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From the Catskiller: 2020 and 1492: A Catskills Story

Written By Editor on 8/18/24 | 8/18/24


By Sam Benson, Sr.


The boats arrived in 2020 in Upstate, New York just as Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492. Instead of the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, the boats were very different. All sorts of gray and black Mercedes, Audis, and Lexuses brought our newest bout of colonizers ready to offer the great salvation of a foreign faith and the trappings of civilization.


‘Colonizer’ has become a very popular term in pop culture and academia, and it should be little surprise that many of those who love using the term with pointed fingers turned out to be the most like the great Conquistadors of old. Having privilege, wealth, and connections, these new settlers came not bearing the flag of the Spanish Crown, but instead that of a culture vastly different than the (for lack of a better word) indigenous culture of Upstate New York.


Bringing an alien disease with them, our new friends had the opportunity to either assimilate with the natives or attempt to teach them civilization. Replacing the ‘White Man’s Burden’ with the ‘Woke Man’s (and Woman’s) Burden turned out to be the same mindset, except with about the same amount of hubris. Swap out Cecil Rhodes for the newest ‘artisanal artist’ experience, and you have a small slice of post-2020 life in the Catskills.


Ironically, the pressure of being a small fish in a big pond was often just too much. There were only so many trips to be taken during a pandemic or so much of a trust fund to be spent quickly. It was time to become boutique farmers or artists or take your pick. There were dirty Republican-voting gun-lovers who needed desperately to be told that they were wrong.


And so they were.


Therein lies the irony of the great proselytizers of culture on the unwashed masses of Upstate, New York. Those who often would not pass the culture smell test in Manhattan often believe that the uneducated rubes in rural New York simply won’t notice.


Where a midlevel career in Long Island or Yonkers may have elicited eyerolls in Manhattan prior to the pandemic, here’s an opportunity to explain that your time as a small blip at a private school in NYC provided you with great haute culture. Heck, just throw a few French phrases in and you can act like you’ve run rings over the local folk.


There’s a key issue here, especially when considering the role of culture in the Catskills. There is plenty now and there was plenty before the pandemic. As much as some urban, urbane expats may believe that they are delivering culture to the area for the first time, the rich tapestry of Rotaries, Kiwanis, church groups, and square dances rival and solo artist’s explanation of why they’re better than you.


There is always a need for more culture in this area, or any area. However, the lone wolf artist ready to explain to a mechanic how socialism just hasn’t been tried yet will continue to fall on deaf ears. And try as you might, there just won’t be the same impact of imparting culture when someone who has but didn’t earn it does their best to explain to someone who has not but works hard.


So are there direct parallels between Christopher Columbus, who has become a hated symbol in our new culture, with the post-Covid explorers? Not every single one, of course. 


But if you’re reading this with any ounce of condescension for the folks who lived up here before or complained about the noise at a gun range or complained about the smell of a farm…well, you’re probably more like ol’ Chris than you’d ever give yourself credit for. And you think that Columbus was evil because of what he did to Natives? Sure he was. But do you think of some rural Trump supporter any better than he did the people of the West Indies?



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Obituary - Linda Sue Hunt




Linda Sue (Cates) Hunt died peacefully on the morning of Sunday August 4, 2024 after a short battle with cancer. Linda was born in Cobleskill, NY on September 28, 1948. Her early years were spent in the family home located on Beards Hollow Road in the Town of Richmondville NY. She was a 1967 graduate of Richmondville Central School.

Linda worked for the telephone company of Cobleskill, up until the birth of her three children. As she raised her three children, she opened her home to many other children of the community. Linda continued to babysit for 20-plus years. Once her children left home, she worked at convenience stores and as a cook for the sheriff's department before retiring to spend her later years with her family. She was a member of the Central Bridge Ladies Auxiliary.

Linda was predeceased by her parents Lewis Freeman Cates and Frances (Campagna) Cates and her husband, David Theodore Hunt. Linda is survived by her children Michael Hunt of Cobleskill, James (Sarah) Hunt of Middleburgh, and Robert (Adrianne) Hunt of Fultonham. Her brothers Kenneth (Yolanda) Cates of Texas and James (Mary Ellen) Cates of Georgia. As well as her grandchildren, Ashley, Allison, Alicia Hunt and Ellise, Ethyn Hunt, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at the Richmondville Cemetery at a date that is to be announced. Memorial donations can be made in honor of Linda to the Schoharie County Animal Shelter as well as Marathon for a Better Life. The family would like to extend a special thank you to each and every one of the women that helped care for Linda during her final days and to Carol and Bill Stanton who were always there for her.


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The 147th Schoharie County Sunshine Fair was AMAZING!

By Elizabeth Barr

COBLESKILL — The Schoharie County Sunshine Fair has come to a close for 2024. The effort from everyone involved in making the 147th Annual Schoharie County Sunshine Fair spectacular was successful.  This event was hosted by the Cobleskill Agricultural Society. It takes so many people to create the excitement of the fair, finding shows and performances is difficult, but this year certainly didn’t disappoint.  The entertainment included Josh Turner, Chubby Checker, the Zerbini Family Circus, chainsaw carvings, bingo, and Rosaire’s Roay Racing Pigs.  I hear the Ronald Rump Roast was a big hit!  The country flair of the fair also featured horse show competitions, cow competitions, dog dock diving, goats, sheep, chickens, fruits and vegetable exhibits and so much more.  The Cobleskill Fire Department had delicious food. The grandstand and Sterling Insurance Company building were filled with exhibitors.  

Keep the dates open for next year’s 148th Annual Sunshine Fair on August 5th – August 10th, 2025.  SEE YOU THERE!


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41st Annual Iroquois Arts Festival Aug 31 & Sept. 1

HOWES CAVE — This event celebrates Iroquois creativity by featuring an all-Iroquois Art Market open to Haudenosaunee artists and artisans at the Iroquois Museum at on Caverns Road in Howes Cave Saturday and Sunday August 31 and September 1 from 10:00 to 5:00 pm.

Both traditional and contemporary arts and fine crafts are showcased. The Sky Dancers from Six Nations Reserve in Ontario will perform traditional Iroquois social dances, and invite the public out onto the dance floor to participate. The 20-member Iroquois Indian Marching Band from Tuscarora will perform on Saturday. Onondaga storyteller Perry Ground will return with dramatic tales of daring feats and astounding adventures. The family activity area will feature participatory crafts.  Local wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin will discuss wildlife conservation in our region and present a variety of native animals including birds of prey.  The Museum’s archeology department will be available to help identify archeological finds and give demonstrations of flintknapping and other early technologies. 


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Great 3rd Season for SSCS Clay Target Team

Dalton Oliver and Cordie Stevens made the trip to Michigan in July for the National High School Clay Target Competition.

2024 Spring season SSCS Clay Target Team. Left to right, back row: Sean Shults, Cordie Stevens, Joe Berube, Jackson Ryder, Gavin Knapp, Aaden Dennis, Andrew Dennis, Leland Ryder, Dalton Clapper, Hunter Tansey, Hunter Bolster. Front row: Sebastian Clemente, Aiden Bowerman, Reed VanValkeburg, Ava Bissonette, Grant Easton, Ryker Tompson, Jace Rose, Levi Knapp, Ella Stevens, Savannah Traverse, Kyle Golden, Ryatt Tompson. Missing from the team photo is: Olivia Ostrander & Sophia Ostrander. 


By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Springs Central School Clay Target Team ended their Spring season in June with quite the accomplishments and they are already preparing for this year with an upcoming Open House on August 19th!

The SSCS Clay Target Team finished 2nd in the 9 school conference for their 3rd season with a 25 member team! 19 members had the opportunity to compete at the State Competition in Verona NY, with 6 team members placing in the top 100 in the state out of 2800 other competitors! Those 6 team members achieved an invitation to the National High School clay target competition held in Michigan this past July. These 6 students were: Jackson Ryder, Dalton Oliver, Cordie Stevens, Levi Knapp, Hunter Tansey and Sean Shults. Of those six, 2 of them made the trip to Michigan in July- Dalton Oliver and Cordie Stevens.

For the Spring 2024 season: 

Top female team member on the team: Savannah Traverse. 

Top male team member on the team for the season was: Cordie Stevens.  

Top 5 over all shooters on the team were:

1st - Cordie Stevens

2nd - Sean Shults

3rd - Hunter Tansey

4th - (a tie between) - Levi Knapp and Jackson Ryder

5th - Dalton Oliver

There is an Open House scheduled for any students interested in joining the Sharon Springs Clay Target team for the upcoming Fall Season. Join on August 19th at 7:00 PM at the home base club of Sprout Brook Rod and Gun Club located at 1364 State Highway 163, Canajoharie. 

The Fall season runs from August 28th through October 26th. New team members need to be 12 years of age or older, must hold their NYS hunters safety course certification, can attend homeschool, (private or public school, and their home school district must not currently have a team of its own).  Any questions, please contact Cori at (518) 605-0122 or email sscsclaytargetleague@gmail.com. Follow the Team on Facebook or Instagram at: SSCS Clay Target team.


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CRCS Receives Huge Club Donation

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - Last Monday, the CRCS Board of Education met to discuss a sizable donation for a future drama club musical, along with several housekeeping appointments before the start of the fresh school year.

It was with gratitude that the Board accepted a donation of $906 from Twist’N Flip Gymnastics LLC, a local company run by Ron and Jodi Barnes.

The Barnes family is native to Middleburgh, and Mr. Barnes began Twist’N Flip in 2005 by renting out space in a nearby gym. Now, nearly twenty years later, the class has grown into a wide venture that spans four gyms across Colonie, Glenmont, Rotterdam, and Cobleskill.

Now, the pair seek to give back by allocating nearly a thousand dollars for an upcoming musical production put on by the CRCS drama club, a gift that will go a long way toward making the best possible showing.

In other news, the Board approved the appointments and retirements of several staff and faculty members, including the new interim principal of Ryder, John Penman, who will serve from September 30th to April 30th.

The Board also hired several substitute teachers and approved the substitute bus driver rates for field and sports trips not to exceed $25 an hour.

Additionally, the Board issued a brief statement about Leighana Davenport, a CRCS senior who recently tragically passed.

Board President Bruce Tryon spoke to Ms. Davenport’s unwavering academic record, and stated that not only did she excel with her friends at the high school, but also at Capital Region BOCES, where she attended cosmetology classes. 

“Leighana’s presence in the school will be sincerely missed,” Mr. Tryon concluded before honoring her with a moment of silence.


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Family Farm Day 2024

By Alexis Pencar

UPSTATE, NEW YORK — The 12th Annual Family Farm Day is coming up on Saturday, August 24th! This exciting day of family fun features open house events from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM at farms throughout Schoharie, Otsego, and Delaware Counties. Schoharie County has more farms involved than any other county this year at 20!

Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension for Schoharie and Otsego Counties each year, residents are encouraged to get acquainted with the region’s talented farmers. This event “provides local farms and related businesses the opportunity to introduce current and new customers to diverse, high-quality products, generate farm-gate sales, build long-term customer bases, and share the ever-evolving farm ‘stories’ that keep the importance of agriculture in the public dialogue.”

Each farm will have different and unique offerings ranging from educational information, tours, products for sale, free samples, and even kid-friendly crafts and activities! There is an interactive map available on the Cornell Cooperative Extension website with participating farms so check it out and plan your day accordingly!

“Our signature agritourism event continues to thrive,” said Liz Callahan, Executive Director for CCE Schoharie and Otsego Counties. “The feedback from participating farms and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive over the years.”

Your local participating farms in Schoharie County for Family Farm Day 2024 are: Abba Acres, Bison Island Ranch, Broadwell Diary & Orchard, Central Bridge Farms, Cold Spring Farm, Earthly Remedies by Erin, Empty Pockets Ranch, The Farm at Hickory Knoll, Fox Creek Farm, Jubilee Farms, Locust Spring Farm, Maple Hill Syrup Farms, Mickle Hollow Maple & Honey, Parsons Vegetable Farm, Rooted Acres, Stone House Farm, Sun Mountain Apiary & Honey Store, Sunstruck Farm, Van-Dale Farms, and Wayward Lane Brewing & Hop House Farm.\

Tip for Family Farm Day: bring coolers and insulated bags so you can properly take home all your farm purchases throughout the day! After the day is over, continue to support small businesses and dine locally if you can!

Keep in mind farm etiquette rules apply, like no pets allowed, so please visit the website and interactive map at: www.cceschoharie-otsego.org.

Family Farm Day is an agritourism collaboration among CCE Schoharie and Otsego Counties, CCE Delaware County, Delaware County Tourism, Destination Marketing Corporation – Otsego & Schoharie Co. Tourism, as well as local chambers of commerce, county Farm Bureaus, local farmers, and loyal sponsors.


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Family Farm Day Features Opportunities to Visit 37 in Three Counties

Family Farm Day (FFD) returns on Saturday, August 24th, 10am-5pm for its 12th year. The event began in Schoharie County in 2013 and has evolved into a highly anticipated annual celebration of local agriculture. On Family Farm Day more than three dozen farms throughout Schoharie, Otsego and Delaware Counties will be open to the public for a day of family fun on the farm.

FFD offerings vary by farm and offerings include opportunities for visitors to take a tour, go for a wagon ride, watch a demonstration, or participate in free, hands-on activities. Visitors can enjoy farm-fresh samples of local foods and beverages, shop for provisions, gifts and décor, and experience the diversity of participating farms while supporting local agriculture.

Pre-plan your tour online at FamilyFarmDay.org using our interactive map or pick up a copy of the 2024 Farm Guide at your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office, farmers’ market, or brochure rack. In addition to the interactive map, FFD enthusiasts are encouraged to like and follow Family Farm Day on Facebook and Instagram for updates and unique information about participating farms. After visiting participating farms, don’t forget to enjoy local restaurants, distilleries, wineries, breweries, and stores that source products from local farms.

FFD visitors are also asked to complete an event survey at the last they farm visit on FFD, or to complete the survey online after their farm visits. FFD visitors completing the survey will be entered to win a basket of local farm products and FFD swag (over $50 value).

For everyone’s safety, please adhere to important Family Farm Day guidelines: No pets are allowed on participating farms, and all visitors must remain in designated areas while on farm property. Family Farm Day is produced by Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County and is made possible by our participating farms and generous sponsors. Please acknowledge their roles by supporting their businesses.

For more information, visit our website at FamilyFarmDay.org or contact Nicole Thompson at (518) 234 – 4303 ext. 111 or by email Schoharie-otsego@cornell.edu with any questions.


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Filmed Locally - John McGiver and the Twilight Zone

By Bradley Towle

Fulton - The life and career of late 20th-century character actor and West Fulton resident John McGiver deserves a lengthier exploration than will be found here. McGiver became a full-time actor in 1955 after a career as a teacher. His familiar face appeared in numerous acclaimed and popular films and television in his twenty-year career, including Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Manchurian Candidate, Midnight Cowboy, Gilligan's Island, and Bewitched. He settled in West Fulton with his wife, Ruth Schmigelsky, where they raised ten children (the couple's ninth child, Boris, has also become a staple of film and television and the only of John McGiver's offspring to pursue a career in acting).

McGiver appeared in two episodes of Rod Serling's classic The Twilight Zone. He first appeared in an episode entitled "The Bard" in the show's fourth season, where a talentless would-be television writer conjures William Shakespeare and enlists him to write a script. Burt Reynolds stars as a Marlon Brando-type actor, and McGiver plays Mr. Shannon in Serling's blatant satire of the television industry. "The Bard" was the final hour-long episode of the series. In 1964, McGiver had a starring role in the fifth and final season of the anthology series in an episode entitled "Sounds and Silences." McGiver plays Roswell G. Flemington, a retired Navy man who runs a model ship manufacturing company. Much to the chagrin of his employees and wife, Roswell Flemington enjoys loud noises to a level of absurdity and disregard for others entirely. Roswell's wife (portrayed by Penny Singleton, best known for portraying Blondie Bumstead from the "Blondie!'" movies of the 1930s and 1940s) finally has enough. She smashes one of her husband’s cherished records of a Naval bombardment of Okinawa and ultimately leaves him. Her departure thrusts Flemington into a bizarre existential crisis where even the slightest noises become cacophonous. A trip to a psychologist solves the problem, but a new issue arises when his wife returns one last time for her jewelry, and Flemington suddenly can no longer hear at all. Also of note is the episode was directed by Richard Donner, who went on to direct classic films of the 1970s and 80s like Scrooged, Goonies, Lethal Weapon and Superman. 

If the episode does not ring a bell, there could be a reason. Three years before the episode aired on television, a script titled "The Sound of Silence" was submitted to the producers but ultimately rejected. After "Sounds and Silences" aired, the author of the original script successfully sued the show's creator (and Binghamton native) Rod Serling because of similarities in the plot, with a court awarding $3,500 in damages. Litigation was ongoing at the time of the initial syndication package, which meant the episode remained shelved until 1984, when it first resurfaced on a special holiday presentation. John McGiver's starring role in The Twilight Zone remained unavailable for nearly a decade after the actor passed away at his West Fulton home. "Sounds and Silences" is currently available on multiple streaming platforms and allows us to see a notable 20th-century character actor at work in one of television's most innovative and classic shows. 


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Music at First Friday


Middleburgh's Matt Durfee entertained at the Red Shed in Cherry Valley at the village's First Friday celebration earlier this month. Photo by David Avitabile.



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Oct. 9 Public Hearing for Carlisle/Seward Solar Project

By Chris English

CARLISLE/SEWARD — A public hearing on a large and controversial solar project in the towns of Carlisle and Seward has been set for Oct. 9, Carlisle Town Supervisor John Leavitt confirmed via telephone on Thursday, Aug. 8.

The hearing will start at 6 p.m. and will be held in Bouck Hall at SUNY Cobleskill, Leavitt said. The hearing was announced and discussed at the Aug. 7 Carlisle town board meeting chaired by Councilperson Robert Smith because Leavitt was unable to attend.

Cypress Creek Renewables is proposing the 20 MW Rock District solar project for 124.5 acres at 190 Brown Road, a piece of property that lies within both Carlisle and Seward. The matter is in the hands of the state's Office of Renewable Energy Siting after Cypress Creek switched tracks a while ago and decided to seek approval through ORES rather than through the two towns.

Leavitt said ORES recently issued what is being referred to as a temporary permit for the project, a document he said acknowledges that Cypress Creek's multi-page application for the project is complete and it's time to move on to the public hearing. That hearing will be chance for the public to voice opinions on the matter and also for Carlisle and Seward officials to state their positions. Both towns are fighting the project through legal channels and it's also being vehemently opposed by a local group called Schoharie County Citizens Against Solar Assault and others in both towns and the surrounding area.

Leavitt said Rock District (Cypress Creek) would have a limited time period after the public hearing to respond to issues brought up at that event.

"If there are any issues of monumental concern, ORES can set up a hearing with a hearing officer but that is rare," he added.

While there seems to be an air of inevitability among many that the project will be approved by ORES and built, members of CASA and others who oppose it have vowed to continue the fight, saying the project would have negative impacts on nearby roads, stormwater management and other areas. At the Aug. 7 Carlisle meeting, CASA member Bill Toohey said he believes the group has "other arrows in its quiver", including trying to get the project stopped by the federal Fish and Game Commission.

In other news from the Aug. 7 Carlisle meeting, Council member Katie Schweigard said during her recreation report that she and others are setting up a town-wide garage sale for Saturday, Aug. 31. Anyone who wants to participate can hold a garage sale on their property on that date, Schweigard explained.

There was initially discussion of having all who were interested bring their items for sale to Town Hall, but that was rejected rather quickly and a decision was made to hold sales town-wide on individual properties.

Highway Superintendent Mike Broadwell reported that Carlisle has recently been working with the towns of Richmondville and Cobleskill on some projects. Some Carlisle roads that were paved this spring were recently single sealed, he added.

Broadwell said the town is expecting a reimbursement payment of slightly more than $195,000 in September or early October from the state's Consolidated Highway Improvement Program. The money will be reimbursement to Carlisle for projects the town has already undertaken or equipment it has already purchased, including a new lawn mowing tractor, Broadwell explained.

He added that he and his crew are starting to tackle some maintenance projects at town public works buildings and other installations. Included is some tin repair or replacement at the cold storage pole barn, with Broadwell explaining that he is looking into ways to get that done.

"Also, I will probably eventually paint that building," he said.


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Cobleskill Planned Parenthood Closing

By Elizabeth Barr

COBLESKILL — Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will be closing 3 clinics in New York, Cobleskill, Amsterdam, and Goshen as stated by Chelly Hogan President and CEO of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood.  These closures will leave many clients without reproductive health services including birth control, low-cost abortions, and routine checkups.  There is a Cobleskill community Zoom meeting on August 15th about the closing.  The leadership will talk about Cobleskill’s closure and discuss resources for current and future patients.  The organization is citing financial difficulties caused from systematic failures in the health care system as their main reason for closing.  The organization needs to reduce financial needs and consolidate to keep afloat.  Clients from Cobleskill and Amsterdam will be redirected to Schenectady and Johnstown locations.  They will also offer telehealth services.  

Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization that provides education, and reproductive healthcare in our community. They offer a range of services, STD testing and treatment, cancer screening, birth control, pregnancy testing and abortion services, and sex education. There is no date as to when the closing will be, but we will keep you informed when more information is available.


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Court News


Ward Arnold, 58, was convicted of Arson in the Fifth Degree in the  Town of Schoharie. The Town of Schoharie sentenced Mr. Arnold to  three (3) years’ probation, a surcharge of $205, and a DNA fee of $50. It  is alleged that Mr. Arnold used a flare to burn brush on the property of  another person and caused damage to the other person’s property.  Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy Slater was the arresting officer.  

Aaron Tompkins, 45, was convicted of Criminal Contempt in the  Second Degree in the Integrated Domestic Violence Part of the  Schoharie Supreme Court. The Court sentenced Mr. Tompkins to a one year conditional discharge, a one-year Order of Protection, a DNA fee of  $25, a fine of $100 and a surcharge of $200. Schoharie County Sheriff’s  Deputy Sperbeck was the arresting officer. 

Roger Graham, 28, was convicted of Petit Larceny in the Town of  Cobleskill. The Town of Cobleskill Court sentenced Mr. Graham to a  one-year conditional discharge, fine of $100, DNA fee of $100,  restitution of $168.74, and Mr. Graham must also complete a Stop Lift  Course. Cobleskill Police Chief McCrum was the arresting officer. 

Alexis Kuhn, 28, was convicted of Petit Larceny in the Town of  Cobleskill. The Town of Cobleskill Court sentenced Ms. Kuhn to three  years’ probation, surcharge of $205, and a DNA fee of $50. Cobleskill  Police Chief James McCrum was the arresting officer. 

 Joshua McDonnell, 28, was convicted of three (3) counts of Criminal Possession  of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. The Schoharie  County Court sentenced Mr. McDonnell to two (2) years determine sentence in a  New York State Prison and two (2) years post release supervision on each count to  be served concurrently, surcharges of $325, DNA surcharge of $50 on each count,  restitution of $425 payable to the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department and Mr.  McDonnell forfeits all money seized in the conjunction of the arrest. Mr.  McDonnell also waived his right to appeal.  

David Jutrzenka, 65, appeared for a violation of probation hearing for a felony  Driving White Intoxicated conviction, a class E felony. Mr. Jutrzenka admitted he  violated probation and sentencing was adjourned to September 23rd, 2024, to give  time for the Court to receive a pre-sentence investigation report from Schoharie  County Probation Department. 

Brandon Aldrich, 31, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Driving while Intoxicated  with a Child Passenger Fifteen (15) years or younger. Mr. Aldrich was placed on  interim probation for one (1) year by the Schoharie County Court. Sentencing will  take place on July 14, 2025.  

Kyle Spaulding, 31, pleaded guilty to Possession of a Sexual Performance by a  Child, a class E felony, in the Schoharie County Court. Sentencing was adjourned  for September 23, 2024. 

*** CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS AND INDICTMENTS ARE ACCUSATIONS. A DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL  PROVEN GUILTY


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Richmondville Super Optimistic About $1 Million Sewer Project Request

By Chris English

RICHMONDVILLE — Richmondville Town Supervisor Jeffrey Haslun feels there is a fairly good chance his request for a $1 million federal allocation for the town's upcoming $13 million sewer project will be approved by the U.S. Congress.

Haslun expressed those thoughts at the Thursday, Aug. 8 town board meeting. He said he spoke with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who confirmed the request has "passed all the hurdles in the House and now goes over to the Senate side."

If approved, the allocation would be part of the 2025 fiscal year budget, Haslun added. The project would provide public sewer service to much of the Town of Richmondville. The town already has in place $5.7 million from another federal program, $300,000 from Schoharie County and is seeking other sources of funding.

In other news from the Aug. 8 meeting, it appears things are progressing with a planned addition of about 1,000 square feet to Town Hall, which is just off Podpadic Road and not far off Route 7.

Haslun reported the town has received a proposal for the work including a cost estimate. He declined Thursday night to provide details of the proposal, saying that he wanted a subcommittee of the town board including himself and Councilman Todd Sperbeck to go over it with Brendon Becker of Lamont Engineers and "refine" the proposal before it is made public.

The addition would provide more efficient access to both town and court operations, and also provide more storage space for both. Town officials are hoping to get a $30,000 grant from the state court system to help pay for the addition.

Town board members voted 4-0 to approve a resolution that green lights the hiring of Paige Bulmer as the new court clerk for interim Town Judge Lynn Hait. Haslun and Councilmen Eric Haslun, George Horning and Sperbeck voted yes on the motion. Councilman Harry Rode was unable to attend the meeting.

Jeffrey Haslun said there were five applicants for the job and two were interviewed by himself, Sperbeck and Hait. Bulmer was one of the two interviewed and in the final analysis seemed like the best fit for the job, though all five "seemed quite qualified."

"She seems quite enthused about the new challenges ahead of her," Haslun added. He continued that Bulmer must first get fingerprinted and undergo a background check before she is officially on board and in the meantime will work with interim court clerk Joy Musella, who is also court clerk in the Town of Harpersfield in Delaware County. Bulmer is scheduled to work about 15 to 20 hours a week with starting pay of $16 an hour, Haslun said.

On the recommendation of Highway Superintendent Brian Manchester, the board voted to put a 1994 Osh Kosh plow truck that is no longer being used up for auction, along with some old tires and rims that are just taking up space at the town's public works facility.

"It's an old vintage," Jeffrey Haslun said of the Osh Kosh. "Somebody might want it just for the parts."

Also on the recommendation of Manchester, the board voted to trade in to John Deere the town's current loader for a newer one that will increase the warranty from three to four years. The town will have to pay $9,900 as a result of the trade-in, a figure that was negotiated down from $15,000 by Manchester.

"It's a good idea," Haslun said of the move. "It's a year newer. We won't have to worry about replacing hoses and hydraulics and such. One repair bill with our current one could run up to four figures. Every couple of years, we try to change those babies."

Manchester in his report said he and his crew have been busy as usual. They have changed a culvert with help from a neighboring town, cut shoulders on, and ditched several roads, among other work, the superintendent said.


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