Independent School Seeks New Direction in Education

Inspired by the passion of two longtime teachers, a new type of school that emphasizes teachable moments outside of the classroom as well as teaching instructions on the blackboard is coming to Schoharie County.

Founded by Theresa Heary-Selah and Tracy Manning, the Country Classroom - set to begin classes in mid-September with a focus on young learners - is now accepting students into its independent program, which includes a homeschooling component. 

Explaining that the school is "being started by a group of educators and parents interested in making an awesome experience for our kids," Ms. Manning traced the Country Classroom's origins to the teaching backgrounds of both herself and Ms. Heary-Selah. 

A Masters in Education graduate at Antioch University New England, Manning gained invaluable experience over the past seventeen years of teaching, but perhaps none more than when she worked at The Farm School, where she was employed as a farmer educator.  

Tasked with educating children on basic, everyday skills outside of the four room classroom that modern schooling has evolved into, Ms. Manning is bringing that mindset, in addition to her co-educator's sixteen years of middle school experience, into their new endeavor. 

An endeavor that currently has three local children enrolled, with five more in the application process to attend the independent school, which places emphasis on children experiencing teachable and real world moments beyond just the classroom cornerstones.

The school is currently accepting students ages 4-8 as part of its pioneer class.

Enrollment is presently set at $5,000 annually for full-time students and $3,000 per year for students that are signed up for classes half-time. Eventually, as it becomes more economically feasible, a sliding income scale will be implemented to determine the cost of schooling.

Commenting that, "We're all in this because we believe in this, not because we're being paid," Ms. Manning was stirred by a conviction that education and life are connected and intertwined, and should be encouraged as such.

Located on Huntersland Road in the Town of Middleburgh, the Country Classroom is beginning small in a rented space within a farmhouse. Hopeful of growth to come, Manning believes the school will be epitomized by, "Kids that love going to school."

For more information please visit the school's website here.

Supervisors Approve Amended Admin Law

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors voted narrowly on Tuesday evening to amend the recently established County Administrator's functions and responsibilities, despite public concerns over the amended version. 

Jo-Anne Noone typified the public's sentiment when commenting that creating an administrator was "A promise to eliminate political interests," but that the amended version, Local Law #3, managed to undermine whatever merits the original law had. 

Cobleskill resident Gary Brady concurred, stating that "all of sudden this position is nothing but a big joke." He would go on to state that he felt, "This thing needs to go back to the drawing board."

Supervisors had initially considered both the original and amended versions of the law at February's county board meeting, but had voted to approve the original law after Middleburgh Supervisor Jim Buzon came out against the amended bill, placing its passage in doubt. 

The amended proposal created a firestorm in the political rumor mill for weeks, speculation that Schoharie County Treasurer Bill Cherry sought to clarify at the public hearing.

"To set the record straight, prior to the law's adoption, Supervisor Federice asked me for my opinion and I suggested that the original law be cleaned up before it was voted on in order to more clearly define the role of the Administrator in the budget process," stated Cherry. 

A role that was rolled back in the amended version, as well as with other previously assigned duties the administrator would have been tasked, but proponents of Local Law #3 had argued were redundant with that of responsibilities already belonging to existing officials.  

Upset by the manner of which the proceedings had been set, Fulton Supervisor Phil Skowfoe angrily accused supporters of the amended law of setting the, "public hearing around the weighted votes," specifically that of Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAllister's 481 votes. 

Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice, who has led efforts to establish an administrator after chairing an investigative committee into the matter, took offense to Skowfoe's comments, and stated that there is "nothing underhanded about the amended law."

Voting to adopt the amended version were Supervisors Barbic of Seward, Bleau of Wright, Federice of Conesville, Jordan of Jefferson, Lape of Richmondville, McAllister of Cobleskill, Milone of Schoharie, and Smith of Blenheim (1602 votes).

Opposed to the amended version included Supervisors Bradt of Carlisle, Buzon of Middleburgh, Manko of Sharon Springs, Skowfoe of West Fulton, Smith of Broome, and Vroman of Seward (1046 votes).

Supervisors VanGlad and VanWormer, who had both signaled their opposition to the Local Law #3, were both absent. 

Alicia Terry Sues County, Seeks Old Job

Alleging that she was improperly removed from her position atop the Schoharie County Planning Department for her political beliefs, former planning department head Alicia Terry has filed suit against the county in hopes of reclaiming her job and status. 

Filing a request for judicial intervention on Friday, March 20th to initiate Article 78 proceedings, Mrs. Terry listed Schoharie County, the Board of Supervisors, and Senior Planner Shane Nickel, who has been the de facto head of the planning department, as plaintiffs. 

Removed from her position as Director of Planning and Economic Development with the 2015 budget's passage in December, Mrs. Terry was demoted to the position of Senior Planner under her former subordinate and current Lead Supervisor, Mr. Nickel.

The budget, which was approved narrowly by supervisors, was crafted by Treasurer and Budget Officer Bill Cherry and resulted in the fracturing of planning and economic development into two separate entities, as well as the elimination of several positions, Terry's included.

Head of the Planning Department for almost twenty years, Mrs. Terry gained a mixed reputation with the rise and fall of the Schoharie County Conservative Party, which saw its fortunes peak in 2011 with Harold Vroman's chairmanship and the leading role of Cassandra Ethington.

In addition to her role as a department head, the long-time official briefly served as co-budget officer with Social Services Commissioner Paul Brady and at one point oversaw the AECOM stream bank project in conjunction with DPW head Dan Crandall.

Mrs. Terry's lawsuit contends that, "The County abolished Petitioner's position and laid her off as Director of Planning based upon her political party affiliation and beliefs, in bad faith, and as a subterfuge to avoid the statutory protection afford to her as a civil servant."

Along with seeking re-appointment as head of the planning department, Terry is seeking damages and lost salary associated with her demotion from the position. 

Letter to the Editor: Wright Councilmen Conspire to Alter Comprehensive Plan

Dear Editor,

Three Men in a Room in Albany proved to be bad politics and bad policy.  Three Men government is just as bad in the Town of Wright.

Three men in the Town of Wright have decided that they know better than anyone else what the taxpayers and residents think and need.  Councilmen Ed Thornton, Tom Aulita and George Karlewicz feel they are best equipped to revise the town Comprehensive Plan and, unless the taxpayers and voters speak, the 3-councilmen-in-a-room majority will set a course that will take years to undo.  And it’s an unnecessary course because the Plan that was drafted in 2013 had already been through Town Board and community workshops, public hearings, and County Planning Board Review and approval.  What don’t they like?  Are they hoping to remake the town in their image?

Read their 2015 Comprehensive Plan Draft and see for yourself. 

Three councilmen are not a committee.  Three councilmen are the Town Board.  Three is a majority and when a majority of the Board works together to craft a plan, then the normal, routine components of “public input” are a sham, a joke.  Three councilmen who come to agreement are not going to be swayed or influenced by a last minute public hearing.  Three men working this closely have their minds made up.  A 3-man committee made entirely of councilmen is completely inappropriate.  It might even be ethically improper. 

Working without the benefit of a summary town survey (2007) or current survey information, they place their own voices over the town as a whole.  The summary town survey from 2007 is deleted and lacks prominence as a guide to their draft document. It is present only in an appendix, as an afterthought.  This is especially ironic because they previously stated that the ’07 survey did not reflect enough input.  They’re talking out of both sides of their mouths.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats facing the Town and voiced by residents over 20 years of planning (properly included in the 2013 document) are now somehow unimportant in their new draft and are deleted.  The original Comp plan, the revision currently in place and the 2013 draft shared the same goals for reasons residents hold dear.  The newest draft being proposed seeks to change all that.  Why is that appropriate? 

According to the new Plan, appointed boards serving the town (Planning Board, ZBA, for example) are not worthy of using the Comprehensive Plan. “The Comprehensive Plan is not intended to be…used by the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals or any other town board to enforce zoning.”  (Remember: Wright has no zoning whatsoever so there is no enforcement possible.)  But the bigger point is their specific intent to keep the Planning Board from considering the Comprehensive plan in their deliberations.  Planning Board deliberations of a proposed subdivision may not take into account the most fundamental and broad document plan of the town.  How can such a thought be justified?  I guess only 3 men know but it looks like a blatant power play to strip the Planning Board of any real role in our town.

There aren’t nearly enough column inches to detail the absurd changes Thornton, Aulita and Karlewicz want to force on the taxpayers of Wright.  A few, however, really need to be mentioned.

1. The Vision Statement has been removed.  Their proposed Comprehensive Plan specifically removes a statement of vision.  Unbelievable.  But true.  I guess the Town of Wright doesn’t really need any vision to the future.
2. Their Goals as drafted will no longer “ensure development is consistent with our rural community and environment.”  Those words are deleted.
3. They are willing to preserve the essentially agricultural character of the town but they will no longer promote active working farms. The words “promote active” are deleted.   This ignores the town’s adopted Ag plan.
4. Despite the number of residents unable to access high speed Internet, the 3 men remove references to improving telecommunications and broadband from their goals.  They are unwilling to pressure Time Warner to act in the best interests of our residents and they ignore the crucial role telecommunications play in the development of all potential small businesses in town.  How does this pretend to speak for our common good? 
5. They remove the words “improve road conditions.”  Why?  What are they thinking?  Our roads do not need improvement?
6. Despite encouraging the utilization of contemporary development strategies, they strike language suggesting that the town’s subdivision law be amended to allow conservation subdivision and cluster design.  They appear to contradict themselves.
7. The 3 men strike all language directing attention to the needs of senior citizens.  Our population is aging and we’re not exactly seeing a flood of young people moving in.  Don’t senior citizens merit a mention?
8. They delete this language from the plan: “Prevent incompatible industrial uses.“   Why?  Isn’t a major function of local government to prevent incompatible industrial use?  Why would anyone delete such specific language?
9. All language specifically prohibiting heavy industry is deleted.  If heavy industry is not prohibited, then it is permitted.  Removing the prohibition on heavy industry opens a door that cannot be shut.  This is an almost unimaginable change in direction for our town and is in direct opposition to strong public consensus against heavy industry development.  Why promote heavy industry by removing the very language that prohibits it?  Does the proposed draft promote industry over agriculture?  Read it and decide.  I think it does.
10. Almost all language referencing energy efficiency and green initiatives is deleted.  For many of us, that speaks volumes.

It takes a lot of time to read the 2013 Draft and the 2015 3 Men Draft and flesh out the differences but Councilmen Thornton, Aulita and Karlewicz are walking a slippery path. 

Contact them and Supervisor Bleau.  Tell them to cease and desist with their current plan draft.  Tell them to approve without delay the 2013 Plan they have had in their hands for two years.  There is no reason to waste more time.  The public has given them the plan it supports.  Their job is to approve it.

- Jean Burton

Anti-Pipeline Group Seeks FERC Rehearing

Stop the Pipeline (STP) filed a petition for a writ of mandamus in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday, to force the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue an order on STP's request for rehearing. FERC habitually grants itself more time than allowed by law, which prevents groups from seeking judicial review of FERC's orders.

"FERC uses delay tactics to keep projects they approve out of court," said Anne Marie Garti, a founding member of STP, and an environmental attorney working with the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, Inc. on behalf of the group. "While the Commission blocks us from appealing their order, they let the Constitution Pipeline Company take people's land through eminent domain proceedings."

FERC issued an order on December 2, 2014, granting a conditional certificate of public convenience and necessity, which the pipeline company relied on to file over 120 complaints in condemnation in the Northern District of New York. STP requested rehearing within thirty days, claiming FERC violated the Clean Water Act, the Natural Gas Act, the National Environmental Policy Review Act, and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, but FERC refuses to issue a ruling on it.

"This situation is totally unfair," said Dan and Laura Jean Brignoli, who just received a letter from the company saying it "has been awarded possession of the land rights needed to construct. . . " the pipeline. "They shouldn't be able to take our land until they have the required permits." Like other landowners, the Brignolis were bombarded with reams of legal papers and hauled into court before STP could challenge FERC's certificate in federal court.

 "The Natural Gas Act requires parties that are aggrieved by FERC orders to seek rehearing within thirty days, or waive their right to later seek judicial review," explained Daniel E. Estrin, an environmental law professor at Pace Law School and Supervising Attorney of the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, which represents STP. "FERC routinely denies requests from members of the public for extensions of time to request rehearing, claiming that it lacks authority to extend the time limit set by Congress. Yet, the Commission routinely grants itself extensions from the thirty-day time limit for it to rule on such rehearing requests, which is found in the very same section of the Natural Gas Act. By delaying its ruling and blocking STP from challenging the certificate of public convenience and necessity it has issued to the pipeline company, FERC thumbs its nose at plainly-expressed Congressional intent while depriving American citizens of their constitutional property rights without due process of law."

Stop the Pipeline is a grass roots organization of landowners and citizens who are committed to preserving the pristine Northwest Catskills and Central New York from the countless negative impacts of the proposed 30-inch, 124-mile high-pressure gas transmission line that would run from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania to Schoharie County, New York.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (3/31/2015)

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced several arrests that occurred from March 21-28 in the Village of Cobleskill.

Monday, March 23, 2015

At 2:24 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Ashley Baez, 18, of Bronx, NY, for Petit Larceny.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 7th at 4:00 p.m.

At 2:24 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Sabriya Muhaimin, 19, of Bronx, NY, for Petit Larceny.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 7th at 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

At 7:36 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Roger S. Graham, 19, of Middleburgh, NY, on a Bench Warrant for Criminal Mischief 4th, Criminal Trespass 2nd, Assault 3rd, and Resisting Arrest.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $750 Bail.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 31st at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

At 7:37 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Savanna Hotaling, 25, for Petit Larceny and Criminal Mischief 4th.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 7th at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, March 27, 2015

At 8:50 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Christopher W. Shroh, 36, of Cobleskill, NY, for DWI and other vehicle and traffic tickets.   He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 14th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

At 1:45 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Russell D.B. Smith, 27, of Warnerville, NY, for Open Container.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 24th at 5:00 p.m.

At 10:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Melissa Cuesta, 20, of Austoria, NY, for Violation of the Village Noise Ordinance.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 21st at 5:00 p.m.

At 10:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Christopher Nunez, 19, of Yonkers, NY, for Violation of the Village Noise Ordinance.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 21st at 5:00 p.m.

Iroquois Museum Appoints New Director

The Trustees of the Iroquois Indian Museum are proud to announce the appointment of Stephanie Shultes of Middleburgh, NY, as the new Director of the Iroquois Indian Museum in Howes Cave, NY.  Her long involvement with the Museum in many capacities, her friendships  with Iroquois, Museum members, and the community and her knowledge of Iroquois culture and arts singled her out as the perfect person to lead the Museum forward.

 In 1985, Ms Shultes began to volunteer at the Museum when the Museum was located at the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie. Her interest in the Iroquois grew and she went to graduate school at SUNY Albany to receive her Masters in Anthropology in 1988. She continued to volunteer but in 1991, just before the Museum opened in its new home in Howes Cave she became the Museum’s Curator. 

Because the Museum has a small staff, Ms. Shultes has become involved in many aspects of the Museum from curating the collection, to researching Iroquois arts and mounting exhibitions, to maintaining our web site, monitoring and designing our Facebook page and fundraising. She has always been innovative and determined to showcase the Museum and its uniqueness. Notable exhibits that she curated and researched were the two Native Americans in the Performing Arts exhibits, From Ballet to Rock and Roll and From Broadway to Hollywood; Baseball’s League of Nations and the Indian Ink exhibits. Steph has designed many of the Museum’s publications which include Schoharie Mohawks, by John Ferguson and the catalogSkyworld to Turtle Island. Ms. Shultes headed the committee that produced our Learning Longhouse education pages on our website and then designed and published those pages. Most recently she was both the impetus and the fundraiser for the new amphitheater roof, an achievement she is very proud of.

Her passion for photography has assisted the Museum. She is often seen photographing Museum events and she has photographed much of the Museum’s collection. Many of her photographs have been published in books about the Iroquois and some are available in the Museum’s gift shop. She has also traveled to southern Africa, to the Grand Tetons, Yosemite and Yellowstone to photograph animals and landscapes.

Ms. Shultesis very generous and diligent in all her endeavors. She has a special attachment to cats and befriended the Museum’s cat, Little Boy. He has become a very important ambassador for the Museum and her latest project is a GoFundMe campaign in which Little Boy is the star, raising money for the Museum Ms. Shultes created the video in which Little Boy details all the work he does at the Museum and encourages people to be donors to his ‘forever home.’

The Iroquois Museum was established in 1980 and is located in Howes Cave, NY, 40 miles west of Albany. For more information please contact the Museum at 518-296-8949 or info@iroquoismuseum.org.

Avitabile, Quinn Honored by Chamber as Leaders

The Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce honored several local business owners and public officials on Friday evening for leading the county toward a brighter financial future.

Photo by Sheila Donegan.

Among the award recipients was Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile (pictured left), who was chosen as the 2014 Community Leader of the Year for his above and beyond commitment to the community. 

Mr. Avitabile would also be bestowed with an award from Congressman Chris Gibson, who was present for the festivities along with Assemblyman Pete Lopez and other elected officials.

Also from the Schoharie Valley, Lin Quinn's Under the Nose gift shop at the foot of Vroman's Nose was selected as the 2014 New Business of the Year. Her award was presented by Bobbi Ryan. 

Hosting its Annual Business Celebration and Awards Ceremony at B.W. Delaney's in Cobleskill, the Chamber further recognized Lori and Ken Wortz's Kymar Distillery as the 2014 Business of the Year.  

Central Bridge Residents Cry Foul Over Discolored Water

Dispensing a dirty and soiled water that is staining laundry and leaving homeowners hesitant of using their tap for either cleaning or cooking, Central Bridge residents are fed up with their discolored water supply. 

Photo by Sarah Weber

Homeowners, taking to facebook, have posted complaints that the discoloration began approximately three weeks ago, with resident Sarah Grace Weber telling The Schoharie News that there is an accompanying smell that, "is like fish tank water."

Central Bridge, a Hamlet located in both the townships of Esperance and Schoharie, is supplied the majority of their water from the Central Bridge Water and Sewer Districts, which is administered by both towns. 

Attempting to ease fears of contamination on Saturday night, Schoharie County Emergency Services published an advisement on social media that stated the discoloration was due to high levels of Manganese, and that it should be resolved by the end of the week.

A 2011 study by the World Health Organization found that nearly 70% of all groundwater supplies and upwards to 97% of surface water sites in the United States contain Manganese, a naturally occurring substance that is generally below levels of public health concern.

Photo by Sarah Weber

The advisement further noted there is no need for a boil water order and that the water is safe to drink. 

Disagreeing wholeheartedly, Ms. Weber pointed out that officials did not mention a potential cause for the associated smell. Furthermore, responding to their comments that the water is safe to drink, she scoffed, "I don't believe that for a second."

Residents are encouraged to call Water & Sewer Superintendent Robert Barratiere with any questions at 518-265-0662. 

The April meeting of the Central Bridge Water and Sewer Districts is scheduled for Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church Hall on Church Street in Central Bridge. 

Schoharie News to Feature History, Lifestyle, Political Columnists

The print edition of The Schoharie News is gearing up for its introductory issue on Tuesday, May 19th at shops and stores located countywide. Priced at 75 cents per copy, it will be the cheapest weekly available in county. 

As part of the newspaper's launch, we are featuring several columnists to provide unique looks into the history, lifestyle, and politics of Schoharie County, in addition to our own editorial viewpoint on the issues facing our future. 

Joining our team as columnists will be Steve LaMont, who will be contributing historical features; Jocelyn Mangiacapre, who will focus on Schoharie County lifestyle; and, Shawn Smith, writing on county news and politics. 

Furthermore, weekly features on human interest stories and letters to the editor will be published in the paper as well, which will be available in both digital and print editions; for which subscriptions are now being accepted. 

Study: Schoharie County has Mixed Overall Health

Schoharie County is one of the healthiest counties in the Mohawk Valley, according to a new health survey published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation at the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. 

Calculating the overall health of counties nationwide, the County Health Rankings & Roadmap program looks at a variety of factors in determining their rankings for Health Outcomes and Health Factors, which Schoharie County receives mixed grades on.

Ranking number one for Health Outcomes in the Mohawk Valley and 14th overall statewide, Schoharie County receives good marks for both the longevity and quality of its citizens lives. Dominant factors include overall mental and physical health.

The same can not be said for Health Factors, which measures each county's health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. Schoharie County dropped down to 33rd statewide, but only second overall in the Mohawk Valley.

Data for the study's findings were compiled using a variety of federal and state resources. The purpose of the rankings is to encourage a proactive approach to health related issues by county governments nationwide. 

For more information please visit the 2015 County Health Rankings for New York.

SALT’s Director Receives Distinguished Service Award

Sarah Goodrich, SALT Executive Director was presented with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award by the Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful Board of Directors, Wednesday, March 25, 2015. At a luncheon at Francesca’s Banquet Hall, Ilion, 18 individuals, municipalities, and organizations were recognized for their efforts to support sustainable practices and policies. Those who beautified public spaces and waterways, developed recycling programs, improved the quality of life in their neighborhood, led municipal planning efforts, organized citizen action groups, or established programs that educated others in the principles of sustainability were among the awardees.

Robert Albrecht, chair of the KMVB Board of Directors, and Steve Smith, KMVB’s Executive Director, presented the handcrafted award made entirely of sustainable materials including stone from Montgomery County and sustainable harvested lumber from Otsego County. Several awardees also received certificates of recognition from their state or federal elected representatives.

“Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful supports the idea that we cannot thrive alone as isolated individuals and that communities and networks of municipalities throughout the larger Mohawk Valley must work together to strengthen our neighborhoods and to bring economic development to the region,” said Albrecht at the ceremony attended by over 100 individuals. “Quality of life matters because that is what attracts talent to our region, and it is talented people who invest their lives and resources in our communities. The Distinguished Service Award celebrates that kind of talent and commitment.”

 Individual – Sarah Goodrich, Schoharie County Active Citizen

Sarah Goodrich, SALT’s executive director, “stands above all others in Schoharie County because of her character and work to revitalize the county in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.”  Working across municipal borders and between public and private sectors, Sarah brought together residents, businesses, human service agencies, and town governments at a time of great stress and need in the community. Her work on flood renewal and recovery was recognized not only by her neighbors but also by Governor Cuomo when she was awarded the NY Rising Service Award.  Sarah’s efforts support KMVB principles by engaging and empowering citizens and organizations to work together to build more robust communities and neighborhoods.

After the award competition was announced six months ago, nominations began to be submitted by individuals and groups throughout Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties. A KMVB committee reviewed the applications looking for individuals who demonstrated an understanding that community involvement and commitment to sustainability over time led to robust neighborhoods and economic stability.

“Excellence comes in many forms,” said Steve Smith, “and our awardees this year reflect that. There are many ways to be a change-maker. Some of our distinguished awardees are active in local government, some work to improve their Main Street, and others lead a regional business or multi-national corporation. We’re very pleased with the breadth of activity and commitment reflected in these awards this year.”

Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful (KMVB) is an affiliate of the Keep America Beautiful Program and a standing committee of Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD), a 501-c-3 communities and economic development organization representing the Mohawk River Valley target area with 500,000 people. Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties are included in the affiliate area. KMVB aligns itself with the fundamental principle of the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils - collaboration across municipal boundaries to organize, engage and empower public and private entities to improve the environmental and economic conditions in the 6-county Mohawk Valley Region.

SALT rebuilds resilient and sustainable communities.

Letter to the Editor: Lopez Only Good at "Talking"

Dear Editor,

Pete The Podium King doing what he does best" TALKING." In Pete's most recent trip to the podium, he is going over the 17 rules reform proposals for the Assembly. WOW it almost sounds important. We the people are now suppose to believe all of a sudden things will be different in the cesspool we call Albany. Pete is calling for 8 year term limits for the speaker, 4 would be better. I have to ask Pete what took you so long to speak up? Were you afraid to stand up to Shelly Silver? Did you have to wait for some of your colleagues to back you up? Or maybe you figured this would be an opportune time to make it look like you were accomplishing something. Pete you have learned your craft well and over the years you have become a seasoned politician. I have noticed in all of the latest photo-ops with your mentor James Seward you're out in front and doing most of the speaking. Pete lets be honest even you have to know things will never change in Albany. So it doesn't matter how many times you saunter up to the podium or get in front of a camera to dish out the usual political rhetoric. Most of us know you're just doing what you do best" TALKING."

Regards,

Jerry Fiore  Summi

Cobleskill Police Blotter (03/25/2015)

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced the following arrests for the past week. 

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

At 10:44 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Nicole Kruger, 21, of Cobleskill, NY, for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 17th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

At 10:20 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Kevin Pierce, 25, of Cobleskill, NY, for Petit Larceny.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 21, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.

At 12:50 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Dak Kruglak, 18, of Cobleskill, NY, for Disorderly Conduct.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 7th at 5:00 p.m.

Residents Split on New Bridge in Cobleskill

On Friday morning the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors considered the potential use of eminent domain to build a new bridge in the Town of Cobleskill, with both proponents and opponents of the measure addressing the county board. 

Slated to be built on Shady Tree Lane, which is located in the Cobleskill hamlet of Barnerville, the bridge is being proposed to replace an older structure that has been closed for seven years and has been a point of contention in the community. 

Explaining that any use of eminent domain must meet a two-fold requirement of being both in the public good and having no alternate location, County Attorney Michael West warned that because it is a capital improvement project, "If we do not move forward it will cost us $400,000."

Ironically enough, the Board of Supervisors had voted to oppose the use of eminent domain by natural gas companies against the will of county residents just four weeks before Friday's hearing.

At the crux of the dispute is the proposed bridge's path through two parcels of land, which affected property owners had decided against signing on to the project because it would cut into their front yards. One resident commented that he did not want to see "the bridge on my street."

Cobleskill resident Michelle Stacy stated her opposition by quipping that she was, "really against eminent domain in any way, shape, or form. Drawing a comparison to authoritarianism, Stacy would later comment, "We don't live in [the] Chinese mainland." 

Not everyone was opposed to the proposal, however. 

Arguing that "There is a public need for the replacement of this bridge," resident John Sagendorf hoped a compromise could be negotiated between the county and homeowners, but that if not, "eminent domain would have to be used," because of the project's critical nature. 

Neal Stanton, a lifelong resident of Barnerville, concurred with Sagendorf on the need for a bridge by pointing to several instances of emergency services taking upwards to twenty minutes to respond to calls because the old bridge is no longer is service. 

Awaiting the arrival of final assessments to come in, the county board kept the public hearing on the eminent domain proposal open through a special board meeting set for Tuesday, March 31st at 5:00 p.m. 

Seward Greets Future Leaders of Schoharie County at Capitol

ALBANY, 03/24/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) and Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R/C/I-Schoharie) today welcomed students with the Schoharie County 4-H legislative intern program to Albany.

“Touring the state Capitol and meeting with legislators provides students with a real working knowledge of how state government operates,” said Senator Seward.  “As a past member of 4-H, I am proud to see the program’s traditions continuing with today’s students through this unique program.”

Senator Seward (left) met with students from the Schoharie County
4-H legislative intern program on the “Million Dollar” Staircase.

High school seniors from Cobleskill-Richmondville, Gilboa-Conesville, Middleburgh, Schoharie, and Sharon Springs toured the state Capitol learning about state history and observing the inner workings of state government.

Students in the legislative intern program meet monthly to learn about county and state government through hands-on experiences like the Albany tour.  Several alumni of the program have gone on to successful careers in the public sector.

“Public service is vital to the future growth and success of our local communities.  I look forward to seeing these students go on to serve in the public arena as elected officials, volunteers, or in other public posts,” Seward concluded.

Opinion: DeFeo's Actions Unbecoming in Middleburgh

We already know what happens when you place sixteen individuals around a table with the simple instruction to govern: constructive chaos. Although headache inducing, occasionally something gets done in Schoharie County; warts and all, we might add. 

(Don't get used to the praise, Supervisors; it is only to draw a comparison)

However, we have few words to describe what occurred at the March meeting of the Middleburgh Town Council, where Councilman Brian DeFeo stood before all present and went on a destructive assault against Supervisor Jim Buzon. 

Well, actually we have more than a few words to describe what we think of Mr. DeFeo's antics, but they would be too impolite to publish.

We understand that government doesn't always operate smoothly or on the complete unanimity of those present (we're looking at you, Supervisors), but proceedings should never reach the point of one official attempting to prosecute, sentence, and punish his colleague, let alone the town supervisor. 

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened in the Middleburgh Town Hall, with public officials and residents equally disgusted by the councilman's improper use of town business to coordinate his trial of Mr. Buzon on the supervisor's alleged misconduct. 

Whether the supervisor was guilty or not of the four charges brought against him, DeFeo's behavior was unbecoming of an elected official who is entrusted by the citizens responsible for his holding that position to conduct himself in a professional manner. 

By that measure, the Huntersland resident owes all of Middleburgh an apology. 

Furthermore, rumor has it that Mr. DeFeo is quietly organizing a campaign to challenge Mr. Buzon in November. Although it might be a bit early for election pronouncements, we can promise that the incumbent supervisor will have our vote if it's him against the town councilman.

Schoharie Promotional Welcomes New Attorney to Main Street

Members of Schoharie Promotional welcomed attorney Shawn Smith to the community on Monday morning with a ribbon cutting attended by business owners, elected officials, and representatives of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Smith, who is the municipal attorney for Schoharie, Fulton, and the Village of Cobleskill in addition to his private practice, moved his primary office from Blenheim to Schoharie in December, 2014. 

He still maintains a office in Blenheim, where he also serves as Town Supervisor. 

A graduate of Albany Law School, Smith has been practicing law for four years and specializes in family law, real estate law, and wills and estates. Joined by his Legal Assistant Amanda Schultz, his practice is welcoming new clients.  

Police Bike Patrols Returning to Cobleskill

Members of the Cobleskill Police Department are about to become more interactive and visible in the county's largest municipality this summer, where officers will trade squad cars for bicycles in a patrol not seen in almost twenty years.

Photo courtesy of the Cobleskill PD facebook page

Instituted for only a few years in the mid-nineties before going into a two decade hiatus, Cobleskill Police Chief Rich Bialkowski stated in a recent sit-down interview that he believed it was time to bring the bike patrol back. 

"I always thought it was a good thing because they [police officers] are more interactive," stated Chief Bialkowski. The police head further commented that utilizing bicycles, "Allows us to patrol in ways you can't in a car."

Set to be put in service when the weather breaks, the department will be using two bikes to perform patrols in the community of over four thousand over the summer months. The bikes will be sporting logos designed by John Stiles.

The only department slated to use bike patrols in the county, Cobleskill Police are in good company with campus police at nearby SUNY Cobleskill, who maintain the only mounted patrol in the 64-campus state university system.

In addition to being an asset to allow officers to reach places that squad cars are not able to, Chief Bialkowski expects the new patrols to be used in patrolling parades and reaching out to youth through bike safety programs.

Summarizing his thoughts on the initiative, the chief stated that he believes it will be a "very positive thing for us."

NYC Announces Schoharie Reservoir Release to Offset Winter Snowpack

New York City Department of Environmental Protection officials laid out a new path for handling and preventing excessive reservoir levels at the Gilboa Dam before the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors on Friday morning.

A path that was praised by local officials.

Announcing the city's intention to reduce reservoir levels annually down to 90% of available capacity from October 15 to March 15, DEP officials explained that the release would serve as a flood mitigation measure against accumulated snowpack in the winter.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez, thanking the city's representatives, commented that his office "found the City of New York listening to us," in what he described as intelligent and thoughtful exchanges between Upstate and New York City representatives.

The plan, not set to take place until construction of the permanent release chamber at the reservoir is complete in 2020, also calls for a daily minimum conservation release of 10-15 million gallons to improve habitat conditions in the Schoharie Creek.

"This is wonderful news," stated Howard Bartholomew of Dam Concerned Citizens, a not-for-profit advocacy group for the Gilboa Dam and Schoharie Reservoir. He would later say that the DEP was "killing two birds with one stone" in their initiative

The Schoharie Reservoir is the northernmost reservoir in the city's water supply system and has been a source of controversy and discontent between Schoharie County and the city with respects to the potential for flooding caused by the Gilboa Dam.

Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith praised the agreement by stating, "This is a great step toward a cooperative agreement which will protect the people of Blenheim from future flooding events, which is of the utmost importance to our town."