Gibson Opposes Syria Action

The Washington Post has Schoharie County's Congressman, Chris Gibson (R-NY19), opposed to authorizing military strikes in the Syrian civil war. What are your thoughts on the impending vote in Congress to authorize U.S. force and Congressman Gibson's stance?

Cobleskill, Jefferson Kick-Off Schoharie County School Year

After a beautiful Schoharie County summer, that featured scorching July afternoons and cool August nights, concluding with a late blast of humidity this past Labor Day, the 2013-14 school year is returning to local school districts across the county. Below is a schedule of openings for Schoharie County's six districts:

Cobleskill-Richmondville

Grades 1-5, 6 and 9 start classes September 4th. Followed by a staff development day September 5th and full class for all grades September 6th.

Gilboa-Conesville

Superintendent Conference day September 4th, followed by full classes for all grades September 5th and September 6th. Also, Class of 2016 dance on the 6th.


Jefferson

Full class for all grades September 4th - 6th.

Middleburgh

Staff development day September 4th, followed by full class for all grades September 5th and September 6th.

Schoharie

Staff development day September 4th, followed by full class for all grades September 5th and September 6th.

Sharon Springs

Staff development day September 4th, followed by full class for all grades September 5th and September 6th.

I hope everyone has a great school year, especially to Seniors who begin their lives and careers in just nine more months.

Landis Hosting Outside Show

Landis Arboretum is continuing its summer event series with an outside show next week. The Mettawee River Theater Company will be hosting the play Taliesin, based on Welsh folklore.

From the Mettawee River Theater Company's Facebook page

The Arboretum's site continues:

This will be a magical evening, intriguing for adults and children alike. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Call us at (518) 875-6935 or email us at info@landisarboretum.org for more information. This event is made possible in part with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered through the Community Arts Grants Fund by the Greene County Council on the Arts.

Shoharie County Readies For July 4th Celebration

Cobleskill and the Sunshine Fair are gearing up for an eventful July fourth celebration tomorrow afternoon entering into evening, as the fairgrounds will open up at two for Independence Day related activities, followed by a parade stretching from Country Boy reality to the fairgrounds and to cap everything, a wonderful fireworks display that can seen for miles around the Village and Town of Cobleskill at dark.

 

The Old Stone Fort will also be holding Independence Day related events in Schoharie, as they will hold readings of the Declaration of Independence and other Revolutionary War era speeches and documents to commemorate the 237th anniversary of our nation's separation from British tyranny. The first reading is scheduled to start at eleven tomorrow morning.

Chris Gibson Leads House Effort on Syrian Conflict

Congressman Chris Gibson, the 19th congressional district's Republican representative, has been keeping himself busy in the House of Representatives as of late: visiting the fine folks of Fort Plain following their devastating flood last week and working for passage of the new farm bill.

 

But his most important congressional project involves foreign affairs, or more specifically our role in the Syrian conflict.

 

Gibson, along with a bipartisan contingent of Congressmen, introduced legislation prohibiting the U.S. government from sending or aiding the Syrian opposition to Bashar al-Assad's regime without explicit congressional authorization in any form, due to concerns of increasing U.S. involvement in the embattled nation's conflict through means other than humanitarian.

 

Although Congress is unlikely to support such a measure, with Republican hawks keeping all options open and Democratic idealists committed to an international solution, I find it rather fortunate Schoharie County's elected representative is in the forefront of one of the world's most important geopolitical situations developing today.

 



Old Stone Fort Prepares July 4th Celebration

The Old Stone Fort is preparing its annual Independence Day event for this Thursday. The museum is holding an event that is intended to draw parallels between the Patriots' fight for independence and modern day events. The event will take place between 10 am and 5 pm with documents being read at 11 am and 2pm.

Photo credit: Old Stone Fort Facebook

Donations Collected for Mohawk Valley Relief

Donations are being collected in Sharon Springs to help the victims of recent flooding in the Mohawk Valley. Remembering the emergency servicepeople and volunteers that assisted this area in 2011, Schoharie County is giving back.

Photo credit Facebook

Neary Appointed Acting Director of Emergency Services

The Schoharie News has learned that nine-term Village of Richmondville Mayor, and current interim director of the Emergency Management Office, Kevin Neary has been appointed to serve as acting director of Emergency Services, an umbrella group that will unite all county emergency operations under one tent.

Mr. Neary, who has served in an interim basis at the EMO for some time now, has impressed county officials far and wide with not only his general emergency management skills, but his impassioned feelings for Schoharie County and managing flood relief and prevention in the Valley.

His new charge will involve overseeing the county's entire emergency apparatus, from the Management Office he just led to the Fire Prevention Office and everything in between. Mr. Neary is obviously well trusted by county officials to be promoted to such a vital and important position in the aftermath of Irene.

First order of business? Perhaps helping the county figure out relocation for all emergency related offices out of the flood plain and united under one roof where our most important officials can work closer together in times of crisis.

Cuomo to Ask for Federal Emergency Declaration for Mohawk Valley Flooding

The flash flooding that Middleburgh and Schoharie were hit with on June 14th has been eclipsed with the raging waters that hit the Mohawk Valley over the last several days. Now Governor Andrew Cuomo is asking the President to declare the area a federal disaster area. This would increase focus on the flooding issues and would also increase funding opportunities to help cover much of the damage. The Governor said:

There are many other municipalities that cannot yet begin to assess damages as floodwaters have not receded. This number also does not affect damages to state owned property, such as the canal system, nor does it capture the cost of debris removal or emergency protective measures. The true cost of this disaster will only be known once the waters recede in all affected areas and all of the damage becomes evident. We are confident that once we complete damage assessments in these areas, it will far exceed the state’s per capita threshold of $26.7 million.

There is no word if this will include earlier flooding in Schoharie County earlier last month.

SALT Raises $16,000 at Bounty of the County

Schoharie County Long Term Recovery held a well-attended event to raise awareness and money for flood victims. The Bounty of the County event was a success, raising $16,000 to aid further recovery efforts.

The fundraiser, organized by Albany-based Wine & Dine for the Arts to help restore homes and businesses damaged two years ago by Tropical Storm Irene, was held one day after much of the village of Fort Plain in neighboring Montgomery County was wiped out by flooding.

Photo Credit: Jerrine Corallo

Central Bridge Fire Department Holds July Meeting

The Central Bridge Fire Department held their July meeting last night amid an ominous warning of more flooding for nearby Montgomery County, which has suffered tremendously over the past couple of days from severe flooding, and worries of our own county's potential for even more flash flooding.

 

Approximately three dozen members attended the meeting, where they learned the department raised almost $500 during a mid-June fundraiser held at the firehouse and that Chief Scott Johnson and two other firemen were deployed to Herkimer County over the weekend to aid recovery efforts there.

 

President Travis Hofmann kicked off the meeting by leading the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence honoring their nineteen comrades who perished battling an Arizona wildfire.

 

Members were lively through out the meeting, even during a few serious points where Chief Johnson discussed issues privately addressed to him concerning the department, reminding everyone that they're all in this for the good of their community and not themselves.

 

The Central Bridge Fire Department meets the first Monday of every month and is one of the finest and closet knit departments in the entire county.

Baker Avenue Pavilion Set For Formal Opening Saturday

The brainchild of Village Trustee Bill Morton, the Baker Avenue Pavilion in Middleburgh is set for its formal opening this Saturday during the Village's Middleburgh Pride Day.

Funded by the New York State Main Street Grant and originally slated for completion under former Mayor Bill McCabe's watch in 2008, the pavilion was constructed between April and June of this year by BOCES and other volunteers after the idea was resurrected by the Village Board.

Mayor Matthew Avitabile, in a brief email exchange, said "It is another improvement for the community," and that he was "very thankful to those that have made this happen."

The pavilion and other community projects will be showcased during this weekend's community event, which will feature a walking tour and other activities from eleven in the morning until seven Saturday evening.

Sharon Springs Community Garage Sale July 20th

With the Village of Sharon Springs welcoming their new Mayor into office, they will be kicking off their summer with a community wide garage sale on July 20th, the local Chamber of Commerce reminded us on their facebook page yesterday afternoon.

According to the post, registrations are still available for interested persons and they can either stop at the Methodist Church tomorrow evening or next Tuesday night between 7-8 pm, or contact Donna Barlow at 518-284-2675. This year's garage sales are being held one week earlier than in the past.

Also in Sharon Springs: the Chamber of Commerce will be meeting on Thursday, July 11th, 7 pm at The Black Pearl on Route 20, which is a fine establishment owned by Elizabeth Barr with reasonable prices and delicious menu options.

Editorial: Support The Old Stone Fort

July 1st, 2013
Timothy Knight

With dark clouds looming in the distance, as is the case with most of our late spring/early summer days thus far this year, me and my girlfriend decided to take a nice drive and visit Schoharie's Old Stone Fort as part of Howe Cavern's neighbor-to-neighbor program, where employees can visit other tourist locations in the county for free.

We stepped out of the twenty first century confines of her car and into a pillar of early Schoharie County and American history from the late eighteenth century, when our home was besieged in brutal fighting between Patriots, Loyalists, Indians and German mercenaries during the American Revolution.

 

 And right in the middle of it all was what we call today the Old Stone Fort and two hundred thirty years ago was known as the lower of three forts constructed in Schoharie County to defend settlers from loyalist and Indian raids, and when not in use as a militia outpost, a house of worship for the Dutch Reformed.

 

 As we approached the entrance a kindly gentlemen who volunteers his time when the Fort has no one else to keep shop greeted us and led us through the giant wooden door that stands between the outside world and the county's finest collection of 18th and 19th century war, tool and historical memorabilia.

 

 And immediately I was impressed by a new display showcasing rarely seen memorabilia from the 134th New York Regiment, which was trained and housed at the Fort during the Civil War. Apparently the regiment was routed in their campaigns and few artifacts survived their trials, but a Southern gentlemen rediscovered a collection of what remained in garage stores across Florida and donated them to the Fort.

 

 Completing a one-hundred fifty year journey, I'm sure, for some of the artifacts from date of use until their long delayed return to home.

 

 We didn't traverse to the outer buildings, as the kindly gentlemen already closed them down for the day as storm clouds were fast approaching and the likelihood of more visitors was low, so we talked with him for a while about different tourist locations and about the Fort itself, and in that I found the inspiration for this, and I apologize, long editorial.

 

 Apparently the Old Stone Fort is suffering from a lack of funding and is having a hard time affording even basic help, relying almost entirely on volunteers to staff the museum in their spare time for what few guests are making the journey, which is an absolute shame and something must be done about this within our county.

 

 The history and heritage of the Fort doesn't belong just to the men and women of the late seventeenth and early eighteen centuries who helped build and defend this county, but to all of us. Every Schoharie County resident has a stake in the pride of that Fort that stood strong against the British forces and trained Union soldiers.

 

 We all have a piece of that can do colonial spirit in our bones, and if not for those who came before us, we would not be who we are today. And seeing as such, we need to do our part in preserving our heritage and supporting our Fort.

 

 So with that in mind, if you're looking for something to do Independence Day with the kids, or any other day for that matter, where you will learn about your past and take a fascinating journey in time, head on down to our Fort which proudly stands just off of Route 30 in beautiful Schoharie.

 

 There are always kind individuals keeping the Fort open every day for interested individuals and our history is just waiting to be explored and enjoyed, and with every dime going towards a good cause, why not contribute to the up keeping of Schoharie County's finest historical treasure.

 

 Head on down to the Fort today! History is just a short drive away...

Moderate to Heavy Rain over Next Three Days

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the coming week look to be wet ones as more rough weather is entering into Schoharie County. Monday and Tuesday both appear to have over an inch of rain each day coupled with periodic thunderstorms. This comes as the Gilboa Dam is expect to continue rising into action stage until Tuesday.

Things will cool down with the weather in the 70s all three days. Keep it tuned with the Schoharie News' weather page for up to date information on the weather and Dam level.

Landis Holds Successful Concert

The Landis Arboretum held a rousing night of music last night with two bands. As part of the Live at Landis Series, Jamie Kent and the Tom Healy Band. For just ten dollars, listeners were treated to the playing of two well-regarded bands. Jamie Kent played their eclectic style while the Tom Healy Band played what the Times Union once called "the best blues in town."

Photo Credit Landis Arboretum's Facebook page

The Arboretum is planning a visit from the Upper Catskill String Quartet on July 7th at 3pm. The event is free.

Gilboa Dam to Reach Action Stage Tuesday

With scattered thunderstorms expected to bring strong rains over the next three days, the Gilboa Dam is expected to pass its action stage of 1,125.1 feet sometime late Tuesday morning into the afternoon.

 

The Gilboa Dam - September, 2009.

Although the dam's height is expected to reach 1,126.6 feet Wednesday morning, it is not expected that levels will reach flood stages, but it is a sign creek and stream levels will be high across the county and more flash flooding cannot be ruled out as thunderstorms roll in.

 

The dam hasn't reached its minor flood stage since the twin-punch of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in late August/early September 2011 and thankfully it doesn't appear likely to do so this time either.

 

Jefferson Beaver Dam Fails, Causing Local Flooding

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Southern Schoharie County in the aftermath of a Jefferson beaver dam failing until four o'clock this afternoon. The emergency system just blared on local radio stations for people to steer clear of the affected areas and not to drive through the rising waters.

 

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ALBANY NY
105 PM EDT SUN JUN 30 2013

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR BEAVERDAM DAM IN...SOUTHERN SCHOHARIE
COUNTY.

* UNTIL 400 PM EDT

* AT 102 PM EDT...THE FAILURE OF BEAVERDAM DAM WAS REPORTED BY STATE
EMERGENCY OFFICIALS. LOCATIONS IN THE WARNED AREA MAY EXPERIENCE
RAPID WATER RISES AND FLASH FLOODING RESULTING FROM THIS DAM
FAILURE. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION!

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO
AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. FLOOD WATERS ARE USUALLY
DEEPER THAN THEY APPEAR. JUST ONE FOOT OF FLOWING WATER IS POWERFUL
ENOUGH TO SWEEP VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED
ROADS MAKE THE SMART CHOICE...TURN AROUND...DONT DROWN.

TO REPORT FLOODING...HAVE THE NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY RELAY
YOUR REPORT TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE.

Stay tuned for updates as they come in.

 

Update (3:32 pm): The NWS is reporting that the dam was located upstream of the Stamford Reservoir and that most of the water has simply been captured downstream, with only some spillover on Route 10 in Jefferson.

 

Fireworks Cap 125th Middleburgh Fire Department Celebration

 

Capping a day-long celebration of the Middleburgh Fire Department's 125th anniversary of service to the Village and surrounding areas, fireworks wowed the crowds behind the High School and through out the central and outskirts of the Village on what could be a more beautiful Saturday evening.

 

 

The fireworks began promptly at 9:30 in the evening and lasted approximately for thirty minutes, alternating from spectacular light show to simple streaks in the sky to Valley shaking booms that rattled spectators eardrums and were reportedly heard almost two miles up Route 145.

 

 

But nothing short of jaw dropping can explain the grand finale, which promoters initiated with a simulated lighting of wooden structures that read "MFD 125 MFD" with a fireman's symbol in the middle, letting everyone in direct view know that this was the fire department's day to be proud of their service.

 



Schoharie County Unemployment Highest in Region

New York State's Labor Department seemed to show some good news as the state's total unemployment rate fell to 7.4%, the lowest in years. Locally, much of the news is positive as the Albany area is one of the strongest regions in Upstate regarding job growth. However, as the local numbers are examined more closely, the numbers do not look as good.

Schoharie County, once the second-poorest County in New York State, is not fairing well during the recent recession. According to the latest figures, 8.0% of Schoharie County workers are unemployed, as compared to just 6.4% of those in the entire Capital Region.