Esperance Plans to Unplug Drainage

By Venus Louise

On April 8, 2024, the Village of Esperance met for its monthly meeting with Mayor Royce Gage and Board of Trustees, in which they:

• Heard that the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) had to reschedule its last Friday Fish Fry to April 12, 2024 at 5 pm.

• Heard that the Easter Egg Hunt at the Village Park and Commons on March 30, 2024 was a great success with 25 children participating.

• Continue to seek volunteers for its Beautification, Planning and Zoning Boards.

• Appointed Kyle Smart and Matt Deffer as certified fire extinguisher inspectors as of April 8, 2024.

• Heard the consolidated local street and highway improvement program (CHIPS) monies will be used to unplug the drainage system on Church Street, in front of the Village office up to the Presbyterian Church. Project to begin next month. 

• Unanimously approved and adopted its 2024-2025 Budget, in which there will be no increase in the tax levy. This Board conservatively anticipates an increase in sales tax revenues of $2,300 and project an increase in mortgage tax rate revenue (set by the financial institutions) of $700 to offset a decrease in property expenses by $3,000.

• Announced the annual George Landis Arboretum Plant Sale and Village-wide Garage Sales will be on Saturday, May 18, 2024.  

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PALATINES, WEISER, AND THEIR MOHAWK NEIGHBORS FREE WALKABOUT

Historian and author Jeff O’Connor of Turning Point 1777 will lead a walkabout in the Village of Middleburgh on Saturday, April 20.  The unique relationship between the Palatines and Mohawk people will be explored on the roughly 1.5-mile loop, which will take approximately 2 hrs to complete. The walkabout begins in front of the Middleburgh High School at 10:00am. Free of charge and no reservations are needed.  Rain or shine.  Dress for the weather. Inquiries can be made by emailing colonialny@turningpoint1777.com or through Facebook.com/turningpoint1777 

The walkabout narrative will explore the experiences of the Palatines in the Schoharie Valley and their relationship with the Mohawk people who lived nearby.  O’Connor states, “connecting these neighbors was young Conrad Weiser, Jr. who learned the Mohawk language and culture that became the foundation of a lifelong career as a prominent interpreter.”  Weiser’s father, Johan Conrad Weiser, led about 150 families to the Schoharie Valley beginning in late 1712.  The circumstances behind their arrival, and the events that led to many leaving the valley, will be featured.  

The Palatine story is a Mohawk one as well.  The historian points out, “Mohawks provided these desperate families land, food, and support that meant the difference between life and death.”  

The Palatines were the first large European group to live among the Haudenosaunee, or Five Nations.  The circumstances behind Mohawks returning to the Schoharie Valley after a period of vacancy, and why land was set aside for the Palatines not long after, will also be featured.  The course of the walkabout will highlight places and natural landscapes that were familiar to both the Palatines and Mohawk people.  

The walkabout pulls from Jeff O’Connor’s “Skohere and the Birth of New York’s Western Frontier 1609-1731” trilogy book series, especially the upcoming third final volume of the series.  As he says, “The series has been leading up to this unique Palatine and Mohawk shared experience, merging so many compelling stories into one great one.”  O’Connor adds that the walkabout narrative, like the books, “will challenge accepted history.”

Jeff O’Connor is an accomplished historian who has a deep connection to the Schoharie County historical community.  He and his wife Pam team up as Turning Point 1777 to provide guided walking and driving tours in Schoharie County, authentic historic flag reproductions, and publications.  For more information, please visit www.turningpoint1777.com or Facebook.com/turningpoint1777

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‘REVOLUTIONARY SCHOHARY’ 250TH COMMITTEE ADVANCES

The grass-roots committee formed to help facilitate 250th American Revolution commemorative activities in Schoharie County is pleased to announce organizational steps taken as its most recent meeting.  These include adopting a formal committee name and mission statement, as well as forming a steering subcommittee.  The committee met on April 11, with historians and organizations representing nine of the sixteen towns in Schoharie County.  The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 at Lasell Hall in Schoharie and is open to interested groups and the public.

The committee adopted for its formal name “Revolutionary Schohary 250th Committee.”  Also adopted was the following mission statement.

We are a grass-roots organization dedicated to raising awareness and building excitement for

commemorating the events, people, and politics of the Revolutionary War period of Schoharie

County through:

Publicizing events related to interpreting or highlighting what occurred during the

Revolutionary period of 1774-1783 within today’s Schoharie County, as well as connected events outside it.

Partnering with local, regional, and state groups - including historical and cultural, businesses, educational, libraries, municipalities, veterans, schools, and others - to help plan and coordinate

events.

Promoting heritage tourism by connecting the public with 250th events through various online platforms, printed materials, and other media.

Presenting an understanding of the American Revolution, as it happened in Schoharie County and

elsewhere, through an inclusive approach that respects differing viewpoints, gives voice to those lacking representation in local history, and honors the impact the war had on all participants.

Spokesperson Jeff O’Connor reports that “We are off to a good start, realizing that we have an opportunity to help elevate Schoharie County’s true role in the American Revolution so its historical legacy endures for generations to come.  We hope to present our vision to the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors at its Friday, April 19 meeting.”

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HANCOCK DRUG POSSESSION CASE

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Jennifer L. Williams, 44 of Port Crane, New York, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision by the Honorable John L. Hubbard. 

On February 21, 2023, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy Lucas Elmore conducted a welfare check of a vehicle which appeared to have broken down on State Highway 17 in Hancock. Deputy Elmore discovered that the operator of the vehicle had a suspended license, and he began to make an arrest for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle in the Third Degree. After further investigation, Deputy Elmore discovered that Jennifer Williams, a passenger in the vehicle, was in possession of approximately 1.5 grams of methamphetamine. The driver of the vehicle, Eva Witteman, was recently sentenced to 1.5 years in state prison on similar charges. 

Williams appeared in Delaware County Court on April 15, 2024, and pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree- possession with intent to sell, a Class D Felony.  Due to the defendant’s lack of a criminal history, Delaware County Court Judge Hubbard sentenced the defendant to 5 years of felony probation supervision.  If the defendant fails to comply with the terms of her probation supervision, she could be re-sentenced to 2.5 years in state prison.  

First Assistant District Attorney Schuyler Konior Kinneman prosecuted the case.   

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy Lucas Elmore for his thorough investigation in this case and stated, “This defendant was given the chance to avoid incarceration, and I hope that she uses that opportunity to rehabilitate herself.” 

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

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HANCOCK DRUG POSSESSION CASE

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Jennifer L. Williams, 44 of Port Crane, New York, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and was sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision by the Honorable John L. Hubbard. 

On February 21, 2023, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy Lucas Elmore conducted a welfare check of a vehicle which appeared to have broken down on State Highway 17 in Hancock. Deputy Elmore discovered that the operator of the vehicle had a suspended license, and he began to make an arrest for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle in the Third Degree. After further investigation, Deputy Elmore discovered that Jennifer Williams, a passenger in the vehicle, was in possession of approximately 1.5 grams of methamphetamine. The driver of the vehicle, Eva Witteman, was recently sentenced to 1.5 years in state prison on similar charges. 

Williams appeared in Delaware County Court on April 15, 2024, and pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree- possession with intent to sell, a Class D Felony.  Due to the defendant’s lack of a criminal history, Delaware County Court Judge Hubbard sentenced the defendant to 5 years of felony probation supervision.  If the defendant fails to comply with the terms of her probation supervision, she could be re-sentenced to 2.5 years in state prison.  

First Assistant District Attorney Schuyler Konior Kinneman prosecuted the case.   

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy Lucas Elmore for his thorough investigation in this case and stated, “This defendant was given the chance to avoid incarceration, and I hope that she uses that opportunity to rehabilitate herself.” 

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

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DRUNK DRIVING CONVICTION IN TOWN OF DAVENPORT COURT

DAVENPORT - District Attorney Shawn J. Smith, announced today that Timothy Jarczynski, 39, of Maryland, New York, pleaded guilty to Driving While Intoxicated in the Davenport Town Court on April 9, 2024, and was sentenced to a 1-year conditional discharge. 

On September 28, 2022, a concerned citizen called 911 to report an erratic driver on State Route 23, after following Jarczynski for approximately 10 minutes and observing him crossing both the yellow and white lines. The defendant eventually crashed into a ditch where New York State Trooper Mark Head made contact with him. Trooper Head investigated the scene and determined that Jarczynski was impaired at the time of the accident.

On April 9, 2024, the defendant pleaded guilty to Driving While Intoxicated, a Class A Misdemeanor. The Honorable Eric Lutz, Judge for the Town of Davenport, sentenced the defendant to a 1-year conditional discharge and revoked the defendant’s driver’s license. The Judge also ordered that the defendant must attend a victim impact panel and successfully complete the impaired driver’s program. If the defendant obtains a driver’s license, he will be required to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle he owns or operates. The defendant is subject to being resentenced to 1 year in jail if he violates any of these conditions.

District Attorney Shawn Smith thanks the concerned citizen for reporting the erratic driving behavior to law enforcement. “If you see something, say something. You could save the lives of those around you.” Smith stated further, “I commend Trooper Mark Head for his thorough investigation of this case.”

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

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SUNY Delhi HVAC Program Partners with MRCOOL for Equipment, Training

DELHI — Students in SUNY Delhi's Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program now have access to $18,000 worth of brand new equipment and exclusive training, thanks to the College's newly formed educational partnership with MRCOOL, a leading air conditioning and heating systems manufacturer. MRCOOL recently donated a range of ductless mini-split heat pumps and various accessories to be utilized by students in Delhi's HVAC learning labs, along with special training courses normally only available to MRCOOL employees, dealers, and contractors.

As more consumers and businesses invest in smarter and greener heating and cooling solutions such as MRCOOL's innovative line of DIY products, there is a growing need for certified technicians to service them.

"Partnering with a forefront manufacturer like MRCOOL allows SUNY Delhi to expand the professional and technical training opportunities we offer our students, setting them up for success in the evolving HVAC industry," said Dan Davis, dean of the School of Applied Technologies and Architecture at SUNY Delhi. "With equipment-specific training, our students are able to become certified MRCOOL service technicians trained to install, maintain, and repair their line of residential and commercial HVAC products."

"SUNY Delhi is the first college that MRCOOL has chosen to partner with a program of this kind," remarked Dr. Mary Bonderoff, acting president at SUNY Delhi. "This speaks to the strength of our academic program and commitment to making sure the education our students receive reflects the latest developments in the industry."

"It was a delight to engage with SUNY Delhi's students, faculty, and leadership to discuss how our program can make a difference," said Bonnie Cymer, director of Marketing & Product Development at MRCOOL. "Given the Inflation Reduction Act, we foresee a significant increase in the need for energy-efficient HVAC systems and the skilled technicians required for their installation. We're excited to assist students with training that complements their ongoing education, preparing a new wave of technicians for the industry. We're optimistic about the growth of this partnership and are committed to supplying high-quality, affordable solutions to both the students and their future clients."

SUNY Delhi's popular HVAC associate degree program prepares students for in-demand, hands-on careers in the diverse field of heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, and plumbing in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Delhi's graduates have 100% job placement in the industry.

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South Kortright Trap Shooting Scores

Zackary Anderson- 15,17 

Charleigh Brown- 9,9

Alex Ellis- 14,15

Annlyse Haynes- 4,2

Daniel McClure- 22,20

Laney Mondore- 0,3

Jeff Palmatier- 18,16

Damon Pietrantoni- 5,15

Andrew Sander- 17,12

Evan Smith- 5, 6

Jacob Staroba- 21,24

Brian Warner- 10,17

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Indictment Unsealed in Child Sexual Abuse Case

DELHI – District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today that Richard J. Hayes, 36, of Oneonta, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on April 11, 2024, and was arraigned on a sealed indictment.    

Hayes appeared before the Honorable John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, and a Two Count Indictment was unsealed.  Count One of the indictment charged the defendant with Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony.  The indictment alleges that on or about August 2, 2023, the defendant inserted his finger in the vagina of a child less than 11 years old.  The indictment further alleges that the defendant caused physical injury to the child. 

Count Two of the indictment charged the defendant with Failure to Register or Verify as a Sex Offender, a Class E Felony. The indictment alleges that on July 2, 2023, the defendant was required to register as a sex offender, but failed to register with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office as he was required by law.  

After being arraigned, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the indictment.  Judge Hubbard remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000.00 cash bail.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Richard D. Northrup, Jr. presented the case to the Grand Jury. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended New York State Police Investigators Michael Little, Mark Head, and Adam Cernauskas for their investigation of this case.  

As are all persons accused of a crime, this defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

 

Shawn J. Smith 

District Attorney 

Delaware County

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SAFETY EFFORTS EARN Stamford Central School District UTICA NATIONAL'S SCHOOL SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD

Stamford Central School District is one of at least 160 school districts and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group's "School Safety Excellence Award" for 2024 at the Titanium level.

The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts' safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. Stamford Central School District received its award at Utica National's 42nd school safety seminar, one of seven such seminars the company hosts in the state. For 50 years Utica National has kept kids and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone.

Stamford Central School District officials accepted a certificate to commemorate the district's safety effo1is from Utica National representatives.

Utica National's School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels - titanium, platinum, and gold - in which schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. Through the program, schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transpo1iation, and BOCES are evaluated. Categories covered include bullying prevention programs, playground safety and other areas, and are measured using specific, quantifiable surveys.

"Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts," explained Brian Saville, Senior Vice President in Utica National's Educational Institutions Unit. "Districts that go 'above and beyond' to provide a safe, healthy and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we're pleased to count Stamford Central School District among them."

Mr. Saville noted that, beyond the recognition itself, an added benefit of following the safety program is the chance to pinpoint specific threats to safety. "The time to address those threats is before a loss happens, which really helps contribute to the safety culture that districts are working toward."

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Delhi Man Facing Harassment Charge

Delhi – Today, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced that a Delhi man is facing a charge of Harassment 1st degree.

On Friday April 12th, 2024, members of the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division responded to a report of a domestic dispute in progress. Investigators say that the reporting party called 911 to report that 61 year-old Michael R. Kirby, of Delhi New York struck the caller inside their residence.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Kirby intentionally engaged in a course of conduct that placed another person in reasonable fear of physical injury. Investigators say that Kirby made a number of threats to burn the caller alive in their residence.

At the conclusion of their Investigation, Investigators arrested Kirby on one count of Harassment 1st degree, a class B misdemeanor. Kirby was later arraigned at the Delaware County Central Arraignment Part (CAP) where an order of protection was issued protecting the victim from criminal conduct by Kirby. Kirby was later released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear at Delhi Town Court at a later date to answer the charge.

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PRISONER INDICTED ON ASSAULT CHARGE WHILE IN Delaware County Jail

DELHI – District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced today that Tristan Skeete, 38, of Brooklyn, New York, was indicted by the Delaware County Grand Jury, on one count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony in violation of Section 120.05 (7) of the Penal Law of the State of New York.

On February 20, 2024, Skeete allegedly caused physical injury to another inmate at the Delaware County Correctional Facility, where he was being held as a federal inmate for violating the terms of his post-release supervision.  The altercation was alleged to be over the use of a tablet. If Skeete is found guilty on this charge, he can face up to 7 years in state prison.

District Attorney Smith commends the quick and professional response of the correctional officers at the facility to de-escalate the situation.  He also thanked Delaware County Sheriff Investigator Cody Tromblee and First Sergeant Ivan Brkaric for their work on this case.

As are all persons accused of a crime, this defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

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Walton Resident Arrested on Warrant

Walton – Today, Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of a Walton NY, man on an arrest warrant issued out of the Town of Tompkins Court.  

On Thursday afternoon, April 4th, 2024, Sheriff’s Deputies located 23-year-old Jarett L. Griffin and arrested him in regards to the warrant. 

The investigation stemmed from threats that Griffin had communicated with 3 separate individuals making verbal threats of harm over text message and Facebook.  The warrant was issued for 3 charges of Aggravated Harassment in the 2nd degree- communicate threats by means of telephone.  

Griffin was formally charged, processed, and turned over to the custody of the Delaware County Jail to await central arraignment processing.  

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Stamford Library Writers Group Members to Take Part in Fenimore Art Museum’s Write Out Loud

STAMFORD - Stamford Library is proud to announce several members of the Stamford Library Writers Circle have been selected to participate in the Glimmer Globe Theater’s 2024 performance of Write Out Loud on Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m.

Writers Circle Members T.M. Bradshaw, Christine Hauser, and Rick van Valkenburg will join a roster of 22 regional authors who will share their writing at this special event. 

Write Out Loud will take place at the Fenimore Art Museum, located at 5798 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

On Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. all members of the Stamford Library Writers Circle will share their work during a public reading at the Liberty Rock Book Store located at 678 East Main Street, in Hobart. 

The Stamford Library Writers Circle meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month to share and discuss their works in progress. New members are always welcome and encouraged to join!

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New Berlin Resident Arrested

WALTON — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a New Berlin resident for driving with a suspended New York State Driver’s License.

On Monday April 8th, 2024, Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle in the Town of Walton.

Deputies identified the male subject as 21-year-old, Tristen Beadle, of New Berlin, NY. A check of Beadle’s New York State driver’s license revealed that his driving privileges in New York State had been revoked for operating without insurance. 

Deputies subsequently arrested and charged Beadle with one count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operator in the Third Degree, an Unclassified Misdemeanor of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Beadle was additionally issued traffic tickets for speed in zone and driver’s view obstructed.           

Beadle was released on the traffic tickets and is directed to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date to answer the said charges.

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Maryland Resident Arrested

Davenport – Today, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Severn, MD resident for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration.

On Saturday April 6th, 2024, while patrolling in the Town of Davenport, Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle speeding in a 40-mph zone. Upon conducting a traffic stop, Deputies identified the driver as 38-year-old, Carlos Hernandez, of Severn, Maryland. A check of the vehicle determined that the vehicle’s registration was suspended.

Deputies subsequently arrested and charged Hernandez with one count of Operating a Motor Vehicle while Registration is Suspended an Unclassified Misdemeanor of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Hernandez was additionally issued a traffic summons for Speed in Zone.           

Hernandez was released on the traffic summons and is to appear in the Town Davenport Court at a later date to answer the said charges.

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