Reminder: DEC Burn Ban in Effect Through May 14

Note: This is a 2012 article from the Department of Environmental Conservation explaining its annual statewide brush burn ban beginning on March 16th and lasting through May 14th.

All residential brush burning is prohibited in smaller communities during the state's historically high fire-risk period from March 16 through May 14, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens reminded New Yorkers today.

"This time of year has the most risk of fires and the risk is even greater this year due to the extremely mild winter we've seen across the state," Commissioner Martens said. "Since the open burning regulation passed in 2009, there have been fewer fires reported in New York state. In an effort to protect the health and safety of our children, families and our natural environment, we remind residents that brush burning is banned statewide beginning this week."

In 2009, New York toughened restrictions on open burning to reduce harmful air pollutants and help prevent wildfires. While the burn ban regulation allows residential brush burning for most of the year in towns with a populations of less than 20,000, it prohibits open burning in all communities during early spring when the bulk of New York's wildfires typically occur. The state regulation prohibits the burning of garbage at all times and in all places.

Several factors enable wildfires to start easily and spread quickly at this time, including the lack of green vegetation, abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves, warm temperatures and wind.

Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York state. Data from DEC's Forest Protection Division shows that debris burning accounted for about 36 percent of wildfires in the state between 1985 and 2009, which is more than twice the next most-cited cause. In addition, from 2000 to 2009 New York's fire departments responded to an average of 2,300 wildfires each year from March 16 to May 14. That represents about 46 percent of all wildfires for the year.

Fire department data for 2010 and 2011 indicated a 26 percent reduction in wildfires during the burn ban period for those years when compared to the previous 10 years (2000-2009). In addition, 86 percent of all communities across the state had a reduction of wildfires compared with the previous five years.

Some towns are designated "fire towns" primarily in and around the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park. Under the Environmental Conservation Law, open burning is prohibited in these municipalities without a written permit from DEC. Open burning is prohibited at any time in these municipalities. To find out whether a town is a designated "Fire Town" and/or to obtain a permit, parties should contact a DEC regional office. For a directory of the DEC Regional Offices, visit the DEC website.

Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's website.

A list of questions and answers on the open burning regulation is available on DEC's website.

County Board to Meet Tonight in Special Session

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors are holding their second special board meeting in five days this evening. According to sources on the board, the meeting is being held to discuss the stream bank project.

Supervisors are scheduled to meet at 5:00 p.m. on the third floor of the Schoharie County office complex.

Although nothing is specifically spelled out in the official agenda, the flood committee - which oversees the financially troubled stream rehabilitation effort - is slated to address an issue with the whole board.

Stay tuned for updates.

Middleburgh Welcomes New Bistro

Middleburgh's growing business community welcomed a new member Saturday afternoon with the opening of The Green Iguana Bistro on the corner of Wells Avenue and Main Street.

Featuring artisan burgers and sandwiches, the bistro has been the brainchild of partners Eric Crater and Bob Stevenot, who have worked since 2013 to renovate the one-time Middleburgh Library into a beautifully decorated dining establishment.

Photos by Sheila Donegan

Offering a wide variety of sandwiches and salads, The Green Iguana takes traditional American style food and shapes it with a modern twist. In addition to the menu options, the bistro offers an extensive wine and beer bar.

Joining an ever increasing number of businesses to have opened on Main Street Middleburgh the past fifteen months, the bistro's opening is just another step in the community's long journey to recovery following the devastating effects of Hurricane Irene.

Preceded by Fish Tales & Fur, The Valley Pharmacy, The Olde Corner Store, and Green Wolf Brewery, Crater and Stevenot's creation is in good company for future success. Success that has already been obtained, if you ask their first customers this past weekend.

State Police Conduct School Zone Speed Enforcement in Sharon

New York State Police stationed in Cobleskill recently performed a school zone speed enforcement details at the Sharon Springs Central School in the Town of Sharon, according to a press release issued today.

The detail was executed during the afternoon and encompassed the dismissal time of students as well as various after school activities. Six motorists were issued traffic citations for speeding violations.

This detail was run in conjunction with ongoing traffic safety initiatives that are focused on highway and pedestrian safety. Troopers plan more efforts in the future to ensure highway safety in Schoharie County.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Bust in Coby

State Police arrested a Cobleskill man on a drug charge following a traffic stop on State Route 7 in the Town of Cobleskill.

Dak A. Kruglak age 18 of Cobleskill was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana following a traffic stop.  Kruglak was stopped for a Vehicle and Traffic Violation and found to be in possession of approximately 5 grams of Marihuana.  

Kruglak was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear in the Town of Cobleskill Court on March 17, 2015 at 4:00 PM.
 

DOT Reduces Speed on Two Middleburgh Roads

Drivers in the Town of Middleburgh will have to slow down on a pair of local roadways. 

Announcing that the New York State Department of Transportation has recently completed two speed reduction studies on the municipality's request, town officials informed residents of the speed changes at Thursday evening's monthly town board meeting. 

The new restrictions are limited to Frisbieville and Middlefort Roads and will soon be going to effect.

Slicing the maximum speed a motor vehicle can travel on either road down to thirty miles per hour, the Middleburgh Highway Department will be responsible for acquiring the necessary signage to properly post the new speed limit for motorists. 

Department of Transportation officials signaled a desire to reduce speed on the Town of Schoharie's share of Frisbieville Road as well, but it can only be done so if their municipal board requests a study be conducted on the merits of a possible reduction.

Tennessee Gas Announces Public Houses to Address Second Pipeline

Laying the groundwork for a second natural gas pipeline to come through Schoharie County, Kinder-Morgan's North East Direct (owned by Tennessee Gas) has announced a series of public houses to address the public's concerns on their project. 

Slated to follow a similar path of that of Constitution Pipeline, which has received the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's blessing, Tennessee Gas has begun the process of plotting their own gas transportation route to reach new energy hungry markets.

Two public houses are scheduled to be held in Schoharie County: April 6th in Schoharie at the Days Inn & Suites and April 14th in Richmondville at the Radez Elementary School. Neither date has an announced time as of publication.

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities representative Bob Neid told The Schoharie News in an email exchange on Wednesday that, "I believe this is not just an environmental issue it is an economic and class issue as well. "

He would further comment that he thought, "Low income rural communities with little political clout are being exploited and abused."

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors has taken a series of stands against the incursion of additional pipelines in recent months, with one resolution being passed just last month signaling their opposition to the use of eminent domain against county residents.

Second Annual Life in Schoharie Photo Contest

It's that time of the year again, Schoharie County. As we have stated in the past, The Schoharie News utilizes photos on a regular basis to add a visual component to our articles, because they add a little something extra to our pieces. 

However, nothing gives us more pleasure than seeing your work behind the camera displayed for all to see. 

With that in mind, we would like to announce our second annual "Life in Schoharie Photo Contest," where you can submit one photograph of anything Schoharie County related to be considered for a pair of gift certificates.

Last year's inaugural winner Cheyla Bevins won the prize
after submitting this beautiful photo of the Schoharie Creek. 

The winner of the contest will be judged by the readers of The Schoharie News, who will have three days to review the photos before voting on their favorite submission on the right-hand sidebar of the website. 

A $20 dollar gift certificate to Cobleskill Wal-Mart will be awarded to the victor, with the runner-up receiving a $10 gift certificate to the Olde Corner Store in Middleburgh.

All contest entries must be e-mailed to theschoharienews@gmail.com, with the subject "Schoharie News Photo Contest," by noon on Monday. Shortly thereafter, all photos will be published on the website for our readers to take into consideration. 

You must include your name and town of residence for your submission to count.

Goodluck!

Comic-Con Coming to Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs, NY - Due to the rising pop culture and comic book fan demand, Saratoga Springs will be hosting a comic-con platform on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 8:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m. with a pre-party scheduled for the prior Friday evening. 

This one-day event will feature:

• WWE Superstar Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake, Erica Schroeder voice actress from Pokemon, Yu-GiOh, and more, Blake Foster from Power Rangers, and more special appearances to come
• Top comic book artists like Mark Mckenna, Paul Abrams, Richard Clark, Kevin Conrad, Michael Oppenheimer, Victor L. Castro and more! · Cosplay group Hero Army, Kathrine Zan, Ruby Rinekso, and Jennifer Rose will make a special appearance
• Vendors and dealers from all over the North Eastern states
• Show floor events will include Artists, Celebrities, Gaming, Free Movie Theater, Costume Contest, Panels, Live Podcasts, KITT – from Knight Ranger, and other pop culture fun

General admission tickets are $7 for online purchase of single day passes ($10 at door day of), and VIP packages for $25 and $50 are available for purchase on www.chasecon.org. Children under 4 are free.

There is a  $10 entrance fee to attend the pre-party unless you buy a $50 VIP ticket, which will include the pre-party ticket fee. 

ChaseCon, is a New York privately owned company dedicated to following the mold of the traditional comic con - while providing the perfect mix and experience of current pop culture events. ChaseCon Expo, will include features such as: artists/illustrators/writers from the comic industry, film/television celebrities, book authors, science fiction/fantasy, gaming, Cosplay, and educational opportunities. 

ChaseCon believes that community participation is essential in creating a successful event, therefore we believe it is an important priority for us to give back through supporting local businesses and charity events. Since 2014, ChaseCon Expo has consistently listened and studied the desires of the “comic con attendee” to create the ultimate atmosphere and experience. For more information on ChaseCon Expo please visit chasecon.org or e-mail at chaseconexpo@hotmail.com

Letter to the Editor: Step Right Up to the County Circus

Dear Editor:

Step Right Up

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors has a less than auspicious history of inaction, political shenanigans and internal conflict that includes comic wrangling over seat assignments and the embarrassing episode of board members essentially suing themselves over committee appointments.

Given that history, they should have willingly embraced the suggestion, stewarded by Wayne Stinson and other bright and concerned citizens, to move the county toward a system of governance that included a professional County Executive (a system that works well in other counties). Ever selfish and shortsighted, the County Board moved instead to appoint a County Administrator, a role that would be relativity ineffective, have little or no autonomy and still be subject to the adolescent-like whims of the Board. But alas, even a weak and insignificant change by the Board could not stand up to the backroom political maneuvering as members of the Board moved quickly to first water down the already inconsequential role of the Administrator and then tried to abolish the position altogether before anyone could even be sworn in.

As the little brightly colored circus car that is county government continues to drive around the midway, the clowns continue to trip over their big shoes as they jump in and out of the back seat. If it weren’t for the need to actually govern a county in precipitous economic decline, county residents could watch the entertaining slapstick show with dispassionate amusement. Instead, we all sit in shock and wonder how the county will ever survive without competent leadership and without a vision for the future.

There is only one way to fix this pathetic situation and that is for smart people to move off the sidelines and run for office and for concerned citizens to elect them, support them and participate in the process.  Unless that happens the side show of Schoharie politics will continue to run indefinitely or until the county simply collapses.

Bob Nied

Confusion Reigns as Supervisors Debate Two Visions for Administrator

A public hearing for ye, but not for thee. That was the decision the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors made when faced with dueling local laws concerning the administrator position on Wednesday night.

Convening in a special legislative session to discuss an amended version of the administrator that was passed over in favor of the law's original draft in February, supervisors also heard arguments for a local law put forth with the intention of abolishing the recently created position altogether. 

However, only one was approved to move forward in the process. 

Arguing that it would address redundancies between the administrator and existing county offices, Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice introduced proposed Local Law #3 as an opportunity to "strengthen the text and verbiage" of the current statute. 

Removing wide swathes of the original bill, which had tasked the administrator with working on budgetary and financial matters, critics of the amendment have accused the law's backers of bowing down to external and internal political pressures associated with the overlapping duties.

A motion to set a public hearing on the amended version of the administrator position was made by Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone and approved 10-3. The hearing was set to take place during another special county board meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 p.m. 

Not all proposed local laws would receive the same treatment. 

Sponsored by Fulton Supervisor Phil Skowfoe, proposed Local Law #4 states simply that, "The position of Administrator for Schoharie County which position was established by Local Law #1 is hereby abolished." 

Posing the query that, "If you're going to amend something why did you pass it to begin with," an impassioned Skowfoe questioned the reasoning behind the amended version. The legislator would later state that if his colleagues wanted to do away with the original law, his bill was, "there to take it out of the question."

Although it obtained eight yeas to six nays to holding a concurrent debate on both laws in the special March 31 meeting, the weighted votes just weren't there to keep the law alive and it failed from the combined clout of those opposed.

Voting against holding a public debate for Local Law #4 were Supervisors Barbic, Federice, Jordan, Lape, McAllister, and Milone. All of whom had just minutes before supported holding a public hearing for proposed Local Law #3. 

Declaring that he was, "ashamed of this board," and that, "this has turned out to be one of the biggest political fiasco's," Skowfoe angrily accused the administrator's supporters of making a handshake deal behind closed doors to ramrod the amended version through by the end of March.  

Expressing his own disappointment with those voting against debate, Esperance Supervisor Earl VanWormer commented that, "It doesn't seem like you want a true democratic process." He stated later that supervisors were taking the decision out of the public's hands. 

Mr. Federice, for his part, stated toward the end of discussion that residents already had the chance to express their opinion on an administrator over the fourteen month period of time it was before the county board.

Opposed to the removal of an administrator's role in the budgetary process, Middleburgh Supervisor Jim Buzon signaled his opposition to the amended version. The key vote in passing the original law, Buzon explained that on the amendment, "You're not going to have my vote."

Offering, in his words, a chance for his colleagues to redeem themselves, Skowfoe made a motion to hold a public hearing on abolishing the administrator at the regularly scheduled April county board meeting at 10:00 a.m. instead, but that too failed along the same lines as the initial vote.

Visibly disgusted, the nine-term incumbent said only that, "I guess you're really afraid of what the public will see." 

Letter to the Editor: Admin Debacle Proves We Need a New County Board

To the Editor:

I love serendipity.  A nice bit popped up this morning and it can really stand the light of day.  The crocuses don't need the light yet.  Soon, I hope.  But, I digress.....

I started my day's reading with the Schoharie News, email edition.  Among the information was a brief financial report of the major parties in the county and some suggested implications on the November election at which time all the county supervisor positions will be decided.  I wondered to myself what  impact the new Administrator position and person might have on those important elections in our little county.  I didn't plan to give it more thought.  Serendipity, however, had other plans.

The Daily Gazette arrived not much later and imagine my surprise (and maybe my amusement) when I read (under the headline: "Administrator plan sees challenge, change", page C2) that Supervisor Philip Skowfoe, Fulton, has introduced Local Law 4 to the Schoharie Board of Supervisors.  Local Law 4 of 2015, if passed, will abolish Local Law 1 of 2015.  Local Law 1 created the position of full-time Administrator for the County.  Skowfoe wants it gone and is quoted, saying, "We've got something that works now, why are we changing it?"  

His motion highlights a beautiful irony.  That is, the Board voted and Democracy was served.  The decision was made, fairly and squarely.  We are to have an administrator.  In the interest of full disclosure, I think the administrator is a good move and I said so the Board last fall.  I get that Skowfoe doesn't like it and doesn't agree with it but the deal is done.  

His willingness to waste time and tie up the board with any consideration of Local Law 4 stands as a perfect illustration of exactly why a County Administrator is needed.  Mr. Skowfoe, we do not have something that works now.  We need to change it.  You are proof.

The Times Journal editorialized on the particulars of the upcoming selection process and gave nary a hint of knowledge that Skowfoe had introduced Local Law 4.  I will give the TJ editor the benefit of the doubt that he knew and chose (wisely and with meaning) to simply ignore it as foolish folly.    

So, with enough Spring in the air to keep the temperature above freezing, this very morning gave me 1) a reminder of a pending election that can repopulate the County Board of Supervisors, 2) a specific reason to do so (not that I really needed one, just sayin') and 3) some specific thinking about how we take forward an important step.  All the local news outlets inadvertently conspiring has to be serendipity.  Has to mean something.

With luck, we will have a County Administrator before the November elections.  That position alone is intended to improve our lot but the position and person will be either hindered or helped by the people we elect as Supervisors.  We don't need to wait to know that there is willingness to impede our progress.  We will need to wait until November to elect a Board that values progress above obstruction but there is no question that is what we need to do.  We need to change something that doesn't work.

Chris Claus

Supervisors to Convene Special Meeting Tonight

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors are convening a special county board meeting tonight to discuss an issue related to The Special County Administrator Exploratory Committee, according to the official agenda.

Supervisors are scheduled to meet at 4:00 p.m. on the third flood of the Schoharie County office complex. 

Although nothing has been publicly confirmed or disclosed, rumors are floating that the recently created Administrator position is facing both external and internal push-back, perhaps the cause of tonight's session.

Opinion: Rural America's Suicide Epidemic

Rural America is often seen as the heartland of this great country, with Schoharie County a shining representation of all its hard working ethos and well natured community spirit.

However, if The Atlantic's Julie Beck is to believed, our position might also put us in the cross-hairs for tragedy:

In rural America, where there are more guns, fewer people, and fewer doctors than in the urban U.S., young people are at particular risk of suicide.

A study published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed suicides among people aged 10 to 24 between 1996 and 2010, and found that rates were nearly doubled in rural areas, compared to urban areas.

She stated the aforementioned in her recent piece "The Growing Risk of Suicide in Rural America," an eye opening and question spurring article that addresses several issues we have grown increasingly accustomed to in our own community.

Namely, the county's lack of sufficient employment opportunities and a growing sense among young people of feeling out of place with a population that is rapidly aging. Combine that with a cultural stigmatization and we are in trouble.

The statistical realities are just as disheartening, according to Beck:

Both adults and adolescents are at greater risk of suicide in remote areas of the U.S., according to a 2006 literature review. But suicide is in general more common among adolescents and young adults: It’s the third leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the second for people 25 to 34, and the 10th most common among the general population.

So what are we to do? We know Schoharie County isn't immune to this type of tragedy - just last fall a SUNY Cobleskill student took his own life on campus. What is the solution to a problem that can impact anyone from any background?

Well, whatever the solution, it has to begin with the recognition that there is a problem to begin with and that once we can accept that reality, we can let go of a cultural stigmatization that only emboldens a sense of apathy and loneliness.

After that acceptance the rest will fall into place, most of which involves an increase in mental health awareness and societal understanding. I don't think it can be stressed enough that the simple act of understanding can make the difference.

For anyone who is going through difficulties and needs a kind voice to hear your troubles, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and talk to one of their caring counselors, because your life is worth it. 

Coby Police to Utilize Body-Worn Cameras

Chief of Police Rich Bialkowski announces that the Cobleskill Police Department is currently using body-worn cameras in its daily operations and interactions with the public.

“We saw the need, and the benefit, of having officers equipped with body-worn cameras in early 2014. Prior to the widely-publicized events that occurred in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City last year, we began exploring camera options and funding sources. We were able to obtain several body-worn cameras and began testing them over the summer on a limited basis in different scenarios and under various circumstances. Once we tested them, we were convinced that they would be a great benefit to the department,” said Chief Bialkowski.

Once the evaluation and testing period was completed, the department then obtained enough body-worn cameras to equip every patrol officer and patrol supervisor, as well as our investigator. In November 2014, all officers received training in the use of the body-worn cameras and they were put into full service. Currently, most of an officer’s daily interactions with the public are recorded, including arrests, investigations, accidents, searches, and traffic stops to name a few. The body-worn cameras are a supplement to the department’s in-car mobile recording systems, which officers will also continue to use.

The body-worn cameras are capable of taking audio and video recordings, as well as still images. They can record in light or dark situations. The body-worn cameras were obtained at no cost to the Village by use of STOP DWI funds as well as drug seizure funds.

The reasons for the use of the body-worn cameras are simple. They offer increased evidence collection and documentation capabilities during arrests, searches, incidents, and investigations. They offer transparency and accountability on department operations and officer interactions with the public. They safeguard the department and its officers against false complaints of misconduct. They may also be used as an aid to evaluate officers’ actions when complaints do arise, and they will also be used as a training tool.

“As a department, the use of technology to aid in our mission of delivering professional law enforcement services in a cost-effective manner is something that we will continue to explore and utilize to the best of our ability in order to most benefit our community. My hope is that using the body-worn cameras will assist in enhancing public trust and confidence in what we do,” said Chief Bialkowski.

Schenectady Man Arrested for Mburgh Burglary

Henry Castaing, 30, from Schenectady was arrested by State Police related to a burglary investigation in Middleburgh.  The burglary occurred at a private residence in July of 2014 where household items and tools were stolen.  

One arrest had been made previously in the investigation and additional arrests are anticipated.  Castaing was linked to the burglary through a DNA data-bank hit which placed him in the scene of the crime.  He was charged with Burglary 2nd, a felony, and was turned over to the custody of the Schoharie County Sheriff in lieu of bail.  

County Democrats Hold Slight Cash on Hand Advantage

Schoharie County's Democratic Party is in good shape financially to pose a solid challenge to local Republicans this fall, although it wont do them much good with no publicly declared countywide candidates in the mix yet. 

According to the most recent data available from the New York State Board of Elections, county Democrats maintain a $1,600 on hand cash advantage over their GOP counterparts with eight months until the off-year elections.

However, county Republicans maintain the overall advantage heading into the campaign season. An advantage that is due in no small part to the recent announcements that County Clerk Indica Jaycox and Treasurer Bill Cherry are seeking re-election.

With two countywide offices and all sixteen supervisor seats on the ballot in November, both parties are expected to intensify their fundraising efforts in preparation for the election season to come.

Although not as significant, the true wildcard could be in how much of a role the Schoharie County Conservative Party takes in fielding its own candidates and cross-endorsing potential allies in the major parties.

Running their own candidates for Sheriff and Town Supervisor in 2013, the Conservatives have established a small but potent following among the county's ideologically similar electorate, particularly in the southern portions of the county.

As of publication, there are no publicly declared Democrat or Conservative candidates for county office, and no announced contenders for any of the sixteen open supervisor positions.

Two Seats Open on Middleburgh Library Board

With the retirement of two of its longest serving members fast approaching, the Middleburgh Board of Trustees is in need of a few good people to step up to the plate.

That was the message Library Director Teresa Pavoldi delivered to board members on Monday night, as neither of the soon to be open seats have received much interest from the general public since the petition process began on February 28.

Requiring only twenty-five signatures from residents of the Middleburgh Central School District, the trustee petition needs to be submitted by Saturday, March 28th to ensure placement of its candidate on the Tuesday, April 28 library ballot. 

Anyone over the age of eighteen and residing in the school district can pick up a petition for either open position, which have been caused by the term-limiting of longtime Trustee Sarah Beekman and the retirement of Trustee Jim Spencer. 

Located at 323 Main Street interested residents may pick up a petition at the library's front desk during its hours of operation. 

The Middleburgh Library Board of Trustees meets monthly on the second Monday at 6:30 pm in the Community Room.

Preventing E-cigarette Poisoning in Children

Editor's Note: Our friends at the The Child Fatality Review Team, which is a committee in Schoharie County comprised of members from community agencies dedicated to child safety, requested that we post the following article on the necessity of preventing E-cigarette poisoning on children.

Poisoning is the leading cause of death from injuries in the U.S. and 9 out of 10 deaths are caused by drugs. Between the years 2010 and 2014, e-cigarette exposure calls to Poison Control totaled over 3,000. Exposure to carcinogens for children under 5 has increased from 7 in 2010 to over 2,000 in 2014.

An E-cigarette (otherwise known as e-cig, personal vaporizer) is a lithium battery-powered vaporizer which resembles cigarettes and simulates smoking. It delivers a vaporized propylene glycol/nicotine mixture into the user’s respiratory system as a vapor (instead of smoke). Vapor is created from heating the liquid nicotine mixture that is contained in the cartridge.

Vaping means to inhale and exhale the vapor produced by an e-cig. While vaping does not produce second hand smoke, it has been shown that e-cigs are a source of secondhand exposure to nicotine. While safer than cigarettes, there is still exposure to some carcinogens.

The liquid (e-juice) is what is most poisonous. It contains a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine and flavorings. The liquid comes in bright colors, candy and fruit flavors that appeal to children. Currently, there are no requirements to make the containers childproof. It only takes a few drops absorbed through the skin or swallowed to result in an emergency room visit and only 1/3 ounce can be fatal to a child.

If you use e-cigarettes or know someone who does, please take precautions and treat it like any other poison in your home. Lock it up and place it out of the reach of children. Keep the National Poison Help Line number by your phone or stored in your cell phone 1-800-222-1222.

For additional information on general child safety topics, contact the Schoharie County Child Fatality Review Committee Coordinator at 295-2016. We are dedicated to keeping children safe and alive.

2nd Annual DonkeyBall Set for Friday, March 20

Yes, basketball and donkeys don't necessarily go well together, but they will go together at the Second Annual DonkeyBall Fundraiser to support The AED Project - Schoharie County. 

Set for Friday, March 20th, 7:00 p.m. at the Cobleskill-Richmondville High School gymnasium, tickets for the fun filled event are available at Carpets & Then Some, Fit Coalition, or by contacting organizer Nancy Brumaghim at nan.c.b71@gmail.com. 

Organized to raise money for the AED Project, which seeks to both inform about and provide portable Automated External Defibrillators to youth leagues in Schoharie County, the event features high school athletes riding donkey back. 

The event is made possible by Green Mountain Donkeyball from Danby, Vermont; and the participating teams consisting of athletes from Cobleskill-Richmondville, Middleburgh, Sharon Springs, and Schoharie Central Schools. 

Last year's DonkeyBall debut was attended by over five hundred spectators and raised over $2,000.00 in support of the project's cause to increase local safety and raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest.

Fighting Tigers Fall Short in First NCAA Bid

COBLESKILL - SUNY Cobleskill's Fighting Tigers have reached the end of the line in a magical season that culminated with an appearance on Friday evening in the school's inaugural NCAA III Men's Championship Tournament contest.

Reaching the big dance after winning the North Eastern Athletic Conference championship last Sunday over Lancaster Bible College, the men's basketball squad has invigorated a sense of school pride not seen on the rural campus in years.

Led by head coach Matt Allen, who is now in his seventh season of coaching at SUNY Cobleskill, the Fighting Tigers have struggled since joining the NCAA in 2008.

A powerhouse in the NCJAA, the transition has been tough on their morale. 

However, combining the right cast of characters and setting for the men's basketball squad, the 2014-15 season can be described as nothing short of inspiring for the program. The team finished 17-11 on the year. 

Facing off against William Paterson University on the home team's court in New Jersey, the Fighting Tigers were behind the Pioneers from the start. Unable to convert in the paint, Cobleskill struggled to gain momentum offensively.

Momentum that stayed with the Pioneers until the final buzzer sounded with them holding a commanding 80-54 lead over the Fighting Tigers.

Earning distinction for SUNY Cobleskill's Fighting Tigers were Mike Chapman and Cortrell King. Chapman for becoming the first Cobleskill athlete to score in NCAA history and King for ending the game as the first Tiger with double digit scoring.