This Rolls Royce got a lot of attention on Railroad Avenue.
Porchside music was well attended on Chestnut Lane.
Remember to Subscribe!
8/28/25
The Hilltown Hags had a bubbling good time Friday night. Photos by David Avitabile.
Patty and the Mygrain entertained on Main Street Friday night in Middleburgh.
Lisa Tenneson whips up some more cotton candy Friday on Main Street.
Final 2025 4th Friday Fun in M'burgh
Written By The Mountain Eagle on 8/28/25 | 8/28/25
Fourth Friday Winner at the Best House
MIDDLEBURGH - It has been a summer full of motors and memories at the Best House in Middleburgh. Lee Countryman is the $250 grand prize winner for this year. The Best House staff would like to thank every single “Best Friend” who brought vehicles to our cruise ins for the 4th Friday events. This magic wouldn’t be possible without them. Special thanks to the Bank of Richmondville and Pearl "Ruby" Torres, Keller Williams Realty Hudson Valley North for donating the cash prize.
Remember to Subscribe!
Gallupville House, FD Host Concert, Movie
By Bradley Towle
GALLUPVILLE — A busy weekend in Gallupville kicked off on Friday night with a performance by local favorites The Rubber Band at The Gallupville House. An enthusiastic crowd of roughly eighty poured into the community space for an evening of song, dancing, and cheer. The concert marked the second well-attended musical event in August, held at Gallupville’s historic landmark and treasure. Both events were opportunities for the Gallupville House Association to utilize its recently acquired state-of-the-art sound system and to call attention to big future plans, including an extension to the hill behind the house that will include extra parking, an outdoor amphitheater, and park space.
On Saturday, the Gallupville Fire Department hosted an outdoor movie night, which, in addition to the movie, included cotton candy, snacks, and a raffle basket for a lucky winner. The cool, clear, starry night provided the ideal backdrop for a family movie on the lawn. Attentive eyes even caught a shooting star in the night sky just above the screen. The family movie nights are an example of the Gallupville Fire Department’s continued community outreach, which includes their popular and well-attended breakfasts, Easter egg hunts, Halloween parades, rummage sales, and meet and greets with Santa.
For more information about the Gallupville House, visit gallupvillehouse.org. Follow both the Gallupville Fire Department and The Gallupville House on Facebook for updates, photos, and event information.
Remember to Subscribe!
Heritage Day Sounds in M'burgh
MIDDLEBURGH - On Friday, August 22, the annual Heritage Day concert was held in Middleburgh at the restored M&S Depot and the corner of Maple and Wells avenues. The Catskill Gamblers provided the music. Photo by Tim Knight.
Remember to Subscribe!
Schoharie Community Hub Youth Group Holds First Meeting - Volunteers at Rabies Clinic
MIDDLEBURGH – The Schoharie Community Hub Youth Group (SCHYG) held its first meeting on August 20. This youth group is an extension of the Schoharie Community Hub, a collaborative group of community-based organizations working together to solve infrastructure problems in Schoharie County. The youth group, organized by the Schoharie County Department of Health in partnership with numerous organizations through the Schoharie Community Hub, will provide volunteer services throughout their communities. SCHYG efforts will include planning community events, participating in various projects, developing publications, creating outreach materials, supporting Schoharie Community Hub work, and overall doing what they can to make Schoharie County an even greater place to live. Alongside helping others, the group will learn and share new skills, receive mentoring, and foster a sense of ownership in their community. The teens are looking forward to their first volunteer project at the Health Department, which includes participating in the upcoming Rabies vaccination clinics, learning about local non-profit organizations, and attending community events. We are taking applications for students in 7th to 12th grade to join and volunteer.
Our very first member, Rory Steadham, volunteered to help at our Rabies Clinic in Middleburgh on August 21 and will be our first volunteer in the Health Department next week. Rory said, “It was exciting and interesting to be a part of a rabies clinic, and it helped me see what happens from an inside point of view.” Rory and other youth volunteers will continue to help with the rabies clinics.
For applications, reach out to Elizabeth Kosier at (518) 295-8733 or ElizabethKosier@schohariecounty-ny.gov today!
Remember to Subscribe!
Laraway to Leave M'burgh Village After More than 20 Years of Service
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - After more than 20 years with the Village of Middleburgh, Melanie Laraway will be leaving her post as clerk in October.
Village board members accepted her resignation at a special meeting Monday evening in the village hall.
Ms. Laraway, who succeeded long-time clerk Janet Mayer, sent this letter to the board on August 18:
"Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as clerk/treasurer. My last day of employment will be October 14, 2025.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work at the Village of Middleburgh for the past 20 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and appreciate all the opportunities you have given me. However, I have decided it is time for me to move on to my next challenge.
"I would like to do anything I can to help with the transition, including wrapping up my responsibilities and training a new person over the next four weeks. If I can be of any other assistance during this time, please let me know."
Board members thanked Ms. Laraway for her service. She was not at the meeting.
"Over her tenure as first deputy clerk and then later clerk, Melanie has become the face of the Village hall for our residents," Mayor Tim Knight said.
"Whether it be someone coming in to pay their water bill, schedule a burial for their loved one, or getting a form notarized, Melanie has treated everyone with warmth and professionalism."
At the meeting, Mayor Knight noted, "As a Mayor, your right-hand man everyday is the clerk."
The village clerk's position will be advertised for two weeks. Personnel interviews will be held and another special meeting will be held on September 15 to hire a new clerk.
Remember to Subscribe!
Gilboa-Conesville Students Start Class Sept. 4
GILBOA-CONESVILLE - Superintendent Bonnie Johnson said they are ready to open the doors on a new school year for students on Thursday, Sept.4 at Gilboa-Conesville Central School.
New faces will include Candice Gockel as the elementary principal and Melissa Graham as 7-12 ELA Teacher.
Johnson welcomed new and familiar students, she said the staff and faculty have been working diligently to create a safe and supportive environment for students.
In her welcome back letter, Johnson states, "This year, our district remains focused on the Next Generation Math standards, the implementation of the Science of Reading. We are committed to partnering with families and the broader community through our Wildcat Wonders and Wildcat Pride programs to celebrate every student's educational journey.
"As always, your involvement makes a significant difference. I encourage you to stay connected, attend events, and reach out with ideas, questions, or feedback.
“On behalf of our district leadership team, thank you for your continued trust and support. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead. I am proud to be a Wildcat."
Like all school districts in the state, GCCS has developed a policy for use of personal electronic devices during school hours. Research consistently shows that minimizing electronic distractions during instructional time leads to improved academic performance, stronger social interactions, and enhanced overall student well-being. Personal electronic devices not issued by the district may not be used on school grounds during the school day, after-school tutoring, or after-school detention. This includes, but is not limited to: Cell phones; Smartwatches; iPods, Ipads, and other tablets; Fitbits; Headphones and earbuds; Laptops/electronic devices not issued by the district.
Students must turn off all personal electronic devices by 7:55 AM and place them in their assigned lockers or school provided lockbox (if needed). Devices must remain out of sight and unused for the entire school day (until 2:55 PM). If a student is found using an internet-enabled personal electronic device during the school day, they will be sent to the principal, and the device will be confiscated for the remainder of the day. Any student who refuses to turn over a personal electronic device to a staff member or administrator will be considered insubordinate and subject to additional disciplinary action under the Code of Conduct.
There are exceptions for medical issues and parents and guardians may reach students through the Upper office, Counseling office or Nurses office. Emergency phone calls can be made in the Main Office, Guidance Office, or Nurses office.
Remember to Subscribe!
JCS Students Start Sept. 4
JEFFERSON – Classes at Jefferson Central School will start on September 4, with faculty and staff returning on Sept. 2 and 3 for conference days. Superintendent Dr. Tarkan Ceng states he has great anticipation and excitement to welcome back the current families and the new ones to the school. "A new year brings fresh opportunities for growth, learning and continued collaboration and we are eager to build on the progress we’ve made together."
He praised a dedicated faculty, staff, the board of education and the administration for their ongoing dedication and the meaningful strides that have been made to the academic program and the school facilities.
Jefferson and Stamford will have merged athletic teams again this year and action kicks off with the annual Mayors Cup Soccer Tournament on Sept. 4 at Archibald Field in Stamford.
Principal Mark Muller praises the many programs and opportunities offered at a small school like Jefferson, including: exceptional music program, thriving robotics team, competitive athletic programs, and dedication to personalized instruction that ensure that every student has the chance to explore their passions and achieve their highest potential. "We take pride in nurturing not only academic excellence but also creativity, innovation, teamwork, and character development.," states Muller in the annual start of school newsletter.
New staff coming on board at JCS includes Max Jackson, music and Robert Korba, art.
In keeping with the Governor's mandate regarding Internet devices: At the start of the school day, students will report to their first-period class and turn in their phones before handing them to the first-period teacher or LTA/TA. Devices will be placed in a secure, locked storage area for the rest of day and may be retrieved three minutes before dismissal. There are exceptions for medical needs, etc. and arrangements for parents to get in contact with students when needed.
Remember to Subscribe!
MCS to Send out Tax Bills
MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh school property owners will soon be getting a tax bill in the mail.
The tax warrant for the 2025-26 school year was approved by school board members earlier this month.
Taxes may be paid at National Bank of Coxsackie, 4507 State Rt. 30, Middleburgh, Monday through Friday between 9A.M. and 2P.M. or the bank’s night deposit slot may be used. Tax payments may be mailed to: School Tax Collector, PO Box 973, Middleburgh, NY 12122. Credit card payment for taxes accepted online at payments.municipay.com/ny_middleburghcsd.
Taxes may be paid without penalty from September 2, through October 1, but a 2% penalty fee will be added for the period October 2, through October 31,, after which date the tax collection period ends.
Effective July 1, 2025, the District will charge the taxpayer $20 for each dishonored check given in payment for taxes.
According to Maria Jones, Tax Collector, the tax rates per $1,000 of assessed valuation for each town are as follows:
* Berne: school tax $36.93 per $1,000, library tax $0.71 per $1,000.
* Rensselaerville: school tax $36.22 per $1,000, library tax $0.70 per $1,000.
* Blenheim: school tax $29.86 per $1,000, library tax $0.58 per $1,000.
* Broome: school tax $14.03 per $1,000, library tax $0.27 per $1,000.
* Cobleskill: school tax $28.64 per $1,000, library tax $0.55 [per $1,000.
* Conesville: school tax $14.62 per $1,000, library tax $0.28 per $1,000.
* Fulton: school tax $33.82 per $1,000, library tax $0.65 per $1,000.
* Middleburgh: school tax $30.27 per $1,000, library tax $0.58 per $1,000.
* Schoharie: school tax $22.64 per $1,000, library tax $0.44 per $1,000.
* Summit: school tax $36.45 per $1,000, library tax $0.70 per $1,000.
* Wright: school tax $28.07 per $1,000, library tax $0.54 per $1,000.
Remember to Subscribe!
New Provision In Gilboa-Conesville Safety Plan
By Chris English
GILBOA-CONESVILLE — Some matters of the heart are included in the 2025-26 Gilboa-Conesville safety plan approved by the school board at its Thursday, Aug. 21 meeting.
A new provision included this year requires that someone certified in CPR and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) be present at all school athletic and other events.
In other actions from the meeting, the board approved a resolution that authorizes the school district through its architect to offer a contract of slightly more than $99,000 to Kelley Bros. to bring all doors in the 1929 building up to current code.
No responses were received when the project went out to bid, and the architect advised that re-advertising and re-bidding would result in delay and increased costs for the district. Kelley Bros. had included its cost for doing the work in a proposal submitted to Gilboa-Conesville.
Superintendent Bonnie Johnson said the time frame for the project will depend on the availability of Kelley Bros but that hopefully it will be completed by the Spring of 2026.
An intermunicipal agreement with the neighboring Roxbury School District was approved that will allow for the two districts to share a Social Studies teacher during the 2025-26 school year. Costs for the $82,918 salary and benefits for the teacher will be split between the districts, and the teacher will spend 0.6 of his or her time in GC and 0.4 in Roxbury. The teacher will also be reimbursed for round-trip mileage at the Internal Revenue Service rate for 2025 and 2026.
A State Environmental Quality Review was approved for the big improvement project coming up at an estimated cost of $7.9 million. That project that will include extensive work of various kinds throughout the district is projected to start in the Spring of 2026.
Lunch prices for 2025-26 were approved. There will be a 10 cent increase from last year, and the prices for individual pieces of fruit are going up 25 cents, from 50 to 75 cents. A resolution was approved authorizing the district to participate in the New York State School and Municipal Energy Consortium for electricity.
The board voted to accept a $446 grant from the Catskill Watershed Corporation for materials and supplies for a program called "Trout in the Classroom."
In personnel actions, Constance Harris was approved as a substitute UPK-12 teacher and LTA and the resignation of Debra Brand as internal claims auditor was accepted while Janice Merwin was approved as the new internal claims auditor for 2025-26.
Mary Hinkley, the 7-12 Principal and Special Education Director, was appointed attendance supervisor officer and payroll certification officer. Clyde Cole was named modified boys soccer coach for the 2025 season while Rosetta Richardson was approved as CROP adult helper for 2025-26.
The board approved Andrew Dumas as substitute UPK-12 teacher and LTA for this school year. Anne Kovac, Michelle Fleischman, Michele Wyckoff, Jim Vamosy and Melanie Goodwin were approved as proctors for the August Regents Exams.
Remember to Subscribe!
New Sidewalks in M'burgh
MIDDLEBURGH - Danforth Avenue residents in Middleburgh have new, smooth sidewalks.
The village received two bids for the work earlier this summer. The low bid was from Schoenecker Construction at $24,684 and the other bid was $29,000 from MSL Construction. Board members awarded the bid to MSL in August.
Schoenecker Construction redid the sidewalks on Wells Avenue and some other streets in the village last year.
Board members cited two reasons for selecting the higher bid.
Trustee Sheryl Adams said she was impressed with the complete and detailed MSL bid package while Trustee Bob Tinker was blunt on why he selected MSL. When Mr. Schoenecker worked on Wells and other streets last year, Trustee Tinker said, he received comments about offensive language and some people being cursed at.
In May, Middleburgh village officials thought they had a vendor who would replace the sidewalks on Scribner Avenue. Unfortunately, the contractor was unable to meet the village's timeline for project completion.
Last month, village board members agreed to seek new proposals for the project. The bids were opened on August 1. The funds for the will come from the village CHIPs funds.
The work should take three to five days, with removal, prep, and pouring, Mayor a Tim Knight said. The sidewalk work will make traffic "more difficult" on the street, Mayor Knight added.
The project could not be completed last fall because "we ran out of good weather," officials said.
Village officials last August approved a bid to replace the sidewalks.
The Scribner Avenue sidewalk replacement project was four feet wide by six inches deep. There is one blind detector tile at the corner. The sidewalk is 375 feet with no curb.
Remember to Subscribe!
Question of the Century and E.R.I.E. to perform at ROCK the LOCK
FORT HUNTER – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is stoked to host the folky rock duo, Question of the Century as openers for the alternative rock group E.R.I.E. on Saturday, August 30th at 1pm for the ROCK the LOCK music series. The event takes place at Yankee Hill Lock, 550 Queen Anne Road, Amsterdam.
Question of the Century will share their soulful renditions of familiar tunes along with their own original ‘60s infused modern folk songs. Ellie Ushakov and Francis Davies met as students at Skidmore College and discovered that they both were fans of 1960s folk music. They knew from the beginning that they had to find a way to make music together, forming this impressive and talented duo.
The pop-rock leaning indie-punkish quartet from Albany, NY known as a band called E.R.I.E. will headline the final installment of this music series for 2025. Born from a hospital stay in 2018, the band reflects on harrowing life events with wit and hope and most excitingly, with music. The band has garnered praise at their “crunching guitars, catchy choruses and a down-to-earth, working-class vibe…” (Daily Gazette). All the while, E.R.I.E. has solidified themselves as one of the most reliable and entertaining live acts in the Capital Region's vibrant music scene. With every performance brimming with energy, vulnerability and appreciation, the band is “a class act with lots of passion and a great chemistry, making them very easy to cheer for…” (Nippertown).
Bring a lawn chair, snacks, beverages, dress for the weather, and enjoy the afternoon along the canal and river. Free parking, free open-air event. Right off the Empire State Trail/Canalway Bike Path on Queen Anne Road just west of South Amsterdam
ROCK the LOCK is: Three afternoons of music in August outside the Putman Canal Store at Yankee Hill Lock that feature local as well as regional music acts.
Thank you to the Friends of Schoharie Crossing. These programs are made possible by the support of Saratoga Arts, WEXT Radio, Metroland Now, Stewarts Shops, and Karen's Produce & Ice Cream.
For more information, please call the Visitor Center: (518) 829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. Find more details and updates on our Facebook page.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 88.3 million visits in 2024. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call (518) 474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.
Question of the Century
E.R.I.E.
Remember to Subscribe!
Schoharie School to Send out 2025-26 Tax Bills
SCHOHARIE - Tax bills for the 2025-26 school year were mailed out to Schoharie school property owners.
Tax check payments are to be made payable to: “Schoharie CSD Tax Collector” to P. O. Box 430, Schoharie, NY 12157, or may be left in a secure lock-box at the entrance to the Jr./Sr. High School office, 136 Academy Dr., Schoharie.
Taxes may be paid without penalty from September 2 through November 3. A two percent penalty fee will be added for the period October 3 through November 3. after which date the school tax collection period shall have ended.
The tax rate per $1,000 of equalized full valuation for school tax and public library tax purposes for each town situated within the school district boundary are:
(The first amount after the town name is the Town School Tax rate per $1,000, the second amount is the Public Library Tax per $1,000.)
* Knox: $38.32; $0.69.
* Charleston: $24.42; $0.44.
* Duanesburg: $67.51; $1.21.
* Carlisle: $34.58; $0.62.
* Esperance: $22.86; $0.41.
* Middleburgh: $30.49; $0.55.
* Schoharie: $22.87; $0.41.
* Wright: $28.35; $0.51.
All rates are according to the Tax Collector of the Schoharie Central School District.
Remember to Subscribe!
Schoharie Central School Class of 1975 Celebrate 50 years!
By Elizabeth Barr
SCHOHARIE — The Class of 1975 had their reunion at the Patriot’s Retreat Heritage Farm owned by Thomas & Gina Slater’s Farm in Central Bridge with over 40 class members attending. Thomas was the Jr & Sr Class President.
The farm has been in the Slater family for 80-90 years and he enjoys sharing it with people. It is a 130 Acres Heritage Farm. A rare breed of cow is on the farm, the American Milking Devon Cow. There are only around 1600 of them alive and he has 16 of them. They are a triple purpose breed that came over with the pilgrims in 1623. They are used for milk, meat and as draft animals. The farm also has guineas, geese and heirloom apples.
A member of the class, Jeff Back flew in on his helicopter. He is the owner of Fyr-fyter, Inc in Oneonta.
There was a table filled with memorabilia of the times, mood rings, candy and year books. There was also a Remembrance section for those who have passed, Patricia Burns, Peter Emory, Daniel Baker, Gail Tomosevich, Margaret Vogelien, Jeannie Yuhas, James Lawton, Bonnie Pierce, Linda Lewis, Doreen O’Sullivan and Robert Bortell.
It was a beautiful sunny day filled with laughter, hugs and smiles. Memories of the past and catching up on current events united this group. They celebrated the unique bond that they share.
Friends and family at the reunion
The Schoharie Central School Class of 1975 celebrated its reunion this weekend. Photo by Elizabeth Barr
Thomas Slater & his wife Gina were the hosts for the Schoharie 50th Reunion.
Remember to Subscribe!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
