While Madilin sits quietly with her binkie, mom (Katlyn Junco) checks out all the baked goods lining the table. Photos by Robert Duso.
Julie Jones checking out the jewelry. Lot's of tables and wall racks with everything the well dressed woman would want to wear, and the proceeds going to The Schoharie County Animal Shelter.
Table lined with jewelry.
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SHARON SPRINGS — The kitchen staff at the Stone House Farm on Lynk Road in Sharon Springs was busy Sunday morning at cooking up pancakes, waffles, and sausages. All were served with pure maple syrup. The breakfasts continue through April 19. Photo by David Avitabile.
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By Tori Edwards
CHARLOTTEVILLE — The Peppercorn Tavern is a rustic hometown bar with charisma and charm like no other. Its deep roots in the town is a rare gem! The address is 102 Bindery Lane, Charlotteville.
The owner Dawn and her husband came up with the name from the original owner, George White. In their search for a place, they ended up bringing the beloved Peppercorn sign back to its place of origin. Just after 4 decades of its rest! They opened for business in 2024 and hold events every weekend with daily specials.
Come indulge in some fierce drops as they hold Game nights on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, “You Play We Pay” for Thirsty Thursdays, Karaoke Friday nights! Some events coming up are Bombshell’s Pop-Up Sushi Bar on Saturday March 22nd with their 1st open Mic night on Saturday March 29th at 7pm. April 5th they will be having Live Music with FNTR. April 13th there will be breakfast with the Easter Bunny. April 19th families can engage in an Easter Egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. April 26th there is going to be live music with the Backyard Saints!
This place is always full of jam-packed entertainment for all! Bands and live music every weekend that you don’t want to miss! They are open 7 days a week! Monday-Thursday 4pm to 9pm, Fridays- Saturdays 12pm-11pm, and Sundays 12-8pm. Reach out by phone at (607) 376-2119.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram at The Peppercorn Tavern. “Unwind, Unplug, and Let the Unforgettable Nights Brew On!” Stop up and hang with the ladies! “At the Peppercorn you’re bound to have a good time, and sips happen!”
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DELHI — Carli Pinner has officially announced her candidacy for Delaware County Treasurer, bringing extensive experience and proven expertise in government accounting, finance, and technology systems.
Pinner has dedicated the past seven years to serving Delaware County, with the last two years working directly alongside the County Treasurer. Her responsibilities have included budgeting and financial statements, managing accounts receivable/payable, state and federal reporting, banking and investment management, payroll processing, and tax account reconciliation.
“I’m committed to fiscal responsibility and enhancing financial transparency in Delaware County,” said Pinner. “My hands-on experience has equipped me with the skills needed to effectively manage our county’s resources and lead our financial operations with integrity.”
In her tenure, Carli Pinner has demonstrated leadership in facilitating teams by emphasizing collaboration, planning, development, and monitoring productivity and quality. She is proficient with key technology platforms utilized by the county, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google productivity tools, and specialized Delaware County software systems such as PDS Payroll and USL Financials. Additionally, she is certified in Microsoft Excel.
“I am passionate about continuing to improve our financial systems and processes, ensuring they work efficiently for everyone in our community,” Pinner continued.
Carli Pinner seeks to leverage her deep understanding of Delaware County’s fiscal operations to serve residents effectively as the next County Treasurer.
For more information or to support Carli Pinner’s campaign, she will have a meet and greet March 22, 2025 4pm at the Hancock House, Hancock.
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HAMDEN — The Hamden Bicentennial Committee is excited to announce three major events that will highlight the town’s 200th anniversary celebration this July 12 and 13 that are looking for participants.
To kick off the July weekend of fun for all ages, Hamden will host a Bicentennial Parade of decorative floats, tractors, and agricultural implements, as a tribute to the settlers of this fertile valley at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12. Line-up will be at 10:30 a.m. at Delaware Opportunities. The unloading of heavy machinery can be parked at the Hamden Town Highway Department off Covert Hollow.
The theme of the parade is 200 Years of Hamden.
The parade will begin near the corner of state Route 10 and Launt Hollow Road and go through the hamlet of Hamden along Route 10 to the corner of Basin Clove Road.
The parade committee invites all musical and marching groups, fire and emergency departments and community groups to join the parade with their floats, horses, carriages, vintage vehicles, tractors and trucks. The use of UTVs are not allowed per the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.
People interested in participating should contact Bill and Patsy Moody at bmood5@msn.com.
Following the parade, the Great Hamden Town Hall Market will be open from 1pm to 6pm in the Hamden Town Hall Park. This event will feature local vendors, artisans, and food vendors showcasing their products, making it the perfect opportunity to shop, dine, and celebrate. The Committee is now accepting applications for vendors who wish to be part of this exciting event. Whether you're selling handmade crafts, local produce, or delicious treats, the Hamden Town Hall Market is the place to be. Vendors can sign up here: qrco.de/bfjAjm
Vendor spaces for the Town Hall Market are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring people together to celebrate Hamden's rich history,” said Wayne Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor and spokesperson for the Hamden Bicentennial Committee. “The support from our community and the incredible variety of activities planned make this a special event that you won’t want to miss.”
Join us for a fun-filled day of running, shopping, and celebrating the past 200 years of Hamden! We can’t wait to see you there!
We’re happy to announce the Hamden Bicentennial 5k Run, which will kick off a day of festivities on day two of the Celebration. Whether you're an avid runner or just looking to join in the fun, this event will bring the community together for an exciting and active start to the day. The 5k Run will take place on Sunday, July 13th, and is open to participants of all ages and skill levels. Registration Fees are $30 through June 1st and then $35 through July 1st. Entries are $40 after July 1st. Children 17 years old and under are always $15. All registrations are made online only. Register here: bit.ly/Hamden5K No paper or cash accepted.
According to Hamden Bicentennial Committee President Kevin Wilbur, the course will allow runners the chance to run through the historic Hamden Covered Bridge at the end of the race. The route will take runners along Basin Clove Road to Back River Road to County Route 2 in DeLancey, to state Route 10 and back to the covered bridge. "It is exactly a 5K route," he said.
About the Hamden Bicentennial Committee
The Hamden Bicentennial Committee is a group of dedicated community members working to celebrate Hamden’s 200 years of history through various events and activities. The Committee is committed to fostering community engagement and honoring the town’s rich heritage.
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By Liz Page
HARPERSFIELD – A contingent of first responders attended last Wednesday's Harpersfield Town Board meeting in reaction to discussion a month earlier that suggested the town would not support the plowing or sanding of private roadways or driveways in the event of an emergency.
Supervisor Lisa Driscoll said she invited their input to the town board.
Stamford Fire Chief Don VanEtten said, " I appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation. I have been in the Stamford Fire Department for 20 years and chief for many of them. We cover four towns and the village of Stamford. There has never been a problem, anytime there was a need. I have talked to the other towns and I do have their continuing support. It has never been abused to my knowledge. When we request the town it is an emergency."
He went on to indicate that it's a two-way street. The fire department responds to remove downed trees and power lines, direct traffic, evacuate people or close roads when they flood and other emergencies. He referred to the most recent incident where a Headwaters ambulance was unable to access a slippery private driveway. "It has been a very difficult winter with snow and freezing conditions. We reached out to 911 with a request and the highway superintendent was called. The town is protected by insurance for an emergency."
He presented each board member with a copy of an opinion issued by the Office of the State Comptroller regarding removal of snow and ice from a private road. In the event of an emergency, such as a serious illness or fire, it is within the scope of a town's police powers in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, to plow a private road or driveway if necessary to render private property immediately accessible.
"We have had a long-standing relationship of cooperation with the town of Harpersfield Highway Department and it would like to see that continue," said VanEtten.
Highway Superintendent Russell Hatch said he had already spoken to Dusty King, a captain with the department and pledged his continued cooperation. He said he wanted the town board to know that he had responded to the private driveway. He said some other towns in the county have had problem with "frequent flyers" abusing it. "Because it was such an icy night I wanted the town board to be aware that we don't always know the conditions of a private driveway," said Hatch
Councilman Patrick Funk said he is still worried about doing damage to the town's equipment. Supervisor Driscoll said the town's equipment is covered.
In the end, it will be up to Hatch to make the call in an emergency.
Councilman Eric Reeves wondered if some second home owners might abuse it as a way of getting their road plowed. It is believed the emergency response will not be abused.
VanEtten said calling town highway is a last resort, and in many cases members of the fire department can handle the situation themselves. In this recent case, they didn't have the capability to sand or access with other equipment.
Funk questioned if the town could pass some legislation to create a way for residents to say they won't hold the town liable.
In conclusion, Hatch said, "I am always going to help these guys (fire department). Superintendent Driscoll said she was in full support of helping, if something is abused, they will know about it.
In other business, the town will pay the difference above the JCAP grant to install a panic button and cameras at the town hall. Driscoll said the solar company would be making a payment soon that would likely cover the shortfall.
In reviewing the Shared Services agreements, it was discovered a couple needed to be updated and a motion was made to accept them.
Driscoll reported that she is looking at software that will aid code enforcement and will be accessible to the town assessor. The information will benefit the assessor and in the end, all of the information regarding codes would be stored electronically. She will return to the board next month and planned to review another software program the next day. It would cost $3,700 annually with a one time cost of $625.
An application for a Watershed Agriculture Conservation easement was presented for town board members to review. It is a 700-plus acre farm and the form has been turned over to Shelly Johnson-Bennet, county planning director, for her review.
The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss personnel. Driscoll said there had been an incident at the transfer station that resulted in the state police being called.
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By Liz Page
SOUTH KORTRIGHT – The South Kortright Central School community was invited to meet their newly hired interim school superintendent on Monday, followed by the regular board of education meeting. The 30-plus people present for the meeting let the board members know they didn't believe they were transparent enough in the hiring process.
Terri Chichester, president of the SKCS Board of Education, said she would not go back and forth with the audience. She said the hiring was a personnel issue and the board didn't need anyone's permission and that the board was now trying to explain the process. "We don't have to explain at all," she said.
A letter to the community on the school's website states it is not a merger, but a way to have an experienced superintendent who understands what it takes to be part of a rural school. The letter further stated that it will provide stability as they determine if the model of a shared superintendent is something that works for the district. It is a pilot model that ends in 15 months and is providing significant cost savings to both districts.
Dr. Tarkan Ceng, superintendent at Jefferson Central School, will now split his time between SKCS and JCS, as a shared superintendent. He said he is excited about his new position and said he understands the frustration about the process that is an agreement between the two school districts. He replaces Dr. Doug Wyant, who resigned effective Jan. 1, before his contract was due to expire.
Chichester said there was a great deal of concern at the board's December meeting because there were rumors going around that the two schools were merging, however, they had not yet hired Dr. Ceng at that point and therefore couldn't share any information.
Ceng indicated the process involved personnel issues and negotiations which are confidential until the agreement is made.
Ceng started his career in education as a Kindergarten and elementary school teacher. He has taught middle school and has been involved with technical school courses and robotics. He continued his education and entered administration because he believed he could have greater influence. "The board did not hire me permanently. I was very excited when I was approached to work as an interim superintendent at SKCS. This has not been fully vetted and it is a pilot program. I hope it works for everyone," said Ceng.
Janet Beken-Smith, a former member of the board of education, made a comment on behalf of the school community. Although the board could not share the specifics of its personnel discussion they could have been more transparent regarding the options they were exploring in regard to a replacement for the superintendent. "It would have shown some good will. Not knowing who your boss is going to be tomorrow is very stressful," she said, referring to the rumors going around the staff and personnel. "Having an open conversation would have helped that tremendously."
She explained her comments were not targeted at Dr. Ceng, but at the way the school board handled it. She said it was kept in such a block box and closed door process that it generated fear and concern. "A little bit of openness would go a long way."
She said Margaretville Central had done the same thing a few years ago. "You could have done better. You could have done much better," she concluded.
Ceng took his oath of office and said he was looking forward to working with everyone, the faculty and staff and reaching out to the community. Later on he explained he was confronted with a power outage in his first hours on the job. He commended the school staff and said they worked like a well-oiled machine. At 4:30 in the morning they were trying to make the decision whether to close school due to the power outage, when the lights came back on. The transportation and food staff jumped into action and the buses got out on time.
Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond was present to provide information regarding a school resource officer. He said it is a very positive thing. He said he favors a uniformed officer over a private individual. Unfortunately, he said, school incidents are a fact of life now. He has attended enough conferences at this point to know that it is not a matter of if an incident is going to happen, but when is it going to happen.
The School Resource Officer program provides a lot of services. They become a vetted member of the school community. He said many times things can be handled at the school level, but there is that one time they are there that can make a difference. "It has been in place for a number of years and it is a successful program. It has thwarted thousands of potential problems and each school district is different. Some have full time resource officers and others use them for special circumstances.
The cost has been broken down into a flat hourly rate that includes salary, equipment, fringe benefits and insurance. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is the only accredited law enforcement agency in the county. They are part of the New York Sheriffs Association school officers program and a program built around resource officers. The officers are accredited and receive the appropriate level of training and certification and are available 24/7 to reach out. The cost is $58.57 per hour and includes everything. They can be hired as much or as little as the district wants. Currently they are serving the Stamford Central and Sidney Central school districts full time. They are also at DCMO BOCES and Walton.
In answer to a question, he said the person assigned is consistent to build relationships with the students.
Barb Hanselman asked the board where they were in the budget process. The district treasurer has been working with the budget. One of the issues is adding a bus reserve back into the budget to cover the cost of purchasing buses on schedule in the future..
Chichester told the audience that there would be a budget hearing during a special board of education meeting on March 31 at 6 p.m.. She said this is the time for the public to show up and ask any questions about the budget.
Other important dates include:
SCO Easter Egg Hunt 6-7:30 on April 4; Spring Band Concert, grades 5-14 at 7 p.m. on April 8; Clothing Swap in Harbaugh Hall by the Environmental Club on April 11;Spring Recess, April 14-17; SCO meeting at 6 p.m. and BOE meeting at 7 p.m. on April 21; Spirit Week April 21-25 and Honor Society Inductions 6 p.m. on April 25 and Color Night 7 p.m. on April 25.
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By Liz Page
HOBART – Stamford Town Board members again debated the issue of an appointed highway superintendent versus an elected one, during their meeting on March 12. In the end, they passed a motion to offer a referendum for town residents to decide the issue.
Council members have been discussing the issue for six years and the recent passing of Jon Ballard, the town's highway superintendent, brought the issue back to the forefront. Supervisor John Kosier listed the options for council members last Wednesday.
Those options included appointing Kevin Rinehart, the deputy superintendent, to fill out the year and fill the seat with the elections in November or they could appoint him to serve out the remaining two-plus years of the term. There was uncertainty about putting the issue on the ballot next fall and also having an election for the seat on the same ballot.
There was discussion of checking with the county Board of Elections to see what putting it on the ballot in November entails, with filings for the ballot due shortly. They were also going to check on adopting a local law that would allow persons living outside the town to run for office.
Currently, the town requires the highway superintendent must live in the town of Stamford in order to serve. Rinehart could be appointed, but could not run for the position as he does not live in the town.
If they move to an appointed position, they could change it to allow someone outside the town to serve in the appointed slot.
If he were appointed, Rinehart would no longer be a member of the union.
Brent Trimbell, who has expressed interest in the position and is a former council member, resigning his seat last June, said Rinehart is doing a great job but because he has no authority over the crew, it isn't operating efficiently.
Council member Dave Post said he would like to put it to the public to decide. He favors the move because he believes a decision by five people is better than one person having all the authority. With an elected position, the town board's only control is through the budget.
The town has already received a letter for someone interested in filling out the term and others are believed interested in running for the position.
Board members entered an executive session to discuss the options.
When they returned from the session, Trimbell reminded them of why they were talking about appointing a superintendent last year, while he was still seated on the board. He said the problem was that the highway crew had no leader, due to Ballard's frequent absence due to ill health. Post said the board could set a job description for an appointed official.
A motion was made to leave it up to the voters by working with the town lawyers to put it as a referendum to decide if the position of highway superintendent should be elected or appointed. Supervisor John Kosier was checking on the process the town will need to take and was waiting for an answer from the Board of Elections.
The meeting opened with a presentation by Molly Oliver, policy director for the Friends of the Upper Delaware River, based in Hancock. She outlined how the organization can benefit the watershed. While they have been working with communities in the lower end of the county, such as Deposit, and more recently in Sullivan County, she said part of their work plan this year is to work with watershed municipalities. She was present to see if there is anything FUDR can do for the town of Stamford.
They find out what is needed and provide help, whether it is grant writing or to help manage projects related to recreation, water quality, flooding or habitat.
She asked if there are any small projects that are not getting attention. Kevin Rinehard said there are culverts to be replaced.
She said information can be found on the website FUDR.otg or she is available by email at Molly@FUDR.org.
They can help to find matching funds for projects and provide expertise to combine funding sources for projects. "We are not here to force ourselves, but to let you know we can help," said Oliver. She was asked what the lead time is for applying and receiving a grant. She said it depends on the funding source. "We are trying to see where we can fit in on this end of the county and to address problems in a creative way."
Board members also heard a report on services and grants provided by the Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council (WCCRC) and there was discussion of those running for office next fall.
Members of the Stamford Fire Department used their aerial ladder truck to untangle the American flag at the Stamford Town Hall in Hobart last Thursday night. Ken Goppel, a town resident, had asked the town board last year if he could work on repainting the sign for the town hall. He also enlisted the help of Brad Tripp to rewire the lights for the sign. He also noticed the tangled flag and called Stamford Fire Chief Don VanEtten to see if the department could lend a hand.
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HOBART - There were no surprises in Tuesday’s village election in Hobart. Of the 521 registered voters, 26 turned out. None of the positions were contest and the results were, as follows:
Mayor, Aaron Kaufman, 4 years term received 25 votes
Mayor, Write in Sherry Palmatier received 1 vote
Trustee, Amy Reinshagen 4 year term received 26 votes
Trustee, James W. Quarino 4 year term received 26 votes
Trustee, Randy Roe 1 year term received 26 votes
Snyder Wins Write-In For Her Expiring Trustee Seat
STAMFORD – With the term for Catherine Snyder expiring and no candidates filing a petition for a four-year trustee seat in the village of Stamford, the term was decided by a write-in vote. Snyder,was the write-in winner with 19 votes. Bobbi Jo Hughes, who announced her candidacy on Facebook over the weekend, received 16 votes. Bill Lander and Richard Ucci each received two write-in votes. There were two blank ballots and four void ballots. Write-in ballots were also filled out for ineligible candidates who do not live in the village of Stamford, including Ulla Wadner, Caitlyn Grady, Usha Tagliaferro, David Badzin and Bobbi Jo Zimmerman. All received a single write-in vote.
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By Liz Page
JEFFERSON – After three moratoriums and an extended public hearing comment period, members of the Jefferson Town Board unanimously approved changes to the town's Wind Energy Facilities Law, hoping it provides enough additional regulation to protect the public.
The Town of Jefferson Wind Energy Law has been on the books for some time and many town residents wanted wind projects to go away and asked the town to rescind the local law. However, rescinding the existing law would have given them no control over any proposed projects. It received comments from neighboring towns as well, not in favor of large scale wind energy facilities. The town left the public hearing open since last May and issued a third moratorium as they continued to listen to public comments and the planning board moved ahead with additional amendments, which is what drew the public into the conversation to start with. The planning board had proposed amendments to the law, but public comment indicated they wanted more stringent safeguards in place.
Martha Hacklin, one of those who spoke against commercial wind developments, volunteered to work with the planning board to help develop a stronger law. Setbacks and other criteria were added. As members of the town board passed a motion to close the public hearing last Thursday, Hacklin thanked them for the process and what the town board went through in that process. She believes it is now a "very thoughtful" law.
Board members went on to adopt a resolution to amend Local Law #1 of 2010, the Wind facilities Law.
Hacklin also asked if there was any follow up regarding the wind measurement tower on North road and what may come of that. Supervisor Peggy Hait said the board has no information on that. It was also reported there are no wind projects currently being proposed in the town of Jefferson.
While there was no report from the town planning board, Rich Irwin said the town might want to consider a moratorium on solar projects. The planning board is starting its review. There are no current proposals, but the moratorium would give them time to review the existing law. Camp Oorah has the only solar energy facility in the town at this point, but Irwin pointed out the Governor's push for green energy and the rural areas where we live makes it possible more proposals will be forthcoming.
Board members went ahead and set a six-month moratorium on solar farms.
The meeting opened with a presentation by Bill VanGorder regarding changes in the town's NYMIR insurance policy. He explained some of the increases, some of them to keep up with the rate of inflation. This year's coverage will increase by $2,280 or less and includes some increased coverage.
The Heritage Day Committee is still looking for volunteers, according to Councilman Don VanValkenburgh. He said they need someone to help sell ads for the booklet. They are researching the possibility of holding fireworks in addition to live music and other activities. The next meeting of the committee is March 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Town Hall.
In his report, Highway Superintendent Ray Hendrickson said they would begin sweeping roads soon and would be taking photos of equipment he would like to enter on Auction International. He was making a list and said he had purchased a used fire truck from a friend for $1,000 and will use it as a water truck.
The town closed on the Post Office building last week and it is now in the hands of its new owner.
Supervisor Hait said she would like to look into the Historic district issue. She said she believes a lot of people have expressed they are not in favor. She said the state office of Historic Preservation came to do it eight years ago. Nothing was done at that time. She believes a lot of people with property in the designated area did not receive letters to vote for or against the issue. Attorney Mike West, who was present for the meeting, said they could take another look at it and determine if the state can give it another shot and revisit the issue. West asked how it had been designated and Hait said they were supposed to use the water district or the lighting district, but they did not. She informed them there is no incorporated hamlet. She said the state office of Historic Preservation selected the area of designation.
There was debate at last month's town board meeting regarding whether or not property owners are limited by the designation in making repairs to their homes.
Hendrickson said he sent an email and an incorrect email that was posted and he sent a letter that did not arrive in time. "They posted a non-functioning web address," he said.
Hait said they would look to see where they could go on the issue.
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By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - The parking meters will return to Railroad Avenue in Middleburgh next month.
Village board members decided at a special meeting Monday to return the meters on the street in April, weather permitting. Two broken meters on Main Street will also be replaced.
After the meters are returned on Railroad Avenue, for the first two weeks warnings instead of tickets will be given out to violators . After the first two weeks, tickets will be issued, board members said.
Trustee Sheryl Adams said returning the meters to the street will be good for business.
"You can't have the same cars parked there all day and all night," she said.
There was some discussion on when to return the meters to the street, which was turned into a one-way street earlier this year.
Trustee Bob Tinker said returning the meters should not be an issue.
"People see the parking meters and put money in. How hard is that?"
He noted that it has the "same problems with the same people" parking on the street.
Board members agreed returning the meters to Railroad Ave. will help business, business owners, and residents.
In addition to putting the meters back on Railroad Avenue, they will also replace two non-working ones on Main Street. Mayor Tim Knight said one meter stopped functioning and another was damaged when the Candy Cane was removed. The two meters cost a total of $1,025 but since they are only produced in Canada, they may be subject to a tariff and therefore more expensive.
The village collected approximately $800 with the most recent parking meter collection, which is roughly what was collected by mid-May last year, Mayor Knight said. Revenues are increasing due to improved machinery and maintenance by the DPW.
Mayor Knight also said that Railroad Avenue will be striped this spring and a big one-way directional sign will be painted on the street.
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