'Respect for All' Resolution Causes Fracas at Board

Much of the agenda at Friday's Board of Supervisors' meeting was accomplished without major debate. Toward the end of the meeting, a major rift opened over a proposed resolution.

Proposed resolution #106 was offered by Supervisor Chris Tague of Schoharie and seconded by Supervisor Larry Bradt of Carlisle. The resolution was the brainchild of Schoharie resident Glenn Sanders and came after calls of 'build the wall' occurred at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School in November.

The draft reads in part that "the value of promoting a sense of inclusiveness and respect amongst a diverse citizenry is a fundamental and proven part of the political, social, and economic systems of the United States," and that the Board would be resolved to "affirm the importance of speaking out, in clear and firm language, against any and all harassment of County residents based merely and entirely on group membership" as well as a call to "the values of diversity, inclusiveness and respect, and to quickly make i clear" that "hatred, bias, discrimination, and harassment against individuals" is "highly offensive and damaging."

Mr. Sanders read several letters to the board from residents and explained in his role as a social psychologist that "it's very clear to me...that [empowerment] is a two-edged sword," stating that since the presidential election that there have been "hundreds" of cases of intolerance across the country and that ultimately further action could empower others to stand against discrimination.

The board was split on the recommendations. Supervisor Larry Bradt said that the resolution passed the Rules and Legislation Committee saying that it was a "good idea" and to treat people as individuals. He added that there were several occasions of false reports regarding racism, even as close as Albany. Bradt asked if the alleged incidents at Cobleskill have been investigated and proven."

Sanders replied, saying that two of the parties involved have confirmed the situation occurred and that the school was dealing with the situation.

Supervisor Leo McAllister of Cobleskill said that while no one on the Board would disagree with the sentiment, but that he believes that the media has stoked a view that highlighted a false sense of harassment. He said that as a child he was bullied and that today "it's a media thing" and that "it's becoming too political and what's happening is that we are then being forced to not say this or not say that because you're anti-somebody." He said that he may not be able to support the resolution due to this fact.

Supervisor Bill Federice of Conesville said that intimidation and bullying is unacceptable. "I can support that in a heartbeat." He continued that much of the situation is due to young people being unable to "accept results." He said that the media is partially to blame and that he disagreed with one line in the resolution specifically referencing the recent election and believing that it is particularly against the Trump campaign and that he would request it being removed.

Supervisor Phil Skowfoe of Fulton said that the media "intensifies" the national situation. A Democrat, he said that election results should be respected. He said that negativity can be spread but that he supports the resolution.

The Supervisor of Broome David Simkins said that he would vote against any motion that turned against "freedom of speech."

Supervisor Chris Tague of Schoharie said that he supported Donald Trump in the election but that he supports the resolution because he doesn't look at it "as a political thing," but instead, "a thing of respect." He added that calling people "names due to race or due to your gender" is "morally wrong." Tague said "we think of you as human beings first."

County Attorney Mike West, who also serves as C-R's attorney said that the school was doing their "darndest" to handle the situation.

The Board continued to tussle over the resolution and its wording, with many of the Supervisors getting a statement in. It was the consensus of the Board to send the resolution back to committee to fine tune wording before it came back to the whole.

Challenge to NYS Stun Gun Law

A lawsuit filed last week challenges New York's ban on tasers. The state is one of five in the country that ban the personal ownership of the weapon. The suit was filed by Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile (our owner) and the Firearms Policy Foundation.

A similar case was heard in the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year in Caetano v. Massachusetts. In that case, the court decided unanimously to overturn the conviction of a woman charged with using a taser in Massachusetts for self-defense.

The case, Avitabile v. Cuomo is headed for the United States District Court for Northern New York. The suit states, in part, that the state "retains the ability presumptively to
regulate the manner of carrying arms and may prohibit certain arms in narrowly defined sensitive places, prohibit the carrying of arms that are not within the scope of Second Amendment’s protection such as unusually dangerous arms, and disqualify specific, particularly dangerous individuals from carrying arms." It follows that stun guns are allowable under current interpretations of the Second Amendment, including the Heller v. District of Columbia case.

"I don't want to make this a reflection on the paper," said Avitabile, "I want the right to exercise all of my civil rights."

We will cover the case as it unfolds.

Man Arrested for Sexual Misconduct after Inappropriate Contact with Minor

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 19 year old Cobleskill man as a result of a one month investigation. Arrested was an Alonzo O’Dell Jr for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Sexual Misconduct after the investigation showed there was inappropriate contact with an underage girl approximately 2 years ago.

 Mr O’Dell was issued appearance tickets to appear in court at a later date.

Board of Supervisors Hear Creek, Heroin News

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting earlier today to discuss several major issues.

After approval of the minutes, Eileen Fisher took the floor. The County Veteran’s Service Officer presented to the board, announcing that Schoharie will become a Purple Heart County. She read a resolution, “honoring the service and sacrifice” of past and present armed servicemembers. Supervisor Anthony VanGlad of Gilboa motioned that the board adopt the resolution, which was approved unanimously.

Joe Filippone of Catholic Charities presented about the area’s heroin issues. Filippone works alongside the Opioid Task Force, with the Schoharie County Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse as a leader. Filippone discussed Project Safe Point, which aims to dispose of old needles and prevent infectious diseases by distributing new needles. He said that the group’s goal is to help treat individuals using heroin before addiction sets in. “When you’re in that place where you’re injecting drugs, your addiction is pretty deep seated,” He said that an immediate program to exchange needles in Indiana stopped the spread of an HIV epidemic. “They’re going to inject drugs either way,” he said. Filippone added that similar programs across the country did not lead to increases in drug use.

Supervisor McAllister began the Finance Committee report, with a resolution to purchase several items, mostly covered by grant funding. There was a resolution to authorize the County to enter into a PILOT extension with Tennessee Gas Pipeline for another fifteen years.

McAllister also brought up a recommendation for the county EMS services to be able to accept payments from individuals. EMO head Mike Hartzell reported that in some cases people send payments to the County for deductibles that currently are sent back. The Board approved the change unanimously.

Members of the Board discussed a proposal to put in LED lighting to facilities. Similar proposals are in the process in different towns across the county. There was concern about whether or not there would be an up front cost to such a project. Some towns received lights with no up front costs while others have been asked to contribute.

Supervisor Sandra Manko thanked the Planning Department for several actions, including Alicia Terry attending a beer conference. Shane Nickle aided with grant projects. She motioned to set a public hearing January 20th on the draft Schoharie County Agricultural plan. She also motioned to sign a contract with GPI regarding the Schoharie County trail project. Administrator Steve Wilson said that expenses would be covered by grant funding. These were both accepted unanimously.

She also referenced $2.9 million in grants for 11 projects, “This is great news for Schoharie County,” she said. Chair Earl VanWormer said that the County was “gaining” and that he and the County Administrator will be aggressive in seeking more grants, and hopes to double the amount next year. Supervisor Tague thanked Wilson and Nickle. He also said that one of the grants was for the Central Bridge wastewater treatment plant. “We want to make Central Bridge great again,” he said. Bradt brought up that $1 million was for a privately-held hotel in Sharon. “I hope this doesn’t turn into another Maranatha,” he said. Wilson said that the lack of a strategic economic plan is hurting its grant funding chances and that he is working with others to complete one.

The Board will be holding its reorganizational meeting on January 3rd, 2018 at 3pm at the Supervisors’ meeting room.

Debate Opens Over Jail Site, Potential Issues

At the County Board of Supervisors meeting today, Flood Recovery Coordinator Bill Cherry gave his monthly report. He told the board that the County received the Certificate of Completion from the NYS Department of State Codes Division for the floodgate project at the County Building. He thanked several of the key figures in the project.

The Zicha project may become more complicated because both owners of the property had passed away. With the assistance of Sheriff Desmond, Cherry contacted the estate holder in Albany to determne what can happen next. Engineering and environmental tests cannot be done until other factors are settled. “We don’t officially know if it’s for sale,” said Cherry. Supervisor Dave Simkins and Schoharie Supervisor Tague both had questions. Mr. Simkins said that it made no sense to proceed without more information or permission to test.

Mr. Cherry added that, “for now we’re waiting to get more approval.” No testing has started at Zicha Road, and thus no money spent there. There is testing at the Fire Training site and preliminary testing regarding utility corridors heading to the site. Cherry said that the Village of Cobleskill felt left out of the process thus far and he will attend their meeting on Tuesday to discuss. Supervisor Leo McAllister said there were several concerns about water that he believes will be allayed by coming to the next meeting. Similar tests were made regarding the Village of Schoharie system and it would be able to meet demand. Further studies will be done for the Central Bridge water system. The County also set up preliminary arrangements for archeological studies.

Supervisor Pete Coppolo said that he would not support using Schoharie’s water system because it was offline during the flood. He brought up concerns about upgrades needed for the Central Bridge system due to potential issues with funding. “The upgrade is planned. The grant has been accepted,” said Tague.

Supervisor Coppolo asked who would maintain the water lines running to the site. Supervisor Tague interjected, saying that such issues would be up to the individual districts. Coppolo said that the question was intended for Cherry. The Flood Coordinator said that more information was needed, especially about the Central Bridge option.

Cherry also presented about the Public Safety Answering Point, or PSAP. The estimate is that the structure will be completed March 15th with another 30 day window to complete final touches. The 120 foot communications tower will be constructed during this period, including the tower base poured in late December or early January, weather permitting.

A presentation discussed the ongoing creek work. Progress continues on the Platter Kill creek project. Work is expected to be completed for the season in the next couple of weeks. Reimbursements from NRCS and ESD will be coming in. Supervisor Simkins called for expediency, stating that he believes that there is “a possibility that we will lose everything we’ve invested in” if not completed soon enough. Remaining creek work is expected for completion in the summer of 2017.

Board Discusses Sheriff's Personnel and Heroin

At the Board of Supervisors meeting today, Supervisor Richard Lape of Richmondville of the Law Enforcement Committee introduced Sheriff Desmond. The Sheriff spoke regarding backfill hirings. One member of the department is leaving for a higher paying job. There is a training session in January-- the Sheriff asked for permission to replace that position and fit in someone for the upcoming training. All of this would be covered by existing funds in the budget, after being asked about it by Supervisor Bill Federice. The Sheriff said that other employees have left for other jobs recently.

Supervisor Simkins asked if people were leaving and that the Sheriff’s Department was becoming a “training ground” for individuals to leave for better paying jobs. Seward Supervisor and former Sheriff John Bates said that this has been a concern for years. He asked Desmond if there was a lost of indivudals that could be chosen from quickly. Sheriff Desmond said that there will be interviews and other interested individals.

He added that there is a problem hiring part time individuals, including having individuals paying to go through training out of their own pocket. He said that there have been several occassions of qualified individuals being unable to come over due to civil service rules. Supervisor Shawn Smith of Blenheim said that in some cases individuals who have training paid by the County can be asked to repay a portion of the cost if they left soon after being hired. Deputy Zach Reinhart stated that there is a similar provision in the deputies’ contracts, “when we sign up for the job we understand that that’s there,” he said. Reinhart added that the other deputies supported a stronger policy to avoid having others leave for better-paying jobs.

Supervisor Bradt said that the Sheriff’s Department has “plenty of money,” including funding for two new vehicles.

Sheriff Desmond told the board that there was another heroin overdose death yesterday. “I don’t think there’s enough money or that you will give us enough money” to fully combat the crisis. Many new addicts are beginning to snort heroin, he said.

Supervisor Bradt asked about the progress of hiring an undercover officer. Sheriff Desmond said that he hoped to get an officer from another county. He added that he hoped to work with Assemblyman Lopez to create a new task force to share services. “Unfortunately police are attacked very violently several times a week across the country,” he said. Money was only a portion of the issue. Staffing is an important part of the fight against opioids. He described it as a “crisis,” citing six heroin deaths in six months. “We’ve got to do something,” he said.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez will be holding a press conference in Albany regarding the crisis in the near future. Supervisor Tague is assisting in the project. Sheriff Desmond said that there is much more to be done, as well. Tague said that Lopez is hoping to get attention from the Governor’s office for assistance and invited all members of the board to attend the conference and to send a joint letter asking for more help. Sheriff Desmond requested that several deputies come to the event. “It’s tough on everybody,” he said, “it’s tough on law enforcement.”

Christmas Poem: Sincerely, Santa

This poem appeared in our December 16th edition from published poet Frank "Frankie" S. Kovacofsky

Senior Science Day at miSci January 2nd

Senior Science Day
Mon, January 2, 2017, 3pm – 4pm

miSci - Museum of Innovation and Science, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, NY 12308

Today's topic: Live Planetarium Show*

This program will include a short presentation and live planetarium show by planetarium director Megan Norris.

The Dudley Observatory at miSci is committed to lifelong learning and has created programming specifically designed for adults! Come explore the museum on a quiet afternoon, then join the Dudley Observatory for an exciting astronomy lesson presented by our Outreach Astronomer, Dr. Valerie Rapson.

Cost: Senior Admission to miSci ($10.50 adult, $7.50 child age 3-12, $9 senior 65+), Free for miSci members

Come early or stay after the lesson to enjoy the many exhibits miSci has to offer! The museum is open from 9 am – 5 pm. You need not be a senior citizen to attend.

NEAC Names SUNY Cobleskill's Mackenzie Cross Conference's Women's Swimmer of the Week

 The North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) announced today that SUNY Cobleskill senior Mackenzie Cross, Queensbury, N.Y., Queensbury High School, has been named the league’s Women’s Swimmer-of-the-Week for the week ending Sunday December 11th.

Cross helped lead the Fighting Tigers to a 103-87 road victory over the Bard College Raptors on Saturday afternoon in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. as the team improved to 3-5 overall on the season versus head-to-head competition. The Queensbury, N.Y. native individually was a double winner at the meet taking the 50-yard freestyle in a time of 28.15 seconds and the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:23.46. She also swam the anchor leg of Cobleskill’s winning 200-yard freestyle relay which posted a time of 1:54.98.

The Fighting Tigers will return to action on Saturday January 14th when they travel to Cazenovia, N.Y. for a dual meet versus the Wildcats of Cazenovia College beginning at 1:00 p.m.

NEAC Names SUNY Cobleskill's Sam Datri Conference's Men's Swimmer of the Week

 The North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) announced today that SUNY Cobleskill sophomore Sam Datri, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, has been named the league’s Men’s Swimmer-of-the-Week for the week ending Sunday December 11th.  This marks the second time this season and the fifth time in his career that Datri has earned NEAC Swimmer-of-the-Week honors.

The sophomore diver/swimmer won the one-meter diving event on Saturday in the team’s 121-82 road win over Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. with an 11-dive mark of 450.59 points. With his 11-dive performance, Datri broke his own program record of 408.00 points and met both the NCAA Division III Regional Qualifying Standard and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship Qualifying Standard with the mark.

In the pool, the Ravena, N.Y. native also swam the anchor leg of Cobleskill’s victorious 200-yard freestyle relay, (1:39.71), while taking second place individually in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 57.34 seconds as the Fighting Tigers improved to 5-2 overall versus head-to-head competition on the season.

The Fighting Tigers will return to action on Saturday January 14th when they travel to Cazenovia, N.Y. for a dual meet versus the Wildcats of Cazenovia College beginning at 1:00 p.m.

SUNY Cobleskill's Shelby Preston Reaches Women's Basketball Program Milestones

SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team member senior Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, was honored by the Department of Sport & Exercise in a pre-game ceremony prior to the team’s 69-42 win over Southern Vermont College on Sunday December 11th for becoming the first player in since the program moved to the NCAA Division III level of competition, in 2008, to register 1000 career rebounds.

Preston reached the 1000 career rebound mark in the first half of the team’s 64-56 win over Morrisville State College on Wednesday December 7th. When she garnered her 1000th rebound versus the Mustangs, Preston also became the first player in the program’s NCAA Division III era to have at least 1000 career points and 1000 career rebounds; to date scoring 1163 points to go with 1020 rebounds, in 78 career games
.
Led by the Ravena, N.Y. native the Fighting Tiger are currently 6-3 overall including a 2-2 record in North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) play.

Cobleskill will return to action after the holidays when they host Hamilton College on Tuesday January 10th in non-conference action at the Iorio Gymnasium beginning at 7:00 p.m.  

New Stewart's Opens in Middleburgh

There's a new look in town. Stewart's opened its new facility this morning at 4 am. We got the inside scoop from Sheila Donegan, our reporter who visited the store and got a sneak peek before the doors opened for the general public.

Sheila with District Manager Jamie Ward and Paul Hahn

Jefferson Man Arrested for Allegedly Molesting Children through Church

State Police arrested Jonathan M. Luce, 51, from the Town of Jefferson for charges related to the sexual abuse of teenage boys. He was charged with 1 count of Criminal Sex Act 2nd (felony), 1 count of Sexual Misconduct (misdemeanor), 1 count of Sex Abuse 2nd (misdemeanor) and 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (misdemeanor).

Photo credit: NYSP

State Police allege that he engaged in sexual acts with three different teenage boys at his residence over the past five years. State Police allege that Luce had contact with the victims from his participation as a parishioner in a Schoharie County religious organization. Luce would create opportunities to be alone with the victims and then engage them in various sexual activity. The victims ranged in age from 12 to 17 years old.

Luce was charged in the Town of Jefferson and is scheduled to reappear there on January 2, 2017.

Officials ask that anyone who feels they may have information regarding Mr. Luce, additional victims, or who may have been a victim to call State Police at 518-630-1712.

Sharon Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Identity of Dead Girlfriend, Neighbor

On November 23, 2016 troopers arrested Joel M. Tilford, 55, for Identity Theft 2nd degree after a several month long investigation.

The investigation began after Tilford's neighbor passed away and he was found to have sold his neighbor's vehicle for $1,600. Tilford was arrested for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th, a Class E Felony and Falsely Reporting a Stolen Motor Vehicle on January 12, 2016. While executing a search warrant of his residence it was further discovered that he was registering and insuring his deceased girlfriend's vehicle since she had died approximately 2 years earlier. A joint investigation with the Department of Motor Vehicles and Schoharie County Department of Social Services led to Tilford being arrested for Identity Theft 2nd, a Class E Felony. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Sharon Court.

C-R Student Charged after Alleged Threat with Weapon

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Office charged a 15 year old male with Menacing and Criminal Possession of a Weapon following an investigation into an incident that occured on December 8th at the Cobleskill-Richmondville High School in Warnerville.

School officials contacted the Sheriff's Office on the afternoon of the 8th regarding an incident that occurred between two students on school grounds that morning. Sheriff's investigators responded and following an investigation it is alleged that the male made a verbal threat and displayed a sharp instrument in the direction of a female student. The juvenile was ticketed for the alleged offenses and directed to appear at Schoharie County Probation at a later date.

No injuries were reported and the incident appears to be isolated and no threats to other students or staff have been reported.

Fighting Tiger Women's Basketball Announces 2016 Fundraising Raffle Results

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball program released the official results of their recent fundraising raffle today. The prize drawing was held at halftime of the team’s 69-42 win over Southern Vermont College on Sunday December 11th.


The winner of the grand prize of a 32” Vizio LED Television was Kevin Florian of Fort Plain, N.Y. Additionally a second prize of $120 in local gift cards was awarded to Melissa Shelly while a third prize of corporate gift cards was won by Elaine Bortell.

In total, the Fighting Tigers raised over $800 which will be put toward supplementing the program’s operating budget.

Cobleskill will return to action after the holidays when they Hamilton College on Tuesday January 10th in non-conference action at the Iorio Gymnasium beginning at 7:00 p.m.  

Fighting Tiger Men's Indoor Track and Field Closes Semester at Fast Times Before Finals Meet

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s indoor track and field competed against quality competition over the weekend traveling to Lehigh University to compete in the Fast Times Before Finals Invitational hosted by the Mountain Hawks at their Rauch Fieldhouse.

Sophomore Zack Haskin, Warnerville, N.Y., Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, was the team’s top performer at the event placing fourth overall in the heptathlon with a score of 4486 points putting him in position to qualify for the New York State College Track Conference (NYSCTC) Indoor Championships.
The Fighting Tigers also received a provisional NYSCTC qualifying effort in the 35 lbs. weight toss from freshman Thomas Coene, Ontario, N.Y., Thomas Webster High School, who placed ninth overall with a mark of 46’ 6 ¼”.

On the track the team received a ninth place finish in the 1000-meter run from junior Anthony Bouchard, Wantagh, N.Y., Wantagh High School, in a time of 2:40.20

Cobleskill will return to action after the winter break on Saturday January 28th when the team travels to Utica, N.Y. for the Pioneer Invitational #2 hosted by Utica College at the Todd & Jenn Hutton Sports & Recreation Center beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Fighting Tiger Women's Indoor Track and Field Competes at Fast Times Before Finals Meet

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s indoor track and field went up against quality competition over the weekend traveling to Leigh University to compete in the Fast Times Before Finals Invitational hosted by the Mountain Hawks at their Rauch Fieldhouse.

Senior Emily Belewich, Ava, N.Y., Adirondack High School, met the New York State College Track Conference (NYSCTC) provisional qualifying standard in the 60-meter hurdles by finishing tied for 12th in a time of 9.79 seconds while freshman Emma Bayuk, Sandy Hook, Conn., Newtown High School, turned in the team’s top placing taking ninth overall in the 1000-meter run in a time of 3:21.50.

Cobleskill will return to action after the winter break on Saturday January 28th when the team travels to Utica, N.Y. for the Pioneer Invitational #2 hosted by Utica College at the Todd & Jenn Hutton Sports & Recreation Center beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Women's Swimming and Diving: SUNY Cobleskill Women's Swimming Closes Semester with 103-87 Win Over Bard College

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s swimming & diving team closed out the semester in impressive fashion posting a 103-87 road win over the host Raptors of Bard College on Saturday afternoon for their third consecutive victory. With the win the Fighting Tigers improve to 3-5 overall versus head-to-head competition on the season.

Cobleskill posted seven individual event wins to secure the victory led by the triumvirate of: sophomore Emily Sugrue, Long Island City, N.Y., The Renaissance Charter School, who captured the 200-yard freestyle in 2:17.65 and the 100-yard butterfly 1:08.80, senior Mackenzie Cross, Queensbury, N.Y., Queensbury High School, who won the 50-yard freestyle in 28.15 seconds, and the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:23.46 and junior Danielle Hoyt, Wolcott, N.Y., Rose-Wolcott High School, who took the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:32.86 and the 100-yard freestyle in 1:02.50.

The Orange & Black also received a solo win in the 100-yard backstroke from freshman Ashley Maye, Westport, N.Y., Moriah Central High School, in a time of 1:14.77.

The Fighting Tigers will return to action after their winter break on Tuesday January 17th when they welcome the Blazers of Elms College to the Bouck Hall Natatorium for a dual meet beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Schoharie News to Acquire Mountain Eagle

The Schoharie News is proud to announce that we are in the process of acquiring the Mountain Eagle. The pending deal, which would take effect January 13th, will lead to a major expansion of coverage and readership.

The acquisition will allow us to begin printing on a weekly basis starting on that date. It will also enable us to almost double our coverage range and distribution. We will honor all current Mountain Eagle and Schoharie News subscribers.

We will rebrand ourselves as The Mountain Eagle and The Schoharie News. We are going to operate two offices, one in Schoharie and the Eagle's current office in Stamford. If you have any questions please call us at 518-763-6854 or email at theschonews@gmail.com. We look forward to serving the residents of Schoharie and Delaware County!