Mayfield-Middleburgh Boys Battle to 2-2 Tie

Photos by Bob Roney

MIDDLEBURGH - The Knights Tuesday afternoon scored two goals in the first 20 minutes of play and Mayfield scored two in the next 20 leading to a 2-2 halftime score. 

The teams played 60 more minutes and neither could find a decisive third goal. Both keepers made key saves and both teams battled through the heat and fatigue for 100 minutes. 

Jakob Lloyd opened the scoring for the Knights when he played a ball across the Panther’s goal line and it was deflected in by a defender. A few minutes later, Guillerimo Martinez played a ball to Liam Delaney at the far post and he was able to finish it to make the score 2-0 Middleburgh. The Panthers scored two before the break. Goals were scored by MJ VanNostrand and Landon Conyne. VanNostrand was able to turn on a defender and hit a beautiful shot to the top left corner of the goal. Several minutes later, Aiden Horn played a beautiful corner kick to Landon Conyne for the equalizer. 

The hard fought battle ended in a draw and strong goalkeeping on both sides by Robbie Narzymski of the Knights and the Panther’s Byron Lawrence. Corners were 8-6, Middleburgh. Grady Shea and Erik Fonda played well for Mayfield while JJ Narzymski led the Middleburgh effort. 

Photos by Bob Roney.

Middleburgh's #4 Hunter Nelson battles with two Mayfield players for control of the ball.

 

Middleburgh's #2 Guillerimo Martinez bringing the ball up field being defended by Mayfield's #2. 

 

Middleburgh's #8 Liam Delaney celebrates scoring a goal. Sharing in on the celebration is #5 Jakob Lloyd and Trey Ruise.

 

Middleburgh's #11 Sal Fileccia clearing the ball from his defensive end while Mayfield's #6 approaches.

Middleburgh's #13 JJ Narzymski goes high to head a ball back into the offensive end of the field.

 

Middleburgh's #13 JJ Narzymski and Mayfield's #2 battle for control of the ball at mid field.

 

Middleburgh's #8 Liam Delaney and a Mayfield player battle for a loose ball.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Dot Day at SCS

SCHOHARIE - On Monday, Schoharie Elementary School second graders celebrated International Dot Day. The day is based on the book, "The Dot," by Peter Reynolds. The author's message is to "make your mark" on the world. They spent the day teaching our students to be creative, collaborative, and courageous.

The day promotes courage by showing people that they can start with small steps and build upon them to achieve great things.

It fosters collaboration by connecting millions of people worldwide—including teachers, librarians, and students—who participate in creative activities together.

Photos courtesy Schoharie Central School.

 

 

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

History at the Old Stone Fort - Plate and Compass

Blue Transferware Plate

This 19th-century plate is believed to have belonged to one of Timothy Murphy’s wives, likely his second wife, Mary Robertson and sent to us by the Old Stone Fort’s Clay Edmunds It features a

pastoral scene of Dalguise, Perthshire, Scotland. The plate was later passed from Mrs. Anne Murphy to Miss Margaret B. Vroman.

 

 

Surveyor’s Compass

This compass belonged to Pulaski Rust, a surveyor who lived in the towns of Broome and Middleburgh during the late 19th century. His daughter, Jessie W. Rust, donated it to the  Historical Society in 1944.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

SCS Class of 1975 Raises Over $26,000 for SCS Booster Club

SCHOHARIE – The Schoharie Central School Class of 1975 held its 50th year reunion celebration in August with over 70 people attending.  One classmate, who wishes to remain anonymous, thought it would be a good idea to raise some money to benefit their Alma Mater, and offered to match up to $2,500 in donations. The fund-raising challenge was dubbed $50 for 50 Years and the Schoharie Central School Booster Club was selected as the beneficiary.  

The Booster Club is administered by Nick and Heather Fretto and does a variety of things to support SCS students. Some past activities of the Club include a High School Semi-formal dance, concession sales at school events, support of team building exercises, assistance in the purchase of a high jump mat, assistance in purchasing  athlete warmups for less fortunate athletes,  two $300 Senior Scholarships each year, assistance with school pictures, funding for referees and officials at tournaments and meets, and the purchase of trophies for the Kyle Sharpe Soccer Tournament and medals for the Steve Hoard Invitational every year.  

The fund-raiser took on a life of its own when another anonymous classmate matched the $2,500 initial offer, and classmate Richard Vrooman contributed $20,000. After some discussion, Mr. Vrooman consented to allow the recognition of his contribution publicly.  Contributions came from both classmates and non-classmates and at this point totals $26,810.  Contributions are still welcome. 

The Class of 1975 wishes to thank all of those who donated and would encourage future classes to consider similar support for the students of SCS. 

Contributions can be made by contacting the SCS Booster Club at: Call or text Heather Fretto at 518-526-2963.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

All About Racing

 

Matt Sheppard of Savannah, NY celebrates his second consecutive Fonda 200 win on Saturday.  Biittig photo

 

Mike Trautschold of Roscoe, NY celebrated his first career Modified win at Fonda on Thursday night of Fonda 200 Weekend.  Biittig photo

 

By Ed & Betty Biittig

Thursday night kicked off Fonda’s 200 Weekend with Michael Trautschold from Roscoe, NY claiming his first-ever Modified win.  He celebrated in Victory Lane with his son Preston, marking a memorable family milestone.

Other winners on night one of the 2025 Fonda 200 weekend were 2025 Track Champion Corky Warner in the Limited Sportsman division and Jason Samrov in the Online Performance Street Stock event.

Friday night of Fonda 200 Weekend was qualifying heats for the STSS Modified and Sportsman.  STSS Modified heat winners were Alex Yankowski, Rocky Warner and Ancel Collins, and Mark Mortensen, Tyler Peet, Donovan Lussier, and Dylan Madsen won the 12-lap STSS Crate 602 Sportsman events.

Troyer Dirt Car presented the Modified winners with $500 checks while Parillo Services LLC presented the Sportsman winning drivers with $150 checks.

Other winners on night two were Ivan Joslin, Pro Stocks; Jason Peck, Four Cylinder, dual cam and Stephen Burka, single cam. For Burka it was his first career win in the division at Fonda.

The Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series was also in action and winners were Doug Mathewson, Antiques; Will Reed, Late Models; Joe Rando, Mystiques; Andy Graves, Modified and Jipp Ortiz, Sportsman.

Saturday was the final day of the Fonda 200 and Matt Sheppard, Savannah, N.Y. took home his second consecutive win in the event and his third Fonda 200 win.  Despite rear end issues on Friday and transmission problems prior to the green flag for the 200, Sheppard and his No. 9S team were able to come through for the win. 

In the 40-lap STSS Crate 602 Sportsman feature, Mark Mortensen of Scotia was the winner, his first win of the season and his 28th win in the division at Fonda.  Mortensen dedicated the win to longtime sponsor, Mark Lansing, Sr., of Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In who recently passed away.

Friday racing at Albany-Saratoga honored longtime photographer and dedicated supporter of local auto racing, John Grady with running of the 43-lap John Grady Memorial paying $4300 to win.  The win went to Mike Mahaney who led all 43 laps and in victory lane he dedicated the win to the late Joe Huttig, the son of George Huttig, his car owner.  Joe passed away in 2023 at the age of 54.  It was Mahaney’s fifth win of the season at the Malta oval.   

Other winners on Friday at Malta were Craig Wholey, Sportsman; Rich Crane, Pro Stock; Bodie Marks, Limited Sportsman; Josh Bussino, Street Stocks; Adam Montville, Four Cylinder, dual and Ben Ladd, Four Cylinder, single cam. 

Independent Vintage Racing Association was also on hand for Nostalgia Night. Tony Paes was the winner of the 20-lap Retro Classic/True Vintage feature, while Jackie Brown Jr. won the 20-lap ‘80’s Flashback division.

Sunday, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park wrapped up their 2025 season with a full card of racing plus the Mini Winged Sprints and WCRS Carts.  Winners on Sunday were Blake Tabor, Junior Slingshots; Lucas Cole, All Star Slingshots; Dan Palombo, Limited Sportsman; Zach Buff, DIRTcar Sportsman; Kerrie Hollenbeck, Mini Stocks, dual cam, Chris Hemstreet, single cam; John Smith, Jr., 500cc Mini Sprints; Destin St. Clair, 600cc Mini Sprints; Kristen Swartz, WCRS Carts. 

This weekend, Malta Massive Weekend comes to Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20.  Friday the DIRTcar 358 Series headlines the action plus the Sportsman Fall Championship, Sportsman and Street Stock plus practice for Modifieds.  On Saturday, the Super DIRTcar Modified Series 100-lap, $10,000 to win is the featured event along with the DIRTcar Pro Stock Series plus a $500 to win Limited Sportsman race.  

Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Amazon Sees First Public Support

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - During the latest Schoharie Planning Board meeting on Tuesday evening, members opened a public hearing to field questions and comments about the Amazon warehouse proposal.

To open the hearing, the Board first received a quick presentation from Amazon and their developer FSI, which recapped the effects of this potential warehouse to Highbridge.

The project, to be built on the same lot as Highbridge but boasts greatly reduced impact, will be half the size, have less traffic, create more jobs, and have less stormwater drainage off-site than if the lot was empty.

In addition, Amazon’s team of engineers from McFarland Johnson stated that there will be no perceived increase in sound and noise, thanks to attenuating walls and fences to be built adjacent to neighboring properties.

Over the past few months since Amazon revealed its proposal for the first time, the project has received near-unanimous negative feedback from the local community, who stated that everything felt too corporate for a small town like Schoharie.

However, as the Board asked for statements from the public, more supporters showed up instead.

The first resident to speak brought up the community host agreement that was implemented in the Town’s comprehensive plan for situations just like this, which encourages interested corporations to invest in the Town itself in order to run their operations.

“If Amazon could invest in, say, a new firehouse, that would be really beneficial,” she said. 

Another resident had hope that Amazon would stay in the area, saying “It’s felt a little disappointing to see businesses come and go from here. That lot has just been vacant, so let’s do it.”

“I love that presentation,” said a third. “It answers a lot of questions I’ve had. I’ve seen little towns die on the vine because they didn’t want to expand, and I think this would be great.”

However, not everyone was happy with the idea of Amazon’s warehouse marring the scenic views of the Valley, as one resident said “The Town is considering sacrificing the gateway for little financial gain. The whole Town will be affected forever.”

They went on to further say “I ask you to look at the minimal benefit to Schoharie and the immense benefit to Amazon.”

His statements were followed up by another’s, who vouched for the local wildlife and brought documentation to support her claims.

“I feel like at the last meeting I was brushed off, but this project will impact the population of eagles. Once we lose them, they’ll be gone forever.”

However, there was another outpouring of support in response, spearheaded by Chairman Bill Federice from the County Board of Supervisors.

“You folks have been so thorough,” he said, congratulating both the Board and Amazon’s team. “I understand the concerns from neighbors, but we have to consider the entire picture here.”

Darlene Patterson from the Schoharie Promotional Association spoke as a resident of Schoharie, stating “I love the country, but I’m a realist, and the cows aren’t coming home. There’s a lot of fields for hay around here, but that’s not what we need.”

Julie Pacatte from SEEC gave her support to the project, noting that the high assessment value could ease the tax burdens of everyone, and Amazon would have to pay for water and sewer usage in the business park, allowing it to further flourish.

Finally, a representative from Capital Region BOCES spoke in favor of Amazon, saying “We have no concerns regarding traffic and buses. We also have over 450 business partners, and Amazon is already talking about how they can join our network.”

Once everyone had a chance to speak, the Board thanked the audience for their comments and noted that the public hearing will continue throughout a special meeting on September 30th, and invited everyone to attend and voice their thoughts for further deliberations.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

Here is a little bit of positive news. After tallying up the donations and sponsorships from the recent Sunflower-50 Go-Kart race/fundraiser, which was held at Perry's Sunflower Maze at High Tower Farms in Broadalbin, race organizers John DuMond and Matt Perry were able to present the staff from Operation at Ease Inc. with a check for $40,000 last Thursday afternoon. Operation at Ease is a service dog resource center for veterans and first responders located in Rotterdam.

This afternoon is day one of the ninth annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Saratoga Casino Hotel. Saturday, the auction hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday, the Post-Auction sale hours are 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway begins its Malta Massive Weekend tonight with the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series, DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship Series, big block modified practice sessions, sportsman, street stocks, and 4-cylinders. Saturday features the 100-lap, $10,000-to-win DIRTcar Modified Series, the DIRTcar Pro Stock series, and limited sportsman. The rain date is Sunday, September 21.

The 9/11 Calling of the Names Ceremony Car Show will take place at the Town of Florida Veterans Memorial Park in Amsterdam from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The rain date is Saturday, September 27. On Sunday afternoon, Dodge City Speedway will hold its Fall Classic Triple Race program, sponsored by the Dirt Modified Nostalgia Tour. Brookfield Speedway will also race on Sunday, with a big block/small block modified 30-lap feature headlining the program.

Also happening in the Ballston Spa area on September 20 & 21 is the 35th anniversary Hudson-Mohawk Chapter of the Antique Truck Historical Society's truck, tractor, and engine show, held at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds. This is a rain-or-shine event, with gates opening at 9 a.m. both days.

Coming up next weekend, beginning Friday, September 26, is the return of the Victoria at Utica-Rome Speedway. Friday night will be highlighted by the $1,074, 47-lap Jim Normoyle Memorial race for the pro stock division. Fonda Speedway has also added next weekend to its schedule to make up for early season rainouts. The Montgomery County Open will consist of a two-day event on Friday and Saturday, September 26 & 27, featuring 358 modifieds, STSS modifieds, and more.

In results from last Thursday night at Fonda Speedway, the Amsterdam Truck Center modified Ultimate Underdog 33-lap non-winners race saw Michael Trautschold earn his career-first modified feature victory. At the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kaden Honeycutt, driving for the injured Stewart Friesen, was credited with a 12th-place finish.

Friday night at Albany-Saratoga Speedway was the John Grady Memorial Night. The Next Generation Roofing DIRTcar modified division 43-lap feature was won by track champion Mike Mahaney. At Fonda Speedway, it was night number two of the 200 weekend and qualifying night for the STSS modified division. The 15-lap qualifying races were won by Rocky Warner, Alex Yankowski, and Ancel Collins. I will complete these results next week.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Demand for Middleburgh Highway Workers Rising

By Joshua Walther

MIDDLEBURGH - Last Thursday, the Middleburgh Town Board convened and received public comments on how to attract more highway workers.

During the past few meetings, Highway Superintendent Steve Kowalski has spoken at length about how short-staffed his crew is, leading to concerns about winter looming ahead.

One resident spoke up about the matter on Thursday, saying “We have to think about ourselves as suburban Albany instead of Middleburgh. We are retroactive and stingy when we should be competitive.”

However, the Town said that they don’t have the funds to bring the fight to competitive levels, with member Susan Makely saying “It’s not being stingy, we’re just working within our budget.”

“It’s a sticky game,” admitted Supervisor John Youmans, who went on to say that there wasn’t a clear path for the Town to take, as the entire county is facing the same growing issue.

“I see both sides of it,” said Superintendent Kowalski, citing how some private companies can bring in new drivers at a starting rate of $28 an hour. “You’re constrained by a budget, but when a bus goes off the road, the only one that people are screaming at is me.”

He also went on to say that the winter roads can be dangerous, and he doesn’t want to trust a brand-new driver with a truck only for there to be an accident or have them stranded.

“People think that all we do is sit down and stare at snowflakes for fourteen hours a day. It sounds like a stupid meaningless task, but it’s not,” concluded Superintendent Kowalski. 

Supervisor Youmans suggested that the Board should revisit the issue during their next budget cycle in order to plan for increased costs more efficiently, to which the resident agreed.

“You gotta plan for the future instead of being surprised,” he finished.

In other news, Resolution 51-2025 was passed, which states that the Town supports the Joint Recreation Committee in their hunt for a grant through NY Swims to rehabilitate the local pool, as it would “enhance the quality of life for residents” through recreation and water education.

Finally, Mrs. Makely called on the Board to participate in the upcoming October 11th parade.

“It’s the Town of Middleburgh, so the Board should make an appearance,” she said, a sentiment that other members agreed with.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Double Fatal Accident in Schoharie

SCHOHARIE — On September 14, State Police responded to the report of a one-car crash off Rickard Hill Road in Schoharie.

On Sunday morning, at about 12:56 a.m. Troopers responded to the area near the intersection of Rickard Hill Road and Mossy Cliff Lane in Schoharie for the report of a vehicle that had crashed off the roadway. The investigation determined a vehicle being driven by Delwin C. Shaver, 59 of Kissimmee, FL was traveling eastbound on Rickard Hill Road when the vehicle exited the roadway and struck a tree. The vehicle subsequently caught fire.  Mr. Shaver was declared deceased at the scene. Bystanders were able to remove the passenger Sybil Laraway, 50 of Kissimmee, FL from the vehicle. Ms. Laraway was transported to the Albany Medical Center where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

The Old Stone Fort Museum Hosts 3rd Annual Fall Festival – Oct. 4th

SCHOHARIE – The Old Stone Fort Museum invites the community to celebrate the season at its 3rd Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2025. This all-day event will feature live music, local food and beverages, craft vendors, and special programs throughout the historic museum campus in Schoharie.

The musical lineup will keep the grounds lively from morning through evening:

• Northern Borne – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Hilltown Ramblers – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

• Black Mountain Symphony – 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Guests can savor a wide range of food and drink options. Food offerings include Cousins Maine Lobster and Sass Squash to name a few, while adult beverages will be served by regional favorites Serious Brewing, Dugan Hill Farm, and Helderberg Meadworks.

In addition to music and food, several of the museum’s historic buildings will be open to the public, some featuring living history demonstrations throughout the day. Visitors can also explore the special quilt exhibition, “250 Years of Quilts and the Stories They Tell,” presented by the Peaceable Day Quilt Guild and the Schoharie Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild, displayed across the museum campus. A large variety of local craft vendors will round out the festival atmosphere, offering unique handmade items.

The Fall Festival has quickly become a Schoharie tradition, blending history, community, and entertainment in the beautiful setting of the Old Stone Fort Museum. Proceeds from the event benefit the Schoharie County Historical Society, help us to preserve Schoharie County’s history.

Event Details:

• What: 3rd Annual Fall Festival at The Old Stone Fort Museum

• When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

• Where: The Old Stone Fort Museum, 145 Fort Road, Schoharie, NY

• Admission: $10 for adults; free for children under 18

• Parking: Free on-site parking available while it lasts

• For more information, please visit www.theoldstonefort.org or visit the event Facebook page. 

   

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD