Cobleskill School 'Hit List' Being Investigated

An alleged 'hit list' of victims has been found at Golding Middle School in Cobleskill. This comes after a series of rumors spread around the school last week that caused a dance to be canceled after it appeared that there were sixth graders targeted.

No evidence has surfaced of who made the list, but it is being taken very seriously. Approximately two dozen names of eighth graders have been found on the list. It appeared that the list threatened students at an upcoming event. 

“We don’t have any credible evidence from an entire week spent speaking to students. I’m not saying we wouldn’t make a decision on Monday if something credible or concrete came about, but we're hoping that this time, there’s a little more evidence that we’re going to be able to wrap this up before,” said Macan.

Info from WRGB here.

"We’re always concerned, in these times we have to take every threat seriously until proven otherwise, so that’s how we’ve been treating it,” he said.

More from WTEN here.

NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Cobleskill FD 150th a Blast

Cobleskill residents celebrated the 150th anniversary of the community's beloved Fire Department.

Photo credit: Cobleskill FD Facebook Page

Cobleskill Fire Department Readies for 150th Anniversary

With events planned all day at the Cobleskill Sunshine Fairgrounds, a parade scheduled to march down Main Street at 10 am, and live music performances by Chicken Herders (5:00 pm-9:00 pm) and Skeeter Creek (9:00 pm-closing), the Cobleskill Fire Department is readying for its 150th anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 am until midnight. 

The Cobleskill Fire Department serves approximately nine thousand people in a one hundred and fifty square mile area and its origins, dating back to 1864, pre-date the Village of Cobleskill's incorporation in 1868, making it one of the municipality's oldest public institutions. 

Cobleskill Town Board Unanimously Backs Howe Caverns Casino

Cobleskill, NY - In a crystal clear and decisive statement of support, the Cobleskill Town Board unanimously passed a resolution backing a casino to be specifically sited at Howe Caverns.

“We are pleased to continue to show unprecedented community support for our project.  I would venture to say that we have the most community support of  any proposal in the region and possibly the State,” said Emil Galasso, President of Howe Caverns Development Corporation.

The specific resolution, undoubtedly favoring the Howe Caverns Casino, is one of the required steps in the process to be considered for selection by New York State.  The resolution also mentions several additional benefits and reasons for New York State to select the Howe Caverns site.

Calling Howe Caverns “a true destination” and “an important historic landmark,” the resolution states that the Town of Cobleskill Board believes that bringing a casino to Howe Caverns will be “economically transformational for a region that suffered Hurricanes Irene and Lee.”

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

“We have a great location, we have ample space ready to built on, and we have overwhelming support.  Why would New York State choose another site, when the community here welcomes this development?” Galasso continued.

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

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

Grand Re-Opening of Cobleskill's Nick Iorio Park Set for Sunday

Cobleskill Recreation Commission and Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play have been working together to create opportunities for the community to become more active.  Nick Iorio Park in Cobleskill is undergoing some major renovation including updating and increasing the offerings for all age groups and will have a grand re-opening on Sunday June 1st from 11-12:30.

Cobleskill Recreation Commission has been working with Parkitects to design an intergenerational park for the community to increase activity for all in a safe area and work has been partially funded through Creating Healthy Places as well as through community fundraisers.  An adult and teen fitness area has been added for those 13 years and up to be able to work out while younger children are at the playground or are practicing on the fields.  “Outdoor gym facilities like this are usually found in cities and are becoming more common in so that more people have access to the equipment, whether they can afford a gym membership or not.  For much of the year it is nicer to be outside than to work out indoors,” says Maureen Blanchard, Project Coordinator with Creating Healthy Places.  “When you work out, you naturally heat up so dressing in layers allows you to work out for much of the year.”  “Schoharie County is a beautiful place to live and explore outdoors, now we can exercise outside as well”.   Trainers from Fit Coalition will be on hand to demonstrate use of the fitness equipment as well as helping people become more comfortable using it.

In addition to the adult/teen fitness area, a new preschool area has been added creating a safe place for young children to play.  This area will include areas to promote climbing, a slide and some activities that are accessible to less mobile children. The preschool area also has improved surfacing, making it safer for children to play on. 

The renovated park will have a grand re-opening on Sunday June 1st at 11 am and the public is invited to attend.  The park was installed in 1990 and has been an important part of the community.  As we strive to get people to be more active, we need to update some of the facilities as we are doing here.   Further improvements will be added in the near future, but additional funds need to be raised.  In addition to the ceremonial grand opening, there will be a treasure hunt and obstacle course challenge for children, as well as face painting.

 Refreshments will be available for those attending.  Dress comfortably and be ready to try the new equipment while there. 

Creating Healthy Places is a grant funded through New York State Department of Health to address the growing problem of obesity and its effects on chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Heart Disease.  The Grant was awarded to SUNY Cobleskill in 2010 for 5 years with $875,000 coming into the community to work on access to fresh fruits and vegetables and places to be physically active.  For more information or questions, please contact Maureen Blanchard, Project Coordinator at (518) 255-5294.

Cobleskill Police Nab Second Heroin Arrest

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced that, in conjunction with the New York State Police Community Narcotics Team (CNET), they have arrested twenty year old Mouro Sow of Spencer, New York for allegedly selling heroin in the Village of Cobleskill. 

State Troopers apprehended the suspect around 4:40 pm Friday afternoon in the Town of Spencer after New York State Police Troop C was notified of arrest warrants for the man originating from the Cobleskill Police Department. Sow was turned over to local law enforcement for further action.

During an ongoing joint investigation, it was discovered that Sow was allegedly in possession and selling heroin. As the information was developed it led to two separate purchases of the illegal drug on at least two occasions from the suspect. This marks the second such arrest in as many weeks by Cobleskill Police. 

Sow was charged with two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B Felonies. He was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and was subsequently remanded to Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $10,000.00 cash bail or $30,000.00 bond. He is to return to Town of Cobleskill Court on Tuesday, May 26 at 4:00 pm for further action.

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

Casino Hearing Tonight in Cobleskill

Members of the public will have the opportunity to address their concerns on the proposed Howe Caverns Casino to Cobleskill Town Supervisor Leo McAllister and the rest of the town board in a public hearing scheduled for 8:00 p.m. this evening at the local firehouse. 

Mr. McAllister, who initially opposed any casino coming into the county, has been a staunch advocate for the public having input on this controversial issue. Although his position that only Cobleskill residents could speak at tonight's hearing has ruffled some in the community.

The Center for Sustainable Rural Communities blasted that decision in an e-mail sent to the municipality and press last week, claiming the restriction violates the New York Open Meeting Law and that the casino "has the potential for impacting the broader community in both positive and negative ways."

Maple Festival, Lumberjacks to Dominate Busy Cobleskill Weekend

The Cobleskill Fairgrounds will be busy with activity this weekend, as residents countywide are gearing up for the 49th annual Schoharie County Maple Festival where a new Maple Queen will be crowned on Saturday, while lumberjacks from across the North East are sharpening their axes for the Stihl Timbersports Collegiate Qualifier that is being held today into tomorrow afternoon.

Joining in on the community action, the Village of Cobleskil will be hosting their 19th annual Fish and Wildlife Festival in conjunction with their 2014 Earth Day Celebration and Village Clean-Up event, both of which will take place at the Village Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  

Cobleskill Resident Arrested for Breaking Into "Taste of Europe" Twice

From the New York State Police:

On April 7, 2014 the State Police at Cobleskill arrested Andrew P. Harte, 48 years of age, of Cobleskill, NY for two counts of Burglary Third Degree. In June of 2013 a burglary was reported to a local restaurant, "A Taste of Europe" located on State Route 145 in the Town of Cobleskill. Forced entry was gained into the restaurant where an investigation revealed alcohol was stolen. 

Andrew Harte

Then two months later on Labor Day weekend of 2013 a second burglary was reported. This time food items were taken from the business. A ten month investigation has lead to the arrest of Harte. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 secured bond. He is to return to court at a later date.  

13 Years Later: County Still Looking to Find Buyer for Guilford Mills

Before closing in November of 2001, the Guilford Mills building on Mineral Springs Road in Cobleskill, New York was home to more than 500 jobs. Since closing on the eighth of that month, those jobs have not been replaced, and the building has sat vacant.

The plant, and the parcel of land on which it sits, is owned by Schoharie County. This means that, at least for the time being, it is fully the county’s responsibility to find new businesses to occupy the space. To this point, the county has found little success on this front. The most recent possibility came last year when Butternuts Beer and Ale, a company based west of Schoharie County in Garratsville, New York, expressed interest in turning the facility into a brewery. However, the deal fell through when Butternuts failed to meet certain purchase deadlines and, on October 15 of 2013, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors voted not to extend the Butternuts purchase contract.

Stewart’s Shops was rumored to show interest in the building to open a creamery. According to Schoharie County treasurer Bill Cherry, though, Stewart’s has yet to formally express interest. Cherry did say that both he and the Schoharie County realtor have been in talks with Stewart’s Shops.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the property was used as a temporary home for some of the County facilities that had been damaged in the flood. Notably, the Schoharie County Department of Motor Vehicles used the facility for a short time. Since the parcel is owned by the County, it is entirely possible that it could be used for County purposes in the long term, but Cherry said that the County’s mission is for the building to be occupied by a private sector firm.

The likely cause of Schoharie County’s difficulty in marketing the building is its size. When Guilford Mills operated the complex, the 460,000 square foot building was used in the production of consumer fabrics, an industry which Guilford exited in 2001 to focus on the performance textiles and automotive market. It is unlikely, Cherry says, that Schoharie County will find another company in need of that much space, or willing to invest the three million asking price.

To combat this, the County is considering subdividing the property into sections of around 100,000 square feet or less. According to Cherry, this size industrial space makes the building much more marketable, although it would require the interest of multiple companies to fill. Cherry also said it is possible, once the entire building is occupied, that the County could sell the parcel to an outside investor.

“Our goal is to create new jobs in Schoharie County,” said Cherry of the plant. The goal number Cherry quoted was the 500 lost on Guilford Mills’ closing, whether they all come from one company or segmented from different companies. As we approach the thirteen year mark for the building being unoccupied, Schoharie County residents are left to wonder if the building will ever again be home to any jobs at all.

Cobleskill EMS Pancake Breakfast Sunday, March 16th

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

Photo credit: Cobleskill FB Page

Cobleskill Student Claims New York American Legion Oratorical Championship

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

New York State American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor presents plaque to state oratorical champion Andrew Hartnett of Cobleskill-Richmondville High School.

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

Finalists in the New York State American Legion Oratorical Contest pose with state Legion Commander Kenneth Governor. From left, the finalists are: James R. Gallagher, Sara A Bogen, Andrew R Hartnett, Nidhi B. Shah and Sarah Thomson.

 The Legion Oratorical Contest features original speeches on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, noted state Oratorical Chair Anthony L. Paternostro.

The other finalists are:

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

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

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

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

Women's Health Clinic in Cobleskill March 18th

From the Schoharie County Health Department's Facebook page:

Free Health Screenings with Bassett's Mobile Mammography Coach!

What: The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. There are no income guidelines. 

When: Wednesday, February 26, 9 am - 3 pm 

Where: Shoppers Mart Plaza (SCCAP parking lot) 795 E. Main Street, Cobleskill NY

Details: Screenings include pap tests with pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms and take home colorectal test kits (for men and women 50 or older)

Contact: Please call this toll free number 1-888-345-0225 to set up your appointment.

Please share this important information!

Contact: Please call this toll free number 1-888-345-0225 to set up your appointment.

Please share this important information!

Cobleskill FD to Hold 150th Anniversary in June

Just a year after Middleburgh's Fire Department celebrated its 125th anniversary, Cobleskill's Fire Department is preparing a commemoration of its own. The recently-created Facebook page for the event explains that the ceremony will take place on June 14, 2014.

The preliminary schedule has a lot of activity:

10:00am (lineup at 8:30am) - Parade starts from SUNY Campus and proceeds to Fairgrounds

12:00pm - Opening Ceremonies

1:00pm - Fire Muster, Firematics, Car Show TBA - Trophies for Fire Muster, Firematics, Car Show 5:00pm-9:00pm - Chicken Herders

9:00pm - Fireworks

9:30pm-1:00am - Skeeter Creek

Leadership Key in Cobleskill Transition

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

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

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

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

Water Supervisor: Cobleskill Water is "Safe to Drink"

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

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

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

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

Opinion: Holmes Ready to Strengthen Cobleskill, Move Past Dissolution

After years of passionate debate over former Mayor Mark Galasso's proposal to dissolve the Village of Cobleskill into either the Town government, or an incredibly far-fetched idea that sought to create the "City of Cobleskill," residents of the county's economic and population hub can now look toward the future of their municipality without the constant drumbeat of self-destruction that their previous administration was so fond of pounding. 

 

It goes without saying that the Schoharie News is pleased with last month's election of former Village Trustee Linda Holmes to not only serve as Mayor of Cobleskill, but also as a promoter of stronger and more interactive government within the community. A vision Mayor Holmes started working on day one with the creation of an official facebook page for Village government, resembling that of Middleburgh's, in order to dually inform the public of government related news and community events.

 

While it is not earth shattering, it is definitely a small step in the right direction by signaling her administration is concerned with the promotion and strength of the community at large, whereas her predecessor was intent on its unequivocal dissolution despite the public and the data showing it was counter productive and based on the false premise of cost savings.

 

Only time will reveal whether Mayor Holmes term is successful in strengthening the community and putting the ill-conceived idea of dissolution behind them, but after eight years of either unpopular mayors or unconstructive administrations ranging from that of Michael Sellers to Mark Nadeau to finally Mark Galasso holding reign of Cobleskill, she can only lead the Village toward a better position than it has been.

 

What do you think?

Boil Water Order for Part of Cobleskill

Below is a copy sent out from the County Department of Health

11/26/2013 at 16:00FROM: Public Health SanitarianSchoharie County Department of Public Health 

Please be advised that a Boil Water Order is in effect for the Colonial Village Route 7 Cobleskill. 

There was a loss of pressure reported at this system on 11/22/2013 and this was not a planned interruption.  The system did not notify health department. 

The chlorine feed pump was disabled when a well pump relay switch failed on 11/24/2013. 

Accordingly a boil water order was issued to this system and will remain in effect until furthernotice. 

Boil water notices have been distributed to residents as calls about it are being received. 

Water leaks were reported by residents of the the mobile home park and water service was interrupted with no notifications. 

The park has 80 services and service about 200 people.    Service has been restored according to a resident that reported the incident.  This is the only area affected.  It appears that only the distribution system has been affected as the resident reported pressure is restored.  Relay switch was ordered.  It appears that emergency stockpile equipment will not be required. 

However, until samples have been collected and results received, water system flushed and cleared the notice shall remain in effect. 

Samples are planned for today and 11/27. 

The order may remain until 11/29. 

Contact information has been left for the laboratory to contact DOH with sample results. 

Water leaks in systems do occur as fittings break sometimes.  The system needs to notify DOH.  A boil water order may be issued anyway but the system must notify residents as well.

Community Pipeline Meeting on Monday December 2, 2013 at 7PM inside of the Radez Elementary School Gym located on 319 Main Street, Richmondville, NY. The latest information on the proposed Constitution Pipeline from threats of eminent domain and legal efforts to landowner resistance and the pipeline company's safety record will be provided to the public. This advertisement is sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities and the Stop the Pipeline Schoharie Action Committee

Another Heroin Arrest in Cobleskill

A 41 year old was arrested for possession of heroin in Cobleskill. This follows another bust just several weeks ago. Joseph Panetta of Cobleskill was arrested and charged with two misdemeanors, possession of a controlled substance and of a hypodermic instrument. He was held in jail and had a court date yesterday.

Cobleskill Race to Determine County Board Future

The Board of Supervisors, with its 2,974 weighted votes divided between sixteen Town Supervisors, could witness a fundamental shift in power today with twelve municipalities choosing between two or more candidates to not only lead their local government but to represent them county-wide. 

None of which could have a greater impact then the race between Cobleskill incumbent Supervisor Tom Murray and Republican challenger Leo McAllister. Today's victor will hold 481 (16.2%) of the board's weighted votes and his vote alone could either pass or sink any measure that comes before county government. This holds especially true with the board's vote to elect a new chairman in January. 

Mr. Murray, who recently appeared in a advertisement with seven other supervisor candidates that make up the conservative faction and if they are all successful would control over half of the board's weighted vote, stands as the bulwark of this coalition: providing almost one-third of their overall support and their control of the county's economic hub. 

As such, the race in Cobleskill not only represents a stark contrast between Supervisor Murray and Mr. McAllister, a local business owner who has served his community in a variety of positions, but it will decide the direction of county politics in regards to the board's handling of Fitzmaurice's recommendations, tax policy and the future of Schoharie County government and whether we learn from the mistakes of the past three years. 

Cobleskill voters have a difficult, yet clear choice to make in today's election: do they stand with the incumbent and his tri-partisan faction that is seeking to regain control of county politics, or do they stand with the opponent that is a soft spoken, polite businessman and who will bring a sense of moderation to a board that has far too long been embroiled in controversy.