Stamford Central School Honor Roll

The guidance office at Stamford Central School is pleased to announce the Honor Roll for the 1st quarter.  Cum Laude is an average of 94.5% or higher; High Honor is an average of 89.5%-94.4%; Honor is an average of 84.5%-89.4%; Merit is an average of 79.5%-84.4%.

Grade 7

Cum Laude: NONE

High Honor: Matthew McGlynn

Honor: Madison Eisel

Merit: Anastasia Aldrich,  Harper Gockel,  Cora Nick

Grade 8

Cum Laude: Kelsey Brewster,  Madelyn Eklund,   Lydia Flachs

High Honor: Elyse Snyder,  Molly Snyder,  Charlotte Thomson,  Hailee VanZandt

Honor: Olivia Albanese,  Quinn Forhan,  Logan Macedo,  Elijah Mrozik,  Carter Palmatier,  Meghan VanBuren

 Merit: Grace Russell,  Kira Sutliff,  Kendra Wehmeyer

Grade 9

Cum Laude: NONE

High Honor: Allison Vasta,  Katie Wright

Honor: Abigail Bullard,  Addison Gaida,  Michael Kiel,  Bailey VanEtten

Merit: Ethan Goodchild,  Warren Macedo,  Anthony Sarter,  Jayda Young

Grade 10

Cum Laude: Lillian Eklun

High Honor: Riley Rinehart 

Honor: Brooke Cole,  George Nebesnik,  Cole Seeley,  Emily Snyder  

Merit: Alyssa Merwin,  Nigel Oakley

Grade 11

Cum Laude: NONE

High Honor: Brielle Merwin,  Anthony Oakley

Honor: Benjamin Bullard,  Liadian Coston,  Mikayla Harris,  Aryanna O’Bryon,  Adrian Randall,  Gabriel VanHouten,  Madison Webster

Merit: Samantha Davis,  Aliyah Forte,  Conor Glenn,  Angel Otero,  Matthew Santiago,  Tristen Thomson,  Tyler Vasta

Grade 12

Cum Laude: Emily Eklund,  Liam Hanway,  McKenna Hoyt,  Kaitlyn Stoutenburg,  Tierney Turner,  Gavin VanEtten,  Abigail Villanueva

High Honor: Lelend Donato-Williamson,  Angel Giambastiani,  Jacob Mrozik,  Caiden Tompkins

 Honor: Annalise Fallon,  Dezaraye Hillis,  Spencer Houston,  Alek Krom,  Hailey Rose Temple,  Cameron Tompkins

Merit: Tim Petry,  Hailey Sarter,  Lola Shareski,  Kya Whitbeck

 

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Harpersfield Adopts 2026 Budget

By Liz Page

HARPERSFIELD  –  No one spoke during the budget hearing or the hearing to override the state tax cap last Wednesday as members of the Harpersfield Town Board went ahead with adopting the 2026 budget.

Appropriations for 2026 total $1,953,581.68 and will be offset by $541,290 in anticipated revenue and $185,000 in unexpended balance, with the amount to be raised by taxes at $1,227,291.68.  The increase is $47,359.77 over the current budget and more than $20,000 over the allowable tax cap. The percentage increase is 3.9 percent.

The budget figures are available on the town's website.

The town is working to comply with NYS.gov requirements for the towns, regarding websites and public notices.The bill requires all municipalities in New York to maintain an official website with a ".gov" domain that is accessible to the public and regularly updated. The website must contain basic information about the municipality, including hours of operation, elected officials, and services provided. It must also include a privacy policy, documents required by law, notices of municipal elections and meetings, and an up-to-date version of the municipality's codes and local laws. The bill also amends the existing law to require municipalities to make certain financial documents accessible on their official websites.

The town is now using Positive pay which is a program that provides a double check for fraud, according to Supervisor Lisa Driscoll.

The board also adopted a resolution in  support of Congressman Nick Langworthy's Energy Choice Act, which opposes government-mandated natural gas bans. The county Board of Supervisors as well as the other towns in the county are expected to adopt the resolution. The bill is H.R. 3699, S.1945.

The act was to go into effect Dec. 31 to require all-electric building permits. Langworthy's proposal would ensure that people will still have a choice of how to heat and cook in their homes. People should contact representatives: Assemblyman Chris Tague, Senator Peter Oberacker; Congressman Nick Langworthy, Alise Stephanic, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

A press release indicates the Langworthy bill is to prohibit states or local governments from banning an energy service's connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered. Congressman Langworthy, who serves as a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Energy and Environment subcommittees, has made protecting Americans’ energy choices a top priority.

"Governor Hochul and Democrats in Albany have waged an extremist crusade against natural gas that’s sent home energy costs through the roof, crippled our energy supply, and left New York teetering on the edge of an energy crisis—all to satisfy the radical fantasies of the far-left climate cult. New York has been ground zero for the Green New Deal, where common sense goes to die and working families get stuck with the bill," said Congressman Langworthy in a press release.“That’s why I’ve introduced the Energy Choice Act—to slam the brakes on these reckless, ideological mandates and restore sanity to America’s energy policy. People deserve the freedom to choose energy that is affordable, reliable, and proven—not be forced into rolling blackouts to please eco-activists who don’t live in the real world. I thank Senator Justice for introducing this bill in the Senate and urge its swift action.”

Lawmakers in New York are calling for a special session to repeal the state's All Electric Buildings Act.

The town will be selling the skid steer and the backhoe used at the transfer station to purchase a new used backhoe for the transfer station.

Supervisor Driscoll reported that Verizon is expected to return with cell tower service by the end of the year.

Board members also discussed Comprehensive Highway Improvement Program funding, with reimbursement for the new truck in the spring. There was also discussion about a project on Gun House Hill Road, which is a Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation Service project. The grant is for $500,000, but the project is estimated at $560,000. So the town will have to contribute, most likely in in-kind work on the part of the highway crew. Superintendent Russell Hatch will check on the timeline for the project.

The next meeting will be held Dec. 10 at 7 p.m..

 

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Colonel Harper Grange Presents Quilt of Valor

By Liz Page

HARPERSFIELD  –  Honoring those who have served our nation was the message given during a special ceremony Tuesday at the Colonel Harper Grange in Harpersfield. 

The Grange awarded a Quilt of Valor created by two members of the Grange to honor a veteran who has served the community. This year's recipient was Dan Palm, of Hobart. He was in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1991, serving aboard the USS Valor 1472, a mine sweeper.

Pat Hornbeck, who put the evening's program together, said there is no other group that compares to military veterans. "They are always in our thoughts and prayers," she said. 

They left their homes, their families, their jobs, in order to protect us all.

The night was set aside for veterans, police officers and first responders. "Anyone who serves," said Hornbeck. There were eight veterans present on Tuesday and Palm was brought in to be the keynote speaker. He knew about the presentation and said he was very honored. 

"I know I am supposed to talk about myself and my service, but I think there is something more important to talk about," he said. "It has  been just one week since Veterans Day and I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the military.

"Our founding fathers had two cornerstones for the military when they established it, that it must be controlled by civilians and  it should be made up of citizens." It has proven highly successful through all the wars. Our defense has been handled by citizens, either through conscription or volunteerism. It has provided ample troops willing to fight and protect our nation. 

Over the past four decades the military has been manned by volunteers. "There are more than a million people in the military. Each one has a very small part or job to do, but collectively they are the most powerful military in the world. They have been protecting our democracy and the democracy of others."

He pointed to the parents in the audience and said it is their responsibility to get the youth to understand the importance of protecting our democracy. Over the last couple of years, the military has not met its quotas. It is a great opportunity for our youth. They can be anything in the military and there are the same opportunities there for men and women. He said women have as much responsibility as men in protecting our democracy.

"We need to instill in our youth the importance of protecting our democracy, not just for me, but for all the others. I am very honored to have received the Quilt of Valor. I appreciate it.. When he has it on his lap, he said it would make him warm and he would remember this time.

The Quilt of Valor is called the civilian equivalent to the Purple Heart that provides community, warmth and strength and is created with love, gratitude and sometimes tears. It is the Quilt of Valor, sewn by caring hands for someone who has served with honor, performed their duty and helped to ensure the freedom we have today.

Catherine Roberts founded the project as a way of thinking of servicemen wrapped in a quilt rather than engaged in combat while her son was deployed in Iraq. She described her situation as "10 seconds away from a panic attack 24 hours a day". The quilts became her mission and more than 250,000 quilts have been awarded in the United States and abroad. 

The quilts are awarded, not just handed out. It says Thank You for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation.

In addition to Palm, the veterans present who were honored, included: Frank Ciulla, who served from 1963-1965 in the United States Army; Lenny Marigliano served from 1961 -1965 in the United States Air Force; Tom Hornbeck served from 1975-1979 in the United States Navy; Frank Hornbeck, 2008-2013; Kate Bedford, 2009-2014 and Lloyd Tompkins, who served as police officer and police chief.

In addition to the special presentation, there were patriotic songs and Hornbeck put up the names of all the veterans located in the town’s cemeteries. The evening ended with a special flag retirement ceremony.

Grange members Priscilla Marigliano (left) and Patricia Hornbeck (right) award the Quilt of Valor they created to Dan Palm, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 until 1991. The two women created the quilt together.

 

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Budget Adopted in Stamford

By Liz Page

HOBART – Members of the Stamford Town Board answered questions about the proposed budget with several members of the public present for last Wednesday's budget hearing. No changes were forthcoming and the budget was adopted. It proposes a 1.66 percent ($15,694) increase over the current budget and remains under the state's allowable tax cap by $27,000.

Deputy Supervisor Dan Deysenroth explained the budget process and some of the goals the board has as it drafts a new budget, explaining contingencies, unexpended balances and their considerations for the tax cap. Deysenroth said the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation  saves the taxpayers a great deal of money by providing grants of up to $100,000 per year which have been used to help the town purchase new equipment. Appropriations in the new budget total $1,502.919, which is being offset by  $490,658 in projected revenues and an unexpended fund balance of $55,000, leaving the amount to be raised by taxes at $958,961.

The fuel bids were rebid from last month, but the town still received a single bid, from Main Care, with board members accepting the bids for gasoline and low sulfur diesel fuel. The prices are fluctuating, with no fixed prices provided. Mirabito currently supplies the LP gas to the town and Main Care did not bid that item. Supervisor John Kosier will reach out to Mirabito to get pricing on the LP  gas which is used to heat the town hall.

The town's attorney will review a request for the town to extend the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) on the senior apartment building located at 125 Main St. in the village of Stamford. The town has received a letter requesting the extension be continued at 5 percent. Kosier said he will have the attorney draft an agreement. The building also houses the Western Catskills Community Revitalization Corporation  (WCCRC). The cost to continue the PILOT is not believed to be a significant amount, according to Kosier, who will research it and bring it back to the board.

Town crews have finished hauling materials for winter road maintenance and all the trucks have been prepared for winter maintenance, with trucks going out for winter road work for the first time last week. Deputy Highway Superintendent Kevin Rinehart reported some additional cleanup is needed on Davis Road where a culvert was replaced. There was also some discussion over hours for the crew for winter plowing. The start and stop hours can affect overtime pay, while considering getting the roads plowed and sanded for school buses. 

Supervisor Kosier said he had been approached about the town adopting a noise ordinance. However, the current board did not seem to support an ordinance. 

After adopting the new budget, Councilman Dave Post said he stopped at the town highway garage recently, unannounced and was pleased to see the crew working together on the old Western Star. He said having the truck for an extra five years is a plus and he urged the incoming council members to consider replacing the smaller utility truck and to be planning ahead and keep it in the back of their minds. " The employees were working together to get the plows on and I wasn't hearing any complaints," said Post.

Before the meeting adjourned, Doug McMullen, who lost the recent election for town supervisor, asked the board to consider video taping town board meetings and to ensure the town's website is kept up to date. He believes more people would become involved with the video-taped meetings, saying that not everyone is able to attend the monthly town board meetings. He also said there should be handouts for visitors and he said the town should invest in a projector. Kosier said he has been researching cameras for recording the town board meetings. 

Members of the audience questioned why the town's dog control officer does not answer the phone, but is paid annually for doing nothing. Supervisor Kosier explained they must undergo an annual inspection from NYS Ag and Markets to ensure they have the proper facilities to hold dogs.Board member indicated they weren't aware that calls were not being answered.  Someone will check with the dog control officer regarding the allegation that they do not answer the phone to receive dog control calls.

Jen Betz asked if there is a job description for each position in the town. She also asked about a meeting agenda for the public. She also said town residents would like to have communication at the Delaware County Board of Supervisors. "You are supposed to be representing us. They should allow a half hour for public discussion," she said. Kosier said he didn't think the county Board of Supervisors would be willing to hold that sort of public forum.

McMullen challenged Kosier about statements he made to the Mountain Eagle Newspaper regarding saving the taxpayers a million dollars. He said he considered it a bold statement and asked him to explain it. Kosier said he has worked on getting Community Development Block Grants that have helped get needed home repairs for qualifying homeowners in various amounts. He also helped to get the street signs for the hamlet of South Kortright, through grants. Deysenroth said the town needs to apply for the grants, which have been used to help eligible homeowners with needed repairs and other programs.

A resident who lives near the top of Roxbury Mountain Road asked if the town could install guardrails to keep vehicles from going over the steepest embankment. It is an issue that has been discussed many times by the town board and highway superintendent in the past. Installing guardrails would hinder plowing operations, according to Rinehart. 

The next town board meeting will be held Dec. 10.

 

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Disaster Preparedness Workshops WRAP UP

STAMFORD – Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council (WCCRC) was one of 383 grantees selected to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant from AARP and @AARPLivableCommunities.  With this funding we presented workshop dedicated to emergency and disaster preparedness, equipping individuals, businesses, and communities with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate crises effectively.

WCCRC presented 8 workshops with a total of 88 participants at The Stamford Public Library in Stamford, the Cannon Free Library in Delhi, Windham Public Library in Windham, Stamford Village Apartment’s Community Room in Stamford, The Gathering Place in Oneonta, The Gathering Place in Cobleskill, and the HUBB in Margaretville. 

To encourage preparedness, attendees had a chance to win a weather radio and a Life Straw in our exciting raffle! Additionally, all attendees received a preparedness bag filled with emergency supplies valued at $35—because being ready for the unexpected starts with the right tools.

To encompass AARP’s mission, WCCRC utilized Volunteers over the age of 50 to create 100 emergency TO GO Bags which were handed out to program participants.  Bags included MRE’s, water, flashlights, lighters, rain ponchos, warming blankets, whistles, face masks, wipes, and hygiene kits.  

Our interactive workshop covered critical topics, including:

• Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Overview: Understanding risks and strategies for protection.

• Preparing for an Emergency/Disaster: Steps to safeguard families and assets before disaster strikes.

• Responding to an Emergency/Disaster: Actionable techniques for immediate crisis management.

• What’s Happening with FEMA? A current overview of federal emergency response efforts and initiatives.

• Additional Resources: Access essential tools, information, and expert guidance.

With disasters ranging from natural calamities to unforeseen emergencies, having a well-thought-out plan is essential. These sessions, led by WCCRC’s HUD Certified #T3TNNU Counselor Eileen Knott, provided attendees with practical insights and real-world strategies to enhance resilience and readiness. 

WCCRC has also been pre-approved to administer the NYS Rapid Response Home Repair Grant in the case that a natural disaster has been declared in the area and funding is released for rehabilitation.

For further information, media inquiries, or interview requests, please contact Eileen Knott at eknott@westerncatskills.org or 607-652-2823 ext. 105.

 

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Drug Arrests Following Traffic Stop

HARPERSFIELD — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of three individuals as the result of a traffic stop and narcotics investigation.   

On November 4th, while on patrol in the Town of Harpersfield, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a female, known to Deputies for not possessing a valid driver’s license, to be operating a motor vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was confirmed to be Deanna Eignor, 24 years old of Hobart.   

A passenger in the vehicle, identified as 26-year-old Schoen Stocks of Jefferson, was found to be wanted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated felony charges. 

 Further investigation on scene of the traffic stop, revealed a quantity of fentanyl, scales and packaging materials located within the vehicle. 

 As a result, the following arrests were made: 

Deanna Eignor, 24 years of age of Hobart, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree, 2 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd Degree, all misdemeanors. Eignor was additionally issued traffic summons for Following to Close, No Seat Belt and Unlicensed Operator. Further, while being processed, it was found that Eignor was actively released on her own recognizance by the Delaware County Supreme Court on unrelated charges and an order was put in place, which she was currently in violation of, resulting in Eignor being additionally charged with Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree, a class A misdemeanor.  

Schoen Stocks, 26 years old of Jefferson, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree and 2 counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. Stocks was additionally issued a traffic summons for Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. 

While Deputies were conducting their investigation, a concerned family member arrived on-scene to determine what was occurring. Deputies discovered that his driving privileges were also suspended, resulting in the Deputies arresting the family member, identified as 28-year-old Wesley Eignor, of Hobart, on one count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd degree. Wesley Eignor was additionally issued a traffic summons for Unlicensed Operation.  He was released on an appearance ticket from the scene to a third party.  

Deputies transported Deanna Eignor and Schoen Stocks to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for arrest processing. Stocks was released on appearance tickets to a third party and Deanna Eignor was turned over to Centralized Arraignment Court where she was held on $5,000.00 cash bail.

 

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Sheriff’s Office Awarded Civil Reaccreditation by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association

DELHI - The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that it has been officially awarded Civil Reaccreditation by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association (NYSSA) for the period commencing October 25th, 2025, through October 25th, 2030.  

The reaccreditation plaque was formally presented by NYSSA Executive Director Peter Kehoe to Sheriff Craig DuMond during the Delaware County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. The award recognized the Sheriff’s Office ongoing commitment to excellence, accountability, and for adherence to the highest professional standards of civil office operations in New York State. 

The NYSSA’s accreditation program supports Sheriffs’ Offices across the state in strengthening performance, enhancing public trust, and ensuring consistent, high-quality civil operations. Reaccreditation is awarded only to agencies that demonstrate sustained compliance with the 121 program standards. 

Civil Division Corporal Daniel McGowan served as the Program Manager for the reaccreditation process and was assisted in ensuring full compliance by Civil Division employees Tammy Wagner, Ashley Allen, Angela Moore, and Diane Mauro, whose collective efforts were instrumental in achieving this milestone. 

Speaking on receipt of the award, Sheriff DuMond praised the Civil Divisions effort, saying:

“This reaccreditation reflects the dedication and professionalism of the men and women in our Civil Division who work tirelessly to serve our community. Their commitment to meeting and exceeding these standards is commendable.”

We extend our sincere congratulations to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division on their outstanding achievement.  

 

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8 COUNT INDICTMENT IN HARASSMENT AND ENDANGERMENT CASE

DELHI – Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith, announced today that the Delaware County Grand Jury returned an eight-count indictment against Glen Merwin, 45, of Harpersfield, New York on November 13.

Count One alleges Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that on December 7, 2024, Merwin did intentionally damage the property of another, the value of which was greater than $1500. 

Counts Two and Three allege Endangering the Welfare of a Child; both are Class A Misdemeanors. It is alleged that on or about December 7, 2024, Merwin did knowingly endanger two children under the age of 17. 

Counts Four, Five and Six allege Harassment in the 2nd degree, all violations of the NY Penal Law. It is alleged that on or about December 7, 2024, Merwin did engage in a course of conduct which alarmed three individuals with no legitimate purpose.

Count Seven alleges Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.  It is alleged that on or about May 25, 2025, Merwin did engage in intentional disobedience to the lawful process of mandate of a court.

Count Eight alleges Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that on or about December 7th, 2024, Merwin did intentionally damage the property of another, the value of which was greater than $1500. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended the New York State Police for their investigation of this case. 

Chief Assistant District Attorney Richard D. Northrup Jr. presented the case to the Grand Jury.

Indictments and Criminal Complaints are allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

Shawn J. Smith 

District Attorney 

Delaware County 

 

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