Analysis: Admin Likely to be Passed

After over almost a year of near-continuous debate on adopting an Administrator to oversee the daily management of county government, Schoharie's Board of Supervisors are likely to take a positive vote on creating the position within the next couple of months. 

A thorough review of local news reports and video footage from a series of public hearings held on the topic reveal that a clear majority of elected legislators support making the change. 

While some, such as Broome Supervisor Bill Smith have flip-flopped on the necessity of adopting an administrator, others have slowly come around to support the once dead in the water proposal, including Chairman Lape and Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAllister.

McAllister, with his 16.2% weighted vote share, is crucial to securing the measure's final passage. Add his support to that of Valley supervisors James Buzon and Gene Milone, and an administrator is all but guaranteed to be created in a final vote.

Although Supervisors have voted down the proposal in the past - by a lopsided 4-12 margin - new life was breathed into the measure with the creation of a study committee to investigate the positive and negative aspects of potentially establishing the position.

Several months of research resulted in a positive response from the five-man committee headed by Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice. Federice, now in his second year on the county board, has worked diligently to secure support for the still pending legislation.  

Saratoga County Native Announced as Chief of Staff for Tri-County Realtor Association

The Saratoga Schenectady Schoharie Association of REALTORS ® Inc (SSSAR) is proud to announce Debbi Leahey as the new Chief of Staff for the tri-county Association. 

“Debbi has experience working with non-profits and serving in the public sector that will benefit our membership and enhance our Association,” says Stuart Thomas, President of SSSAR.  “We are pleased she has decided to join our Association and take on a leadership role.”

A native of Ballston Spa and graduate of Skidmore College, Leahey is excited by the opportunity to promote SSSAR, help it grow and provide more services to the community.  “Realtors help build better communities,” says Leahey.  “SSSAR is a resource for more than just our members.  We are busy planning for 2015 and the year ahead will include fundraising events to benefit community charities, continuing education opportunities and a new leadership training program that any community member who wants to better themselves will be able to attend.”  After completing her training, Leahey will become the Association Executive. 

SSSAR represents real estate professionals who are active throughout the Capital and Adirondack Regions.  SSSAR promotes cooperation and continuing education of its’ members to better serve the community.  In addition, SSSAR provides services that educate, protect and improve an agent's ability to do business in the real estate profession with the goal being that greater professionalism and education means better representation for the consumer and community.  More information can be found on the SSSAR website: www.sssar.com

Snowshoes Available in Cobleskill

Cobleskill, NY (February 10, 2015) – Creating Healthy Places and Fit Coalition are working together to help improve activity in Schoharie County. Creating Healthy Places has purchased 16 sets of snowshoes that are being stored at Fit Coalition on Route 7 in Warnerville. The snowshoes are available for people to use free of charge but need to be signed out. “Snowshoes, unlike skis can be worn with regular snow boots and snowshoeing burns as many calories per hour as running”, says Maureen Blanchard Project Coordinator for Creating Healthy Places. “Snowshoes allow people to get out on trails when there is snow on the ground and get the benefits of exercise as well as the calming effects of being out in nature.” There are assorted sizes for children and adults. Snowshoe size is based on weight so it is easier to have assorted sizes that will meet a great number of people’s needs. 

Snowshoeing is easy to adjust to as it is just like walking but due to the size of the snowshoe, most people do not sink as far into the snow as with just boots. For those that want to borrow the snowshoes Monday through Friday when Fit Coalition is open, they will need to leave either their ID or a set of keys, something to assure us that they will return the snowshoes that day. On the weekends, the policy is more complicated. Fit Coalition is only open on Saturday from 8:30-noon, so planning is a must. Interested people may borrow snowshoes on either Friday or Saturday and then return them on Monday when Fit Coalition re-opens for the week. Due to the length of time, we are asking for either a credit card or a check for $50 deposit on the snowshoes; the credit card will not be charged and the check returned when the snowshoes are returned. This is only to help cover the cost if someone does not return the snowshoes or if they are damaged. These are for the community to use and do not depend on having a membership at Fit Coalition. This is a great idea with the Cobleskill Creek Trail right across the road from Fit Coalition. It is easy to access from either the student parking area at SUNY Cobleskill behind Hess or from the trail parking area on Warnerville Cut-Off. The Cobleskill Creek trail during the winter circles a field and provides a 3 mile loop passing ponds, running along side the train tracks and with stunning views of the valley. If you want to make a day out of it, there is a pavilion with picnic tables along the trail. If you create garbage, please carry it out with you as there are not funds to clean the trail or have a garbage pick up. People do not have to walk around the field but can go out and back along the trail. Please limit crossing the field as this is a working farm during the warmer weather. We also ask that if there are cross country ski tracks in the snow that you walk to either side of the ski trails and not over them. 

Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play is a grant from New York State Department of Health to increase places to be active as well as access to healthy foods. It was awarded to SUNY Cobleskill in 2010 and to 21 other counties in New York State with a local 5 year award of $875,000. This money has been spent in Schoharie County to improve or create playgrounds and fitness areas in 8 communities, in the creation of the Cobleskill Creek Trail, working with 6 communities to create and pass Complete Street Policies and projects to make communities more walkable, increase access to fresh food through the creation of Schoharie Fresh and promotion of the local farmers markets that accept SNAP and other benefits, working with local restaurants to identify healthy options and increase the number of healthy side dishes offered, as well as creating community gardens throughout Schoharie County at different locations. The goal was to reduce the ability of people making excuses for why they could not be active by providing something within their community. For more information on any of these projects, please contact Maureen Blanchard, Program Coordinator at blanchma@cobleskill.edu. To reserve snowshoes, contact Fit Coalition at 410-8352 or text message to 231-5678.

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.