Student Arrested Following Consecutive Days of Bomb Threats at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School

On December 1, 2016 troopers at SP Cobleskill arrested a 16 year old male student for Falsely Reporting an incident on school grounds, following consecutive days of bomb threats at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School.

Investigation into the incidents which occurred on November 30th and December 1st revealed that someone had written bomb threats in a stall in the mens bathroom.  The school was placed in a lock down status both days and State Police responded with bomb sniffing dogs.  The male student found to be responsible for the threats was arrested for Falsely Reporting an incident on school grounds, a Class D Felony.  He was arraigned in the Town of Richmondville Court and is due to appear back in court on December 7, 2016.

Board Agrees to 3.56% Tax Hike

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting to discuss the proposed 2017 budget. The Finance Committee worked overtime to get a draft together following the original calculations in the tentative budget presented last night.

The original budget calculation called for a 5.9% tax increase.

The County Board introduced draft Local Law 2 of 2016 to override the tax levy cap. The proposed law needs 60% of the board members.

Supervisor Larry Bradt of Carlisle asked for the Board to enter into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining. This lasted approximately an hour.

Supervisor Tague motioned to close the public hearing on the annual budget session and also to adopt Local Law 2. The Board agreed unanimously to close the hearing.

Among the Supervisors Pete Coppolo of Middleburgh, Phil Skowfoe of Fulton, Sandra Manko of Sharon, and Shawn Smith of Blenheim voted no.

Board Chair Earl VanWormer of Esperance thanked the Finance Committee for their work, especially Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAllister. He also thanked County Treasurer Bill Cherry.

Supervisor McAllister, chair of the Finance Committee presented major findings to the board as a whole. The Committee recommended a number of changes. This included adding a position to County Administrator Steve WIlson’s office, seeking for someone with a finance background. Another position already funded was added to the Office of the Aging.

McAllister said the Committee worked with every department within the County-- “they did a lot of work,” he said. There were a number of cuts made to the tentative budget and the recommendation to use a portion of the fund balance. “It’s a budget that’s certainly workable,” McAllister said. He thanked the Finance Committee and Board Clerk Sheryl Largeteau.

He added that the tax increase is comparable to last year’s. He said that he would prefer not raising taxes at all, but that the committee is doing what is necessary under the circumstances.

County Administrator Steve Wilson ran down a number of changes from the tentative budget. Copies of all proposed changes were distributed. Wilson said that as budget officer, any potential errors fell with him. He said that there were several lines that were not added to the tentative budget as he was learning the county accounting software. The Administrator said that he put in place a number of changes to double check the future numbers so that they would be “error free.”

Wilson recommended updating knowledge of the accounting software. “If we’re going to push financial accountability down to department heads,” he said, the county had a responsibility to sponsor more training for use of the program.

The Administrator spoke to each member of the Planning Department. These individuals recommended a number of changes to the department at no increased cost. This included having a dedicated person for agricultural development. Supervisor McAllister said that in his discussion with employees they felt this was the correct move.

Supervisor Simkins of Broome asked if more of the fund balance could be used to further reduce the levy. Wilson said that it would be a poor decision to use too much as to not adversely affect the county’s borrowing rate. He added that a reserve is needed in case of a future natural disaster. “I’m very nervous about reducing the fund balance. I hope that we can replenish it over the course of the year.” Simkins said that the current balance is similar to how it was this year.

Supervisor McAllister said that such an option was discussed by the Finance Committee and that the majority decided not to follow that path. He said the idea was “very valid” but not necessarily correct in this instance.

Supervisor Chris Tague of Schoharie said that if the County needed to make an “investment” in the future, the money would be needed. “The future is going to be us investing if we’re going to stay alive.” Chair VanWormer echoed those comments.

Supervisor Simkins said that the County’s fund balance was slightly higher than estimated. He said that using some of that fund can make the difference for taxpayers. Supervisor Richard Lape of Richmondville said that the balance should not be utilized.

Supervisor Phil Skowfoe said that the fund balance was vital, although he would not support the budget this year. “I’m just not comfortable that the figures in this budget are correct,” he said.

Supervisor Tague made a motion to adopt the budget recommended by the Finance Committee, seconded by Supervisor Bill Federice of Conesville. Supervisor Pete Coppolo of Middleburgh thanked the Finance Committee. He said that he “doesn’t like voting for tax increases, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet.” Coppolo said that there was too much criticism of the original budget.

“We don’t want to see the taxpayers pay any more than they have to,” Chair VanWormer said, “Everyone is right.” He added that the fund balance was needed in case of disaster. “Everyone has done the best they can.”

There was a roll call vote. Of the Supervisors, Bates, Coppolo, Manko, Simkins, Skowfoe, and Smith voted no. Supervisors Bates and Coppolo said they did so “reluctantly.” The weighted vote was 1857 to 955, carried. Supervisor Anthony VanGlad was excused.

The fund balance will reduce to an estimated level of $6,967,183 after using $1,125,963 for the 2017 budget to reduce the tax levy.

The proposed tax levy increase will run 3.56%. The increase in health insurance costs alone will cause an increase of $894,000-- which by itself would represent a 4.31% hike.

County Narrows Jail Sites to Two

County Treasurer and Flood Recovery Manager Bill Cherry presented to the members of the Board regarding the jail site. He introduced some individuals from LaBella Engineers, Lamont Engineers, the West Law Firm, and BBL Construction.

Cherry said that there are parts of the project will “likely require some bonding.” He said that if that was the case, such votes would require a two-thirds majority vote. He hoped that as many of the Supevisors as possible could agree on a decision.

The Treasurer opened the floor for questions. Supervisor Coppolo asked why the description regarding the former fire training center was less detailed than the other sites. A member of Labella Engineering explained that there is adequate information. The Middleburgh Supervisor asked why the wetland determination was made. Labella said that the decision was made with aerial photos and county data. Coppolo then asked why this same method was not used for the Seebold site. Labella said that they used similar methods.

Coppolo then asked why the Mineral Springs site was added back to the recommendations after being removed earlier. He stated that he sits on the committee overseeing the process and hadn’t heard anything about it yet. Supervisor Tague said that it was added at the last board meeting. “It was off the table,” Coppolo said. Richard Lape replied that this was not the case as it was brought up at the last board meeting. The Middleburgh Supervisor said that he heard otherwise.

McAllister asked about the Doc Reilly site in Cobleskill. Cherry said that there was a concern about water supply. An engineer from Labella said that there is actually enough water at the site but that it is currently limited by a pressure reducer that can be fixed. Approximately 800 feet of line would need to be run to the Doc Reilly site.

None of the sites are perfect, said Cherry. The Doc Reilly Park site would require local, state, and federal signoff.

Supervisor Skowfoe asked if there was a need for further signoff from the Commission of Corrections. Sheriff Anthony Desmond said that he contacted the Commission to determine whether this was the case or not. He said that he was fully supporting the Zicha Road site. It was added by a Deputy that the Commission would only come to examine one site.

Supervisor Tague said that he agreed with the Sheriff. He added that since the Zicha Road site was the second choice behind Seebold. Tague asked why this was not the frontrunning. “I’m wondering where we are as far as the Zicha Road site.”

Treasurer Cherry said that Zicha was ranked second behind Seebold at the time. “When we choice Zicha Road as a secondary we wanted to make a point to FEMA that there was a basis toward replacing the jail.” He added that all of the proposed sites are “workable.”

Supervisor McAllister said that the Board “cannot forget” the factors of time and cost. “I’m in favor of the fire training center but we need to make a decision soon.” Supervisor Larry Bradt of Carlisle said that there is not enough information about the current sites to make a decision. He recommended that there be “further studies done.” It could “come back to haunt us,” he said.

Supervisor Federice of Conesville said that previous work by the Building and Grounds Committee and Law Enforcement Committee narrowed the process to two or three potential sites. Cherry said that Supervisor Anthony VanGlad of Gilboa recommened the five sites with two as potentially more usable.

Coppolo asked about studies needed for these sites. Labella believes that there is a good survey of information about a direct comparison to the current sites. The engineer added that when the board focused on one site there would be extensive studies. Coppolo asked if it would be feasible to look at all at once. Labella’s representative said no.

Supervisor Peggy Hait of Jefferson said that she was supporting the fire training site. She believed that using a portion of the current sites could reduce the cost. “It’s a win for the fire service,” she said. “All of that stuff is already laid out” at the site, the Supervisor added.

Supervisor Skowfoe asked the engineers, “What kind of guarantee do we have that we pick a site and then an extenuating circumstance like this happens-- at Seebold?” One engineer from Labella said that the firm would do its “diligence” as quickly as possible to make a site. Skowfoe said that there was no guarantee that any site would work.

According to Chair VanWormer, he recently was told that a portion of Doc Reilly Park flooded in 2011. Cherry wasn’t sure whether or not the site where the building would go was underwater at the time.

Supervisor Bradt asked who would provide water and sewer for the Zicha Road site. Treasruer Cherry said that there were three options-- one would be to continue the water line from Schoharie. He said that extending utility corridors, such as this one would be difficult. This would run about four miles. Another option, “not nearly as finite” would be to run water from Cobleskill on the Route 7 corridor. It would be slightly more than running from the Village of Schoharie. The third would be using the Central Bridge water system. “The sewage plant can handle the jail,” said Supervisor Tague. He said that the extension would only be a mile. He said that he wasn’t entirely sure that the water plant as it stands can handle the jail site. Tague added that if the site was chosen, the Towns of Schoharie and Esperance would make sure that the plant was made to handle it. In all three scenarios Central Bridge would provide sewer service.

Supervisor Coppolo said that if the water came from Schoharie, there was concern that in the case of a flood there would be water possibly cut off. He said that he liked the Zicha site but that there was a large concern.

Supervisor Lape asked about the upsides and downsides of the fire training site. An engineer from Labella said that a concern was the presence of federal wetlands on the site. He added that if the site is close to a railroad that inmates may sue for nuisance due to sound and vibration.

Supervisor Harold Vroman made a motion to narrow discussion to just the Zicha Road and the fire training site. This passed almost unanimously with Supervisor Bradt voting no. Supervisor Simkins asked if this could be narrowed further. Tague said “you have one shot at this.” He said that all factors, and not just cost have to be considered. “We might now be able to do this for $37 million.” He said. Chair VanWormer said keeping both was a good option. Supervisor Coppolo said that “we shouldn’t spend any more money on this project,” adding that any excess costs should be cut out of design.

Supervisor Skowfoe asked which site the engineers thought was “most productive.” A representative from Labella said that whichever was cheaper was a better choice. He also said that a full engineering survey could be done in three months.

Flood Recovery Manager Cherry said that it made sense to look closely at the sites as soon as possible. He said that it was not clear whether or not the Zicha Road site was recently purchased by a new owner. Members of the Board said that it would be necessary to determine this first.

Supervisor Coppolo said that under the circumstances, the fire training site should be considered first. County Attorney Mike West said, “I can answer that one. Everything is for sale, especially in Schoharie County.”

Schoharie Man Arrested for DWI

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Schoharie man for DWI on November 18, 2016 following a traffic stop on Interstate 88 in the Town of Schoharie.

Troopers arrested Paul J. Trendell, age 52, charging him with DWI following a traffic stop for a Vehicle and Traffic Violation. Trendell was processed and released on tickets to appear in the Town of Schoharie Court on November 28, 2016 at 4:00 PM.

College Men's Basketbgall SUNY Cobleskill Defeated by Union College 75-64

 The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team dropped a 75-64 decision to host Union College in the opening round of the 2016 Sig Mokofski Tournament at the Dutchmen’s Viniar Athletic Center on Saturday afternoon. The defeat drops the Fighting Tigers to 0-4 on the season while Union evens their overall record at 1-1. 

The first half told the tail of the tape as the host Dutchman opened a 37-22 lead at the break after holding the Fighting Tigers to only 8-of-30, 26.7%, from the field including 0-11 from three-point range. Cobleskill also continued to struggle on the backboard as the home team out rebounded them by a 55-to-31 margin.

Senior swingman Joel Costello, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School/Tompkins-Cortland Community College, turned in a strong effort in defeat after posting his first career double/double with 20 points and 12 rebounds while freshman guard Devin Boyle, Johnstown, N.Y., Johnstown High School, came off the bench to score 12 points.

Cobleskill will return to action on Sunday afternoon at the Mokofski Tournament when they meet Eastern Connecticut State University in the tournament’s consolation beginning at 12:00 p.m.

FINAL BOX:

SUNY Cobleskill vs Union College
11/26/16 4:00 PM at Viniar Athletic Center, Schenectady, NY

Newspaper Box Score SUNY Cobleskill vs Union College 11/26/16 4:00 PM at Viniar Athletic Center, Schenectady, NY At Viniar Athletic Center, Schenectady, NY UNION COLLEGE 75, SUNY COBLESKILL 64 SUNY COBLESKILL (0-4) Joel Costello 6-10 7-7 20; Devin Boyle 4-9 0-0 12; Malik Chambers 4-18 3-3 11; Quincey Miller 2-12 5-6 9; Kahleel Taylor 4-9 0-0 8; Frank D'Esti 0-3 2-2 2; Shaquill Anthony 1-1 0-0 2; Islam Mustafa 0-0 0-0 0; Christian Cooper 0-2 0-0 0; Kevin Johnson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 21-64 17-18 64. UNION COLLEGE (1-1) Wade McNamara 7-13 1-2 17; Deshon Burgess 5-15 7-10 17; Zachary Bouton 3-6 0-0 9; Brendan Laing 3-4 3-3 9; Kevin Weckworth 2-8 4-4 8; Greg King 2-7 2-2 6; Aaron Gordon 2-6 0-0 5; Matt Liquori 2-3 0-0 4; Guiseppe de Spuches 0-0 0-0 0; Kevin Jefferson 0-0 0-0 0; Martyn. Simanavicius 0-0 0-0 0; Kevin McNoble 0-0 0-0 0; Mike Palleschi 0-1 0-0 0; Shiraz Mumtaz 0-2 0-0 0; Ben Lee 0-0 0-0 0; Weston Hannon-Bogosh 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-65 17-21 75. SUNY Cobleskill...............   22   42  -   64 Union College.................   37   38  -   75 3-point goals--SUNY Cobleskill 5-23 (Devin Boyle 4-7; Joel Costello 1-2; Quincey Miller 0-3; Kahleel Taylor 0-2; Frank D'Esti 0-2; Christian Cooper 0-1; Malik Chambers 0-6), Union College 6-27 (Zachary Bouton 3-5; Wade McNamara 2-6; Aaron Gordon 1-5; Kevin Weckworth 0-6; Mike Palleschi 0-1; Deshon Burgess 0-4). Fouled out--SUNY Cobleskill-Quincey Miller, Union College-None. Rebounds--SUNY Cobleskill 31 (Joel Costello 12), Union College 55 (Deshon Burgess 16). Assists--SUNY Cobleskill 7 (Islam Mustafa 2), Union College 16 (Zachary Bouton 6). Total fouls--SUNY Cobleskill 24, Union College 17. Technical fouls--SUNY Cobleskill-None, Union College-None. A-280

SUNY Cobleskill Basketball Game Slated for Nov 22 Canceled, Rescheduled for Dec 11

The SUNY Cobleskill Department of Sport & Exercise announced today that the women’s basketball team’s non-league home game versus Southern Vermont College originally scheduled to be played on Tuesday November 22nd, at the Iorio Gymnasium was cancelled.

The SUNY Cobleskill Department of Sport & Exercise announcedthat the Fighting Tigers women’s basketball team’s home versus Southern Vermont College that were originally scheduled for Tuesday November 22nd and canceled will be made up on Sunday December 11th  at 1:00 p.m.

For further information regarding Fighting Tigers athletic team schedule adjustments; interested parties can consult the athletic program’s website at http://fightingtigers.cobleskill.edu or can contact the SUNY Cobleskill Department of Sport & Exercise via phone at (518) 255-5127 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Shelby Preston Named Fighting Tiger Athlete of the Week

The SUNY Cobleskill Department of Sport & Exercise announced today that junior Shelby Preston, Ravena N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, a member of the women’s basketball team has been named the athletic program’s Fighting Tiger Athlete-of-the-Week.

The Fighting Tiger forward was the named to the All-Tournament Team at the Hunter Tip-off Tournament over the weekend hosted by Hunter College in New York, N.Y.  Preston posted a pair of double/doubles at the tournament averaging 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds at the event while shooting 61.9% from the field and 87.5% from the free throw line.

This season the Ravena, N.Y. native is currently averaging 13.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 55.6% from the field and 83.3% from the free throw line in three appearances this year.

The Fighting Tigers are currently a 2-1 overall record and will next host Southern Vermont College in non-league action on Tuesday November 22nd at the Iorio Gymnasium with tip-off at 7:00 p.m.

SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tigers Weekly Recap

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team opened the season with a 2-1 overall record defeating visiting Trailblazers of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) at home on Tuesday evening by a score of 66-60 prior to splitting a pair of games at the Hunter College Tip-off Tournament in New York, N.Y. over the weekend losing to the host Hawks by a 62-50 margin on Friday evening then defeating the SUNY Purchase Panthers on Saturday afternoon 80-60. Senior forward Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Hunter Tip-off Tournament after averaging 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per contest at the event for the Fighting Tigers.

The Fighting Tiger men’s basketball team opened the season by dropping three road contests losing to the Engineers of Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy 84-53 then losing a pair of games at the 2016 Holiday Inn Classic hosted by Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y. over the weekend. Cobleskill dropped a 94-73 decision to the Red Dragons of SUNY Oneonta on Friday evening then closed the event by fall to the host Hawks on Saturday afternoon 90-81. Senior guard Quincey Miller, Brooklyn, N.Y., Lafayette High School/Potomac State College, averaged 17.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 assist per game during the week for Cobleskill.

The Cobleskill men’s swimming & diving team scored 123 points to place ninth in a field of 10 teams at the 2016 Diamond City Invitational hosted by King’s College over the weekend at the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center. Sophomore Mick Fryer, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, was the Fighting Tigers top individual performer at the meet placing eighth overall in the 400-yard individual medley in a time of 5:03.36 and 10th overall in the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:39.24.

The women’s swimming & diving team posted a score of 69 points to place 11th in a field of 12 teams at the 2016 Diamond City Invitational hosted by King’s College over the weekend at the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center. Junior Danielle Hoyt, Walcott, N.Y., Rose-Walcott High School, was the team’s top individual performer at the meet placing 12th overall in the 200-yard breaststroke in a time of 2:50.52 and 15th overall in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:17.61.

The hunt seat equestrian team closed the 2016 portion of their schedule by posting a team score of 32 points to finish third overall in a field of 11 teams at an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone 2 Region 3 Show hosted by Skidmore College at the Van Lennep Riding Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. on Saturday afternoon.

UPCOMING HOME EVENTS:
Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving vs. Elms College 1/17                                                          
Women’s Basketball vs. SUNY Polytechnic Institute 11/30, Keuka College 12/4, Wells College 12/5      
Men’s Basketball vs. SUNY Polytechnic Institute 11/30, Keuka College 12/4, Wells College 12/5

College Swimming & Diving SUNY Cobleskill Men Take 9th at Diamond City Invitational

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s swimming & diving team scored of 123 points to place ninth in a field of 10 teams at the 2016 Diamond City Invitational hosted by King’s College over the weekend at the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center.

Sophomore Mick Fryer, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, was the team’s top individual performer at the meet placing eighth overall in the 400-yard individual medley in a time of 5:03.36 and 10th overall in the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:39.24.

The Fighting Tigers will next be in action on Saturday when they travel to Aurora, N.Y. for a double dual meet hosted by the Express of Wells College including Gallaudet University beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Women's Swimming & Diving SUNY Cobleskill Takes 11th Place at Diamond City Invitational

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s swimming & diving team posted a score of 69 points to place 11th in a field of 12 teams at the 2016 Diamond City Invitational hosted by King’s College over the weekend at the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center.

Junior Danielle Hoyt, Walcott, N.Y., Rose-Walcott High School, was the team’s top individual performer at the meet placing 12th overall in the 200-yard breaststroke in a time of 2:50.52 and 15th overall in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:17.61.

The Fighting Tigers will next be in action on Saturday when they travel to Aurora, N.Y. for a double dual meet hosted by the Express of Wells College including Gallaudet University beginning at 1:00 p.m.

SUNY Cobleskill Women's Basketball Rebounds to Beat SUNY Purchase 80-60 at Hunter College Tip-Off Tournament

After dropping their opening round game at the Hunter College Tip-off Tournament to the host Hawks, the SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team literally rebounded to post a decisive 80-60 victory over SUNY Purchase in the tournament’s consolation round on Saturday afternoon. The win improves the Fighting Tigers overall record to 2-1 on the season while the Panthers fall to 1-2 on the year.

Cobleskill dominated the backboard throughout the contest posting a 51-to-29 advantage on the glass while also posting one of their best overall shooting efforts in recent seasons going 29-for-55 from the field, 52.7%, including 8-for-18 from three-point range, 44.4%, and 14-of-20, 70.0%, from the free throw line.

Leading 32-26 at halftime the Fighting Tigers exploded in the third quarter to outscore the Panthers 26-to-12 during the stanza to lead 58-38 after three quarters and effectively put the game away as Purchase could come no closer than 15 points the rest of the contest.

Senior forward Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, was named to the All-Tournament Team for the Orange & Black after posting her second consecutive double-double with game highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds while freshman guard Addy Lawson, Milford, N.Y., Milford High School, continued her strong early season play with 14 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a pair of steals in the victory.

Cobleskill also received strong efforts from freshman guard Erica Cabrera, Middletown, N.Y., Middletown High School, with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists and from senior swing-player Ashley Creighton, Niskayuna, N.Y., Central Catholic High School/Schenectady Community College, who notched 11 points to go with five rebounds and two assists.

The Fighting Tigers will next take to the court on Tuesday November 22nd when they host the Mountaineers of Southern Vermont College at the Iorio Gymnasium College at 7:00 p.m.
FINAL BOX:
SUNY Cobleskill vs SUNY Purchase
11/19/16 12PM at New York, NY (Hunter Sportsplex)
Newspaper Box Score
SUNY Cobleskill vs SUNY Purchase
11/19/16 12PM at New York, NY (Hunter Sportsplex)
At New York, NY (Hunter Sportsplex)

SUNY COBLESKILL 80, SUNY PURCHASE 60
SUNY COBLESKILL (2-1)
Shelby Preston 8-12 2-2 18; Addy Lawson 4-7 3-5 14; Erica Cabrera 4-6 1-2
12; Ashley Creighton 4-8 1-1 11; Gabby Muraczewski 3-4 1-2 7; Stacey Sprauge
1-1 5-6 7; Shaliyah Graham 2-5 0-0 4; Shiann Coons 1-3 0-0 2; Brianna
Florian 1-3 0-0 2; Tracy Anderson 1-2 0-0 2; Tegan Matthews 0-2 1-2 1;
Jocelyn Zaneski 0-1 0-0 0; Cristal Malloy 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 29-55 14-20 80.
SUNY PURCHASE (1-2)
Ortiz, Kayla 6-12 3-5 16; Uhl, April 4-8 2-3 14; Medina, Dayja 4-13 0-0 11;
Minaya, Frances 2-10 2-2 8; Jones, Amber 4-13 0-0 8; Kentris, Lisa 1-7 0-0
3; Calder, Ashley 0-0 0-0 0; Gonzalez, Isis 0-0 0-0 0; Shadi, Nadia 0-1 0-0
0. Totals 21-64 7-10 60.
SUNY Cobleskill...............   21   11   26   22  -   80
SUNY Purchase.................   15   11   12   22  -   60
3-point goals--SUNY Cobleskill 8-18 (Addy Lawson 3-4; Erica Cabrera 3-4;
Ashley Creighton 2-6; Shiann Coons 0-2; Tegan Matthews 0-2), SUNY Purchase
11-36 (Uhl, April 4-7; Medina, Dayja 3-10; Minaya, Frances 2-6; Kentris,
Lisa 1-5; Ortiz, Kayla 1-3; Jones, Amber 0-5). Fouled out--SUNY
Cobleskill-None, SUNY Purchase-Ortiz, Kayla; Medina, Dayja. Rebounds--SUNY
Cobleskill 51 (Shelby Preston 11), SUNY Purchase 23 (Ortiz, Kayla 8).
Assists--SUNY Cobleskill 17 (Addy Lawson 6), SUNY Purchase 9 (Ortiz, Kayla
5). Total fouls--SUNY Cobleskill 11, SUNY Purchase 17. Technical fouls--SUNY
Cobleskill-None, SUNY Purchase-None. A-75

SUNY Cobleskill Men's Basketball Loses to Host Hartwick College 90-81 in Holiday Inn Tip-Off Classic Finale

 The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team dropped a 90-81 decision to host Hartwick College on Saturday afternoon in the finale of the 2016 Holiday Inn Tip-off Classic hosted by the Hawks at Lambros Arena. With the loss the Fighting Tigers fall to 0-3 overall on the year while the Hawks improve their overall record to 2-1 on the season.

Trailing 45-40 at the half the Fighting Tigers suffered an ice cold start to the second half that saw the Hawks go on a 15-3 run to open the period and put the game away as Cobleskill could come no closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Senior guard Quincy Miller, Brooklyn, N.Y., Lafayette High School/Potomac College, scored a team high 21 points to go with eight rebounds and three assists for the Fighting Tigers while . junior guard Malik Chambers, West Point, N.Y., James I. O’Neil High School, added 16 points on the day. Senior guard Joel Costello, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School/Tompkins-Cortland Community College, continued his strong early season play with 13 points and eight rebounds while sophomore guard Kahleel Taylor, Bronx, N.Y., St. Raymond’s High School, notched a career high of 11 points in the contest.

Cobleskill will return to action on Saturday November 26th when they travel to Schenectady, N.Y. to meet the host Union College in the opening round of the 2016 Sig Makofski Invitational with tip-off for 4:00 p.m. at the Dutchmen’s Viniar Athletic Center .
FINAL BOX:
SUNY Cobleskill vs Hartwick College
11/19/16 4 p.m. at Oneonta, NY - Lambros Arena
Newspaper Box Score
SUNY Cobleskill vs Hartwick
11/19/16 4 p.m. at Oneonta, NY - Lambros Arena
At Oneonta, NY - Lambros Arena

HARTWICK 90, SUNY COBLESKILL 81

SUNY COBLESKILL (0-3)
Quincey Miller 6-11 7-8 21; Malik Chambers 5-17 4-5 16; Joel Costello 5-7
3-5 13; Kahleel Taylor 4-5 0-0 11; Frank D'Esti 3-7 0-0 8; Christian Cooper
2-7 2-2 8; Kahlil Wilson 1-1 0-0 2; Devin Boyle 1-2 0-0 2; Islam Mustafa 0-1
0-0 0; Kevin Johnson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 27-58 16-20 81.
HARTWICK (2-1)
Joey Lufkin 7-9 4-5 21; Justin Pratt 5-11 0-0 15; Jake Sinicki 6-8 3-5 15;
Marc du Moulin 4-6 2-2 10; Brandon LaForest 3-7 0-0 9; Corey Baker 2-4 2-2
8; Stavros Kerchoulas 2-2 0-0 4; Matt Knezovic 1-5 0-0 3; Jesse Condon 1-3
0-0 3; Justin Carruthers 1-1 0-0 2; Justin Morin 0-0 0-0 0; Ryan Sluiter 0-0
0-0 0; Ned Bakic 0-3 0-0 0; Chris Maloney 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 32-59 11-14 90.
SUNY Cobleskill...............   40   41  -   81
Hartwick......................   45   45  -   90
3-point goals--SUNY Cobleskill 11-27 (Kahleel Taylor 3-3; Christian Cooper
2-4; Frank D'Esti 2-3; Quincey Miller 2-7; Malik Chambers 2-9; Devin Boyle
0-1), Hartwick 15-36 (Justin Pratt 5-11; Joey Lufkin 3-5; Brandon LaForest
3-6; Corey Baker 2-4; Jesse Condon 1-2; Matt Knezovic 1-5; Ned Bakic 0-3).
Fouled out--SUNY Cobleskill-None, Hartwick-None. Rebounds--SUNY Cobleskill
34 (Quincey Miller 8; Joel Costello 8), Hartwick 28 (Jake Sinicki 6).
Assists--SUNY Cobleskill 12 (Devin Boyle 3; Frank D'Esti 3; Quincey Miller
3), Hartwick 27 (Joey Lufkin 7). Total fouls--SUNY Cobleskill 19, Hartwick
16. Technical fouls--SUNY Cobleskill-None, Hartwick-None. A-275

College Women's Basketball: SUNY Cobleskill Drops 62-50 Decision to Hunter College

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team dropped a 62-50 decision to host Hunter College in the opening round of the Hunter Tip-off Tournament on Friday evening at the Hawks’ Hunter Sportsplex. With the loss the Fighting Tigers fall to 1-1 overall on the season while the Hawks even their record at 1-1 on the campaign.

Trailing by as many as 14 points early in the third quarter the Fighting Tiger mounted a sustained comeback effort that saw them cut the lead to four points at 51-47 with 2:01 left in regulation when  freshman guard Addy Lawson, Milford, N.Y., Milford High School, scored on a driving lay-up.
However that was as close as the Orange & Black would come as the Hawks converted on an impressive 11-of-12 free throw attempts down the stretch to decide the issue for the home team.
Senior forward Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, posted her first double-double of the season with a team high of 15 points to go with a game high of 11 rebounds while Addy Lawson hit for 12 points on the evening. Freshman guard Shaliyah Graham, Bronx, N.Y., Martin Luther King Jr. High School, also reached double digits in scoring for the home team with 11 points to go with five rebounds.  

The Fighting Tigers will return to the court on Saturday afternoon when they meet the loser of the Alfred University/SUNY Purchase game in the tournament’s consolation game with tip-off at 12:00 p.m.
FINAL BOX:
SUNY Cobleskill vs Hunter College
11/18/16 5PM at New York, NY (Hunter Sportsplex)
Newspaper Box Score
SUNY Cobleskill vs Hunter College
11/18/16 5PM at New York, NY (Hunter Sportsplex)
At New York, NY (Hunter Sportsplex)
HUNTER COLLEGE 62, SUNY COBLESKILL 50

SUNY COBLESKILL (1-1)
Shelby Preston 5-9 5-6 15; Addy Lawson 4-10 3-3 12; Shaliyah Graham 3-7 5-6
11; Erica Cabrera 3-7 0-2 7; Ashley Creighton 1-12 0-0 3; Gabby Muraczewski
1-2 0-0 2; Shiann Coons 0-2 0-0 0; Brianna Florian 0-2 0-0 0; Stacey Sprauge
0-0 0-0 0; Tracy Anderson 0-0 0-0 0; Jocelyn Zaneski 0-2 0-0 0; Tegan
Matthews 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 17-54 13-17 50.
HUNTER COLLEGE (1-1)
Theresa Leung 3-7 11-12 19; Selina Lim 5-11 2-2 13; Ashley Yu 2-9 3-5 8;
Jade Aponte 3-4 1-2 8; Ashley Arias 1-5 2-4 4; Edina Music 2-4 0-0 4;
Christine Patterson 1-11 1-2 3; Phoebe Valenton 0-2 3-4 3; Selena LaFranca
0-0 0-0 0. Totals 17-53 23-31 62.
SUNY Cobleskill...............   12   11   10   17  -   50
Hunter College................   20   11   11   20  -   62
3-point goals--SUNY Cobleskill 3-17 (Ashley Creighton 1-5; Addy Lawson 1-5;
Erica Cabrera 1-3; Shiann Coons 0-2; Tegan Matthews 0-1; Shaliyah Graham
0-1), Hunter College 5-14 (Theresa Leung 2-4; Jade Aponte 1-2; Ashley Yu
1-5; Selina Lim 1-3). Fouled out--SUNY Cobleskill-Erica Cabrera, Hunter
College-Christine Patterson; Edina Music. Rebounds--SUNY Cobleskill 36
(Shelby Preston 11), Hunter College 42 (Edina Music 10). Assists--SUNY
Cobleskill 4 (Ashley Creighton 2), Hunter College 10 (Christine Patterson
4). Total fouls--SUNY Cobleskill 26, Hunter College 18. Technical
fouls--SUNY Cobleskill-None, Hunter College-None. A-130

Men's College Basketball: SUNY Cobleskill Loses to SUNY Oneonta 94-73

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team suffered a 94-73 defeat to SUNY Oneonta on Friday evening to SUNY Oneonta in the opening round of the 2016 Holiday Inn Tip-off Classic hosted by Hartwick College at the Hawks Lambros Arena. The loss drops the Fighting Tigers to 0-2 overall on the campaign while the Red Dragons improve to 1-0 on the campaign.

A slow start proved to be the Fighting Tigers undoing in the contest as Cobleskill trailed 53-33 at the half and could come no closer than 17 points in the second half as the Red Dragons used their experienced roster to their advantage.

Senior guard Quincy Miller, Brooklyn, N.Y., Lafayette High School/Potomac College, scored a team high 22 points to lead the visitors who also received 14 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists from senior guard Joel Costello, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School/Tompkins-Cortland Community College. Junior guard Malik Chambers, West Point, N.Y., James I. O’Neil High School, chipped in 14 points on the night for the Orange & Black.
Cobleskill will close out the event on Saturday afternoon when they return to the Lambros Arena to meet the host Hawks of Hartwick College in the day’s finale with tip-off at 4:00 p.m.
FINAL BOX:
Newspaper Box Score
SUNY Cobleskill vs SUNY Oneonta
11/18/16 6 p.m. at Oneonta, NY - Lambros Arena
At Oneonta, NY - Lambros Arena
SUNY ONEONTA 94, SUNY COBLESKILL 73

SUNY COBLESKILL (0-2)
Quincey Miller 9-17 3-5 22; Joel Costello 5-12 4-7 14; Malik Chambers 5-13
2-2 14; Kahleel Taylor 2-5 3-4 7; Christian Cooper 3-6 0-0 6; Devin Boyle
2-6 0-0 5; Kevin Johnson 1-1 0-1 3; Frank D'Esti 0-9 2-2 2; Shaquill Anthony
0-0 0-0 0; Islam Mustafa 0-0 0-0 0; Roddy Delagrandeaise 0-0 0-0 0. Totals
27-69 14-21 73.
SUNY ONEONTA (1-0)
MCELROY, Mikey 8-11 7-10 24; COLEMAN, Lawrence 6-12 7-7 19; KOLOSKY, Jack
7-11 0-0 14; MACKIN, Kevin 3-5 0-1 9; DEEGAN, Harrison 3-4 1-2 7; KELLY,
Frankie 1-4 4-4 6; JOYCE, Myles 1-3 2-2 5; FREEMAN, Dwayne 2-4 0-0 5;
SCHULTZ, Ian 2-2 0-0 4; POCYNTYLUK, Robert 0-0 1-2 1; WOODLEY, Gabe 0-0 0-0
0; JACOBS, Carson 0-2 0-0 0; DEVINE, Dan 0-0 0-0 0; SANFILIPPO, Ryan 0-2 0-0
0. Totals 33-60 22-28 94.
SUNY Cobleskill...............   33   40  -   73
SUNY Oneonta..................   53   41  -   94
3-point goals--SUNY Cobleskill 5-20 (Malik Chambers 2-5; Kevin Johnson 1-1;
Devin Boyle 1-4; Quincey Miller 1-3; Frank D'Esti 0-4; Joel Costello 0-3),
SUNY Oneonta 6-19 (MACKIN, Kevin 3-5; JOYCE, Myles 1-3; MCELROY, Mikey 1-2;
FREEMAN, Dwayne 1-2; KELLY, Frankie 0-3; SANFILIPPO, Ryan 0-1; KOLOSKY, Jack
0-1; COLEMAN, Lawrence 0-2). Fouled out--SUNY Cobleskill-None, SUNY
Oneonta-None. Rebounds--SUNY Cobleskill 29 (Joel Costello 6), SUNY Oneonta
48 (MCELROY, Mikey 11). Assists--SUNY Cobleskill 10 (Joel Costello 3), SUNY
Oneonta 23 (KELLY, Frankie 6). Total fouls--SUNY Cobleskill 23, SUNY Oneonta
17. Technical fouls--SUNY Cobleskill-None, SUNY Oneonta-None. A-175

Senator Seward: New Laws Will Encourage Livesaving Organ Donations

By State Senator James Seward

The holiday season is approaching and it is always a great time to get together with family and friends, share stories, and catch up with everyone.  It is also an opportunity to discuss important topics like organ donation.  

In New York, there has been an increased effort to encourage more people to become organ and tissue donors.  I helped pass several bills during the 2016 legislative session to enhance public awareness and increase the number of New Yorkers who sign up to help save lives through organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation.

Only 25 percent of potential New Yorkers are enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry -- the second lowest rate in the nation. To help increase enrollment, the senate has been advocating for additional resources and striving to raise public awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation through legislation and funding. The 2016-17 state budget included $1 million to support the New York Alliance for Donation – an increase of $750,000 over last year – as part of the senate’s ongoing commitment to help New Yorkers in dire need of transplants.

I was extremely pleased that senate bill 6228, extending “Lauren’s Law” for another four years was signed into law over the summer.  Lauren’s Law is named after 12-year-old heart transplant survivor Lauren Shields of Stony Point, New York, and makes it easier to choose to be a donor when enrolling for a driver’s license. The law prohibits a driver's license application from being processed unless the organ donation section is filled out. Applicants have to check a box stating “yes” or “skip this question”.  Prior to the law’s enactment, filling out the organ donation section on the application was optional.

Two other senate bills were signed into law and take effect shortly.

Senate bill 5313A will help increase the number of organ and tissue donors by lowering the age of consent for New Yorkers who choose to become a donor.  New York is one of only four states in the nation that requires an individual be 18 or older to enroll in an organ and tissue donor registry.  This leaves young people without a mechanism to document their consent to donate and puts parents in the difficult situation of having to assume what their teenage child would have wanted should a tragedy occur.  This new law, which will take effect on February 14, 2017, will give New Yorkers aged 16 or older who wish to consent to donation the ability to enroll in the state’s Donate Life Registry.  However, in the event that the young person may be considered for organ, eye, or tissue donation, the parents of that individual will be notified and given the final authorization for donation to take place.

Another measure set to become law, senate bill 6952A, would provide an additional opportunity for New Yorkers to document their decision to enroll as an organ and tissue donor. All applicants for health insurance offered through the state health benefit exchange would be provided space during the application process to register for the Donate Life Registry for organ, eye, and tissue donations.  This new law takes effect on January 1, 2017.

Another tactic to increase public awareness on this topic is to talk to young people.  Senate bill 7003 would help educate high school students about organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation by requiring state Department of Education officials to develop recommendations for instruction in blood, bone marrow, organ, and tissue donations and the life saving benefits each provide.

While this bill did not pass the assembly, the Department of Education agreed to work with organizations that promote organ and tissue donation to develop model curriculum, exemplar lesson plans and best practice instructional resources on the importance and value of organ and tissue donation.

Teachout-Faso Poll Showed Different Result than Election

The Schoharie News' second election poll was off by a bit much. According to our readers, they intended to vote for Zephyr Teachout approximately 50% to John Faso's 45%.

Faso wound up winning the race in the county with about 65% of the vote.

Former Middleburgh-Schoharie Railroad Depot Moved in Preparation to Become Museum

By Tyler James Middleburgh is going to have a new museum next year. The former Depot from the Middleburgh-Schoharie Railroad is being rehabbed at the corner of Maple Avenue and Wells Avenue.

The building, purchased by the Village of Middleburgh approximately ten years ago finally received clearance to be made into a museum, expected to be opened by the middle of 2017. On Saturday the structure was placed onto a new foundation built by Steve Myers Construction.

 

We were there to see the occasion. Later this year new windows, doors, and a roof will be placed on the building.

Top Female Leaders Come Together to Impact Girls in Speed Networking Program

 On November 19, some of the Capital Region’s top female leaders will come together for Dare to Climb, a special mentoring event for girls, sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY). The Great Escape Lodge will host this full-day enrichment program, which will feature a speed networking workshop. Among the mentors participating are Denise Gonick, CEO of MVP Health Care, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and Dianne Shugrue, CEO of Glens Falls Hospital.

Open to both Girl Scout members and non-members, the Dare to Climb program gives girls the opportunity to ask questions and hear the experiences and advice of some of the region’s most successful women in healthcare, the arts, and business.

“Girls need to see women succeeding at the type of career they want to do,” said, Mary Buszuwski, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. “They need it for inspiration, leadership, paths to follow, and to help them believe that they can succeed.”

In the morning, Liska Wilson; CEO of She’s a Boss, will lead an introductory exercise to get girls more comfortable with networking. Afternoon workshops on college application prep and financial literacy will be led by Linehan College Counseling, Godfrey Financial Associates, The Financially Savvy Graduate, and College Advisor of New York.

Dare to Climb is a featured program of GSNENY’s Young Women’s Leadership Initiative, offering various hands-on leadership programs to female high school students throughout northeastern New York.

List of participating mentors:
Gwendolyn Bluemich, Strategic Education and Workforce Development Initiatives, GlobalFoundries
Colleen Costello, President and Co-Founder, Vital Vio Inc.
Carmen Duncan, CEO, Mission Accomplished Transition Services
Alisa Endsley, Professional Actress, Broadway and West End
Kathleen Godfrey, CEO, Godfrey Financial Associates
Denise Gonick, CEO, MVP Health Care
Heather Howley, President, Independent Helicopters
Amy Keyes, Executive Director, Suffolk County Landbank Corporation
Donna Kirker, Vice President of Patient Services & Chief Nursing Offices, Glens Falls Hospital
Jill Levy, Concert Master, Albany Symphony Orchestra
Kelly Linehan, College Admissions Counselor, Linehan College Counseling
Kathleen McLean, President, The McLean Group
Susan Schell, Certified Financial Planner, Financially Savvy Graduate
Dean P. Skarlis, President & Founder, The College Advisor of New York
Liska Wilson, CEO, She’s a Boss
Carrie Woerner, New York State Assemblywoman, District 113

Board Hears Emotional Pleas to Face Heroin Crisis

The Board of Supervisors met today with several experts to speak regarding the ongoing heroin problem in Schoharie County.

Larry Kossmann-Nelson spoke on behalf of the Middleburgh Area Business Association. He was joined by fellow members Jamie Casterlin and Justin Behan. Kossmann gave an emotional plea to the Board of Supervisors regarding the local heroin crisis. He described his brother Michael's death due to cardiac arrest following several robberies by a heroin addict. Kossmann described the current state of enforcement as “archaic.” He cited a meeting with the Village of Middleburgh and the Sheriff's Department to discuss how to combat heroin abuse. “I strongly urge you all to release funds to the Sheriff's Department” for enforcement. Kossmann recommended the purchase of window clings with the number of the Sheriff's Department's confidential tip line.

Bonnie Post from the Opioid Task Force spoke next with a presentation about drug abuse. She stated that over 100,000 New Yorkers sought opioid addiction treatment, with about 90% of these starting use before the age of 18. Heroin addicts now especially face rural residents and men and women nearly equally. Just between 2013 and 2014 the use of the overdose treatment drug Naloxone increased approximately 50% during EMS calls statewide. Heroin overdose deaths in the state also more than doubled between 2009 and 2013.

In Schoharie County alone treatment for opioid addiction was higher through September 2016 than all of 2015. Between 2010 and 2014 the number of users between 20-29 years old increased by 39% and there was an increase of 32% more users between 30-39. Tina Sweet, the new Commissioner of Social Services spoke about the impact of heroin and opioid addiction on foster care. In the past year local children in foster care has more than doubled, as has CPS reports. In one week alone, Sweet signed nine decisions affecting fifteen children.

Deputy Sheriff Zach Reinhart spoke as a “boots on the ground representative.” Reinhart spoke of the number of overdose statistics. The Sheriff's Department and local state police have both utilized Narcan each six times in 2016. “These are your communities that this is affecting.” The Deputy described law enforcement's assistance to aid with health services for those in immediate need of assistance. Speaking of the rise of heroin addiction in the county, he said, “The thing that surprised me was the who.” Reinhart said that heroin users are not always identifiable.

Overall local overdose calls have stayed largely steady over the last four years. Since 2013, overdose calls for non-heroin causes has fallen dramatically while heroin calls have more than doubled. “You're losing your towns to this disease.” In one recent response, the Sheriff's Department searched a hotel room where two small children were left outside while their parents used. In another situation, a suspected heroin addict was arrested for forging checks as his grandmother to allegedly feed his habit.

“Treatment is the end of the cycle,” said Reinhart. He said that one addict told him, “I would rather die than stop” using. He cited law enforcement as the “vehicle that gets them to the treatment.” Bonnie Post spoke again about the recovery process. She said that often addicts facing health or criminal situations seek treatment but then drop off once the immediate problem is resolved. “There is a wonderful life in recovery,” she added. Ms. Sweet urged all in attendance to to talk to their children about drug use. Norine Hodges of SCCASA mentioned the Surgeon General's report that recent addiction patterns is a “paradigm shift.”

As of right now there has been no response to the Board's letter to the state regarding additional drug funding. Supervisor Chris Tague of Schoharie offered to reach out to Senator Seward and Assemblyman Lopez. Board Chair VanWormer recommended also sending a letter as a whole. Supervisor Dave Simkins of Broome asked if there was a strategic plan to end heroin addiction. Supervisor Larry Bradt of Carlisle said that he hoped President-Elect Donald Trump could help prevent drug flow from Mexico. He also asked if the Sheriff's Department considered using undercover officers to capture drug dealers. “From what I see, it's happening a lot,” he said. Sheriff Desmond said that the topic was discussed at the meeting in Middleburgh and described a similar pattern of drug deals across the county. He described a five year old child finding her mother dead from a heroin overdose. Supervisor Peggy Hait reinforced this idea, requesting an undercover officer. Desmond responded that the Sheriff's Department has been working with the Cobleskill Police Department. He reiterated that such programs require increased funding. Desmond said that Assemblyman Peter Lopez got the Sheriff's Department a $2,500 grant which will be used to expand drug enforcement over the coming year. “It costs a lot of dimes to do this type of work.”

County Administrator Steve Wilson spoke of a process to help curb heroin use in the county. He said that several department heads have recommended shifting funding to directly deal with opioid addiction. Wilson said that SCCASA is among the most effective options to prevent use among young people. He also said that he and the partners in this project will unveil plans over the coming year. Supervisor Tague thanked Wilson and the presenters for their hard work.

Supervisor Pete Coppolo of Middleburgh discussed an issue with insurance coverage that prevents drug and alcohol addicts from being able to stay in rehab long enough to fully recover. Supervisor Simkins said that the Board had to give the Sheriff's Department “ammunition” to assist in their enforcement. Supervisor Bill Federice of Conesville said that “there's a lot more to this than nabbing the person putting a needle in their arm.” He stated that a multifaceted approach was needed, especially to expand surveillance for drug enforcement. Federice said that Schoharie County being so small “everybody knows everybody,” which makes it more difficult to utilize local residents as undercover officers.

Undersheriff Ron Stevens asked residents to help in the effort. If people see something suspicious, writing down license plate numbers and descriptions to call the Sheriff's Department's confidential tip line at 295-2295.

Supervisor Simkins asked if there was a way to send a recommendation for stronger punishments for drug dealers to the state. Supervisor Smith said that it was a good idea and that he would assist. Norine Hodges said that such efforts are helpful and should be followed through. She recommended that retired police could be used to provide inexpensive eyes and ears in communities. Supervisor Tague recommended holding a press conference in Albany to show that “we're serious about this. Maybe the Governor will hear us.”

County Clerk's Office and DMV Announce Thanksgiving Week Hours

The Schoharie County Clerk’s Office & our Dept. of Motor Vehicles will be closed on both Thursday & Friday next week for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Also, on Wednesday Night before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23rd, the DMV Office will close at 4:30 pm, and the Clerk’s Office will close at 5pm. (Normally, Wednesday is our “Late Night” till 7pm, but because of the Holiday the next day, we’ll close at our standard daily times.)