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The Best Gifts from Schoharie County

NY Rising Announces Over $280 Million in Payments to Flood Damaged Homes

Written By Editor on 3/14/14 | 3/14/14

The NY Rising Housing Recovery Program has distributed more than $280 million in payments to 6,388 homeowners for damages that resulted from Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, or Tropical Storm Lee. Every eligible homeowner who applied by January 20 has been issued a check for home reconstruction. Over 4,650 Nassau residents have been issued rebuilding payments totaling over $201 million and over 1,350 Suffolk residents have been issued over $65 million in rebuilding payments. Additionally through its buyout and acquisition program, the State has made offers totaling over $293 million to purchase the homes of 709 homeowners.

The program began accepting applications in April 2013. The deadline to complete applications for NY Rising Housing Recovery assistance in counties outside NYC is April 11. (For point of reference, New Jersey closed its applications on September 30, 2013 and the City of New York, which operates an independent housing assistance program, closed to new applicants October 31, 2013.)

These deadlines do not affect homeowners already in the program, in process of receiving their award, or those seeking clarification of their award. The community buyout program in which neighborhoods can opt-in to have the state buy out their entire neighborhood will also close April 11.

The funds were made available through State’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

Homeowners interested in applying may do so by calling 1-855-697-7263 or visiting www.stormrecovery.ny.gov.

Town of Blenheim to Hold Special Meeting Tonight (March 14, 2014)


The Blenheim Town Board will be holding a special meeting tonight at 7 pm to discuss several items of note that have cropped up since their last regularly scheduled gathering, including unresolved personnel and legal issues. In addition, town board members will devote part of the meeting toward a budget workshop to see where Blenheim stands financially at this point. 

Two Seek Village Board in Richmondville


Milan Jackson and Stephen Shore, two residents in the Village of Richmondville, are seeking election to the municipality's Board of Trustees in next week's local races. Both are running unopposed for the two two year seats on the small community's governing body.

Neither candidate is new to local government, as Mr. Jackson was appointed to the Board of Trustees last September to fill a vacancy caused by Trustee Vincent Massarotti's resignation, while Mr. Young has served as Chairman of the Village Planning Board since 2011. 

The election will be held on Tuesday, March 18th from noon until nine at the Radez Elementary School on 319 Main Street. Citizens will also be heading to the polls in the Village of Middleburgh, where they too will have only two choices for two open seats on the ballot. 

Sheriff's Office Arrest Two for Possession of Syringes, Endangering Child

Written By Editor on 3/13/14 | 3/13/14

On March 12th 2014, the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ashley Oliver, 29, of Schoharie, and Frank Taylor, 22, of Schoharie, both for Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, while conducting an investigation into stolen prescription drugs, executed a search warrant on Prospect Street in the Village of Schoharie. As a result of this search warrant, several used syringes were located throughout this residence, almost all within reach of a 5 year old child who also resided at this residence.

Ashley Oliver was arraigned in the Village of Schoharie Court, and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 secured bond; to reappear in the Village of Schoharie Court on 03/24/2014.

Frank Taylor was arraigned in the Village of Schoharie Court, and was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 secured bond; to reappear in the Village of Schoharie Court on 03/24/2014.

The Schoharie County Child Protective Services were notified, and assisted at the scene.      

Annual Charity Grace Race April 26th

Fields of Grace Outreach, based out of Cobleskill, New York will be holding its annual Grace Race on Saturday, April 26th. Registration begins at 8:30am and the race, which includes both a walk and a race compontent, starts at 10am. The charity, which aims to build responsibility and Christian values for local children, has been instrumental in several programs, including working with the Boy Scouts, teaching Red Cross training, and the Rooms of Hope program, which fixed parts of dozens of homes across Schoharie County after 2011.

More information can be found on the Fields of Grace website.

Wu One Step Closer to Opening Gym in Middleburgh

Written By Editor on 3/12/14 | 3/12/14


Middleburgh is one step closer to opening a gym. 

Joined by local officials and representatives of the business community, New York City investor Da-Lai Wu made his case for opening a gym at the vacant Grand Union on Route 30 to members of the Planning Board on Tuesday night.

Wu, who in the fall unsuccessfully pursued purchasing the $5.3 million Maranatha physical fitness complex in Richmondville, briefed members of the Planning Board and the public on his plans to transform the old grocery store into a functioning fitness center, with the addition of tennis courts a possibility down the road.

After forty-five minutes of public discussion, the Planning Board voted unanimously to begin the process of issuing Mr. Wu a special use permit for the project, which will take approximately three months to undergo full review and final approval. The project could be open as early as this summer. 

Village of Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile, who initially contacted Wu about a potential project, praised the "fastidious manner which the Planning Board handled the issue," in a facebook post published on the Middleburgh community group page Wednesday morning. 

Concurring in support of the Planning Board's decision on the town's "antiquated zoning laws," Middleburgh Town Supervisor Jim Buzon called the proposed physical fitness center a "boon to the town," that will serve as a sign of life to motorists entering the Village from Route 30. 

Cobleskill Cheerleader Recognized for Exceptional Spirit, Personal Best

Albany, NY  – Capital Region Orthopedics is proud to award a driven cheerleader that is committed to always giving her Personal Best. 

Valerie Snyder, now a sophomore, is a student in Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. Valerie is currently a varsity cheerleader for the school’s basketball team.  Her accomplishments in cheerleading haven’t come easy, but her dedication has helped her succeed in the sport.

Valerie has down syndrome, and her experience as a cheerleader has inspired her teammates and the community.  Valerie’s coach, Regina Hagues says, “She comes to practice every day, she does what’s expected of her, and she’s always beaming.” The cheerleading squad has helped Valerie ever since day one. Valerie’s teammate, Jessica says, “It’s easy to teach her new things because she wants to learn. Whenever she has a question, she’s not afraid to ask for help.”

Valerie has proved that anything is possible when you are driven to overcome any obstacle you face. Her story has helped bring her community together, and inspire others to perform at their Personal Best.

Lopez, Seward Sample Taste of Schoharie

ALBANY, 03/10/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) met recently with students from the SUNY Cobleskill culinary arts program during the New York Farm Bureau’s “Taste of New York” legislative reception in Albany. He was joined by Assemblyman Peter Lopez (R/C/I - Schoharie).

From left, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, Elaine Marcel, Bethany Sperbeck, and Senator James L. Seward at the New York Farm Bureau “Taste of New York” legislative reception in Albany. 
“The New York Farm Bureau event is a grand stage for the wonderful, diverse home-grown products available across our state,” said Senator Seward.  “The SUNY Cobleskill booth is always one of the highlights and this year was no different.  It is a great way to showcase the school’s outstanding culinary program and the quality food harvested right in our backyard.”

The SUNY Cobleskill culinary arts students offered a menu made from locally-sourced products from Barber’s Farm, Danforth Jersey Farm, Hessian Hill Farm, and Schoharie Valley Farms.

One Last Brush With Snow for Schoharie County

Written By Editor on 3/11/14 | 3/11/14

Coming off temperatures in the mid-fifties Tuesday afternoon, Schoharie County residents are preparing for one (hopefully) last brush with snow as the return of spring hearkens next week. But before the long awaited change in seasons can occur, parts of Schoharie County will have to contend with anything from five to ten inches Wednesday afternoon. 

WNYT is calling for snow to develop over the early
morning and to become steadier in the evening
Unfortunately, as has been the case more than once this winter, today's snow event will be followed by a blast of frigid air tomorrow that is projected to cause local hummingbird thermometers to dip below freezing until the weekend, which will feature highs stuck in the thirties straight through next week. 

Letter to the Editor: Citizen Blasts Constitution's "Grants"

Dear Editor:
The people behind the Constitution Pipeline have been very busy applying enormous pressure to landowners along the proposed route, continuing to insist that the pipeline is inevitable and that giving up and giving in is better than fighting. They have been aggressive, telling residents that if they don’t give Constitution what they want, Constitution will simply take them to court and take their land. At the same time they are engaging in a public relations campaign to convince regulators and naive members of the public that they are just nice folks.
They recently doled out a new set of “grants” that included money to the Richmondville Emergency Squad, which took the money despite the many residents in their town who will face seizure of their land and who will live near a pipeline built by a company with a terrible safety record. They took the money despite being in a town that has passed a formal resolution opposing the pipeline. They took the money despite being in a community that has overwhelmingly spoken out against the pipeline.
So why is taking the money a bad thing?
By taking the money they are helping the pipeline get built and are helping to ensure that their neighbors will lose their land, their property values and their safety. By taking the money they help Constitution pretend that they are just out to help the community while they exploit it. By taking the money they help Constitution get approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The Iroquois Museum also took the money. Despite insisting they are dedicated to highlighting the culture and history of Native peoples, they conveniently forgot that having land taken away is a terrible part of Native history. They don’t seem to care that patrons and neighbors of the Museum will lose their land to Constitution.  They also conveniently ignore the fact that not far from here the Onondaga Nation is waging a bitter battle against their own pipeline threat and helping activists in Schoharie County fight the very pipeline from whom the Museum has taken the money.  They have blindly cashed a check from Constitution to fund a museum dedicated to indigenous peoples while indigenous peoples around the world are actively fighting exploitation by the same gas and oil companies that are behind the Constitution Pipeline.
It is often said that everyone has a price and so it seems that some in our community indeed have a price. I am deeply proud of those who do not have a price and who have said no to the bullying tactics of the pipeline company and no to the sleazy efforts of that company to buy community support with payments that represent a ridiculously tiny fraction of their enormous profits.  I am deeply proud of those landowners who have stood up to protect the land of their parents and the land of their children. I am proud of every non-profit, fire company, emergency squad and struggling museum that has refused to sell out their neighbors.   I am also committed to fighting an arrogant pipeline company that thinks all it takes for a community to surrender is a few dollars in one hand and the threat of eminent domain in the other.
Bob Nied

Cobleskill Police Blotter (March 11, 2014)

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following press release concerning recent arrests by their officers in the Village of Cobleskill: 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

    At 1:46 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jayna Whitbeck, 28, of Loudonville, NY, on a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $500 Bail / $1000 Bond.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 4th at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

     At 12:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police issued a summons for Samantha K. Maidens, 18, of Oneonta, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 12:20 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Sandra L. Hayes, 49, of Cobleskill, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 5th.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 11th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 12:20 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Precious McBride, 18, of Bronx, NY for Petit Larceny.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 1:10 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Richelle Brownell, 51, of Cobleskill, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 5th.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 11th at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

     At 3:50 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Stephanie R. Annello, 21, of Schenectady, NY, for Petit Larceny.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.
   
Friday, March 7, 2014

     At 12:33 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Zachary T. Brassard, 19, of Cheshire, MA for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and he was issued a summons for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 12:33 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Misty D. Anderson, 21, of Jefferson, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 12:33 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Renae S. Curbelo, 20, of Monticello, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

    At 12:33 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Ronald J. Greene, 19, of Granville, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 2:40 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Jeffrey C. Buffalino, 21, of Merrick, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 2:40 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Noah M. Roberts, 19, of Central Square, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

     At 3:50 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Samora VanDespuije, 20, of Peekskill, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

     At 5:10 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Zachary J. Fuegmann, 26, of Richmondville, NY, for Misapplication of Property.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

    At 12:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Kyle M. McMillan, 21, of Hopewell Junction, NY, for Violation of the Village Noise Ordinance.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 1st.  The property at 194 Elm Street was also posted for Unruly Gathering.


    At 12:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Kenneth M. McMillan, Jr. 23, of Hopewell Junction, NY, for Violation of the Village Noise Ordinance.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on April 1st.  The property at 194 Elm Street was also posted for Unruly Gathering.

Wolfe's Laundry Den Offers Schoharie Local Choice


Among the businesses lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene's devastation in the Village of Schoharie was the Valley community's only laundromat. Washed away by five feet of raging flood water, it became just another empty storefront on the county seat's badly damaged Main Street.

Until the Wolfe family decided to act and purchased the damaged structure in July 2013, whereupon they embarked on a journey spanning from late summer through mid-winter to repair, renovate, and improve the building to not only once more serve Schoharie's wash needs, but to meet their customers 21st century expectations. 

In addition to housing eighteen washers and twenty-four dryers, Wolfe's Laundry Den has made several customer friendly alterations: adding a handicap accessible bathroom and automatic door openers, offering free wi-fi to web savvy patrons, installing an air conditioner to combat the summer's stifling heat, and soon a complete lounge area. 

The laundromat, which officially opened on Monday morning in what Nancy Ann Wolfe described as an, "soft opening," and wont hold its grand opening until the weekend of April 11th-12th, represents both the return of a vital service to the small community and another step toward rebuilding Schoharie beyond what it once was.  

Wolfe's Laundry Den is open Monday-Sunday, 6am-10pm according to the business facebok page. 

Introducing Premium Ads

Written By Editor on 3/10/14 | 3/10/14

If your business or organization needs longterm visibility, consider renting one of our premium adspaces in our logo. Our site had 47,084 views in December, 52,603 in January, 58,763 views in February and is on track to grow even further.

Consider advertising on one of the premium adspaces for $200 per month and get upwards of 60,000 people seeing your ad.


There are so many possibilities. What are you waiting for?

Cobleskill EMS Pancake Breakfast Sunday, March 16th

The Cobleskill Rescue Squad Junior EMS Program is holding a pancake breakfast on March 16th for all interested. The event, from 8am until noon was listed on the Village of Cobleskill Facebook page.


Photo credit: Cobleskill FB Page

Local Republican, Democratic Party Finances in Rough Shape


In an all-out effort to capture a majority on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors last November, the Schoharie County Republican Committee spent over $8,200 in campaign and post-election funds to support their candidates up and down the ballot, according to disclosure reports filed by the Republican committee to the New York State Board of Elections. 

Although the end result has Republicans occupying ten of sixteen seats on the county legislature, the GOP's treasury has been left almost non-existent with little more then $550 in funds left in their campaign coffers; a familiar situation for both parties after local elections. Republicans had roughly $900 on hand after the 2011 campaign, and even less the year before. 

The financial situation isn't much better across the aisle. After spending an unprecedented $14,000 in defense of their legislative majority and against incumbent Republicans, the County Democrats are sitting on slightly less than $1,100 in cash, but with no significant electoral achievements to show for their campaign spending spree.  

Both committees are expected to fundraise heavily through out 2014 and into next year as political insiders expect several contentious rematches to spring up across the county electoral landscape. National and state elections rarely cost local parties more than a few thousand dollars, as their focus is inherently closer to home, but they offer good fundraising opportunities. 

Vote in Our Poll: Would You Support Fracking?

The next Schoharie News poll is going to be controversial. Do you, our readers support the idea of hydraulic fracturing in Schoharie County? Why or why not? Vote in our sidebar and comment on our Facebook page.

Poll: Most Say No to Casino

Schoharie County residents remain deeply divided about the means to stimulate the sluggish growth the area faces. One proposal recently rejected by the County Board of Supervisors was a provision to allow a casino. The proposal had the support of some Supervisors from the County, but majority support was not behind it.

A similar situation played out in our most recent Schoharie News poll.

Should a Casino be Built in Schoharie County?


Yes: 86 - 45%

No: 100 - 53%
Undecided: 5 - 2%
Total: 191


The issue is likely not dead, and public support is still almost even. Still, with land available for development, the potential use of it remains a matter for discussion.

Cobleskill Student Claims New York American Legion Oratorical Championship

Written By Editor on 3/9/14 | 3/9/14

ALBANY -- Five high school students from around New York State competed Saturday (March 8) in the New York State American Legion Oratorical Contest at Sand Creek Middle School, with Andrew R. Hartnett of Cobleskill-Richmondville High School grabbing the state title.

New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor presents plaque to state oratorical champion Andrew Hartnett of Cobleskill-Richmondville High School.
Hartnett receives a $6,000 scholarship and now goes on to national finals April 5-6 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the top three orators will share $50,000 in scholarships, New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor noted. Hartnett is a senior at Coblesill-Richmondville High, located in Richmondville, Schoharie County.


Finalists in the New York State American Legion Oratorical Contest pose with state Legion Commander Kenneth Governor. From left, the finalists are: James R. Gallagher, Sara A Bogen, Andrew R Hartnett, Nidhi B. Shah and Sarah Thomson.
 The Legion Oratorical Contest features original speeches on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, noted state Oratorical Chair Anthony L. Paternostro.

The other finalists are:

-- Sarah Thomson, a home-schooled student from Rochester in Monroe County, who grabbed second place and a $4,000 scholarship.

-- Nidhi B. Shah of Horseheads High School in Chemung County, who won third place and a $2,500 scholarship.

Runners-up were James R. Gallaher of Xavier High School in New York City and Sarah A. Bogen of Pius V School in Mellville, Suffolk County. They both receive $2,000 scholarships.

The five students had competed in county, district and zone competitions to become state finalists, noted state Chairman Anthony L. Paternostro.

Seward Paves Way For Additional Highway Funding

Written By Editor on 3/8/14 | 3/8/14

ALBANY, 03/05/14 -- On Wednesday afternoon State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) joined senate colleagues to call on Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders to increase state funding for local highway improvements. 

“Local roads, bridges, and culverts are the backbone of our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Seward. “We need a comprehensive strategy, along with state funding, to improve these key transportation components to ensure motorist safety and economic vitality.”

Local roads and bridges account for 87 percent of the roads, 52 percent of the bridges, and 48 percent of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.

Senator Seward was one of a dozen senators to sign a letter to Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders calling for:

  • A $50 million increase in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funding in the 2014-15 budget;
  • Creation of a dedicated $200 million “State Aid to Local Bridges and Culverts Program” to address local priorities.
Senator Seward was joined by county and town highway superintendents from across New York at a Capitol news conference announcing the call for additional state funding. 

“Last year I was able to help secure an additional $75 million in CHIPs funding, the first increase to the program in five years.  The added funding helps the dedicated men and women who maintain our local roads do so at a cost taxpayers can afford.  Continued, consistent state support is critical,”Seward concluded.

Abatement Info Available on County Website


Following the successful passage of two controversial local laws that offer exemptions to first-time home buyer construction and existing homeowner repairs, Schoharie County's web team has added a section on the county website that seeks to address both resident concerns and questions regarding the recently adopted abatement package. 

Including separate pdf documents to read the local laws contents and information in their entirety, the web section also has downloadable applications and instructions for homeowners interested in utilizing the county wide tax exemptions.

The local laws, which were originally adopted in the Town of Schoharie and spearheaded for approval on the county level by Schoharie Town Supervisor Gene Milone, passed on a split vote at the February Board of Supervisors meeting. Opponents argued the laws will end up costing existing homeowners down the road, while supporters insist it will lessen their financial burden by broadening the tax base. 

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