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Delaware County District Attorney Shout-Out - Trooper Siobhan Carey

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 8/28/25 | 8/28/25

District Attorney Shawn Smith and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office want to recognize Trooper Siobahn Carey, for her exceptional service to Delaware County and the surrounding areas.

Trooper Carey is currently part of Troop C, assigned to SP Stamford.  Prior to joining the New York State Police, she was a New York State Corrections Officer.

Trooper Carey excels at traffic enforcement, including DWI investigations and arrests. Colleagues offer that she is a leader among newer troopers in part due to her role as a Field Training Officer. 

She is a hard-working Trooper who is a “go-to” for assistance on larger investigations. Colleagues also noted her local knowledge and skills in community policing. 

Thank you for all that you do!






 

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Award-Winning Film Shows at West Kortright Film Festival

By Matthew Avitabile

WEST KORTRIGHT — An award-winning documentary which was shown at the West Kortright Film Festival has picked up significant attention. We interviewed Martin Krafft, who created the documentary showing the struggles with cancer of his friend Rachel Heisham.

Krafft created his first feature-length documentary and learned a lot in the process. This allowed him to improve his cinematography and be present with Heisham during her experience with cancer. Heisham lived in a rural community in Pennsylvania and later moved to Montana.

During the process, Krafft had to learn a number of different topics, having to fundraise in order to complete the film.

“It was an incredibly challenging experience,” he said. “But I never really doubted that I needed to do it. The more I did it the more commitment I gave to the project.”
This included a new camera, sound gear, and more.

“I committed my life to the project,” he said.

Krafft dedicated himself to Heisham during her illness, going so far as to travel to Montana to sleep on her couch, drive her to appointments, and cook for her.

“I got involved in her life in a way that many documentary filmmakers don’t,” he said.

Rather than removing himself from the story, him being there “was impacting the story.”
“She and I had different views on conventional medicine,” Krafft said. This included a disagreement over whether or to have a surgery performed, which she later regretted.

After this Heisham had a significant disagreement, leading her to believe she wasn’t being listened to. After multiple recurrences of cancer, she decided that she did not want to go through treatment again.

“I don’t know what I’d do in that situation,” he said.

“I wanted to tell the story of someone who both fought and struggled to face it and be honest about how hard it can be physically and mentally. And convey that the rest of your life is still going on and the problems you had in the past don’t just go away. If you had trouble with your family, cancer is not going to necessarily fix that. It was hard for Rachel to try to work through.”

This included encouraging Heisham to make up with her daughter Alisha that resulted in a visit from her in Pennsylvania.

“It was complicated. I’m glad they got to see each other.”

Krafft’s angle is more personal: his mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.”

The film has been released to the public and shown at the West Kortright Film Festival, including winning best picture and best documentary.

The difficult process in creating the film has made Krafft a better filmmaker, he said. It was a story that deserved to “be told to the best of my ability.” Some of the early footage “wasn’t great” but improved significantly toward the end, including the use of the new lens and a drone. This allowed for a better view of the landscape in Montana and Pennsylvania “that was so important to Rachel.”

“One thing that Rachel struggled with is that if she fought hard enough, did enough alternative treatments, she would find a way to beat the cancer. I hope that people who are in that situation know that it’s not their fault if they don’t make it,” Krafft added. It’s important to tell the story of those who do not survive cancer as a reality that “people face that deserves our attention, care, and compassion.”

Rachel’s legacy will live on, Krafft said, through her grandchildren. “She tried to teach them a love of the woods that I think they have learned from her. I hope that this film can be part of her legacy and watch it and be able to think about what it means to face death and to have more empathy for others and be more willing to engage with people who are different from them.”
“When I met Rachel we randomly went on a hike together from a Facebook hiking group.” He hadn’t planned to make a film originally but was “struck by how strong a will to live she had.”

When Krafft had met Heisham, she had a prognosis of two months to live. She ultimately lived for another two years, including “incredible adventures” in Montana, even when in pain.

“She was determined to survive and have as much fun as she could as long as she could.”

Krafft plans to use his experience to create another documentary about his father’s farmhouse in Pennsylvania “Grampy’s Red Rock Rabbit Ranch.”

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyBSwUhVRHM. Read more about the film here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33034078/?ref_=ra_sb_ln.

 

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Stamford Mayor's Cup Soccer Action Kicks Off Sept. 2

By Liz Page

STAMFORD  – It's that time of year, as high school soccer players begin training for the new season, which for many local teams, kicks off with the annual Stamford Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament at Russ Archibald Memorial Field in Stamford.

Mike Brown, athletic director at Stamford Central School has the brackets set and the action opens September 2, ahead of classes and culminates Sept. 13 with the championship and consolation rounds. There are 15 teams in this year's tournament, with the opening round held over Sept. 2, 3 and 4 and  full day of second round action on Sept. 6 with all but one game played at Archibald Field.

The defending boys champion will be Edmeston, while Schenevus, now combined with Charlotte Valley, is the defending girls champion.

The full schedule is, as follows:

Charlotte Valley/Schenevus girls have a bye from the opening round. Their first game is Sept. 6

Tuesday, Sept. 2

South Kortright vs. Franklin girls 4 p.m.

Schenevus vs. South Kortright/Andes boys 5:45 p.m. 

Laurens vs. Gilboa/Roxbury girls 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept 3

Gilboa/Roxbury vs. Laurens/Milford boys 4 p.m. 

Unatego/Franklin vs. Edmeston boys 5:45

Thursday, Sept. 4

Laurens vs. Gilboa/Roxbury loser plays SK/Andes vs. Franklin loser girls, 4 p.m.

Stamford/Jefferson vs. Charlotte Valley boys 5:45 p.m. 

Stamford/Jefferson vs Margaretville girls 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6 - Second Round

Laurens vs. Gilboa/Roxbury loser plays Stamford/Jefferson vs. Margaretville loser, girls 10 a.m.

Gilboa/Roxbury vs. Laurens/Milford loser  plays Unatego/Franklin vs. Edmeston loser, boys 11:45 a.m. school field - the only game on the school field.

Stamford/Jefferson vs. Charlotte Valley loser plays Schenevus vs. South Kortright/Andes loser boys 11:45 a.m. 

Gilboa/Roxbury vs. Laurens/Milford winner plays. Unatego/Franklin vs. Edmeston winner, boys 1:30 p.m.

Charlotte Valley/Schenevus vs. South Kortright/Andes winner  plays Franklin girls, 3:15 p.m.

Stamford/Jefferson vs. Charlotte Valley winners play Schenevus vs. South Kortright/Andes winners boys 5 p.m. 

Laurens vs. Gilboa/Roxbury girls winner plays South Kortright vs. Franklin girls winner 6:45 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 13

South Kortright/Andes or  Franklin will play the loser of the Stamford/Jefferson vs. Margaretville girls at 10 a.m..

Third place playoff boys, 1:30 p.m.

Third place playoff girls, 3:15 p.m.

Girls Championship 5 p.m.

Boys Championship 6:45 p.m.

 

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Hanselman Corn Maze Provides Milk to Food Bank

 

Delaware County Dairy Promotion Team members were on hand to welcome visitors and help them answer questions about agriculture at Del-Rose Farm during Family Farm Day last Saturday. Pictured, from left are: Madelyn Eklund, Ambassador Lillian Eklund, Madison Losie andAssociate Ambassador Emma Smith 


The large corn maze at Del-Rose Farm near the hamlet of South Kortright will be open this Saturday, Aug. 30 and next Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  to raise money to supply milk to the Delhi Food Pantry. The cost is $5 per person with under 4 free. Randy Post provided the photo.



By Liz Page

If you don't know Barb Hanselman, she is one of the best promoters of the dairy industry you will ever meet. This weekend, the Hanselman family, of South Kortright, opened up the doors to the barn and invited everybody down on the farm to get a taste of dairy farming and all the wonderful things they produce there.

Last Saturday was  Family Farm Day, an agritourism event that has continued in popularity with  events scheduled at farms in Delaware, Schoharie and Otsego counties. It "provides local farms and related businesses the opportunity to introduce current and new customers to diverse, high-quality products, generate farm-gate sales, build long-term customer bases, and share the ever-evolving farm ‘stories’ that keep the importance of agriculture in the public dialogue."

They tried something new at Hanselman's this year, they added a corn maze. "Keith McGrath was cooking toasted cheese and Mexican street corn samples for people to taste foods that our farm produces," said Hanselman. Everyone raves about their sweet corn and say it is the best.

Hanselman also chairs the Delaware County Dairy Promotion Committee and the dairy promoters were also on the farm to welcome guests and help answer ag questions that appear throughout the maze. Hanselman conducted tours through the barn.

It was Ladd Hanselman’s idea to do the maze and he did the job of carving a random maze through the huge cornfield at the farm.

FFD was just another day for Hanselman to promote agriculture and dairy. She thanks her family, friends and the dairy promoters for making the day such a big success. They put a bucket out for people to donate to “Fill a Glass With Hope,  an effort led by American Dairy Association North East to bring fresh milk to families in need.  Visitors to the farm donated $340. The dairy promoters will coordinate with the Delhi Food Bank to donate and give out milk. While FFD is over, the corn maze will be open again this Saturday, Aug. 30 and next Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day for visitors to try their luck in the maze. The cost is $5 per person, with under 4 free,  and the proceeds from the additional maze dates will also be used to purchase more milk for the food bank. There are questions on signs scattered throughout the maze to provide a learning component as well. The question signs were loaned by Cornell Cooperative Extension.

While you are at the farm, playing in the maze, you might want to see what baked goods Hanselman has whipped up or find the sweet corn that everyone raves about along with other veggies at their farm stand. The farm is located at 9635 County Highway 18 just south of the hamlet of South Kortright.

 

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Metal at the Mill/Dan Rion Memorial Antique Engine Jamboree

EAST MEREDITH — Join Hanford Mills Museum for two days on September 6-7 from 10 AM until 4 PM for our Metal at the Mill Event. This multi-day event will feature the Dan Rion Memorial Antique Engine Jamboree, and the museum has invited regional collectors of historic engines, tractors, doodlebugs, vehicles, and other machines to display their collections. Hanford Mills staff and volunteers will also display and demonstrate some of the historic engines and machinery that are in our own collection, including our 1947 Ford truck. If you are interested in exhibiting at this event, please check the event webpage at hanfordmills.org or contact Liz Brown at lizb@hanfordmills.org.

A variety of exhibitors and vendors will join us for the event. Representatives from the New York Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Visitor Center will be educating visitors about their hydroelectric plant with a STEM activity. Union Grove Distillery will be selling their products and offering product tastings, and representatives from the SUNY Delhi Sustainability program will be on-site to provide information about their program and sustainable practices. Children’s activities will be happening during both days at our Learning Lab. 

Food products will be available for sale as well. Helen’s Little Kitchen food truck will be on-site, vending breakfast and lunch. Brookside Maple & Farm is a fourth-generation family farm that raises beef and produces maple syrup and other maple products. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own lunch and snacks and enjoy all food at our picnic tables.

Stoddard Hollow String band will be playing music from noon until 3 PM on Saturday.

Additionally, Hanford Mills will be offering workshops throughout the remainder of our 2025 season, which runs through October 15. On September 20 and 21st we will offer a coopering workshop. The workshop, which will run from 10 AM until 3:30 PM both days will be offered by Bob Allers. Learn the essential techniques of coopering as you construct a wooden bucket or mug. Spots are limited. Registration is $150 for HMM members, and $175 for nonmembers.

Cook (and eat) as locals of 1900s Delaware County would have, during our woodfired cookstove workshop on October 4 from 9 AM until 2:30 PM, led by Pamela Cooley. Participants will prepare and eat recipes from The Bovina Cook Book: A Collection of Choice Recipes. This workshop is intended for participants ages 15 and up. Registration cost is $55 for HMM members and $70 for non-members.

Check our website, hanfordmills.org, or our social media channels for updates on our Metal at the Mill 2-day event and our upcoming workshops. 

About Hanford Mills Museum 

Experience a story of innovation, ingenuity and entrepreneurship at a historic working mill site.  Sheltered in a valley in the northwestern Catskills of New York, Hanford Mills Museum offers insights into the past and lessons about the relationships between people, the things they make, and the places they live. As one of only a handful of operating water-powered mills, the museum has earned a place on both the National and NYS Registers of Historic Places. 

Hanford Mills is located at 51 County Highway 12 in East Meredith, at the intersection of Delaware County Routes 10 & 12, just 10 miles from Oneonta, and 15 miles from Delhi. For more information, visit hanfordmills.org or call 607-278-5744.

 

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Delaware County OFA Presents: Name that Scam!

DELHI — Delaware County OFA presents: Name that Scam!  This fun-filled interactive, and informative presentation is brought to you by the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc.

It will be held on September 25th at 10 a.m. and last for about 1 hour.  Location will be at the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department/Public Safety Building, 280 Phoebe Lane, Delhi NY.

PLEASE RSVP at 607-832-5750 seating is limited.

 

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Newly-Rebranded Chamber Welcomes New Leadership & Honors Businesses

Business of the Year, awarded by President Ray Pucci to Bovina Center Montessori School, was accepted by Co-Founder David Madie.

 

The Catskill Campaign for the Future Fund (CCFF) was honored with the Business Connector Award presented by Alliance President Ray Pucci to Marjorie Miller.



By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELANCEY - The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, rebranded as the Delaware County Business Alliance earlier this year, recognized several businesses at the annual Business Awards on Aug. 20th. The event was President Ray Pucci's final farewell after nearly a decade of service.

"It is a privilege to represent the interests of our business owners, especially during these past very challenging years," said Pucci, "Our collective work underscores the value, the vitality, the forward movement that engaged businesses bring to each of our communities."

Board Chairperson Amy Warner dedicated one of the Alliance's annual awards as the Ray Pucci Community Connector Award. She announced Todd Pascarella of Fleischmanns as the new leader, succeeding Pucci, who will retire. He will work part-time to continue serving as the executive director of the Delaware Ulster Railroad and Catskill Revitalization Corporation. He is honored, excited, and humbled to succeed Pucci, said Warner.

"To close I'd like to say thank you to Ray for your long unwavering effort in being a true supporter of all businesses here in our county," said Pascarella, "Thank you for following your instinct to step forward, and simply help others out, and for your mentorship, leadership, vision, and for planting many seeds for a bright future in Delaware County."

Shortly after opening Union Grove Distillery in Arkville with a friend about a decade ago, Pascarella became a member of the Chamber board. Pascarella also served as board chair during Pandemic times.

Josiah Brown is working to rebrand the Alliance's vision and provide guests with a presentation outlining the organization's future goals.

In announcing awards, Pucci said, "Tonight is a celebration. It's a celebration of business success. It's a celebration of business and community working together toward a shared vision of our economy. Businesses are the lifeblood, the link to prosperity, that flows through the veins of our communities. We believe Delaware County businesses are build differently."

Business of the Year was awarded to Bovina Center Montessori School. Co-Founder David Madie accepted the award. The school opened in 2021, quickly growing from 30 students in primary education to over 80 children all the way through high school.

"The school has introduced an innovative curriculum based on the highest standards from Montessori schools and focused on nature, conservation, arts, sustainability, and entrepreneurship; aligning well with the future jobs and start-up businesses in Delaware County," said Pucci.

The Cullman Center for Child Development was similarly awarded the Business of the Year honor. "Over the last 32 years, they have built a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where every child flourishes, and every family finds the resources they need," said Pucci. Director Amy Williams accepted the award.

The Rising Star New Business Awards, given to those opened within the last five years, were presented to Cadillac Ranch of Davenport, Dear Native Grapes of Walton, and Made & Found of Delhi. "Each are risk-takers, but confident and informed by optimism," said Pucci.

The Catskill Campaign for the Future Fund (CCFF) was honored with the Business Connector Award. The fund was established to support nonprofits in addressing issues such as access to mental health services, food insecurity, and inadequate public transportation by providing funding for projects or programs. The idea was headed by Marjorie Miller, said Pucci. "The team at the Fund expect to launch next year with more than $5 million in donations from New York City residents who share a concern for their water and the people who ensure its continued high quality," he said.

 

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Stamford Central School Opening of 2025- 2026 School Year

STAMFORD — The Stamford Central School District will begin the 2025-2026 school year with two full conference days on August 28th and September 2nd for faculty and staff.  PreK-12th grade will begin school on Wednesday, September 3rd.  Breakfast will be available for grades 3-12. Doors will open at 7:45 a.m. for students getting breakfast. PK-2 will attend breakfast with their class first thing in the school day. Stamford Central School District students in PK-12 grade are eligible for breakfast and lunch at no charge. Breakfast will end at 9:20 a.m. 

We would like to welcome the following new staff members: Ms. Jacqueline Frederick (Building Principal), Miss Kaitlyn Gott (Secondary Math Teacher), Mr. Brian Marcus (Instrumental Music Teacher), Mr. John Toroni (Long Term Substitute, Technology Education), Mr. Kyle Pickett (Long Term Substitute, Special Education), Mrs. Megan Gray (Long Term Substitute Elementary Teacher), Mrs. Paulette Taylor (Bus Monitor and Long Term Substitute Teacher), Ms. Stefanie Cassese (Teacher Aide), Mrs. Heather Martinez (Substitute Building Aide), Mrs. Leslie Herting (Teacher’s Aide), Mr. Joshua Folan (Custodial Worker) and Mrs. Patricia Brewster (Administrative Assistant, Guidance).  

The CROP program will be available at Stamford Central School for grades K-8. CROP Parent Orientation is scheduled for Friday, September 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the school. CROP begins on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Effective with the 2025–2026 school year, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation banning students from using personally owned internet-enabled devices—such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches—during the school day. The law, part of the 2025–2026 New York State Budget, aims to "crack down on unnecessary distractions in schools" and foster a more focused learning environment. At Stamford Central School, this policy will be enforced from 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. across all areas of campus, including during lunch and recess. To support this, students will use Yondr pouches—secure, lockable cases that keep devices inaccessible during the school day but easily returned to students when school ends. Devices provided by the district or BOCES for educational use are exempt.

All districts are required to adopt policies that:

  • Allow parental contact with students during the day

  • Offer secure on-site storage for devices

  • Permit exceptions for students with IEPs, 504 Plans, or medical needs

The bus routes are as follows: 

Bus # 87 – Mr. Rich Galleazzi – County Route 33, Betty Brook Rd., State Route 23, Gibbs Rd., River St., Terry Rd., Hornbeck Rd., State Route 23 in Harpersfield, Route 23 (west of the village), Dorosky Rd., Middlebrook Hill Rd., Wilcox Rd., Moxham Rd., Fenn Hill, Maple Ln., River St. 

 Bus # 93 – Ms. Kathy Sutton – Ridge Rd., Bruce Porn Rd., Meeghan Rd., Capehorn Rd., Blackberry Street, Kemper Mtn., State Route 23 (east of the village), Souer Rd., Hickory Hill Rd., Prospect St., Main St., Stamford Village, Bruce Porn Rd., Windemere Rd., Beaver St., Roosevelt Ave.   

Bus # 92 – Ms. Kathy Griswold – Peters Rd., State Route 10, Back Hobart Rd., Gaffey Rd., South Delaware St., Railroad Ave, Taylor Rd, Oakley Rd., Peck St., Boyle Rd., Blenheim Hill Rd., Higgins Rd., Bruce Hill Rd., State Route 23

Please be sure to be at the bus stop 10 minutes early for the first week of school.

The large “North Parking Lot” is for student drop off and pick up. Blocked traffic lanes in the “North Parking Lot” can create dangerous congestion.  The South parking lot is not to be used for student drop off or pick up at any time.  This parking lot is for employee use only.  

School Tax collection is preferred by mail.  In person payments will be accepted on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8-10 a.m. Tax payments can also be left in the drop box by the north end door or visit www.infotaxonline.com for online payment options.  

 

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Last Dog Days of Summer Fest Sept. 13

DELHI — After many successful years of hosting the Woofs & Wags Dog Walk on site at our shelter, Heart of the Catskill Humane Society is retiring the dog walk and putting a fresh face on our September fundraiser.  We are calling it the “Last Dog Days of Summer Fest! Our new, family (and dog!) friendly festival will be held at the beautiful River Rock Farm located at 739 County Highway 18 in Delhi (just cross over Fitches Covered Bridge) on Saturday, September 13th from 11am to 3pm.

Lots of activities will be happening including live local acoustic music throughout the event performed by Dos Amigos. Tasty treats will include a BBQ featuring chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers cooked by a guest grill master and delicious side salads provided by the SUNY Delhi culinary students. There will be an art and jewelry sale and basket raffles in the main barn, a kids’ arts and craft tent with lots of different crafts to enjoy, corn hole games, and a scavenger hunt. And of course, we will have our famous bake sale tent and gift and pet items for sale at our Beastie Boutique!

There will be demonstrations and educational information on hand as well. Visitors can enjoy an agility and canine carting demonstration and stop by our education tents occupied by Friends of the Feathered & Furry Wildlife Center (there will be some type of wildlife at this tent) and Wolf Mountain Nature Center (there will be no live animals at this tent). Feel free to ask our educators questions and learn some new things about wildlife!

Come on over (rain or shine!) and relax, eat, listen to tunes, enjoy lots of activities and stroll the beautiful grounds at River Rock Farm on Saturday, September 13th.  We hope to see you there!

For more information, please visit heartofthecatskills.org, call (607)746-3080 or email info@heartofthecatskills.org. Donations can be made online on our website, via phone, or mailed to HCHS P.O. Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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Promoting Prison Contraband Arrest

DELHI — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced that an investigation into a report of “Promoting Prison Contraband” resulted in the arrest of a Walton woman. 

On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, Sheriff’s Deputies were notified by the Delaware County Corrections Division, of a female visitor who secreted a prohibited item (contraband) and then passed it to an incarcerated individual during visitation. Corrections Officers supervising the visit, observed the female transfer the item to the incarcerated individual and immediately intervened. The prohibited item was recovered from the incarcerated individual, and the visitor was removed from the facility.

The female visitor, identified as Jubilee D. Klimas, 21 years old of Walton, N.Y. was located outside the facility by Deputies and was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of Promoting Prison Contraband in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Klimas was processed and released on an appearance ticket directing her to appear in the Town of Delhi Court on a later date to answer the charge.  

 

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