Seward Congratulates New York's Top Seniors

ALBANY, 05/11/15 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) recently congratulated New York State’s top senior citizens as part of the New York State Office for the Aging 2015 Senior Citizens Day Celebration in Albany.

From left, Senator James L. Seward with
Schoharie County citizen honoree Ruth Bradt.  

“Our senior citizens are vital community members who offer a great perspective on so many topics,” said Senator Seward.   “The extremely active seniors honored today fulfill significant roles – serving on local municipal boards, teaching our young people about community engagement, and contributing positively to our future.” 

Along with honoring the local honorees the senate also adopted a resolution (J.1809) proclaiming May 5, 2015 as Senior Citizens Awareness Day in the State of New York.  The resolution reads in part:

WHEREAS, The more than three million residents of New York State  60 years of age and older bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly  active  roles  they  play  in  today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, These senior citizens have contributed to the State by building and helping preserve the customs, traditions and ideals of the many ethnic groups that make up the mosaic of New York State.

“I also have to give credit to the local county office for the aging staff members that work so hard on a daily basis providing crucial services to area senior citizens and advocating for their needs,” Seward added.

Both Sheila Serbay (Otsego County, Oneonta) and Ruth Bradt (Schoharie County, Howes Cavern) attended the recognition event in Albany.  The complete list of honorees from Senator Seward’s district includes:

Cortland County                     Michael McGuire, Cortland;

Delaware County                    Tom Hynes, Roxbury;

Otsego County                        Norma Ralph, Worcester;

Otsego County                        Sheila Serbay, Oneonta;

Schoharie County                   Ruth Bradt, Howes Cavern;

Tompkins County                   Ted Sobel, Brooktondale;

“These honorees exemplify the great commitment, experience, and care that so many other senior citizens bring to their communities.  We would be lost without their expertise and I am truly impressed with their great accomplishments,” Seward concluded.

Thunderstorms Likely in Valley Today (05/11/2015)

With today looking like another scorcher in Schoharie County, the National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Schoharie Valley for the rest of today and into the evening. 

Scattered thunderstorms are expected through this evening. A few thunderstorms could be strong, with small hail and gusty winds. 

There is a marginal risk for damaging wind gusts of 58th mph or greater. Locally heavy rains and frequent lightning are also possible. Scattered non-severe thunderstorms are expected Tuesday.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (5/11/2015)

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced the following arrests:

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

At 4:28 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Rebecca Diamond, 21, of Cobleskill, NY, for Petit Larceny and Criminal Impersonation.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on May 12th at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

At 1:35 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Andrew S. Bingham, 36, of Carlisle, NY, for DWI.  He was released and is to  appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 26th at 5:00 p.m.

At 3:14 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jose E. Bruno, Jr., 27, of Cobleskill, NY, for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 1, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $1000 Bail / $3000 Bond.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on May 12th at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, May 8, 2015

At 8:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Lucas J. Beekman, 21, of Gloversville, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 19th at 5:00 p.m.

At 8:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Nathan A. Dailey, 22, of Webster, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 19th at 5:00 p.m.

R'Ville Man Arrested on Family Court Warrant

- The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has announced the arrest of thirty-two year old Chad M. Corsi of Richmondville on an arrest warrant issued out of the Schoharie County Family Court following an investigation into a separate incident.

Mr. Corsi was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jailyon $500.00 cash bail to appear in Schoharie County Family Court on May 8th, 2015.

- Schoharie County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Alfred A. Perreca Jr., 29, of Albany for unlawful possession of marijuana following a vehicle stop in the Town of Richmondville.

Mr. Perreca was released on an appearance ticket and traffic ticket to appear in the Town of Richmondville court at a later date.

Middleburgh Library News (May 17th-23rd)

Week of May 17, 2015 – Middleburgh Library

5/19 – 10:45 AM - Drop-in Storytime - Get ready to move in this interactive storytime designed especially for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.  We’ll read books, sing songs, recite fingerplays, dance and watch a short movie based on a weekly theme.  

5/19 – 1:00 PM – Mahjong Mania - Men and women are invited to come learn the game of Mahjong.  No experience necessary!  Just a willingness to learn and have fun!  No registration necessary.

5/19 – 7:00 PM – Book Discussion – “Marcelo in the Real World” by Francisco X. Stork - Marcelo Sandoval, a 17-year-old with an Asperger's-like condition, has arranged a job caring for ponies at his special school's therapeutic-riding stables. But he is forced to exit his comfort zone when his high-powered father steers Marcelo to work in his law firm's mailroom (in return, Marcelo can decide whether to stay in special Ed, as he prefers, or be mainstreamed for his senior year).

5.21 – 1:00 PM – Wednesday Matinee – “Into the Woods” - Into the Woods is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a musical format that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel-all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.  No registration necessary.  Free Popcorn!!!!

5/21 - 7:00 PM – Knitting Circle - These friendly ladies (men are welcome, but we haven't seen any yet!) knit and crochet, embroider and quilt, and more. You can learn a new skill here or share your own special talents with others - or just craft in the company of friends. Drop in anytime! No registration required.  

5/22 – 7:00 PM – Concert – “Dom Flemons” - A multi-instrumentalist, Dom plays banjo, guitar, harmonica, fife, bones, bass drum, snare drum and quills, in addition to singing.  This event is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Decentralization Program and the New York State Council on the Arts, administered through the Community Arts Grants Program by the Greene County Council on the Arts. Tickets are available at the door.  A $10.00 donation is suggested.  Please use back entrance.

5/25 – Memorial Day.  The library will be closed in observance of the Holiday.

Poll: Plurality Supports Sanders over Clinton for Dem Nom

National pundits have all but proclaimed Hillary Clinton as the Democrat Party's 2016 nominee, but Schoharie County residents have a different candidate in mind to lead the Party of Jefferson in the next presidential election. 

Receiving 43% of votes cast, Independent turned Democrat U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont carried the unscientific poll with a narrow plurality over the former U.S. Secretary of State and one-time U.S. Senator from New York.

Although the polling sample is relatively small, Schoharie Democrats do have a track record of supporting insurgent progressives, such as Zephyr Teachout, when she challenged Governor Cuomo in last fall's gubernatorial primary. 

Total votes - 87

Bernie Sanders - 38 (43%)

Hillary Clinton - 32 (36%)

James Webb      - 9 (10%)

Martin O'Malley - 4 (4%)

Joseph Biden     - 3 (3%)

Lincoln Chafee -  1 (1%)

MCS to Host Elementary Festival May 19

The Middleburgh Central School district will be hosting its annual Elementary Festival of the Arts and Education on Tuesday, May 19th starting at 5:00 p.m. 

Located this year in the Junior/Senior High School, the event will include a science fair in the gymnasium and a series of band and choir concerts in the auditorium.

Elementary art projects will be on display throughout the hallways. The school website explains that "it will be a wonderful opportunity to see the talent of our young scholars."

The schedule of evening events are as follows:

Science Fair - 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Band & Choir Concerts - 7:00 p.m.

Order of Performances - 4th Grade Band, 3rd/4th Grade Choir, 5th/6th Grade Band, 5th/6th Grade Choir.

Harris Trial Remains Deadlocked

Schoharie County jurors have completed six days of deliberations in the nationally followed Calvin Harris murder trial, but as of Friday morning there is still no final verdict in sight.

Accused of murdering his wife on or before September 11th, 2011, the Tioga County man has been convicted twice by a jury of his peers. However, both verdicts were thrown out on appeal; the last coming after Harris had already served over three years in jail.

Prosecutors had hoped a third time would be a charm after the trial was moved to Schoharie County to ensure fairness, but jurors despoiled any hope for a speedy verdict after informing the presiding Judge George Bartlett they were deadlocked on Tuesday. 

Judge Bartlett ordered the jurors to continue their deliberations that same day, citing the cost of the expedited trial to Tioga County, which the Troy, Pennsylvania based Times-Shamrock has estimated to be at approximately $60,000.00 according to available figures. 

Both Tioga County juries had deliberated for only hours in each of their two previous trials, but Schoharie residents are biding their time in reaching a final decision that has stretched on for days, leaving dozens frustrated in and outside of the courthouse. 

Although not significantly impacting the legal system in Schoharie, the trial has presented challenges for both the court and police.

Beginning all the way back in early February, the Harris trial has occupied the courthouse every week from Monday to Thursday, creating a backlog of local cases, while the Sheriff's Department has sacrificed its man-hours to provide security through out the trial.

Jurors are set to reconvene this morning at 9:15 a.m. until noon for further deliberations. 

Beer and History to be Celebrated in Middleburgh

MIDDLEBURGH, NY -- For Justin Behan, a love of history and beer have joined forces for a May 16 special event and the rebirth of a brewing industry in Schoharie County.

 

Today, Mr. Behan has grown his once at-home-beer brewing into a thriving business, Green Wolf Brewing Company on Main Street in Middleburgh, the only brewery in Schoharie County. 

 

On Saturday, May 16, Middleburgh will host the 1780 Beer Challenge and Revolutionary War Festival from 1-5 p.m.

 

“I’ve always loved history. And, I love making beer,” said Behan who opened Green Wolf in late 2014.

 

Joining for the event are The Middleburgh Library, The Albany Ale Project, and Green Wolf Brewing Company, with a day that celebrates beer, brewing, and Middleburgh’s Revolutionary War history. Partial proceeds will go to benefit the Library. MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, of Bath Ontario, will also be participating. The event will be held on Baker Avenue around Green Wolf Brewing Company and behind the Library that is on Main Street as well.

 

There will be a re-enactment of a 1780 standoff in Middleburgh between New York’s Loyalist raiders and the Albany County Militia -- no muskets and cannons this time, but done with hops, grain and yeast.

 

Behan is also quietly part of a growing industry upon which craft brewing is dependent -- hops. “We get about 20 percent of what we need from Hesier Farms in Middleburgh and West Fulton. And, about one-third of the hops we need come from within 20 miles of Middleburgh,” Behan said.

 

“You see hops farms cropping up all over. There’s a resurgence in micro brewing in New York and we need hops farms,” he said.

 

At one time, Schoharie County had a flourishing hops growing business, supplying many breweries in Albany. Then, disease and insects -- plus Prohibition -- decimated the industry.

 

Craig Gravina, a widely known beer blogger and a friend of Behan’s who reconstructed Albany Ale (a recipe that was once lost) said that raids during the revolution affected brewing in Albany and elsewhere. “No grain, no beer,” Gravina said.

 

Middleburgh Library Director Teresa Pavoldi noted that this is a great opportunity for people to find out how Middleburgh fits into the brewing history of the upper Hudson Valley.

 

On May 16, the library will be open with a hops history display starting at 9 a.m. Special talks include those by Cravina and Alan McLeon on the Albany Ale Project and Behan on the historic hops of the Schoharie Valley .The Revolutionary war encampment with the Burning of the Valleys Military Association and the King’s Royal Yorkers takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. There also will be tours of Green Wolf Brewery.

 

Admission for the 1780 Beer Challenge and Revolutionary War Festival is $15 (for adults 21 years of age and older) and includes beer sampling tickets and a Green Wolf sampler glass; or $35 for sampling tickets, a Green Wolf sampler glass, and a signed copy of Gravina and McLeod’s book, Upper Hudson Valley Beer. Admission for non-drinkers, or those 15-20 years of age, is $10. Those under 15 years of age are admitted free.           

 

For further information, visit this Facebook page or call 518-296-8991.

Pet Talk Column: Mother's Day and our Pets

Here we are just three days away from Mother’s Day and just because your kids are scaly, feathered, finned or furry with four legs, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate and join in on the fun. Pet parents are some of the best, most loyal, compassionate, and deserving people around.

It’s not exactly clear when pets, like dogs and cats, became full-fledged members of the family, but a pet’s elevated status is quite apparent. About 82 million American households or 68% of total American households, have a domestic animal. Americans spent $55.7 billion on their pets last year and it’s estimated to be just about $60 billion this year; according to APPA (American Pet Products Association).  So what does all this mean for Schoharie County? As of the 2013 census, there was an estimated population of 31,849 people, which calculates out to 12,820 households and an average of 2.4 people per household. Using this data against the national averages, we can figure the number of pet owning households in this county to be 7,179. That tells us that about 56% of the households in Schoharie County own a domestic pet, including horses but does not include most other livestock.  That’s a lot of households. If only half the pet owning households had a pet mom, then there would be 3,590 pet moms. Now that we know this, wouldn't you like to know how many cats, dogs, birds and horses reside here? Using the pet ownership calculator, I have determined the average number of each of the following pets residing in our county. Dogs: 7,486 Cats: 8,179 Birds: 910 Horses: 526. The data just goes to show you, how important pets are to our small community and where we stand in the big picture. Let’s celebrate this bond with our pets by doing something special this Mother’s Day. Here are some ideas.

Take a walk or hike together. The greatest gift we can give our pets is good health and happiness. Getting outside in the fresh air is good for both of you. If you already do regular walks with your pet, then change it up a bit. Take them to a new park or trail or even pack a lunch and make a day of it. Don’t forget to bring some fun things to do, like a Frisbee, ball or favorite toy. An important tip to remember on any outing is to bring water for both and make sure you are both protected from ticks and mosquitoes. Those critters can take the fun out of anything.

Go shopping with your pet. Take them to a pet friendly shop and treat them to a new toy, treat, collar, leash, name tag, bowls, bedding, etc. Dogs love to travel, and many cats do as well. Other pets may not enjoy it quite as much, so just go shopping for something new for them.

For the non-travelers, you can bake them homemade treats. Here are a couple simple treats for cats, dogs and horses. They are simple, tasty and budget friendly. **Be sure the baby food doesn’t contain any onion products**

(For dogs and horses): Sweet Potato Treats  

1 sweet potato, 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce and 2 eggs. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prick sweet potato several times with a fork. Heat sweet potato in a microwave about 6 minutes. Scoop out flesh and mash. Discard skin. In separate bowl, mix whole wheat flour, applesauce, and eggs and 1 cup mashed sweet potato, until a dough forms. Save rest of mashed sweet potato for another batch. Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and roll to 1/2inch thick. Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter of choice and arrange on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake until crisp, 35-45 minutes. Cool for 10min before moving to a wire rack to finish cooling.

(For cats): Chicken Lickens

1 jar (2 ½ oz.) strained chicken baby food, 5/8cup wheat germ, 5/8cup non-fat milk powder and 1 egg beaten. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Mix baby food, wheat germ, milk powder, and egg in medium bowl. Drop by ½ teaspoonful’s onto prepared baking sheet.

Bake 12-15 minutes. Remove and let cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container or freeze. Makes 2 ½ -3doz.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there (especially pet moms) and enjoy your special day. You deserve it!

Lorraine Fancher, LVT

Seward Pays Tribute to Local "Woman of Distinction"

ALBANY, 05/05/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today honored Patricia Kennedy of Oneonta as the 2015  Senate “Woman of Distinction” from the 51st senate district at the 18th annual senate Women of Distinction ceremony at the Capitol.

“Over the years, I have been fortunate to highlight a number of inspirational, trailblazing leaders through the senate’s Women of Distinction program, and this year is no different,” said Senator Seward.  “Patricia Kennedy has been a driving force in the care of developmentally disabled individuals and her compassion for their well-being and innovative ideas have changed lives for the better.” 

Senator James L. Seward with 2015 New York State Senate
Women of Distinction honoree Patricia Kennedy of Oneonta.

Patricia Kennedy serves as chief executive officer at Springbrook, a not-for-profit, state-licensed organization serving over 850 people with developmental disabilities from across New York State and beyond.   The Otsego County based facility employs more than 1,200 individuals and is a recognized leader in its field.

2015 Senate Woman of Distinction honoree Patricia Kennedy said, “I am grateful for this award and to all the people, past and present, who support me and Springbrook, including my family, friends, and coworkers.”

Kennedy has received many accolades for her work including being named the 2005 New York State Developmental Disabilities Council Administrator of the Year.  Under Kennedy’s leadership, Springbrook has expanded services greatly to include residential, educational, therapeutic, and community support options that span a person’s lifetime.

“Patricia Kennedy’s contributions are wide ranging and touch many lives.  The personal, one-on-one relationship she has with each and every individual at Springbrook can simply not be quantified, and because of her compassion, families know their loved ones are in good hands.  Further, she is a driving force in our regional economy – once again making a positive difference in the lives of so many.  Patricia embodies the meaning of a true ‘Woman of Distinction’ for all of her inspiring and continuing contributions,” added Seward.

Along with honoring the 2015 Women of Distinction the senate also adopted a special resolution (J.1927) congratulating the honorees.

The senate's "Woman of Distinction" program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.

 Previous winners in the annual event have included leading women from the worlds of business, academics and civic life, as well as those who have performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries or provided examples of personal excellence against difficult odds.

HCR Home Care Celebrating National Nurses Week

May 6, 2015 — As part of its celebration of National Nurses Week, May 6 -12, 2015, HCR Home Care is issuing placemats with information about nurses along with health tips for the summer.

HCR, a leading in-home health care provider, is distributing approximately 2,000 of the placemats to community centers, elder housing facilities and county offices for the Aging in the local communities it serves across New York state.

On the placemat, HCR provides the following tips for people to enjoy the summer months:

•             Wear shoes with rubber grips to prevent falls

•             Apply sunscreen, even if the sun doesn’t seem very bright

•             Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

•             Consult a physician or HCR nurse before beginning any new physical activities

The company also includes a statement about why people should pay tribute to nurses: “At the front line of medical care, nurses play a key role in advocating for the health and well-being of their patients ... Nurses work tirelessly, logging long hours to ensure their patients receive the quality care they deserve.”

National Nurses Week celebrates the role nurses play in delivering the highest level of quality care to their patients and acknowledges the strong commitment, compassion and care nurses display in their practice and profession.

Founded in 1978, HCR Home Care (hcrhealth.com) is a leading provider of home health services to patients, physicians and other health care professionals across New York state. The company’s quality and services are routinely recognized nationally and statewide, including being named a Top 100 agency by HomeCare Elite™ and receiving the Rochester Business Ethics Award. HCR is certified and approved for Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., the company currently operates in 19 counties across the Catskill, Central New York, Finger Lakes and North Country regions.

Lerny's Gift Shop Opens in Middleburgh

The Middleburgh business community welcomed its newest addition on Tuesday morning, with the grand opening of Lerny's Gift Shop at 110 Railroad Avenue.

Located just off of Main Street in the village, the gift shop features Middleburgh themed apparel ranging from coffee mugs to hats and t-shirts. 

Owned and operated by Larry Kossman-Nelson and his husband Ernie, the couple lost everything in the devastation of Hurricane Irene. However, they had been inspired by the community spirit  that Middleburgh displayed while rebuilding.

Commenting that he was "thinking one day as how Middleburgh has come so far and I feel it's on the verge of something big," Mr. Kossman-Nelson wondered why there "wasn't a gift shop focusing on Middleburgh itself."

And after months of homework and research, as well as teasing the community on facebook about the shop to come, Larry and Ernie took the plunge on Tuesday morning.

On scene with members of the village board, Mayor Matthew Avitabile said that the village is "very proud of the work that Larry and Ernie did to make this project happen and of the volunteers that helped in rebuilding the store space."

A resident of Middleburgh since 1971, Larry told The Schoharie News that he couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Stating that there is a lot of unspoken pride in Middleburgh, he would later add that he thought "it was a time for me to give that pride a voice."  

Valley Fire Departments Deploy to Sullivan County

Aaron and Johnathan Bywater of Central Bridge fight
a smoldering flame side by side. Photo by Matt Brisley

Schoharie Valley firefighters under the direction of County Fire Coordinator Matt Brisley were deployed to Sullivan County on Tuesday morning to assist local fire crews engaged with a massive blaze. 

Starting over the weekend in a rural area of Sullivan County, the fire quickly spread and grew into a mile long inferno that overwhelmed local fire departments. Reinforcements have come in from across the state, including Schoharie County. 

Thirteen firemen and women from the Central Bridge, Grand Gorge, Middleburgh, and Schoharie departments deployed at approximately 6:30 a.m. yesterday, where they were immediately sent to the front-lines to patrol the volatile fire line. 

Fire Coordinator Matt Brisley reported that helicopters were hovering throughout the area to drop buckets of water on the flames, while firemen worked on the ground to prevent the blaze from jumping the established perimeter. 

The Associated Press reported that officials suspect the brush fire was caused as a result of a homeowner burning rubbish outdoors in violation of a statewide burn ban. County crews recently faced this same scenario in Huntersland.

Jason Marsh and John Shaw of Middleburgh
take a breather. Photo by Matt Brisley

Letter to the Editor: Landowner Forced into Eminent Domain by Constitution Pipeline

To the Editor

 

I am a landowner in Davenport, NY, who is about to have my property and life ripped apart by the Constitution Pipeline.  I am a typical working class American, who is fortunate to own my land.  I see myself as a steward and believe the care I’ve given to my land has provided environmental benefits for everyone living in what I grew up to believe was a democracy.  Now my land is being taken by eminent domain so the gas can be shipped to a foreign country and sold at a higher price.

 

If the pipeline trench is dug and the land blasted, that democratic ideal would also be ripped away from me by an opaque and devious energy company that has no respect for the basis of American democracy: Private Property.  I find it especially disturbing that my own government, through the federal agency FERC, could take my land just so a corporation could profit from it. Eminent domain used this way is not only undemocratic; it is government-sanctioned corporate theft.

 

Here in Davenport I fear that the peaceful rural environment and the pristine headwaters of the region are about to be permanently industrialized by giant energy corporations, all for the purpose of increasing the wealth of just a handful of people. Those people have been able to wield great power over landowners like me; simply we landowners are of lesser wealth and are poorly represented.

 

Because the UN-Constitution Pipeline Company needs NY DEC permits to construct this pipeline, the only way the project could now be stopped is through the DEC.  I hope the DEC, the Attorney General, and Governor Cuomo do the right thing and refuse to issue these permits. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Lidsky…  a Landowner forced into Eminent Domain by Constitution Pipeline.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (05/05/2015)

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced the following arrests for the week of Monday, April 27th through Sunday, May 3rd:

Friday, May 1, 2015

At 12:56 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jena L. Haynes, 22 of Central Bridge, NY, for Driving While Intoxicated, Operating a Motor Vehicle with .08% or higher, and other vehicle and traffic tickets.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 19th at 5:00 p.m.

At 2.22 a.m. Cobleskill Police issued a summons to Tyler J. Pallokat, 20, of Union Springs, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 19th at 5:00 p.m.

At 10:05 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested  Erick K. James, 20, of Brooklyn, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 19th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

At 11:50 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Desiree E. Quick, 19, of Cobleskill, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd and 3rd.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released after paying $250 bail.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on May 12th at 5:00 p.m. 

Non-Profit Groups Call on DEC to Deny Pipeline Permits

The non-profit Center for Sustainable Rural Communities, in partnership with Otsego 2000, has submitted formal comments to the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NY State Department of Health, and Governor Cuomo highlighting the potential public safety risks created by siting natural gas pipelines in areas subject to severe flooding.

Citing an advisory issued by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in which the agency underscores how flooding, river scour and river channel migration can result in the catastrophic failure of pipelines, the two organizations are urging the DEC to deny water quality and crossing permits for new gas pipelines proposed for areas that have experienced historic flooding events. 

Robert Nied, Acting Director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities called the siting of the proposed Constitution and Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipelines in areas devastated by flooding “irresponsible and shortsighted.” Mr. Nied said that it was incumbent on all agencies involved to “act with due diligence and protect the rural residents of Upstate NY from what could be a double disaster of flooding and pipeline failure.”

If approved, the Constitution Pipeline would cut through hills, valleys, forests, and wetlands, intersecting over 270 waterways along a 124 miles corridor. As proposed, nearly all of those waters would be crossed by burying the pipeline in shallow trenches. “This creates precisely the problem that the federal PHMSA advisory warned of where floodwaters can expose a pipeline or wash away its supporting  soil and cause a rupture” said Nicole Dillingham, President of Otsego 2000. “These are dangers with potentially catastrophic results that DEC must not ignore.”

The joint letter also includes a link to video footage by Dan Brignoli of severe damage caused by torrential flooding where the Constitution Pipeline is now proposed. Brignoli, whose property is in the proposed route, said, "Constitution wants to locate this pipeline in the very same place where roads have been repeatedly washed away. If the DEC approves this project, it will be a disaster."

Audubon Adds Pledge to Shot Eagle Reward Fund

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. (DOAS) has pledged $250 toward the reward fund set up to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for shooting an immature Bald Eagle found in New Lisbon, Otsego Co. on Saturday April 25. The bird is presently at Cornell University recovering from surgery. Part of one wing was amputated. The bird will not be able to be released since it will never fly again.

DOAS director Tom Salo said, “New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation spent millions of dollars bringing this symbol of America back from the brink of extinction. We are pledging this money in the hope of helping find the perpetrator and bringing them to justice.”  Under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, violators can receive a fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense.

The reward fund is organized by wildlife rehabilitator Wes Laraway of NY Wildlife Rescue in Middleburgh, who first treated the shot eagle.  The fund is now in excess of $1000.  Pledges may be made at http://www.redmaplefarm.net. Anyone with information on this crime should call the anonymous DEC Law Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-847-7332.

Editor's Note: Our original article on the New York State Wildlife Rescue Center's reward was liked by over one hundred readers and shared by almost as many. Thank you for spreading the word on this important story - and please continue to do so. - Timothy Knight, Editor.

Schoharie Breaks Ground on Lily Park

Members of Schoharie Promotional were joined by local residents and public officials on Saturday afternoon in breaking ground on the new Lillies of the Schoharie Valley Walking Park and Gardens located on Fort Road in the Village of Schoharie. 

The park's location, once known as Fox's Dorf, is the historic entrance to the Village of Schoharie. It is close to the Fox Creek covered bridge, which presently attracts many passersby for its ideal photo opportunities. 

Planning to create a gravel path that stretches from Fort Road to Route 30, Schoharie Promotional is creating the park in expectation of filling it with lillies. Volunteers began these efforts Saturday by clearing brush and old tress from the area.

Envisioning the lily park as a tourist destination that will bring in needed foot traffic and tourist dollars to the still recovering community that was devastated by Hurricane Irene almost four years ago, Schoharie Promotional is focusing their attention on the park this year. 

The Village of Schoharie has recently received a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant from New York State to look at ways to revitalize the community with connections to the water. It is oriented to recreation and connections between Fox Creek Park and the Old Stone Fort.

Opinion: Cherry Deserves Praise for Jail Decision

Almost four years after the devastation of Hurricane Irene, Schoharie County has finally secured federal approval to rebuild and relocate our Public Safety Facility outside of the flood zone and to put the long-shuttered jail back into operation.

It wasn't easy. 

Fighting county appeals and pleas to relocate the facility to higher ground, the Federal Emergency Management Agency cited regulatory statutes and past decisions in their refusals, while we had a simple, rock-solid truth that could not be disputed: the question isn't if we will face another major flood event, but when? 

And when that major flood event comes rolling down the Schoharie Creek again, do we really want to risk our law enforcement apparatus being knocked out of the game, again? As well as worry about the housing and safety of dozens, if not hundreds of potential prisoners that might be in jail at that time?

Common sense aside, we also had state law on our side: New York State prohibits the expenditure of its funds to the rebuilding of emergency buildings inside of a existing flood zone. Furthermore, when properties within a flood zone are subject to FEMA buyouts, those properties are permanently barred from future construction. 

Why wouldn't the federal emergency agency apply those same standards to the primary hub of law enforcement in an entire county?  

We don't have an answer for that, but we do have a lot of praise to offer for those federal, state, and county officials who fought so hard for us in this lengthy fight. 

Regardless of party or proximity to Schoharie County, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson, New York State Senator Jim Seward, and New York State Assemblyman Pete Lopez pulled their collective political clout together to fight for Schoharie County. 

However, special praise must be given to Schoharie County Flood Recovery Coordinator Bill Cherry, who in addition to his elected role as Treasurer, has spent countless hours fighting for his county's behalf not only in butting heads with FEMA, but with rallying the entire federal and state delegations behind our position. 

Cherry, with the support of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors and consultant Ron Simmons, as Senator Schumer said in a press release issued last week, "have all worked on this tirelessly since the day the building flooded four years ago," and are the reason why we are finally seeing the light at the end of this tunnel.