The Schoharie News

6/20/25

Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Crossbow Bill Passes in Legislature

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 6/20/25 | 6/20/25

The longstanding "Crossbow Bill" legisllation is headed to the governor's desk for her signature, after it passed both houses in the NY Legislature late in the session on Monday June 17th. The measure has long been touted by its advocates and supporters.

Late in the afternoon on Monday, June 17th, in the dwindling hours of the 2025 legislative session, the New York State Assembly, in a bipartisan vote unanimously passed the “Crossbow Bill,” (A8330A). That was the last hurdle for the long-awaited legislation as the Senate had already passed their companion bill. The legislation will now be sent to the governor’s desk where it’s expected to be signed into law.

The passage of this bill in both houses of the legislature is a big deal and will be solidified as a momentous accomplishment if and when the governor signs it. It’s the result of a long-term effort personified by the late Rick McDermott, who founded the New York Crossbow Coalition back in 2012. Rick and his wife, Annemarie, were tragically killed in a car accident just one year ago on June 10th 2024. Then vice president, Roy Dust, immediately took the reins of the NY Crossbow Coalition upon Rick’s passing. He continued Rick’s efforts to get the bill passed and serves as the current president of the organization.

Highlights of the legislation include:

The definition of “long bow” now includes crossbows as well as compound and other bows; this allows crossbows to be used in any deer season where long bows are legal, including early and late archery seasons.
An archery privilege and stamp will be required when hunting with a crossbow
Eliminates minimum width and length requirements for crossbows, and eliminates a minimum length for crossbow bolts.
Eliminates maximum peak draw weight requirements for crossbows.
Crossbows, now that they are defined as “long bows” can be discharged within 150 feet of dwellings/structures throughout the state except in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties where they are prohibited from being discharged within 500 of dwellings.

The repeal of the requirements that crossbows be at least 17-inches wide and 24-inches in length is among the welcome provisions of this legislation. Crossbow technology advanced to the point that many, if not most of the crossbows sold in stores and used by hunters in NY, fell into the illegal category. That’s despite the fact being out of specification with regulations caused them to be more powerful, accurate, and efficient hunting implements. I’m happy to report the Environmental Conservation Law has finally caught up with the technology.

NY Crossbow Coalition President, Roy Dust gives all the credit for the impetus and ultimate passage of this significant legislation to his past president, Rick McDermott. In an interview, he stated, “Rick is smiling down from heaven on the success of the passage of this legislation.” Roy said he continued in Rick’s footsteps by empowering his leadership team, the board of directors, and the individual members of the Crossbow Coalition who he motivated and encouraged to meet one-on-one with their local legislators.

Roy, and others, met with Environmental Conservation Committee Assembly Chair, (D) Deborah J. Glick, and Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Chair, (D) Peter Harckham, who Roy says were critically essential in getting the bill through both houses. Roy Dust also thanks (R) Assemblyman Robert Smullen, of Herkimer County, for his efforts and advice, and credits NYS DEC for coordinating an event where the public and legislators like Chairman Glick were instructed in the use, operation, and safety of hunting with crossbows.

Other organizations including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, the NYS Sportsmen’s Advisory Coalition, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the NYS Conservation Council are among the many supporters contributing in the effort to get the legislation passed the finish line. Once signed into law by the governor, the new regulations should be in effect before the fall archery seasons.

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time!

News and Notes

Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby in Catskill to be held on Saturday, June 21st The Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs is sponsoring the annual Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby to be held on Saturday, June 21st at Catskill Point. Kids 5-15 years of age are eligible to register and compete. Registration is from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Fishing starts at 10:00 am and ends promptly at 1:00 pm. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and must bring their own fishing equipment. Bait and refreshments will be provided, and all registrants will get a prize. Bring the kids down for this fun, free, fishing event!

Norton Hill Wildlife Club Trap and 3D Archery Program Schedules

The Norton Hill Wildlife Club’s Sunday Trap Program is ongoing. Remaining dates are: July 20th, August 10th, and September 7th. Trap begins at 10:00 am. Cost is $5.00 per round. Bring your own ammo and ear and eye protection which is required. Breakfast sandwiches will be available starting at 9:00 am for $5.00. For further information call Chad at 518-291-3784.

Their 3D Archery Program dates are: July 12th and 13th, August 23rd and 24th, and September 13th. A chicken BBQ will be available from 7:00 am until Noon. Cost for adults is $15.00, 12-17 at $7.00 and kids under 12 are free. For more information call Eric at 518-646-6338.

*The gun range will be closed on the 3DArchery range dates listed above.

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Forest Ranger News

Town of Hunter

Greene County

Wilderness Rescue: On June 14 at 4:10 p.m., Greene County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance with a subject on the Escarpment trail who was suffering abdominal pain and unable to hike out. Forest Ranger Fox called the subject’s hiking partner to get an exact location. The couple was at the intersection for the Lower Kaaterskill Falls trail along the Escarpment trail. Two Assistant Forest Rangers performed a medical assessment while Rangers responded. Four Rangers packaged the 58-year-old from New Rochelle into a littler. Rangers and members of the Haines Falls and Tannersville Fire Departments carried the patient to a Hunter Ambulance at the Laurel House trailhead. Resources were clear at 5:30 p.m.

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Ashland Republican Party Holds Caucus

Town of Ashland held its Republican Party caucus, last week, selecting six candidates for the November election. On hand for the occasion were (seated) GOP chairman Howard Drum and candidates (standing, left to right) Chris Hamilton (town supervisor), Richard Tompkins (highway superintendent) and Christine Matista (town justice).

By Michael Ryan

ASHLAND - They got started 20 minutes late, last Thursday night, when the town of Ashland held its Republican Party caucus.

A sizable crowd showed up for what is usually a bing, bang, boom affair, with Democrats hard to find in this small, rural community.

“It’s like we’re giving away free strawberry shortcake,” GOP chairman Howie Drum quipped after all were finally signed-in and seated.

The big reason for the much-larger-than-usual gathering was the exodus of longtime town supervisor Richard Tompkins, a born-and-raised-here kid with nearly a half-century of public service.

Over the years, Tompkins has alternately held the positions of supervisor, town justice and volunteer fire chief, also playing a major role in the operation of and service with the Ashland ambulance corps.

He has decided to step aside but there was a twist to his supposed political departure. Tompkins was instead running for highway superintendent, a post currently held by his brother Larry Tompkins.

Actually there were two twists. Tompkins has historically run unopposed, being one of the more popular and dedicated officials in the mountains.

Republican candidates in fact are rarely if ever challenged, but in the days leading up to the caucus, Tompkins learned he would be opposed by Robert Drum, a son of the GOP boss.

First up on the slate was the supervisor’s race where Chris Hamilton and Mark Skula, both relative newcomers to town, were vying for the spot.

It was widely speculated that Hamilton, a political rookie, was the choice of the outgoing supervisor who, if all went according to plan, would be on hand as the roads chief to lend his experience.

As it turned out, that contest contained a dramatic element too. Shortly after the paper ballots were counted, a revote was called by Greene County Board of Elections Republican Party clerk Sara Bentley.

Bentley had been asked to oversee the proceedings, which everyone anticipated would be well attended, and discovered a fatal flaw.

There were four more paper ballots cast than listed on the sign-in sheet, resulting in the do-over, stretching out the suspense.

When the suspense finally ended, following a slow parade of voters to the front table for the recasting, the victor by a 59 to 39 count was Hamilton, announced by the caucus secretary as “our new town supervisor.”

It was somewhat premature, with the election five months away, but no one protested. What happens at the GOP caucus in Ashland is as guaranteed as anything in life to be a done deal.

This is Hamilton’s maiden plunge into political leadership. He and his wife moved to Ashland from Catskill three years ago.

He has a background in Finance, serves as a volunteer firefighter and was a candidate for the Greene County Legislature.

“We wanted to be somewhere where we had land around us. We found a great community,” Hamilton said.

“I know the town needs to move forward. At the same time, it is important to keep Ashland, Ashland. We love this town. I want to give back to the town we live in,” Hamilton said.

Up next was the highway superintendent determination. A second parade ensued and when it was over, Tompkins prevailed with 76 votes to 23 for Drum, a very successful and busy local plumber.

No procession was necessary for the remaining offices which were all unopposed and dominated by incumbents.

Dawn Thorp was renominated as town clerk, continuing a long career. Jeff Gonzalez and Scott Tuttle were picked to return to the town council.

One change did occur. Christine Matista was selected to replace town judge Kristen Leach who recently retired due to career commitments.

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Meals, Money and Melee

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - There was no lack of compassion expressed, earlier this week, when Greene County officials visited a meeting of the WAJPL Golden Agers, discussing the county’s Home Meals program.

There was no gentle answer, however, for what to do about the controversy swirling around dispersal of the meals, recently resulting in hundreds of clients being removed from the eligibility list.

County officials have acknowledged the removals could have been handled better, happening in many instances without notification or warning.

Having said that, officials also say it boils down to money and changes in eligibility rules beyond their control at the federal and state levels.

Those changes, officials say, are rooted in the requirements being waived and more dollars being made available during the pandemic, wanting to keep citizens safely separated.

Two years ago, the requirements - and the federal funding - returned to pre-pandemic norms. County officials further acknowledge the local Department of Aging did not update its records. Until now.

A new director, Amanda Lyons, was appointed and reportedly given a directive to fine-tooth-comb the books, discovering the agency was overspending, including within the Home Meals program.

Lyons found, “a lot of things costing a ton of money that maybe we didn’t need to be doing,” county legislature chairman Patrick Linger said.

County administrator Shaun Groden says Lyons merely did her job and did it well, cutting back on meals to folks no longer legally eligible.

“We had roughly 150 people in the program before the pandemic, increased to around 400 during Covid and today its back to that 150,” Groden says.

“Essentially, anybody who asked was getting home meals. When covid ended, that plan ended. The county never adjusted,” Groden says.

Federal reimbursement is provided, as much as $600,000 in a $1.9 million budget, covering only folks who meet the strict guidelines, which officials again acknowledge can seem out of touch with basic human realities involving the elderly.

Which is where the controversy has erupted. County legislature member Daryl Legg (District 7, Hunter, Lexington, Halcott), raised the issue at a legislative session, last month.

“We have six or eight people up here who really need this and we’re cutting them off,” Legg said. “I have constituents telling me this is a life-saving thing for them so yes, I’m fired up.”

“I”m hearing different stories from people about what’s going on here, and what people are being told,” Legg said. “I don’t want to bash the county.

“But I have a question. What is everyone so afraid the State will do to us if we take care of these people and eat the cost? I don’t think it’s the big gloom and doom everyone claims it will be,” Legg said.

Lyons made it clear that the county could provide meals to people who did not technically match the requirements, but there would be no federal reimbursement, putting the extra expense on local taxpayers.

Conversations on the issue have subsequently taken place at a legislative workshop where a vote was taken on the county picking up the tab for some folks who had extenuating circumstances.

There were some “yes” votes but not enough, which is how the controversy spread to the WAJPL senior citizens gathering, this past Monday.

County officials, including Lyons and Groden, were present, along with Legg and fellow lawmaker Sherry True, the chairwoman of the County Services committee which oversees the Department of Aging.

Lyons broke down the fiscal facts, then opened the floor to questions that swiftly focused on a 102-year-old mountaintop resident no longer strictly eligible for the program, as well as others.

“They feel neglected, angry,” town of Hunter resident Diann Terns-Thorpe said. “They have paid their taxes their whole lives. It is incomprehensible that Greene County cannot afford to give them food.”

Terns-Thorpe spoke forcefully, yet peaceably. That mood abruptly shifted when the son of the 102-year-old resident, and Hunter resident Andrea Legg, offered their thoughts on the matter.

Emotions rose as the son directed his displeasure toward Groden and Lyons for what he said was the inexcusable treatment of his mother.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there. You can’t expect us to come to a meeting and get yelled at,” Lyons said, noting the centurion is again being provided with meals.

Andrea Legg, echoing the son’s intensity said, “we should be talking about what we are going to do, not what we should be taking away.”

She then sent a jolt through the room, saying she had heard the county was shutting down the Department of Aging, abandoning the needy.

Groden, vociferously responding, said, “no, that is wrong, wrong,” later saying he was strongly defending the county against baseless rumors.

The discussions pretty much ended on that note with one gentleman in the crowd drolly stating, “thank you for the entertainment.”

Exact numbers on how many citizens are impacted and how much added money would have to come out of county coffers are not yet clear.

More talks could occur and meanwhile, “that has been part of our concerns, trying to figure out who they are and where they are,” Lyons said.

“If the legislature wants to set new policy and get these meals out, we would be happy to do so,” Lyons said.

“There is a lot of confusion out there about these programs,” Linger said. “Unfortunately, this particular program was meant to fight isolation with homebound residents and senior citizens.

“The meals were just a way to get in the door. We could maybe expand the criteria and make exceptions, but where do we stop? That’s the process we’re in. The county is not ignoring this,” Linger said.

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - In Synch

By Michael Ryan

CAIRO - The mood has changed from uncertainty and rising confusion to enthusiasm and cooperation at every level in the continuing discussions about creating a countywide ambulance system.

Greece County Legislature members hosted the latest talks, last week, at the county Emergency Services Center in Cairo.

They were joined by town government leaders and emergency medical services professionals, all of whom have been directly involved in the conversations since they began, last fall.

County lawmakers organized the sessions after hearing collectively from mountaintop town supervisors that their current municipal units were functioning well, short term, but fiscally unsustainable, long term.

Hilltown leaders sought answers on a new direction, prompting lawmakers, in the winter of 2023, to hire an independent consultant to perform an extensive study of county services.

Four options for improvement were offered including the formation of a countywide network, ultimately eliminating municipal squads.

It was widely agreed change was inevitable, but over the past two months sharp lines were starting to be drawn between the various stakeholders about how that shift should occur, threatening to derail the effort.

However, after receiving a purposeful nudge to fish or cut bait from county administrator Shaun Groden, town leaders gathered on June 5 for an unprecedented spitballing, coming away with a solid game plan.

They presented their proposal, last Wednesday night, fully committing to the countywide concept for the first time and offering their own list of recommendations for moving forward.

Those suggestions were debated in depth and, as it turned out, largely in accord with an operational blueprint submitted the same evening by the county sheriff’s office which has also been closely tied to the talks.

EMS personnel have likewise toned in, producing a document not very different from what town officials and the sheriff’s department wrote.

Nothing is finalized at this stage but, “I am more confident now than I was [the past two months] that this is the way we are going to head,” county legislature chairman Patrick Linger said.

Linger has chaired the sessions with Groden, not hiding his viewpoint that a county system was not only wise but unavoidable, sooner rather than later.

Lawmakers will eventually be put to the test in terms of approving - or not - the funding required for the switch that will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 million, all tolled.

While that is roughly twice what is paid now, the increase is necessary to ensure system stability by giving workers fairer pay/benefits and career opportunities, removing purchasing redundancies, and providing top-drawer service everywhere in the county.

It will take perhaps a year longer than was envisioned by some lawmakers at the outset of the talks, tentatively becoming operational in 2027.

Town leaders have consistently balked at a 2026 switchover, saying it was too swift. Linger embraced the slower pace.

“I’m fine with waiting until 2027,” Linger said, “We just want to make sure all these agencies are kept up and running between then and now.”

There is no indication any unit will soon fail, although that is not a certainty in the not-distant future. In the meantime, two significant steps will be initiated to commence the transition.

It was agreed a new EMS Coordinator position will be created to piece together the operational specifics of the system.

That person could reportedly be part of a union process or a legislative appointment, depending upon job description and other factors.

It is possible that individual could subsequently head the new county agency which is expected to have an estimated 120 employees.

There will also be movement toward the county securing its own Certificate of Need, a State requirement for any entity to supply ambulance service.

That bureaucratic move shouldn’t present any complications and will allow the county to gradually coalesce the new system while preparing the various budgetary additions.

And, in the game plan presented by town leaders, it was recommended the existing Greene County EMS flycar system be absorbed by the county, serving as an in-the-trenches model for the rest of the system.

The flycars provide paramedics in every rig but not patient transport to a hospital, a vital element in why a county system is on the table.

Flycar response is swift and highly professional across the county. Transport can result in mutual aid and personnel complexities.

Many intricacies must be untangled before the county system becomes a reality but that now is a driving force, no longer a deterrent.

“We’re essentially creating the top tier of a totally new ambulance structure, building from the top down,” Hunter town supervisor Sean Mahoney said.

“Even some of the naysayers are beginning to understand this is not a personal attack against any organization,” Linger said. “We only want everyone to have access to good emergency medical services.”

Lawmakers, in another bold step, recently passed a resolution declaring ambulance response an essential service, similar to firefighting and the sheriff’s department.

“We are doing what the State isn’t doing but, in our view, should be doing,” Linger said, setting the groundwork for simpler EMS implementation and funding. The next session is slated for July 9.

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

Happy First Day of Summer – June 20!

The annual Chicken BBQ was held on June 14 hosted by the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association at the Community Hall in West Kill. These fundraisers for the WKLCIA would not be a success without the dedication and hard work of everyone involved and all who come to support these events. Thank you.

The Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company participated in the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention and Dress Parade on June 14 in Lake George. Looking good, Lexington! Thank you to all the heroes who protect and serve.

Lexington Farmers Market will be Saturday, June 21 under the pavilion at the Lexington Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come and check out the wonderful variety of vendors with all kinds of produce, eggs, meats, jams and much more.

Happy birthday to Kathy Jordan on Saturday, June 21.

Monday, June 23 is Margaret Lawrence’s birthday.

Linda and Craig Benjamin celebrate their wedding anniversary on Thursday, June 26.

Best wishes to everyone.

Vet2Vet Breakfast is Sunday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Red Rooster, Cairo. Free to Veterans and families. Call 518-943-3703; veterans@greenecountyny.gov.

Tuesday, June 24 is the next Fellowship Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, Tannersville. As always, a delicious meal for free. So come and enjoy the fellowship. All welcomed.

You are invited to a Bible Study, Wednesday, June 18, 11 a.m., at the Lexington-West Kill UMC, 54 County Route 13A, Lexington for a study on the Introduction to Galatians. Books will be provided. The study is being led by Susan Simpfenderfer.

On Thursday, June 26 at the Jewett Senior Center, 3547 County Route 23C, Jewett, there will be a program by the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, “Caring for You Every Step of the Way.” This is a personalized medication consultation. Bring your current list of medications from your pharmacy or your medical records (and/or script bottles) and a list of all over-the-counter (OTC) and supplements with dosage information (bring bottles). Contact Greene County Department of Human Services to attend at 518-719-3555.

The Kaaterskill UMC Thrift Shop, 7889 Main Street, Hunter is open on Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m. Donations are welcome when the shop is open.

The Zadock Pratt Museum, Main Street, Prattsville, is hosting Master Gardeners with Cornell Cooperative Extension on Saturday, June 28 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about the history of gardening, maps of historical gardens to visit in Greene County and take home flower seeds. There will also be light refreshments.

The Windham-Hensonville UMC will be holding a Silent Auction on Saturday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 5345 State Route 23, Main Street, Windham.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Thunder in the Mountains Car Show hosted by the West Kill/Lexington Community Improvement Association on Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Lexington Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington. There will be trophies, 50/50 raffle, gift baskets raffle, food and beverages. If you have questions or wish to pre-register, call Mary at 518-989-6813. Proceeds benefit the WKLCIA.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of June 23 – June 27 is as follows: Monday–Sweet and sour chicken, oriental mixed vegetables, white rice, peaches; Tuesday—Stuffed shells with sausage, Italian mixed vegetables, cookies with applesauce; Wednesday—French onion pork chops, green beans, egg noodles, rice pudding with raisins; Thursday—Kielbasa with sauerkraut (served with bun with gluten), carrots, baked beans, mixed berry tart; Friday—Shrimp Scampi, tossed salad, spinach, linguini, fresh fruit. All persons 60 and over and spouses are invited to attend. Congregate reservations are required by noon at least a day in advance. If you reserve a meal and are unable to attend, please call as soon as you can to cancel. Allergen information is available for prepared food items. The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, 3547 County Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, volunteers, healthcare providers, veterans, actively serving military, farmers, truck drivers and so many more.

Prayers for all who are dealing with loss, illnesses, healing, difficulties, our country, our military and their families, the world.

Until next week take care, be thankful, be respectful, be safe and please be kind to one another. Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

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Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Crossbow Bill Passes in Legislature