Michelle Moffett Named SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Athelete of the Week

The SUNY Cobleskill Department of Sport & Exercise announced today that freshman Michelle Moffett, Staten Island, N.Y., St. John Villa Academy, a member of the women’s swimming & diving team has been named the athletic program’s Fighting Tiger Athlete-of-the-Week.

The Fighting Tiger freshman distance swimmer won the 1000-yard freestyle in a time of 14:19.87 and the 500-yard freestyle in 6:58.33 as the team dominated the action at a double dual meet hosted by Wells College over the weekend. The Orange & Black topped the host Express by a score of 100-79 and the Bison of Gallaudet University by a 108-88 margin. With the victories, the team improves to 2-5 overall versus opponents in head-to-head competition on the season.

Cobleskill will close out the semester on Saturday December 10th when they travel to Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. to face the Raptors of Bard College beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Fighting Tigers Western Equestrian Closes Semester with Sweep at Morrisville State Shows to Move Into First Place in Region

The SUNY Cobleskill western equestrian team closed out the semester in impressive fashion on Saturday winning pair of Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone 2 Region 3 events hosted by Morrisville State College. With the victories the Fighting Tigers will close out the 2016 portion of their schedule in first place among the regional teams heading into the winter break.

In the day’s first show the Fighting Tigers recorded a team total of 26 points to out distance the five-team field then came back in the second show to post a score of 33 points to once again better the other five teams entered. The 59 points accumulated at the shows now raises the team’s region leading point total to 167 on the year to date.     

Junior Morgan O’Sullivan, Killington, Conn. Middletown High School, was the Fighting Tigers top performer taking High Point Rider Honors in both shows winning in Open Western Horsemanship to go with a third place effort in the Open Reigning in the first show and in the second show by winning in Open Reigning and in Open Western Horsemanship. With her performances on Saturday, O’Sullivan is currently the top ranked rider in the region heading into the winter hiatus. 

The Fighting Tigers received additional wins in the first show from senior Emily McLaughlin, Delanson, N.Y., Schalmont High School, who won in Advanced Western Horsemanship and from sophomore Wyatt Morley, Cheshire, Conn., Cheshire Academy, who won in Intermediate Horsemanship.

In the second show the Orange & Black also received wins from junior Courtney Preston, Little Valley, N.Y., Cattaraugus-Little Valley High School, in Advanced Western Horsemanship, and junior Ashley Foland, Schoharie, N.Y., Schoharie High School, who won in Intermediate Horsemanship.

Cobleskill will return to action on Sunday February 19^th when they return to Morrisville, N.Y. for a Zone 2 Region 3 competition hosted by Morrisville State College beginning at 9:00 a.m.

SHOW RESULTS

Team Totals for Show #1: 12/3/16

SUNY Cobleskill	26
Morrisville State College	24
Colgate University	22
Keuka College	11
University of Albany	5

Team Totals for Show #2: 12/3/16

SUNY Cobleskill	33
Morrisville State College	27
Colgate University	16
Keuka College	13
University of Albany	5

Men's College Basketball: SUNY Cobleskill Loses to Wells College 67-58

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team could not hold on to a 35-26 halftime advantage against the visiting Express of Wells College on Sunday afternoon at the Iorio Gymnasium losing the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) contest to the visitors by a final score of 67-58. The loss drops the Fighting Tigers to 0-8 overall on the year with a 0-3 conference record while The Express move to 4-1 overall and continue to lead the NEAC North Division with a perfect 3-0 record.

After a strong opening half which saw the smaller Fighting Tigers impressively go toe-to-toe with the much bigger Express the second half saw the visitors size advantage create a number of opportunities for them. Down the stretch Wells outscored the Orange & Black 13-to-4 over the final five minutes of regulation to secure the win.

Junior guard Malik Chambers, West Point, N.Y., James I. O’Neil, led all scores on the day with 20 points to go with five rebounds while junior swingman Frank D’Esti, Vestal, N.Y., Vestal High School/Broome Community College, played a solid all-around game with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Fighting Tigers also received a strong effort from senior swingman Joel Costello, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School/Tompkins-Cortland Community College, who scored 11 points, grabbed four rebounds and passed out three assists in the game.

Cobleskill will return to NEAC action on Wednesday December 7th when they host the Mustangs of Morrisville State College as part of a doubleheader beginning with the women’s game at 5:00 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 7:00 p.m.

FINAL BOX:
Wells College vs SUNY Cobleskill
12/4/16 2:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
Newspaper Box Score
Wells vs SUNY Cobleskill
12/4/16 2:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
At Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
WELLS 67, SUNY COBLESKILL 58
WELLS (4-1/3-0 NEAC)
Rich Ross 6-18 1-4 18; Ayodele Akinmola 6-15 3-4 16; James Feocco 5-10 5-8
15; Vaughndell Brantley 2-2 3-4 7; Jordyn Tyler 1-1 0-0 3; Chris Courtney
1-4 1-2 3; Zach D'Arpino 1-2 0-0 3; Fernando Johnson 1-2 0-0 2; Tyree Fisher
0-0 0-0 0; Jalen Ewell 0-1 0-0 0; Zach Marsh 0-0 0-0 0; Dakari Esgdaille 0-0
0-0 0; Tim Bankston Jr. 0-1 0-0 0; Anthony Nesci 0-0 0-0 0; David Dames 0-0
0-0 0. Totals 23-56 13-22 67.
SUNY COBLESKILL (0-8/0-3 NEAC)
Malik Chambers 7-17 4-6 20; Frank D'Esti 5-10 4-4 17; Joel Costello 4-11 3-4
11; Devin Boyle 2-6 0-0 6; Christian Cooper 1-9 0-3 2; Kahleel Taylor 1-3
0-0 2; Shaquill Anthony 0-3 0-0 0; Kahlil Wilson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 20-59
11-17 58.
Wells.........................   26   41  -   67
SUNY Cobleskill...............   35   23  -   58
3-point goals--Wells 8-24 (Rich Ross 5-11; Zach D'Arpino 1-2; Ayodele
Akinmola 1-5; Jordyn Tyler 1-1; Fernando Johnson 0-1; Chris Courtney 0-3;
James Feocco 0-1), SUNY Cobleskill 7-23 (Frank D'Esti 3-6; Devin Boyle 2-6;
Malik Chambers 2-6; Kahleel Taylor 0-1; Christian Cooper 0-1; Joel Costello
0-3). Fouled out--Wells-None, SUNY Cobleskill-Joel Costello. Rebounds--Wells
44 (James Feocco 11), SUNY Cobleskill 35 (Christian Cooper 6).
Assists--Wells 15 (Ayodele Akinmola 10), SUNY Cobleskill 11 (Devin Boyle 3;
Frank D'Esti 3; Joel Costello 3). Total fouls--Wells 18, SUNY Cobleskill 17.
Technical fouls--Wells-None, SUNY Cobleskill-Christian Cooper. A-129

College Women's Basketball: SUNY Cobleskill Nipped by Wells Express 56-55

Playing back-to-back in conference play can be grueling and on Sunday afternoon the SUNY Cobleskill and Wells College women’s basketball teams engaged in a North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) battle that saw the visiting Express out slug the Fighting Tigers by a 56-55 margin at the Iorio Gymnasium. The loss drops the Fighting Tigers to 3-3 overall on the season including a 1-2 mark in conference play while Wells improves to 3-2 overall on the campaign including a 2-1 NEAC record.

After the Express built a 45-33 lead with 7:45 remaining in the fourth quarter the Fighting Tigers  mounted a furious comeback effort employing an aggressive full-court defensive scheme that saw them take a 55-54 lead with 1:45 remaining on a lay-up in heavy traffic by freshman Addy Lawson, Milford, N.Y., Milford High School.

On the ensuing possession, Wells senior guard Ashida Cooper, Bensalem, Pa., Bensalem High School, attacked the basket drawing a foul. Cooper split a pair of free throws to tie the contest at 55-55 with 1:36 remaining in regulation.

After Cobleskill failed to convert on their next possession; Wells once again worked the ball to Cooper, who in a mirror image of the previous play attacked the rim and was fouled. The Wells senior once again split a pair of free throws to give the visitors a 56-55 advantage with only 50 seconds remaining.
Down the stretch both teams could not convert on potential scoring opportunities and the Fighting Tigers found themselves with the final possession of the contest. Out of a time out senior guard Shiann Coons, Albany, N.Y., Bishop Maginn High School/Schenectady Community College, launched a runner with four seconds remaining that was short of the mark and despite getting the offensive rebound, the Fighting Tigers could not get a shot off before time expired.

Freshman Shaliyah Graham, Bronx, N.Y., Martin Luther King Jr. High School, once again led the Orange & Black in scoring with 13 points to go with six rebounds while Shiann Coons finished with 12 points and five rebounds. Addy Lawson chipped in seven points, eight rebounds and four assists for the home team and senior forward Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y. Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, grabbed a game high 12 rebounds to go with eight points on the afternoon.

Cobleskill will return to NEAC action on Wednesday December 7th when they host the Mustangs of Morrisville State College as part of a doubleheader beginning with the women’s game at 5:00 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 7:00 p.m.

FINAL BOX SCORE:
Wells College vs SUNY Cobleskill
12/4/16 12:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
Newspaper Box Score
Wells vs SUNY Cobleskill
12/4/16 12:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
At Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
WELLS 56, SUNY COBLESKILL 55
WELLS (3-2/2-1 NEAC)
Ashida Cooper 8-16 2-4 18; Carley Ryan 2-9 8-11 12; Shelby Medovich 3-7 3-6
9; Jenna Herd 3-7 2-6 8; Kamarie Maturine 3-6 0-0 6; Dallia Rorick 1-1 0-0
3; Miranda Mingen 0-0 0-1 0; Julia Smith 0-5 0-0 0; Darcy Weidman 0-1 0-0 0.
Totals 20-52 15-28 56.
SUNY COBLESKILL (3-3/1-2 NEAC)
Shaliyah Graham 5-11 3-4 13; Shiann Coons 4-9 1-1 12; Shelby Preston 3-13
2-2 8; Addy Lawson 3-12 1-2 7; Tracy Anderson 2-3 3-6 7; Cristal Malloy 1-1
0-0 2; Ashley Creighton 1-5 0-0 2; Erica Cabrera 1-3 0-0 2; Stacey Sprauge
1-1 0-0 2; Gabby Muraczewski 0-0 0-0 0; Brianna Florian 0-2 0-0 0; Jocelyn
Zaneski 0-3 0-0 0; Tegan Matthews 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 21-64 10-15 55.
Wells.........................   11    8   18   19  -   56
SUNY Cobleskill...............   12   12    9   22  -   55
3-point goals--Wells 1-9 (Dallia Rorick 1-1; Carley Ryan 0-3; Shelby
Medovich 0-3; Julia Smith 0-1; Ashida Cooper 0-1), SUNY Cobleskill 3-14
(Shiann Coons 3-7; Addy Lawson 0-3; Ashley Creighton 0-3; Erica Cabrera
0-1). Fouled out--Wells-Miranda Mingen, SUNY Cobleskill-Erica Cabrera.
Rebounds--Wells 40 (Jenna Herd 10), SUNY Cobleskill 41 (Shelby Preston 12).
Assists--Wells 10 (Carley Ryan 3; Julia Smith 3), SUNY Cobleskill 11 (Addy
Lawson 4). Total fouls--Wells 19, SUNY Cobleskill 21. Technical
fouls--Wells-None, SUNY Cobleskill-None. A-136

Microwave Oil Extraction May Make Fracking Obsolete

New technology may completely reshape the field of oil extraction, as well as make America energy independent. By utilizing microwaves to heat underground rock, seeking and pumping oil may radically alter over the coming years.

The technology is cutting edge and it remains to be seen if it is feasible. The early testing results appear to be positive. There are plans to utilize it in a practical setting for the first time in 2017.

The idea is not a new one: the concept was written about in the scientific journal Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy in November 1989. However, like fracking, an older concept finally has technological advancement that can make it a reality.

One Colorado company, Qmast, hopes to be first to successfully exploit the concept. Other larger firms, including BP and ConocoPhillips are also researching similar extraction techniques. Current estimates from fracking and traditional technology place U.S. recoverable oil reserves at about 36 billion barrels. An early estimate of microwave technology could push this number into the trillions.

Part of the reason for the dramatic difference is the possibility that microwave technology could remove hydrocarbons from oil shale. Traditionally, there is no easy way to remove oil from these rocks. Microwaves beamed through a powerful source could separate oil from the stone and boil water within the rock. This would then push the water to the wellbore.

If this method works, it would supersede many of the worst aspects of hydrofracking. Fracking wells use up to 10 million gallons of water per well and require wastewater to either be left in the ground or disposed of. Other technology includes strip mining tar sands and heating them to extract oil. Both could be rendered obsolete through this process. If the technology works, there is a possibility that the technology could become commonplace over the next ten to twenty years. Estimates point to about a $65 break even point.

SUNY Cobleskill Women's Indoor Track and Field Opens Season with Fourth Place Finish at Pioneer Invitational

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s indoor track & field team opened the 2016-17 season by posting team total of 59 points to place fourth in a six team field at the Pioneer Invitational #1 hosted by Utica College at the Pioneer’s Todd & Jenn Hutton Sports & Recreation Center. Individually the Fighting Tigers brought home a pair of event wins and five provisional New York State College Track & Conference (NYSCTC) Indoor Championship qualifying efforts from the event. 

The highlights of the meet for Cobleskill were wins from senior hurdler Emily Belewich, Ava, N.Y., Adirondack High School, who captured the 60-meter hurdles in a NYSCTC provisional qualifying effort time of 9.75 seconds and from freshman distance runner Emma Bayuk, Sandy Hook, Conn., Newtown High School, who meet the league’s provisional qualifying mark in the 3000-meter run by winning the event in a time of 10:59.2.

The Orange & Black also received a pair of NYSCTC provisional qualifying efforts from sophomore sprinter Fatoumata Kourouma, New York, N.Y., Fredrick Douglas Academy, in the 200-meter dash in which she placed fourth overall in 27.77 seconds and in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1:01.94 good enough to finish in second place overall.

The Fighting Tigers will next be in action over the weekend when they travel to Bethlehem, Pa. for the 2016 Fast Times Before Finals Invitational hosted by Leigh University Friday December 9^th and Saturday December 10^th at the Mountain Hawks Rauch Fieldhouse.

SUNY Cobleskill Men's Indoor Track and Field Opens Season with Fifth Place Finish at Pioneer Invitational

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s indoor track & field team opened the 2016-17 season by posting team score of 44 points to place fifth in a six team field at the Pioneer Invitational #1 hosted by Utica College at the Pioneer’s Todd & Jenn Hutton Sports & Recreation Center. Individually the Fighting Tigers brought home five provisional New York State College Track & Conference (NYSCTC) Indoor Championship qualifying efforts from the event.

Sophomore multi-event athlete Zach Haskins, Warnerville, N.Y., Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, led the way for Cobleskill placing fifth in the pole vault by clearing a height of 12’ 9 ½” and sixth overall in the high jump clearing a height of 6’2” to meet the league provisional qualifying standard in each event while freshman sprinter Nino Gagliardi, Watervliet, N.Y., Watervliet High School, finished third overall in the 60-meter dash meeting the league provisional qualifying mark with a time of 7.41 seconds.

Freshman mid-distance runner Willie Griffin, Schoharie, N.Y., Schoharie High School, turned in the best individual placing of the meet for the team placing second overall in the 800-meter run in a time of 2:06.10.
The Fighting Tigers will next be in action over the weekend when they travel to Bethlehem, Pa. for the 2016 Fast Times Before Finals Invitational hosted by Leigh University Friday December 9th and Saturday December 10th at the Mountain Hawks Rauch Fieldhouse.

Sheriff's Dept Hosting Fundraiser for Sick Children's Trips to Disney World

This date the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by personnel from “BAKING MEMORIES 4 KIDS.” You can check them out on Facebook. This organization pays for sick children to go to Disney World.

This Thursday, December 8th at 11:0AM, personnel from “BAKING MEMORIES 4 KIDS” will be at the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office located on 157 Depot Lane in the Village of Schoharie where a press conference will be held to explain the organization’s mission and their reason for being in Schoharie County on that day.

Sheriff’s cars and vehicles from other agencies (hopefully) will be escorting the folks from “BAKING MEMORIES 4 KIDS” from the Sheriff’s Office to their special destination.

Although we were given short notice, we are more than willing to assist with this special detail.

We would like to invite all news media to attend the press conference and follow the Sheriff’s car to its destination. If you wish to participate in this special detail, kindly contact the Sheriff’s Office by telephone 518-295-2266 or email sheriffofc@co.schoharie.ny.us.

SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Weekly Recap

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s swimming & diving team posted a sweep over North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) rivals Wells College and Gallaudet University on Saturday afternoon at a double-dual meet hosted by Wells College in Aurora, N.Y. The Fighting Tigers defeated the host Express by a score of 130-55 while beating the Bison by a 103-79 margin. Junior Anthony McGorsik, East Hampton, N.Y., East Hampton High School, captured the 200-yard freestyle in a time of 1:58.79 and the 100-yard freestyle in a time of 55.98 seconds as Cobleskill improved to 4-2 overall on the season versus head-to-head competition.

The Fighting Tiger Western Equestrian Team moved into the top position in the Inter-collegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Region 3 Zone 2 rankings with victories in a pair of shows hosted by Morrisville State College on Saturday. Cobleskill posted a team score of 26 points to better the five-team field in the opener then came back to tally 33 points in the nightcap to record the sweep. Junior Morgan O’Sullivan, Killingsworth, Conn., Middletown High School, earned High Point Rider honors in each show to lead the Orange & Black who currently sit on top of the regional rankings with a total of 169 points.

Sophomore Zach Haskins, Warnerville, N.Y., Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, was the men’s indoor track & field team’s top performer at the Pioneer Invitational #1 hosted by Utica College in Utica, N.Y. on Saturday.  Haskin met a pair of New York State College Track Conference (NYSCTC) Championship Provisional Qualifying Standards by placing fifth in the pole vault clearing a height of 12' 9 ½" and sixth overall in the high jump clearing a height of 6'2". The Fighting Tigers posted a team total of 44 points to finish in fifth place in the sixth team field at the event.

The women’s swimming & diving team swept NEAC rivals Wells College and Gallaudet University on Saturday afternoon at a double-dual meet hosted by Wells College in Aurora, N.Y. The Fighting Tigers defeated the host Express 100-79 and the Bison by a score of 108-88 to improve to 2-5 overall versus head-to-head competition. Freshman distance swimmer Michelle Moffett, Staten Island, N.Y., St. John Villa Academy, won the 1000-yard freestyle in a time of 14:19.87 and the 500-yard freestyle in 6:58.33.
Senior hurdler Emily Belewich, Ava, N.Y., Adirondack High School, led the women’s indoor track & field team to a score of 59 points and a fourth place finish in a field of six teams at the Pioneer Invitational #1 hosted by Utica College in Utica, N.Y. on Saturday.  Belewich captured the 60-meter hurdles in a NYSCTC Championship Provisional Qualifying Standard meeting time of 9.75 seconds.

The women’s basketball team won one-of-three NEAC home contests during the week losing to the SUNY Polytechnic Wildcats on Wednesday 82-68 on Wednesday then defeating Keuka College Wolves on Saturday 70-59 prior to losing to the Wells College Express on Sunday 56-55 to move to 3-3 overall including a 2-1 mark in NEAC play. Freshman forward Shaliyah Graham, Bronx, N.Y., Martin Luther King Jr. High School, currently leads the team in scoring at 13.7 points per contest.

The Fighting Tiger men’s basketball team dropped three NEAC home games during the week to fall to 0-8 overall including a 0-3 mark in league action. On Wednesday Cobleskill dropped an 80-67 decision to the SUNY Polytechnic Wildcats on Wednesday prior to losing to the Keuka College Wolves on Saturday in overtime 84-78 prior and to the Wells College Express on Sunday 67-59. Senior swingman Joel Costello, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School/Tompkins-Cortland Community College, leads the team in scoring at 14.3 points per game and rebound at 8.3 per game.

UPCOMING HOME CONTESTS:
Women’s Basketball vs. Morrisville State College 12/7, Southern Vermont College 12/11  
 Men’s Basketball vs. Morrisville State College 12/7, Sage College 12/10                                  
Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving vs. Elms College 1/17

Sheriff's Department Police Blotter

On 12/2/16 the Sheriff's Office received a complaint of suspicious activity in the village of Middleburg.
Following a traffic stop Deputies arrested Gerard Roldan, age 24 of Cobleskill for Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree (Heroin) and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.
Subject was issued appearance tickets to appear in Middleburg Town Court on 12//21/16.


On 12/3/16 the Sheriff's Office arrested Denilee Dedek, age 45 of Worcester for Driving While Intoxicated and vehicle and traffic violations following a traffic stop on Route 145 in the Town of Middleburg. Subject was released to appear in Town Court on 12/21/16.


On 12/1/16 the Sheriff's Office arrested Shiloh Allen, age 32 of Delanson on a Family Court  warrant for Failure to Appear in Court. Subject was arraigned in Family Court and committed to jail in lieu of $750 bail

Cobleskill Police Blotter

Monday,  November 28, 2016

At 8:45 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Steven Barton, 27, of Schoharie, NY, on a Bench Warrant.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released on $300 Bail.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on December 13th at 5:00 p.m.

At 11:51 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Joseph Guarneri, 51, of Richmondville, NY, for Trespass.  He was issued an appearance and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on December 13th at 5:00 p.m.

At 2:15 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Simona Goode, 20, of Bronx, NY, for Petit Larceny.  She was issued an appearance ticket and released.  She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on December 13th at 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

At 1:30 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Brice Cummings, 22, of Cobleskill, NY, for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th and 5th.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $5000 Bail / $10,000 Bond.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on December 5th at 10:00 a.m.

At 9:42 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Erin L. Hennessey, 26 of Cobleskill, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of Motor Vehicle 3rd.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released after posting $250 Bail.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on January 24th at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

At 6:51 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested James A. Reeves, 56, of Jefferson, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of Motor Vehicle 3rd.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released after posting $200 Bail.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on January 24th at 5:00 p.m.

At 10:26 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Myriah E. Rhodes, 24, of Cobleskill, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of Motor Vehicle 3rd.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $250 Bail / $500 Bond.  She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on December 16th at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, December 2, 2016

At 9:21 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Wayne M. Koons, 43, of Esperance, NY, for DWI, Felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of Motor Vehicle 3rd and other vehicle and traffic tickets.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on No Bail.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on December 6th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

At 12:24 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested a 17 year old female of Monroe, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana.  She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on January 24th at 5:00 p.m.

SUNY Cobleskill Women's Swimming Defeats Wells College and Gallaudet University in Dual Meet Action

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s swimming & diving team dominated the action at a double dual meet hosted by The Express of Wells College on Saturday afternoon as the Fighting Tigers topped the host Express by a score of 100-79 and the Bison of Gallaudet University by a 108-88 margin. With the wins Cobleskill improves to 2-5 overall versus opponents in head-to-head competition.

The Fighting Tigers captured four individual events and a relay in their winning effort led by freshman distance swimmer Michelle Moffett, Staten Island, N.Y., St. John Villa Academy, who won the 1000-yard freestyle in a time of 14:19.87 and the 500-yard freestyle in 6:58.33. The team also received individual event wins from senior Mackenzie Cross, Queensbury, N.Y., Queensbury High School, in the 50-yard freestyle in 27.77 seconds and from junior Danielle Hoyt, Walcott, N.Y., Rose-Walcott High School, in the 100-yard freestyle in a time of 1:01.79.

Cobleskill will close out the semester on Saturday December 10th when they travel to Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. to face the Raptors of Bard College beginning at 1:00 p.m.

SUNY Cobleskill Men's Swimming Posts Impressive Win Over Wells College and Gallaudet University in Dual Meet Action

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s swimming & diving team turned in an impressive effort at a double dual meet hosted by The Express of Wells College on Saturday afternoon as the Fighting Tigers easily outdistanced the host Express by a score of 130-55 and the Bison of Gallaudet University by a 103-79 margin. With the victories the Orange & Black improve to 4-2 overall versus opponents in head-to-head competition.

The Fighting Tigers won five individual events and both relays at the meet led by junior Anthony McGorsik, East Hampton, N.Y., East Hampton High School, who was a three-time event winner taking the: 200-yard freestyle in 1:58.79, the 100-yard freestyle in 55.98 seconds and the 500-yeard freestyle in 5:38.04.

Cobleskill will close out the semester on Saturday December 10th when they travel to Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. to face the Raptors of Bard College beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Women's College Basketball: SUNY Cobleskill Defeats Keuka College 70-59 in NEAC Action

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team used a balanced attack and a strong second half to post a 70-59 victory over the visiting Wolves of Keuka College in North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) play on Saturday afternoon at the Iorio Gymnasium. The victory improves the Fighting Tigers overall record to 3-2 on the year including a 2-1 record in NEAC play while the Wolves fall to 1-3 overall including a 0-2 conference record.

The game was a back-and-forth contest throughout the first three quarters with nine ties and eight lead changes before the Fighting Tigers used some excellent second half shooting to overcome a 36-33 Keuka halftime lead. The Orange & Black connected on 12-of-19, 63.2%, shots from the field in the second stanza to wrestle control of the contest away from the visitors and secure the victory.

The Fighting Tigers balance proved to be too much for the Wolves down the stretch as: freshman Shaliyah Graham, Bronx, N.Y., Martin Luther King Jr. High School, scored 22 points and grabbed four rebounds, senior forward Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, scored 12 points to go with seven rebounds, senior guard Shiann Coons, Albany, N.Y., Bishop Maginn High School/Schenectady Community College, scored 10 points and passed out five assists and freshman guard Addy Lawson, Milford, N.Y., Milford High School, scored 10 points and took down three rebounds on the day. Freshman guard Erica Cabrera, Middletown, N.Y., John S. Burke Catholic High School, also contributed nine points to the team’s victory totals.

Cobleskill will conclude out their weekend of NEAC action on Sunday afternoon when they host The Express of Wells College in NEAC action as part of a men’s/women’s double header with the women’s game tipping off at 12:00 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 2:00 p.m.

GAME BOX:
Keuka College vs SUNY Cobleskill
12/3/16 1:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
Newspaper Box Score
Keuka vs SUNY Cobleskill
12/3/16 1:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
At Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
SUNY COBLESKILL 70, KEUKA 59
KEUKA (1-3/0-2 NEAC)
Lauren Anten 7-10 1-2 16; Katie Stuart 5-13 5-8 15; Sarah Tyler 5-9 0-0 10;
Britta Berguson 3-3 0-0 6; Tiffany Binion 2-3 0-0 4; Courtney Boyea 2-5 0-0
4; Nicole Templeton 0-5 2-2 2; Arianna DeNault 1-8 0-0 2; Brooklyn Camarra
0-0 0-0 0; Brooke Overton 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 25-57 8-12 59.
SUNY COBLESKILL (3-2/1-1 NEAC)
Shaliyah Graham 7-10 7-11 22; Shelby Preston 4-6 4-6 12; Addy Lawson 4-4 1-2
10; Shiann Coons 3-9 1-2 10; Erica Cabrera 3-4 3-4 9; Ashley Creighton 2-7
0-0 4; Gabby Muraczewski 1-1 0-0 2; Stacey Sprauge 0-1 1-2 1; Brianna
Florian 0-1 0-0 0; Tegan Matthews 0-2 0-0 0; Cristal Malloy 0-0 0-0 0.
Totals 24-45 17-27 70.
Keuka.........................   17   19   10   13  -   59
SUNY Cobleskill...............   19   14   16   21  -   70
3-point goals--Keuka 1-9 (Lauren Anten 1-2; Katie Stuart 0-3; Courtney Boyea
0-2; Arianna DeNault 0-2), SUNY Cobleskill 5-12 (Shiann Coons 3-7; Addy
Lawson 1-1; Shaliyah Graham 1-1; Ashley Creighton 0-2; Tegan Matthews 0-1).
Fouled out--Keuka-Arianna DeNault; Katie Stuart; Nicole Templeton, SUNY
Cobleskill-None. Rebounds--Keuka 30 (Katie Stuart 6), SUNY Cobleskill 30
(Shelby Preston 7). Assists--Keuka 14 (Arianna DeNault 4), SUNY Cobleskill
17 (Shiann Coons 5). Total fouls--Keuka 30, SUNY Cobleskill 14. Technical
fouls--Keuka-None, SUNY Cobleskill-None. A-122

College Men's Basketball SUNY Cobleskill Falls in Overtime to Keuka College in NEAC Action

After clawing their way back from a 12 point second half deficit the SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team dropped a heartbreaking 84-78 overtime decision to the visiting Wolves of Keuka College in North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) play on Saturday afternoon at the Iorio Gymnasium. The loss drops the Fighting Tigers to 0-7 overall on the campaign including a 0-2 mark in NEAC action while Keuka moves to 1-5 overall with a 1-1 conference record.

After trailing by as many as 12 points in the second half the Fighting Tigers clawed their way back to trail the Wolves 73-71 with seven seconds remaining in regulation and Keuka freshman guard Cameron Winston, Freeport, N.Y., Pomfret School (Conn.), on the line for two free throws.

Winston converted on the first of his charity tosses but missed the second with Cobleskill senior swingman Joel Costello, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School/Tompkins-Cortland Community College, coming up with the rebound and making a mad dash up the court. Costello’s 21-foot desperation three-point effort found its mark at the buzzer to tie the game at 74-74 and send the contest into overtime.
However in the overtime period after Cobleskill took a 78-77 lead, on a driving lay-up by Costello, with 2:12 remaining, the Wolves stiffened their defense and held the Fighting Tigers scoreless the rest of the way going on a 7-0 run of their own to close out play and secure the 84-78 victory.

Joel Costello was outstanding in defeat for the Fighting Tigers posting his second double/double of the campaign with career highs in points with 24 and rebounds with 16 while passing out three assists and picking up five steals on the afternoon. Cobleskill also received a strong outing from junior forward Christian Cooper, Gilboa, N.Y., Gilboa-Conesville High School, who hit for 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Fighting Tigers will close out their weekend NEAC action on Sunday afternoon when they host The Express of Wells College in NEAC action as part of a men’s/women’s double header with the women tipping off at 12:00 p.m. followed by the men at 2:00 p.m.
GAME BOX:

Keuka College vs SUNY Cobleskill
12/3/16 3:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
Newspaper Box Score
Keuka vs SUNY Cobleskill
12/3/16 3:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
At Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
KEUKA 84, SUNY COBLESKILL 78
KEUKA (1-5/1-1 NEAC)
Cliff Stevens 6-13 7-11 22; Trevor Powell 4-9 7-8 16; Dylan Doupe 6-8 1-2
14; Cameron Winston 4-9 2-6 10; Greg Tyler 2-10 6-10 10; Sam Brown 2-5 0-0
4; Matt Estes 1-2 0-0 3; Jelani Fontanez 1-2 1-2 3; Dekhari Stewart 1-2 0-0
2; Sean Kelly 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 27-60 24-39 84.
SUNY COBLESKILL (0-7/0-2 NEAC)
Joel Costello 11-16 1-2 24; Christian Cooper 8-13 0-0 17; Malik Chambers
4-16 2-2 12; Frank D'Esti 3-12 3-3 10; Kahleel Taylor 3-3 1-1 8; Quincey
Miller 2-8 2-2 7; Islam Mustafa 0-0 0-0 0; Devin Boyle 0-4 0-0 0. Totals
31-72 9-10 78.
Keuka.........................   38   36   10  -   84
SUNY Cobleskill...............   33   41    4  -   78
3-point goals--Keuka 6-17 (Cliff Stevens 3-5; Matt Estes 1-1; Trevor Powell
1-2; Dylan Doupe 1-1; Jelani Fontanez 0-1; Sam Brown 0-3; Greg Tyler 0-3;
Cameron Winston 0-1), SUNY Cobleskill 7-27 (Malik Chambers 2-9; Quincey
Miller 1-2; Joel Costello 1-1; Frank D'Esti 1-7; Kahleel Taylor 1-1;
Christian Cooper 1-4; Devin Boyle 0-3). Fouled out--Keuka-None, SUNY
Cobleskill-Quincey Miller; Christian Cooper; Joel Costello. Rebounds--Keuka
50 (Dylan Doupe 10), SUNY Cobleskill 36 (Joel Costello 16). Assists--Keuka
15 (Greg Tyler 7), SUNY Cobleskill 15 (Frank D'Esti 4). Total fouls--Keuka
13, SUNY Cobleskill 27. Technical fouls--Keuka-None, SUNY
Cobleskill-Christian Cooper. A-152

Men's College Basketball: SUNY Cobleskill Drops NEAC Opener to SUNY Polytechnic 80-67

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team opened their North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) season on Wednesday evening with an 80-67 loss to the top ranked SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcats at the Iorio Gymnasium. With the loss the Fighting Tigers fall to 0-6 overall including a 0-1 mark in league action while the Wildcats improve to 2-1 overall with a 1-0 record in conference play.

The visitors used a distinct size advantage to control the paint in the contest shooting an impressive 30-of-49, 61.2%, from the field while holding a 40-to-28 rebound advantage in the contest.

Senior guard Quincey Miller, Brooklyn, N.Y., Lafayette High School/Potomac State College, continued his strong early season play with 19 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals on the night. Cobleskill also received 17 points and three steals from senior swingman Joel Costello, Middleburgh, N.Y., Middleburgh High School/Tompkins-Cortland Community College, and 12 points and five rebounds from junior forward Christian Cooper, Gilboa, N.Y., Gilboa-Conesville High School.

The Orange & Black will return to action over the weekend when they host conference rivals Keuka College on Saturday December 3rd at 3:00 p.m. and Wells College on Sunday December 4th at12:00 p.m. as part of a pair of conference doubleheaders with the Fighting Tiger women’s team who will open the action at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Final Game Box:
SUNY Poly vs SUNY Cobleskill
11/39/16 7:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
Newspaper Box Score
SUNY Poly vs SUNY Cobleskill
11/39/16 7:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
At Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
SUNY POLY 80, SUNY COBLESKILL 67
SUNY POLY (2-1/1-0 NEAC)
Josh Gregory 7-9 3-4 22; Kevin Williams 8-10 2-2 18; Malik Johnson 7-8 1-3
15; Quayshaun Mitchell 3-8 4-6 10; Joseph Ojo 3-3 1-3 7; Tyler Taverne 2-2
0-1 4; Peyton Griffiths 0-6 3-5 3; Blake Haga 0-1 1-3 1; David Perez 0-0 0-0
0; Jon Andrews 0-0 0-0 0; Chase LaCava 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 30-49 15-27 80.
SUNY COBLESKILL (0-6/0-1 NEAC)
Quincey Miller 6-15 5-8 19; Joel Costello 6-15 3-4 17; Christian Cooper 5-8
1-2 12; Malik Chambers 3-12 0-2 7; Kahleel Taylor 2-3 0-0 4; Devin Boyle 1-3
0-0 3; Frank D'Esti 1-6 0-0 3; Shaquill Anthony 1-1 0-0 2; Islam Mustafa 0-0
0-0 0; Kahlil Wilson 0-0 0-0 0; Kevin Johnson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 25-63 9-16
67.
SUNY Poly.....................   48   32  -   80
SUNY Cobleskill...............   35   32  -   67
3-point goals--SUNY Poly 5-15 (Josh Gregory 5-7; Quayshaun Mitchell 0-4;
Peyton Griffiths 0-3; Chase LaCava 0-1), SUNY Cobleskill 8-25 (Joel Costello
2-5; Quincey Miller 2-7; Malik Chambers 1-5; Christian Cooper 1-1; Devin
Boyle 1-3; Frank D'Esti 1-4). Fouled out--SUNY Poly-None, SUNY
Cobleskill-Quincey Miller. Rebounds--SUNY Poly 40 (Malik Johnson 12), SUNY
Cobleskill 28 (Christian Cooper 5). Assists--SUNY Poly 19 (Peyton Griffiths
6), SUNY Cobleskill 13 (Quincey Miller 5). Total fouls--SUNY Poly 13, SUNY
Cobleskill 21. Technical fouls--SUNY Poly-None, SUNY Cobleskill-None. A-436

Women's College Basketball: SUNY Cobleskill Loses 82-68 to SUNY Polytechnic in NEAC Action

After an extended Thanksgiving break the SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team opened their North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) season on Wednesday evening with an 82-68 loss to the defending league champion SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcats at the Iorio Gymnasium. With the loss the Fighting Tigers fall to 2-2 overall with a 0-1 mark in league action while the Wildcats improve to 3-0 overall with a 1-0 conference record.

The Fighting Tigers led 43-33 at the half and by as many as 13 points with 6:05 remaining in the third quarter at 53-40 before the defending conference champions mounted an impressive comeback led offensively by senior guard Stevie Ray, Syracuse, N.Y., Fabius-Pompey High School, who scored 23 points in the second half as part of a 43 point overall effort. This coupled with a stellar Wildcat defensive performance that held Cobleskill to only eight fourth quarter points keyed the victory for the visitors from Marcy.

In defeat freshman guard Shaliyah Graham, Bronx, N.Y., Martin Luther King High School, was exceptional for the Fighting Tigers with a career high of 20 points on the evening to go with three steals and a pair of assists. Senior guard/forward Ashley Creighton, Niskayuna, N.Y., Catholic Central High School/Schenectady Community College, finished with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists for the home team while senior forward Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, had 12 points and seven rebounds on the night.

The Orange & Black will return to action over the weekend when they host conference rivals Keuka College on Saturday December 3rd at 1:00 p.m. and Wells College on Sunday December 4th at 12:00 p.m. as part of a pair of league doubleheaders with the Fighting Tiger men’s team who are slated to tip-off at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

FINAL BOX:
SUNY Poly vs SUNY Cobleskill
11/30/16 5:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
Newspaper Box Score
SUNY Poly vs SUNY Cobleskill
11/30/16 5:00 PM at Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
At Iorio Gymnasium, Cobleskill, N.Y.
SUNY POLY 82, SUNY COBLESKILL 68
SUNY POLY (3-0/1-0 NEAC)
Stevie Ray 12-23 16-16 43; Kristaijah Jackson 4-9 2-4 10; Shannon Harrison
3-9 2-2 9; Kiersten Leos 2-6 2-4 8; Ryenn Smith 3-4 2-4 8; Taylor Aybar 2-4
0-0 4; Paige Gallo 0-0 0-0 0; Caitlyn Mackay 0-0 0-0 0; Shannon Tooley 0-0
0-0 0; Shelby Kralik 0-1 0-0 0; Kenia Garcia 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-56 24-30
82.
SUNY COBLESKILL (2-2/0-1 NEAC)
Shaliyah Graham 6-10 6-8 20; Ashley Creighton 4-10 1-1 13; Shelby Preston
3-6 6-6 12; Addy Lawson 3-10 1-3 8; Shiann Coons 2-3 0-0 6; Gabby
Muraczewski 1-1 1-2 3; Tegan Matthews 1-1 0-0 2; Brianna Florian 1-1 0-0 2;
Erica Cabrera 1-8 0-0 2; Tracy Anderson 0-0 0-0 0; Jocelyn Zaneski 0-1 0-0
0. Totals 22-51 15-20 68.
SUNY Poly.....................   13   20   24   25  -   82
SUNY Cobleskill...............   13   30   17    8  -   68
3-point goals--SUNY Poly 6-21 (Stevie Ray 3-9; Kiersten Leos 2-5; Shannon
Harrison 1-6; Taylor Aybar 0-1), SUNY Cobleskill 9-20 (Ashley Creighton 4-8;
Shaliyah Graham 2-2; Shiann Coons 2-3; Addy Lawson 1-5; Erica Cabrera 0-2).
Fouled out--SUNY Poly-None, SUNY Cobleskill-Erica Cabrera. Rebounds--SUNY
Poly 30 (Shannon Harrison 6; Kristaijah Jackson 6), SUNY Cobleskill 34
(Shelby Preston 7). Assists--SUNY Poly 6 (Stevie Ray 3), SUNY Cobleskill 15
(Addy Lawson 4). Total fouls--SUNY Poly 19, SUNY Cobleskill 26. Technical
fouls--SUNY Poly-None, SUNY Cobleskill-None. A-211

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.”