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ALERT: Tornado Watch Today Until 5pm

Written By Editor on 10/7/13 | 10/7/13

The threat of extreme weather is coming to the area in just several hours. A tornado watch has been issued until 5pm for Schoharie and surrounding counties.

Keep up to date with our weather page-- full of up-to-date radar, forecasts, and the Gilboa Dam level.

Travis to Host Campaign Fundraiser


 
Chief Larry Travis, the Democratic and Shield of Integrity Party nominee in this fall's sheriff election, is hosting a reception and full buffet dinner in support of his candidacy on Thursday, October 24th, 6:30-8:30 pm at Justine's Restaurant in the Village of Cobleskill.
 


Tending to shy away from the traditional political aspects of campaigning thus far, Chief Travis has chosen to focus more on running a positive, law enforcement first platform that has saw him address both the county's fire chiefs and sheriff union over the past two weeks, while keeping his candidacy out of the mud that has engulfed the supporters of both his opponents.
 
This fundraiser is his campaign's first foray into the political realm and it is extremely limited at that, focusing solely on raising funds to carry his candidacy across the goal line with whatever measures he decides are best heading into the final week of the race.

Middleburgh Hosts Volunteer Day

Middleburgh had some help over the weekend as over a dozen volunteers from a SUNY Oneonta fraternity helped in several projects around town. According to the Middleburgh Community News website, this is the "third volunteer day since last year."

Volunteers at work. Credit: Middleburgh community site.

Ethington Slammed By Deputy Tillapaugh

Deputy Duane Tillapaugh, a longtime associate of both Demond and Ethington faced the two in June's Republican caucus. Tillapaugh has come in second and has not endorsed a candidate as of yet. However, his feelings on Ethington burst out on Facebook Wednesday in response to the Dan Singletary's comments published last week.
The self proclaimed "Sheriff Todd" is the most UNQUALIFIED candidate in this years Sheriff's race. This guy, who preaches gun safety, was dismissed from the firearms instructor school for dangerously discharging his weapon in the classroom. That's only one bad incident of several in his law enforcement carrier. Those of you who want to know more, give me a call. Those who have his signs because he asked you to put them out, pull them!!!
Ethington's standing in the Schoharie News' unscientific online poll is similarly distressing. Ethington led Desmond on Monday 42%-37% with 300 votes cast. Now, with 507 cast Desmond has assumed a 45-33% lead.

Heroin a Growing Problem

The rise of opiates across the United States has rocked the law enforcement community. Once relegated to the worst parts of large cities, heroin and similar poppy-based drugs have opened a door into even the smallest of towns. Unfortunately, the problem has increased significantly in Schoharie County, as across the country, over the last five years.

Many of these forces are due to problems outside of the control of local law enforcement. Lax bag checks on Amtrak allow funneling through Utica and Amsterdam, Mexico's drug war has made harder drugs more profitable, and cultural shifts have contributed to the problem. Upstate New York, with its mix of cities and rural environments and poor local economy, has been particularly hard hit. Even last month came five arrests on serious drug charges, including heroin in Amsterdam.

In 2013 alone, we've seen two major arrests of County residents over the drug-- one arrest of four in Cobleskill and one arrest of two in Princetown.

One of the strongest defenses against the tide of opiates into the County could be the Schoharie County Sheriff's office. While the Sheriff has made major strides in campaigns against methamphetamines and cannabis, heroin has exploded. The Sheriff's Department reacted to the growing heroin problem in 2013 with a special confidential tip line. Still, this comes years after the problem has become acute and noticeable.

In an interview last year with the Mountain Eagle, Sheriff Desmond indicated that the problem was here to stay and that the problem began at home. He suggested that parents keep drug cabinets locked up and that residents keep an eye out for suspicious activity:
“One of the big things that you see are several people stopping for a short period of time at a house or apartment, coming and going,” said Desmond. “That is usually a good indication of some activity.”
While there is nothing functionally wrong with this approach, it remained primarily reactive and to date no major anti-heroin initiative has been rolled out by the Sheriff's Department.

Still, the County has recorded more drug arrests in the past year. Overall, since the beginning of Desmond's administration, there have been 63 felony and 121 misdemeanor drug arrests as compared to the previous three years having 31 and 75 respectively. These numbers include all arrests in the County-- by the Sheriff's Department, State Police, and local forces.

Indeed, a bright spot has taken place in the Village of Cobleskill. The community has stepped up enforcement and is responsible for the largest bust this year. Police chief Larry Travis has shown acumen in his attention to the problem and has shown results. From the middle of 2012 until early 2013 the Village of Cobleskill made six heroin busts.

Chief Travis told the Cobleskill paper in February of this year that it's a problem that's growing:

"The ease of obtaining the drug, the cost of it indicate it's increasing," he said.

Indians Vs. Knights: First Varsity Basketball Matchup December 18th

Written By Editor on 10/4/13 | 10/4/13


With fall sports in full swing across the county, I doubt I'm the only one who regrets the dismal truth that there can be no Valley showdown on the gridiron between the Knights and Indians - due to Middleburgh's lack of football program - but fear not for my sorrows will be eased with the start of varsity basketball.
 
And more to point: on December 18th, 7:30 pm when Schoharie will be on the warpath against league rival and neighboring school district Middleburgh on the Knights home court for the first of two contests this upcoming season, the second of which will be held January 17th on Indians territory.
 
This, perhaps being my favorite part of The Schoharie News, will allow me to expand my horizons into the realm of high school athletics and most importantly varsity basketball, where the action and energy of the home team supporters can rival that of college programs if the stakes are high enough - as they always are in the battle of the Valley.

Travis Pick of Cobleskill Benevolent Association Endorsement


Cobleskill Police Chief Larry Travis picked up a significant endorsement from the local law enforcement community in late August (just releasing the information publicly yesterday) amid a slew of political support for his two opponents in this fall's election. The Cobleskill Police Benevolent Association regretted that if elected Sheriff he would be sorely missed in Cobleskill, but that he would "perform admirably... if elected."


Out of the three candidates, Chief Travis has remained more or less under the radar - visiting events and greeting voters without attracting a great deal of attention towards him politically - which fits his status as a career law enforcement officer and political novice.

Ethington Endorsed by Former Sheriff Harvey Stoddard

Tony Desmond may have the support of the current Sheriff of Otsego County, but Todd Ethington has picked up support from someone a little closer to home. One of Desmond's predecessors, Harvey Stoddard, has endorsed Todd Ethington in his Conservative Party contest for Sheriff. The endorsement is a large step but is contrasted with a large amount of local police support for the current Sheriff, as well. Former Sheriff John Bates has not made an official endorsement after strongly supporting Desmond's 2009 opponent, Bill Slater.

Desmond Endorsed by Cohn

Written By Editor on 10/3/13 | 10/3/13

Sheriff Anthony Desmond has received another high-profile endorsement as former Cobleskill Supervisor Roger Cohn has thrown his support behind him. In a message from Cohn printed on Desmond's Facebook page, the Sheriff received glowing praise:
"I served with and sat next to Tony when I was on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors as the Supervisor for the Town of Cobleskill. I found that he always reviewed and gave a great deal of thought to the issues before the Board and then voted accordingly. I'm sure that he follows that same pattern in carrying out his duties as Sheriff of our County. I wholeheartedly endorse Tony as he seeks reelection to the Office as Sheriff of our County. A good man like Tony comes along just now and then. Vote for Shefiff Desmond.
This also comes as Desmond received more signs yesterday and is preparing a large October push.

"The Report" Weighs Heavily in Schoharie Race

This is round number three for Gene Milone and Martin Shrederis. They have faced each other in 2009, 2011, and this year. Shrederis won in 2010 by a 54-46% margin and Milone won 56-44% in 2011. With Schoharie still rebuilding after the flood, this year's race may be a tight one.

There have been many issues that have surfaced in the Town of Schoharie and some have been more influential than others. While both candidates may not wish to speak about the "report" coming out later this month, it appears that it is the most frenetic issue.

At the County Board meeting two weeks ago, Milone said that the report was meant to retrieve the "truth" over allegations of misconduct at the County level. Milone and Middleburgh Supervisor Jim Buzon were two of the strongest supporters of beginning the report process. Mr. Milone is perhaps the most visible proponent of researching the allegations.

Meanwhile the rumblings from the people associated with the Shrederis camp is that the report will show almost no validity and that it was a waste of $300,000. A call in to Mr. Shrederis two weeks ago about the issue was not returned.

About what the report itself will say, it is yet unknown. However, Mr. Milone does have something that the former Supervisor does not: he has transcripts of the interviews that is leading to the report's formation. Sources also suggest that at least one person from the Town of Schoharie will be indicated in the report although the timing (before the current Supervisor's term) automatically precludes anything negative about Milone.

Undead Movie Night in Cobleskill on October 19th

From Village Trustee Linda Holmes:
Would like your readers to know that the Cobleskill Recreation Commission is hosting a Movie Night with the UNDEAD on October 19 at Teen Town in Cobleskill starting at 5:30pm. FREE admission. Snacks and raffles will help raise funds for the A.E.D. Project. The A.E.D. Project has been taken on by the Cobleskill Recreation Commission to purchase A.E.D.s for rec programs in Schoharie County. We are working with not just your Recreation Commissions, but with Little League, Little Dawgs and the like. This event is for the entire family. Come and have some frightful fun!!!!

Will Dissolution Sink Galasso's Re-election?

Written By Editor on 10/2/13 | 10/2/13


With the Village of Middleburgh dissolution vote still in mind, which went down in flames 71-344 last February, it begs the question: will the defeat of former Mayor Gary Hayes' unpopular dissolution petition in Middleburgh have any effect on Cobleskill Mayor Mark Galasso's bid for reelection in his municipality?

Mr. Galasso's defining position during his time in elected office, as both Village Trustee and Mayor, has been to push for the dissolution or consolidation of his municipality into either the town's government apparatus or the [unlikely] creation of a City of Cobleskill, which in New York is as likely as a Republican winning a single electoral vote: not going to happen.

Which brings us to this fall's Mayoral election between Mr. Galasso and Mrs. Linda Holmes, who serves as a Village Trustee and has been an outspoken opponent of Mr. Galasso's efforts, in light of both Middleburgh's overwhelming vote against Mr. Hayes petition and acknowledgment that dissolution or consolidation would lead to few savings or reduction in Cobleskill's public workforce (Cobleskill Times Journal: May 7th, 2013 edition).

It goes without saying Mr. Galasso's signature issue has taken a significant blow because (a.) his own findings are that dissolution will have little to no savings for Cobleskill taxpayers, (b.) the creation of a city government is impossible and (c.) a smaller municipality just 10 miles away saw over 80% of their citizenry vote against the exact same proposal, due to pesky facts that costs would just be shifted to town government and instead of two moderate tax bills they would receive one giant collection in the mail.

What effect will this have on November's election? Only time and the respective campaigns will tell... What say you?

Gibson Calls Shutdown "Unacceptable"

Schoharie County's Congressman Chris Gibson slammed the government shutdown, calling it 'unnecessary.' Here he is in an interview with WNYT.

 On his Facebook page he also said that the process was 'unacceptable.'
Where we are now is absolutely unacceptable, and all parties need to come together to get things done.

Rock the Valley T-Shirts Still Available

Following the success of the Rock the Valley event last week, the Schoharie Promotional Association and Schoharie Fire Department have additional shirts available. All proceeds go to the Schoharie FD and are available at Magical Printing or Nobel's Ace Hardware in Schoharie. Shirts are just $10 each.


Ethington Ad Invokes Irene

In a new ad at the back of the Cobleskill paper, Sheriff candidate Todd Ethington directly invoked the flood following Hurricane Irene. Ethington's previous election material highlighted what he believed was a slow process of the Sheriff's Department moving back into the Harvey Stoddard complex.

The Deputy ran a third page ad in today's paper calling for a swift recovery for the buildings-- which he says looks like had been flooded just a month prior.
None of the candidates have made such a strong appeal on the back of the flood. Ethington has hinted to a similar line before and Sheriff Desmond's campaign does mention the hardship of dealing with the deluge but this is a significant departure-- and perhaps an escalation of the already heated race.

SALT Hiring New VISTAs

The Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery group has made another step forward, planning its second round of the VISTA program. Run in conjunction with the Americorps the VISTAs will be sent across the County to assist with flood recovery projects. The first round, which sent volunteers to every Irene-affected municipality, aided in the acquisition of volunteers and grants for each. SALT announced on their website that they are hiring for the next round.

Schoharie News Poll Closing October 15th

Written By Editor on 10/1/13 | 10/1/13

There's just two weeks left to vote in the Schoharie News poll on the Sheriff's race. It's exceedingly tight-- with Tony Desmond and Todd Ethington each tied 40% each. Yesterday Ethington led Desmond by three percent. This is the only poll of the election season in any media outlet in the County. Make sure that you vote and make your voice heard before the poll ends!

SUNY Cobleskill's Student Veterans Association Comes Out in Full Force for FAM 5K


The FAM 5K "Fund" Run/Walk brought 650 participants to Cobleskill on Saturday morning to tackle the 3.1 mile long course that stretches from South Grand to MacArthur Avenue to around SUNY Cobleskill's campus and then back again, with all of the proceeds going to one of five local charities on a rotating basis. 

SUNY Cobleskill's Student Veterans Association was out in full force for the event Saturday morning, with the group donning their Team RWB (Red, White and Blue) t-shirt in this photo outside of the Sunshine Fairground's Progressland, with several members participating in the run. Including SVA President Christina Ilowiecki, who finished with a respectable 26:19 overall time and a mile pace of 8:28.

SVA President Christina Ilowiecki  near the finish line Saturday.


The Student Veterans Association is by far one of the more community active SUNY clubs on campus, with them planning to participate in the Pumpkin Patch's "mud run" this weekend and a campus car wash on Thursday to raise proceeds for community veterans in need as well as other events through out the semester.

Joshua Edmonds (15:03) and Megan Hogan (16:03) were the top finishers in Saturday's FAM 5K, which was first held in 1994 and has continued to grow every year with more funds being raised for various charities in the community.

Milone's Idea Leads to Creek Remediation Plan

June's flash flood that washed down the Main Street of Schoharie and Middleburgh sent shockwaves to the communities that are still getting back on their feet after Hurricane Irene. The flash flood may have only caused minor damage, but it did spring leaders into action. Middleburgh distributed sandbags to businesses. Schoharie reviewed its strengths and weakenesses.

And Mr. Milone had an idea.

Mr. Milone spoke with Assemblyman Peter Lopez, who had once held the seat of Supervisor. Milone made the suggestion that retaining ponds could be placed along the routes of many of the creeks of the County. This initial project was considered hyrologically unsound upon further review but provided the opening needed for more attention on the subject.

Mr. Milone's suggestion spurred Assemblyman Lopez into action. Lopez organized a meeting in June with local officials to discuss stream remediation. This grew later in the month and again in July. Mr. Lopez' working group now has support from his office, Senator Seward, and Congressman Gibson. The communities along the Valley have voiced their support.

He expanded on the idea in an August letter to the editor. "All parties involved in this effort realize that if we are to protect our residents we must address the problems that exist in our waterways by curing the problems and using methods that will lessen impacts."

The working group has expanded its set of plans to the point where a potential solution is on the table. The County Soil and Water Department has been instrumental in reviewing existing plans as well as applying for and receiving funds from the State for future remediation. Much of the work is a long way from completion but it started with an idea of Mr. Milone's.

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