Poll: Readers Split on Remaining A Part of New York

Readers don't want Schoharie County to become a part of Pennsylvania, but not by a wide margin according to a recent survey. While a strong plurality opposes the idea, a majority of votes cast are either in favor of leaving New York or decided.

Would you support Schoharie County joining Pennsylvania?

Yes - 43% - 74

No - 49% - 84

Don't know - 8% - 13

Note: As we transition our coverage, this is the last poll we will be running for a couple of weeks. 

Emergency Officials Urge Preparedness in Middleburgh

Presenting on a theme of prepare, respond, and recover, the New York State Citizen Preparedness Training Program sought to educate residents of Middleburgh Monday night on the necessity of being ready in case of disaster. The event was held at the local high school's auditorium. 

Photo by Sheila Donegan

Offering tips, such as planning for a future event or having a go-bag (pictured left) ready, members of the New York State Army National Guard encouraged attendees to not only be prepared to help themselves, but those in their community by way of volunteering. 

Joined by Schoharie County Director of Emergency Management Mike Hartzel, New York State Assemblyman Pete Lopez, and others, the session ended with everyone in the audience receiving a free already built "go-bag" and the opportunity to ask further questions on the topic. 

Assemblyman Lopez, who spoke briefly, touched on how constituents are still struggling to recover after Hurricane Irene and encouraged support for remaining vigilant in preparedness for what is to come down the road. 

For more information please visit www.prepare.ny.gov  

Citizens Groups Deliver 5,000 Comments to DEC Concerning Proposed Pipeline

The non-profit Center for Sustainable Rural Communities and the grass roots citizens group Stop the Pipelineheld a joint press conference today, February 27, 2015, at the Legislative Office Building in Albany to announce the delivery of over 5,000 comments to the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) concerning the proposed Constitution pipeline. 

The Center’s spokesperson Robert Nied criticized elected officials for “turning a deaf ear and blind eye” to the plight of residents facing condemnation by the pipeline company. Mr. Nied said that Assemblyman Pete Lopez, Congressman Chris Gibson and Senator James Seward “have equivocated or remained silent, lacking the political courage to place the rights of their constituents and the health of the environment above the profits of big oil and gas.”

During the press conference the group identified multiple environmental impacts that would result from the pipeline including an increase in erosion and flooding, damage to fish spawning areas, increases in invasive species,  clear cutting of nearly 1,000 acres of mature forest, a loss of productive farmland and damage to important wetlands and urged the DEC to deny the pending 401 Water Certification that is necessary for the pipeline company to proceed with construction.

Letter to the Editor: Thankful for Pharmacy

Last fall Akrum Mourad opened up the Valley Pharmacy in Middleburgh. It has been an advantage to the people here, not only does he take the time to thoroughly explain all the side effects but leaves you time to ask questions. I got a call the other day that my refill was ready. Usually it is the other way around and you areput on hold with phone options to selection. And to boot Akrum delivers, what more could a small town want. The other day a friend with three small children had to pick up a script and she inquired what if she needed something at night or Sunday. Akrum is willing per his cell phone to come in off hours to help, just like the old days.

Pat Federico
Middleburgh

Avitabile Named Chamber's "2014 Community Leader of the Year"

The Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce has named Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile as its 2014 Community Leader of the Year.

Chamber Executive Director Georgia Van Dyke, writing in a letter addressed to the honored official, stated that the award "recognizes individuals in Schoharie County who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to our community."

She further wrote that Avitable exemplified this commitment through his dedication, leadership, involvement, and hard work.

Elected mayor of the then reeling valley community in 2012 over incumbent William McCabe, Mr. Avitabile has overseen the recovery of Middleburgh's Main Street business district with the addition of four new businesses in 2014 alone.

Stating that he is "honored to receive this award on behalf of all the people who have made our amazing recovery possible," Avitabile named building community spirit in the aftermath of the flood as the accomplishment he is proudest of.

A Professor at SUNY Oneonta, Mr. Avitabile is seemingly a jack of all trades, as by his own count, he is often involved in managing flood recovery, budgetary prudence, business development, and helping the Middleburgh Fire Department.

Still, his focus is on what's next for Middleburgh.

Commenting that "accelerated economic growth and community development" are on his agenda moving forward, Avitabile pointed to a recent article in the Albany Business Review that mentioned Middleburgh as a top destination for Millennials as a sign they are on the right track.

Closing by remarking, "2015's going to be the best year for Middleburgh yet," Mr. Avitabile seemed honored and relieved at the same time by the Chamber's award, but determined to continue the work he has been charged with by his citizens.

He and other Chamber of Commerce award recipients will be honored at the Annual Business Celebration & Awards Ceremony/Dinner scheduled for Friday, March 27 at the Best Western in Cobleskill.

Seward Meets With Schoharie County Students

ALBANY, 02/26/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) met this week with high school students from Reality Check – Schoharie County.

“Reality Check is an effective program that educates both on the dangers of smoking to individuals and the high health cost incurred by all,” said Seward.  “It is especially encouraging to meet with young people who are engaged and working toward a cause they feel passionate about.”

Senator Seward welcomes Reality Check students to Albany.  From left, front row – Ashley Fancher, Sheridan Smith, Madi Yung, Senator Seward.  Middle row- Emily Skowfoe, Taylor Marshall, Kathleen Hannamann, Ethan Keidong.  Back row – Gabby DeRocher, Emily Tuck-Fydenkevez, Middleburgh Reality Check Program Coordinator C.J. Smith.

The students discussed recent field studies they have conducted to gauge the use of tobacco advertising at retail locations.  They also detailed the health and financial benefits of smoking cessation and tobacco control programs conducted by the New York State Department of Health.

New York State Department of Health statistics show:

• Among high school students, smoking prevalence has dropped significantly between 2000 and 2014 from 27.1 percent to 7.3 percent, a 73.1 percent decrease;
• Among middle school students, smoking prevalence has dropped significantly between 2000 and 2014 from 10.2 percent to 1.2 percent, an 88.2 percent decrease;
• Every year, tobacco-related health care costs New Yorkers $10.4 billion, of which Medicaid covers $3.3 billion;
• Lost productivity from smoking costs New York State more than $6 billion annually.

Reality Check is an anti-smoking movement sponsored by the New York State Department of Health which alerts teens to tobacco company marketing strategies and promotes teens as decision makers in their own lives, as well as role models in their communities.

SUNY Cobleskill to Host the 7th Annual Timbersports Collegiate Competition

The SUNY Cobleskill Woodsmen club will host the seventh annual intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Competition on Saturday, March 7, from 8 am to 4 pm at the Schoharie Sunshine Fairgrounds. The competition will include participants from UCONN, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Paul Smith’s College, Finger Lakes Community College and more.

Timbersports combines precision and speed while employing traditional woodsmen technique. The seventh annual intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Competition will showcase students throwing axes, tossing wood, working with chainsaws and highlighting old-fashioned logging practices. Competition-oriented events, such as the ax throw and the cross-cut will be sure to keep audiences on their feet.

Proceeds for the event will go towards a scholarship in the name of Nicholas Failla, a SUNY Cobleskill student who passed away earlier this past November in a motor vehicle accident.  Nick was in his senior year, working towards his Bachelors of Technology degree. He would have graduated this spring.

Linda Serdy, Advisor to the Woodsmen Club states, “Unlike other athletic teams, the SUNY Cobleskill Woodsmen are a club. They raise money for the majority of their equipment and travel expenses. Instead of practicing indoors, they practice in a field at the college which requires shoveling in the winter.  The club members are very dedicated and still manage to maintain strong grade point averages. I am very proud their hard work individually and as an entire team."

Lunch will be available for purchase by spectators.

Letter to the Editor: Supervisors "Vaudeville Act" on Eminent Domain

Dear Editor,

Another example of why this board and this form of government are not working for the people. After years of landowners being bullied and harassed by constitution pipeline, more recently threatened with eminent domain by big corporate lawyers. The supervisors have awoken from hibernation to put on a little vaudeville act for the public. After a song and dance routine they decided to pass a meaningless resolution opposing eminent domain. They were slightly out of step as 4 supervisors tripped over one another as they voted in opposition. No surprise to me one was Harold Vroman, who seems to be wrong on most things. Next comes the second act, the jugglers.  The board will be sending the resolution to Assemblyman Lopez and Senator Seward. I don't expect we'll be hearing anything from them. After all it's not a photo-op involving some ribbon cutting or one of them handing a check to SUNY.

Regards,

Jerry Fiore   Summit

Community Arts Grants Awarded in Schoharie

Greene County Council on the Arts (GCCA) is pleased to announce the recipients of 2015 regrant awards through the Community Arts Grants Program.  Through this decentaliazation program, Schoharie, Columbia and Greene counties were awarded a total of $103,200. This amount will be regranted into local communities as $80,141 for support of cultural programming and activities, $18,059 for Arts Education, and $5000 for two Individual Artist awards (Columbia and Greene Counties only).

The Community Arts Grants/Decentralization Program is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). This program provides support for local not-for-profit organizations and artists working with community partners. These funds are intended to reward programs with strong artistic merit that directly benefit our tri-county residents.

All funding awards are competitive and determined by a panel of local artists, nonprofit professionals, and community members. These individuals deserve a round of applause for their active commitment to broadening the reach and accessibility of the arts in our region.

Schoharie County received 11 Project Support requests totaling $39,020. Eight organizations shared $23,850.  Recipients include Landis Arboretum for Live at Landis, Richmondville Historical Society for Music at the Mill, Schoharie Library for Heroes in Our Midst family programs, Sonny Ochs for The Not So Quiet Concert Series at Middleburgh Library, Theater Project of Schoharie County for a staged reading of an adaptation of Tom Stoppard’s “Le Vent Des Peupliers,” Upper Catskill String Quartet for Signature Pieces of Great Composers, West Fulton Puppet Festival for performances, maskmaking & workshops, Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association for Irish song, story & dance workshops for youth.  

The intent of these awards is to foster high quality, accessible cultural programs in our own backyard.  Please congratulate these organizations and individuals on their dedication to excellence and show them you appreciate their efforts by participating in this exciting medley of offerings.

A "public-invited" award celebration is slated for Spring where residents can learn more about the programs above as well as hear live music and meet the producers/artists behind these events (date TBA).

For information about the Community Arts Grant program, contact coordinator Renee Nied at: schoharieartsgrants@gmail.com

SUNY Cobleskill to Host "Gems from the Emerald Isle"

Although it might be a few weeks early, SUNY Cobleskill is getting into the St. Patrick's Day spirit with their upcoming "Gems from the Emerald Isle" Irish dance, music, and food event on Thurday, March 5th at 7:30.

Featuring Solas An Lae, Gaelic for "Light of Day," is an uncompromisingly innovative Irish dance company that weaves this cultural dance form into a performance of exquisite beauty, power, and imagination.

Accompanying the dance group will be a trio of Irish musicians led by local favorite Tom Wadsworth on Uilleann Pipes and low whistle.

Admittance is free for SUNY Cobleskill students, while donations are suggested for off campus visitors. The event is being held at Bouck Theater, with doors opening at 7:00 pm for the general public. 

Borst, Neary to Seek Re-Election

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie County's two longest serving Mayors are set to extend their time in office next month, when residents of the Villages of Richmondville and Schoharie head to the polls on Wednesday, March 18th. 

Filing the necessary petitions to seek re-election as mayor of their respective municipalities, both Kevin Neary of Richmondville and John Borst are all but assured victory with no declared opponents to their candidacies. 

Now concluding his eighteenth year in office, Mr. Neary has overseen the administration of the county's only self-sustaining municipal operated electric company, Richmondville Power and Light at low cost to citizens.  

Mr. Borst on the other hand, has obtained minor fame from appearing several times on the David Letterman Show, but is primarily recognized for his work in leading recovery efforts in Schoharie following the devastation of Irene. 

In addition to the mayoral campaigns, village residents in Richmondville will be electing two Trustees; neither of whom are opposed, while voters in Schoharie are set to also elect two Trustees as well as one Justice. 

Following Neary and Borst as the longest serving mayors is Matthew Avitabile of Middleburgh, Doug Plummer of Sharon, Linda Holmes of Cobleskill, and most recently, Charles Johnston of Esperance. 

Letter to the Editor: R'Ville Planning Board in Disarray

Dear Editor:

 

Last week’s Times-Journal reported that the Town of Richmondville was claiming that it had difficulty finding people to serve on its Planning Board. That could not be further from the truth. The Town has steadfastly refused to advertise vacant positions on the board, refused to conduct public interviews of people willing to serve (something other towns do) and repeatedly rejected qualified candidates, some of whom have extensive planning and zoning experience. The Town has not had difficulty finding qualified candidates, only difficulty finding individuals willing to pretend that local land use and environmental regulations don’t apply to political cronies and that the role of the Planning Board is to rubber stamp proposals from local developers.

The Town of Richmondville Planning Board has a notorious history that includes taking just a few minutes to issue a slap dash environmental approval of the proposed Maranatha facility, ignoring a voluminous archeological report warning that the proposed facility would have a significant negative impacts and then being forced to withdraw that approval only to reissue a second and then a third approval after each was challenged. The Planning Board ultimately admitted, in a letter signed by their secretary, that the environmental approval was given for the sole purpose of allowing the developer to gain access to tax payer funded grant monies. We all know how that turned out.

The same Planning Board acted with such disregard for standards of behavior that it was issued a letter of admonishment by the Town Board and Town Attorney regarding conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety, which they subsequently ignored.

The Planning Board is led by a chairman who, despite years in the position, often appears to struggle with even a basic understanding of local zoning regulations, requiring the Board secretary to repeatedly remind him of the process that must be followed. That same chairman erroneously advised his board that they could quickly issue a permit for a proposed massive pipeline staging area along Route 7 without a site plan review and environmental assessment. It is unclear if a total lack of understanding of the law or some other factor motivated his misstatements. Certainly the fact that his family later received nearly $70,000 in payments from the pipeline company does not help the public perception. After the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities stepped in, the Planning Board was advised by the Town Attorney to conduct the appropriate reviews before issuing permits for the pipeline staging area.

Observing the actions of the Town of Richmondville Planning Board at any monthly meeting is an eye opening experience. They careen through the approval process basing their decisions on irrelevant anecdotes and preconceived notions instead of facts and reach their conclusions with a shocking lack of thoroughness.

Unfortunately, the Town Planning Board deliberations will likely continue to be some of the most dysfunctional in the region because under Supervisor Lape’s stewardship the Town Board is not willing to do anything about it.

But there is hope for change. The Village Trustees and Mayor Neary can refuse to sink to the Town’s level and insist that a Joint Planning Board reject political cronyism, incompetence and conflicts of interest and conduct itself in a manner that respects the residents of Richmondville as well as the planning and zoning process. If the Village can’t secure those assurances they should stay as far away from the Town Planning Board as possible so as not to be party to the embarrassing spectacle that poses as governance in the Town of Richmondville.

Bob Nied

Board of Directors

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

County Board Says No to Eminent Domain by Pipelines

SCHOHARIE - A divided Schoharie County Board of Supervisors voted Friday afternoon to oppose efforts by natural gas companies to utilize eminent domain as a means to secure easements through the properties of county residents for a series of unpopular pipelines. 

Introduced by Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone, who had advocated against the expansion of natural gas pipelines since coming on the board in 2012, the measure was hotly debated by legislators, but ultimately approved by a healthy 10-4 margin. 

It was opposed by the following supervisors: Sandra Manko of Sharon Springs, Leo McAllister of Cobleskill, Phil Skowfoe of Fulton, and Harold Vroman of Summit. Neither supervisors Amber Bleau (Wright) nor William Smith (Broome) were present at the vote.

The resolution, citing efforts by both Constitution Pipeline and Tennessee Gas Pipeline to expand their presence in Schoharie County, will be sent by the county board to Assemblyman Pete Lopez, State Senator James Seward, Congressman Chris Gibson, and FERC. 

Sending an email to supporters on Saturday morning heralding the news, the Richmondville based Center for Sustainable Rural Communities applauded "those who stewarded this resolution forward and the members of the County Board who supported it."

Correction: this piece originally accredited Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith with introducing the resolution, when it fact it was Gene Milone. It has been corrected. 

Knight: Why I Came Back

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm back. 

A couple of weeks ago, after working for the Mountain Eagle since mid-July, I submitted my two weeks notice and contacted Schoharie News editor Robert Panico about potentially regaining control of my old project.

And here we are today, with me announcing my second term as editor of this delightful yet trouble making online news media publication. A reputation I was once proud of, but am now focused on rebranding into something new; something better. 

So now the hard part: explaining why. 

Well.... Why not? 

This news site is my pride and joy. A lot was accomplished in Schoharie County over the first year and there is much more to be done. Trust me, there is a lot more coming down the pipe for this news project, which we will come back to later. 

But for now, what will change? Well, everything. 

In addition to reintroducing a steady stream of hard news stories, investigative and feature pieces, as well as my own obnoxious editorials, which I'm sure the county board is just groaning at the thought of, I'm bringing along a few new people to the fray. 

Shania Marotta is joining The Schoharie News as our new ad lady, while Joslen Pettit will be helping out when he can with freelance (more like desperate intern) contributions to our county conversation. Both are excellent people I have full confidence in. 

However, the biggest change might be in what is left out... Arrest reports and soft news stories are vital to any news organization, but they are being put on the back-burner. Our focus is to bring you the news you need, not the news you need less of. 

To be completely honest, coming back is the hardest decision I have ever made. Although just a freelance journalist, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Mountain Eagle and Liz Page is a wonderful editor, but... my place is here, with all of you. 

I can't promise that everyday we will have three new stories or some blockbuster, and there may be even times when we go one or two days without something at all being published, but that's because I am working on something that will soon be very important to us all. 

Something I can't quite share with everyone yet, because there are a few pieces left to put in the right place, but I can promise will come as a shock to many of you......but enough with the vague hints. 

It's an honor and a great pleasure to be back as editor, publisher, and owner of The Schoharie News, and I hope that together we continue down the road we once set upon to let the light of truth shine down upon the darkness of corruption and destruction.

- Timothy Knight, Editor of The Schoharie News. 

Boil Water Notice in Jefferson

At 12:00 pm this afternoon, SC Department of Health Environmental Services issued a Boil Water Order for the Jefferson Water District due to a loss of pressure. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Jefferson Town Hall at 607-652-7931 or SC DOH Environmental Services at 518-295-8382.

Drug Arrest in Cobleskill

The Cobleskill State Police Interstate Highway Patrol arrested a Binghamton woman on a drug charge following a traffic stop on Interstate 88.

 Shanecka M. Dinkins was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana after she was found to be in possession of approximately 1 gram of Marihuana during a traffic stop. Dinkins was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Richmondville Court on April 1, 2014 at 4:00 pm.

Local Victims Targeted by Scammers Claiming to be from National Grid

The State Police at Mayfield have received several complaints regarding people pretending to be representatives from National Grid. Victims are receiving a phone call from someone pretending to be a representative from National Grid who states that they have to pay a bill immediately or their power will be shut off. The victims are then instructed to purchase Money Pak cards and call a 1-800 number, that is also fraudulent, and provide them with the numbers on the card to pay their bill. The scam appears to be targeting local businesses. The State Police are advising local business owners and area residents to be cautious of any such phone calls. Any questions can be directed to the State Police or National Grid.

Letter to the Editor: County Government is Broken

Thank You Supervisor William Smith for writing and clarifying your flip-flop on a county administrator. In your letter you also implored the public to attend the supervisors meeting this past Friday. You cried out, Please speak up! You must be heard! Yet yourself and Ms. Bleau missed work that day. I'm wondering do we still pay the supervisors when they're absent? It now looks like the county will be hiring a full time babysitter for the 16 toddlers. So the same group that just chose a chairman by voting right down party lines will now be entrusted to hire an administrator. We're supposed to believe they now will have the integrity and intellect to pick the best person for the job. This would all be laughable but we're paying for this long running mess. It's becoming more obvious with each passing meeting they cannot do the job they were elected to do. Gene Milone who initiated this future waste of taxpayers money has stated many times, we're just floundering. Shawn Smith Blenheim Supervisor says, It seems like we just drift from one disaster to another, not very assuring words for taxpayers to hear. Now because of the boards incompetence and the inability to work together the taxpayers will have to pay the price. Who knows what the final tally will be? This form of county government, the system in place is not working it hasn't for years. Failure after failure, mistake after mistake and the taxpayers foot the bill. We cannot do it anymore.The time is now for a County Executive elected by the people with this form of government every vote counts. As of now with this system my vote is useless. We have a 16 member board. I get to vote for one for one member to sit on the board that of course is who I vote for as my Town Supervisor to represent and serve my town at the county level.  This is one of my problems with this system.You see my Supervisor gets a free ride as he seems to run against someone always named unopposed That leaves us with no choice and makes it quite difficult to make a change.For someone to step up to challenge one of incumbents you would have to be a member of one of the major parties, even then you would have to get the approval of one of the 2 kings. It truly is a Good O'l Boys club.

Regards,
Jerry Fiore 
Summit

State Police Crackdown on Cell Use in Cobleskill

New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill have announced an increase in road patrols to combat distracted driving in Schoharie County. 

Dispatching Troopers to crack down on cell phone use during a six hour traffic detail on February 19th, officers issued six tickets to motorists for illegally using their cellular devices. 

Building on last week's success, State Police plan on continuing their crackdown on distracted driving and the use of cell phones. 

The New York State Legislature has regularly increased the severity of charges for being caught with a cellphone while driving in recent years. 

A first offense could cost a motorist $50-$200; a second offense within eighteen months could cost $50-$250; and a third or subsequent offense within an additional eighteen months could run $50-$450. 

Drivers may also lose up to five points from their license.

Vote in Our New Poll: Seceding from New York

Make sure to vote in our new poll on the sidebar. If there was a way to secede from New York and join Pennsylvania, especially if an adjoining County did so, such as Delaware, would you support such a move?