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District Attorney Update

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 1/2/25 | 1/2/25

Patrick Corbett, 44, was convicted of Bail jumping in the 3rd Degree in the Town  of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court sentenced him to 90 days in jail, concurrent  with other charges pending in Cobleskill. He also received a surcharge of $205 and  must pay a DNA fee of $50. New York State Police Investigator Kristel was the  arresting officer. 

Patrick Corbett, 44, was convicted of Trespass in the 2nd Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court sentenced him to 90 days in jail, concurrent with  other charges pending in Cobleskill. He also received a surcharge of $205, fine of  $200, and an Order of Protection for the victim. New York State Police Investigator  Kristel was the arresting officer. 

Patrick Corbett, 44, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled  Substance in the 7th Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court  sentenced him to 60 days in jail, concurrent with other charges pending in Cobleskill.  He also received a surcharge of $205 and must pay a DNA fee of $50. Former  Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy Layaou was the arresting officer. 

Patrick Corbett, 44, was convicted of Bail jumping in the 3rd Degree in the Town  of Richmondville. Richmondville Town Court sentenced him to 120 days in jail, as  well as a fine of $200, surcharge of $205, and a DNA fee of $50. New York State  Trooper McFarlane was the arresting officer. 

Harry Kenney, 42, was convicted of two counts Criminal Possession of a Weapon  in the 4th Degree, and Reckless Endangerment 2nd in the Town of Middleburgh. The  Town of Middleburgh sentenced Mr. Kenney to 9 months jail time, concurrent with  Schoharie Town Court charges, as well as a DNA fee of $50, fine of $50, and  surcharge of $205. Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy Kopacz was the arresting  officer.

Harry Kenney, 42, was also convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a  Credit Card, and Petit Larceny in the Town of Middleburgh Court, stemming from  a separate incident than the one listed above. Middleburgh Town Court sentenced  him to 9 months in jail, concurrent with Schoharie Town Court charges, as well as a  DNA fee of $50, surcharge of $205, and restitution. New York State Trooper Kindt  was the arresting officer.  

Sean Sherman, 33, was convicted of Identity Theft in the 3rd Degree in the Town  of Middleburgh. The Town of Middleburgh Court sentenced him to 364 days in jail,  concurrent with charges in Schenectady County, as well as a surcharge of $205, and  a DNA fee of $50. New York State Trooper Dehont was the arresting officer. 

Benjamin Palmateer Jr., 37, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled  Substance in the 7th Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court  sentenced him to three (3) years’ probation, surcharge of $205, and a DNA fee of  $50. New York State Troopers Bird and Yodis were the arresting officers. 

Dennis Daskalakis, 65, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Forged  Instrument 2nd, a class D felony. Schoharie County Court sentenced him to a term of  five (5) years’ probation, a $300 surcharge, a crime victim’s advocate fee of $25,  DNA submission and fee of $$50, and restitution and a 5% surcharge totaling  $15,218.44. Mr. Daskalakis also waived his right to appeal. New State Police  Investigator Castiglione was the arresting officer.

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PDQ Quilters Meeting Jan. 7

COBLESKILL — The Peaceable Day Quilters (PDQ) quilt guild will be gathering for their

monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 7th, from 10:30 am until noon at the Fusion Church hall, 375 North Grand Street, Cobleskill. 

Sign-ups for our Spring 2025 Workshops and Field Trip will begin.  Susan Demick will present a demonstration of how to make a “Quilted Walker/Wheelchair Bag”.  All are welcome to the meeting, and a special invitation to join us is always extended to area and visiting quilters, from beginner to experienced.


The PDQ members show off their Secret Santa gifts at their holiday luncheon at Chieftan’s in December. 

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SSCS Wears Green for Barb Handy

With lime green socks, SSCS students, parents, and faculty all recognized and showed support for longtime teacher Barb Handy at the Dec. 20 home Basketball Game.


By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — Before the Winter Break, there was quite the show of support for beloved, longtime teacher at Sharon Springs Central School, Barb Handy, who is currently battling lymphoma. 

On Friday, December 20th, 2024 lime green replaced purple and white for the SSCS Spartans, as the entire community, led by the Student Council, paid an honorable tribute to teacher and mentor Barb Handy.

At this Friday night home basketball game, the Girls Varsity Basketball Team and Cheerleading squad all wore lime green socks and fans even dressed in green to support this valued faculty member who has done so much, to support so many, throughout her 42 year of dedication to education.

This show of Lime green is symbolic since this is the color representing lymphoma awareness. Green is also a color associated with nature, freshness, growth, harmony, and renewal. 

During this moving tribute, it was made clear that “green symbolizes life, vitality, and peace” and everyone wishes that for Barb Handy and her family! Go Spartans and GO BARB!


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Fly Creek Cider Mill - Closed for Season but Open Online

By Alexis Pencar

FLY CREEK — As the winter really sets in, beloved Fly Creek Cider Mill near Cooperstown, has closed its doors for the season, however their products are still available through their new Online Store! The historic mill, which has been pressing apples since 1856, is closed but will reopen on May 9th, 2025. Cider lovers need not fret! The brand new Fly Creek Cider Mill Online Store is now open year-round, offering a variety of their beloved products to be ordered right to your door!

Fly Creek Cider Mill has a storied history that dates back to 1856. The mill was originally built by Hosea Williams, who harnessed the power of Fly Creek to run a water-powered cider press. Over the years, the mill has seen many changes, including a brief closure during Prohibition and a revival in the 1960s by Charlie and Barbara Michaels. Today, the mill is operated by the Michaels family, who continue to uphold the traditions and quality that have made Fly Creek Cider Mill a beloved destination.

Fly Creek Cider Mill is known for its rich traditions, including the annual cider pressing season that begins in September. Visitors can witness the historic 1889 water-powered press in action, producing over 20,000 gallons of cider each fall. The mill has also been recognized for its excellence, winning the USA TODAY Readers' Choice Award for Best Cidery in the United States in 2024. This prestigious award highlights the mill's dedication to quality and exceptional visitor experiences.

Fly Creek Cider Mill offers a wide range of products, including freshly pressed apple cider, hard ciders, and apple wines. The Mill Store Marketplace is a treasure trove of over 200 specialty food products. Visitors can find sparkling cider, fudge, salsas, barbeque sauces, and much more. 

While the physical mill may close for the winter, the new online store ensures that the spirit of Fly Creek Cider Mill lives on year-round. Whether you're a long-time visitor or a new fan, you can still enjoy the mill's delicious products and support their continued success.

Fly Creek Cider Mill is more than just a cider mill; it's a piece of history, a tradition, and a testament to the dedication of the Michaels family. As the seasons change, so too does the mill, adapting and evolving while staying true to its roots. So, while the mill may be closed for a few months, the cider never stops flowing!


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Forest Ranger News

Ranger France on cross country ski patrol


Town of Summit 

Schoharie County 

Training: On Dec. 24, Forest Ranger France conducted field training with Ranger Welch at Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest to demonstrate different ways to patrol State lands during the winter months. Rangers often utilize cross country skis to cover the area as quickly as possible.  


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Flu Cases and Hospitalizations Tick up in New York



By Jennifer Patterson 

NEW YORK STATE — Cases of influenza and hospitalizations are increasing across New York, the state Department of Health announced earlier this week.

Officials are urging people to get vaccinated against the seasonal respiratory disease, and State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said recently that with flu prevalent statewide, health care workers who have not received this year’s vaccine should wear masks in certain settings. 

“We are seeing a significant increase in influenza hospitalizations and cases in New York state,” McDonald said in a statement. “If you haven’t already, today is a good day to get the current flu vaccine; it is safe and will lessen symptoms if you do get the flu.”

The flu shot is available to those 6 months and older. People aged 65 years and older, those with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are most in jeopardy of developing serious complications. 

During the week ending Dec. 21, there was an 86 percent increase in lab-confirmed influenza cases, and 648 hospitalized flu cases were reported to the state Department of Health, a 57 percent increase reported from the week prior. It was the sixth consecutive week of increases, the agency said. Through Dec. 21, there have been 40,132 confirmed cases statewide.

Current influenza information is available on the Health Department’s Flu Tracker, which provides information about local, regional and statewide flu activity. 

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, simple preventative actions can help stop the spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses: wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home when sick; cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue in the trash; and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For information, go to https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal.


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County Plans 2.5% Raises in 2025 - Administrator Search Continues

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — A total of 27 Schoharie County officials and employees will receive 2.5 percent salary increases in 2025 if the measure is approved during a public hearing set for the January meeting of the county Board of Supervisors.

The BOS scheduled the public hearing at its Dec. 20 meeting. If the measure is approved, the salary for the BOS Chair will be $26,295 in 2025 and salaries for other BOS members will be $15,123. The 2.5 percent pay hikes will be for certain county officers who are elected or appointed for fixed terms.

Other 2025 salaries for notable county positions will be $139,772 for the county administrator; $221,100 for the district attorney; $117,354 for the social services commissioner and $104,445 for county treasurer.

In other news from the Dec. 20 meeting, the search for a successor to County Administrator Korsah Akumfi continues. He is leaving to take the same position in Tompkins County and originally had set Dec. 27 as his last day but then extended his departure date to Jan. 3.

County Board of Supervisors Chair William Federice confirmed the position had been offered to someone who turned it down after considering it for a week. He added that the position has been reposted until Jan. 2. At the Dec. 20 meeting, the BOS voted to engage an executive search firm if another viable candidate for the job is not found by Jan. 6.

Federice also thanked Akumfi for his service to the county at the Dec. 20 meeting.

“It’s been an amazing time,” Akumfi responded. “I’m very happy for the opportunity you all gave me. I’m moving away but my heart will still be here with all of you.”

Also at the meeting, it was decided to offer the job of Museum Director/Business Manager of the Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie to Tyler Warman at a starting annual salary of $63,842. This action came after another applicant for the position withdrew his name from consideration.


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County Finalizes ARPA Allocations

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY - The long process of allocating Schoharie County’s $6.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds has concluded.

At the Dec. 20 county Board of Supervisors meeting, members approved several motions regarding the remaining ARPA money. The BOS voted to allocate $10,000 for more shelving for a county storage facility in Cobleskill, and $30,000 to the Cobleskill Fairgrounds to use as needed on various projects.

Board members voted to allocate the remaining $196,375 toward broadband projects in the county. Lastly, the BOS gave Supervisor and ARPA Committee Chair Alicia Terry of Gilboa the authority to designate any additional funds that might become available to a project or projects she deems best suited.

Also at the Dec. 20 meeting, Cassandra Harrington of Destination Marketing gave a presentation to the Supervisors on the nonprofit’s efforts to promote tourism and economic vitality in the county.

“Tourism done right drives economic growth,” she said.

Harrington said the possible induction of Ichiro Suzuki into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2025 would be a tourism boon to both Otsego and Schoharie Counties as it would draw thousands of Asian and other visitors to the HOF. Destination Marketing is also planning out America’s 250th Birthday events and promotions for both counties, she added.

The BOS approved a resolution setting forth that the county will “design, let and construct” the Huntersland Road bridge replacement over the Little Schoharie Creek in Middleburgh.

The county Board of Supervisors “hereby authorizes the County of Schoharie to pay 100 percent of the cost of preliminary engineering/design and right-of-way acquisition work for the project or portions thereof, with the understanding that qualified costs may be eligible for federal aid, state aid or reimbursement from Bridge NY funds,” the resolution stated.

It continued: “The County of Schoharie hereby agrees that construction of the project shall begin no later than 24 months after award and the construction phase of the project shall be completed within 30 months.”


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Cobleskill Historians to Hear ‘Farming with Dynamite’

COBLESKILL — Local Author Dana Cudmore will offer “Farming With Dynamite: The Forgotten Stone Boom in Schoharie County,” at the Thursday, Jan. 9 meeting of the Cobleskill Historical Society.

The society meets at 6 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building, South Grand Street, Cobleskill. Cudmore’s program will begin following a short business meeting.

Cudmore’s program is based on his October 2023 “Farming With Dynamite” book, which documents the 1890-1905 “stone boom,” when dozens of Schoharie County quarries supplied cut stone and cement for major construction projects like the Brooklyn Bridge, State Capitol, and the NYS Barge Canal System.

For the historical society’s program, Cudmore will take a specific look at the Cobleskill-area quarries, the largest of the period, employing hundreds of men. A question-and-answer period will follow, and signed copies of the “Farming With Dynamite” book will be available.

There is no charge to attend.

The Cobleskill Historical Society is in the process of rejuvenating itself following a hiatus during the COVID pandemic.

Former members are strongly encouraged to re-join the group and new members are welcome. Dues are $10 for the year.  The society is a nonprofit, 501c (3) organization and membership donations are tax deductible.

Checks may be sent to: The Town of Cobleskill Historical Society, PO Box 423, Cobleskill, NY 12043.


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Big Second Quarter Helps C-R Down SCS

COBLESKILL - A huge second quarter pushed the Bulldogs past the Storm at Cobleskill-Richmondville on December 18.

C-R led 10-7 after the first eight minutes and then a 27-9 run in the second period pushed the Bulldog lead to 37-16 at the half on the way to a 64-38 victory.

The  Bulldog attack was spread out with C. LaBarge and E. Barr each scoring 14 points to lead the team. Each also hit two three-pointers. C. Jackson added 10 points, all in the fourth period.

Brandon Toro and Bryson Beck each scored nine points to lead Schoharie. Toro had one three-pointer and Beck hit three threes. Emmett Gagno added eight points for SCS.


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An Automotive Education that Goes Beyond Careers in Cars

Vannie (left) and Miller


SCHOHARIE – Sometimes learning a trade is not just for launching a career in that industry.

Take for example Capital Region BOCES High School seniors Cody Vannie and Madison Miller.

The duo is enrolled in the Automotive Trades Technology program at the Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus, but neither plan to take those skills into the auto repair industry.

Rather Vannie, a Duanesburg High School, and Miller, a Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, are pursuing careers in law enforcement and environmental conservation.

“The auto program allows me to learn about repairing cars and will let me be able to save money and repair my own vehicle,” Miller said. “It’s also giving me a career to fall back into if I am not able to do what I want to do.”

Vannie, meanwhile, plans to use the skills during a career in law enforcement. 

“I am learning about all of the models of cars and what’s legal and what’s illegal. This program is giving me a better understanding of automobiles which I can use when I become a state trooper,” he said. 

There are more than 100 students enrolled in the Automotive Trades Technology program on the Schoharie and Albany campuses.

Students in the two-year program learn everything from computerized diagnostics to hands-on repairs while gaining the skills to service and maintain all types of cars and light trucks. Students are prepared to enter the industry or pursue higher education and earn professional certifications that will aid them no matter the path they choose.

For more information on the program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/automotive-trades-technology/


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Exchange Club Makes Christmas Season Brighter





The Exchange Club of Cobleskill along with family members and friends packed over four hundred bags full of gifts for all the students K-2 at CRCS for the Christmas Give-a-way on Friday December 20th. Special thanks to Fenimore Asset Management, Lamont Engineering, Cobleskill Dental Group, Putnam Insurance, Sterling Insurance, Bank of Richmondville, Noble Ace Hardware, New England Calendar, Stewart’s Shop Corp., McDonald’s, Burger King, and the Brick House Bakery for helping us continue the holiday tradition. Photos by Bill Combs.


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Why Art? - A Plan for 2025



In advance of their free film screenings next week in Walton and Franklin, Institute for Cultural Activism founders, Emily Harris and John Halpern, speak:

Emily Harris:

You disliked the artist Joseph Beuys’ work, yet ultimately became an advocate. Explain.

John Halpern

These things happen in life, what we may detest maybe something we haven’t worked out in ourselves. And then a new vision comes, maybe an epiphany, and we feel and act entirely differently. 

Although I truly did hate his art, thinking it was egoistic, Beuys was actually a real altruist, using his art and prestige, responsibly, to fight for human freedom and ecology. Like many German kids, he was in the Nazi army at age 17, dropping bombs in Russia from a “Luftwaffer.” 

In TRANSFORMER, he tells us about his plane crash in the Crimea, how the nomadic Tartars saved his life. His was badly burnt and they coated him with fat and butter. In his art, although it’s also autobiographical, he used fat for its healing power. He uses it as a social healing balm, as Social Sculpture. 

Q: Is TRANSFORMER, the film you made with Beuys, Social Sculpture? 

A: Definitely. It’s an ongoing social sculpture. Even next week when it’s shared with the community in Franklin, NY, at Mark Handelmann’s Good Taste Epicurean Speak Easy. 

Q: So, this is Cultural Activism?

A: Joseph Beuys and I are cultural activists. All artists whose works are meant to raise dialogues and questions about society, its structure, roots and evolution, are cultural activists. There’s always been a worldwide trend or movement of this form of cultural activism in art.

Q: REFUGE, with the Dalai Lama and Martin Scorsese, another of your films will be shown at the Walton Library and the library in Franklin, next week and weekend. What’s the strategy, here? 

A: Thanks for asking this. 

Responding to tumultuous world events and feeling of this current time our plan for 2025 is to continue the mission of inspiring conversations and responsive art projects among regional and international communities. 

When REFUGE was produced it was filmed partly at the Tibetan Buddhist center just outside town. Library director Heather Johnson honored my request and invited us to show the film at the library. 

I’m particularly curious to learn how, after over 30 years, the communities of Walton and Franklin relate to this kind of closeness to Buddhism. Some of the teachers from the center will join us at the screenings. As an artist and maker of films, I want to know better how the consciousness of art and meditation truly affect the people physically near it. 

Here in rural Delaware and neighboring counties the concentration of artists and spiritual practitioners has intensified, post pandemic. Is there a dialogue? Are there conversations and social mingling of any value between possibly disparate communities? How can we enhance communication and will we make a more beautiful and enduring future, together upstate? These are our questions.

Basically, these films were meant to stimulate dialogues. I’m so grateful to the library venues, Xina library director in Franklin and Heather, in Walton for the opportunity.

Q: Why the choice to screen BEUYS/TRANSFORMER at Mark Handelmann’s cheese shop, in Franklin?

A: Mark’s life and career was dedicated to social welfare, having for more than 50 years, helped to resettle millions of political and religious refugees across America. As a Jew, he knows intimately of the WWll holocaust and traveled to meet the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the oppressed and exiled Tibetans, in India. His shop in Franklin is an opportunity for people to meet him, to congregate and hangout. 

Besides this, Yoko Ono, the artist, John Lennon’s widow, was a friend and colleague of Joseph Beuys and progenitor or pioneer of the Fluxus Art community. Ono lives in Franklin.  Beuys was a co-founder of the European Green Movement, a political party for the environment.

Q: Thank you, that’s great.

A: Of course, thanks!


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Sung Locally - The Catskills Tape



By Bradley Towle

GREATER CATSKILLS — The Catskills Tape is a 1994 home recording by artist Alexander Ross under the pseudonym Fantastic Palace. Ross recorded the album of instrumentals described as “Layers of twinkling electric guitars, tape snippets, and percussion items spin webs like yarn wound down the banister of a childhood staircase” at a house in Chichester. The recordings had a limited circulation on cassette tapes until The Catskills Tape appeared on Bandcamp in April 2018. Ross, who has since become best known as a visual artist residing in Great Barrington, recorded the lo-fi songs alone, which was not uncommon in the 1990s. Tascam’s 4-track Portastudio (which Ross used for this recording) and other relatively easy-to-use recording devices led to an uptick of musicians creating home recordings on cassette tapes that they could distribute at their shows (even the great Warren Zevon’s 1995 Mutineer album was a product of this movement). 

With the advent of streaming musical services, a new technology again opened up the possibility of Fantastic Palace’s quirky little album from the Catskills finding a larger audience. There are numerous valid complaints to be made about Spotify and its impact on musicians. Yet, streaming options have also revived and introduced forgotten or overlooked artists to entirely new groups of listeners. The Catskills Tape, which is currently available to stream or buy on Bandcamp (a service known for better compensation to musicians), would have surely existed in only the memories of a few and Ross’s personal cassette archives. 

The Catskills Tape is a quick listen—not one of the eleven songs exceeds three minutes. “Shandaken” and “Shandaken (Reprise)” are the only song titles to reference the area that birthed these recordings, and without lyrics, it is unclear what other local inspiration Ross may have found in his mountain retreat. Still, song titles like “A Chance of Rain,” “Socks On, Socks Off,” and “Morning Good Kitchen” suggest Ross may have been drawing inspiration from the day-to-day slowness of his house in Chichester. Guitars and bass circle each other on all of the tracks, with the occasional beats from what sound like drum machines and possibly household items. The Catskills Tape, along with Fantastic Palace’s Ringlets and Gaskets are available on BandCamp. For more on Ross’ visusal arts, visit www.milesmcenery.com/artists/alexander-ross


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