Schuyler County Continues Expanded Legal Services for Local Veterans with Free Legal Services Event, Hotline Number

Schuyler County officials and Cornell Law School’s Veterans Law Practicum have announced a free civil legal services advice clinic event for local veterans and service members to be held in October.

According to Schuyler County Veterans Services Director Jason Gilliland, the event will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Schuyler County Human Services Building, Montour Falls, New York.

The event is intended to offer legal advice to veterans and service members on a variety of issues, including veterans’ benefits, discharge upgrades, eviction prevention, family law and estate planning, as well as benefits claims with the VA or Social Security Administration, Gilliland explained. The clinic is not able to provide advice on any criminal matters, he noted. Law students and a supervising attorney will provide the legal assistance, he said. Participants are encouraged to bring photocopies of relevant documents.

The clinic, Gilliland said, has been developed with the assistance of Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman and Cornell adjunct professor James Hardwick, the Law School’s first full-time veterans law staff attorney. It is a continuation of a county-Cornell program that began in 2025.

Said Gilliland: “The impact of having an attorney present onsite is incredible, especially when veterans apply for benefits or an upgrade in their military discharge. Studies show veterans are much more successful in claims for VA benefits when they have an attorney helping them.”

According to Getman, the county strongly encourages veterans to sign up in advance so they can secure a spot, though walk-in appointments will also be available. Information that will be helpful to receive during registration includes a short description of the issue, location and date of any pending hearings or deadlines, and names of any opposing parties.

Said Getman: “In a rural county like Schuyler, ensuring that veterans and current and former service members can access the legal guidance they need is especially important. Legal challenges can be difficult to navigate, and the cost of hiring private counsel can put meaningful assistance out of reach for many. This clinic offers an important opportunity for those who have served our country to get answers, address concerns before they become more difficult to resolve, and move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.”

Hardwick said that the clinic can offer 8 slots during the event. The clinic will be staffed with at least two law students plus a supervising attorney. Most advice will not be given on the date of the clinic but will come in a follow-up advice letter after the students do any necessary research into the issue, he explained.

Said Hardwick: “We are happy to review any civil matters or claims veterans might have with state and federal agencies. We are grateful for the opportunity for our students to work with local veterans. The students will witness first-hand our obligation as lawyers to leverage our legal training in the service of others, especially for those who served our country.”

Veterans and service members seeking assistance at the event may contact the county veterans’ services agency at (607) 535-2091 or sign up in person at 323 Owego Street, Montour Falls NY 14865. Interested veterans and service members may also email: JGilliland@schuylercountyny.gov.

In addition, veterans who are unable to attend the clinic may be able to obtain legal support by calling the Cornell Law School Veterans Law Practicum hotline at (607) 307-5116.

Schuyler County and the law school hope to continue hosting legal assistance events for veterans and service members, County Administrator Shawn Rosno said.

Said Rosno: “Schuyler County’s support for our veterans remains steadfast. I commend our veterans director and county attorney for initiating and continuing this important program, and I extend our appreciation to Cornell Law School for its ongoing partnership with our community.”

The Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency assists Schuyler County veterans and members of the armed forces as well as their dependents and survivors through the pursuance of veterans benefits at the County, State and Federal levels and referrals to other agencies for possible assistance. This is done to promote better physical and mental health, improve quality of life and to ensure every veteran or dependent receives the benefits to which they are entitled.

The Schuyler County Attorney is the civil legal advisor to the county legislature and other county agencies, including the local veterans service agency. The county attorney prosecutes and defends civil actions on behalf of the county, in Family Court, Surrogates Court and New York State Supreme Court.

In Cornell Law School’s Veterans Law Practicum, students provide information, legal advice, and representation to veterans seeking legal assistance. Students work on cases, including to secure service-connected disability compensation, discharge upgrades, overpayment issues, and other related claims. In 2023, Cornell was one of three law schools nationwide to receive a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide legal services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Schuyler County to hold drug take-back event Oct. 24

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The public is invited to bring unwanted medications to a free, anonymous drug take-back event at two sites in Beaver Dams and Burdett from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs and county Public Health Department announced the two fire department sites in an Oct. 7 release for National Drug Take Back Day. Both will accept expired or unused medications, ointments and sprays, but not needles.

The events will also accept tobacco products from people trying to quit smoking, except for e-cigarettes. The medication disposal service is free and anonymous.

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For information about the collection events, residents can call the sheriff's office at 607-535-8222 or Schuyler County Public Health at 607-535-8140.

Schuyler County to set Nov. 9 budget hearing, introduce C-PACE energy loan program

The Schuyler County Legislature is expected to set a Nov. 9 public hearing on the tentative 2027 county budget and introduce a local law establishing a property-assessed clean energy financing program when it meets Tuesday (October 13).

The agenda, shaped by the Management & Finance Committee and Legislative Resolution Review Committee meetings on Wednesday (Oct. 7), prioritizes the sustainable energy measure known as Energize NY Open C-PACE alongside the budget process and authorizing on-call pay for assistant district attorneys.

Lawmakers plan to schedule the budget hearing for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in Room 120 of the Human Services Complex, 323 Owego St., Montour Falls. The hearing would be followed by the regular legislative meeting, where the board could adopt the 2027 budget.

The legislature is set to introduce Local Law No. D (Intro.) of 2026 to create the Energize NY Open C-PACE Financing Program. The measure would allow commercial and multifamily property owners in Schuyler County to finance energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems through long-term loans repaid via special charges assessed on the benefited properties. The Energy Improvement Corporation would administer the program on the county’s behalf under Article 5-L of the New York General Municipal Law. A public hearing on the local law is also planned, positioning the county to join other New York localities offering this financing tool aimed at reducing energy costs and supporting clean energy projects without requiring up-front capital from property owners.

Another resolution would authorize on-call pay for assistant district attorneys providing weekend and holiday coverage at $400 per day, or $800 per weekend, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2027.

Additional items call for introducing local laws setting 2027 salaries for elected officials, including the sheriff at $119,242 and county clerk at $93,517, and for public officers such as the public health director, personnel officer, public defender and others, with public hearings also set for Nov. 9.

Other business includes authorizing a two-year Victim of Crime Act grant totaling about $551,771; approving the 2027 STOP-DWI plan; authorizing a $731,500 purchase offer for property at 118 Schuyler St., Montour Falls; setting a hearing on the Lamoka/Waneta Lakes Protection and Rehabilitation District assessment roll; declaring surplus vehicles; and handling various contracts, budget amendments and appointments.

The regular meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Legislative Chambers at the Schuyler County Courthouse Complex. The meeting is set for Tuesday, instead of the normal Monday schedule, due to the Columbus Day holiday.

Second Amendment Legal Update, October 2026

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County: Free pet clinic for veterans, military & first responders

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According to a release from the Humane Society of Schuyler County, they will be holding the free wellness clinic on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Humane Society’s location at 124 Marina Drive in Montour Falls.

The clinic is open to all military personnel, veterans and first responders, with no income or county residency requirements. This includes active military service members, veterans, law enforcement personnel, including local and state police and sheriff’s departments, firefighters both volunteer and career, ambulance drivers for both non-profit and for-profit organizations and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) both volunteer and paid.

The clinic welcomes animals, emotional support animals and companion animals, with services available for both dogs and cats, including essential preventative and wellness services at no cost such as vaccinations, microchipping, flea, tick and heartworm testing, deworming and basic skin and ear care.

To ensure the quickest and most effective service, the Humane Society encourages participants to register in advance online.

Town of Ovid seeks removal of Flock-style camera

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Ovid Town Supervisor Joseph Borst is asking Seneca County and state transportation officials to remove an automated license plate reader camera near the community’s Four Corners intersection. He says the equipment was installed without notice to or consultation with town officials.

In a Sept. 11 letter written on behalf of the Town Board, Borst described the device as a Flock camera or a similar license plate reader near 2186 NY-96A, in the Town and Village of Ovid. He said it was placed in a New York State Department of Transportation right-of-way. The letter does not establish who installed or operates it.

Borst sent the letter to Seneca County Undersheriff Melinda Marquart, county Board of Supervisors Chair Michael Enslow and Elizabeth Parmley of the state Department of Transportation’s Region 3 office. He wrote that the Sheriff’s Office may not have received advance notice either; he did not state that as a confirmed fact.

The Town Board objects to the installation taking place without the town’s knowledge or input, Borst wrote. He said local governments have an interest in decisions affecting their rights-of-way, residents’ privacy and community trust.

Schuyler County Legislature to vote on tax foreclosure bids, Constitution Day resolution

The Schuyler County Legislature is expected to vote Monday (September 14) on accepting or rejecting bids from a real property tax foreclosure auction and to pass a resolution recognizing Sept. 17 as Constitution and Citizenship Day.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers of the Schuyler County Courthouse Complex. Items on the agenda were reviewed by the county's Legislative Resolution Review Committee on Wednesday (September 9).

Among the resolutions is one authorizing the county to accept or reject tax auction bids under Schuyler County Index No. e2023-0180, handled by the Treasurer’s Department. Another item seeks approval of a settlement agreement and stipulation in the case of Woodcock v. County of Schuyler, Town of Reading, et al., from the Real Property Tax Agency.

Lawmakers are also expected to recognize Sept. 17, 2026, as Constitution and Citizenship Day, proposed by Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman.

Other business includes adopting a Schuyler County Artificial Intelligence Guidance Policy from the Information Technology Department; authorizing use of opioid settlement funds, not to exceed $2,250, to send three road patrol officers to overdose death investigations training; and accepting a three-year, $319,758 Public Safety Answering Point grant from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services with no local share, to offset dispatch staff salaries and expenses.

Additional items cover budget amendments, including $200,000 for shared fuel costs amid rising prices; a renewed intermunicipal agreement with Tompkins County for assigned counsel program administrative services through 2030; appointment and salary setting for a purchasing director; various contracts and intermunicipal agreements; Youth Bureau resource allocations; Office for the Aging funding and agreements; lake treatment proposals for Lamoka and Waneta lakes; and proclamations designating periods in late October as Red Ribbon Week and Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

The eight-member Legislature, the county’s policy-making and appropriating body, holds regular meetings on the second Monday of each month. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Second Amendment Legal Update, September 2026

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County Public Health celebrates 100 years of service

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Schuyler County Public Health is inviting the community to celebrate a century of care for the area.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the event for Schuyler County Public Health will take place at the Shared Services Building located at 910 S Decatur St. in Watkins Glen. The celebration will include an open house and an art show displaying work from Watkins Glen Central School District students.

The event is set to showcase highlights from the century of service that the organization has provided to the Schuyler County area.

For more information, click here.

College Students Should Consider Key Legal Protections as Fall Semester Begins

As college students arrive on campus or return for the fall semester, Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman is urging students and their parents to address several legal issues that arise once a young person turns 18 and becomes a legal adult.

 “Once a young person reaches the age of majority, parents no longer have automatic legal authority to access medical, educational or financial information or to make decisions on their behalf, even if they are paying the bills,” Getman said. “A few basic documents and an awareness of housing and campus rules can provide important protection and peace of mind.”

Students should consider several key documents. A FERPA waiver allows colleges to share education records such as grades, enrollment status and disciplinary matters with designated parents or guardians. A HIPAA authorization permits health care providers to discuss medical information with authorized individuals. A health care power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions if the student cannot, while a living will or advance directive states preferences for certain medical treatments. A financial power of attorney authorizes a trusted person to handle bills, bank accounts and other financial matters if needed.

Those living in dormitories or off-campus housing also should understand their rights and responsibilities under lease agreements or housing contracts. These typically address rent or fees, security deposits, maintenance obligations, guest policies, quiet hours and rules on prohibited items such as open-flame devices, certain appliances and electrical equipment. Landlords and university housing offices generally must provide safe, livable conditions. Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status, and students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations.

Campus living guides often stress community standards, civility, shared responsibility for maintaining a safe environment, and consequences for violations that can include termination of a housing agreement. In emergencies involving health or safety, or in certain alcohol or drug cases involving students under 21, federal and state law may permit limited disclosure of information to parents.

Students attending school out of state should confirm that any legal documents comply with the laws of both their home state and the state where they attend college.

 Students and parents who want more information about their legal rights and responsibilities should consider contacting their family lawyer or another competent attorney of their own choosing. New York residents may locate an attorney through the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service at findalawyernys.org or by calling 1-800-342-3661.