Old Stone Fort to Host Founders Day Picnic

The Schoharie County Historical Society is continuing to celebrate its 125th Anniversary with a Founders Day Picnic and outdoor concert scheduled on Wednesday, July 2, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Music will be provided by Patty and the Mygrains performing an eclectic mix of folk, county, jazz, blues, and salsa.

Additionally, the museum's recently introduced Founders Exhibit will be open with guest exhibit curator Peter Lindemann on hand to discuss his own research into the men responsible for making the Old Stone Fort into what it is today.

The general public is invited to attend this fund-raising event with their own picnic food for $7.00 admission, but a special Picnic Dinner Box prepared by Chef Ralph Buess, owner of the George Mann Tory Tavern, is available for $25 per person which includes admission.

For more information on the Old Stone Fort's upcoming Founders Day Picnic, please visit the events page of the museum's website here. 

Video of Schoharie School Board Meeting

Schoharie Central School held its Board meeting last week, attracting dozens. Watch the video below.

Rainy but Fun Car Show in Schoharie Saturday

The rain gods did not favor the car show in Schoharie this Saturday, but it was still a successful event attracting 50 cars.

Photos credit the Schoharie Promotional Association Facebook page.

Despite Stormy Weather, Schoharie's Parade a Hit

Despite the threat of severe storms, hundreds of Schoharie and area residents turned out Thursday evening to watch the valley community's annual American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Day Parade that featured both of Schoharie's school bands, several antique cars and dozens of local firemen and emergency responders marching to honor our nation's veterans. 

The Schoharie News was at the scene and captured some interesting photographs of the festivities, which are posted below:

Former Town Supervisor Martin Shrederis (far left) served as
master of ceremonies, while the parade's three judges looked on

Members of the American Legion

The next farmers of Schoharie enjoyed the ride
Thursday, tossing candy to unsuspecting children

Schoharie's Elementary-Junior Marching Band
was well received by paradegoers 

Village of Schoharie Mayor John Borst
greeted residents up and down Main Street

Schoharie's Fire Department led a procession
of local fire companies and trucks in the parade

Air Force Veteran and current Schoharie County
Sheriff Tony Desmond waves to the crowd

The Schoharie High School Marching Band wowed
the crowd with their Star Spangled Banner performance

Schoharie Set to Host Memorial Day Parade Tonight

The Valley community of Schoharie is set for its annual Schoharie American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Day Parade that will take place this evening starting at 6:30 pm and will last until 8:00 pm with the parade route making its way through the local village.

Graphic credit - WNYT

Mother nature, however, is threatening to rain on Schoharie's parade, as local forecasts are calling for thunderstorms with a 60% chance of precipitation this evening. Paradegoers are advised to bring an umbrella to this evening's festivities.

The show, nevertheless, must go on and will conclude with a ceremony at the Veteran's Park located on the corner of Main and Spring Streets, followed by Grand Marshall presentations and the announcement of parade prize winners as determined by judges. 

Wolfe's Laundry Den Hosts Grand Opening

One month after Wolfe's Laundry Den opened their doors to customers in the Village of Schoharie, they officially hosted their grand opening on Friday afternoon with dozens of friends, family, and local officials in attendance to witness the ribbon cutting and the birth of a new business.

Opening the new laundromat was a Wolfe family
affair on Friday - Photo credit: Timothy Knight

Offering few remarks after the cutting, Nancy Ann Wolfe thanked Assemblyman Pete Lopez, attorney Raynor Duncombe and Bank of Richmondville officials for their assistance in helping the project get off the ground, which began after the Wolfe family purchased the building last July. 

The laundromat, which boasts forty-two state of the art American manufactured washers and dryers, is open regularly from six in the morning until ten at night according to the business facebook page, and is located at 299 Main Street in the heart of Schoharie.

Wolfe's Laundry Den Offers Schoharie Local Choice

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

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

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

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

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

Supreme Court Overturns Schoharie Zoning Laws

Ruling that the Town of Schoharie's adoption of Local Law 2-2005 was, "arbitrary and capricious and affected by an error of law," Schoharie County Supreme Court Justice Eugene Devine rendered the zoning laws null and void in a decision handed down on Wednesday, February 19th. The case had been before the Court since 2005. 

Arguing that the Town of Schoharie failed to properly comply with requirements set forth by SEQRA, Cobleskill Stone Products successfully made the case that local lawmakers flouted environmental review standards in the course of adopting the zoning laws. Their repeal is a major victory in Cobleskill Stone's fight to expand mining operations, which had previously been set back by a Court decision on August 21st, 2013 that found they did not have, "vested rights to expand its mining activities to adjacent parcels."

According to Wednesday's decision, town officials submitted two Negative Declarations with either incomplete environmental assessments, or none at all. In addition, the law permitted numerous activities that were not previously allowable in local Agriculture Districts, including manufacturing, telecommunications, technology and research development, etc.

Town officials disputed Cobleskill Stone's arguments by stating the 2005 law was the, "culmination of several years' worth of consideration and consultation with other agencies on the potential environmental impact of the zoning revisions," and therefore, felt it unnecessary to prepare a draft EIS and the negative declarations were drafted and published.

However, Judge Devine would find the town's arguments unsatisfactory as the minutes provided, "offer no insight as to the discussions or deliberations that lead to this conclusion." He would later add that, "the onus of strict compliance with SEQRA procedural requirements was not placed upon CSP, but rather, was an obligation that rested solely with the Board."

Last week's ruling will not be the end of this ongoing dispute; as Cobleskill Stone is in the process of appealing the August decision, the Town of Schoharie must decide what their next course of action will be, and in the meanwhile, the town's zoning laws have been reversed to 1970's standards, possibly complicating 21st century development. 

Schoharie Fire Dept Searching for Disaster Consultant

With the stress of the last several years still present in operations, the Schoharie Fire Department has placed a request for proposals for a consultant to review disaster management. The Department, which was among the most active in 2011's flooding despite losing their original fire house is undergoing major changes as it is moving its operations to a potential new fire house and is pushing hard for an independent fire district separate from control of the Village of Schoharie.

On the Department's website, there are more details about what SFD is looking for. The Department is hoping to select a consultant by March 31st after a series of interviews.

Some of the tasks for the consultant, according to the RFP, would include:

 Represent the Owner and attend meetings with FEMA/NYSOEM on behalf of the Owner.

 Damage Site Assessment & Project Worksheet Formulation.

 Identify Potential Improvements & Maximize Public Assistance 406-Mitigation Funding.

 Meet with Village Trustees, Town Councilpersons, Officers, and Department Heads and

 Collect/Compile Cost Documentation for Project Worksheets (PW’s). 

Proposals are due March 7th at 2pm.

Schoharie has You Covered for Valentine's Day

The Schoharie Promotional Association has many local businesses lined up to take care of all of your needs for this Friday.

Need some ideas for your Valentine? Stay local! County Café is serving dinner on Thursday, February 13th, beginning at 4 PM, reservations required 295-7777. Blue Star Café is taking reservations for Friday, February 14th for surf and turf dinner, 295-7557. Apple Barrel is serving dinner with live music, 5 to 8 PM along with fresh flowers, specialty gourmet chocolate cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, cards, 295-7179. Flowers and gifts at the Little Posy Place, 868-1313 (call to order flowers); Gifts at Generations, the Hive, Apple Barrel, Vroman’s Quilts and Gifts. Salons: J Lacy Unisex Hair Salon; You’re Worth it. For him: Creekside Sports, Valley Hardware.

Man Seeks Shelter in Vehicle, Dies Overnight in Schoharie

Update: After a personal plea from the victim's family, the Schoharie News has removed the Times-Union's story concerning the death of a young man in Schoharie, which according to our sources may have been inaccurately reported earlier this evening. Thank you. 

Update 2: We have confirmed certain details of the Times-Union's story with Sheriff Desmond, but will hold off on publishing any details until the autopsy is completed, and the department issues their own press release concerning the man's death. 

Update 3: The Sheriff's Office filed an official press release published here. 

Skating Open in Schoharie

Following Middleburgh's first skating rink opening in a decade, Schoharie is celebrating its own winter activity starting up. According to the Schoharie Promotional Association Facebook page, a skating rink was opened up in the Fox Creek Park thanks to Floyd Guernsey. There is also lighting available from 6-9pm and they are planning a Family Fun Day on February 22nd.

Photo Credit Schoharie Promo Assoc.

Valley Governments Move Toward Tax Abatements

After months of battling foes on the County Board of Supervisors over a series of local laws intended to attract first time homebuyers and encourage residential repairs in the Town of Schoharie through the use of exemptions, Supervisor Gene Milone's tax abatements are starting to gain traction across the Schoharie Valley.

 

Spurred by the recently re-elected Schoharie town supervisor's proposal to implement countywide tax abatements at the organizational meeting, both the Town Board of Blenheim and the Village Board of Schoharie unanimously adopted their own form of the assessment exemptions. Town Supervisor Jim Buzon also pitched the idea to Middleburgh board members at their January meeting.

 

The recent burst of momentum for tax abatements bodes well for Mr. Milone, who can now count at least 25% of the board of supervisors weighted vote behind his proposal. It remains to be seen whether more valley governments effected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee consider the exemptions as a worthwhile means of revitalizing their communities.

However, not everyone is on board. Carlisle Town Supervisor Larry Bradt spoke strongly against the principle of tax abatements earlier this month, arguing that there is a hidden cost to these exemptions that will leave non-qualified homeowners with the bill, a position Mr. Milone has gone to pains to disavow.

Regardless of how the county board decides to act, there is definitely a movement toward granting these exemptions in an attempt to not only attract new residents into the valley communities, but to also continue rebuilding their homes and neighborhoods to place the tragic events of August 2011 behind them.

 

 

 

Village of Schoharie Approves Tax Abatements

Village of Schoharie officials made the case to a handful of residents on Tuesday evening for passing their own version of tax abatements to compliment the Town's controversial four local laws approved last year. Town Supervisor Gene Milone has since called for neighboring municipalities and even the entire county to adopt the targeted exemptions.

 

Mayor John Borst, who stressed the abatements were being implemented to, "try to revitalize the community," explained to the small audience that the laws would offer partial assessment exemptions to first-time and existing homebuyers for reconstruction efforts among other factors. Trustee  Balliett concurred, arguing that there was no downside to abatements and that badly damaged homes could be fixed up. He would later go on to say, "God Bless anybody who could fix up these houses."

 

Board members unanimously supported the proposed abatements, drafted as four local laws, after holding a thirty minute public hearing before the regularly scheduled January village board meeting.

 

In other action board members:

•  heard that the Village has been awarded $41,750 from the NYS Department of State for Waterfront Recreational Assets Planning and that talks will soon commence to develop a contract.
• noted that the Community Reconstruction Program committee will be meeting on Thursday, January 23rd, 7pm at the Schoharie Town Hall and that the group is close to prioritizing funds. One proposed project is to rebuild the historic Central Bridge-Schoharie railroad.
• requested a $302,906.66 disbursement from HELP (2011 Hurricane Emergency Loan Program) to fund repairs to the WWTP. Board members described the request as mostly cash flow as cost is subject to FEMA reimbursement. The Village was required to put down an $8,000 payment at 0% interest.
• appointed Town Justice Kenneth Knutsen to serve as acting Village Justice in the absence of Judge Kennedy at a rate of pay of $25 per occurrence.
• approved a motion to propose Local Law #5-2014 and to hold a public hearing at 7pm on February 11th, 2014 at the Village Offices. The proposed law would grant the Village authority to exceed the 2% tax cap if necessary.

 

 

Governor Cuomo Nominates Schoharie Farmer as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets

 

The following is an official press release filed by the Governors office:

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the nomination of Richard A. Ball as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

 

“Richard Ball is a lifelong farmer and advocate for sound farm policy who will bring fresh ideas and strong leadership to the Department of Agriculture and Markets,” Governor Cuomo said. “Agriculture is a vital sector of the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs, food for people around the globe, and a way of life for generations of New Yorkers. Richard embodies the proud tradition of farming here in New York State and will be a superb addition to this Administration.”

 

A native New Yorker, Mr. Ball has made a living in agriculture his entire life. His inspiration to become a farmer came from his grandparents, who were lifelong dairy farmers. At 18 years old, Mr. Ball began his career in agriculture as a farm worker at a vegetable farm in Rhode Island. He later became operations manager of that same farm. After 20 years in Rhode Island, Mr. Ball moved back to the Empire State with an opportunity to become a farm owner. For the past 20 years, he has been the owner and operator of Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie, NY, which consists of 200 acres and produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops. The farm serves both retail and wholesale consumers through an onsite farm market known as “The Carrot Barn” and ships to brokers and restaurants in the local area as well as New York City.

 

Mr. Ball has held a number of positions within agriculture and community organizations at the local, state and national level, including:

• Vice President - New York State Vegetable Growers Association
• Board of Directors, Member of Executive Committee, Member of Audit Committee, Chairman of Labor Committee – New York Farm Bureau
• Member of Labor Committee (past Chairman) – American Farm Bureau
• Representative for Schoharie County – Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council
• Board of Directors (past President) – Schoharie County Farm Bureau
• President – Schoharie Valley Association
• Chairman – Schoharie Recovery, Inc., a non-profit formed to help the recovery effort from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee
• Past President – Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce.

 

Mr. Ball, his wife Shirley, and his three children are actively engaged in farming with a growing number of future farmers among the grandchildren.

 

Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau, said, “New York Farm Bureau could not be more pleased with the Governor’s outstanding selection of Richard Ball to be the next Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets. As a farmer, Richard understands the needs and challenges we all face on our farms. That knowledge and the respect he has among his peers will serve the state’s agricultural community well. We look forward to continuing Farm Bureau’s strong partnership with Richard and Governor Cuomo to support every farmer in New York.”

 

Kathryn Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, said, “On behalf of the faculty and staff at CALS, I extend my congratulations to Richard Ball on this appointment. We look forward to working closely with Mr. Ball on key issues facing New York State’s farmers and producers. This is an exciting time for agriculture, and I am confident that his experiences and expertise will help New York State continue to lead the way.”

 

Mark Henry, President of the New York State Vegetable Growers Association, said, “The New York State Vegetable Growers Association is proud and excited to hear about fellow vegetable farmer, Rich Ball’s, nomination as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. Rich is first and foremost a farmer. He’s watched his land flood, worked through blizzards, and watched the first green tips push their heads above soil every spring in spite of all the challenges. With the nomination of Rich Ball as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, the New York State Vegetable Growers Association feels that 2014 is starting out on a positive note.”

 

Jim Allen, President of the New York Apple Association, said, “I’ve known Richard Ball for a number of years and have worked with him on many different initiatives, including the Pride of NY program. He has an astute knowledge of all aspects of agriculture. His operation in Schoharie is a destination for thousands every year and I think he is an absolutely wonderful choice as our state’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.”

 

GrowNYC Executive Director Marcel Van Ooyen said, “On behalf of GrowNYC, I’d like to congratulate Richard Ball on this well-deserved nomination as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. Richard Ball understands the importance of building relationships between upstate agriculture and downstate consumers, and we look forward to working with him to expand opportunities for New York agricultural producers across New York City in the future.”

 

Jim Trezise, President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, said, “Governor Cuomo’s selection of Richard Ball as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets is a strong choice, and great news for the state’s vibrant wine and grape industry. Mr. Ball understands that pro-growth agricultural policies lead to a robust farm sector. We’ve seen it already with the growth of our farm-based beverage industry and in a number of other industries across the state. I look forward to working with Commissioner Ball on Taste NY and other state initiatives designed to promote New York products.”

Vote in Our New Poll: Independent Fire District in Schoharie?

With Sheriff Anthony Desmond enjoying high approval ratings, the Schoharie News is going to ask a more localized question, with wide-ranging consequences. Schoharie's Fire Department is strongly considering a move to a joint fire district independent of the Village and less reliant on Town influence. Brought up by current Department President Martin Shrederis, the idea mirrors a similar effort in Middleburgh. What do you think of the plan so far? Vote in our sidebar!

Shrederis to Run for Schoharie Mayor?

The Schoharie News has learned, through multiple sources with knowledge of the situation that former Town of Schoharie Supervisor and current President of the Schoharie Fire Department Martin Shrederis is considering a run for Mayor in the Village's municipal elections in March 2015.

 

Mr. Shrederis, who served as town supervisor for fourteen years, lost his position atop the town in 2011 to then Councilman Gene Milone and in a heated rematch just two months ago failed to reach even forty percent of the vote despite an higher overall turnout amongst the electorate. A loss that has been attributed to the Fiztmaurice Report's untimely release and his involvement in a political advertisement by the Conservative faction.

 

Recently, Mr. Shrederis made local news for comments concerning the Schoharie Fire Department's construction of a new station and the town's lack of participation in ongoing negotiations with FEMA, telling the Cobleskill paper that "Mr. Milone has no business sticking his nose in fire department business,"  even though current plans call for a local residence to be knocked down, which Mr. Milone finds objectionable.

 

One variable in next March's election is whether incumbent Mayor John Borst decides to run for re-election. Mr. Borst is a well respected and beloved member of the Schoharie community, and would prove himself a difficult task for the former Town Supervisor to overcome in a non-partisan village race, where personality and government success tend to mean more than party affiliation.

Although still fifteen months out, it is definitely an interesting political situation to keep a close eye on.

Schoharie United Presbyterian Church to host Christmas Eve Services

The Schoharie United Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening on Christmas Eve. Jay Bramer, Burke Herrick, Sara Cipperly, as well as a select choir, will be singing and sharing special music. Jan Herrick will lead the service. Susan Bramer, Chairman of Music and Worship, wanted to add that everyone should "please plan to join us so that you can participate in the joy!"

 

Schoharie United Presbyterian is located at 314 Main Street in the Village of Schoharie.

 

If you want to have your church's Christmas Eve service published, just leave a note on the facebook page or email us at aaaabraves@yahoo.com and we'll help spread the good word.

Middleburgh-Schoharie to Face Off in Benefit Boys' Basketball Double-Header Tomorrow

The Middleburgh and Schoharie junior varsity and varsity basketball squads will face off tomorrow evening, December 18th, inside the Middleburgh High School gymnasium for the second of three match ups this season between the neighboring Valley schools in what is being called the Benefit Boys' Basketball double-header.  

 

This comes just two weeks after the Knights varsity team came back from a four point deficit at halftime to overcome the Indians in the first round of the Cutspec Memorial Tournament for a excruciatingly tight 55-53 victory that paved the way for Middleburgh to then reach the event's championship game, which will be played against Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville at a date to be determined.

Tomorrow's double-header will also serve as a charitable fundraiser, as spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to receive half price admission. All food items and admission proceeds will be donated to support Middleburgh and Schoharie food banks. Action will kick off at 6 pm with the junior varsity game, which will be immediately followed by the varsity teams taking center court.

Congressman Gibson Attends Depot Lane Singers Winter Concert

A special guest was present at the Depot Lane Singers winter concert, "Masters in This Hall," on Saturday evening as Congressman Chris Gibson - who was invited to attend and had reserved seats - was one of the very first members of the audience to rise for a standing ovation at the conclusion of the performance.

Photo credit: Sheila Donegan


Bringing along his two daughters Congressman Gibson stayed after the event, which was hosted at the Schoharie Central School inside the gymnasium, to talk with concert-goers over punch and cookies. The two-term Congressman has represented Schoharie County since January, 2013 and has appeared frequently at local events and meetings.