The Mountain Eagle

6/27/25

Historical Committee Hears Fort Library Update

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 6/27/25 | 6/27/25

SCHOHARIE – The Schoharie County Historical Committee received updates on the Old Stone Fort’s new library project, community development grants, and various historical preservation efforts during its meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

Old Stone Fort Director Mary Johnson reported that additional mortar samples have been taken for the Fort's new library annex project to ensure the exterior matches the existing historic structures. However, a recent percolation test yielded poor results, and alternative options are now being discussed. Johnson also noted the recent unveiling of the George Warner Historical Marker in Warnerville and a large homeschool day held in collaboration with the Jefferson Historical Society.

Shane Nickle, of the Office of Community Development, updated the committee on several Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects. The county is working on a full application for a microenterprise grant, and the state has granted an extension until August 31 for the Middleburgh Park project due to delays in furniture delivery. Nickle also reported that the Manufactured Home Replacement grant, which targets six homes, saw one unit delivered and installed in May.

County Historian Theodore Shuart reported on his recent activities, including giving a presentation on the "Inns, Taverns, and Hotels of Schoharie County" to the Jefferson Historical Society. Shuart has also finished a story on Revolutionary War officer James Dana for the Schoharie County Historical Review and is assisting author Julie Metz with photographs for a novel set in the Cobleskill area during World War I.

Other topics discussed included a potential historical marker for "Minic the Eskimo" and a request for headstone restoration at the Hyndsville Cemetery. The committee also forwarded budget requests to the finance committee for the county’s new Solid Waste Coordinator.

Remember to Subscribe!

M'burgh's Fourth Friday Continues This Week

MIDDLEBURGH - The second Middleburgh Fourth Friday celebration of the year will be this week featuring late business hours, food, music, vendors, and a 5K race and walk.

There will be open air music on Main Street, vendors, food trucks, free activities, in-store specials, museum tours, and late store and restaurant hours.

Highlights for June include a cruise-in at the Best House on Clauverwie Road and the musical group the Insolent Willies performing at the corner of Baker Avenue and Main Street.

The next Fourth Fridays this summer will be on July 25, and August 22.

Fourth Fridays are coordinated by the Middleburgh Area Business Association.

Remember to Subscribe!

MCS Cafeteria Serves Up Fun

MIDDLEBURGH - Shoutout to the Middleburgh high school cafeteria team for serving up fun, flavor and school spirit for a legendary sendoff on the last day of classes at MCS Jr./Sr. High School last week. From crowned students to King of King Chicken Patties and PB&J Peasant Sandwiches, the “Once a Knight, Always a Knight” lunch made everyone feel like royalty. Photos courtesy MCS.

Remember to Subscribe!

MCS Students Honored in Holocaust Essay Contest

MIDDLEBURGH - Congratulations to Middleburgh High School students Ev K. and Ava S. for placing second and third in the 2025 Capital Region Holocaust Essay Contest. Their powerful essays, chosen from 73 submissions, reflect thoughtful and meaningful engagement with the important subject. Photos courtesy MCS.

Remember to Subscribe!

MCS Time Machine

MIDDLEBURGH - It was time for the "Middleburgh Time Machine" last week as kindergartners magically turned into seniors at the elementary school. The Middleburgh Central School senior graduation is scheduled for this Friday evening at the high school. Photo courtesy MCS.

Remember to Subscribe!

Middleburgh Grad Earns Two Scholarships at Capital Region BOCES

Dalton Porter

Dalton Porter, Connor Prokop

SCHOHARIE/MIDDLEBURGH – Class of 2025 Middleburgh High School graduate Dalton Porter is the recipient of two scholarships for his work at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus.

Porter received the Richard A. Conklin Award and Curtis Lumber Award during the June Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduation ceremony.

Porter is a graduate of the Building Trades program who has joined the Carpenter’s Local 291union and been hired by LeChase Construction Services LLC.

The Richard A Conklin Award is presented to a student in a building trades, horticulture, or buildings and grounds maintenance program who has shown great improvement, maintained a positive attitude, and plans to pursue a career in one of these fields.

The Curtis Lumber Award is presented to a student in the Building Trades program who has demonstrated a passion for their field as well as an alignment with the core values of Curtis Lumber.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle said Porter has a bright future.

“Dalton exemplifies the personal, workplace, and technical skills outlined in the SkillsUSA framework taught at BOCES. His strong work ethic and positive attitude are truly commendable,” she said.

Porter said he is excited to enter the construction industry and praised BOCES for making it happen.

“Being a Building Trades student makes you look forward to going to school. You come in and frame a wall or build a shed, you feel like you have accomplished something, like you have learned something,” Porter said.

Remember to Subscribe!

Schoharie County Amateur Radio Association Participating in Annual Field Day June 28

Matt Lacy (NQ2U) and Rich Niggemeier (KE2AUT) checking equipment set up before going on-the-air

SCHOHARIE – On Saturday, June 28th the members of the Schoharie County Amateur Radio Association (SCARA) will be participating once again in the Annual Field Day event of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), a national organization devoted to amateur radio. The event will see ham radio operators connecting with other operators throughout North America with the goal of accessing the ability of individual amateur operators or amateur clubs to be able to set up operating stations to better prepare themselves for possible emergency situations.

This year the SCARA members will be setting up in the main meeting room of the Schoharie Fire House on Fort Road in Schoharie. Setup will begin at approximately 9:00 am and station operations will begin at 2:00 pm. There will be three stations set up and utilizing three bands of the amateur radio frequency allocations. Operations will continue until approximately 6:00 pm although there is a chance the club members will elect to continue into the night.

During the event visitors are welcome and encouraged to stop in and see the operation as well as have an excellent opportunity to learn about amateur radio. To learn more about the Schoharie County Amateur Radio Association, please visit our website at: https://www.schoharieamateurradio.org/

Remember to Subscribe!

SCS Classroom MVPs Honored

SCHOHARIE - The Amsterdam Mohawks baseball team celebrated the Schoharie Central School classroom MVPs at their game Friday night. The district had 20-plus students and their families in attendance. Students got to go out on the field for player introductions and were celebrated in between innings. A great evening. Photo courtesy SCS.

Remember to Subscribe!

SCS Extends Business Official

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members last week extended the contract of Assistant Superintendent for School Business Operations David Baroody.

At their meeting last Wednesday, school board members approved an amendment to Mr. Baroody's contract. The amendment added a year to his contract and included a 3.5 percent pay increase during that year. There was also a longevity payment of $3,500 based on his years of service, according to Superintendent David Blanchard. Mr. Baroody's contract now runs through June 30, 2028.

Mr. Baroody came to Schoharie in October 2021.

In December, board members updated and revised the title and role for Mr. Baroody.

Mr. Baroody's title was changed to assistant superintendent of business operations from business administrator.

Prior to coming to SCS, Mr. Baroody was the Assistant Superintendent for Business at the Plattsburgh City School District for four years. Prior to that he was a high school Assistant Principal/Athletic Director. He started his career in education as a business teacher in the South Glens Falls District.

In another move on Wednesday, school board members extended the consultation agreement with former school business administrator and superintendent for business Bob Bonaker through the 2025-26 school year.

Mr. Bonkaer has been a consultant for the district since retiring from SCS in 2021.

Remember to Subscribe!

SCS Honors Burton at Last Meeting

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members and officials honored long-time board member and president Terry Burton at his last meeting last week.

Mr. Burton, who is also a long-time elementary school teacher at Middleburgh Central School, served 15 years on the Schoharie school board, the last six years as president.

Superintendent David Blanchard thanked Mr. Burton for his service saying, "15 years is a long time."

Times have not been easy during the last 15 years, noted Mr. Blanchard.

"Terry's guidance as board president cannot be overstated. He has led the district through significant transitions. Most notably during the pandemic and through leadership changes in the district.

"He’s been a constant voice of reason for the past 15 years. He is smart, kind, and very thoughtful in his leadership to both the board and myself. Terry cares deeply about creating opportunities for all students.

"He’s simply a great person."

Mr. Burton decided not to seek re-election to the school board this spring.

Remember to Subscribe!

SCS Principal Betsy Wright Goes from Interim to Permanent

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School removed the interim tag on elementary school Principal Betsy Wright last week.

Ms. Wright was named interim elementary school principal in January, jumping from the junior-senior High School, where she was serving as the assistant principal. Mrs. Wright started in that role for the 2024-25 school year after spending the second half of the 2023--24 school year as the assistant principal in the Elementary.

Last Wednesday, school board members gave Ms. Wright a four-year probationary position as elementary school principal retroactive to January 13, through January 12, 2029. The appointment is at her current salary per the Schoharie Administrators Association contract.

Prior to coming to Schoharie, Mrs. Wright was most recently the assistant principal at Mont Pleasant Middle School in the Schenectady City School District and has worked as a reading teacher, classroom teacher and instructional coach.

Former SCS Elementary Principal Andrea Polikoski stepped down from her position December to assume an elementary principal role at Scotia-Glenville CSD. At their November meeting, school board members accepted the resignation of Ms. Polikoski.

After 10 years as principal at SCS, Ms. Polikoski accepted the position as the principal of Glen-Worden Elementary School in the Scotia-Glenville Central School District and left Schoharie on January 2.

Remember to Subscribe!

SCS Sets School Board Meetings for 2025-26

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members last week set their meeting schedule for the 2025-26 school year.

The meeting dates for the 2025-26 school year are:

* Wednesday, July 9, re-organizational meeting and regular meeting.

* Thursday, August 21.

* Thursday, September 18.

* Thursday, October 16.

* Thursday, November 13.

* Thursday, December 18.

* Thursday, January 15, 2026.

* Thursday, February 12.

* Thursday, March 19.

* Thursday, April 23, budget adoption.

* Wednesday, April 29, BOCES vote.

* Tuesday, May 5, public budget hearing.

* Tuesday, May 19, public budget vote.

* Thursday, June 18.

The public session of the meetings begin at 7pm, usually in the high school conference room on the first floor across from the high school office.

Remember to Subscribe!

Shuttles Approved for Lily Fest - Adjustments for Public Transit Routes

By Matthew Avitabile

SCHOHARIE – At the Schoharie County Public Transportation Committee June meeting, several changes were approved. The committee meeting was chaired by Broome's Steve Weinhofer, Cobleskill's Werner Hampel, Richmondville's Jeff Haslun, and Schoharie's Ben Oevering.

During the meeting, it was reported that all DOT inspections for 2024-2025 for public transit were completed with only minor issues. The committee also approved selling camera systems removed from buses for a credit from the vendor.

There was a request for two vans as shuttles for the Lily Festival from Schoharie Promotional for $500 for the six hour day.

A new service truck has not been ordered yet as the state Department of Transportation is considering funds available for the purpose.

The Esperance public transportation route is operating every other week due to low ridership, with two steady riders using the service. The potential reopening of the Richmondville through Middleburgh route is on hold due to lack of interest, with only four calls regarding the route.

There was also a successful motion to accept insurance funds for the repair of a vehicle following an April accident for $7,320.67.

There was also a budget transfer to purchase a replacement laptop for the Mobility Management Program and to purchase material and landscaping around the Transportation facility.

Remember to Subscribe!

Two Hospitalized after Conesville Motorcycle Crash

CONESVILLE – Two people were taken to a local hospital after a single-motorcycle crash Saturday morning in the Town of Conesville, according to the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:37 a.m. on State Route 990V in the area of Wyckoff Road.

Officials reported that both individuals were on the same motorcycle at the time of the incident.

Remember to Subscribe!

All Five Bassett Healthcare Network Hospitals Earn Geriatric Emergency Room Accreditation

COOPERSTOWN — The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has awarded Bronze Level Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation to all five of Bassett Healthcare Network’s hospital emergency departments at A.O. Fox Hospital, Bassett Medical Center, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital. This designation signifies that Bassett’s hospital emergency departments incorporate best practices identified by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Emergency Nurses Association, and American Geriatrics Society.

“Achieving this accreditation at each of our EDs is a mark of our commitment to providing exceptional care to the communities we serve,” says Matt Kleinmaier, MD, Chief of Emergency and Trauma Services at Bassett Healthcare Network. “Given the changing demographics of our region, this was an especially important project for us in 2024, and I am proud of our ED leadership team for working together to make this happen.”

As with many rural areas, senior citizens make up a large portion of the population. The New York State Department of Health estimates that in the four counties where Bassett’s five hospitals operate, 22.7% of residents are age 65 or older, compared to the 17.4% state average.

“In collaborating with ACEP and the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) on our application, we identified numerous ways to improve our care delivery models and meet needs specific to our elderly patients,” explains Dr. Kleinmaier. “These opportunities span all aspects of care, from staff education to equipment availability to social work services. Our work on this project will help us screen for and treat issues commonly overlooked in elderly patients presenting to the ED, including mobility limitation, over-medication, and lack of access to adequate nutrition. Addressing these concerns will help improve outcomes in our treatment of this vulnerable population.”

ACEP granted all five hospitals a Level 3, or Bronze level, Geriatric ED status. This exemplifies that Bassett Healthcare Network hospitals provide superior staff education and training, establish specialized hospital policies, and stock equipment oriented to help patients over age 65. The network’s Level 3 Accreditation will remain in effect for three years, and then it may be renewed.

Remember to Subscribe!

Amadon Earns Lou Gaeta Scholarship

STAMFORD – Charlotte Valley’s Natalie Amadon has been chosen as the 2024-25 recipient of the Lou Gaeta Senior Memorial Scholarship Award presented annually by Stamford Junior Golf, Inc.

The $500 award is given to a graduating senior from a Delaware League school who attended annual summer golf clinics, is a member of their school’s high school varsity boys golf team, and displays the proper ideals of sportsmanship, integrity, and character that is taught by the game of golf.

Natalie plans to attend SUNY Delhi in the fall to major in education. She is the daughter of Tatiana and Brad Amadon.

Remember to Subscribe!

ARTS&REC 2025 Summer Youth Arts Workshops

STAMFORD — ARTS&REC offers art workshops for youths on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the month of July. These programs are offered at no cost. Those who are able are encouraged to make a donation on-site. Participants are welcome to sign up for any number of days. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Contact director@artsrec.org for inquiries.

Experienced artists and educators have been invited to teach in a range of disciplines, including, but not limited to: photography, silk screen, cyanotype, watercolor, sculpture, painting & patchwork, collage, and weaving for children.

Each day’s morning session will be from 10am to 12pm followed by a midday break and the afternoon session from 1pm to 3pm. We ask participants to provide their own lunch. Snacks and water will be provided throughout the day.

ARTS&REC at OSMOS Station

20 Railroad Avenue

For more information, visit us on Instagram @artsandrec_catskills and @osmos.online

Remember to Subscribe!

Bassett Celebrates Reaching Fundraising Goals For CT Scanner

Major project donors Joyce and David Barber (right) speak with Mammography Technologist Katrina (left) after cutting the ribbon on the new CT Scanner.

O'Connor Hospital Board Chairman Pete Hamilton (left) speaks with President and CEO Staci Thompson (right) before official remarks celebrating the installation of a new CT Scanner.

O'Connor Hospital celebrates the installation of a new CT Scanner with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 19, from left to right: Manager of Medical Imaging Peter Burghardt, Mammography Technologist Katrina, Board Chairman Pete Hamilton, Major donors Joyce and David Barber, and President and CEO Staci Thompson.

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - The O'Connor Hospital, part of the Bassett Healthcare Network in Delhi, needed a new CT Scanner, and through fundraising and a dedicated board, the scanner is up and running.

A CT scanner utilizes X-ray technology to produce layered images, providing detailed pictures of the internal structures of the body. The scanner can help diagnose abdominal pain, ulcers, and pockets of infection in the colon, among other conditions.

The new machine will save time for patients by taking 128 images in 6 seconds, as opposed to 40 images over 20 seconds, explained Peter Burghardt, Manager of Medical Imaging. It can identify pathologies and higher quality imaging at a much lower radiation dose," he noted, "That is really significant and exciting."

Hospital staff celebrated the completion of the $750,000 project with a donor party and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 19. The CT scanner began operating on February 10th.

Joyce and David Barber of Hobart were major donors, gifting over $100,000 to the project. Joyce explained that they were searching for something worthwhile to contribute. "We were looking for a way to help the most people," Joyce said, "It took a while to figure out what to do because there are lots of places." She told a tale of when the hospital patched her up after nearly losing her finger to the hedge trimmer. "They are here, and it's critical access; mine was pretty simple, but they know what they are doing," she said, "It might be a tiny place, but the care is just the same."

Board Chairman Pete Hamilton was a key driving force in completing the project, said President and CEO Staci Thompson. "We could not have done this without you (donors and staff) and especially without Pete," she said. Many people, including Hamilton, said that health care is Pete's hobby.

"This journey has been about a year in the making," said Thompson, "We know this equipment will serve Delhi, surrounding communities, and our patients for a long time."

Remember to Subscribe!

Bloomville Man Arrested for Alleged Felony

RICHFIELD SPRINGS — On June 23, 2025, New York State Police at Richfield Springs arrested Daniel S. Nelson, age 29 of Bloomville for the class “D” felony of Assault in the second degree.

Troopers responded to a residence on Stone Quarry Road in Cooperstown for a report of a domestic dispute on June 22. Both Nelson and another person were reportedly in an argument but did not report any injuries. Troopers later learned that the other person was checked out at a local hospital and was treated for broken bones stemming from injuries sustained during the argument on the 22nd.

Nelson was arrested and later transported to the Otsego County Jail for Centralized Arraignment.

Remember to Subscribe!

Advertising and Subscription Information

Historical Committee Hears Fort Library Update

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 6/27/25 | 6/27/25

M'burgh's Fourth Friday Continues This Week

MCS Cafeteria Serves Up Fun

MCS Students Honored in Holocaust Essay Contest

MCS Time Machine

Middleburgh Grad Earns Two Scholarships at Capital Region BOCES

Schoharie County Amateur Radio Association Participating in Annual Field Day June 28

SCS Classroom MVPs Honored

SCS Extends Business Official

SCS Honors Burton at Last Meeting

SCS Principal Betsy Wright Goes from Interim to Permanent

SCS Sets School Board Meetings for 2025-26

Shuttles Approved for Lily Fest - Adjustments for Public Transit Routes

Two Hospitalized after Conesville Motorcycle Crash

All Five Bassett Healthcare Network Hospitals Earn Geriatric Emergency Room Accreditation

Amadon Earns Lou Gaeta Scholarship

ARTS&REC 2025 Summer Youth Arts Workshops

Bassett Celebrates Reaching Fundraising Goals For CT Scanner

Bloomville Man Arrested for Alleged Felony

Check Out Local Theatre!

Donate to Support Local Journalism

Subscribe!

Site Archive

Submit your information below:

Subscribe!

Loomacres

National Bank of Coxsackie

Popular Posts

Advertising and Subscription Information

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 6/27/25 | 6/27/25

Check Out Local Theatre!

Donate to Support Local Journalism

Subscribe!

Site Archive

Submit your information below:

Subscribe!

Loomacres

National Bank of Coxsackie

Popular Posts

Subscribe To