmondville man following the report of multiple domestics that occurred over a two day period.

 Troopers charged Brian Johansen age 51 of Richmondville with Harassment 2nd and Criminal Mischief 4th after a female subject alleged that a verbal argument with Johansen turned physical with him pushing her against a wall. In a later argument Johansen allegedly punched a separate wall causing damage at the victims residence located in the Town of Wright. Johansen was arraigned and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Wright Court on February 16, 2015 at 7:00 pm. The court issued an Order of Protection in this case.

Letter to the Editor: Where is Lopez, Seward on Pipeline?

Who let the pitbulls out of their cages? I see Senator Seward and Assemblyman Lopez are running loose, growling and ready to take a bite out of Governor Cuomo's leg over his education policy and rightfully so. Yet when it comes to the big gas companies taking our land and turning Schoharie County into an interstate for pipelines, not even a whimper.I wonder why? Mr Lopez has called on the public to help him fight Mr Cuomo's policy via letters to the Governor and also the editor. Thats just what the  opponents of the pipeline have been doing for the past couple of years, maybe you have read a few of those letters Pete? The Assemblyman will use his membership on the Education Committee to lead the charge against Cuomo. Mr Lopez also is a member of the Assembly's Enviornmental Conservation Committee. But I have never heard him speak out or use his membership on that committee to take a stand against the Constituion Pipeline. The destruction of our land and the denuding of the forests is a criminal act It will cause irreversible damage to the environment. I hope the pit bulls will still have some fight left in them, when Kinder Morgan comes calling looking to take more of our land for a second pipeline and easement. But I expect by that time they will both be locked up back in their kennels.

Regards,
Jerry Fiore Summit

Jefferson Man Arrested after Domestic Incident

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Jefferson man for multiple charges following a 911 call reporting a domestic in the Town of Jefferson.

Troopers arrested Dale C. McGregor age 41 following a 911 call reporting a domestic incident at a residence in Jefferson. McGregor left the residence prior to the patrols arrival and was later located by Troopers in the Town of Harpursfield. McGregor was charged with Harassment 2^nd, Criminal Mischief 4^th, and Criminal Contempt 2^nd. McGregor was arraigned in the Town of Jefferson Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility in lieu of cash bail. An Order of Protection was issued by the court. 

Cobleskill Police Blotter

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Timothy E. Armstrong, 31, of Carlisle on charges of felony driving while intoxicated and other traffic tickets. He was arraigned and sent to jail in lieu of $4,000 bail or $8,000 bond to return to court on February 3.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Sopporia N. McLean, 18, of New York and Keilanie R. Leitch, 18, of Queens on charges of petty larceny. They were issued appearance tickets and released to return to court on February 17.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested James J. Effner, 25, of Cobleskill on charges of petty larceny. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to return to court on February 17

ATV Accident Investigated in Schoharie

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office investigated a car/ATV accident that occurred on 2/3/15 at 7:30AM on Terrance Mountain Road in the Town of Schoharie.

George K. Lawton, age 74, was using an ATV to plow snow in front of his driveway when he back out into the road. A vehicle driven by J.M. Schoenecker, age 33, of Schoharie was operating a vehicle southbound, and struck the ATV ejecting its operator. Neither the driver nor the 2 passengers (a 1 year old and a 4 year old) in the car were injured. The ATV operator suffered a minor head injury and was transported by the SCHO-WRIGHT Ambulance to Ellis Hospital.

Roller Rink Offering Events

B&B Roller Skating Rink schedule for Presidents Week: February 16-18 open skate 2-5PM; February 19 open skate 2-5PM and 6:30-9PM, and Zumba 5:15-6:15PM; February 20 open skate 2-5PM and 7-10:30PM. Address 1469 State Rte.7, Warnerville. For information call 518-294-2006 and 518-294-8812.

Poll: Readers Skeptical of Lape Chairmanship

Readers are skeptical of the coming term of new County Board Chair Richard Lape. Some readers see fit to give the Richmondville Supervisor a chance for his one year term while nearly half would choose someone else. A large portion is still undecided.

 Do You Approve of Richard Lape Being Chosen Chair?

Yes 33% - 52 
No 47% - 74 
Don't know 19% - 30 
156 total

Letter to the Editor: When We Talk About Pipelines

When people talk about pipelines they often repeat vague statements they have heard in the press – pipelines are safe, pipelines are dangerous, we need the gas, we need to switch to renewables. By reiterating those statements, people keep the issue at a distance; It is less personal and less real.  For dozens of families in our area pipelines are very real and very personal because they have been confronted in their driveways and church parking lots by strangers: process servers shoving packets of legal documents in their hand and retreating quickly while announcing ominously and dispassionately “you’ve been served.” In recent days residents have been startled by sheriff deputies knocking on their doors to serve court papers, informing the recipients that Constitution pipeline is moving to condemn a portion of their private property in order to force an easement for their proposed 30” high-pressure gas pipeline that will transport gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania to Canada and ultimately to overseas export markets.  This sad scenario has been playing out since just before Christmas and is continuing right here in Schoharie County.

I have spoken to many of those who have been served or are looking over their shoulders knowing they will be next. Many are elderly and living on fixed incomes. Some are in poor health. Almost all are frightened, angry and depressed. None of them deserve it.

They are learning not only about a horribly unjust system that allows a corporation to raid the private property of average citizens but also prevents most people from defending themselves. For these landowners the condemnations will play out in Federal Court where the rules prevent landowners from recovering the cost of their legal defense. Consequently, few can afford to hire attorneys that charge $250-$300 per hour to fight eminent domain.  So most of the landowners will give up and watch their land devalued and the dreams they had for their properties extinguished. After that, they get to live next to a pipeline build by companies with horrific safety records. I have listened to the heart wrenching story of a an elderly woman who promised her late husband that she would preserve the land he loved in its natural state only to learn that her promise will be forcibly broken by a pipeline company who will clear cut a nearly 100’ wide swath through her woodlot, gardens and meadow. I have heard the story of the retiree who saved his entire life to build a modest home in the country – on the spot that may be a pipeline right-of-way kept barren for the next 30 years by regular applications of herbicides. As the unfortunate ones watch the machines clear their land, they won’t be able to take solace in the knowledge that the assault will be over soon. Instead, a second pipeline is poised to serve them with legal papers and take even more of their land.

When I talk about pipelines I talk about the disgrace of a corporation seizing private property – something that should not happen in a free country. I also talk about apathy or political cowardice shown by most of our elected officials who ignore the reality of pipelines and mindlessly tout “jobs” that won’t materialize or repeat meaningless phrases like “energy independence” which ring so hollow as to be insulting.

When people talk about pipelines they should talk about those who will be harmed. They should calculate the cost of a pipeline not in steel and earth moved but in how much people and community stand to lose and never recover. They should at least try to put a price on people made ill by the anxiety and fear of condemnation or the consequence of feeling helpless and unable to protect their home, investment, quality of life or the safety of their family.   

-- Robert Nied

Pictures: Massive Fire Engulfs Barn in Cobleskill

A tremendous farm burnt down a barn in Cobleskill earlier today. There were multiple fire departments on the scene. Photos credit the Schoharie County Fire Wire.

Silver Allegations May Lead to Obstruction of Justice Charges Against Cuomo

Sheldon Silver's role in the limelight are not over. While he will be leaving the Speaker's chair in the State Assembly Monday and undergo a grueling trial, he may have one more trick up his sleeve. Silver presided over one of the most dysfunctional state legislatures in the country, and allegedly used his influence to make millions of dollars.

However, the national media is reporting that there is concern that Silver's fall may also bring dwon Governor Andrew Cuomo. One suit alleges that Cuomo disbanded the Moreland Commission, meant to find improper pay for play in the legislature, due to Silver's influence:

The Silver-led state assembly then filed a court motion to quash the commission’s subpoenas related to legislators’ outside income. In exchange for allowing the campaign finance bill to pass,
Silver allegedly demanded that Cuomo disband the commission, according to the complaint against Silver

US Attorney Preet Bharara’s case against Silver has been buffeted by months of investigation. His statement that watchers should "Stay tuned" seem to indicate that more heads may roll very soon.

Woman Arrested for Window Tint, Marijuana

Savannah H. Rossman, 21, was stopped in the town of Gilboa for operating a vehicle with excessive window tint. During the traffic stop deputies noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and subsequently located an amount of marijuana inside. She was charged with having excessive window tint of over 70% light transmittance and for possession of marijuana. Ms. Rossman was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is scheduled to return to the town of Gilboa court on the above listed date.

Letter to the Editor: Time to Stand Up to Pipeline

I see where the Constitution Pipeline has created its first jobs for the county. Schoharie County Deputies are out serving papers notifying landowners that they now have become defendants and their land will be confiscated from them. Following right behind constitution is another land grabber Kinder Morgan who wants to run a pipeline through the same towns and they want a seperate easement. That means between the 2 pipelines a football field wide swath will have to be cut through our properties, woods, fields, and backyards thus bringing a pipeline even closer to our homes and drinking water. I can only hope the Schoharie Supervisors will not remain silent again as its residents get put through another nightmare Maybe with the new leadership on the board, they will take a stand and say enough already. Do we really want our county to become an interstate for pipelines? Chairman Lape did state that his number 1 priority was to protect the health and saftey of our residents. Well here is your chance Mr. Lape back up your words. Also Assemblyman Lopez before you start thinking about the next rung on the political ladder and riding down 95 south to Washington, HELP US!

Jerry Fiore
Summit

Middleburgh Town Board Member Hosting Coffee Discussions

After a six year absence "Coffee & Conversation" returns to Middleburgh.

Town of Middleburgh Councilman Brian DeFeo will be hosting Coffee & Conversation the first Saturday of each month from eight to nine am at the Middleburgh Diner. Residents with questions, comments, or concerns are welcome to stop in.

The idea behind Coffee & Conversation is to give residents an opportunity to meet with Town Officials, who otherwise may not be able to do so during the week or are reluctant to speak during the public comment section of the regular monthly meeting.

Son Arrested for Assaulting Mother Over Money

Brian P. Ouimet, 37, was arrested by State Police after an investigation into an incident at his residence. Ouimet resided with his parents and girlfriend in Duanesburg NY and it is alleged that on January 21, 2015, he requested cash from his 69 year old mother. She refused. The suspect is alleged to have then struck his mother in the head with a blunt object causing her injury. The victim was forced to provide the suspect with her ATM card in order to prevent further injury and keep from being assaulted again.

 The suspect then withdrew money from his mother's account. The suspect and his girlfriend fled the area in a vehicle owned by his parents. Ouimet was located on January 22, 2015 and arrested for Robbery 2nd degree and Assault 2nd degree. He was arraigned and remanded to the Schenectady County Jail in lieu of bail.

Middleburgh Man Arrested for Felony Credit Card Fraud

Briefly mentioned in the Cobleskill police blotter, more information is coming from the Sheriff's Department. Sheriff's Deputies arrested Jesse A. Colegrove on one count of felony grand larceny in the 4th Degree and five counts of felony forgery in the 2nd Degree. The arrest occurred following an investigation into a reported stolen credit card and unauthorized purchases. Deputies allege that after procuring the card, Mr. Colegrove made purchases at a number of establishments within the Villages of Middleburgh and Cobleskill. Mr. Colegrove was turned over to the Cobleskill Village Police who handled the charges from unauthorized purchases that occurred within village limits. He was released to reappear at a later date.

Silver to Leave Speakership Next Week

Sheldon Silver is out, at least for the time being. The NYS Assembly Democratic Party caucus is set to remove Silver from his position as speaker on Monday. He will be replaced with an interim speaker, Joseph Morelle, until a full election is held on February 10th.

Silver has been speaker since June 1994 and was indicted for his alleged role in steering millions in illegal contracts. While such activity has been suspected for years, documentation has come to light form a special prosecutor.

Cobleskill Police Blotter

Sunday, January 24

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Sean A. Ford, 24, of Coram on charges of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was arraigned and released to return to court on January 27.

Friday, January 16

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Jaylene R. Stowell, 22, of Richmondville on charges of driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI, and other traffic tickets. She was released to return to court on February 17.

Thursday, January 22

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Jesse A. Colegrove, 22, of St. Johnsville on charges of three counts of second-degree forgery. He was arraigned and released to return to court on February 6.

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Naiquon A. MacKey, 19, of the Bronx on charges of second-degree trespass. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to return to court on February 17.

Wednesday, January 21

The Cobleskill Village Police arrested Nathaniel Lesinski, 27, of Sprakers on a warrant on charges of petty larceny. He was arraigned and released to return to court on January 27.