County To Consider $35.87M Bond For Broadband

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors will consider at its Friday morning, March 21 meeting floating a $35.87 million bond that would fund a $33.6 million broadband project aimed at providing every county resident with the ability to connect with the Internet.

Details of the borrowing were discussed at the Wednesday, March 12 meeting of the county's Economic Development Committee, chaired by Supervisor Werner Hampel of Cobleskill. According to him, County Treasurer Mary Ann Wollaber-Bryan, and others, the plan would be to pay back the bond in stages with a $30 million New York State ConnectAll grant the county is expected to receive for the project.

The grant is a reimbursable one wherein the county fronts money for the project and is then reimbursed from the grant at various milestones along the way. In addition to anticipated money from the bond, also available to fund the project is $204,000 in leftover American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

Hampel, Wollaber-Bryan and others said there is a good chance all the money from the $35.87 million bond would not be needed.

"The idea is you go for the full amount because if you don't and more is needed you won't be able to get it," Wollaber-Bryan explained at the March 12 committee meeting.

Hampel said in a phone conversation on Monday that one of the reasons the project might come in under its estimated cost is that more cable than originally thought can be laid underground rather than strung on poles, and underground is cheaper.

To be considered at Friday's meeting are three resolutions connected to the project, a SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) resolution, a resolution with details on the bond and one with details on the project.

In other news from the March 12 committee meeting, Hampel gave an update on the Ramada by Wyndham project that will replace the long-closed Best Western Hotel in the Village of Cobleskill.

Hampel, who has been closely involved with the project, estimated that the 76 rooms, indoor swimming pool, conference room and banquet room will be ready to open by mid or late May. He added that the restaurant/bar and bowling alley would not be ready until sometime in the fall.

Hampel said furniture has been ordered but it's taking awhile and that all the room doors had to be replaced with new key cards, among a lot of other work.

 

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Planned Richmondville Power Outage In The Works

The Village of Richmondville board will hold a budget workshop meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at the municipal building, 295 Main Street. Photo by Chris English.

 

By Chris English

RICHMONDVILLE — It will be lights out for Richmondville Power & Light customers on some day in the not-too-distant future, but it won't be due to any act of nature.

At the Monday, March 17 village board meeting, Mayor Carl Warner Jr., RPL Director Tim Smith and the Trustees discussed a planned power outage to occur for several hours on some day either this spring or fall. No further details are known yet, but when they are, customers will be notified so they can prepare, village officials said.

Power needs to be taken down so that some needed work can be done at a substation in the village. Warner said the possibility of providing substitute power while the work is being done was explored, but it turns out that would be prohibitively expensive.

In other actions at the meeting, Warner introduced Jen Golden as the new Trustee replacing Cindy Miller, who recently resigned. The mayor appointed Golden to fill out Miller's unexpired term until Dec. 1. Golden was sworn in before the meeting, Warner added. During a break in the meeting before the board went into executive session, he declined to elaborate on the reasons for Miller's resignation.

Golden said she grew up in the Cortland area but has lived in Richmondville the last 12 years. She has been active in various village groups, including one that helps out with operation of the village swimming pool and other recreational activities.

A budget workshop meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at 5 p.m. at the village municipal building, 295 Main Street. Richmondville, like all villages in the state, is working to adopt its 2025-26 budget by the May 1 deadline.

"We're in budget time," Warner said. "The health insurance end of it has been a bear, it's been a struggle."

Department of Public Works Director Eric Jones reported that the new sign for River Street was recently put up after there had been no sign for quite awhile. Jones added that his crew has replaced 29 water meters so far in the ongoing effort to replace or repair water meters so all usage is being measured accurately and all customers are being billed fairly.

Plans for the annual Richmondville Days celebration Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 30-June 1 are rapidly taking shape, Trustee Lisabeth Kabel reported. Vendor, patron and sponsor forms are available at the municipal building.

Among the many events will be line dancing, a bounce house for kids and a pancake breakfast at the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday morning, Kabel noted. There will also be many other highlights.

She and Warner said the Hometown Heroes veterans banners should be up along Main Street again before Memorial Day (May 26) after being stored away for the winter. Kabel added that additional banners are always being added and that soon Main Street will be full and banners will start being hung on Holmes, Summit and other streets.

Fire Chief Floyd Seales reported that the annual bus trip to the 9/11 Monument in New York City will be Nov. 1 and will include himself and several other firefighters or first responders, village officials and anyone else who wants to go as space allows. Warner and Trustee Robert Hyatt often make the trip, Seales noted.

He said the Yankee Trails bus line has traditionally been the one used for the trip and discounts the per-person price from $130 down to $50 since the trip is geared to first responders.

 

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Richmondville to Hold April 3 Sewer Project Public Hearing

By Chris English

RICHMONDVILLE — Town of Richmondville Supervisor Jeffrey Haslun and fellow board members still hope a multimillion dollar sewer improvement project can kick off fairly soon despite a recent glitch in the process.

At its Thursday, March 13 meeting, the board approved a resolution setting a public hearing on the project for 6 p.m. April 3 at the town municipal building, 104 Municipal Lane, just off Podpadic Road.

The purpose of the hearing is to "hear all persons interested in the proposed increase in the maximum amount authorized to be expended for the project" from $12 million up to $16 million.

Haslun said it's the fervent hope of he and other board members that the project does not reach a $16 million cost, but that the resolution was required to reflect a 30 percent contingency _ or cushion _ in the project that village officials were advised was needed.

The town supervisor added that the resolution approved last Thursday is essentially the same as a resolution from May of last year but it turned out that one had a technical deficiency.

"We were advised the  one from last May was in the wrong format," Haslun said. "Next to nothing has changed but bond counsel used the wrong format. We're disappointed because we were hoping to bid in April and start construction in June and this will delay things and probably kick it out another 30 days."

The hope is that all or most of the project can be funded with federal and state grants the town has already been awarded, he added. The project will provide public sewer service to a large part of the town, including most of Warnerville, and it's hoped that will spark more development and bolster the tax rolls, among other positives.

According to the resolution approved last Thursday: "On August 23, 2022 the town board authorized the establishment of the Town of Richmondville Sewer District No. 1 and the acquisition, construction and installation of improvements to the District, including but not limited to the construction of 15,000 linear feet of collection sewer piping in addition to the replacement or rehabilitation of sewer mains, manholes, pump stations and other facilities, and the acquisition of machinery, equipment or apparatus received in connection therewith."

The latest resolution adds that the "proposed method of financing the costs of the project consists of receipt of federal and New York State grants for approximately 89 percent of the cost of the project and the issuance of town serial bonds and bond anticipation notes for remaining costs.....The estimated maximum cost of the District to a typical property therein is now expected to equal $653.80 per year."

In other news from the March 13 board meeting, James Becker appeared to tell board members that Schoharie County is considering three locations within the county for some infrastructure needed for the ongoing $33.6 million broadband project aimed at providing every county resident with Internet access.

One of the locations being considered is somewhere on the property of the Town of Richmondville municipal building and Highway Department on Municipal Lane, just off Podpadic Road, said Haslun. He added that town officials are agreeable if the county decides to choose Richmondville. There would be a lease, but Haslun noted that, speaking for himself, he would only favor charging the county $1 a year or some other nominal amount that would be the minimum requirement of such leases.

Schoharie County will own the new broadband network for 10 years after it's finished. The infrastructure discussed at last Thursday's meeting would consist of a small building roughly 10 by 12 or 14 feet on a concrete pad, and related amenities, Haslun said.

The county Board of Supervisors — of which Haslun is a member —0will consider three resolutions connected to the broadband project at its meeting this Friday morning, March 21.

 

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Schoharie County Democratic Committee Files Legal Challenge Against Board of Supervisors for Violating Election Law

SCHOHARIE – In a decisive vote, the Schoharie County Democratic Committee voted on March 4 to fund a law firm to file an Article 78 proceeding against the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors. That article was filed last week. This legal challenge comes in response to the Board’s failure to follow New York State Election Law in the appointment process for the Democratic Commissioner of the Schoharie County Board of Elections.

The committee asserts that the Board of Supervisors disregarded legal procedure by refusing to consider the committee’s recommended candidate, Michael Dugan, and instead unilaterally appointed their own choice without proper authority.

To fight back, we have secured legal representation from the Luibrand Law Firm, a respected firm with a strong track record of holding government officials accountable. This is a serious legal challenge, and we are committed to seeing it through. 

“The Board of Supervisors is not above the law,” said Theresa Heary, Chair of the Schoharie County Democratic Committee. “Election Law is clear that the role of the party committee is to put forth a qualified nominee. The Board can reject the committee’s recommendation, but it cannot unilaterally install someone they choose. By ignoring this process and appointing their own candidate, they have overstepped their legal bounds. Their action undermines the integrity of the county’s electoral process and sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in election administration.”

“This is not just about one appointment; this is about the Board of Supervisors manipulating the system to exert control over an office that is meant to be independent,” Heary added. “Their actions violate the democratic principles that ensure fair elections in Schoharie County.”

The Article 78 proceeding is a legal process that allows individuals or entities to challenge the actions or decisions of government agencies or officials. It is essentially a mechanism for judicial review of administrative actions. Further updates on the legal proceedings will be provided as they develop.

 

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Call for Commercial Property Improvement Grant Applications in Sharon Springs - NY Forward Small Project Fund to Revitalize Downtown and Support Small Businesses is Now Open

SCHOHARIE COUNTY – Sharon Springs, recognized by both the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Register of Historic Places, in Schoharie County, was awarded $2.25 million in funding as part of the NY Forward initiative. This funding, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will enable the village to undertake several transformative projects, revitalizing its downtown area (from Main Street to the Adler Hotel) while preserving the rich history, mineral springs, creeks, waterfalls and art community culture that has made it a unique destination.

As part of this initiative, Sharon Springs will benefit from the Small Project Fund, with a $300,000 allocation aimed at supporting small-scale projects that enhance the Village’s Historic District. The fund will be used for historically sensitive building renovations, public art installations, upgrading housing in mixed-use commercial buildings and installing energy efficiency measures to better the operational performance and sustainability and elevate the village as a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors.

"We are pleased to receive this transformative funding through the NY Forward program,” said Denise Kelly, Mayor of Sharon Springs. “I’m particularly excited about the Small Project Fund, which offers critical support for local businesses and organizations, helping them bridge funding gaps and make meaningful improvements. These investments will have a lasting impact on Sharon Springs for years to come." 

SEEC is overseeing the Small Project Fund, with applications now open until May 1st. Applicants are invited to submit their project descriptions and initial cost estimates online at seecny.org/small-project-fund. To assist applicants throughout the process, SEEC will host an orientation and Q&A session via Zoom on Wednesday, March 26th, from 7-8 PM. Interested attendees can register at seecny.org.

Applicants will also be paired with an environmental specialist to assess and address any potential hazardous building materials, as well as a designer to optimize the visual and functional impact of projects along Main Street. Submissions will be reviewed throughout May, with recommendations sent to New York State in June. Conditional award notifications are expected by July, with construction slated to begin in 2026 and project completion anticipated by the fourth quarter of 2027.

“This funding represents a pivotal moment for Sharon Springs,” said Trish Bergan, SEEC Program Administrator. “The Small Project Fund is designed to empower our local businesses, property owners, and organizations to take meaningful steps toward revitalizing this historic downtown. By supporting projects that prioritize historic preservation, energy efficiency, and Main Street vibrancy, we’re helping to create a more sustainable and welcoming village for residents and visitors alike. We’re excited to work alongside the community to bring these transformative ideas to life.”

Sharon Springs, which once flourished as a health resort destination thanks to its therapeutic mineral springs, is once again drawing visitors with its combination of historic architecture, unique shops, and arts community. The village is also known for hosting the popular Sharon Springs Harvest Festival and for being home to the Beekman Boys' successful Beekman 1802 business, which has contributed to its revitalization.

The other New York Forward funding will support a variety of exciting projects, including:

• Historic Klinkhart Hall Renovation: A $541,000 investment will restore this iconic community building into a center for the arts, offering new cultural experiences for both locals and tourists.

• Chalybeate Spring Park Redevelopment: With a $1 million allocation, the park will undergo enhancements, including a new pavilion, improved pathways, and the relocation of the historic spring temple to create a more welcoming public space.

• Lehman Block Restoration: $240,000 will be directed toward exterior renovations of this historic building, preserving its architectural charm while supporting economic growth.

• Public Wi-Fi Installation in the Spa District: A $169,000 investment will bring free public Wi-Fi to Main Street, providing residents and visitors with improved connectivity and access to digital services.

The NY Forward program supports small and rural communities across New York State by funding key infrastructure, cultural, and business improvements to help them recover and grow. Sharon Springs is among the first communities to benefit from this innovative program, which marks a significant step in the village’s revitalization. The funding will help preserve Sharon Springs’ unique history while driving future growth by enhancing downtown amenities, improving quality of life, and attracting new visitors and businesses.

For more information about the NY Forward Small Project Fund contact Trish Bergan, SEEC Program Administrator at admin@seecny.org, call 518-517-1700 or visit www.SEECNY.org.

 

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Village Rules No Junior Fire Dept. Access

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - On Tuesday evening, the Cobleskill Village Board met to oversee the recent policy about junior members of the fire department being given their own access codes for the firehouse.

Having held their discussion before the meeting began, member Howard Burt gave his thoughts on the matter, saying “I don’t see any real need to have minors be in here alone.”

He explained that he was fine with a junior member being left in the firehouse if everyone else goes on call, but to give them access to the doors at any point “is a sizable liability.”

Mayor Rebecca Stanton-Terk and the rest of the Board agreed with his assessment, and Ruth Van Deusen followed by saying “To be clear, it’s for insurance purposes only,” noting that they encourage and welcome the junior members to be a part of the firehouse at large.

Fire Chief Todd Whittaker quickly asked for information, as he said that there are numerous occasions when a junior member shows up when the trucks are out, and asked “Are they supposed to stay in the parking lot?”

Mr. Burt responded with a resounding yes, and said that a senior member of the firehouse should “be along” to let them in, while Mayor Stanton-Terk said that there were workarounds they could figure out.

“It’s not us being hard,” Mayor Stanton-Terk concluded. “But the insurance company says it’s a liability.”

With discussion finished, the Board officially moved to not allow any minors their own access code to the firehouse, thereby amending the policy.

In other news, member Larry VanHeertum asked the Department of Public Works about the water flowing from Golding’s hill and spilling over Elm Street’s sidewalks.

In response, the Board was told that the water wasn’t a busted pipe or leak, but rather groundwater from the school’s property that naturally flows down the hill.

There were also talks of installing a catch basin on either side of the sidewalk to clean up that area, but no timeframe was given.

Finally, the Board was excited to announce that they will receive their brand-new ambulance in two weeks’ time, and made a motion to begin funding the vehicle.

 

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Village Election Results Are In

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MIDDLETOWN - Fleischmanns and Margaretville held elections on March 18 and the unofficial results are in.

Fleischmanns

Incumbent Mayor Samuel Gil was reelected for a second term with 129 votes beating Gloria Zola-Mulloy's write-in campaign which gained 23 votes. Gil received 28 in-person votes and 101 absentee ballots. Before the election Gil said, if elected, he would continue guardrail restoration along Lake Street and Armstrong Park, complete oil and stone of Wagner Avenue, repair drainage ditches and storm drains, and tackle parking concerns.

The two trustee positions were secured by incumbents Miguel Martinez-Riddle and Stewart Cohen. Martinez-Riddle received 133 votes (31 in-person and 102 absentee), Cohen received 114 votes (16 in-person and 98 absentee), and Harold Kuhn lost with 48 votes (37 in-person and 11 absentee). There were no write-in candidates.

“I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the Village of Fleischmanns,” said Martinez-Riddle. “I’m grateful for the trust and hope to continue being a force for mediation and positive creative energy.” 

Kuhn thanks everyone who voted for him in the election. "I'm incredibly proud to have won the in-person vote and truly appreciate the support of so many in our community," he said, "Though the race was ultimately decided by an outstanding number of absentee votes, as it has been in recent years, I remain committed to advocating for the residents of Fleischmanns and working to make our village a better place."

Martinez-Riddle said he is grateful to call Kuhn a neighbor and, “hope we can involve him formally in village politics sooner than later.”

Margaretville

Mayor John Hubbell was reelected with 41 votes. Lauren Davis received one write-in vote. This will be Hubbell's -- term in office.

Incumbents Sarah Hubbell and Iris Mead were both reelected for two-year terms. Hubbell received 37 votes and has already served the village for six years. Mead, who has previously served for 16 years, received 34 votes. Write-ins include Robert Mansheffer, 2 votes, and Eleanor Preiss, 1 vote.

 

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PetScreening's FidoAlert Named Pet Solution of the Year

Lost-and-Found Pet Platform Recognized by the 2024 Pet Innovation Awards

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PetScreening, which offers the rental housing industry's first and leading pet policy management software at no charge to property owners and managers, today announced that its FidoAlert platform has been named Pet Solution of the Year by the 2024 Pet Innovation Awards.

FidoAlert is a lost-and-found pet solution created by PetScreening Founder and CEO John Bradford, designed to reunite lost dogs and cats (TabbyAlert) with their owners. The platform features a text-based amber alert system for pets and includes more than 1.3 million registered pets throughout the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Pet owners who enroll their pets into the free FidoAlert network can generate text and email alerts when a pet is lost or found.

"We're humbled to receive this esteemed recognition from the 2024 Pet Innovation Awards, and we firmly believe FidoAlert will continue to make a significant difference in the world of pets," Bradford said. "We know pets are family, and the objective of FidoAlert is to significantly reduce the number of lost pets who never find their way home. The American Humane Association estimates that approximately 10 million dogs and cats go missing each year, and it's our goal to reacquaint as many of them as we can with their owners. So far, we've been able to locate more than 35,000 lost pets with the help of FidoAlert." 

Any pet owner in the U.S. can enroll their pets into the free FidoAlert network—or TabbyAlert, for cats—and can generate SMS-text and email alerts when a pet is lost or found. Pet owners self-register their pets through the secure platform and can enter up to 10 trusted emergency contacts. If a registered pet owner loses their pet, they can initiate a lost pet alert that sends a text message with a digital "lost pet" flier to everyone in the network who is within a few miles of the location where the pet was lost. The text alert includes the pet's photo and other helpful information to create near-instantaneous awareness about the lost pet. The digital flier is also shareable on social media platforms.

Every registered pet receives a free customized pet tag engraved with the pet's name, unique ID number and unique QR code. Anyone who finds a lost pet wearing one of these tags can easily scan the QR code with a cell phone and initiate a FidoAlert, even if they are not enrolled in the network. Almost instantaneously, the pet's owner and all of their trusted emergency contacts receive a text message and email notifying them that their lost pet has been found, along with information connecting them to their pet's finder.

The Pet Innovation Awards is an independent recognition platform highlighting the most innovative companies, services and products in the highly competitive pet-care industry. The platform recognizes winners across several categories, including pet apparel, bowls, collars, food, accessories and services such as grooming and clipping.

About PetScreening
Offering the industry's first and leading pet policy management software, PetScreening™ helps housing providers manage residents' pets and assistance animals for free while generating opportunities for pet-related revenue. The digital screening platform standardizes risk assessment for household pets by providing a digital Pet Profile and FIDO Score for each pet screened. PetScreening also streamlines the assistance animal accommodation request review process while following HUD guidelines, and it helps limit unauthorized pets. The platform seamlessly integrates with third-party software such as Yardi, OneSite, Entrata, ResMan, Rent Manager, Appfolio and many more. As a fast-growing innovator in the rental housing technology space, PetScreening has received multiple awards and honors in recent years, including recognition from the Inc. 5000, Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, the NC TECH Awards and the Charlotte Business Journal's Fast 50. For more information, visit www.petscreening.com.

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Crafters Wanted For Two Popular Events

Crafters Wanted For Two Popular Events

Applications are now being accepted for two popular craft events in Richfield Springs--

the 44th Annual Friendship Craft Festival to be held on Saturday, June 14 in Spring Park

and the 5th Annual Fall Craft Fair scheduled for Saturday, October 4 at the Cullen

Pumpkin, 587 Cullen Road. Both events are sponsored by the Church Of Christ Uniting

in Richfield Springs.

For information and an application for both events go to

www.rschurchofchristuniting.com and click on the “Guild” tab or email

friendshipcraftfestival@yahoo.com (June) or fallcraftfair@yahoo.com (October).

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Cobleskill Looks at New Truck

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - On Monday night, the Cobleskill Town Board convened to discuss switching to a new truck manufacturer, as well as offering praise for Supervisor Don Airey of Blenheim.

During the highway report, the Board asked Highway Superintendent Timothy Gallagher for an update on their snow plow order.

Mr. Gallagher said that while they still have the money for the big truck, their previous manufacturer that serves Schoharie County, Western Star, no longer makes an all-wheel drive because they can’t get the front-ends.

To remedy this, the Town will need a Freightliner truck instead, which is around the same price due to having the vast majority of parts stay the same except for the cab. 

Mr. Gallagher also noted that the truck will likely come in in late 2026 when it was ordered in 2021, meaning that the Town is looking at a five year wait between orders.

He recommended that since Cobleskill almost has enough saved up for the next truck, they should place their order as soon as this one is delivered to cut down on wait times as much as they can.

Once the truck was explained, Mr. Gallagher also noted how severe the constant snowfall this winter season has been and thanked the Village’s joint aid, saying “I really appreciate the Village guys stepping up and helping out, they’ve done a lot with us.”

Before the meeting concluded, Supervisor Werner Hampel quickly enlightened the rest of the Board on the status of the county’s constitutional challenge, noting that they won but the state would likely appeal the decision.

He also gave special thanks to Supervisor Airey, who had championed the push. “Had it not been for him and his attention to detail, we would not be where we are now. He’s a special individual and he did a heck of a job.”

 

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Cobleskill Softball Splits Day Three at Gene Cusic Classic, Tops Saint Joseph

FORT MEYERS, FLORIDA — The SUNY Cobleskill softball team wrapped up the third day of their Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic spring break trip with a split, falling to Geneva College in the morning before bouncing back with a convincing win over the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.).

Game One: Geneva 9, Cobleskill 1

The Fighting Tigers opened the day with a 9-1 loss to Geneva College in on Tuesday morning. 

Mackenzie Wendelken (Stuyvesant, NY/Ichabod Crane), Avery Prievo (Camden, NY), and Madelynn Orosz (Seymour, CT/Nonnewaug) each recorded a hit for Cobleskill. Jaydaci Chamberlain (Northborough, MA/Norfolk County Ag) went the distance in the circle, tossing six innings while allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits, striking out three.

Geneva struck early, plating two runs in the opening frame on a two-run triple. Cobleskill’s defense held firm, highlighted by a diving catch from Prievo in the second inning and a three-up, three-down effort from Chamberlain to keep the game within reach.

The Fighting Tigers threatened in the third when Jenna Smyczynski (East Aurora, NY) reached on a walk, then stole second and third on a pair of wild pitches, but Cobleskill was unable to bring her home. Geneva added another run in the fourth before breaking the game open with a four-run fifth inning, including a two-run triple and an RBI double to make it 7-0.

Trailing 9-0 in the sixth, Cobleskill finally got on the board. Prievo led off with a double to center, and Wendelken followed with an RBI single to left. The Fighting Tigers loaded the bases later in the inning, but Geneva escaped the jam to seal the win.

Game Two: Cobleskill 9, Saint Joseph (Conn.) 1

The Fighting Tigers rebounded in their second game, taking advantage of eight Saint Joseph errors to roll to a 9-1 victory.

Kailee DiGiacco (Spencerport, NY) led the charge, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs, a double, and two runs scored. Wendelken continued her strong day, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Smyczynski added a 2-for-5 performance. Orosz also chipped in, scoring twice and driving in a run while going 1-for-3.

First-year pitcher Gabriella Wendelken (Stuyvesant, NY/Ichabod Crane) delivered her first collegiate win with a dominant complete-game performance. She scattered nine hits over seven innings, allowing just one run while striking out seven.

Both teams finished with nine hits, but Cobleskill’s ability to capitalize on Saint Joseph’s eight errors proved to be the difference.

Cobleskill struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on Saint Joseph’s defensive struggles. Orosz laid down a well-placed bunt to bring home Prievo for a 1-0 lead. Moments later, DiGiacco legged out an infield single, and Smyczynski followed with an RBI base hit to plate Samantha Bargren (Wilmington, DE/Brandywine), making it 2-0.

The Fighting Tigers extended their lead in the fourth when DiGiacco ripped a double to left center, scoring Bargren. With the bases loaded, Wendelken lined a two-run single up the middle to push the advantage to 5-0.

Saint Joseph got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, but Cobleskill quickly responded in the fifth when Orosz crossed home on a wild pitch.

The Tigers put the game out of reach in the seventh, as DiGiacco drove in Brooke Irizarry (Florida, NY/S.S. Seward) with an RBI single to left before two more runs scored on defensive miscues by the Blue Jays, sealing a dominant victory.

Up Next

The Fighting Tigers conclude their Florida trip on Wednesday, March 12, with a doubleheader against Bethany College and RIT in Naples, Florida.

 

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CRCS Starts Closing Budget Gap

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - On Monday evening, the CRCS Board of Education held their second draft budget presentation, focusing on the dwindling yet still sizable budget gap.

Last month, on January 27th, the first draft of the upcoming budget held a negative gap of $1,858,641, which factored in the estimated salaries and benefits, as well as estimated increases from BOCES and the purchase of four new buses.

The district had also planned to lower their fund balance allocation by $250,000, as the creeping reliance on their fund balance is becoming an annual issue that may lead to larger problems in the future.

However, after just a couple weeks of readjusting revenues and expenditures and calculating the tax levy limit, the gap has nearly been cut in half.

For comparison, the expenditure summary from last year’s adopted budget to this second draft stands at an increase of $2.1 million, or a 4.6% increase.

This larger number is made up from a 4% increase in administration, a 4% increase in instruction, a 3.1% decrease in transportation, and a 7% increase in benefits and debt service transfers.

On the other side of the coin, the revenue summary has seen a total increase of approximately $1 million for a 2.2% increase, made up of a 2.1% increase from local sources, a 2.6% increase in state and federal sources, and an allowable increase of the tax levy by 2.55%.

With these new figures, the total budget gap for the second draft stands at $1,099,434, but it stands to be lowered further depending on action from the Board, as Superintendent Matthew Sickles identified and proposed several additions and reductions for the district.

Although the budget gap is not closed, Superintendent Sickles has vouched that the additions, namely a new registered nurse, school psychologist, and a school resource officer, are valuable and almost non-negotiable for the health of the student body, with their total cost standing at $291,100.

To balance this, he has suggested reducing an extra Ryder class section, a vacant speech language pathologist position, a retired special education teacher, a least senior librarian, a least senior art teacher, and three retired teaching assistant positions, for a total of $522,500.

“None of this has anything to do with the job anyone is doing,” said Superintendent Sickles on the two staffing cuts. “Everyone is doing a great job.”

If the Board approves these proposals, the district would be looking at extra savings of $231,400, which would cut down the gap to $868,034.

When the presentation concluded, the Board felt the tension of the budget gap as much as anyone else. “I have a huge pit in my gut right now,” said President Bruce Tryon, who stated his fears on finding the remaining money in less than a month.

Superintendent Sickles stated that he would begin looking at additional areas for reductions, such as materials and supplies, district communications, and student activities with the lowest participation, and present another budget report next month.

 

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