Zumba Event to Aid Flood Victims

All are invited to a Saturday, February 8th "Zumba-thon" to assist flood victims. The event, done in partnership with SALT is a great opportunity to exercise and also to help out a good cause. The three hour event offers a chance to learn new techniques and costs just $10 minimum donation.

More information can be found on the event page here.

Scho-Burgh Tickets Available at Schoharie School Office

If you are getting excited about the Scho-Burgh game coming up between rivals Schoharie and Middleburgh, tickets are available before the game at the Schoharie High School office. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for students. T-shirts are also available for $15 each. You can pick up the tickets through tomorrow-- and they will be available at the door at SUNY Cobleskill.

Vote in Our New Poll: Do You Approve of District Attorney James Sacket?

In this new poll, we are asking readers to weigh in on whether they approve or disapprove of District Attorney James Sacket's performance as chief prosecutor in Schoharie County's justice system. The District Attorney was re-elected without opposition in November.

 

This poll will be open until Tuesday and is located on the right-hand sidebar on the Schoharie News website

Middleburgh Hosting College Information Night

From the Middleburgh Central School Facebook page, the school is hosting an informational night to assist juniors considering career and educational options.

The High School Guidance Counselors will be hosting a Junior Information Night on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30 pm in the high school library. They will be discussing SAT's, SAT II's, ACT's, New Visions, Scheduling, College Timeline and Military options. If you have any questions, please call the counseling center at 827-3601.

Lopez, Gibson to Attend Education Forum in Oneonta

This Saturday at 2pm at the Oneonta High School a presentation rebutting recent education reforms will be taking place. In attendance will be Assembly members Peter Lopez, Bill Magee, and Cliff Crouch and Congressman Chris Gibson. There will be a presentation from Carol Burris, a long time educator and two others. They will discuss the effort to "provide a voice to concerned parents and teachers about  implementation of the Common Core, APPR, high-stakes testing, data privacy, and the Regent Reform Agenda."

The event is being sponsored in part by the NYS Union of Teachers and the local Oneonta Teachers' Association. The event is free to attend.

Duanesburg Tops Middleburgh 65-59 in Tough Bout

In a tight battle between two closely matched varsity squads, the Duanesburg Eagles were able to pull away from the Middleburgh Knights in the fourth quarter to come out of Knights territory with a tough 65-59 victory on Wednesday night.

 

The Knights, relying on Troy Hinkley's sixteen point performance, led after the first quarter and held their own against the Duanesburg squad. Both Ryan Bechtold and Keith Campbell successfully converted three shots from beyond the arch, a major contribution to Middleburgh's home court effort.

 

Duanesburg struggled in the paint, but made up for it with nine three-pointers and a 71.4% overall success rate at the free throw line. Chris Smalls and Dylan Madison each put up sixteen points in support of the Eagles victory, which was in doubt until the very end due to the competitive nature of both teams.

 

Middleburgh has Thursday evening off as they prepare for Friday night's annual Schoburg matchup against Valley rival Schoharie. This years contest will be held at SUNY Cobleskill, with action kicking off at 6 pm between the girls varsity squads, which will be immediately followed by the boys.

 

Middleburgh 59
Duanesburg 65
                      1st 2nd 3rd  Final
Middleburgh  16  32  46  59
Duanesburg  15  32  48  65

 

 

Opinion: Sophomoric Management Fails Valley Communities

Governor Cuomo's initial announcement of $12 million for four of Schoharie County's worst hit communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee seemed like a miracle for the Villages of Middleburgh and Schoharie and the Village and Town governments of Esperance. It offered a chance to not only further rebuild their communities, but to offer local incentives to small business, conduct stream remediation efforts and much more.

And then it didn't.

 

Rather than allowing the local municipalities to decide where the money would best be spent, as was originally intended, the NY Rising program was altered and local elected officials lost control of the funds and were left with only submitting ideas for consideration to the Community Reconstruction Program (CRP) committee. Even worse, funds no longer had to be earmarked for specific boundaries - meaning the end result could theoretically have all $12 million going into a single route 30 corridor wide project.

It would be unfair to everyone involved to not describe the state's poor handling of these funds as nonsensical, due primarily to the bind it places on local officials within their own communities by having them explain why "their money" might end up going to some other project. Not to mention the lets put it together as we go along mentality of the NY Rising program screams of sophomoric management by the governor's administration. There have been heroic efforts on the parts of the CRP Committee and Co-Chairs Georgia van Dyke and Sarah Goodrich to make sure that the money is well spent, but this in no way excuses the format of the program set up by the governor's office.

Now the Community Reconstruction Program is reportedly close to prioritizing projects for funding under the NY Rising Program and elected officials are preparing for the committee's next meeting on Thursday, January 23rd, 7pm at the Schoharie Town Hall (the 300) to weigh in on their communities specific priorities. Great, but the real question remains: will their last minute pleas make any difference?

At this point, we already know the answer to that.

All we can do is hope that the committee acts reasonably and that the state doesn't repeat its mistakes with the new $12 million in funding the Schoharie News exclusively reported has been awarded to the Towns of Blenheim, Fulton, Middleburgh and Schoharie. Once again, however, we probably already know the answer to that...

Poll: Little Public Support for Independent Fire Department in Schoharie

The latest Schoharie News poll has found significant opposition to the creation of an independent Schoharie Fire Department by participating readers. The issue has recently entered the political conversation as relations publicly frayed between Town of Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone and SFD President Martin Shrederis.

 

Only 25% of readers supported the idea, while 69% were opposed and the remaining 6% chose to remain neutral on the question. Slightly over one hundred people participated in the poll, which was open for five days on the right hand sidebar of the website.

 

 

$12 Million in New Flood Recovery Money on its Way

Governor Cuomo's NY Rising Program, launched in August, has provided up to $12 million in total funding for projects in the Villages of Esperance, Middleburgh, and Schoharie and the Town of Esperance. Now, with more federal dollars headed to the state to fund other projects, there is word that the program will expand to cover other areas devastated by the 2011 flooding.

The program will expand into municipalities not covered by the initial burst of grant funding. According to a release from SALT Recovery, another $12 million will be added to a second round of funding-- for $24 million in total. According to the information, the Towns of Middleburgh, Blenheim, Fulton, and Schoharie will all be eligible for $3 million in grants each.

This expansion of funding was requested by the local governments and by the co-chairs of the existing local NY Rising Committee, Sarah Goodrich and Georgia van Dyke. According to a statement Goodrich released, "We believe that the needs of these towns, in addition to the villages, must be addressed and that the level of damage justified the additional funding. We are thrilled that our voices were heard, and with the expansion of the funding our request was honored."

The money will be sent to a NY Rising committee made up of local dignitaries and those suggested by the local municipalities. They will then work out a series of prosepctive projects for the NYS Department of State and the Governor's office to review. The committee will have to balance needs of recovery with emergency services, business development, housing issues, flood mitigation, and others that could come up.

National Bank of Coxsackie Donates $500 to Best House

After joining forces to raise $1,000 in support of the Dr. Best House, which is located on Clauverwie Road in the Village of Middleburgh, the National Bank of Coxsackie presented Bobbi Ryan of the Best House with a $500 donation on the morning of Monday, January 13th.

The National Bank of Coxsackie, seeing potential in one of Schoharie County's "many hidden gems," pledged during the summer to match donation funds raised by the Best House up to $500, a sum the historical medical exhibit raised in just a couple of months.

In the picture from left to right is Middleburgh Branch Manager Debbie Mickel,
Marketing Officer Nicole Nazi, and Bobbi Ryan from the Dr. Best House.

Being in the Middleburgh area for over a year now, the community minded bank is looking for more unique ways to get involved in the community and give back. The National Bank of Coxsackie has seven branches, primarily located in the Catskills and is hoping to further expand.

The Dr. Christopher S. Best House, which showcases turn of the century medical devices and artifacts original to the home itself, is truly representative of America's late 1800's small-town family practices. The exhibit is open for guided tours May through October on Thursdays from 10-2pm, Saturdays in July and August 10-2pm as well as by appointment at 518-827-5142. 

Leadership Key in Cobleskill Transition

With the transition of both executive offices in Cobleskill now complete, the hard work begins for Mayor Linda Holmes and Supervisor Leo McAllister. Both have to deal with the issues of Cobleskill's stalling economies and how to deal with programs initiated by their predecessors.

For McAllister, the learning curve was set when he took office. Seemingly ready for the job, McAllister impressed at the January County Board of Supervisors meeting, showing an acumen that has not inhabited Cobleskill's seat at the chamber in years. Meanwhile, his connections in the business community seem to be paying off as projects such as a new gym and Mavis Tire are finally completed.

For Mayor Holmes, decisive action was the order of the month in December. While thanking former Mayor Mark Galasso for his input on the issue of dissolution, her decision to dissolve that committee was met with mostly positive reviews. It also showed that her focus on community involvement would not be overshadowed by an effort to dismantle the village of Cobleskill. Beyond this, her leadership in creating a Cobleskill facebook page and the recent clearing of snow by her and her trustees have been winners with popular opinion.

Whether or not this trend will continue, it is a different, more cooperative tone than Cobleskill has seen since the election of Mike Sellers portended political dysfunction that coincided with other economic issues that the community faced.

90% of Middleburgh Dissolution Costs Covered by NY State Grant

Although Village of Middleburgh residents voted overwhelmingly against dissolving their historic municipality eleven months ago, there still remained one hiccup due to the voter initiated proposition: the nearly $2,200 bill the controversial referendum cost the small village's taxpayers.

 

A bill local residents no longer have to worry about.

 

Shortly after the proposition failed, Village Board members applied for a New York State grant to cover the costs of the voter initiated dissolution vote. On December 24th they received word from the Citizens Re-Organization Empowerment Grant program informing them that their request had been approved at 90%. $1,993 is being reimbursed.

 

The initiative to dissolve the Village of Middleburgh into the Town was the brainchild of former Village Mayor Gary Hayes, who argued that doing so would decrease the taxpayers burden and promote efficiently of local government. Only 71 residents agreed.

Schoharie County Reality Check Marks 50th Anniversary of Surgeon General Smoking Warning With Local Success Story

On Thursday, January 16, 2014, the 32nd Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health will be released in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the first Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health released in January 1964. This report was the first report to the American public that identified smoking as a cause of lung cancer in men.

 

The Surgeon General’s 32nd Report on Smoking and Health provides new findings on the health effects of smoking along with a call to end the continuing tobacco use epidemic. In New York, tobacco remains the leading cause of premature death and disease, with the highest smoking rates among the poorest New Yorkers who disproportionally suffer the deadly consequences of tobacco use.

 

We at Reality Check of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties, along with local tobacco control advocates are marking this anniversary by celebrating local resident, Chris Tague’s 8 weeks being smoke-free, and drawing attention today to the tremendous health and financial burden caused by tobacco use in Schoharie County.

 

The January 1, 2014 edition of the Times Journal (page 6 of Section 1) featured the article "His Fresh Start: Reality Check, GASO helping longtime smoker Chris Tague quit" highlighting Mr. Tague’s courage and strength to quit a lifelong habit, with the help and encouragement of Reality Check of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties.

 

"We celebrate Mr. Tague and encourage others to follow his example and quit smoking," said C.J. Smith, Program Coordinator for Reality Check of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties. "The 50th anniversary and new Surgeon General’s Report confirms that it is time to end the smoking epidemic once and for all – especially for your children."

 

New York State is a leader in tobacco control with strong clean indoor air laws, the highest tobacco taxes in the nation; smoke-free outdoor laws, youth prevention initiative, and cessation programs that together have led to substantial reductions in smoking rates among adults and youth, thanks in part to programs like Reality Check. However, more than 25,000 New Yorkers still die every year due to tobacco use. 

 

The New York State Tobacco Control Program effectively reduces tobacco use, save lives and saves money. The Department of Health estimates that approximately 35% of the total decline in adult smoking is attributable to youth prevention strategies. The significant reduction in smoking among young adults will reduce future health care costs by approximately $5 billion.

 

In New York State, the smoking rate for middle school students has declined to 3.1% and the smoking rate for high school students has declined to 11.9%². The adult smoking rate for 2013 in Schoharie County is 23%, and is much higher in some parts of the state. One objective of the "Schoharie County Community Health Assessment & Improvement Plan" (November 15, 2013) submitted by the former Public Health Director of the Schoharie County Department of Health, Asante Shipp-Hilts, MPH – is to reduce the percentage of smokers in Schoharie County from 23 percent to 20 percent by 2017, with a targeted focus on adults with annual household income of less than $25,000.

 

"It is hard to believe that we are still fighting this deadly product 50 years later", said Mr. Tague. "We’ve made tremendous progress, but we must continue to tackle the enormous financial and health burden that tobacco use causes our community."

 

Reality Check is a statewide youth-led movement against the tobacco industry and their manipulative and deceptive marketing practices. Reality Check is composed of teens 13-18 committed to exposing big tobacco and preventing them from targeting youth with their marketing. Reality Check strives to create positive change in our community through grassroots activism, community education, media campaigns and political education.

Water Supervisor: Cobleskill Water is "Safe to Drink"

The Village of Cobleskill published the following notice on the local government's facebook page:

The water supervisor has made the following announcement: Many residents may notice a musty taste and odor in the water. This is because the water dept. is now using Dow reservoir (the oldest source.)

Because of the high amounts of nutrients in this reservoir, algae levels were very high. Algae causes the taste even after the treatment plant removes the algae. We are adding potassium permanganate to help get rid it.

The water is safe to drink and meets all drinking water standards. Taste and odors pose no health effects. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to call 234-2195.

Sheriffs Office Charges Esperance Woman with Resisting Arrest

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Office charged Kimberly Wilson (47) of Esperance with Menacing in the Third Degree and Resisting Arrest following a report of a dispute occurring roadside in the Town of Carlisle on Wednesday, January 8th.

 

 

Upon units locating the suspects vehicle on Grovenors Corners Road, Ms. Wilson fled into a wooded area. She was taken into custody after a brief resistance and arraigned in the Town of Carlisle Court and released to appear at a later date.

Gun Rights in Focus at Middleburgh Protest

A protest in favor of gun rights gathered dozens at the Middleburgh Rod and Gun Club on Saturday. The event, attended by local officials, concerned citizens, and pro-Second Amendment groups highlighted opposition to the 2013 SAFE Act.

The event was covered by both local and Albany press and began with a noon firing of single rounds from the attendees in unified protest. The event then moved inside, led first by Senator James Seward. Seward talked about the process in which the SAFE Act was passed, which he described as rushed. Next was Sheriff Tony Desmond, who spoke of the importance of history in dealing with such a law. He was reminded by the Schoharie Valley being the Breadbasket of the Revolution and how the law was opposed by most of the Counties in the state. It was noted that Sheriff Desmond was the only New York State Sheriff not invited to a conference with Governor Cuomo recently.

There were a series of speakers from local groups that spoke of the importance of gun rights and how they opposed the SAFE Act.

The last speaker was Assemblyman Peter Lopez, who spoke of the logistical challenges of how to overturn the law-- either through the Courts or through the state legistlature. He said that the pressure was like that of boiling lobster-- some pressure is noticeable when amplified.

Middleburgh Falls 86-63 to Visiting Mekeel Christian Adademy

Despite Ryan Bechtold and Tanner Van Aller each contributing a doubt-digit effort in support of Middleburgh's cause Friday night, the Knights varsity squad was simply no match for the visiting Mekeel Christian Academy Lions, who breezed to a comfortable 86-63 victory.

Photo credit: Bob Roney

The Knights, coming off a heart breaking loss to Berne-Knox just before the holiday break, struggled from the opening tip-off. They managed to close the gap at halftime, trailing by just five, but couldn't hold on against the private academy as the Lions outscored Middleburgh 52-34 in the second half.

 

Mike Mann and Alex Mulvey accounted for slightly less than half of Mekeel's overall performance with forty-one points scored combined, thirty-six of which came from successful conversions from beyond the arc - Middleburgh's entire squad could only muster eighteen.

 

Middleburgh 63
Meekel Christian 86
                      1st 2nd 3rd  Final
Middleburgh  13  29  45  63
MCA              20  34  63  86

 

Local Hannaford Praised for Generosity

 

The Duanesburg Hannaford, located less than a mile away from Esperance on Route 20, was praised in a recent letter by the Schoharie County Department of Social Services for adopting a family this past Christmas in a show of kindness and generosity that continues to bring joy to the disadvantaged family. 

Associates, who donated everything from Batman toys to books and clothes for the family, went above and beyond in their support of the Department of Social Services annual program. According to the letter the grandmother was, "literally stunned and cried with joy," to receive such generous amounts of gifts.

 

Gene Prout, store manager of the $3.2 million grocery and fresh foods that employs dozens of area residents, attached a thank you message to the letter where he stated that the generosity of associates was, "another great example of the power of you." He would later add that he was, "proud to be associated," with his employees.

As Schoharie County Considers Administrator Proposal, Montgomery County Welcomes First Executive

Town of Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone's proposed County Administrator position has set off a countywide conversation on a issue that has jumped on and off again the Board of Supervisors radar the past two decades, in a debate that mirrors neighboring Montgomery County's recently reviewed and voter approved change in government.  

 

After operating under a governing system that closely resembles that of Mr. Milone's proposal for approximately twenty five years, where a County Board of Supervisors of fifteen members (10 Town and 5 City of Amsterdam) and an appointed administrator handled public business, Town of Glen Supervisor Larry Coddington successfully initiated efforts that led to the establishment of the County Government Study Committee in early 2012. They were tasked with conducting research into altering the county's form of government.

 

The Committee's findings led to the subsequent creation of the Montgomery County Charter Commission that over three months found that the previous system failed due to the, "personality conflicts and differences of styles between the County Board of Supervisors (legislators) and the County Administrator." 

 

Commission members subsequently drafted and proposed a new form of county government. One that replaced the existing Board of Supervisors with a nine-member legislative body, put in place an elected County Executive and received both Board of Supervisors approval and slightly over 60% of the public's support in November, 2012.

 

Matthew Ossenfort, who previously worked in Assemblyman George Amedore's office as Chief of Staff and holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration, was elected to serve as Montgomery County Executive this past November. Voters also elected nine district level legislators to replace the outgoing Board of Supervisors.  

 

The issue of County Administrator is expected to be discussed at the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors monthly board meeting on Friday, January 24th at 9 am. Lawmakers are not expected to take immediate action on the proposal, but the choices that Montgomery County made may weigh heavily on their own decision making.

Governor Cuomo Nominates Schoharie Farmer as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets

 

The following is an official press release filed by the Governors office:

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the nomination of Richard A. Ball as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

 

“Richard Ball is a lifelong farmer and advocate for sound farm policy who will bring fresh ideas and strong leadership to the Department of Agriculture and Markets,” Governor Cuomo said. “Agriculture is a vital sector of the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs, food for people around the globe, and a way of life for generations of New Yorkers. Richard embodies the proud tradition of farming here in New York State and will be a superb addition to this Administration.”

 

A native New Yorker, Mr. Ball has made a living in agriculture his entire life. His inspiration to become a farmer came from his grandparents, who were lifelong dairy farmers. At 18 years old, Mr. Ball began his career in agriculture as a farm worker at a vegetable farm in Rhode Island. He later became operations manager of that same farm. After 20 years in Rhode Island, Mr. Ball moved back to the Empire State with an opportunity to become a farm owner. For the past 20 years, he has been the owner and operator of Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie, NY, which consists of 200 acres and produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops. The farm serves both retail and wholesale consumers through an onsite farm market known as “The Carrot Barn” and ships to brokers and restaurants in the local area as well as New York City.

 

Mr. Ball has held a number of positions within agriculture and community organizations at the local, state and national level, including:

• Vice President - New York State Vegetable Growers Association
• Board of Directors, Member of Executive Committee, Member of Audit Committee, Chairman of Labor Committee – New York Farm Bureau
• Member of Labor Committee (past Chairman) – American Farm Bureau
• Representative for Schoharie County – Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council
• Board of Directors (past President) – Schoharie County Farm Bureau
• President – Schoharie Valley Association
• Chairman – Schoharie Recovery, Inc., a non-profit formed to help the recovery effort from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee
• Past President – Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce.

 

Mr. Ball, his wife Shirley, and his three children are actively engaged in farming with a growing number of future farmers among the grandchildren.

 

Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau, said, “New York Farm Bureau could not be more pleased with the Governor’s outstanding selection of Richard Ball to be the next Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets. As a farmer, Richard understands the needs and challenges we all face on our farms. That knowledge and the respect he has among his peers will serve the state’s agricultural community well. We look forward to continuing Farm Bureau’s strong partnership with Richard and Governor Cuomo to support every farmer in New York.”

 

Kathryn Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, said, “On behalf of the faculty and staff at CALS, I extend my congratulations to Richard Ball on this appointment. We look forward to working closely with Mr. Ball on key issues facing New York State’s farmers and producers. This is an exciting time for agriculture, and I am confident that his experiences and expertise will help New York State continue to lead the way.”

 

Mark Henry, President of the New York State Vegetable Growers Association, said, “The New York State Vegetable Growers Association is proud and excited to hear about fellow vegetable farmer, Rich Ball’s, nomination as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. Rich is first and foremost a farmer. He’s watched his land flood, worked through blizzards, and watched the first green tips push their heads above soil every spring in spite of all the challenges. With the nomination of Rich Ball as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, the New York State Vegetable Growers Association feels that 2014 is starting out on a positive note.”

 

Jim Allen, President of the New York Apple Association, said, “I’ve known Richard Ball for a number of years and have worked with him on many different initiatives, including the Pride of NY program. He has an astute knowledge of all aspects of agriculture. His operation in Schoharie is a destination for thousands every year and I think he is an absolutely wonderful choice as our state’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.”

 

GrowNYC Executive Director Marcel Van Ooyen said, “On behalf of GrowNYC, I’d like to congratulate Richard Ball on this well-deserved nomination as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. Richard Ball understands the importance of building relationships between upstate agriculture and downstate consumers, and we look forward to working with him to expand opportunities for New York agricultural producers across New York City in the future.”

 

Jim Trezise, President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said, “Governor Cuomo’s selection of Richard Ball as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets is a strong choice, and great news for the state’s vibrant wine and grape industry. Mr. Ball understands that pro-growth agricultural policies lead to a robust farm sector. We’ve seen it already with the growth of our farm-based beverage industry and in a number of other industries across the state. I look forward to working with Commissioner Ball on Taste NY and other state initiatives designed to promote New York products.”