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Middleburgh Seeks Shared Police Service with Schoharie

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 4/12/25 | 4/12/25

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - During the Schoharie Village Board meeting on Tuesday, Middleburgh Mayor Timothy Knight spoke to the members about the possibility of contracting with their police department.

Mayor Knight explained that he has had a recent uptick in public concern over speeding and other traffic violations within his village.

He cited drivers regularly going over the posted speed limit as the main point, but he also noted that there are several parking and crosswalk issues that pedestrians must contend with.

To remedy these problems, Mayor Knight suggested that Middleburgh and Schoharie could collaborate, as Middleburgh has no dedicated police force of its own.

“The county sheriff is great,” he said to the Board, “but they have to serve the entire county. And with Cobleskill’s situation in recent years, I just wanted to come to you for information.”

Although the Board was amenable to the idea, Mayor Colleen Henry stated that the issue is out of their hands until they can speak with their officer in charge, Jason Temple, who was unavailable at the time of the meeting.

She said that Mr. Temple knew the pros and cons of contracting with another village and that he had concerns about insurance, which could be “slippery.”

Deputy Mayor Peter Johnson also questioned why Middleburgh would contract with Schoharie instead of hiring their own part-time officers, but Mayor Knight replied that it wasn’t feasible with their current budget.

He also stated that this was not a “firm decision” by Middleburgh’s own village board, and that they were merely in talks over an idea that was still forming.

With his piece said, Mayor Henry concluded that she and the Board would speak with Mr. Temple as soon as possible, and that Schoharie would be in touch with Middleburgh if a contracting deal could be made.

 

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Blenheim Purchases Loader, Road Work to Come

By Joshua Walther

BLENHEIM - On Wednesday evening, the Blenheim Town Board discussed with Highway Superintendent Andy Graves if they should purchase a new loader or not.

The current equipment that the Town owns is in rough shape, and due to the windshield falling out and possible injector fires, the Board has been wanting to replace it for the past few months.

On Wednesday, however, debate sparked across the table as Superintendent Graves laid out the best possible price for a new Volvo loader - $268,591 with their trade-in, which is valued at $23,000.

Other than outright purchasing, the Town also has the option to lease the equipment for $60,000 per year for a five year period, with a $1 buyback at the end.

Although Supervisor Don Airey said that Blenheim had the money saved up, the Board was still largely unsure of the purchase because of other incoming expenses, like a ten-wheeler truck thought to arrive later in the year.

Councilperson Renee Grabowski was the first to suggest an outright purchase, as she cited that the Town could finance a portion of the loader through CHIPS money.

Supervisor Airey conceded that point, and also admitted that their NYPA payment was another wildcard that they didn’t have numbers for, but he still wanted to table the matter for next month to take a better look at their situation.

“I like it when the Town has cash,” he said, noting that it would be best to have emergency funds to fall back on.

However, with the rest of the members in agreement with Mrs. Grabowski, the Board passed a motion for a full purchase of the new loader, with Supervisor Airey standing opposed.

In other news, Superintendent Graves also plans to do a complete restoration of several roads this coming summer.

After taking inventory with Supervisor Airey, he decided on four vital roads that need to be fixed before they can pave them, with those being Welch Road, Rogers Jones Road, Miller Road, and the lower portion of Ethel Wood Road.

Predicted to begin in June, Superintendent Graves stated that he and his crew will do the work to save on CHIPS, but they need to rent an excavator to rip up some of the worst roads.

He explained that their excavator rentals are usually done through Eklund at $5,000 a month, but Alta Equipment would offer one for $3,200 a month.

The Board recognized the setbacks that can come with just one month of renting, and so passed a motion to allow Superintendent Graves to move with the Alta excavator at the lower price.

“We gotta do this work,” said Supervisor Airey once the motion was passed. “These four roads are not ready to be paved yet.”

 

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Blenheim Repays FEMA Debt

By Joshua Walther

BLENHEIM - During the Blenheim Town Board meeting on Wednesday night, Supervisor Don Airey alluded to a debt that was incurred to FEMA from before his time as supervisor.

He explained that Blenheim was hit hard by the flood in 2011, and they were offered aid from FEMA soon after the natural disaster.

However, after the supervisor from that time had cashed the amounts given, it was revealed that FEMA had accidentally handed out duplicate payments and demanded two recaptures to recoup those funds.

The first, in the amount of $109,000, was successfully appealed by Supervisor Airey and wiped clean from their debt. However, the second recapture in the amount of $79,172 could not be appealed and now lands on the Town to pay back.

While it was a loss that was felt by all of the Board, Supervisor Airey said that the Town is in a good position to pay it back, and so transferred the corresponding amount out of the general budget and into their disaster fund for FEMA’s collection.

In other news, Supervisor Airey also announced the winner of the fuel bid from last month.

After a short back-and-forth with several companies to get their exact fuel specifications, a motion was passed at the last meeting to allow Supervisor Airey to award the bid following a closer inspection of the numbers. And on Wednesday, he said that Blenheim will go with Mirabito.

Mirabito was not the lowest bidder, as that was Buell Fuels. But after hearing rumors of no deliveries, he wanted to play it safe and go with their trusted supplier.

“We just can’t take that chance,” Supervisor Airey finished.

Finally, the Board grimly noted that they have collected their fourth $500 fine in the wake of their new building permit law.

Supervisor Airey explained that those found building without a permit will face the same consequences, and he hopes that word of mouth will soon spread to limit the trending habit.

“I don’t like it,” he said, “but the law is having an effect. We are leveling the playing field.”

 

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Breakfast, Easter Bunny, Egg Hunt, Wet Down in Conesville Sunday

CONESVILLE  –  Everyone  is invited to the Conesville Fire House at 1292 state Route 990V in Conesville this Sunday, May 13  for a day full of activities. 

Activities kick off with a breakfast buffet from 8-11:30 a.m., by donation. The breakfast will feature pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage gravy, biscuits and more. Proceeds will benefit the CFD. 

At 11 a.m., have your Easter baskets ready so you can pose for a picture with the Easter Bunny and join in the Easter Egg Hunt.

The wet down of the fire department's new truck is set for 12 noon, when fire trucks and members from other departments will give the new truck a dousing with water to initiate its service. It is now Conesville's front line pumper.

Robinson said the fire house will also serve as an open house for people to come in and view the new truck. "We want them to bring the family, meet our  fire department and celebrate with our community," said Robinson.


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Huyck Preserve Announces Spring, Summer Events

RENSSELAERVILLE - The Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station at 284 Pond Hill Road in Rensselaerville has announced events for the spring and summer.

Events include:

Earth Day Celebration

Sunday, April 27

10 AM - Noon

Eldridge Research Center, 284 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville

Join the Huyck Preserve to celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day,

and National Volunteer Week! Learn from Huyck Preserve staff about caring for wildlife, tackling invasive species, and other ways you can volunteer at the Preserve.

Wildflower Walk

Saturday, May 17

10AM - 11:30 AM

Eldridge Research Center, 284 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville

Wildflower expert Chris Schiralli returns to celebrate the peak of spring at the Huyck Preserve. Join us for this gentle walk in search of some of our favorite flowers.

Suggested donation $5 non-members; members free

Event capped at 20 people; registration is required

Read+Hike Book Club

One Sunday a month May - October

2PM - 3:30 PM

Eldridge Research Center

Read+Hike Book Club is returning! Come discuss themes of ecology and humanity’s relationship with nature with other book and nature lovers in our reading and hiking club! Each month we will go on a leisurely hike with stopping points for book discussion. Some months will have guest lecturers. Participants may choose to come to all the meetings, some meetings, or just one. Registration is encouraged.

May 18: The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer

June 22: Bad Naturalist by Paula Whyman

July 20: The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger

August 10: A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko

September 14: Nature’s Ghosts by Sophie Yeo

October 19: Playing Possum by Susana Monso

Thursday Stewardship Days

Every Thursday May - November

10AM - Noon

Lake Myosotis Boat Launch

Join Stewardship Garrett Chisholm every Thursday to help tackle the invasive species that threaten the health of the Preserve. Volunteers will learn how to identify and manage a different invasive species every week.

 

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Schoharie Chases Next Steps in DRI

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - On Tuesday evening, the Schoharie Village Board convened to explain what to do next in the DRI process.

After applying every year with the Town to one of New York State’s biggest grants, the Village was finally awarded the Downtown Revitalization Initiative to the tune of $10,000,000.

While it may be a hefty sum, the grant is reimbursable, meaning that the Village will only receive the funds upon completion of a project that seeks to improve quality of life, infrastructure, or economical growth of the community.

In order for those projects to proceed, Mayor Colleen Henry said that they first have to form a dedicated local committee, which would be made up of community members instead of elected or appointed officials.

She followed up by saying that fifteen names have already been recommended for the committee, and of those, nine will be selected as members. 

After receiving training, the committee will start to hold monthly meetings to determine what projects should be worked on, as well as hold talks about engineering plans, costs, and more that’s associated with what they choose to do.

However, while the committee may hold these public meetings, the state will have the final say on which projects will ultimately be approved, as the DRI is a state grant.

In order to prepare for the incoming committee, Deputy Mayor Peter Johnson brought up the idea of funding the proposed pocket park in the old fire department lot with more state money.

He said that he’s seen “enormous community support” for that project, and for that reason, he was approached by a company named GPI to file for a new parks and recreation grant.

Citing their filing fee at $5,000, GPI told Deputy Mayor Johnson that the grant would “apparently not” conflict with the DRI reimbursement, potentially allowing them to fund up to $900,000 of the estimated $1,000,000 cost.

With the file deadline on May 2nd and the rest of the Board members not seeing any reason to disagree, a resolution was made to begin the process and see if they are eligible for the award.

 

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Schoharie Fire Dept. Elects New Officers

SCHOHARIE - On Wednesday April 2, The Schoharie Fire Department held their annual elections, and the results are as follows:

* Chief- Douglas Stinson Jr.

* 1st Asst. Chief- John Borst, III

* 2nd Asst. Chief- Marty Pierce Sr.

* 3rd Asst. Chief- Mike Griffin

* Captain- Jackson Goodman

* Captain- Nancy Nally

* 1st Lieutenant- Erick Kenney

* 2nd Lieutenant- Dan Smith

* EMS Captain- Amanda Stinson

* 1st EMS Lieutenant- Josh Hollis

* 2nd EMS Lieutenant- Deanna Rumph

* Fire Police Captain- Sue Rolfe

* Fire Police Captain- Jamie Pierce

* Safety Officer- Tom Bielawski

* President- Sue Rolfe

* Vice President- Erick Kenney

* Treasurer- Dan Smith

* Asst. Treasurer- Cindy Nally

* Secretary- Amanda Stinson

They also welcomed/re-elected three new Board of Director members: Mike Jackson,

Erick Kenney, and Cindy Nally.

They thanked all of their volunteers for their dedication and professionalism. They also thanked the Schoharie Village and Town Boards for their loyal support and, most importantly, the residents of our great Community for their continuous support and love shown to the department.

"It is an honor and privilege to serve you all!"

 

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Weatherization Workshop April 29

MIDDLEBURGH — This month, the Mohawk Valley Region Clean Energy Hub will host a no-cost Energy Education Weatherization Workshop, which will provide hands-on experience with various measures to save money and energy.

The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April. 29th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Middleburgh Library located at 323 Main St, Middleburgh. Attendees will learn more about energy efficiency and how you can make your home more healthy, affordable, and cozy.

Free meal and free weatherization kits will be provided for all attendees who complete the class. The kits will include 6 surge-protected smart power strips, 2 LED light bulbs, 5 foam outlet gaskets, and 5 foam switch gaskets, a window shrink and seal insulation kit, door sweep, premium rubber weather-stripping, and foam tape for windows and doors. When used together in your home, these supplies can help to seal gaps through which heat escapes, ultimately making your heating and cooling more efficient.

Attendance is limited, so registration is required for the workshop. To register, visit our website https://www.mohawkvalleyenergychoices.org/events. For more information, contact Michaela Fisher at maf396@cornell.edu or 518-234-4303 ext. 114.

The Mohawk Valley Region Clean Energy Hub, also known as Smart Energy Choices - Mohawk Valley, is one of 12 Regional Clean Energy Hubs in New York state. Smart Energy Choices - Mohawk Valley is a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Oneida, Herkimer, and Otsego & Schoharie Counties.

The Mohawk Valley Region Clean Energy Hub deploys Energy Advisors to help residents and businesses in the Mohawk Valley make informed energy decisions and carry out energy-saving projects. For more information about the Hub or to be put in touch with a local Energy Advisor, visit mohawkvalleyenergychoices.org/meet-our-team.

 

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West Fulton FD Elects Officers

WEST FULTON - The West Fulton Fire Department held its annual elections  Monday night.

They also gave a heartfelt thank you to all of their department members who continue to serve our community.

Also, they announced that they have gotten their approval through the state and all necessary agencies to reinstate their EMS first responder program. Thank you Ben Barone for your passionate heart for this program and getting it off the ground. They hope to be fully operational by the end of the month.

Election results were:

Line Officers :

  Chief: Bruce DeLaet

* 1st Assistant Chief: Jason Hardendorf

* 2nd Assistant Chief: Ben Barone

* Fire Captain: Amber DeLaet

* EMS Captain: Rebecca Monachelli

Administrative Officers:

* President Amber DeLaet

* Vice President: Rebecca Monachelli

* Secretary: Camryn DeLaet

* Treasurer: Kenneth Clapper

 

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Obituary - Loretta Robin Gifford

Loretta Robin Gifford, 44, passed away on December 28th 2024.
She was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a light in many lives. Loretta had a big heart, a sharp wit, and a laugh that could fill a room. She was thoughtfully creative and was a gifted baker and cook. And before she lost her way, she loved her family dearly.
But like so many, she struggled. Her journey was not easy, and while we wish her path had been different, we will always hold onto the love, the memories, and the moments of happiness she brought into our lives.
She leaves behind her children: Catherine Gifford and Brayden Gifford; her mother: Catherine Weredyk; her siblings: Elizabeth (Joe) Maloney, Eric Weredyk and Susan Hasson; as well as her nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends who will carry her spirit forward.
Loretta was predeceased by her maternal and paternal grandparents and her father, Stanley Weredyk, who we hope has embraced her with the love and peace she longed for.
To honor Loretta, we ask that you take a moment to support those struggling with addiction—with kindness, understanding, and advocacy. Consider donating to mental health awareness organizations, volunteering at a local recovery program, or simply checking in on someone who may need help.
A funeral mass will be held at 12PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, Stamford, NY. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Loretta’s family.
 

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$241K Grants Approved For Tourism Promotion & Development

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - Delaware County Supervisors approved 69 applications totaling $241,210 for the tourism promotion and development grant program on April 9. The program is funded through occupancy tax revenue and overseen by the Tourism Advisory Board and the Department of Economic Development.

The following not-for-profit businesses and organizations were approved for funding totaling $184,810 - Arts & Rec. Inc of Stamford, Catskill Water Discovery of Arkville, Hancock Partners Inc, Margaretville Arts Center, Utsayantha Regional Arts League of Hobart, Music on the Delaware of Walton, The Party Theater of Stamford, Catskill Revitalization Corporation of Hobart, Catskill Water Discovery Center of Arkville, Hanford Mill Museum of East Meredith, The Round Barn of Halcottsville, Arts Inn Collective Inc of Fleischmanns, Catskills Folk Connection, Catskill Mountain Club, Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce in Margaretville, Colchester Historical Society, Deposit Lumber Jack Festival, Downsville CSD Class of 2028, Farming Bovina, Fleischmanns First, Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce, Hanford Mills Museum, Livestock Foundation of Bovina, Rotary Club of Hobart, Stamford Wellness Center, The Hancock Community Education Foundation, Town of Hamden, West Kortright Center, Bloomville Community Pride, Del. Cty Historical Association, Delaware Valley Ag Society, Franklin Railroad & Community Museum, 4 Towns Forward of Sidney, Community Cultural Center of Sidney, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Franklin Stage Co., Friends of Branley Mountain Fire Tower of Bloomville, Hancock Partners, Rotary Club of Hobart, Saint James Church Lake Delaware of Delhi, The Pakatakan Farmers Market of Halcottsville, The Party Theater of Stamford, Upper Del. Scenic Byway, Walton Historical Society, and WIOX Community Radio. 

The following for-profit organizations and businesses were awarded funds totaling $48,000 - Calico Outlaw Brewing of Arkville, Catskill Mornings of Arkville, Cloud Crowd of Bloomville, Doolittles of Fleischmanns, Fitness by Reagan of Delhi, Historic Auto Endurance Runs fo Margaretville, Hobart, and Roxbury, and Maple Shade Farm Events of Delhi.

Some organizations were funded for multiple projects. Projects are related to increasing advertising and promotion, event organization costs, or event costs that will help increase visitation of areas.

Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield pointed out the financial struggle many towns face in enforcing and conducting proper inspections for transient businesses. He asked if the grant program could expand to support municipalities' code enforcement budget. 

Economic Development Director Glenn Nealis said this is something the Tourism Advisory Board has discussed. In the future, Nealis will contact towns to determine exact issues for possible funding opportunities. 

For more information or to apply for grants visit dcecodev.com/tourism-grant-programs.

Supervisors further allocated $148,772 of sales tax revenues to fund 2025 tourism promotion goals. The majority of funds will be used for the development of an outdoor recreation application and implementation of the 2025 Meda Plan, said Nealis. Some of the funds allocated were unspent from the 2024 budget and are being moved. 

In other business, Supervisors accepted a land donation from the Dent Family. The family donated two parcels to be used by 4-H Camp Shankitunk on Arbor Hill Road, Delhi. The camp is operated on county-owned land. Andes Supervisor Wayland "Bud" Gladstone said the properties will help facilitate an expansion of the camp's forestry education program.

Supervisors extended the contract by 59 days for bridge replacement over Cold Spring Creek on Dug Road in Deposit. The bid was awarded to Tioga Construction for $2,558,539.85 in 2024. The project has been delayed due to invasive plant issues and weather concerns, the resolution states. 

The next regular Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled Wednesday, April 23 at 1 p.m.

 

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Chinese Take Out and Kenny Bauer BBQ return to Bovina Farmers Market

We’re thrilled to announce that Chinese Take Out and Kenny Bauer BBQ are returning as food vendors for this season’s Bovina Farmers Market!

Save the date and follow along as we highlight this season’s vendors leading up to our Memorial Day weekend opening market on Friday, May 23.

Last season, Chinese Take Out served up bao buns, Malaysian satay, dumplings, teriyaki chicken, braised spare ribs, and chana masala at Creamery Park, 1394 County Highway 6, Bovina.. This season they’re back with more creativity and awesome variety. We will post their innovative menu on our Facebook and Instagram ahead of each market, so be sure to follow us for updates!

Chinese Take Out will be at the market on the following dates: 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/20, 7/11, 8/1, 8/8, 8/29

You probably already know and love Kenny Bauer’s BBQ. If you joined us last season, then you got to try smoke ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, stuffed pork loin, and meatloaf (of course with all the fixins). We’re so thrilled that Kenny will be back at Creamery Park; follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with what he’s serving.

Kenny Bauer BBQ will be at the market on the following dates: 6/13, 6/27, 7/3, 7/18, 7/25, 8/15, 8/22



 

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Plea in Fentanyl Case following Death


ROXBURY – District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today that Renee Cortese, 35, of Grand Gorge, NY, pleaded guilty in Roxbury Town Court on April 2, 2025, to one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 90 days of incarceration in the Delaware County Jail.

On January 8, 2023, Margaretville State Troopers were responding to an unattended death investigation at an apartment building on State Highway 30 in the Town of Roxbury.  At the scene, Cortese was found to be in possession of a controlled substance in her vest pocket that later tested positive for fentanyl.

District Attorney Shawn Smith stated: “Offenders should know that my office is committed to pursuing charges of even a misdemeanor level to the end, even on cases where somehow the defendant avoided appearing in court on numerous occasions.”  Smith noted that Cortese was originally charged on February 21, 2024, for this crime.  Smith continued, “We are committed to working with law enforcement to remove all illegal drugs from our community.”

 

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Delhi Saves Funds Though Heat Pump

DELHI — The Village of Delhi has worked with the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on a variety of projects, including heat pumps and Benchmarking, Community Campaigns, Energy Code Enforcement Training, LED Streetlights, Transportation and Landscaping, Unified Solar Permit.

Mayor Jeff Gearhart is a strong proponent of heat pumps. The municipality completed a Village Hall project several months ago. "We are supplementing the oil heat source," says Gearhart. Two NYSERDA grants totaling $20,000 covered the cost. "Eventually we hope that oil will become the backup heat source."

Trustee Janet Tweed has given a great deal of time and effort to this project,the Mayor notes. Ms. Tweed helped acquire the High Impact Action points that qualified the Village for the grant. In a demonstration of intermunicipal cooperation, she worked closely with Town Council Member and Climate Smart Communities Task Force Member Christina Viafore to earn the grant prerequisites.

Village Hall on Court Street is an older building and typical of many Upstate New York buildings. "You'd be surprised at how easily this (type of project) can be accomplished," says Mayor Gearhart. Village residents thought it was a terrific idea, he adds.

Today the Village is working to implement an additional $50,000 grant that will go toward an electric vehicle, electric lawn equipment and another heat pump unit.

 

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Hobart Presbyterian Church to Hold Maundy Thursday Service

HOBART — There will be a Maundy Thursday service at the Hobart Presbyterian Church on Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 pm. The service will be led by Pastor Karen Marshfield, CP, and communion will be served. The church will also hold Easter Sunday service at 9:45 am on Sunday, April 20. All are welcome, and there is an elevator for those who need it. The Hobart Presbyterian Church is located at 78 Maple Avenue in Hobart. 

 

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