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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby PRATTSVILLE – May is Teachers’ and Nurses’ Appreciation Month. Thank you to all members of those professions. We need you and certainly wish more would join your ranks. Thank you. May is also Poppy Month and along with being able to help our veterans, the distribution of the poppies give you a chance to catch up on many of your friends activities and the news of their families. Sylvia Truesdell Grant stopped by Jim’s Great American saying she was transporting her brother Steve, AKA “Pa”, around on Wednesday, the 1st, for a bit of spring warmth and sunshine. They made a stop at Young’s Ace Hardware to pick up some flowers for Pa’s work once he got home. We have Pa on our feel better list. Thanks for your kind words Sylvia about reading and enjoying The Prattsville Scoop. Sylvia and others said that Youngs get a new shipment of transplants about every day. You might want to check the supply before it gets too late in the spring planting season. Joann Bellinger Haskin let us know her grandson Joey will be graduating from St. Johns Fisher College in Rochester. He has made the Dean’s List every semester since he has been in college. He also played collegiate football. Congratulations Joey for all your achievements. Debbie Dymond Wandursky gave us a short version of her biography. We were there for only eight hours and her history would take at least one month of 24 hour days. Debbie, thanks for the information. She has her private pilot’s license – Congratulations Debbie – and while living on Long Island she would pilot people to the Catskill Mountains for their awesome view and then fly them back to Long Island. On a current bit of information, she said that although the sapping season was short, the syrup was A-1, as usual, at brother Dan’s Maple Hill Farms. Nothing beats Beech Ridge Maple Syrup. Better get your supply in now, it does have a long shelf life when it is unopened. Jessica, she of double duty – being an employee of Jim’s Great American as well as Catskill Mtn. Liquor Store – is very proud of her daughter who just graduated and passed the test to become an Air Force recruit. She passed all her tests to become a nurse in the Air Force. Congratulations and we ask Jessica to pass along our best wishes and thanks for your service in our Country’s military. Nancy Olson was out and about being very independent, doing her own shopping. Can’t keep a good woman down. We understand Kathy Sherman is recovering nicely from her hip replacement. Take it easy Kathy and all that material will be waiting for you to make more of your beautiful handbags and other items for upcoming craft fairs. Want to say thank you to Jim Eisel and his wonderful staff – Joann, Kerry, Rosie, Debbie, Jessica, Dan and Janice. They made sure you were able to take a rest by supplying chairs and offering to help in any manner they could. Thanks Debbie as a member of our organization for helping with Poppy Distribution. Although it was a long day, it was a pleasant day and very successful. Lisa and Stephen Birnbaum hosted their annual Kentucky Derby party on Saturday the 4th with friends joining in the fun and food and beverages. How many novice bettors picked the long shot? Peter Tocci was at his in-laws’ for his annual trip for turkey hunting. He was successful but he will be back with another member of the family. Peter grew up on Mail Route Road, off Route 23. The Goldfinches have their full yellow and black plumage for the summer, and the Bluebirds supply a color contrast. In addition to her mama bear and three cubs, Laurel Van Aken has her Baltimore Orioles waiting to be fed the oranges tacked to the tree. Spring in the Northeast! Happy Birthday to Brian Haskin and Stan Sutton Sr. on May 10. On May 11 we wish Ray Traver Jr. a Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to Austin Donisan on May 12. On May 15 it is Happy Birthday to twins Jack Rathbone and Judy Rathbone Wyckoff, Sandy Kingsley Benjamin, Randy Brainerd and Joanna Clark. Janice Cammer is wished a Happy Birthday on May 16.

May 10, 2024

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Fire Police Ass’n to Meet

The Schoharie County Fire Police Association will hold its next meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Conesville fire station at 7 pm. All are welcome to attend.

May 10, 2024 • 5 views

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All About Racing

Mike Hill and Beau Ballard will be regulars this season at Albany-Saratoga in team Pro Stocks cars owned by Kenn VanWert. Biittig photo By Ed & Betty Biittig Mike Maresca was the winner of the Lou Lazzaro Memorial event at Fonda on Saturday night, picking up $4,444 for the win and much more in lap money. The win was his first since July 13, 2017. Following Maresca across the line to complete the top five were, Alex Yankowski, Chris Curtis, Jack Lehner, and Ryan Odasz. In 2020 Maresca was crowned the track champion without recording a win, so Saturday night’s win was special for the Potsdam, NY native. “It’s awesome, the whole week I was excited to get back to Fonda. It had character tonight; it was tough but we’re racers and we race. We’re having a Memorial race for a real racer here, so you gotta race. This car stayed together, I have an extremely good team, the best one in the pits. I’ve had a good season so far, but I haven’t won yet, so I’m pumped.” Other winners at Fonda were Chad Edwards, Crate 602 Sportsman, Luke Horning, Pro Stocks, AJ Greco, Limited Sportsman, Jay Ingersoll DOHC and Wayne Russell Jr. SOHC in the rain delayed Four Cylinder feature from 4/27 and Adam Montville DOHC and Russell Jr. SOHC in the regularly scheduled event. The track at Fonda has been plagued with a poor racing surface since a resurfacing effort starting last Fall and Saturday night track crew and management spent a lengthy amount of time trying to remedy the problems so that the night’s racing could be completed. NOTE: In a Facebook post from Fonda promoter, Brett Deyo, on Tuesday prior to this writing, he said that his team is all in on getting Fonda Speedway back on track. He then thanked Jeremie Corcoran for jumping in to help. We wish them well. Last Friday we made our regular trip to Albany-Saratoga and while walking through the pits ran into a couple familiar faces all though not usually seen at the Malta oval. Beau Ballard of Andes and Mike Hill of Margaretville have formed a Pro Stock team for this season with owner, Kenn VanWert. Both racers have a considerable amount of experience on their resumes and will be regulars at the “Great Race Place” this season and also take their talents on the road to follow the Super DIRTcar Pro Stock Series this summer. Beau says he has only raced at the Malta oval about five times prior to this season, while Mike will be behind the wheel of his No. 15m Pro Stock for the first time this season. Mike raced once in a Sportsman at Malta. Beau’s racing experience comes in 14 years of racing and has netted him 40 career wins which, according to Beau, is also his age. He has also claimed four track championships, one at Afton and Glen Ridge and two at Utica-Rome. Mike has raced in the All-Star Slingshots at Glen Ridge where he has 17 wins and three championships. He also has eight wins in a Limited Sportsman at Glen Ridge and one win at Fonda. Racing Around the Region: This Friday at Albany-Saratoga a $3000 to win for Modifieds, $1000 to win Pro Stocks and Sportsman plus Four Cylinders. At Fonda on Saturday May 11 will be Dollar Night with double features for Modified. All other regular divisions will also be in action. Sunday at Glen Ridge is their opener for the season and on schedule, Mother’s Day Get Away. We can only hope that Mother Nature cooperates with racing this weekend. Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com.

May 10, 2024

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‘Open Market’ To Take Place at The Maples Estate

SCHOHARIE — Have you always wondered what lies beyond the white facade of that 1855 colonial farmhouse just past the bridge on Schoharie Hill Road? Now is your opportunity to explore not only the farmhouse but also the property surrounding during ‘Open Market’ an open house and vendor market at The Maples Estate on Sunday, May 19th from 10:00am to 4:00pm! Tour the farmhouse, meet owners Katie Hammon and Louis Apicello and stroll through the reception pavilion and cocktail lawn filled with talented vendors and makers from across Schoharie County and beyond. As an extended weekend wedding venue, The Maples Estate hosts 4-day wedding celebrations between May and October each year. The venue is located at 238 Schoharie Hill Road in the town of Schoharie, NY drawing clients from across the globe to this gorgeous oasis that is Schoharie County. As a destination wedding venue, the owners have built a space where guests can relax throughout the weekend, explore the surrounding area and celebrate their love authentically. “We absolutely love sharing The Maples Estate and Schoharie County with our wedding clients, their guests and vendors throughout our wedding season, but also love to connect with and share our venue with our local community. We welcome our neighbors from across Schoharie County to join us, say hello, explore the estate, meet and greet with talented vendors and taste your way through our space with local bbq and coffee, as well as ice cream and vegan bites from the capital region. We cannot wait to see you, so come say hello!” said Katie Hammon, co-owner of The Maples Estate Wedding and Event Venue. Wondering what vendors you will see onsite? Schoharie County based vendors: Middleburgh Coffee Co. | Coffee Shop & Bakery TBIRDS Rentals | Specialty Event Rentals Boom & Bloom Floral Design | Floral Design Schoharie Valley Kayaks | Kayak Rentals Yoga with Sophia | Yoga Instructor High on the Hog BBQ | Caterer Vendors from beyond Schoharie County: Vacation Shirts by Maura Marcks | Seamstress & Maker AyO Entertainment | DJ Turnquist Collective | Photographer Ben & Jerry’s of Madison Ave | Ice Cream Empire State Events | DJ Collective The One Eleven Collective | Photographer Collective & Wedding Dress Shop The Little Viking Co. | Vegan Caterer Aranda Artistry | Hair & Makeup Team Ready Mix Design & Letterpress | Letterpress Invitation Designer The Balloonary | Party Store & Balloon Installation Artist Rose & Dale Photo Co. | Airstream Photo Booth & Lounge Saratoga Tent & Events | Event Rental For those planning weddings, these talented vendors and makers will be available to chat with throughout the event with samples of their work available. You can even view wedding tablescapes, floral installations, wedding dresses, purchase colorful shirts for your next vacation or schedule your next trip down Schoharie Creek with Schoharie Valley Kayaks. Wondering if you are invited? ALL ARE WELCOME!! Our neighbors from throughout Schoharie County Those engaged and dreaming of their wedding at The Maples Estate Current clients planning their weddings at The Maples Estate Those who have found their venue elsewhere and are looking for talented vendors to bring their vision to life Those that have celebrated with us previously that want to say hello

May 10, 2024 • 7 views

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A Great Lecture

The Town of Fulton Historical Society had a presentation from Mountain Eagle columnists Professors Robert and Johanna Titus on the Hudson River Schools of Art and their Ice Age Origins at their Thursday May 2 meeting. Those in attendance learned a lot about the effects of the ice age on this area and how it provided subjects for early artists. Photo courtesy Al Hodder.

May 10, 2024 • 26 views

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Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin Dodge City Speedway in Howes Cave is scheduled to open their 2024 season tonight with points beginning in all classes. Gates open at 5:00 pm. warm-ups at 6:30 pm. racing starts at 7:00 pm. Tonight at Utica-Rome Speedway is Round number two of the Thunder on the Thruway Series for the modified, sportsman, and pro-stock divisions, plus the slingshot divisions are on the program. Saturday morning the Old Stone Fort Museum & Schoharie County Historical Society will hold a Cars & Coffee event. From 9:00 am, until 12:00 pm. This event will allow guests the ability to explore two floors of Schoharie Valley history. Those attending will also be able to admire a diverse collection of unique vehicles, including Schoharie County's first car. The Old Stone Fort is located at 145 Fort Road, Schoharie, N.Y. 12157. Last Friday, Albany-Saratoga Speedway hosted the DIRTcar 358 modified division. Matt Delorenzo earned the 25-lap feature victory over, Marc Johnson, Ronnie Johnson, Mike Mahaney,and Adam Pierson In the weekly NAPA big block modified division 35-lap feature Marc Johnson claimed the victory ahead of Kolby Schroder and Neil Stratton The Ideal Excavating crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature was won by Tim Hartman Jr.over Scott Towslee and Chris Crane Jr. The Saratoga Masonry pro-stock division 25-lap feature saw Jason Casey take the checkers ahead of Beau Ballard and Kim Duell In the Haun Welding limited sportsman division 20-lap feature Dan Seguin won over Steve Burch and Chase Zimmer. And in the Cornell's Auto Parts street-stock division 20-lap feature it was Dan Madigan in for the win over Jimmy Duncan and John Filarecki Also on Friday out west at Utica-Rome Speedway in the 3 Bastards Brewing modified division 30-lap feature Matt Sheppard scored his third win in a row in 2024. Early leader Brandon Walters finished second and Justin Wright finished third. In the Taylor's Trailers crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature Matt Janczuk scored the victory. It was a career best for John DuMond at Utica finishing in second, with Allan Hodge finishing third. In the Next Generation GraphiX pro-stock division 20-lap feature, it was back-to-back wins for A.J. Walters as he took the win over Shane Playford and Brett Belden, In the special M2 Metals late model division 20-lap feature Chad Homan earned the victory over Austin Allen and Rob Pitcher. The Fastline Performance limited sportsman division 15-lap feature went to Josh Coonradt ahead of Eric Jensen and Lance Hill In the Fonda Fair 4 cylinder division 12-lap feature Rudy King Jr.won the dual cam division and T.J. Marlitt won the single cam division. Saturday night in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Stewart Friesen was competing in the Heart of America 200 at Kansas Speedway. Stewart would end the night with a disappointing 25th. position finish. Under unbelievably challenging track conditions Fonda Speedway held Round one of the F.X. Caprara-Thunder on the Thruway Series on Saturday, for the modified, crate sportsman, and pro-stock divisions. For the Amsterdam Truck Center modified division it was the Lou Lazzaro Memorial and they would run a 34-lap feature. It was a nice added touch that it was held on the fourth of the month. Former modified track champion Michael Maresca took the prestigious $4,444 win over early leader Alex Yankowski, with Chris Curtis filling the podium. Due to track conditions only five cars finished on the track. In the Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature Chad Edwards scored his first win in over a year at the Track of Champions over Brett Mortensen and Payton Talbot In the Leatherstocking Credit Union pro-stock division 20-lap feature Cousin Luke Horning earned the hard fought win over Kenny Gates and Ivan Joslin. In the Montgomery County Office for Aging limited sportsman division 15-lap feature A,J. Greco took the win ahead of Dylan Huston and Lance Hill The Fonda Fair 4 cylinder division held two features. In the rain delayed feature from April 27 Jay Ingersoll won the dual cam division and Wayne Russell Jr. won the single cam division. In the regular scheduled feature Adam Montville won the dual cam division and Wayne Russell Jr. won the single cam division. Unfortunately, Glen Ridge Motor Park was forced to cancel their opening day program due to the forecast of impending inclement weather. Fonda Speedway will have Dollar Night on Saturday. Grandstand general admission is One Dollar for a full weekly program , plus the held over modified feature from April 27. Saturday Albany-Saratoga Speedway will host AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship motorcycle racing. Glen Ridge Motorsports Park will attempt to have their opening program on Sunday. Pit gates open at 3:00 pm., grandstand 4:00 pm., drivers meeting 5:00 pm., hot laps 5:30 pm. racing at 6:00 pm.

May 10, 2024

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Fahrenkopf Pleads Guilty in Slaying

By Andrea Macko/ Porcupine Soup SCHOHARIE―A former Catskill man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a Schoharie County man. Walter Fahrenkopf, 40, a native of Catskill now living in Fulton, was initially charged with concealment of a human corpse for his alleged role in the November 2023 shooting of Jeffrey Mickle of Middleburgh. Michael Todtschinder, 24, also of Middleburgh, was charged with second-degree murder. The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. According to court records, Fahrenkopf appeared Monday in Schoharie County Court in front of Judge Ryan McAllister and pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and concealment of a human corpse, both felonies. Fahrenkopf was also newly charged with felony counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and tampering with physical evidence. Fahrenkopf was remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on Monday with sentencing tentatively scheduled for November 4, court records state. Additional information was not immediately available prior to press time. Mickle, 41, was last seen and reported missing on November 25, leading the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office to open an investigation into his whereabouts. On November 29, deputies located Mickle’s body in the area of Stone Store Road in Broome. According to the sheriff’s office, Mickle had been shot several times. Todtschinder and Fahrenkopf, who were known to Mickle, were arrested by the sheriff’s office in the days following, with Todtschinder found in Dalton, Pennsylvania. While both men were initially arraigned and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail without bail, Fahrenkopf was later released. Then, in February, McAllister ordered Todtschinder to be released because the Schoharie County District Attorney’s Office had not yet presented the case to a grand jury within the 45-day legally mandated timeframe. The charges, however, were not dropped and a grand jury was expected to be convened this month. At this time, the alleged motive for the murder has not been publicly disclosed. As of Wednesday, Todtschinder is still charged with second-degree murder, as well as tampering with physical evidence, and remains released from jail.

May 10, 2024 • 28 views

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Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day is a Success

Area Students Sign Letters of Intent to Work with Area Employers ALBANY -- The annual Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day was a success with 32 high school and adult education students signing letters of intent and a crowd of more than 180 business, family, labor and education supporters watching. During a ceremony on Tuesday at the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center – Albany Campus, dignitaries celebrated the students as well as the valuable role BOCES plays in preparing students to become contributing members of society and the workforce. “The work done here at BOCES and CTE is amazing. It … puts students on the road to great success,” New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. She went on to say that Signing Day highlighted the “indisputable proof of the success of partnership in fueling the essential workforce pipeline.” The Capital Region BOCES event was affiliated with the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, which mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. It is designed to honor students who are entering a technical field and to celebrate the dignity of work. Among those speaking at the event were Karen Swain, Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Capital Region BOCES; Katie Newcombe, Chief Economic Development Officer, Center for Economic Growth (CEG); Brian Williams, Executive Director, Capital Region Workforce Development Board; and Mike Russo, President and CEO of the National Institute for Innovation and Technology. Swain thanked the partners, parents and educators on hand. “Through your unwavering support, your child has reached this milestone,” she told parents, while praising the business and labor partners for “opening your doors to our students and helping bridge the gap between school and the workforce.” Newcombe also highlighted the value of the education-business partnership. “Partnerships with industry [such as those highlighted at Signing Day] will drive our regional economy forward,” Newcome said. Rich Crumlish of Kenworth Northeast, said his firm’s partnership with BOCES led to the signing of Diesel Tech senior Stephen Noradki. “We have worked with BOCES for some time, and through this partnership, we are creating the next generation for the workforce,” he said. “Steve was one of our first apprentices in our new program and I am very happy with him and the work he is doing,” said Crumlish. Class of 2012 Cosmetology program graduate Jackie (Paratore) Fish returned to BOCES to celebrate the signing of senior Aniella Kennedy to her place of employment, Chrispy Cuts Barber Shop & Hair Salon. “BOCES was life-changing for me, and it’s very important in terms of introducing students to, and preparing them for, the workforce,” she said. Parents and family members on hand said they value the education and opportunities their students have received. “Aniella is our second child to go to BOCES, our son went through electrician. We are very pleased that she can graduate high school and enter the workforce debt free and do what she loves,” said Nicole Kennedy, mother of Signing Day participant Aniella Kennedy. Local students signing letters, their Capital Region BOCES program, home school district and employer are as follows: Marc Becker, Building Trades, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158, Cobleskill-Richmondville C.S.D. (CRCS) Jacob Doherty, Building Trades, The Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 157 and Jersen Construction Group, Schoharie C.S.D. William Frost Jr., Adult Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Northeast Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration Katrina Graves, Automotive Trades Technology, Gilboa-Conesville Central School District Transportation Department, Middleburgh C.S.D. Matt Jackson, Automotive Trades Technology, Cobleskill Chevrolet GMC, CRCS Cal Jones, Building Trades, Bellamy Construction, CRCS Deagan Makarowski, Heavy Equipment Operation, Maintenance & Repair, Lancaster Development Inc./Tri City Products, CRCS Brendon Mazza, Building Trades, BAC Local No. 2 NY VT, CRCS Ashley Moorhead, Heavy Equipment Operation, Maintenance & Repair, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158, Middleburgh C.S.D. Breanna Parrotti, Building Trades, BBL Construction Services, LLC., Sharon Springs C.S.D. Joshua Siegel, Adult HVAC/R, Northeast Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration Savannah Traverse, Heavy Equipment Operation, Maintenance & Repair, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158, Schoharie C.S.D. Local 157 and MLB Construction Services, LLC, CRCS Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle thanked the businesses and unions on hand. “We are thankful for the partnerships that have produced such bright futures for our students, and we look forward to continued growth in these partnerships and more events like today,” she said.

May 10, 2024 • 21 views

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Cars & Coffee at Old Stone Fort

SCHOHARIE - If you like antique cars and coffee, you are in luck for the four months. The Old Stone Fort complex in Schoharie is hosting Cars & Coffee on four Saturdays in May, June, July, and August from 9am to noon. The events are hosted by the Old Stone Fort, the Savage Car Club, and Ratrod Harry. The car cruise ins will be held on the following Saturdays: * May 11. * June 8. * July 27. * August 24. Hardscrabble Coffee will be served. The Fort is at 145 Fort Road in Schoharie.

May 10, 2024 • 12 views

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Cobleskill Police Department News

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 At 10:06 AM, Cobleskill Police Department arrested Hugh Odennell-Landry, 37, of Cobleskill, NY for petit larceny and resisting arrest. Additionally, he was charged with violation of parole, 2 bench warrants out of Montgomery County, PA. He was processed and appeared in Cobleskill Town Court on April 30, 2024 at 2 PM. He is awaiting extradition back to Pennsylvania. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 At 8:10 AM, Cobleskill Police Department arrested Jaydalynn Maisonet, 19, of New York, NY for petit larceny from Walmart. She was processed and released on an appearance ticket to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 At 8:10 AM, Cobleskill Police Department arrested Charanjit Pal, 20, of Brooklyn, NY for petit larceny from Walmart. He was processed and released on an appearance ticket to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 At 8:10 AM, Cobleskill Police Department arrested Skyla Rosado, 18, of New York, NY for petit larceny from Walmart. She was processed and released on an appearance ticket to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 At 11:40 AM, Cobleskill Police Department arrested Daniel Coleman, 18, of Bronx, NY for petit larceny from Walmart. He was processed and released on an appearance ticket to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on May 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 At 6:16 PM, Cobleskill Police Department arrested Anthony Conti, 32, of Cobleskill, NY for Harassment in the 2 nd degree and criminal obstruction of breathing. He was processed and lodged at the Schoharie County jail pending arraignment at CAP court. Thursday, May 2, 2024 AT 8:23 PM, Cobleskill Police Department arrested Elysia Winnie, 36, of Cobleskill, NY for petit larceny from Walmart. She was processed and released on an appearance ticket to appear on May 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

May 10, 2024 • 21 views

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DEC voices concern about decrease in deer harvest statewide

By Jennifer Patterson Hunters across New York State harvested more than 200,000 deer in 2023-2024, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The harvest included an estimated 112,224 antlered bucks and 97,557 antlerless deer. Statewide, this represents a 3.6 percent decrease in antlered buck harvest and a 15.6 percent decrease in antlerless deer harvest from the previous season. Of the estimated 209,781 deer taken, more than twice as many older bucks (two-and-a-half years or older) were harvested than in the early 1990s, and nearly five times as many than were harvested in 1969 when the DEC began monitoring the age structure of New York’s deer herd. “Nearly 70 percent of the bucks harvested by hunters during the 2023-2024 deer hunting seasons were two years or older,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “This demonstrates the continued effectiveness of DEC’s Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow campaign, and the willingness of hunters to voluntarily pass up opportunities at young bucks to improve their future opportunities to harvest older bucks.” Deer harvest data is gathered from two main sources – harvest reports required within seven days of harvest of all successful deer hunters, and the DEC’s examination of harvested deer at meat processors and check stations across the state. Estimates are then made by cross-referencing these two data sources and calculating the total harvest from the reporting rate for each zone and tag type. The decrease in antlerless deer harvest, which is about 15 percent lower than the five-year average, is concerning because the DEC manages deer populations through actions that encourage the harvest of antlerless deer. Hunting antlerless deer helps ensure populations remain in balance with available habitat and do not exceed levels of public acceptance that can lead to increased crop damage, deer-vehicle collisions, and other negative deer-related impacts. It also helps ensure deer are able to meet their nutritional demands for antler development, fawn recruitment and body growth. According to the DEC, hunters in some areas of the state are not harvesting enough antlerless deer to manage deer populations effectively. Officials are evaluating various regulatory and non-regulatory alternatives to increase harvest of antlerless deer during future hunting seasons. All deer hunters are encouraged to harvest at least one antlerless deer during the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season. DEC staff and cooperating taxidermists collected biological samples from 2,713 deer throughout last season for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance. No samples tested positive, and New York State remains CWD-free. Additionally, no outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease were documented in New York’s deer herd in 2023. For information, go to https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/2023deerrpt.pdf.

May 10, 2024 • 27 views

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Embark on the Schoharie County Trail of Treasures

A Quest for Sustainability and Local Charm SCHOHARIE COUNTY – This month, Visit Schoharie County proudly launched an interactive experience called "Trail of Treasures” on VisitSchoharieCounty.com, inviting locals and visitors alike to embark on a unique journey that marries the thrill of thrifting with a commitment to environmental stewardship. The Trail of Treasures is not just a shopping experience; it's a county-wide scavenger hunt that encourages participants to explore 20 unique and eclectic spots across Schoharie County. From hidden antique shops to beloved local thrift stores, each location offers a chance to discover vintage gems and second-hand treasures while contributing to a more sustainable planet. Trail of Treasures Highlights include: Easily accessible from any mobile device, this user-friendly platform allows treasure hunters to check in at various locations via GPS, without the need for app downloads; Rewards System: As shoppers explore and make purchases, they earn points that can be redeemed for exciting prizes such as stickers, patches, and reusable bags, each tier celebrating different levels of eco-conscious achievements; Support Local: This initiative also emphasizes the importance of shopping locally, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting the local economy. Rewards Tiers Include: Rookie Recycler: A Sticker for beginners, turning old items into new opportunities, rewards include an eco-friendly sticker. Bargain Buccaneer: A Patch for those who excel in finding the best deals and savings, a unique patch is awarded. Steward of Sustainability: A reusable bag for the ultimate eco-warrior, using creativity to up-cycle, the reward is a specially designed reusable bag. "We are thrilled to launch the Schoharie County Trail of Treasures, an initiative that showcases the power of thoughtful consumption," says Cass Harrington, CEO of Destination Marketing Corp. "It's about more than just finding great deals; it's about making purchasing decisions that are kind to our planet and support our community. It is our hope that this will encourage locals to explore their own backyard and upcycle new-to-them treasures. It’s also a great way to drive traffic to the more rural communities and perhaps draw tourists to other areas of Schoharie County to accompany their pilgrimage to other regional destinations." The trail kicked off this month and will run throughout the year, offering a fun, engaging way for everyone to contribute to sustainability and enjoy the rich culture and community spirit of Schoharie County. For more information on how to participate in the Trail of Treasures, visit our website at VisitSchoharieCounty.com/Treasures. If you’re a ‘green’ store featuring vintage, thrift, found or sustainable items that should be on the trail, reach out to us at info@visitschohariecounty.com. Join us in making a difference, one treasure at a time! To stay updated on our activities and initiatives, visit our websites at VisitSchoharieCounty.com and follow us on Facebook or Instagram at @VisitSchoharie and @VisitSchoharieCounty.

May 10, 2024 • 28 views

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