County Board Renames VanWormer Chair. Reshuffles Committees

VanGlad Appointed Vice Chair

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors held their annual reorganizational meeting on January 5th.

There was a contested vote for Supervisor, with Harold Vroman challenging sitting chair Earl VanWormer. Most of the Supervisors voted for VanWormer, with the exceptions of Harold Vroman of Summit, John Bates of Seward, Pete Coppolo of Middleburgh, and Peggy Hait of Jefferson. The weighted vote was 2217 for VanWormer and 757 for Vroman.

For Vice Chair, John Bates initially abstained, then voted for VanGlad. Supervisors Vroman, Coppolo, Hait, and Vroman each voted for Harold Vroman for Vice Chair. The remainder chose Tony VanGlad of Gilboa. The weighted vote total was 2381 to 593.

Chairman VanWormer thanked the Board for their confidence. He thanked County Attorney Michael West for his service, as well as the Board Clerk Sheryl Largeteau and Deputy Clerks Judi Beeler and Charity Bender. “We have some really talented people in the office," he said.

VanWormer thanked County Administrator Steve Wilson, describing his “learning curve” and his work for the County. The Chair also thanked County Treasurer Bill Cherry for his service, including as flood recovery administrator. “We do have great employees in this county,” he said, adding that they should be thanked for their hard work. “Hear, hear,” responded Supervisor David Simkins of Broome.

“I’m just going to do the best that I can,” VanWormer said.

Chair VanWormer named the committee assignments for the year. Several Supervisors asked for minor changes. Supervisor Skowfoe requested that solid waste responsibility be removed from the Public Health Committee. Supervisor Tague requested that the Extension Agriculture Conservation Committee meet monthly. He said that talking to the Administrator and Planning Department there was much to discuss.

VanWormer said that he is changing the committees to five members each, with most of the Supervisors chairing at least one committee. He said he did this in consultation with the Supervisors and to spread the load. Each Supervisor is on at least four committees, with some on five or six.

Supervisor VanGlad also thanked the Board for its support and said that he would work with the Chair in that endeavor.

The County Board discussed Resolution Number 14 to keep the sales and use taxes steady for for a two year term beginning December 1, 2017. The Board also kept the mortgage tax the same rate.

Supervisor VanGlad asked the County to sign a contract for emergency mold removal from the County Annex. Supervisor Leo McAllister of Cobleskill asked if this would be covered under the 2017 budget. Supervisor VanGlad replied that it would be. The amount for the removal would be $2,500.

Schoharie County Board Makes Key Appointments

The Board made a number of appointments and designations at the reorganizational meeting on January 5th.

The Board reappointed Lewis Wilson, Republican Party County Chair, as one of the two Election Commissioners, alongside Democratic Party County Chair Clifford Hay. The Board named several official depositories, including NBT Bank, Bank of Coxsackie, and JP Morgan. The Mountain Eagle and the Times Journal were named the two official papers of the County.

County Administrator Steve Wilson was reappointed Budget Officer for another year term. In this appointment, the Board was almost unanimous. Supervisor Phil Skowfoe of Fulton was opposed.

Dale Nunamann, Richard Cooper, Scott Johnson, Gregory Baxter, Aaron Cooper, Robert Ziegler, and Floyd Seales were each named Deputy Fire Coordinators. Supervisor Sandra Manko of Sharon and Planning Department employees Shane Nickle and Alicia Terry as representatives to the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board for a two year term.

Ted Shuart was renamed County Historian. Supervisor Earl VanWormer of Esperance was appointed a member of the Schoharie County Community Action Program for a one year term and as a member of the Schoharie County Maple Festival.

The Board also appointed members of the Schoharie County Fire Coordinator Fives Team, Hazardous Materials Team, Search and Rescue Team, Firefighter Assist and Search Team, Fire Advisory Board, and Youth Board.

Ninth Annual Winter Green-Up Grazing Conference January 28th

   The Ninth Annual Winter Green-Up Grazing Conference will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at The Century House in Latham, NY, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
   The Winter Green-Up Grazing Conference is a nationally known event which made its debut in 2009 and has been held annually since. This year’s Winter Green-Up will continue the tradition of well-known national and local speakers who bring a wealth of knowledge in the areas of soils, grazing and sustainable agriculture.
   This year’s impressive lineup of speakers includes Blaine Hitzfield from Seven Sons Farm in Roanoke, Indiana. Blaine will tell the story of how Seven Sons Farm moved from a traditional row crop, livestock confinement operation to their current pasture-based, stacked enterprise model.
   Dr. Rachel Gilker, editor of the electronic newsletter, On Pasture, has a deep passion for sustainable agriculture and grazing. She spent three years doing her doctoral research with Maryland Dairy Farms, using management intensive grazing. Rachel will talk about compaction in your pasture and maximizing your soil’s health.
   Doug Carmichael, from the Michigan State University Lake City Research Station has managed 810 acres of land and 180 beef cows in a grass based livestock finishing program. Doug will discuss how to enhance winter gains to finish grass-fed animals in 18 months.
   Our fourth speaker is someone many of you may know, Phyllis VanAmburgh of Dharma Lea Farm in Sharon Springs, NY. Phyllis and her husband, Paul, own a 100% grass-fed dairy, which was one of the first grass-fed dairy farms in the country. Phyllis is the director and chief educator of the Agrarian Learning Center and The Savory Institute. Phyllis will present information on using holistic resource management in a pasture-based dairy and beef operation.
   To register for Winter Green-Up 2017, contact Tove Ford at (518)765-3518 or register online at https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/WGU2017_201. The cost to attend the Winter Green-Up Conference is a bargain at $75.00.

Cuomo Commutes Sentence of Brinks Robbery Driver

Governor Andrew Cuomo pardoned the driver in one of the most high-profile robberies in recent American history. On December 30th, Cuomo commuted the sentence of Judith Clark, who was the getaway driver in the 1981 Brinks armored car robbery in Rockland County by Weather Underground radicals.

The New York Times reported on the developments. Clark will be eligible for parole in 2017. She was originally sentenced to 75 years for her participation in the crime, which killed two police officers and the Brinks security guard. The judge in the case believed that Clark could not be rehabilitated.

Cuomo said that the former participant made "exceptional strides in self-development." The commutation was opposed by law enforcement organizations.

Clark is now 67. Two of the figures involved in the robbery are still incarcerated while another is a professor at Columbia University after serving a twenty year sentence.

Cuomo met with Clark earlier this year in prison. She has spent almost all of her sentence in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison. She spent two years in solitary confinement.

Before she joined the Weather Underground, which commited a number of terrorist attacks in the 1960s and 1970s, Clark was a member of the May 19th Communist Organization, committed to a race war.

Since imprisonment, Clark earned a bachelor's degree and helped with inmate educational programs.

Lambing and Kidding 101: New Farm Workshops at Heather Ridge Farm

Preston Hollow, NY    If you are new to keeping sheep or goats, come take workshops on a working farm with an experienced farmer on the basics of breeding and birthing. Carol Clement will lead two workshops for beginners on lambing and kidding at Heather Ridge Farm. If you are a new farmer or a wannabe, this is for you. Members of 4-H and FFA are welcome.

   Workshop One, Jan. 21, 11am to 3pm, covers from breeding to gestation, care of the pregnant ewe or doe, nutrition, parasites, and getting your birthing supplies organized. You will see farm’s animal quarters set-up for breeding groups and gestation, and meet the sheep, goats and guard animals. Please reserve by Jan .13.

   Workshop Two, Feb. 4, 11am to 3pm, covers the period just before birth, birthing, troubleshooting labor problems, supplies needed, and newborn care. Workshop participants will be invited back to the farm during the birthing period to see the newborns and their care.

   Each workshop costs $40 adult, $20 for 18 and under, and includes lunch and materials. (An adult & child together can pay a reduced combination rate of $50). Please call Carol at 239-6234 to reserve a spot. Heather Ridge Farm is located at 989 Broome Center Road, Preston Hollow, NY 12469. www.heather-ridge-farm.com

Cobleskill Police Blotter

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

At 5:06 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Brandon S. Roe, 23 of Sprakers, NY, on Arrest Warrants for Attempted Assault 3 rd and Harassment 2 nd . He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return in Cobleskill Town Court on January 3 rd at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 29, 2016 At 11:35 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Brianne J.L. Scott, 25, of Cobleskill, 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 January 19th at 4:00 p.m.

Friday, December 30, 2016 At 6:30 pm, Cobleskill Police arrested Duane E. Condon Jr., w/m, age 30, of Delanson NY for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3 rd . He was issued a traffic ticket to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on January 24 th at 4:00 pm.

 Saturday, December 31, 2016 At 5:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Robert Schmidt, 38, of Oneonta, NY, for Cruelty to Animals. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on January 24 th at 5:00 p.m.

Cuomo Announces Free College Tuition Plan

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a plan to make college free for families making up to $125,000. From an email sent from the Governor:

Over the last six years, my administration has worked tirelessly to ease the burden on middle class families throughout New York.

From cutting property taxes to alleviating student loan debt, we’re continually striving to improve lives and increase economic opportunity for middle class New Yorkers.

This year, we’re taking another big step toward that goal: Today, alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, I unveiled a plan to offer free tuition at SUNY and CUNY two- and four-year colleges.

New York is the State of Opportunity and a college education must be accessible to all, not a luxury that only the wealthy can afford.

Please join me if you believe college should be a right for all middle class New Yorkers.



Under this first-in-the-nation plan, the Excelsior Scholarship, families and individuals making up to $125,000 per year would qualify to attend college tuition-free at any state university or college.

Student loan debt continues to soar nationwide and is the second largest source of consumer debt. In 2015, the average student loan debt in New York was $29,320.

This program will alleviate the crushing burden of student debt and enable thousands of New Yorkers to realize their dream of a college education.

I’m thrilled that this plan will provide more New Yorkers with the education they need to compete and succeed in a global economy, and place more families on a path toward financial security.

Join me in support of this plan if you believe college should be a right, not a luxury.

I hope you are as excited about this program as I am, and will support New York’s efforts to lead the way on college affordability.

Sincerely,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Tractor Trailer Flips Over on I-88

On 1/2/17 at 4:50AM Schoharie County 911 Dispatchers received a report of an east bound tractor trailer tipped over on I-88 east of exit 22 in the Town of Cobleskill. The unit stopped on it's side in the median.

Photos Credit Sheriff's Department

The Cobleskill Fire Department, Cobleskill  Rescue Squad, County Paramedic, a Sheriff's Deputy and State Troopers responded to the scene. Also responding was NYS DOT.

The tractor trailer was hauling meat products and none of the cargo was spilled.

The driver from out of state reported he was not injured but was transported by Cobleskill Rescue to Bassett Hospital of Schoharie County for an evaluation.

The State Police Commercial Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to inspect the vehicles for any violations.

The investigation is continuing.

Seward Sworn in for 16th Term

State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) took the oath of office today for his 16th senate term at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Seward addressed supporters and well-wishers, recounting recent legislative victories, and vowing to continue to tackle the challenges facing the 51st Senate District and New York State:

“New York State has so much going for it and I am reenergized as I begin my 16th term in the state senate.

“This past year featured a number of legislative victories - We have had a number of significant wins over the last few years - lower taxes for our middle class families, record state aid for our schools, support for our upstate roads and bridges, and additional laws to address the crushing heroin and opioid epidemic.

“I have also partnered with local leaders to secure state funding for communities throughout my senate district.  New York is investing here because we have innovative thinkers who are generating impressive ideas and prospects for real growth.”

“Now as we are set to embark on a new legislative session I stand ready to address the many challenges we face.  My priorities will included broad based economic development incentives that will attract new businesses and strengthen those already loyal to New York, school aid to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed, the end to costly mandates and unneeded regulations the stifle local businesses and governments, helping young people and families afford the cost of college, and sustained property tax relief for our homeowners.”  

“As I embark on my 16th term, I know that I do so with strong partnerships in tow - local officials, business owners, community leaders, and residents who I work with daily.  They are the people who I have teamed with to accomplish so much, and who I will continue to partner with to advance new initiatives in 2017 and beyond.”

Senator Seward was first elected to the state senate in 1986; he will be serving his 16th term.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney, Michael Ehline

Michael Ehline is a consumer rights advocate based in Los Angeles, California. As a personal injury attorney, he helps people get paid money when they get hurt by others. If it was negligent, Ehline can help.

He has been interviewed by CNN, Forbes Magazine and various news publications. Ehline speaks regularly on trial practice and procedure throughout the U.S.A. Michael has represented cruise ship rape and spinal cord injury ("SCI") victims in landmark verdicts and settlements. One case includes helping a motorcycle accident victim thrown from his motorbike at high speed.

Ehline was able to help this man recover money for his spinal fusion surgery. The man also recovered money for pain and suffering. These are typical of the landmark results achieved by the partners and attorneys at Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, APLC.

Presently, Michael is an editor for Circle of Legal Trust, Personal Injury Warriors International, and Pundit Press. Michael won the Hollywood Weekly 2016 Attorney of the Year award at Dick Clark Studios. Also, he is an avid Second Amendment rights enthusiast. Michael assists the Heller Foundation and Dick Heller in representing the interests of civil rights victims.

If you would like to book Mr. Ehline for a speaking engagement, or retain him in a personal injury matter, call (213) 596-9642.

Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorney, APLC

633 West 5th Street #2890

Los Angeles, CA

90071

US

michael@ehlinelaw.com

Phone: (213) 596-9642

Maps – Directions

---

Website URL: http://www.ehlinelaw.com

Company Logo: http://losangeles.ehlinelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.png

Facebook Url: Facebook

Twitter Url: Twitter

Instagram Url: Instagram

LinkedIn Url: LinkedIn

Pinterest Url: Pinterest

YouTube Url: YouTube

Google+ Url: Google+

Semi Accident Takes Truck Offroad on I-88

At 10:15AM Friday Schoharie County 911 Dispatchers received a report of a westbound tractor trailer going into the median on Route I-88 approximately 1 mile west of the Schenectady  County Line.

Photos credit Schoharie County Sheriff's Office

The vehicle was empty and the operator was uninjured.

However the fuel tank of the tractor was ripped open. Approximately 10 gallons of diesel fuel leaked on to the ground.

The Central Bridge Fire Department, Scho-Wright Ambulance, a Sheriff's Deputy, a State Trooper
responded to the scene. Due to the fuel leak the Schoharie County Haz-Mat Team and DEC Spill Unit and the County Safety Officer also were dispatched.

The road was not closed due to the accident.

Seward Column: New Laws for 2017

With the start of a new year comes new hope, new ambitions, and yes, new laws.  Measures that will continue to help New Yorkers battling heroin and opioid addiction, assist our veterans and farmers, improve safety on our highways, and expand our organ donation registry are just a few of the changes.

Continuing the Fight to Overcome Heroin and Opioid Addiction: A number of measures took effect earlier this year to address the state’s ongoing heroin and opioid abuse crisis.  However, additional provisions will become effective with health insurance policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered or amended on or after January 1.  These changes will improve access to inpatient treatment services, employ consistent criteria to determine the medical necessity of treatments, expand access to Naloxone and other opioid reversal medications.

Encouraging New Yorkers to Become Organ Donors: Starting January 1, New Yorkers will be offered an additional opportunity to document their decision to enroll as an organ and tissue donor. All applicants for health insurance offered through the state health benefit exchange will be provided space during the application process to register for the Donate Life Registry for organ, eye, and tissue donations.

Hire-A-Vet Tax Credit: The 2016-17 budget extended the hire-a-vet tax credit from January 1, 2017, to January 1, 2019. The period of eligible employment for qualified veterans is also extended from January 1, 2016, to January 1, 2018. The credit is provided to any business that hires a veteran returning home from military service, on a full-time basis for at least one year. The credit is equal to 10 percent of wages paid, with a maximum of $5,000 per veteran - increasing to 15 percent of wages if the veteran is also disabled, with a maximum of $15,000 per disabled veteran.

Ensuring Veterans Receive the Benefits to Which They’re Entitled: Legislation was enacted to require local Social Services districts and not-for-profit agencies that receive state funding to inquire as to whether a person who is applying for social services, or any member of his or her family, has served in the United States Military. If so, they would be provided with contract information for the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs in order to ensure that the individual is receiving all of the benefits to which he or she is entitled.

Farm Workforce Retention Tax Credit: The 2016-17 budget included provisions to allow eligible farm employers to claim a refundable tax credit for each farm employee that is employed for 500 or more hours each year for tax years beginning on January 1, 2017. The credit is equal to $250 per employee in 2017.

New Insurance Rate Reductions for Homeowners: A new law enacted as part of the 2016-17 budget allows homeowners to receive a rate reduction for fire insurance, homeowners’ insurance, or property/casual premiums for residential property if they complete a homeowner course in natural disaster preparedness, home safety, and loss prevention.

Consumer Notification About Auto Repairs Paid by Insurance Companies: A new law that takes effect January 17, 2017, requires insurance companies to include a disclosure in repair estimates that informs insured motorists of the right to have their vehicle repaired in a shop of their choice.

 “Move-Over Law” Expansion: Starting January 17, 2017, the “Move-Over Law” - which requires motorists to slow down and move over when passing authorized emergency vehicles pulled over on the side of the road -  will also include any vehicle displaying a blue or green light, such as volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers involved in roadside emergency operations.

Window Tint Compliance: Starting January 1, the state will require vehicles’ window tint to be examined during a yearly New York State safety inspection. If the glass on a vehicle is tinted beyond 30 percent of light transmittance, then that vehicle would not pass the inspection.  The new law is a more proactive approach intended to protect law enforcement and other drivers, as darkly tinted windows hinder their ability to see inside the vehicle.

Senator Seward Inauguration January 1st

State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) will be in Otsego County, Sunday, January 1st, at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta.

Senator Seward will be sworn into office for his 16th senate term.  The event is a New Year’s Day tradition for Senator Seward following an election year and is open to the public.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig will serve as master of ceremonies.  Supreme Court Justice Michael Coccoma will administer the oath of office.

EVENT – SUNDAY, JANUARY 1st:
*Swearing-in Ceremony;
*2:00 p.m.;
*Foothills Performing Arts Center;
*24 Market Street;
*Oneonta.

Second Sunday Sessions: Live Music at Heather Ridge Farm

Preston Hollow, NY: Starting January 8, the Second Sunday Session will be held on the second Sunday of each month from 12noon-2pm. Hosted by fiddlers Hilary Schrauf and Bernie Neumann, the Second Sunday Session is an opportunity for traditional Irish, Old Time, Cape Breton, and Scottish musicians to get together and share a few tunes in a cozy atmosphere.

The 1820s farmhouse is home of the Bees Knees Café at Heather Ridge Farm, where guests can enjoy of freshly roasted cup of organic coffee and a pastry, or order from a full brunch menu. A specialty menu item of the Bees Knees Café is a traditional Irish breakfast, made with meats and eggs from the farm, which will be offered at each Second Sunday Session. Come out and join in a few tunes, or sit back and enjoy the music and good food! Reservations recommended.

The Bees Knees Café at Heather Ridge Farm is located at 989 Broome Center Road, Preston Hollow, NY.  518-239-6234. The café and farm store are open every Saturday and Sunday year-round, 11am-3pm. Menus and a calendar of events are updated weekly on its website at www.heather-ridge-farm.com

What to Expect from the New Mountain Eagle

The Schoharie News is excited to announce its acquisition of the Mountain Eagle in Stamford. We decided that we will keep both of the current offices in Stamford and Schoharie. We want to expand our coverage in both Schoharie and Delaware Counties to offer our readers the best possible experience. As our business model creates a base, we plan to expand our investigatory journalism.

We're excited to see our business model double in one fell swoop. The Mountain Eagle-Schoharie News combination will shine a spotlight on local business and culture to foster their expansion. We will continue our quarterly special insert, Schoharie County Life (although the name will likely change slightly) to show regional, seasonal, and event-based views of the Catskills. Our paper will expand our circulation and offer a chance for businesses to get their message out at a competitive cost.

We'll be expanding our means to contact us, including a phone at the Stamford office. We'll also keep our email address theschonews@gmail.com and phone line of 518-764-6854 open. If you subscribe now, we'll make sure to get the January 13th edition of the Mountain Eagle and Schoharie News to you.

The Schoharie News is excited to take this journey with the people of Schoharie and Delaware Counties! We know that this will be a worthwhile venture to make our area a better place.

Sharon Woman Arrested after Warrant

Sheriff's Deputies arrested Nicole Kruger, 23, of Sharon Springs on an arrest warrant issued out of the City of Albany for Petit Larceny on December 21st. Deputies were investigating a separate complaint when it was learned Ms. Kruger had an active warrant. Ms. Kruger was taken into custody on the arrest warrant and turned over to the Albany Police Department.

Bomb Threat Update from the Sheriff's Dept

At 11:00AM today (Monday) a written correspondence was received at the Schoharie County Office Building reporting a threat.

Employees were evacuated. Emergency officials responded to the building. Explosive sniffing dogs were brought in  and the entire building was checked with nothing dangerous found.

More information will be released tomorrow by Earl VanWormer, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors.

Cobleskill Police Blotter

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

At 2:57 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Janet Hartt, 63, of Worcester, NY, on a Bench Warrant for failing to appear for a court appearance.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released after paying a $50 fine.

At 6:50 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Thomas Sieger, 46, of Oneonta, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Conspiracy 5th and Grand Larceny 4th.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on No Bail.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 28th at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

At 6:06 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Giuseppe Mastandrea, 18, of Thornwood, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Petit Larceny.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.   He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on February 7th at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, December 16, 2016

At 8:14 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Adam Benjamin, 24, of Cobleskill, NY,  for Attempted Assault 3rd.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on January 10th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

At 2:12 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Joseph C. Zuppelli, 21, of Lancaster, NY, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, Driving While Ability Impaired, and other vehicle and traffic tickets.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on January 17th at 5:00 p.m.

At 9:15 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Brett E. Oteri, 25, of Cobleskill, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and  released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on January 10th at 5:00 p.m.

At 9:45 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Ralar L. White, 22, of Richmondville, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on January 10th at 5:00 p.m.

Tugboat Sinks in Gilboa Reservoir

Over the weekend a tugboat turned over at the Schoharie Reservoir in Gilboa. According to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, it was tethered to a barge. Around 8:30 this morning it was taking on water and sunk. A small amount of diesel fuel spilled into the water but none got into the general waterway as it was stopped by local booms.

The ship will be lifted to the surface via a dive team with industrial-size inflators. These will fill and bring the vessel to the surface. A crane will then be used to bring it to the shore. This method was used successfully for similar surfacings after Hurricane Irene in 2011.

No one was on the vessel and no one was injured. The surfacing should be completed Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bomb Threat Closes County Building

Startling news out of the Schoharie County building today. A reported bomb threat caused an evacuation of most of the workers a little after noon. One official stated that the threat was mailed and that law enforcement is on the scene.

Sheriff Anthony Desmond said that the building is being scoured with dogs. No one is injured. He confirmed that the threat was mailed in.

As of 1:30 today it appears that the dogs are leaving the building.

We are awaiting more information. The building is currently closed.

____

A reminder that if you haven't picked up your subscription, it's still available right here.