The Mountain Eagle

1/9/26

History at the Old Stone Fort - Music Box & Gun Flints

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 1/9/26 | 1/9/26

Regina Music Box

Likely used in a Schoharie County tavern, this box produces sounds using a set of pins placed on a revolving cylinder. The box contains the following songs, Home Sweet Home, The Mocking bird, The Blue Bells of Scotland, Old Folks at Home, Sweet By & By, and Robin Adair. It was produced by Swiss based company Henry Gautschi & Sons, Manufacturers and Importers. Donated by Mrs. Walter MC Gill in memory of Archibald H.S. Smith and Ruth Brand Smith and shared with us by the Old Stone Forts Clay Edmunds.

Gun Flints

Gun flints were a crucial component to the flintlock musket which was first introduced in the 16th century. These small pieces of flint were held in place by a clamp and struck by the gun cock once the trigger was pulled, creating a small explosion inside the barrel which allowed the gun to fire the musket ball.

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Children of the American Revolution Re-Organizes the Old Stone Fort Society NSCAR

State DAR Regent Lisa O'Brien giving greetings to new President Arietta Kuehnle.

The seated adults are: left Lisa O'Brien, NYS DAR Regent, Brook Hanna, State CAR Senior President, and Kate Keesler, State CAR Society President, Arietta Kuehnle, OSF Society President. Far right is Dianne Rizzo, OSF Society Senior President.

SCHOHARIE — On Saturday January 3, The Schoharie Chapter NSDAR hosted and sponsored the re-organization of the Old Stone Fort National Society Children of the American Revolution.

The National Society Children of the American Revolution (N.S.C.A.R.) is a national organization founded in 1895, by Harriett M. Lothrop, a DAR member (Daughters of the American Revolution) who encouraged that organization to form a children’s lineage organization that will foster patriotism, education of American history and responsible citizenship Currently there are 9,000 members in the National Society C.A.R.

State Society President Mary Katherine (Kate) Keesler installed the new Old Stone Fort Society officers, including: President Arrietta Kuehnle, Vice President Nathan Kuehnle, Treasurer Nicholas Malanga, Recording Secretary Arrietta Kuehnle, Corresponding Secretary Nicholas Malanga, Registrar Alexis Malanga, Chaplain Logan Hellijas. The Old Stone Fort Society Senior Officers were installed by State Senior President Brook Tyler Hanna.

Newly installed Old Stone Fort Society President, Arrietta Kuehnle was presented the ceremonial gift of a gavel from Regent Christine Osinski of the Schoharie Chapter, NSDAR the sponsoring organization, before presiding over the meeting. Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary, Nicholas Malanga, gave a short history of the Old Stone Fort for which the society is named. The benediction was given by newly installed Chaplain, Logan Hellijas, one of the Old Stone Fort Society’s youngest members.

The new society received greetings from the NYSDAR Regent Lisa O’Brien, Old Stone Fort Curator Dan Bean and Schoharie Chapter NSDAR Regent Christine Osinski. The message of the day “Welcome back Old Stone Fort Society” was expressed by Dan Bean, Curator of the Old Stone Fort Museum, as was the promise of support and welcome for the children leading the newly reorganized Old Stone Fort Society.

The Old Stone Fort Society C.A.R. has begun with 6 members, and is seeking new members under age 22 who is a lineal descendant of a Revolutionary War military patriot, provided material aid, or was a recognized patriot.

More information on the New York State C.A.R. can be found at www.newyorkstatecar.org

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Close Loss for SCS

Schoharie’s Noah Florussen reaches in as Duanesburg’s Jack Capron grabs for a rebound, slapping the ball into the hands of Storm teammate Anthony Donzelli. Photos by Scott Keidong.

A layup by Noah Florussen nets two points for the Storm, giving Schoharie a 9-5 lead midway through the first quarter. With 17 points in Friday’s game, Florussen led Schoharie in scoring, but Duanesburg was still victorious, with a hard fought 58-51 win over the Storm.

Surrounded by Duanesburg defenders, Schoharie’s Isaac Gagnon grabs a rebound, jumps and shoots.

Schoharie’s Anthony Donzelli drives the ball down court, a step ahead of Duanesburg’s Matthew Mulhern.

On defense, Schoharie’s Kai Dingee gets airborne and grabs a rebound.

Racing down the court, Duanesburg defender Ayden Fall reaches around in an attempt to take the ball from Schoharie’s Luke Stevens. Photos by Scott Keidong.

The Duanesburg defense was tough Friday night. The Eagles Andrey Kuropatkin jumps and thoroughly blocks a shot by Schoharie’s Emmett Gagnon.

Jump Ball — Schoharie’s Noah Florussen and Duanesburg’s Andrey Kuropatkin wrestle for control of the ball.

Duanesburg’s Andrey Kuropatkin blocks a shot by Schoharie’s Luke Stevens.

Schoharie’s Kai Dingee drives the ball down court as Duanesburg defender Logan Kapusta blocks him from passing.

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SCS/JCS Boys Fall to CVS on Home Court

By Rosie Cunningham

STAMFORD - The Stamford-Jefferson (S/J) boys basketball squad fell to Cherry Valley-Springfield (CVS) in a 55-50 nail-biter at home Saturday.

S/J came out of the gate flat in the first quarter trading back-and-forth shots with the Patriots. With less than a minute left in the first quarter, S/J trailed CVS 7-8. Going into halftime, the team failed to catch-up, falling short 12-13. A similar pattern ensued until the final buzzer sounded and CVS went home victorious.

According to S/J Coach Mike Brown not one athlete in particular stood out on the court.

“We had a lot of guys do some good things while out on the floor,” he said.

Jefferson’s Patrick Terk fired in 12 points for S/J, while teammate Max Eisel tallied 11 in the loss.

“We did not perform up to our potential,” said Brown, following the contest. “I didn’t feel we were mentally in the game from the start and although we showed glimpses of how dangerous we can be as a team, we couldn’t sustain that for long stretches.”

As of press time, S/J has a 2-1 overall record and are 4-5 in league play.

Lelend Donato-Williamson (14) of Stamford-Jefferson looks to rip down a board on Saturday during a him game.

Stamford-Jefferson’s Max Eisel (23) goes up for a rebound against Cherry Valley-Springfield opponents on Saturday in a 55-50 loss.

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SK Girls Roll To Hoop Victory Over GC/R

By Rosie Cunningham

GILBOA - the South Kortright (SK) girls defeated the Gilboa Conesville/Roxbury (GC/R) squad 49-13 on the road Monday.

The Rams pounced from the get-go after a stall in the season due to the holidays.

“It was good to get back on the court,” said SK Coach Josh Burroughs. “The girls opened up strong and relied on our full court pressure to keep GC/R playing a faster paced game.”

Burroughs added, the match was one of the most complete games for the Rams in terms of balance and teamwork.

“As a unit, everyone was able to contribute on both ends on the floor,” he said. “They are a group that hasn’t played a lot of basketball together. In each game, we can see improvements and they are gaining more understanding of the game.”

SK senior Carly Dropp had a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards. She also contributed five steals and two assists. Teammate Alyssa Tucker fired in 10 points and tallied six steals, Maddy Reeves and Lexi Hendrickson earned seven points respectively, for the Rams. The team combined for more than 30 steals.

For GC/R, Calleigh Porter and teammate Jacey O’Donnell each had four points, respectively.

SK is 4-4overall and 2-1 in league play.

Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury’s Calleigh Porter drives the ball downcourt.

Alyssa Tucker of South Kortright/Andes and Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury’s Jacey O’Donnell and Addy Hynes contest control of the ball. Photos by Scott Keidong.

Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury’s Savannah Petterson drives the ball downcourt.

Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury’s Addy Hynes is unable to block a shot by South Kortright/Andes’ Nora Trimbell in the second quarter of Monday night’s girls varsity basketball game at Gilboa. The Ram were victorious, beating GCR 49-13.

Madysen Reeves nets two points for South Kortright/Andes as Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury’s Adreannah Cruz tries to block her shot.

South Kortright/Andes’ Nora Trimbell puts on the speed as she tries to save a ball that is bouncing out of bounds.

South Kortright/Andes’ Nora Trimbell stole the ball at half court, and raced in to score another two points for the Rams.

A high pass to South Kortright/Andes’ Annlyse Haynes leaves her surrounded by Gilboa-Conesville Roxbury defenders Jillian Mosley, Jacey O’Donnell, Emily Maxim and Gabby Miraglio.

Seven of the ten players on the court go after a loose ball.

On the floor, South Kortright/Andes’ Nora Trimbell tries to keep the ball from Gilboa-Conesville Roxbury’s Jacey O’Donnell as she reaches for it.

Fire Destroys Home on New Year's Day

By Liz Page

STAMFORD – Stamford firefighters, along with several mutual aid departments, started the New Year off with a fire that destroyed a large home on the Delaware/Schoharie County line Jan.1. The call went out at 12:40 p.m. after the fire was reported by multiple sources traveling state Route.10 at the intersection with Taylor Road.

The second home is owned by John Chicavich and no one was at home at the time of the blaze.

The first report was the smoke was coming from the windows, the second report said there were flames showing. Stamford Fire Chief Don VanEtten said the home was fully involved when firefighters arrived on the scene and he immediately began calling mutual aid for tankers, engines and manpower to the scene. A total of 10 departments and agencies responded to the scene with at least 75 first responders arriving to do battle. Firefighters remained on the scene for the next eight hours.

Water sources were established at Rexmere pond in the village of Stamford and a pond on Havrish Road in the town of Jefferson. A hydrant near Utsayantha Lake was also used, according to VanEtten.

In addition to battling the fire, first responders also battled cold temperatures, which led to complications with some apparatus freezing and creating icy conditions underfoot. There were no injuries, said VanEtten.

The fire remains under investigation, according to VanEtten, and is being handled by the Schoharie County Fire Coordinator's office. However, it is believed accidental in nature.

It is the second major fire in the Stamford area in just over two weeks, drawing first responders from a wide area.

VanEtten said NYSEG was called and arrived on scene in minutes to shut off power and create safe operating conditions for those working at the scene. He said emergency medical services to provide rehab for firefighters were provided by Delaware County EMS, AMR, Hobart EMS, Schoharie County Emergency Services and Stamford EMS.

Mutual aid departments responding included: Hobart, Grand Gorge, Davenport, East Meredith, Roxbury, Jefferson, Summit, Charlotteville and the Oneonta Fire Department, Oneonta Firefighters Local 2408 and Walton Fire Department.

Walton covered a motor vehicle accident in the Stamford Fire District while on stand-by at Stamford's station, providing coverage while Stamford firefighters were working on scene.

Traffic was rerouted around the scene at various locations by fire police and the state Department of Transportation provided assistance with salting and plowing.

Eklund Farm Machinery brought in an excavator to help firefighters get to the stubborn hot spots. Grand Gorge and Jefferson provided mutual aid overnight so Stamford could get its apparatus thawed out and back in service. They did return Friday morning to extinguish a rekindle of the debris.

Also assisting at the scene were state police and the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office and a Firefighter Assists and Search Team (FAST) team, along with fire investigators from the two counties.

VanEtten also thanked the Stewart's Shop which donated refreshments.

The home is a total loss and although Red Cross was called to assist, the couple staying at the home declined the assistance as they were returning to their primary home downstate.

Stamford firefighters were back in service at 8:04 p.m. New Year's Day.

VanEtten issued a thank you to all who responded. “We appreciate everyone who responded.” said VanEtten.

A New Year’s Day fire in a large home at the intersection of state Rt. 10 and Taylor Road in the town of Jefferson got a big jump on firefighters. Photo by Liz Page

Flames roar from the front of a home just over the Schoharie County line on state Rt. 10 New Year’s Day as firefighters work to get the first water flowing. Photo by Liz Page

Stamford firefighters work to give an initial attack on a fire that destroyed a home at the intersection of state Rt. 10 and Taylor Road in the town of Jefferson on New Year’s Day. They were on the scene for eight hours along with 10 mutual aid departments. Photo by Liz Page

Firefighters continue to work on hot spots at a home on state Rt. 10 New Year’s Day that destroyed an old farmhouse at the intersection with Taylor Road in the town of Jefferson. Photo by Liz Page

Fire still smolders in a large second home destroyed by fire on New Year’s Day, keeping firefighters from a wide area busy throughout the day. Photo by Liz Page

Photo courtesy Hobart Fire Commissioner John Houseman

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Bovina Organizes For 2026

By Mary A. Crisafulli

BOVINA - The Bovina Town Council held its 2026 organizational meeting on Jan. 6th. At the meeting, two new councilmembers sat at the table - Mark Rossley and John Ciccone.

The following appointments and designations were made:

Ed Webber was appointed dog control officer and driveway inspector.

Ray LaFever reappointed town historian.

Carrie Choquette is the planning board representative, deputy town clerk, and court clerk.

Monica Liddle appointed to Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term.

Chris Ingvordsen was appointed to the Planning Board for a five-year term.

Dr. Michael Freeman was named health officer.

Dale Downin was reappointed as code enforcement officer.

Christa Schafer was reappointed bookkeeper and budget officer.

Clerk Cathie Hewitt was appointed as vital statistics registrar.

Delaware National Bank of Delhi and Wayne Bank were named official banks.

The Mountain Eagle was designated official newspaper.

Councilmember Dominic Gullow will serve as deputy supervisor.

Allyson Phillips of Young, Summer Law Firm was reappointed town attorney.

Chuck Culertson was appointed as deputy highway superintendent.

The following councilmembers were appointed to committees - Jillienne LaFever, playground and transfer station; Gullow, audit and finance; Ciccone, highway; Rossley, audit and planning; and Supervisor Tina Molé, buildings. Hewitt will serve the community hall needs.

Town council meetings will take place on the second Tuesday of each month except November, which is scheduled for the 5th. All Planning Board meetings start at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.

The regular monthly meeting took place immediately following the organizational meeting.

The following bills were paid: $3,186.44 for the November and December water district bills, and $86.62 for the January bill. $132 for street lights, December septic of $630.44, January septic of $43.31, and highway bills totaling $14,259.08.

The annual contract with the Delaware County Planning Department was approved for $3,500. The county provides a planner to serve the town planning board in an advisory capacity.

The board is securing an email system that will enable a general town email to serve as a public and emergency notification tool.

Gullow reported that the town is in a better financial position now than it was 12 months ago. There is only one debt left from the water district with roughly $7,100 owed, he said, adding it should be paid off by the end of 2026.

The council entered an executive session for negotiations.

The next regular meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m.