Cobleskill Worries Over Highway Agreement

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - On Tuesday evening, the Cobleskill Village Board met to discuss their highway agreement with the Town, which seems to be locked in stasis.

Historically, the Town has taken it upon their own department to take care of all duties within their bounds and the Village’s, including trimming trees, fixing culverts, and plowing snow from the roadways.

However, in 2022, their longstanding agreement expired and needed to be renewed, but no progress could be made on the Town’s end. Supervisor Werner Hampel assured the Village several times that a drafted document was on its way, and yet as the years rolled by, there was no indication of what was promised.

Finally, last month, Village Mayor Rebecca Stanton-Terk recognized that they may be in need of their own highway department and publicly addressed the issue, saying that little correspondence was exchanged between the two parties on the matter.

The next day, Supervisor Hampel organized a meeting with Mayor Stanton-Terk and the highway department. But as she came away with more questions than answers, the mayor asked for the Town’s thoughts in writing, which baffled her further.

From what could be gathered, the Town asked the Village to perform most of the functions of a highway department, with the only exception being snow removal. Instead, the Town would like to contract and have the Village pay for services rendered.

After a follow-up letter was sent, the Village heard nothing further from the Town, and Trustee Lance Rotolo personally confirmed that the Town did not publicly address the matter at their last regular meeting.

With the end of summer in sight, the mayor recognized that the snow will begin flying sooner rather than later, saying that “This could be an upcoming problem.” 

Trustee Larry VanHeertum offered that the Village should have “something in place to protect themselves,” to which the rest of the Board agreed. Other than that, however, the issue will be a game of patience for Cobleskill.

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County's Burn Tower to Receive Upgrades

The Schoharie County Fire Training Site, commonly known as the Burn Tower, in Howes Cave. Photo by Chris English.

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — The place where Schoharie County's volunteer fire departments go for their training is not far from getting some needed work.

At two meetings Aug. 14 and 16, a county committee and the full Board of Supervisors approved a $36,248 quote from Harty Construction Inc. to install fire department-provided materials designed to upgrade the Schoharie County Fire Training Site in Howes Cave, commonly known as the Burn Tower.

"The last time the tower was fixed was seven years ago," explained county Director of Emergency Services Michael Hartzel. "There are classes coming up in October when we will need the burn tower. We have the materials needed, we just need a company to install it"

There was some thought and discussion given to having the county Buildings and Grounds Department possibly do the work. However, with the classes coming soon and that department's plate rather full, officials decided to hire a company that specializes in this type of work to do the installation.

"It seems to be the only company that does this type of work," Hartzel said of Harty Construction.

Harty would have the expertise to do the installations in a way so that carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) are not released as the result of burning for training purposes at the site, officials added.

"Why would we not want professionals to do it?" county Supervisor Alex Luniewski of Wright said.

According to information provided at the Aug. 14 Personnel/Finance Committee meeting, Harty's work will include installing new ceiling panels in the first and second-floor burn rooms, inspect and replace as necessary damaged trims in all live burn locations, installing a new scout monitor, run existing low voltage probe wires to new Scout temperature monitor and other items.

In other actions from the Aug. 16 county BOS meeting, the board approved 2025 pay raises of 2 percent for department heads and non-union employees. The move affects a total of about 50 county staffers currently earning a total of about $1.7 million in salaries, said County Administrator Korsah Akumfi. That means a pay increase of 2 percent would increase county costs by about $34,000.

The Board of Supervisors also approved a reimbursement of $61,980 to the Town of Fulton for the cost of town crews repaving Church Street. That road got heavy use because of a recent county construction project on another road.

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Eighteen Year Sentence in Rape Case

Robert Whitbeck Jr., 51, was found guilty by a Schoharie County jury on Monday, June 17, 2024 after a week-long trial in the Schoharie County Court. Mr. Whitbeck was convicted of the following charges: Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a class B felony; Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a class C Violent Felony; Rape in the Third Degree, a class E felony; Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, a class A Misdemeanor; Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, a class A Misdemeanor; and TEN (10) counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, class A Misdemeanors. 

Mr. Whitbeck was sentenced in Schoharie County Court on August 19, 2024, to the following: Eighteen (18) years determinate with Twenty (20) years Post Release Supervision, on the Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree charge; Twelve (12) years determinate with Fifteen (15) years Post Release Supervision on the Attempted Rape in the First Degree charged Four (4) years determinate with ten (10) years Post Release Supervision on the Rape in the Third Degree Charge; One (1) year on the Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation charge; One (1) year on the Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree charge; and one (1) year on each of the TEN (10) counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree. All time is to be served concurrently. Mr. Whitbeck must also register as a Sex Offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), submit his DNA and pay a $50 DNA fee, pay all mandatory state surcharges and crime victim assistance fees, all firearms must be surrendered, and an Order of Protection is in place until 2070 for the victims. 

District Attorney Susan J. Mallory would like to thank Assistant District Attorney Stephen Goble, who prosecuted the case, and the survivor for her courage to press charges and testify to the horrific incidents that occurred with Mr. Whitbeck. Mr. Whitbeck was convicted of rape and attempted rape stemming from two separate attacks. Mr. Whitbeck was found to have applied pressure to the survivor's throat and prevented the survivor from leaving during his attack. Further, Mr. Whitbeck continued to contact the survivor despite the order of protection. 

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Farm Stand Vandalized

Farm Stand vandalized in Sharon Springs on Weds. afternoon

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — A local farm stand in Sharon Springs was vandalized on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 21st, around 3:00 PM.

At the time of this report, it was unclear whether the property owner would involve authorities and press charges. Vegetables from the stand like tomatoes and cucumbers were scattered on the ground. The owner was able to identify the vehicle. 

This was a small family farm stand that just recently opened for business in the Village of Sharon Springs. This small stand is also operating on the honor system, as many do, making this even more of a disappointment in humanity.

This is a reminder to all citizens that stealing and disturbing other’s businesses is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated in our community.

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Greenbush Road Closure Notice

COBLESKILL — The Town of Cobleskill would like residents to know that a section of Greenbush Hill Rd will be closed around August 27th for repairs. Please plan for any appropriate detours.

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Helping Families with Operation: Home Repair

The Schoharie Mosaic, a cooperative ministry of ten United Methodist Churches in and around Schoharie County, recently completed its second annual Operation: Home Repair.  This project took place over two weeks in July, however planning and preparation for the mission projects began back in January.  Operation: Home Repair provides no-cost critical home repairs to homeowners in and around Schoharie County.

Cobeskill United Methodist Church’s pastor, coordinator of the project lead team,  Rev. Anna Binn Cole reports that 28 applications were submitted by local homeowners requesting help with various home improvements and repairs.  This included decking, construction of accessibility ramps, painting, carpentry, repairing walkways (masonry work), minor roof repairs, etc.  After reviewing each application thoroughly, the planning team narrowed the list to 12 doable projects based upon factors such as critical safety issues, disabilities of homeowners, health needs, volunteer and financial resources available, and other quality of life issues.

According to Rev. Blinn Cole, the projects included homes in Cobleskill, Delanson, Middleburgh, Gallupville, Warnerville, Schoharie and Sharon Springs. This year more than 50 volunteers donated their time and skills in order to complete these projects.  The volunteers ranged from senior citizens to teenagers, and included both skilled craftspeople and those with no prior home repair experience.  Several United Methodist church members and clergy from outside the Schoharie region also volunteered their time and energy. 

Operation: Home Repair received financial and in-kind donations from community members, local businesses, several United Methodist grant funds, the Joshua Project, and other churches in the neighborhood. Other funds were raised throughout the year with drive-thru dinners, proceeds from the Road to Jubilee Thrift Store at Cobleskill UMC, and other fundraisers.

Rev. Blinn Cole reports that the need for safe housing is critical in this area.  She is encouraged by the way neighbors stepped up to help neighbors in this community-wide project.  Many homeowners reported that these projects helped improve their living conditions.  She added that the volunteers’ willingness to give their time to Mosaic projects helps demonstrate cooperation among our region’s churches and how “giving back” impacts people’s lives in our community.  Based on the success of Operation: Home Repair over the past two summers, the program is expected to happen again in 2025.  Applications for home repair and volunteer help will be out in January.

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Integrating Nature into Your Writing at Landis

ESPERANCE — Nature writing is the opportunity to connect in new ways with the natural world. For centuries, writers have composed poems, stories, essays, and journals to explore, celebrate, and analyze nature. Through writing, we form what we want to say and, by saying it, we learn about ourselves, about others, about plants, and about the world. Together we will explore creative exercises and inspiring texts to have fun with words and our thoughts and insights in a guided, friendly natural environment. Bring your notebook or journal.

Open to writers or all experience levels (or none!) We will meet on September 1, 15, and 22. You may attend any or all sessions. Please register for each session separately. Click here to register for the first session, or contact us at info@landisarboretum.org to save a seat them pay at the door.

Instructor: Gert Coleman, creative nonfiction writer

Location: The Welcome Center, Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance

Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Members and nonmembers: $5/session

This event is funded in part by Poets & Writers with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

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New Board of Directors at the Lawyersville Cemetery

From left:  Kelly Sperbeck, Lisa Boss, Lee Empie, Lois Kemmer, John Kemmer

LAWYERSVILLE — The Lawyersville Cemetery has established a new Board of Directors, authorized by the New York State Division of Cemeteries.  Leading the Board as president is John Kemmer who has been one of the volunteers providing physical maintenance at the cemetery for the past 3 years.  “Our goals are to honor those who are buried here, as well as their families, by making the cemetery more presentable and accessible, and to address any concerns as best we can.” he said.

Also volunteering their time on the Cemetery Board are Kelly Sperbeck, Treasurer; Lisa Boss, Secretary; Lois Kemmer, Trustee and Lee Empie, Trustee and maintenance.  Anyone wishing to contact the Cemetery Board can do so at 518-231-3765.

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New Police Chief For Cobleskill

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - It was last Tuesday when the Cobleskill Village Board accepted the retirement of Chief of Police James McCrum.

After a year of service, Chief McCrum has stepped down from his position as head of the police department. He entered the role when the Village was embroiled in a tumultuous period, one that saw mass resignations from the department and partial patrol coverage.

However, with over twenty years of experience, Mr. McCrum navigated the crisis in tandem with the Village Board, and the members were saddened to hear the news of his own retirement.

In order to honor his brief but impactful service, the Board offered a resolution that speaks to his work ethic and humor, and they gave their sincere gratitude and appreciation for what he accomplished.

After the resolution was passed, Mr. McCrum stated that he wasn’t leaving due to any reason other than wanting to work on construction of his new house, located over half an hour away. “It’s hard to be a cop and a general contractor at the same time,” he concluded.

However, this isn’t the last that Cobleskill has seen of Mr. McCrum, as he will continue to operate as a part-time police officer within the Village.

Shortly thereafter, the Board approved Joseph Mazzone III as the department’s new Deputy Chief, and in Mr. McCrum’s absence, he will be Acting Chief of Police until another appointment is made next month.

Mr. Mazzone comes with an extensive law enforcement background of his own. He stated that he’s worked in Schenectady, Albany, Altamont, as well as with the state education department, and the change to Cobleskill is not lost on him.

“This town is different. There’s mom and pop shops all over the place, and I think that’s awesome,” he stated with a smile. “I’ll continue to follow in the Chief’s shoes, and I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.”

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Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies near Cleveland Road in the Town of Carlisle

In the Town of Carlisle, near Cleveland Road, a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was sent to Wadsworth Laboratory for testing and the positive test results were received by Schoharie County Department of Health on Thursday, August 20, 2024. 

Once infected, rabies is a virus that has a 100% fatality rate in mammals (including humans) when left untreated. The following precautions will help protect your family and pets from rabies: 

Vaccinate pet! New York State law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. Vaccinating your domestic animal not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people. 

Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact. 

Report any sick or strange acting wildlife. 

Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home. 

Do not feed strays. According to Public Health Law, an owner is defined as any person keeping, harboring, or having charge or control of or permitting any dog, cat, or domesticated ferret to remain on or be lodged or fed within such person's house, yard, or premises. 

Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner. 

Report all animal bites and any contact with baths to the Health Department in your county. Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of shots. 

Keep garbage tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside. 

Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal. 

If an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with a wild or domestic animal that may have rabies, the pet must be quarantined for six months, at the expense of the owner. 

If a vaccinated pet comes in contact with a wild or domestic animal that may have rabies, the pet must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact. 

If you believe that you have had contact with any rabid animal, suspect a rabid animal, or if you have any other questions, call Schoharie County Public Health at 518-295-8365. 

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Richmondville Fire Department Receives 148K Federal Grant

The Richmondville Volunteer Fire Department has received a $148,000 federal grant to purchase turnout gear. Photo Chris English.

By Chris English

RICHMONDVILLE — The Richmondville Volunteer Fire Department has received a $148,000 Assistance to Firefighters grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Town of Richmondville Councilman Eric Haslun _ also one of the assistant chiefs at the fire department _ informed Richmondville Village board members of the award at a special early morning village meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

And while the fire department has received the grant, FEMA requires proof of various non-discrimination policies before the award is totally finalized, Haslun said. After a brief discussion of those issues during the first part of the Aug. 20 meeting, Haslun had to depart because of another commitment. Village Mayor Carl Warner Jr., Trustees Garry Davis and Robert Hyatt, and Clerk-Treasurer Hope Bayes then spent the rest of the meeting _ more than an hour _ going through village documents to make sure it had what it took to satisfy FEMA.

They explained that the fire department doesn't need to have policies of its own so long as the village has them. The firehouse is located in the village, right across Main Street from the village municipal building. By the end of the Aug. 20 meeting, board members had concluded the village has the necessary policies to satisfy FEMA requirements for the grant.

"Civil Rights is a very broad term," said Davis before he and the others started going through the documents. "What specifically are they asking for?"

After much discussion and work going through FEMA documents that accompanied the grant and also village documents, the board members and Bayes believed they knew the answer to that question and had the necessary paperwork to meet the FEMA requirements. 

The Richmondville Fire Department's fire district includes the village and also the Towns of Richmondville and Seward. It was unclear at the Aug. 20 village meeting whether the two towns also had to meet the non-discrimination policy requirements and, if so, whether they had. Haslun and Warner could not be reached for comment after the meeting.

Before he left the meeting, Haslun said the grant would be used to purchase turnout gear, which includes hats, goggles, pants, boots, and other parts of a firefighter's uniform.

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

What a cool down this last week! It was unseasonably cold with temperatures dropping into the 50s even into the daytime too! It felt more like early October this last week! Daytime temps shift back into the 70s this weekend with lows remaining in the 50s at night. Look out for lots of sunshine and little precipitation.

Family Farm Day is coming up this Saturday on August 24th from 10:00 AM  - 5:00 PM. This is a multi-county event and is well worth it! Check out the website for map and activities at cceschoharie-otsego.org/family-farm-day

Some activities at the Sharon Pool were canceled this last week due to the colder temperatures. Please check the Sharon Springs Youth Commission Facebook Page for updates. They are open daily from 1:00 - 5:00 PM and Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. There is a concession stand offering drinks and snacks too! If you would like to donate to the Rec Center, please contact Daniel Cornwell or Valerie Jay.

Wren’s Earth Refillery is now open for business Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The shop is located at 277 Stage Coach Road, Sharon Springs, NY. You can shop anytime at WrensEarth.com. 

Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your gardening and spring needs AND The Outrageous Snack Snack is also now open Friday through Sundays from 10-4 PM serving up specialty handcrafted donuts and more! Located on Route 20 across from the Walmart DC. 

The Klinkhart Hall Concerts in the Park are over for now but check out all the upcoming events on their website at klinkharthall.org!

The American Legion Post 1269 of Sharon Springs is looking for new members! If you are interested in becoming an American Legion member, volunteering, or even donating to the many wonderful causes the Legion supports, please contact Commander Paul Todd at (518) 649-0024 for more information.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: 

It's "MVLS-GO" time! Every library in the Mohawk Valley Library System has its own Summer 2024 Trading Card that can be collected. Stop in to our library to check out our unique and limited-edition trading card for Sharon Springs. We challenge you to try to collect all 14 from every library! Check out the map of all the participating libraries by visiting mvls.info/trading-cards/. 

The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 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.

The Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

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.

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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Fundraiser Dinner At St. Thomas

CHERRY VALLEY — St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Cherry Valley is having their Annual Labor Day Eat-in or Take-out Barbeque and Chinese Auction from Noon - 3:00 PM on September 2, 2024.

Located at Kateri Hall (13 Church St. Cherry Valley) the Chicken Dinner is $15.00 and Rib Dinner is $18.00. The delicious dinners include 3 sides and are for a great cause.

They are accepting donations of new and gently used items for the auction, please see Myrtle. They are also looking for another volunteer to help with the BBQ side dishes & desserts!

Here are the additional upcoming events for the clergy: 9/8 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S., Sept. 15th Catechetical Sunday, and Sept. 29th is the 52nd Annual Diocesan Marriage Jubilee.

For more information on the event or to reserve your ticket, please visit St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 13 Church Street in Cherry Valley.

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Upcoming Free Events in Summit

FREE  8/24/24  Dirtmeister.  Amazing adventures in Science.   12:30- 1:30 . 2861 Rte 10, Summit.  Upper parking lot. 518-287-1660

FREE 8/31/24  Spend the  afternoon with a Crow  12:30- 1:30.  2861 Rte 10, Summit. Upper parking lot. 518-287-1660

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Local History with Dede Terns-Thorpe - Catskill Mountain House, Continued

This week we’ll continue with the stately CATSKILL MOUNTAIN HOUSE, celebrating its 200th anniversary this past July 4th, 2024. For 140 years the people in the valley could enjoy looking up and seeing the white castle in the sky, the Catskill Mountain House. 

I recently re-read Roland Van Zandt’s The Catskill Mountain House book and wish to share bits and pieces of it. Van Zandt was an expert researcher (pre-computer days) who bonded with the decaying Greek Castle in the Sky, on South Mountain, back in 1958. The book, finished in 1966, had a 25th-anniversary publication in 1991 by Black Dome Press. 

I was fortunate to visit the Mountain House, even though it stood in ruins. As sad as the day of the burn, January 25, 1963, NYS had no choice but to let it die. 

Van Zandt said that in the decade of 1820 to 1830, during which time the Mountain House was established, the Hudson Valley was the focal population center of the nation. He said it was the main artery of trade and traffic, the fastest-growing commercial and social center of the whole nation. Van Zandt noted the only sizable area with ninety or more inhabitants per square mile was the region extending from NYC across New Jersey to Philadelphia. By 1830 the City of New York had become the largest and wealthiest city in all of America. 

How did the idea originate for the CMH, a probable summary was told in J. B. Beers' 1884 History of Greene County. 

Beers said in 1822 four ladies and gentlemen engaged, for multiple days, the services of Erastus Beach’s livery service. The group wished, before returning home, to see the flat rock on South Mountain. The travel to the rock was difficult and they were tired, leading the group to gather boughs to block the cool winds and allow them to sleep under the stars. 

Van Zandt said he was cautious about linking this trip with the actual founding of the Mountain House, many commentators have assumed it as a fact and held that the 1822 visit led Erastus Beach to help organize the Catskill Mountain Association and hence the first construction of the hotel. Charles L. Beach said soon after the trip, Erastus, Charle’s father, was instrumental in organizing a stock company called the Catskill Mountain Association. (Erastus Beach was not named in the original incorporation papers.)

Next week we’ll share the hardships endured in the travel to the hotel after they arrived in Catskill. We’ll discuss the ownership by Charles L. Beach, and the  13 Corinthian columns, giving it the Greek castle appearance. 

It’s a privilege to read, write, and share information on the Mountain House, the birth of the Mountaintop. 

It’s been a great summer for many of us, and we’re fortunate for that.

Take care, and stay safe.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunter Historian. 

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