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District Attorney Update

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 12/12/24 | 12/12/24

Stefan Wexell, 30, was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class D felony, in Schoharie County Court. The Schoharie  County Court Judge sentenced Mr. Wexell to a term of five (5) years’ probation,  DNA submission, DNA fee of $50, Crime Victim’s Advocate fee of $25, an eight  (8) year Order of Protection, and restitution in the amount of $2,158.78. Mr. Wexell  further was convicted of Menacing in the 2nd Degree and was sentenced to a three  (3) year term of probation. Mr. Wexell also waived his right to appeal. New York  State Police Investigator Kristel was the arresting officer. The victim was in court  for sentencing and read a Victim’s Impact Statement. The defendant spoke and  apologized to the victim in court. It was alleged Mr. Wexell attempted to use a  weapon to cause fear of injury and/or death to another person.  

Anne Stevens, 56, was convicted of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor  Vehicle in the 1st Degree, a class E felony, and Driving While Intoxicated, an  Unclassified Misdemeanor, in Schoharie County Court. Schoharie County Court  sentenced Ms. Stevens to a term of five (5) years’ probation with Drug Court  Treatment terms and conditions, and fines and surcharges totaling $1,533. Ms.  Stevens waived her right to appeal. New York State Police Trooper Mclea was the  arresting officer.  

Lilly Clarke, 20, was convicted of Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree in the Town  of Richmondville. Richmondville Town Court sentenced Ms. Clarke to three (3)  years’ probation, an Order of Protection for the victim, and $210 in restitution. New  York State Police Trooper Lyga was the arresting officer. 

Lilly Clarke, 20, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance  in the 7th Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. The Town of Cobleskill Court sentenced  Ms. Clarke to a one-year conditional discharge, fine of $100, surcharge of $205,  DNA submission, and DNA surcharge of $50. Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy  Rippel was the arresting officer.

James Cooper, 44, was convicted of Criminal Trespass 2nd in the Town of  Cobleskill. The Town of Cobleskill sentenced Mr. Cooper to a one-year conditional  discharge after he successfully completed one year of interim probation, a fine of  $200, surcharge of $205, and a $50 DNA surcharge. Former Cobleskill Police  Officer Collison was the arresting officer. 

Kathleen Skay, 36, was convicted of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the  5th Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. The Cobleskill Town Court sentenced Ms.  Skay three (3) years’ probation, DNA submission, DNA surcharge of $50, fine of  $200, and surcharge of $205. Cobleskill Police Department made the arrest.  

Brendon Parks, 41, was convicted of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs,  and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree. The Town of  Schoharie Court sentenced Mr. Parks to three (3) years’ probation, a fine of $750, a  surcharge of $400, he must attend the Victim’s Impact Panel, he must attend an  Impaired Driver’s Program, and his license was suspended for the DWAI drug  conviction. For the Criminal Possession charge, Mr. Parks was sentenced to a one 

year conditional discharge, DNA submission, DNA fee of $50, and a surcharge of  $205. New York State Police Investigator Kristel was the arresting officer. 

Alejandro Rosales, 43, was convicted of two counts of Criminal Contempt in the  2nd Degree in the Town of Middleburgh. The Middleburgh Town court sentenced  him to three (3) years’ probation, fines, surcharges, and a DNA fee of $50. New York  State Police Trooper Bird was the arresting officer. 

Alejandro Rosales, 43, was convicted of Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree in  the Town of Middleburgh from another separate incident date. Middleburgh Town  Court sentenced him to three (3) years’ probation, fines, surcharges, and a DNA fee  of $50. New York State Police Trooper Speer was the arresting officer. 

Alejandro Rosales, 43, was convicted of Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree in  the Town of Middleburgh. The Town of Middleburgh Court sentenced him to a one year conditional discharge, DNA submission, DNA fee, $100 fine, and a $205  surcharge. New York State Police Trooper Bird was the arresting officer. 

Magale Pedrosa, 60, was convicted of Driving While Intoxicated in the Town of  Cobleskill. The Cobleskill Town Court sentenced Ms. Pedrosa to a one-year  conditional discharge, fine of $500, surcharge of $400, a Victim’s Impact Panel must  be attended, an Impaired Driver’s Program must be completed, and her license was  revoked. New York State Police Investigator Kristel was the arresting officer.

Shean Bailey, 31, was convicted of Attempted Assault in the 3rd Degree in the Town  of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court sentenced Mr. Bailey to one (1) year of probation, a fine of $100, surcharge of $205, DNA submission, DNA fee of $50, and  an Order of Protection for the victim. New York State Police Trooper Mclea was the  arresting officer. 

Keith Rounds, 34, was convicted of Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child  in the Town of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court sentenced Mr. Rounds to 30 days  in jail, a surcharge of $205, and Order of Protection for the victim, and a DNA fee  of $50. New York State Police Investigator Castiglione and Trooper Strobeck were  the arresting officers. 

Ricky Hemstreet, 26, was convicted of Bail Jumping in the 3rd Degree in the Town  of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court sentenced Mr. Hemstreet to time served, a one year conditional discharge, DNA submission, DNA fee of $50, a $200 fine, and a  $205 surcharge. Schoharie County Sheriff’s Sergeant Prall was the arresting officer.


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Governor Pitches ‘Inflation rebate’ Checks for New Yorkers

By Jennifer Patterson

ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced a plan that would offer a one-time payment of up to $500 to low- and middle-income taxpayers to help offset the high costs caused by inflation.

Checks would be sent out to an estimated 8.6 million New Yorkers under the plan, which Hochul called an “inflation rebate,” and must first be approved by state lawmakers. Payments of $300 would go to people who earn less than $150,000, and $500 to families making less than $300,000.  

It’s Hochul’s first proposal ahead of her State of the State address in January, when she’ll lay out her agenda for 2025.

Payments would start going out to residents in the fall if the plan makes it through the Legislature. 

“Because of inflation, New York has generated unprecedented revenues through the sales tax – now, we’re returning that cash back to middle class families,” Hochul said in a statement. “It’s simple: the cost of living is still too damn high, and New Yorkers deserve a break.”

The rebate program would cost about $3 billion, which Hochul said wouldn’t have been paid to the state if not for higher prices from inflation.

The governor’s office said the proposal would be funded by that pool of excess sales tax revenues, generated mostly through inflation’s effect on consumer goods.

New Yorkers who filed tax returns would be eligible for the payments.

The largest share – about 42 percent – would be distributed to residents in New York City. Another 15 percent would go to Long Island residents, and the remainder would be sent upstate.

The Hochul administration has already projected a $5.7 billion increase in spending during the next fiscal year, which begins in April. That increase was largely attributed to rises in Medicaid costs and state aid for schools.

“I believe this extra inflation-driven sales tax revenue shouldn’t be spend by the state,” Hochul said.

The governor is required to release her proposal for the next state budget in January, a few weeks after lawmakers convene the new legislative session.

For information, go to https://www.governor.ny.gov.


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Schoharie DOH Warns of Whooping Cough Outbreak

SCHOHARIE — The Schoharie County Department of Health is alerting the public that pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise throughout New York State. More than 1,500 cases have been reported to the state since Jan. 1, 2024. As of Dec. 9, there are no reported cases in our own county.

“As a precaution, we are alerting residents on how to stay safe as this illness expands throughout our state,” said Schoharie County Department of Health Director Nicole Blanchard.

Infants, young children, and older adults are at the greatest risk of developing whooping cough. Children ranging from 10 to 19 years old account for more than 50 percent of New York cases. Those at highest risk for hospitalization are children less than 12 months old. Adults, aged 65 and older, accounted for more than 23 percent of the hospitalizations.  

Whooping cough often starts with symptoms of a common cold, but symptoms can last for weeks or months. Whooping cough is a very contagious serious lung infection causing coughing fits, according to the New York State Department of Health.  High-risk people who have come in contact with someone currently suffering from whooping cough, or if you experience a lingering cough for more than two weeks or have a violent cough that becomes more frequent as illness progresses should contact their primary care doctor by phone or email for further instructions and to be officially diagnosed.

The Schoharie County Department of Public Health strongly recommends infants, young children, pregnant people, and older adults get vaccinated. People who are vaccinated are less likely to develop a severe form of whooping cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children under 7 years old would receive a DTaP vaccine, while older children and adults would receive a TDaP vaccine. Infants and young children who are not up to date on their pertussis vaccines are at higher risk of developing serious complications, which may include pneumonia, rapid involuntary muscle spasms, and swelling of the brain,

Covering your cough and frequently washing your hands often is a very effective way to reduce the spread of illness.

You can contact the Schoharie County Department of Health by calling 518-295-8365 for more information.


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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

The relief from the cold came in the form of so much rain! The heavy downpours with the snow melt on Wednesday caused slight flooding issues in isolated areas. With lows in the teens that followed it was quite the change up. Look out for more moderate temperatures next week on Monday with rain possible again early in the week. With no snow on the forecast for this week, we’re all still hoping for a white Christmas. 

This holiday season, take that extra effort to spread joy and be kind to others, especially your neighbors! In a time that may be difficult for many, be the light that shines bright. Whether it is a batch of cookies or just an extra smile and wave, every little thing counts.

The Holiday Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting was this past weekend on Friday and the huge tree in front of SSCS is now lit up!! Thank you to all those who volunteered and donated to this wonderful community cause!

The brand NEW Sunnycrest Markets has their Grand Opening this Thursday, November 21st! Visit to see what all the excitement is about! They are located at 7869 NY-10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459, just outside of the Village. Follow them at Sunnycrest Markets on social media for updates, sales, and more!

Blue Star Farm & Cidery is open on the weekends at their new location on Route 20 near Log House. They are now making and serving their own sweet cider! The usual hours are Saturday, 10-5 PM and Sunday, 10-4 PM. Visit them on Facebook for updates and specials!

Wren’s Earth Refillery is now open for business Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The shop is located at 277 Stage Coach Road, Sharon Springs, NY. You can shop anytime at WrensEarth.com. 

Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your Fall and Thanksgiving vegetable needs! The Outrageous Snack Snack has sadly closed for the season but we’re already looking forward to fresh donuts in the Spring! Located on Route 20 across from the Walmart DC.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: 

Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack.

Winter hours have started and the Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:00 - 6:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Sharon Springs Food Pantry

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!


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Santa Joins Sheriff’s Department to Bring Christmas to Cobleskill

The group all together. Photos by Robert Duso.

They may be law enforcement but who would pass up an opportunity to shop? Made even better by helping the kids out.



Schoharie County Deputy Sheriff Kassidy Foland gives Kolten Merwin some help with his shopping needs.

At the end of the shopping spree items are wrapped by Walmart personnel. This event is fantastic, and always made the event better each year by both parties.  A big thank you to both officers and Walmart.


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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Highlights Local Talent



Photos by Robert Duso

COBLESKILL — The Theater Project of Schoharie County is proud to present The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on December 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. and December 15 at 2 p.m. at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church. 

Almost 40 Schoharie County residents make up the cast and crew of this holiday classic adapted from the bestselling children's novel by Barbara Robinson. In this hilarious and touching tale, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids--probably the most inventively awful kids in history. 

You won't believe the mayhem--and the fun--when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas! 

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Visit the Theater Project of Schoharie County's Facebook page for more information and the link to buy tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Cast includes:

Bob Bradley–David Brownell

Grace Bradley–Natasha Foote

Beth Bradley–Kyrie Gural

Charlie Bradley–Max Walton

Ralph Herdman–Mylan Hackney

Imogene Herdman–Claire Brownell

Laura Herdman–Rory Steadham

Claudia Herdman–Journey Bever

Olivia Herdman–Ava Markle

Gladys Herdman–Avery Scholl-Hess

Alice Wendleken–Audrey Sill

Maxine–Kylie Soucia

Ellen Hopkins–Mya Perrotti

Hobie–Brooke Sill

Luna–Bella Yorks

Beverly–Emma Karker

Shirley–Amelia Louch

Juanita–Margaret Agen

Doris–Kayla Kerber

Janet–Nehemiah Bever

Mrs. Armstrong–Leslie Rigley Lambert

Mrs. Slocum–Katie Sill

Mrs. Clark–Crystal Bever

Mrs. Clausing–Sam Miller

Mrs. McCarthy–Dorothy Brownell

Reverend Hopkins–Liz Hackney

Mrs. Armstrong’s Orderly–Brian Elder

Firefighters–Paige Bulmer, Brian Elder, Kate Elder, Julia Walter 

Angel Choir Members–Harper Barr, Margaret Blood-Johns, Kharis Gural


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Cobleskill Fire

Photo by Robert Duso. 

Photo by Robert Duso.

Photo by Bill Combs. 

Photo by Bill Combs. 


Photo by Bill Combs. 

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A Festive Christmas in Cobleskill

Richmondville Fire department with their pumper all decked out with lights. Photos by Robert Duso.

Schoharie Animal Shelter float with members on board. Thank you all for the great work you do all year long.



ATV's, what a wonderful sight. Just a reminder, always wear a helmet when operating one of these. More and more people are injured or worse each year. Stay safe and have fun.

Santa arrives on board the Cobleskill Fire Departments Engine Number 2. This made the kids cheer.


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[Filmed Locally] Loitering with Intent



By Bradley Towle

LEEDS — Loitering with Intent is a 2014 independent comedy/drama directed by Adam Rapp, written by and starring Ivan Martin and Michael Godere as Raphael and Dominic, two struggling actors in New York City who make ends meet by working at a local bar. Dominic, the more ambitious of the duo, is far more frustrated with their station in life than Raphael, and a chance encounter with their friend Kaplan (a brief but welcome appearance by Natasha Lyonne) sets the trajectory for the rest of the film. Kaplan informs them her boss is looking to finance a cheap film as a tax write-off. Desperate and smelling an opportunity, Dominic tells Kaplan that they’ve got a great noir script that is just about ready to go with only a few tweaks needed. Kaplan gives them ten days to get her the script before the money goes away. They, of course, have no such script. Needing to get to work, they pack up and head to Domnic’s sister’s house in the country for a writer’s retreat. The rest of the film takes place in “the country” and is shot entirely on location in Leeds. 

The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2014 and was released for video-on-demand later that year on December 16th before a brief theatrical run in January 2015. It received mediocre reviews, with film critic Susan Wloszczyna giving it 2.5 stars on a curve because it was better than most of the other films released that January (traditionally a notorious wasteland for theatrical releases). But on the tenth anniversary of its release, I think it’s worth reevaluating Loitering with Intent. Is it a masterpiece? No. There is plenty of room for some better-written dialogue and a better angle on a shot or two. But this is a fun, character-driven movie of an ilk that seems to have been in abundance ten years ago. It clocks in at only eighty minutes, and that’s just about the right length. Most of the film takes place at a home in Leeds where Dominic and Raphael retreat for some quiet to generate the non-existent script. Enter a cast of characters that persistently undermine the duo’s best efforts. First, there is Ava, played by Isabelle McNally, the alluring young friend of Dominic’s sister, who stays on the property in a camper. Then there is Dominic’s sister, Gigi, played by Marisa Tomei, a mixed-up woman with an overflowing heart (and former girlfriend of Raphael). Her lover, Wayne, has taken off, and we only him discussed until he shows up unannounced one day with his just-dumb-enough-to-be-dangerous surfer dude brother (Brian Geraghty).

Sam Rockwell gives a nuanced performance as Wayne, a war vet working to overcome his PTSD. He cuts an intimidating figure with his arrival, an arrival driven by his desire to work things out with Gigi. He often destabilizes others by making them uneasy and giving them just enough room to incriminate themselves (if you’ve ever been in the presence of someone with this trait, you’ll recognize it immediately). Take note of the two actors I just mentioned. Rockwell and Tomei are Oscar winners, and both are in the Marvel Universe. Both seem to enjoy the roles offered to them in this smaller film; despite being endlessly magnetic and the more accomplished of the cast, they never overtake the scenery. Instead, they generously leave plenty of room for everyone in the cast. One gets the sense that neither Tomei nor Rockwell are the type to take their jobs for granted, and watching them play off of one another here is a bit of a treat. But that’s not to imply that they save the film. I’ve seen Rockwell in a movie far worse than this, and despite welcoming every moment he was on screen, I still remember that one as a stinker. That said, it certainly didn’t hurt to have them show up so game for the roles, and their presence undoubtedly elevates Loitering with Intent.

If Loitering with Intent had been stretched out for another ten minutes, there may have been diminished returns. The film sometimes feels shaky, and if they had tried to fly a bit higher, the whole thing may have crashed. Ultimately, it’s a grounded, small film about people intersecting at a moment when life is sending them in unexpected directions, and the curtain falls at just the right time. Is it a masterpiece? Of course not. But it’s a flawed film that I will remember fondly. Loitering with Intent is currently streaming on Kanopy, a free service that requires only a participating library card to access. 


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Email: mountaineaglenews@gmail.com
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