Woman Arrested on DWI

Delhi – Today, Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of a Davenport woman for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, following an investigation into a Motor vehicle accident. 

On May 14, 2024, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one car Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accident on State Highway 28 Town of Delhi. Upon arrival to the scene, Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 32-year-old, Cody Pope of Davenport NY. Durning the course of the investigation, Pope displayed indicators of her being impaired and Deputies located multiple bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages within the vehicle. 

Upon completion of the investigation Deputies arrested Pope and charged her with one count of Aggravated Driving while intoxicated, an unclassified Misdemeanor of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic. Pope was issued Traffic Summonses for Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor, Speed not reasonable and Prudent, Move from lane unsafely and unsafe tires, all violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. 

Pope was subsequently released on appearance tickets and directed to appear at the Town of Delhi court at a later date to answer for the charges.

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Two Students Chosen to Participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

FRANKLIN – The Rotary Club of Franklin announces the selection of two students as participants in the Rotary  District 7170’s 41st Annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference held at SUNY Oneonta from June  30th to July 3rd, 2024. Franklin Central School juniors Abigail Gregory and Krista Pantale will join 85  students from across south-central New York State who will live, work, and study together at the RYLA  Conference. 

Aimed at developing leadership potential in young people, the conference will feature speakers,  programs, and workshops focused on decision-making, critical thinking, effective communication, time  management, ethics, career development, public service, contemporary problems, and other challenging issues.  

Franklin Rotary supports youth through several initiatives, including RYLA and our Rotary Youth Exchange program. As a volunteer organization, Franklin Rotary relies on donations to provide youth with life-changing experiences as they become tomorrow’s leaders. If you can, please support our efforts with a donation sent to Franklin Rotary Club, PO Box 178, Franklin, NY 13775.  

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Sheriff DuMond Attends NYS Police Graduation & Memorial Day Services

Sheriff Craig DuMond and Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.

ALBANY – Sheriff Craig S. DuMond as President of the New York State Sheriff’s Association, recently traveled to Albany to attend the most recent graduation of 228 New York State Troopers as well as the annual Memorial Day observance ceremony for fallen State Police members for 2023.  

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Sheriff DuMond had the opportunity to attend and observe the 214th Session of the New York State Police Academy graduation 228 new State Troopers.  The new Troopers will report to their respective Troops beginning May 17 for 10 weeks of field training.  While at the graduation, Sheriff DuMond had the opportunity to speak with NYS Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, share praise for the new Troopers and discuss current law enforcement issues across New York State.

On Thursday, May 16th, 2024, Sheriff DuMond attended the NYS Police annual Memorial Day service at the NYS Police Academy, paying respect and honor to the fallen Troopers lost during 2023.  While at the ceremony, Sheriff DuMond met with the new State Police Superintendent, Steven James, and pledged continued support, cooperation, and partnership in keeping New Yorkers safe through New York State.

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Fatal Accident in Stamford

STAMFORD — On May 14 at approximately 11:31 PM, Delaware County 911 received a report of a one car motor vehicle accident on State Hwy 23 in the Town of Stamford. 

Upon arrival at the scene, Deputies confirmed that 4 occupants were in the motor vehicle at the time of the accident and that one of the occupants was deceased.  The Delaware County Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Team was notified, and an Investigator responded to the scene.    

Occupants in the vehicle were identified as Kayla Gonsalves, age 17, of Delhi, NY, Alexis Lotterman, age 2,0 of Walton, NY, Isaiha Caballero, age 25, of New York City and Nyheim Golden-Williams, age 25, of Binghamton, NY. 

Gonsalves and Lotterman were transported to Cooperstown Hospital for minor injuries and Caballero was transported to Fox Hospital for a possible neck injury. Nyheim Golden-Williams was pronounced deceased at the accident scene by a Delaware County Medical Examiner. 

Sheriff DuMond would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance at the scene:  Headwaters EMS, Stamford Fire and EMS, Delaware County Ambulance, AMR, NYS DOT, and members of the New York State Police.  

This investigation is still ongoing, and further charges may be pending.  Sheriff DuMond encourages anyone with additional information to please contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 607-832-5629.

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Walton Woman Arrested

WALTON — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of 44-year-old Melinda Woolsey of Walton.

On May 13th, 2024, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a trespass no longer in progress in the Town of Walton.

Deputies arrived at the victims residence and were advised that Melinda Woolsey had entered their residence without permission after being warned not to come on their property during a previous incident.

Deputies subsequently arrested 44-year-old Melinda Woolsey for one count of Criminal Trespass in the Third degree, a Class B Misdemeanor. Woolsey was processed and then turned over to CAP court pending arraignment. 

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Delaware County Public Health Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic

For dogs, cats, and ferrets on: 

Monday June 10, 2024, from 5:30PM-7:30PM, at Franklin Fire Hall,  351 Main Street, Franklin, NY 13775 

♦ Pre-registration suggested. See link and QR Code below.  ♦ It’s the law! Every dog and cat must be vaccinated against rabies. ♦ Cats and Dogs can get their first rabies vaccine at 3 months of age. ♦ Please bring the previous vaccination record to verify if your pet is  eligible for 3 year coverage. 

♦ Dogs must be on a leash & under proper control. Cats and Ferrets  should be in a carrying case. 

♦ Local organizations have volunteered their facilities for your  convenience. It is your responsibility to clean up after your pet. It’s  the law, you can be fined. 

♦ Vet only available at the advertised clinic time-no earlier! 

If you need assistance pre-registering or have questions about the clinic, please call Delaware County Public Health at (607) 832-5200. 

http://health.ny.gov/go2clinic

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NINE-COUNT INDICTMENT IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced the indictment of Duane L. Gardepe, 61, of Masonville, New York. The Delaware County Grand Jury indicted Mr. Gardepe on May 16, 2024, and charged him with six felonies and three misdemeanors arising from an alleged sexual assault on May 9, 2024. 

Mr. Gardepe is accused of committing Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a Class C Felony, Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class B Felony, a Criminal Sexual Act in the 1st Degree, a Class B Felony, Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Felony, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree, a Class E Felony, Menacing in Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and two counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, both Class A Misdemeanors. 

The defendant is alleged to have sexually assaulted the victim in this case at gunpoint while refusing to allow her to leave his residence.  If convicted, he faces up to twenty-five years in state prison on each of the Class B felonies and a mandatory post-release supervision period of up to twenty years. The victim, pursuant to office policy, is not being named.

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Troopers Hoskins and Wright along with State Police Investigators Michelle Marshall and Ben Andrews for their quick response and action in this case.

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

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

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Delhi Man Arrested on Bench Warrant

Delhi – Today, Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of a Delhi NY, man for a bench warrant issued out of the Town of Delhi. 

On Thursday evening, May 9th, 2024, Sheriff’s Deputies were contacted by the City Oneonta Police Department, who advised that they who had taken 25 year of Sean R. Gillespie into custody on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Town of Delhi Court.

The Town of Delhi Court had issued a Bench Warrant for the arrest of Gillespie for failing  to appear in The Town of Delhi Court on a previously scheduled court date. The warrant issuance stemmed from drug related charges including use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree, as well as criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd and 7th degree. 

Gillespie was subsequently arrested on the bench warrant and turned over to central arraignment processing at the Delaware County Jail to await arraignment.

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SENTENCE IN DRUNK DRIVING CASE

DELHI – Amy Kille, 42, of Walton, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on May 20, 2024, before the Honorable Judge John Hubbard, for sentencing. Ms. Kille had previously pled guilty to one count of Driving While Intoxicated, 1st Offense, an Unclassified Misdemeanor in violation of section 1192 (3) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York and one count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree, a Class E Felony, in violation of Section 511 (3) (A) (i) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York. 

The charges stem from events that occurred on August 30, 2023, in the Town of Walton. Deputy Justin Mohr of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle repeatedly swerving in and out of the lanes of traffic. After conducting a traffic stop, Deputy Mohr identified the driver as Amy Kille. After running her license information, Deputy Mohr determined that Ms. Kille’s license had been revoked for a prior Driving While Intoxicated offense. Deputy Mohr also detected the odor of alcohol emanating from Ms. Kille. Chemical testing later on revealed her blood alcohol content (BAC) to be .25%. The legal limit in the State of New York is .08 percent.

On May 20, 2024, Judge John Hubbard sentenced Ms. Kille to a five-year term of probation supervision subject to the successful completion of Adult Treatment Court.  Judge Hubbard also revoked Ms. Kille’s license and ordered her to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle she owns or operates.  

First Assistant District Attorney Schuyler Konior Kinneman prosecuted the case.

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Deputy Justin Mohr and Deputy Zachary Finch for their work on this case.  Smith stated, "This defendant was provided with a great opportunity to participate in the Delaware County Adult Treatment Court Program.  If the defendant does not complete the program, she will be sentenced to 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.”

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

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Record Numbers for Delaware County Art Grants

By Robert Brune

ROXBURY — Roxbury Arts Group (RAG) Delaware County Arts Grant awards ceremony happened on Thursday, May 16th. There were more than twice as many grantees for 2024 over the previous year of twelve individuals or groups. With twenty-five individuals and organizations being awarded, this is yet another significant sign that the arts are contributing to the great landscape of growth seen on almost all levels of our economy and culture here in Delaware County. 

Jenny Rosenzweig the executive director of RAG opened up the ceremony speaking about the board of directors of RAG, “Roxbury Arts Group’s stewardship is led by the board (of directors), once again are all volunteers,… They are setting a course for this organization for the next forty-five years to make sure that this organization remains a resource for the community for years to come.” Rosenzweig went on to explain that the Delaware County Arts Council is a regrant program funded by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), “This is essentially tax dollars being reinvested back into your community. We are thrilled that is being used for the arts, how amazing is that? Somewhere someone said the arts are important and we should fund them. We are proud partners with the New York Council on the Arts to deliver this service to Delaware County.” 

Prior to the Creative Opportunities Coordinator Ursula Hudak announcing the twenty-five recipient grantees, Rosenzweig announced that there were two hundred thousand dollars in grant applications but there had been only enough for eighty thousand dollars in grants for this year of 2024. 

The list of grantees for this year (In order of the announcement presentation by Hudak): The Book of Awe (Andes), On and About Main Street Margaretville, Catskills Old-Time Music in the Mountains (Andes), 3rd Annual H&R Vaudville Variety Show (Fleischmanns), Vintage Robots – Humanoid Visions of the Future (Margaretville), Maintenance of Species (Delhi), Weaving Club (Delhi), Stamford Zine Workshops (Stamford), Birdhouse Dance Residency and Workshops (Delhi), Allegory of Justice (Franklin), AMR Open Studios Tour (Including 8 towns from Bovina – Fleischmanns), Co-Creations on the Farm with the Vegetal Landscape (Delhi), Mountain Madness (Roxbury), Amy Randall (Hamden), Ballad Tree (Roxbury), Creating Games and Crafts from the Past (Downsville), Into the Dyepot (Hamden), Ecoscape (Sidney), Folk Art and Fiber (Delhi), Tritown Theaters production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Sidney), Caregiver (Hobart), Ethan Fox (Roxbury), The Hobart Rotary Sausage and Brew Festival, and Amy Masters (Arkville)

The Mountain Eagle is looking forward to covering these events in more detail as they pop up on the calendar. 

For more information on each of the grantees see www.roxburyartsgroup.org 

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Local School Districts Approve Budgets

DELAWARE COUNTY — Despite a trying year of developing budgets for local rural school districts, voters turned out on Tuesday to support local budget proposals. Some districts will see new faces on the Board of Education. Stamford Central seated Stacey Vasta and Lucas Flachs as new members to the school board.

Charlotte Valley Superintendent Eric Whipple thanked the community for its support of the district's programs.

Charlotte Valley Central School

The Charlotte Valley Central School community voters approved the annual school district budget proposal by a vote of 89-24.   Proposition #1 (Vehicle Purchase) was passed with a vote of 93-20.   In addition, voters elected Joe Ballard to another three-year term to the Board of Education.    

  "We would like to thank our community for supporting our district programs for another year.   This approval allows our students to continue to engage in high-level academic, extra-curricular and social learning that will help them to  'prepare to conquer the challenges of tomorrow'.," stated school Superintendent Eric Whipple.

"We look forward to continuing to provide our students with a strong education at Charlotte Valley, as well as engaging with our supportive community.  "  

South Kortright

Voters of the South Kortright Central School District passed the proposed $11,473, 774 budget by a 96-18 margin. They also approved the proposition to purchase a new 65-passenger school bus by a 100-14 margin and they re-elected Terri Chichester to another term on the school's Board of Education. She received 97 votes. There were also three write-in votes for Nathan Kanarek and two for Paula Nissen.

Budget passed n96-18

Stamford Central School

Voters in the Stamford Central School District approved the proposed  $10,999,975 budget a vote of  170 to 130 on Tuesday. 

Voters also approved the bus purchase, 204 to 96, and the technology purchase, 223 to 79.

Voters of the district elected two new members to the school's board of education: Stacey Vasta, 166 votes; Lucas Flachs, 145 votes; Cathleen Cannon, 142 votes and Katy Graves, 105 votes.

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Second Annual Pink Street Festival June 2

BOVINA CENTER — Join us for the second annual Pink Street Festival for children and families hosted by Bovina Center Montessori School  and KidSkill Fund on Sunday June 2nd between 10am - 4pm.

The Pink Street Festival celebrates much of what Delaware County has to offer: food, music, agriculture, environmental awareness & work, education, small business vendors, farming, families, and arts!

We will have activities for families of all ages including a large play area on the school’s great lawn with a student-made obstacle course, bouncy house, sing along led by Miss Pam from Community Music Network, a scavenger hunt organized by the Catskill Mountain Club, Paint-the-man with Putt Putt Van Winkle, horseback rides with Mountaintop Horselove Ranch, a free photo booth with pictures taken by professional photographer Lindsay Nolin, soil art and worm composting led by the Catskills Agrarian Alliance, backyard bass - casting practice led by NYC DEP Bureau of Water Supply, inflatable archery brought by the Leatherstocking Council of the Boy Scouts of America, costume workshop with the West Kortright Center, Linda Lutz' Chalk Bus, tours of the classrooms for interested families, and much more! In addition to local organizations, artisans, and craft vendors, families can enjoy food by our growing list of food vendors including Catskill Momos, Ty’s Tacoria, Health on Wheels LL, Sas Squash Food Truck, Russell’s Store and Babysmoker NYC.

Admission to the Festival is by donation. Suggested donation $20/family. All proceeds will go towards enrichment and educational opportunities for children through the KidSkill Fund, a locally based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 

Bovina Center Montessori School,  2121 County Highway 5 (aka Pink Street), Bovina Center, NY 13740. Email Becky Manning at becky@bovinamontessori.com with any questions. 

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Children’s Book Author/Illustrators Discuss Their Work

2024 Maurice Sendak Foundation Fellows in Conversation

Join The Lost Bookshop in a lively conversation with contemporary children's book author/illustrators from around the world. Charlotte Ager (England), Rocío Araya (France), and Cozbi A. Cabrera  (USA) will discuss their experiences with creating children's books, and their processes for pairing words and art. Moderated by Doug Salati, (winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal).

Location: The Lost Bookshop, 120 Main St. Delhi

Date: Saturday, June 1

Time: 5-6:30pm

Cost: free, RSVP is encouraged

Seats are limited, RSVP for free at https://bit.ly/sendakfellows

The Sendak Fellowship, a core Program of The Maurice Sendak Foundation, is a residency that encourages, teaches and supports artists who tell stories with illustration. The fellows are in residence in South Kortright.

The Lost Bookshop is an independent bookstore located at 120 Main St. Delhi, NY. Opened  on Main Street in 2023, it sells a range of new books and gifts, and hosts regular community events.

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Draw-along with Graphic Novel Author in Delhi

Tim Probert, author/illustrator of Lightfall series, visits The Lost Bookshop

Follow Tim Probert as he draws characters from the Lightfall series and answers your questions. Bring your sketchbooks and learn to draw them yourselves!

Location: The Lost Bookshop, 120 Main St. Delhi

Date: Sunday, June 9

Time: 4-5:30pm

Cost: free, RSVP is encouraged

LIghtfall is a children’s graphic novel series, the third book of which was published in April of this year. For fans of Amulet and middle grade readers who love sweeping worlds like Star Wars, the Lightfall series follows Bea and Cad, two unlikely friends who get swept up in an epic quest to save their world from falling into eternal darkness.

Seats are limited, RSVP for free at https://bit.ly/drawalongwithtim

Tim Probert is the author and illustrator of the Lightfall graphic novel series. He has also illustrated D&D: Dungeon Academy, the Rip & Red series, Pickle, and other books.

The Lost Bookshop is an independent bookstore located at 120 Main St. Delhi, NY. Opened  on Main Street in 2023, it sells a range of new books and gifts, and hosts regular community events.

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National Bank of Coxsackie donates to Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region

Velma McAdoo, Trinity Alliance’s Human Resources Director ; Ellen Donovan, Tinity Alliance’s Director of Development ; Nicole Bliss, NBC’s Chief Administrative Officer, Marcus Pryor, Community Leader, Harris Oberlander, Trinity Alliance’s Chief Executive Officer ; Michael Kelly, Trinity Alliance’s Chief Operating Officer ; and Charlene Slemp, NBC’s Chief Lending Officer.

Latham, NY – The National Bank of Coxsackie (“NBC”) presented Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region with a $7,500 donation to aid in their mission to promote services to the community that will support and promote healthy families, adults, and children. The funds were secured through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Small Business Recovery Grant Program. NBC is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and applied for the funds made available through this special program.

“We are proud to be able to offer support to Trinity Alliance and their efforts” John Balli, NBC Chief Executive Officer said.  “The impact they have to the local communities they operate in, and the wide range of services they are able to provide is remarkable.”

Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region was founded in 1912 and aims to empower families and stabilize neighborhoods. Their agency is dedicated to improving the neighborhood as a setting for family life, contributing to health and well-being, and promoting education and employment as a means of self-development. Using a comprehensive approach to community support, Trinity Alliance offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of their local communities.

“We are extremely grateful to the National Bank of Coxsackie for its generous support of our mission” said Hariss Oberlander, Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region. “As we embark on a much-needed building campaign, investments from our corporate partners are critical to achieve our vision.” Overlander added, “On behalf of our clients and our community, thank you National Bank of Coxsackie.”

Since 1852, The National Bank of Coxsackie has been the premier bank of choice for thousands of customers. With eight branch locations ranging from Coxsackie to Glenmont, including their commercial loan production and administrative office in Latham, the bank serves the greater Capital Region. National Bank of Coxsackie is committed to supporting their communities they operate within. The bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC Bancorp, Inc. (OTCPK:NCXS).

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