Late Defensive Stand Lifts Tigers to 72-70 Road Win at UMPI

COBLESKILL – The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team rang in the new year with a hard-fought, down-to-the-wire road victory, holding on for a 72-70 win over the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Monday night inside Wieden Gymnasium.

Rowan Morel (Manhattan, NY) paced the Tigers with 15 points to go along with seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks, making key plays on both ends in crunch time. Andrew Wright (Berne, NY) was a steady presence in the paint, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists while shooting an efficient 5-of-6 from the field. Senior guard Chrischen Chung (Poughkeepsie, NY) knocked down three triples on his way to 10 points, while sophomore newcomer Emilio Nabli (Brooklyn, NY) provided an immediate spark off the bench in his Cobleskill debut, scoring nine points with four rebounds and two assists. Marquay Tanksley added nine points for the Tigers.

Cobleskill shot 46.7 percent from the field compared to UMPI’s 36.4 percent. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with the Tigers holding a slight edge at 29.2 percent to the Owls’ 25 percent. UMPI won the rebounding battle 44–36, but Cobleskill’s bench proved decisive, outscoring the Owls 32-12. The Tigers also held a narrow advantage in the paint, 34-32, while both teams finished with 15 turnovers.

UMPI opened the game with a 5-1 lead, but Cobleskill quickly settled in. A driving layup by Conor Holland (Marathon, NY) cut the deficit, and a Morel assist to Cameron Rhode (Elmira, NY) made it a one-point game. Fermin Fabian followed with a pull-up jumper to give the Tigers their first lead at 9-8. Wright went to work inside, scoring six straight points to push Cobleskill ahead 17-13 midway through the half.

Nabli scored his first points as a Fighting Tiger with a smooth pull-up jumper, and Cobleskill continued to build momentum. A Morel three, set up by Marquay Tanksley, extended the lead to 31-26, and a late deep ball from Nabli helped the Tigers take a 35–32 advantage into halftime.

Morel opened the second half with a three to stretch the lead to 38-34, and Cobleskill followed with a 9-3 run capped by an and-one finish from Wright to make it 46-39. Chung buried another triple to keep the Tigers in front 56–51 with under 10 minutes to play. Moments later, Morel jumped a passing lane for a steal and knocked down a jumper as part of an 8-0 stretch that kept Cobleskill in control.

UMPI responded with an 8–0 run of its own to knot the game at 59–59, but Wright answered with a strong finish at the rim to regain the lead. The Owls briefly pulled ahead with a three, but Morel took over, scoring four straight points to give Cobleskill a 65–62 edge with 3:38 remaining.

The Tigers built on that momentum as Tanksley converted an and-one and Nabli added a pull-up jumper to push the lead to 70-64. UMPI closed the gap late, but Cobleskill came up with a key defensive stop on the final possession to secure the 72-70 road victory.

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Man Arrested for Allegedly Using Tractor to Damage Home

SHARON — On Jan. 4, at approximately 12:42 pm the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a subject using a tractor to cause damage to a home in the Town of Sharon. Scott T. Kleinberger, 63, of Carlisle was subsequently taken into custody and provided medical attention before being charged criminally in the matter.

Mr. Kleinberger is accused of using a tractor to damage a home in the Town of Sharon during a domestic dispute. After the dispute, Mr. Kleinberger fled the scene and was located near the residence a short time later and taken into custody. Mr. Kleinberger was transported to Cobleskill Regional Hospital to be evaluated for an illness not related to the arrest. After being discharged from the hospital, Mr. Kleinberger was transported to the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office where he was charged with the following offenses:

Criminal Contempt in the 1st Degree (Felony)

Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree

Aggravated Family Offense (Felony)

Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree (Felony)

Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree

Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd Degree

Menacing 3rd Degree

Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Mr. Kleinberger is being held at the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office pending arraignment at a later time.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office was assisted during this incident by the New York State Police, Sharon Springs Ambulance and Schoharie County EMS.

There is no further danger to the public as a result of this incident. The Sheriff would like to thank the New York State Police and Sharon Ambulance for their assistance on scene and our dispatchers for their invaluable assistance in coordinating the response and aiding in the resolution of a potentially dangerous situation.

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Richmondville Receives $1 Million Grant

RICHMONDVILLE — Representative Elise Stefanik announced a number of grants for local communities this week. This included $1 million for the Town of Richmondville to improve the current aging and failing wastewater treatment system and provide for the safe disposal of wastewater.

"Our sewer project planning started four years ago," said Town of Richmondville Supervisor Jeff Haslun. "The Town of Richmondville previously has been awarded three grants, an Enhanced WIIA grant through Environmental Facilities Corporation, an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Environmental Facilities Corporation, and a Schoharie County ARPA award. Our project is expected to start construction this spring and with this additional funding support it will help minimize any debt service that those citizens will have to pay, which when the Town of Richmondville did an income survey, it revealed that 76% of the residents were of low to moderate income with a median household income of $40,601. The Town of Richmondville thanks the efforts of our sponsors, Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Charles Schumer."

“I’m proud to have secured more than $17 million in federal funding for critical projects that will strengthen North Country innovation, protect public health, and keep our communities safe. From supporting cutting-edge biotechnology research at the Trudeau Institute, to upgrading aging wastewater systems in Upstate towns that have waited decades for relief, these investments will deliver real results to New York's 21st District. This funding will also improve access to clean, reliable drinking water and enhance Northern Border security and maritime safety on Lake Champlain. Throughout my time in Congress, I have delivered significant results and nearly $1 billion in federal funds, and that work will continue this year," said Stefanik.

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Opinion: Why Reflective Road Studs Matter - A Small Infrastructure Investment with Large Community Benefits

By Dr. Son Tran

Having lived and worked in Cobleskill for several years, I have come to appreciate both the strengths and the challenges of transportation in our region. For my wife and me, driving through Upstate New York is often a genuine pleasure. The scenery—rolling hills, forests, farmland, and dramatic seasonal changes—makes even routine trips visually rewarding. At the same time, these drives can be challenging, particularly at night and during winter, when road conditions make navigation difficult even for attentive and cautious drivers.

This challenge became especially clear during our drive from Albany to Cobleskill last week. The trip itself was routine, and weather conditions were typical for the season. Yet the drive felt unusually tense—not because of traffic volume or speed, but because the road lacked clear visual guidance. With lane markings partially obscured and few reflective cues to define the roadway, it was difficult to confidently “read” the road ahead. The tension came not from fear, but from uncertainty—an experience many drivers in our region would likely recognize. This points to an issue that deserves more public attention: nighttime and winter driving challenges are not only about accident prevention, but also about traffic efficiency, driver confidence, and quality of life. 

As someone who recently returned to driving with a new license, I have had firsthand experience navigating local and regional roads at night. What I have observed is not a matter of individual driving habits, but a shared reality—especially for new drivers, older adults, and those who must travel after dark for work or family responsibilities. A clear example is the route between Albany and Cobleskill. Although the posted speed limit on much of this roadway is 65 miles per hour, actual speeds during nighttime or snowy conditions often drop to around 40 miles per hour. This is not an isolated behavior; many vehicles travel at similarly reduced speeds. The result is a mismatch between the road’s design speed and real-world driving conditions.

The reason is not recklessness or unnecessary caution. Rather, many drivers cannot clearly see lane boundaries when pavement markings are obscured by snow, visibility is poor, and roadway lighting is limited. In response, drivers naturally slow down. While understandable, large speed differentials within the same traffic stream can increase risk, contributing to sudden braking, unsafe passing, and elevated stress. In such situations, driving well below the speed limit does not necessarily translate into safer driving.

I would like to add a point of comparison from personal experience. During the years I lived and drove regularly in Washington DC and Virginia, nighttime driving felt different. Many highways and major roads there are equipped with well-maintained reflective road studs, which provide continuous visual guidance even in darkness or poor weather. This made a meaningful difference: I felt more confident, less stressed, and better able to maintain a steady and appropriate speed. That experience reinforced my belief that this issue is not primarily about driver behavior, but about infrastructure design.

This brings me to a practical and cost-effective solution: the targeted installation of reflective road studs (raised pavement markers) on key road segments. These devices are widely used across the United States to improve lane visibility, particularly under low-light and adverse weather conditions. Compared to installing or maintaining roadway lighting, reflective road studs are relatively inexpensive while delivering substantial benefits.

Based on typical U.S. transportation cost ranges, installing reflective road studs generally costs between $8,000 and $15,000 per mile per direction, depending on spacing and materials. For perspective, equipping the approximately 75-mile corridor between Albany and Cooperstown would likely cost between $1.2 and $2.3 million for both directions, with a reasonable mid-range estimate of about $1.5 million. This is largely a one-time investment spread across many years of use and thousands of drivers.

Reflective road studs do not encourage speeding. Instead, they help drivers better “read the road,” maintain speeds consistent with roadway design, reduce abrupt speed changes, and create more predictable traffic flow. The benefits extend beyond safety alone, supporting older drivers, building confidence for newer drivers, and improving mobility in rural areas where darkness and winter weather are unavoidable.

At a time when infrastructure budgets are constrained, targeted investments matter. Improving road visibility through reflective road studs is a modest investment with meaningful returns. By helping drivers clearly read the road, these markers enhance safety, reduce stress, and support smoother traffic flow. Just as importantly, they help preserve what many of us value about driving in Upstate New York: the ability to enjoy nighttime travel with confidence rather than tension. By strengthening drivers’ sense of safety, we do not make roads faster—we make them safer, calmer, and keep driving at night both functional and enjoyable for everyone who depends on it.

Dr. Tran is a Resident of Cobleskill and Professor at SUNY Cobleskill

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Schoharie County Appoints Members to Emergency Services Boards

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors appointed members to several fire and other emergency services related boards at the Friday, Jan. 2 organizational meeting.

Fifteen people were appointed to the Schoharie County Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST), to serve at the pleasure of the BOS and without compensation. They are: Thomas Buel of Conesville, Michael Boomhower of Gallupville, Matthew Clark of Cobleskill, Cody Whittaker of Cobleskill, David Kamp of Cobleskill, C.J. Peterson of Cobleskill, Harley Hagadone of Cobleskill, Curtis Smida of Carlisle, Eric Stanton of Carlisle, Joseph Fisher of Cobleskill, Baileigh Behan of Cobleskill, Glenn Robinson of Conesville, Paul Briggs of Carlisle, Kyle Ewington of Conesville and Tyler Munger of Central Bridge.

Appointed to the Schoharie County Hazardous Materials Team, to serve at the pleasure of the BOS and without compensation, were: Aaron Filmer of Cobleskill, C.J. Peterson of Cobleskill, Floyd Seales of Richmondville, Joseph Fisher of Cobleskill, Richard Hildebrandt Jr. of Huntersland, David Kamp of Cobleskill, Thomas Darcy of Broome, Tarkan Ceng of Jefferson, Matthew Ramo of Esperance, Anthony LaTorre III of Broome; and Matt Furlong, Charles Kuhn and Roger Kopas of Richmondville.

Appointed to the Schoharie County Search and Rescue Team were: Gregory Baxter of Carlisle FD, Tyrone Mitchell of Richmondville FD, Mike Walsh of Huntersland FD, Richard Hildebrandt Jr. of Huntersland FD, Floyd Seales of Richmondville FD, Aaron Filmer of Cobleskill FD, Mike Griffin Jr. of Schoharie FD, Debra Daly of Carlisle FD, Larry Daly of Carlisle FD, C.J. Peterson of Cobleskill FD, Curtis Smida of Carlisle FD, Judyth Tiffany of Broome FD, Kenneth Tiffany of Broome FD, Mike Kossow of Broome, Brad Mattice of Carlisle FD, Amber DeLaet of West Fulton, Kathryn Brisley of Schoharie, Ken Testa of Huntersland, Michael Weber of Central Bridge, Matthew Ramo of Esperance.

Other appointees to the Search and Rescue Team: Olivia Marine of Central Bridge, John Jurcek of Broome, Steven Underwood of Central Bridge, Tierra Bueb of Central Bridge, Matt Furlong of Richmondville, Charles Kuhn of Richmondville, Cheyenne Conway of Richmondville, Erick Kenney of Schoharie, Christopher Schroeder of Richmondville, Justin Davis of Richmondville, Devan Smida of Carlisle, Justin VanAlstyne of Central Bridge, David Kamp of Cobleskill, Cora McAllister of Cobleskill, Bryan Houstan of Huntersland, Ethan Trombley of Middleburgh, Dorothy Fessell of Richmondville and Debrann Mazaras of Schoharie.

Under another resolution approved by the BOS at the Jan. 2 meeting, the following were appointed to the Schoharie County Fire Coordinator Fives Team: William Bivona Jr. of Jefferson, Brian Largeteau of Esperance, Joseph Nelson of Middleburgh, Elizabeth DeJoy of Blenheim, Raymond Buel of Conesville, Thomas Buel of Conesville, Jason Wayman of Broome, Matthew Brisley of Schoharie, Scott Johnson of Central Bridge, Gregory Baxter of Carlisle, Amy K. Wayman of Broome, Antonia Triumpho of Cobleskill, Curtis Smida of Carlisle, Andrew Tator of Cobleskill and Matthew Defer of Esperance.

Appointed to the Schoharie County Community Services Board for terms running from Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2029 were Colleen Quiron, Susan Emerson and Constance Burroughs.

Assignments to the various committees of the Board of Supervisors were also handed out at the Jan. 2 meeting. All the committees hold monthly public meetings at various times and days of the week.

Committee makeups for 2026 are Economic Development (fourth Thursday of month, 4 p.m.): Chair Werner Hampel, Members Donald Airey, Jeffrey Haslun, Alex Luniewski, Sandra Manko; Energy (as needed): Chair Donald Airey, Members Werner Hampel, John Leavitt, Sandra Manko, Alicia Terry; Extension, Agriculture, Conservation (first Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.): Chair Alicia Terry, Members Mark Fletcher, John Leavitt, Alex Luniewski, Earl VanWormer III; Finance, ARPA (Wednesday prior to BOS meeting each month following Personnel): Chair Alex Luniewski, Members Margaret (Peggy) Hait, Jeffrey Haslun, Sandra Manko, Benjamin Oevering; Historical (second Tuesday, 6 p.m.): Chair Sandra Manko, Members Roger Gural, Werner Hampel, Jeffrey Haslun, Ben Oevering; Human Services (second Tuesday, 4:30 p.m): Chair Earl VanWormer III, Members Donald Airey, Roger Gural, Werner Hampel, Philip R. Skowfoe Jr.; Hydro Resource Management (fourth Thursday, 5 p.m.): Chair Ben Oevering, Members Donald Airey, Philip Skowfoe, Alicia Terry, Earl VanWormer, John Youmans.

Also: Infrastructure (first Tuesday, 6 p.m.): Chair John Youmans, Members Mark Fletcher, Jeffrey Haslun, John Leavitt, William M. Smith III; Law Enforcement, Judicial (first Tuesday, 5 p.m.): Chair John Leavitt, Members Mark Fletcher, Peggy Hait, William M. Smith, John Youmans; Personnel (Wednesday prior to BOS meeting each month, 4:45 p.m.): Chair Jeffrey Haslun, Members Peggy Hait, Alex Luniewski, Sandra Manko, Ben Oevering; Public Health/Housing (second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.): Chair Donald Airey, Members Roger Gural, Werner Hampel, Philip Skowfoe, Earl VanWormer; Radio, Emergency Services, Employee Safety (first Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.): Chair Peggy Hait, Members Mark Fletcher, John Leavitt, William Smith, John Youmans; Rules, Audit (as needed): Chair Peggy Hait, Members Roger Gural, Alex Luniewski, Ben Oevering, Philip Skowfoe; Solid Waste (second Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.): Chair Philip Skowfoe, Members William Smith, Alicia Terry, Earl VanWormer, John Youmans.

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Around the Neighborhood - Seward

Welcome to 2026! I hope the start of year has been good to all so far. This year my family has hit the ground running! Dalton will be stage crew for the musical they are hosting this year, Frozen! This is a huge undertaking for the students and staff. Some of the biggest stage scenes to build! If you would like to support the musical they are looking  for people to buy tickets, or add an add to the pay bill. Please see Dominga Lent, tell her Dalton Clapper sent you!

Snowmobile trails are now open! Thank you to Sharon Pathfinders for their hard work and all the volunteers.  I know my boys love to ride. Did you know you could join the Sharon Pathfinders club? Your dues will help them to maintain the trails, go online or get ahold of Ray Roes.

Looking for a free activity for you or a child? The Polar Plunge reading challenge began at the Cobleskill Community Library. Stop in to grab your form and some books! Did you also know the library has movies to rent for free? A good way to spend a cold winter's night.

Giving back to the community: January 15, at 6:00 p.m. os the next FFA alumni meeting, located by the greenhouse,  but inside. Help high school kids to develop into leaders and keep farmers strong in our community. The Wheels for Community also had their monthly  meeting.  They have started planning for their 2026 calendar year! The Seward Farmers and Artisans Market will have their meeting this month to start preparing for this year as well!  Our local Seward Town park might be able to get some updates this year. What do you think we should  add? Come to the town board meeting on Monday,  January 12, at 6:30 p.m.

Next Saturday is the ice fishing derby at East Worcester Fish and game club will be on January 17, at 9:00 a.m. they will have breakfast sandwiches for sale.  A good time for kids and adults! I believe it is a $10 entry fee.

Don't forget the Mill will be open this Saturday from 8:00-5:00. Stop in to meet the owners, get a tour. Grab some milk and grain. I will share the flyer below. 

Local business Spotlight: Windcrest Farm, located at 565 Lawyersville Road, run by the VanEvera family. This store is loaded with goods! Like local beef, chicken and eggs. They also offer Kongs dairy Mickle Hallow honey, Stone House maple syrup and more!

With the start of 2026, I would like to offer Senior sharing! Please text me information on your senior, a photo to share and I  will get them added to my column! 518-337-3722

Thank you to our town staff for keeping our roads safe!

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

It’s been a bit of a warm up after a few weeks of consistent cold! We’re expecting high temperatures in the 40s over the weekend and into next week, with lows variable as well. Perception will be more of a wintery mix with this. Always check the radar!

There was some police action up on Slate Hill Road this past week. With lots of questions as to what was going on, the Schoharie County Sheriff's office has been very transparent with detailed press releases on their public Facebook page.

There was a devastating fire in Sharon Springs this past Monday, please check out an article in this feature on how you can donate and help the Waids rebuild!

Congrats to Blue Star Farm for getting one step closer to their hard cider production with the long-awaited certification as a Farm Winery by the NY State Liquor Authority! Hard Cider produced right in Sharon Springs is nearly a reality!

Big thanks to all our snow removal teams out there making this treacherous season a safer place to be! Drivers, please use caution and patience while near snow removal equipment.

Remember your Sharon column is a great place to find out all about your local events, news, birthdays, and more! 

The American Hotel in Sharon Springs is closed for the month of January and will be open again on Valentine’s Day weekend. Their hours, once open again, will be: dinner Friday through Monday from 5:00-8:00 PM, with the bar open at 4:00 PM. Check out Brunch on Saturday & Sunday from 11:00-2:00 PM. Call (518) 284-2105 for more info.

The Village of Sharon Springs holds their Regular Board Meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each Month at 6:00 PM located at 129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. The next meeting is scheduled for: Thursday, January 15th. The Village Mayor is currently Denise Kelly and the new Village Clerk is Hope Bayes. New appointments will be sworn in over the coming months with Paul Novko as Mayor. The Office Hours for Village of Sharon Springs are Monday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. For more information please call (518) 284-2625. Reminder: No Overnight Street Parking in the Village of Sharon Springs from November 1 - May 1. Please keep your sidewalks clear.

The Town of Sharon holds their Regular Board Meetings on the 1st Wednesday of each Month at 6:30 PM located at 129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. The next meeting is scheduled for: Wednesday, January 7th. The Town Supervisor is Sandra Manko and the Town Clerk is Melissa Olsen. The Office Hours for the Town of Sharon are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM or by appointment. For more information please call (518) 284-3010.

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! Located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from SSCS (511 US Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY 13459). They are always in need of donations of food or even unopened personal care items! The pantry hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM & 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or (518) 852-1193.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. The Library is now on their winter hours schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:00 - 6:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126. 

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

Grace Episcopal Church (24 Montgomery Street, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly Holy Eucharist at 11:00 am. Contact at (315) 858-4016 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

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Town of Cobleskill Reorganizes for 2026

By; Elizabeth Barr

COBLESKILL — The Organizational Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cobleskill was held on Monday, January 5 at 2026, 3:00 pm, 378 Mineral Springs Road, Cobleskill, New York with Supervisor Hampel presiding.  The council authorized Supervisor Hampel to sign the Insurance and Rick Management Service Agreement for NFP Property & Casualty Services, Inc. The Highway Supervisor was authorized to sign the Shared Service Agreement with NYS DOT.

The following were appointed to one year terms for the Town of Cobleskill. Bookkeeper – Lynnette S.B. Lawyer, CPA, Service and Budget Officer – Werner T. Hampel, Deputy Supervisor – Roger J Mallery, Town Engineer – Daniel Crandell, PT -Code Enforcement Officer – Michael Piccolo, PT -Code Enforcement Officer – Joseph Nelson, Dog Control Officer – Jillian Smith, Town Historian –Pete Lindemann, Safety Committee –  Lisa Wayman, Town Board Liaison to Joint Town and Village Highway Committee –  Werner T. Hampel and Lisa Wayman with alternate -Alan Rubin, Citizen member to the Joint Town and Village Highway Committee – Daniel Schulte with alternate Terry Keller, Town Park – Art Boreali, Highway Superintendent Appointment: (Per Timothy Gallagher) Deputy Highway Superintendent –  Jeffrey Probst, Town Clerk Appointment: (Per Tina Ward) Deputy Town Clerk – Elizabeth Barr.

It was unanimously carried to resolve that theTown of Cobleskill shall meet the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM; if the Board meeting falls on a Holiday the following Tuesday will be the official meeting night; that the Times Journal and The Mountain Eagle be, and hereby are designated, the official newspapers of the Town of Cobleskill; and that Key Bank NA, NBT Bank, Community Bank, Bank of Richmondville,  New York Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System (NYCLASS) and Empire Public Investment Cooperative Fund of New York (EPIC)  be, and hereby are designated, the official depositories of all Town funds and accounts.

Designated Holidays be paid to all full time employees: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the following Friday, and half day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Highway Department Employees will be granted a floating holiday for Martin Luther King's Day and President's Day.

Motions were approved that The Superintendent of Highways be authorized to buy and/or rent tools, implements, and equipment according to section 142 of the Highway Law, not to exceed $3,000.00 without prior approval of the Town Board. The mileage rate will be .725 cents per mile for services performed in the duties of Town Officers and Officials. The Town will join the Village in financing the local Youth Program as per the contract. The Town Highway Superintendent was authorized to post Tower Road and the top section of Settles Mountain Road without occupied residents as closing December 1sr and reopening April 1stAuthorize the Highway Superintendent to sign a rental agreement for the use of a Hot Box and Over-the-rail-mower.

 Supervisor Hampel updated everyone on several projects. The Mickle Hollow Bridge NY Project will be breaking ground in the spring of 2026.  The engineering firm is anticipating a $109,000 shortage from the grant funds to the final completion.  The original grant was submitted with the 2023 costs for construction, therefore the estimated shortage.  Supervisor Hampel thanked Elizabeth Barr, Deputy Town Clerk, for her exemplary work on this grant.

The Hotel on Burgin Drive is still being worked on.  They will be starting work on the pool next week, Andre’ Nadeau fixed the sewer issue, and the owners are working on the franchise agreement with Ramada Inn. Several other projects include the College in the spring will start construction on the Pollard Farm, Imperial Baths in the Town of Sharon has received a grant, Amazon in the Town of Schoharie is progressing, Shad Point Road housing project is in the lead agency step, IDA Shad Point Road property parcel size for development has been reduced due to NYS DEC January 2025 new regulations on wet lands.  Schoharie County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution against these new regulations as it impedes land development. 

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Snowmobiling Event for Veterans

By Alexis Pencar

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Check out all the resources for Veterans and their families, with this January schedule of events provided by the Schoharie County Veterans’ Dwyer Program. The Veteran Snowmobiling at Thacher Park with Albany County Veterans Service Office is coming up fast on Jan. 18th! Register now!

Remember, there are countless resources available for Veterans! You’re never alone! 

Many of the events provide local social opportunities and others are group activities out of the area! There is no pressure or commitment, you can join whenever you’d like. These options are open to all veterans and their families.

January Schedule:

Jan 14th at 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Cobleskill Diner

Jan 21st at 12:00 PM - Veteran Lunch at The Gathering Place. Please contact the Gathering Place to let them know you are attending for head count for food. Call 518-823-4338 to reserve your spot. 

Special Event: Jan 18th at 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Veterans Snowmobiling with Albany County Veterans Service Office at Thacher State Park (524 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville, New York 12186). Space is limited so please register by January 16th at: https://www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/veterans-service-bureau.

For this special winter outing, join the Albany County Veterans Service Bureau for a ride through beautiful woods and open fields with amazing views! This will be an adrenaline-filled afternoon on the winter trails! No experience necessary but please be aware snowmobiling is a physically demanding activity and you will be outdoors in winter conditions. The day will start with a safety briefing and instruction before hitting the trails. Afterward, there will be a hearty meal and warm drinks. Registration is required. Space is limited due to the number of snowmobiles available. 

Please, if you are struggling, remember you are not alone! Reach out to a fellow veteran, friend, or neighbor. Call the VA Helpline 988 or NYS Helpline 1-877-HOPENY or Text HOPENY. 

If you have questions, want to get involved, or just need to talk, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office at (518) 295-8360, email at CountyVA@co.schoharie.ny.us or even visit 284 Main Street 3rd Floor Schoharie, NY 12157 or call (518) 295-8360.

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Victorin’s Double-Double Powers Tigers to 72–37 Road Win at UMPI

COBLESKILL – The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team delivered a complete performance on both ends of the floor Monday night, using balanced scoring and relentless defense to earn a decisive 72-37 road victory over the University of Maine at Presque Isle inside Wieden Gymnasium.

Mady Victorin (Menands, NY) led the way with a strong double-double, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds and two steals while shooting 40 percent from the field. Hannah Bonczkowski (Gilbertsville, NY) continued her steady offensive production with 12 points, three rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist. Jaiyla Colon (Worcester, MA) filled the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block in just 23 minutes of action. Zaylee Ramos (Worcester, MA) added seven points, six rebounds, a steal and a block while shooting an efficient 50 percent from the floor. Kayleigh Bryant (Schenevus, NY) anchored the defensive effort, recording a game-high four steals while newcomer Kyara Triblet (Colonie, NY)  was a force on the boards in her Cobleskill debut, recording 10 rebounds to go with five points and two blocks.

Cobleskill controlled the game statistically, holding UMPI to 28.9 percent shooting while finishing at 34.1 percent themselves. The Tigers dominated the glass with a commanding 60-33 rebounding advantage, including a staggering 25-1 edge on the offensive boards. Cobleskill’s defensive pressure forced 30 turnovers, which turned into 28 points, while the Tigers’ bench outscored the Owls 37-10. Cobleskill also capitalized in transition, outscoring UMPI 13-2 on the break, and controlled the paint with a 40-18 advantage.

UMPI opened the game with early energy, jumping out to a 9-4 lead, but the Tigers quickly responded. Cobleskill ripped off a 13-2 run to seize control, fueled by six points from Bonczkowski and four from Ramos. The Tigers carried a 17-13 lead into the second quarter.

Victorin opened the second with a pair of free throws, then followed with a putback layup to keep the Tigers rolling. Cobleskill stretched the lead to double figures at 27-17 after a Kate Hadwen (Fair Haven, VT) layup midway through the quarter. A long jumper from Kyara Triblet marked her first points as a Fighting Tiger in her collegiate debut and helped Cobleskill take its largest lead of the half, 32-19, heading into the locker room.

The Tigers came out of halftime locked in, opening the third quarter with a 9-0 run to extend the margin to 41-19. Colon scored five points during the burst as Cobleskill continued to apply pressure. A Bonczkowski layup off a Sydney Delisle (Mechanicville, NY) assist pushed the lead to 47-22, and an Isabella Santana (Walden, NY) buzzer-beating layup closed the quarter with Cobleskill firmly in control, 54-28.

Cobleskill stayed aggressive in the fourth, as Victorin knocked down free throws to reach her 15th point and push the lead to 60-29. A Hadwen three capped another strong stretch as the Tigers cruised the rest of the way to the 72-37 victory.

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Conesville's Federice Again County Board Chair

Bill Federice (right) was selected Chairman, and Donald Airey Vice-Chairman of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors at the Jan. 2 organizational meeting. Photo: Chris English.

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Bill Federice of Conesville is Chairman of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors for the seventh straight year.

He was named to the position again at the Friday, Jan. 2 BOS organizational meeting. Donald Airey of Blenheim was named Vice-Chairman as both men got near unanimous approval in the roll call votes.

Federice and Airey were grateful to their fellow board members for the appointments.

"There are a number of things we are working on that will take a lot of attention and effort," Federice said, citing in particular the ongoing $33.6 million broadband project that is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

"We have to keep our eyes on that," he continued. "I look forward to working with everyone."

The county is in a financially challenging time, with the 8.17 percent property tax increase approved for this year one of the largest hikes in recent memory.

"I echo Bill's comments and look forward to serving with the new members of the board," Airey said. "Thank you for your support and confidence in me. I'm really glad we have (County Administrator) Bryan Best. I think he's doing a great job."

Three new BOS members _ William M. Smith III of Broome, Mark Fletcher of Seward and Roger Gural of Summit _ officially took their seats at the Jan. 2 meeting, where the board approved 22 separate resolutions.

Judith A. Beeler of the Town of Middleburgh was appointed to the positions of Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Auditor and County Purchasing Agent at a combined total annual salary of $73,822. The Mountain Eagle and Times Journal were designated as official newspapers for the publication of all local laws, notices and other matters required by law to be published, other than election notices, official canvasses and concurrent resolutions of the Legislature.

Michael A. West of Schoharie was again appointed County Attorney at an annual salary of $65,029. The position of Assistant County Attorney was continued, to be appointed by the County Attorney and serve at his pleasure, at an annual salary of $63,244.

County Administrator Bryan Best was appointed Budget Officer at no additional salary over and above his administrator salary of $150,000. Theodore B. Shuart was appointed County Historian at an annual salary of $6,382.

Amy Florence was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Schoharie County Community Action Program, Inc. for a term to expire at the end of the year. County Supervisor Earl VanWormer III of Esperance was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Schoharie County Maple Festival Inc. for a term to expire at the end of the year.

County Supervisor Alicia Terry of Gilboa was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Schoharie County Soil and Water Conservation District for a term to expire at the end of the year. Supervisor Jeffrey Haslun of Richmondville was appointed to the County Jury Board and to the County Law Library, with both terms expiring at the end of the year.

County Probation Director Richard Cain was appointed as STOP DWI Coordinator for a term to expire Dec. 31, 2027, or the term of his position as Probation Director. Florence was appointed as a member of the Human Services Coordinating Council to represent the Schoharie County BOS for a term to expire Dec. 31, 2027.

County Supervisor Philip R. Skowfoe Jr. of Fulton was appointed to the Schoharie County Community Services Board for a term to expire Dec. 31, 2027.

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