Letter to the Editor: Resident Blasts Schumer on Fracking

Senator Chuck Schumer says fracking is good and there is widespread support for it. Congress just gave the green light to ship LNG overseas, and he's wasting no time getting the message out to the industry that Upstate NY is for sale.

Mr. Schumer, we want fracking about as much as we want skin rashes, nosebleeds, lung cancer, earthquakes, tap water you can light with a match and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Why is that over 210 municipalities have adopted legislation to ban fracking in NY State? Maybe it's because we've done our homework and seen the destruction this industry leaves in its wake.

New Yorkers will not be lured by the promise of jobs when it means sacrificing the health of our families and our homeland for the profit of a large corporation. What happened to the jobs that were promised by the rebuilding of our infrastructure, or green energy jobs that would restore a sustainable planet.

Annually, $52 Billion US tax dollars go to oil, gas and coal companies in Federal subsidies. Someone please wake up Senator Schumer, he's spending too much time in bed with the fossil fuelers.

Regards,

Deborah Krol

Cobleskill Police Arrest Man for Sale and Possession of Marihuana

Earlier this afternoon the Cobleskill Police Department announced the arrest of Terrance K. Phinney, 23, of Newburgh, New York following a joint investigation with the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET).

During an on-going investigation by local and state authorities, it was learned that Phinney was allegedly involved in the sale and possession of marihuana. On Wednesday morning at 10:00 am members of the Cobleskill Police Department and CNET executed a search warrant at Mr. Phinney's residence on MacArthur Avenue. 

Based on the search warrant execution, law enforcement seized over a quarter pound of processed marihuana; a quantity of edible food productions containing marihuana; a quantity of Ecstasy: prescription medication; drug paraphernalia such as pipes, bongs, plastic bags packing, a digital scale and $735.00 in currency. 

Phinney was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and charged with 2 counts of Criminal Sale of Marihuana in the Third Degree; 1 count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree; 1 count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree; and, 1 count of Criminal Possession of Marihuana in the 4th Degree.

The suspect was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 cash bail or $30,000.00 bond. He is to return to Town of Cobleskill Court on Monday, May 12th at 11:00 am for future action.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident, or with any information on drug activity in the Cobleskill community, is urged to contact Sgt. Rich Bialkowski at 518-234-2923. Any information provided will be kept confidential.   

Ludwig Chiropractic Raises $505 to Benefit SALT with Ladies Night Out

Cobleskill, NY. – May 7, 2014. Ludwig Family Chiropractic of Cobleskill hosted the Third Annual Ladies Night out fundraiser to support SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery ) on  May 2nd from 5:30 pm- 9pm at the office of Ludwig Family Chiropractic located at 109 Park Place in Cobleskill. The event was a success with a total of $505 was raised for SALT. 

Melissa Jones, of the ladies enjoying the night's festivities,
receives a back massage from Kimberly Marsh.
Photo credit: SALT

“We had a great turnout,” recalls organizer Danielle Seiderer of Ludwig Chiropractic.  “And we are planning to make next year’s 4th Annual Ladies Night Out an even bigger and better event.”

The 3rd Annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser included appetizers from SUNY Culinary students, FREE Chair massage by Kimberly Marsh LMT, local handcrafted jewelry from Blessed BEads Boutique at 10 % off, cookies, cakes and various goodies by Denise's Kitchen, do Terra Aroma Essential Oils presented by Anna, Faerie Hair ~ Silken Sparkle Threads and FREE European facials with Suzanna Ullman a representative from ARBONNE.  In conjunction with the Ludwig office Coby's offered a FREE wine tasting in their Lobby from 6-8pm presented by Southern Wine and Spirits as well as 15% off an entree with the purchase of an entree. Coby’s will also featured card readings by Julie from 5:30-8:30. The Studio for Art and Craft hosted a make and take Dichroic glass Pendant. 

Photo credit: SALT

“We are very grateful to have businesses like Ludwig Chiropractic, who continue to support the long term recovery effort, in our community,” states Sarah Goodrich, SALT Executive Director.  

SALT is the lead agency coordinating ongoing flood recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek basin and surrounding area.

Treasurer's Office Announces Annual Property Auction to be Held May 17

Schoharie County Treasurer William Cherry has announced that he will conduct the county’s annual public auction of tax-foreclosed properties on Saturday, May 17th.  The auction will be held on the front steps of the County Courthouse in the Village of Schoharie, and bidding will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. on that day.  Copies of the auction catalog with full color photographs and tax maps are available at no charge from the County Treasurer’s Office on the first floor of the County Office Building, or the catalog is available online at: SchoharieCounty-NY.gov.  Bidder registration will open up at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the sale, although interested buyers can pre-register during regular office hours at the Treasurer’s Office in order to save time on May 17th.  Terms of sale describing the auction process are included in the catalog.

48 tax-foreclosed properties will be sold to the highest bidders, and all delinquent taxes, liens, mortgages, and prior judgments have been wiped out so that the successful bidders will be purchasing these properties free and clear.  These are now County-owned surplus parcels and there is no longer any opportunity for the prior owners to make a claim against the property.  There is no buyer’s premium, and there are no minimum bids. 

The catalog of properties includes single family homes as well as abandoned farmland along with vacant land ranging from several one acre lots to a large 74.5 acre wooded parcel.  There are also some commercial buildings included with lots of potential, and several older mobile homes on their own nice homesites.  Some of the auction parcels have beautiful, panoramic mountain views, and two of the parcels are adjacent to State lands which make them especially attractive to hunters.

For more information, please contact the County Treasurer’s Office at (518) 295-8386.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

New Slate Fitness to Open in Sharon Springs Soon

After months of anticipation the Sharon Springs community is close to seeing New Slate Fitness, a physical fitness club located on Route 20 and owned by former U.S. Open tennis coach Da-lai Wu, open its doors and services to the general public.

In a message published on New Slate's facebook page, readers were informed that the facility's fitness equipment and flooring have already been ordered and are expected to arrive soon, at least "two weeks ahead of schedule."

Consequently, the flooring - in addition to phone and internet service for select aerobic equipment, and the completed construction of the examination/training room - are all expected to arrive or be finished by the coming weekend. Additional aerobic and resistance training equipment will arrive next week.

Mr. Wu, who unsuccessfully pursued purchasing the Maranatha Family Center over the course of last fall into early winter, has also explored opening a gym/fitness center in the Middleburgh community's abandoned Grand Union building. 

Pre-sales for combined personal training/club memberships and general memberships will be announced soon, as will New Slate Fitness' official hours of operations and membership prices.

Stamford Residents Invited to Attend Forums on Performing Arts Center

STAMFORD - In 2009 Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council, Inc. (WCCRC) acquired the property formerly known as the Stamford Performing Arts Center, located at 76 Main Street in the Village of Stamford.  At the time, WCCRC believed strongly that having an arts venue in the center of the Village was important to the Village’s continuing revitalization and economic growth.  Five years later, WCCRC believes that this is still true,

 

The arts center will once again be available for community use as of July 1, 2014.  The complex includes two venues:  a two-story Carriage House, which includes a 99-seat performance theater on the first floor and a workshop / studio space on the second floor, and what is locally referred to as, “the coffee house.” The coffee house is a small performance venue in the Main Street storefront and can accommodate up to 50 people. 

 

WCCRC is inviting residents of the region to attend a series of community forums to discuss ideas about how these special performance venues can be used to benefit the area in the future.  Community members have many fond memories of performances that have been held at the site over its long history as an arts center, including plays, concerts, workshops and art shows. 

 

There are two forums scheduled and everyone is invited to attend to share their thoughts.  Both will be held in the Community Room at the Stamford Village Apartments at 125 Main Street in the Village of Stamford.  Join the staff of WCCRC on Wednesday, May 28 at 7 p.m. or on Saturday, May 31 at 2 p.m. to contribute your ideas.  An open house at the venues will be scheduled for the month of July, where community input will be shared.

 

WCCRC is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit Rural Preservation Company with a mission to cooperate with local, state and federal governmental and civic bodies in aiding, assisting and fostering the planning, development, renewal, and improvement of housing and other buildings for the primary purpose of revitalizing communities in their service area.  WCCRC’s service area covers the towns of Harpersfield, Kortright, Middletown, Roxbury and Stamford in Delaware County; Blenheim, Broome, Conesville, Fulton, Gilboa, Jefferson, and Summit in Schoharie County, and Ashland, Halcott, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, and Prattsville in Greene County.

 

For more information on other WCCRC projects visit www.westerncatskills.org.

Deputy's Quick Thinking Identifies Missing Cohoes Man in Schoharie

In a story first reported by News 10 ABC Monday afternoon, a missing Cohoes man was discovered in the Village of Schoharie earlier that day by an alert Schoharie County Sheriff's Deputy who observed the man bicycling through the municipality while on patrol. 

According to Sheriff Tony Desmond, Deputy Terry Minton was unaware that the subject was reported missing, but upon interviewing the man and learning of his name, further investigation led to a successful determination that he was, in fact, the missing individual. 

He was then taken to the Sheriff's Office, where the Cohoes Police Department was notified and they informed the man's family of his discovery. Family members would later come to the Sheriff's Office that night and took him home. 

Praising the work of the alert officer, Sheriff Desmond told the Schoharie News that, "Deputy Minton did a good job in recognizing that something was not right." The Sheriff would go on to add that the Deputy's actions, "saved the man's family from more concern about his whereabouts."

County Clerk's Office Announces Special Passport Night on Wednesday May 14

In a press release issued earlier this week, Schoharie County Clerk Indy Jaycox announced that in order to "offer the public the opportunity to apply for a new passport," the clerk's office would be open additional hours on Wednesday, May 14th from 8:30 am until 8:00 pm.

During this time local residents may renew a child's passport (15 years and under), or get a new photo for an adult renewal. The County Clerk hopes the extra hour of operation will allow those who cannot make it by 7:00 pm, the chance to take care of their passport needs. 

Staff will be on hand to process applications and assist the public as necessary as part of this special Passport Night. 

Both the County Clerk's Office and the Department of Motor Vehicle Office are open until 7:00 pm every Wednesday evening, affording local residents an opportunity to take care of any outstanding business of their way home during the workweek. 

Cobleskill Police Blotter (May 6, 2014)

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following arrest report for the week of April 28-May 4.

Monday, April 28, 2014

At 11:00 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Matthew C. Cascone, 24, of Northport, NY, for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released after posting $500 bail. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on April 29th at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 1, 2014

At 5:17 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Bernadette W. Rigley, 25, of Watervliet, 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 May 13th at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 2, 2014

At 10:20 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Faheem A. Simpson, 19, of New York, NY, for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on May 6th at 5:00 p.m.

At 11:25 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Dwayne Carroll, 19, of Astoria, NY, for Grand Larcency 3rd, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd, and Falsely Reporting an Incident 3rd. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $5,000 Bail/$10,000 Bond. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on May 6th at 5:00 p.m.

At 1:19 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Zachary Bennett, 24, of Richmondville, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on May 13th at 5:00 p.m.

At 2:32 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Gabriel Marin, 19, of Long Island City, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Trespassing. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

At 6:16 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Timothy M. Johnson, 22, of Staten Island, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

At 6:16 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Uziel N. Crescenzi, 20, of Bronx, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

At 10:40 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Joseph A. Galligan-Sowers, 21, of Schenectady, NY, for Trespassing. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

At 3:20 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Corinna Burton, 37, of Sloansville, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Misapplication of Property. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 13th at 5:00 p.m.

At 4:01 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Edward W. Schmidt, 32, of Cobleskill, NY, on a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released after the fine was paid.

At 8:03 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Monique F. Borden, 32, of Sharon Springs, NY, on a Bench Warrant for Sentence Violation and Declaration of Delinquency. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released for further with the Schoharie County Probation Department.

At 10:54 p.m. Cobleskill Police issued a summons to Alan J. Candelario, 18, of Greenfield Park, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

At 10:54 p.m. Cobleskill Police issued a summons to James C. Hynes, 18, of Penfield, NY, for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

At 12:48 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Deleon S. Johnson, 26, of Roosevelt, NY, for Open Container. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 27th at 5:00 p.m.

Local Quilt Shops to Collect Food During This Week's Shop Hop Event

Esperance, New York (May 5, 2014) Eleven local quilt shops have joined together to create a fun Shop Hop May 8-11. Shop Hoppers will have the opportunity to travel to eleven different shops, entering for door prizes and receiving patterns for a shop hop project along the way. Each shop will accept donations of non perishable food or a local food pantry during the Hop.

Hoppers who visit all eleven shops will receive a prize and be eligible to win one of three gift certificate packages, collectively valued at over $2,500. For more information please visit the event's official facebook page.

The Quiltbug shop is also sponsoring a raffle quilt and collecting donations for Cystic Fibrosis research. Located just over the Schoharie Creek bridge on Main Street in Esperance, this quilt shop is packed with fabric, books, batting, patterns, notions, sewing supplies and other amenities beloved by quilters and crafters.

For more information, please contact Kris Driessen at 1-888-817-6577 or by e-mail at quiltbug.com@gmail.com

Owners Seek Community Support in Restoring Bull's Head Inn

The Bull's Head Inn is one of Schoharie County's treasures from the early nineteenth century, a corner-piece establishment in Olde Cobleskill defined by its majestic appearance and its ghostly folklore, but of late it has suffered from the same economic woes that have plagued the county. 

Three entrepreneurs who purchased the historic restaurant last year - Christopher Guldner, Mary Sagendorf, and Kevin Guldner - are trying to change that and bring the landmark back to its former glory, but need the community's help to do so. 

As part of their restoration efforts to bring the facility back to operation, significant structural repairs need to be completed, including the installation of a fire sprinkler system throughout the entire building and an associated new water main, which are estimated to top $32,000 in costs.

To offset the hefty price-tag of furbishing the necessary fire protection system, the new owners have launched a "Protect the Bull's Head Inn" campaign on gofundme.com that is appealing to local residents and patrons of the fine establishment to assist them in restoring the restaurant to its place in the community. 

The campaign launched at the end of March and has since raised over $11,500 from donors, or one-third of the goal amount. But as impressive as their early fundraising efforts have been, they still need help from everyday residents to rehabilitate and restore the legendary Bull's Head Inn to its former glory.

You can find out more and donate to their campaign here. 

Letter to the Editor: Milone Urges County Administrator Approval

Dear Editor,

It has been five months since I introduced a Local Law calling for the appointment of a County Administrator, someone who would shoulder the responsibilities of a Chief Administrator working in conjunction with the County Board of Supervisors on a daily basis concerning the overall administration of county government. This is something our county has never had and is in desperate need of.  He or she would also become the go-to person on a daily basis pertaining to issues that affect not only the work force but, the general public as well.  This individual would appoint such office staff authorized by the board, take recommendations to the appropriate committee or to the Chairman of the Board, including recommendations to hire department head positions, work in conjunction with and coordinate activities of county department heads and the administration of all units of county government in order to most efficiently implement the directions of the Board of Supervisors.  He or she would have general supervision of all county departments and agencies, including supervision of purchasing and auditing functions, work with each department on the development of an annual plan (goals) for the most effective and efficient operation of county government, to aid the Board of Supervisors in evaluating proposals presented and make recommendations concerning such proposals, to serve as an adviser in developing policies and procedures, to initiate and oversee the collective bargaining process with organized employees and to serve as the Labor Relations Director to resolve grievances, to execute and approve contracts in the name of the county and be authorized to transfer funds within the adopted budget and to have such powers to perform other duties empowered by the Board of Supervisors.

This brief overview is what would be expected of this individual, creating something which has been missing in county government for a long time, that being accountability as well as someone watching the store on a daily basis which any successful business owner can appreciate.  The current state of our county government continues to leave a lot to be desired.  We have been without an IT Director for almost a year and a half, the Health Dept. still does not have a permanent director as well as the Personnel Dept.  Major contracts have been jeopardized by incompetence and we still have some individuals in place that were part of a conspiracy unveiled by the Fitzmaurice report.

It has been the philosophy of the Board of Supervisors for years that they, and only they, run the county, never willing to recognize that perhaps in many instances they were in over their heads on issues.  While it is not my intention to discredit my colleagues that I sit with at the County, because I appreciate and care about them all, I am willing to recognize that we are in need of help.  If that is not apparent then we become part of the problem and not part of the cure.  It remains my wish that the County Board and the general public take a serious look at the local law that was introduced.  Take a bold step forward in an attempt to remedy the issues which have plagued our county for years and if this concept proves successful we will have afforded our constituents the type of representation and government they well deserve.

Collectively we can stop county government from floundering on a daily basis.  We have an obligation to provide efficient and meaningful government.  Change never comes easy but if we can recognize change is necessary it becomes a lot more palatable. 

Gene Milone

Schoharie Supervisor

For Middleburgh Accountant, A Chance to Assist in Recovery

Francis Pipczynski didn't quite know what to expect when he accepted a meeting with Mayor Matthew Avitabile of Middleburgh. The Mayor had posted an ad online calling for an accountant to return to the community. The community's beloved accountant, Joe Muniz, had been forced out by Hurricane Irene. The first meeting went well, then the second, and then an introduction to Middleburgh's new Business Association.

By December 2013 an office was open on Main Street. The Village government furnished a small grant and a zero-percent loan to assist the opening of Valley Tax and Accounting. A website was up, later a Facebook page. Pipczynski didn't expect to make a killing in his first year, and wanted to be a part of the community's recovery. "My own belief is that there are only two types of people - hill finders and hill climbers and so far I have only met the latter," he said. The business community and local residents rallied around the new accountant. For the community it was more than another business-- the opening of the office was the ninth since 2012, marking the first time Middleburgh had more businesses than before the flood.

From Miracle on Main Street, December 2013. Photo credit Francis Pipczynski

Valley Tax took part in December's annual Miracle on Main Street and was amazed by the community outpouring of support. He publishes a newsletter for people to take advantage of saving and tax loopholes.

Part of the December newsletter

Pipczynski offers more than just accounting but also personal asset services, retirement planning, and bookkeeping for businesses. His office is at 296 Main Street in Middleburgh and can be reached at 827-3311.

Vote in Our New Poll: Do You Approve of Assemblyman Lopez?

In our latest survey of Schoharie News readers, we are asking whether you approve or disapprove of New York State Assemblyman Peter Lopez's job performance as Schoharie County's elected representative in the lower house of the state legislature. 

Assemblyman Lopez was first elected to the State Assembly in 2006, after having previously served as Schoharie County Clerk, Schoharie Town Supervisor, and Village of Schoharie Trustee over the years. Lopez has regularly received over 60% of the vote in his re-election campaigns.

The poll is located on the right-hand sidebar of the website and will remain open until Saturday morning. 

Everyone Wins in Donkeyball Event, AED Project Raises $2,000

With over five hundred people coming out to the inaugural Donkeyball tournament Friday night, the AED Project of Schoharie County raised a total of $2,050.00 in support of their cause to increase local safety and awareness of sudden cardiac arrest.

April the donkey threw many a would-
be riders off her back Friday night

The crowd excitedly packed Cobleskill-Richmondville High School gym to watch four local school districts - Cobleskill-Richmondville, Middleburgh, Schoharie and Sharon Springs - send their best athletes to compete against one another, whilst attempting to ride donkeys. 

Hilarity ensued. While they represented some of the county's best high school basketball players on the court, that skill set didn't correlate into an ability of taming half a dozen donkeys, which resulted in players ending up on their backsides more often than not and inevitably low scoring games. 

Players were lucky if the donkeys had
the same idea in mind... most didn't.

In the end, although Schoharie would be crowned the victors of Friday's unique Donkeyball tournament with a overtime win over Middleburgh, the real winner of the night was the AED Project of Schoharie County that put together such an incredible event with only three weeks of time to do so.

Nancy Brumaghim of the AED Project told the Schoharie News that the amount raised was enough to purchase one AED defibrillator and a non-shocking training device. She would go to call the event a, "great success," and thanked everyone involved: including Green Mountain Donkeyball, fans, players, MC Brian Dineen, volunteers, Cobleskill-Richmondville and co-organizers and staff. 

Poll: Voters Strongly Approve of Jaycox

The latest Schoharie News poll has found that readers strongly support the job performance of Schoharie County Clerk Indy Jaycox, who has served in her current capacity since being appointed to replace Peter Lopez following his election to the Assembly in 2006. 

Mrs. Jaycox has since been re-elected twice to the position, most recently over perennial candidate and former Middleburgh Mayor Gary Hayes by a near two-to-one margin in November 2011.

According to the survey, which over one hundred and fifty readers participated in, 67% (104 votes) approved of the Clerk's job performance, while only 25% (39 votes) disapproved and the remaining 7% (12 votes) remain undecided at this time. 

We have previously surveyed the approval ratings of Sheriff Desmond, District Attorney Sacket, and County Treasurer Cherry; the last of which was marred by voter fraud.

Howe Caverns Site Ahead of Curve on Environmental Study

Cobleskill, NY – During the mandatory meeting of the 22 interested parties looking to be approved to build one of four casinos in New York State, the repeated concern of the day was the ability to meet the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). 

“It became clear at the meeting that several potential developers are concerned over meeting the requirements and doing so in a timely fashion.  Howe Caverns has already completed a SEQR review giving us a leg up as a true ready to build site for a casino,” Emil Galasso, President of Howe Caves Development Corporation, said.

A SEQR review requires the sponsoring or approving governmental body to identify and mitigate the significant environmental impacts of the activity it is proposing or permitting. This process can take upwards of 18 months.

This becomes of serious concerns to potential casino developers and operators as licensees can be fined for failing to open for gambling within two years of getting a license, and must declare any obstacles to completing the environmental review.

“Time and again, we have shown that Howe Caverns is one of the premier sites in New York to build a casino.  We have over 330 acres of true shovel ready land that can be built on immediately.  This includes the cumbersome and time consuming SEQR review.” Galasso said.

“Our proposal is consistent with the Governor's stated goals to target areas in need and build destination resorts in communities that express local support.  I think it is becoming clearer each day that Howe Caverns is the best site with least obstacles for the quick, successful development of a casino,” Galasso continued.

Howe Caverns has been in operation since 1842.  In 2007, businessmen Emil Galasso and Charles Wright purchased Howe Caverns and since that time, have updated the original facility and added outdoor attractions such as the Howe High Adventure Park. 

Howe Caverns sits on a beautiful mountainside with spectacular views overlooking the Helderberg Plateau.  It is located just off Interstate 88, about 30 minutes from Oneonta and Cooperstown to the west, and 30 minutes from Albany to the east and 2.5 hours from NYC. 

Depot Lane Singers Concert this Weekend

This Friday and Saturday, enjoy the music of the Depot Lane singers at their concerts.

Sacket Honored by Schoharie County GOP

Schoharie County District Attorney James Sacket was honored by the Schoharie County Republican Party as the 2014 Republican Man of the Year award recipient in their 67th annual Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday evening at the Caverns Palace. 

The annual event hosted over one hundred Republican faithful and featured several guest speakers, including Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors Tony VanGlad, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, State Senator Jim Seward, and Congressman Chris Gibson.

Mr. Sacket was introduced by 2013 Republican Man of the Year Judge Dan Lamont, who described the five-term District Attorney as a fair practitioner of the law and deserving of the GOP's recognition.  

Shortly after Mr. Sacket was named, his wife Rhonda was announced as the 2014 Women's Republican of the Year award honoree by Gilboa Town Councilwoman and 2013 recipient of the award Dottie Pickett. 

The couple, who have been married since 1994, were joined by their two children at the event.

Seward to Host Training For Lifesaving Heroin Overdose Medication

ONEONTA, 05/01/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) announced Wednesday that he will be hosting a free heroin/opioid overdose prevention training class on Wednesday, May 7th at the FoxCare Center in Oneonta.

“A key aspect in the short term battle against heroin and opioid abuse is preventing overdose deaths,” said Senator Seward.  “Training more individuals to administer the overdose reversal medicine Naxolone or Narcan will save lives, that’s why I am sponsoring this event and will be among those taking the class on May 7^th .”

Narcan is a prescription medicine which can be administered nasally and can revive someone who is overdosing.  Currently, in order to obtain this life-saving medication, you must complete a brief training class.

Senator Seward will be partnering with Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc., and Otsego County Addiction Recovery Services to conduct a free training class that meets New York State Department of Health requirements.  Participants will receive a certificate of completion and an emergency resuscitation kit that includes Narcan.  

Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc., Executive Director Jeanette Tolson said, “Offering public trainings about preventing overdose from opioids is a critical step in combating this complicated problem.  A community effort bringing together individuals in recovery and their families, friends and allies is essential in long term solution development.”

Otsego County Chemical Dependency Program Manager Justin Thalheimer said, “Narcan is already saving lives and it is a matter of time before it saves a life here if it has not already.  Senator Seward’s assistance in highlighting this emergency treatment is a significant step in educating the public.” 

Senator Seward is a member of the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction.  He recently hosted a roundtable discussion to solicit input from local experts on the rise in use of heroin and other opioids.  Similar forums are being held across the state, and the task force will use the findings to help develop legislation that will be advanced during this legislative session.

“A comprehensive approach is needed to combat the rise in heroin use, which has reached epidemic proportions.  Better education programs, improved insurance coverage for treatment, avenues to help recovering addicts find a job, and stronger criminal penalties for heroin dealers are all under consideration,” added Seward.

The rise in heroin use and the deadly effects of the drug are well documented.  A 2012 federal survey on drug use and health reported that the number of people who said they used heroin in the past 12 months rose from 373,000 people in 2007 to 669,000 people in 2012.

The heroin/opioid overdose prevention class will take place on Wednesday, May 7^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wellness Conference Room, FoxCare Center in Oneonta.  The training is free and open to the public.  Space is limited and pre-registration is strongly recommended online at www.senatorjimseward.com or by calling (607) 432-5524.