The Ovid Town Board unanimously — and enthusiastically — created the Ovid Local Development Corp., with the goal of supporting efforts to rebuild the community’s downtown.
Town Supervisor Joe Borst said the LDC, and the group that has been meeting to create it, are positive signs that “good things are going to come” to Ovid in the future, even if it’s not clear quite yet what that means.“They just don’t know at this point,” Borst said about the property and business owners who were affected by the Jan. 21 fire that started in an apartment over the Ovid Big M. “I think some of them are still working with their insurance companies. They could decide to rebuild and the (LDC) could help, or they could deed the property and the (LDC) could take over.”
The measure adopted Wednesday establishes a temporary board of directors that includes Ellen Smith, Bruce Murray, and Erik Holmberg. Borst said applications are still being accepted for a full board of directors and asked that anyone interested submit letters of intent.
The letters will be reviewed by two members each from the Ovid village and town boards. Preference will be given to Ovid residents and business owners.
Borst said there have been several meetings since the fire with those interested in helping recovery efforts, but things had gone as far as they could go without an entity like the agency being established. He said he was grateful that a group stepped up to the plate to do it.
Monday, June 16, 2025
Ovid votes to establish a local development corporation
Monday, June 9, 2025
Schuyler County officials recognize June 15, 2025 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
County officials have noted that elder abuse is a global, social, health and human rights issue that affects millions of older persons around the world and deserves the attention of the international community.
“It is our collective responsibility to provide for safe and secure communities and living environments for our seniors, and to encourage reporting of any suspected abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to the Schuyler County Adult Protective Services, as well as law enforcement agencies, for investigation, and intervention,” states a resolution of the Schuyler County Legislature.
In order to promote awareness of elder abuse, the Schuyler County Office for the Aging asks all county residents to wear something purple on Sunday, June 15.
Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. Survivors suffer higher levels of psychological distress, are twice as likely to be hospitalized and face greater risk of an early death than other seniors.
A copy of the Schuyler County Legislature’s proclamation, “Declare June 15, 2025 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” appears below.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Resolution-Schuyler County, New York by Steven Getman
Monday, June 2, 2025
Second Amendment Legal Update, June 2025
Monday, May 26, 2025
Ovid seeks applicants for new local development board
The Ovid Town Board is calling on local leaders and business owners to help shape the area’s future by joining the board of a proposed Local Development Corporation (LDC).
The new not-for-profit corporation would focus on boosting economic development and revitalizing neighborhoods within the Town and Village of Ovid. The Town Board will appoint seven members to serve on the board of directors once the LDC is incorporated.****
In addition to appointed members, the board will include the Ovid Village Mayor and the Ovid Town Supervisor as ex-officio members or through designated representatives.
Those interested in applying must submit a letter detailing their residence and qualifications to the Ovid Town Board by 5:00 p.m. on June 30. Applications can be sent to 2136 Brown St, Ovid, NY 14521 or by email to ovidtowndeputyclerk@townofovid.net.
For more information, click the link above.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Briefing on the 2025-26 Adopted State Budget
The New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) has published its summary of key initiatives included in the Adopted State Budget.
The document, which is regularly updated, is available on the NYCOM website.
NYCOM reports that the Adopted State Budget continues to fund the $50 million in Temporary Municipal Assistance from last year and includes a $50 million increase in CHIPS funding. In addition, the budget contains a number of provisions related to public safety and municipal government, including:
• Revised Involuntary Commitment and Assisted Outpatient Treatment
• Streamlining and Clarifing Criminal Case Discovery Requirements
• Virtual Appearances in Certain Criminal Proceedings
• Unlicensed Sale of Cannabis Enforcement
• Volunteer Fire Infrastructure and Response Equipment
• Water and Sewer Infrastructure Funding
A copy of the update, current as of May 13, 2025 appears below.
NYCOM Briefing on the 2025-26 Adopted State Budget by Steven Getman on Scribd
Monday, May 12, 2025
Schuyler County hosts Rabies Clinic May 17th
Clinics are free, but donations are accepted.
It is New York State law that all dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets be vaccinated against rabies after they reach the age of 4 months. Animals must remain up to date on rabies vaccination at all times.
Rabies is a serious virus of all mammals with no known cure. It causes neurological degeneration that ultimately leads to the death of the infected person or animal. Luckily, Rabies can be prevented with vaccination.
For more information, click here.
Monday, May 5, 2025
Second Amendment Legal Update, May 2025
Monday, April 28, 2025
The legislature passed a resolution at its April 14, 2025 meeting, recognizing “Law Day” as an occasion of public acknowledgement of our Nation’s heritage of justice, liberty, and equality under the law.
“The Preamble to the Constitution asserts that the Founders established the Constitution as representatives of ‘We the People, in Order to Form a More Perfect Union,’” Getman wrote. “And the Constitution establishes a framework for government that unites us as one citizenry, through means such as our representative government and an engaged populace.”
In passing the resolution, the legislature called upon all Schuyler County residents “to observe this day together as one … whether through legislative efforts that serve the common good, through service to our county, state and nation, or by working together, every day, to fulfill the promise of ‘E pluribus unum,’ or ‘Out of many, one.’”
The measure was introduced by Legislator Phil Barnes (R- District VI) and seconded by Legislator Mark Rondinaro (R-District VII). It was supported unanimously by the members present.
May 1, 2025 is the 67th Law Day. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Law Day Proclamation to mark our nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Each year the American Bar Association selects an annual theme for Law Day.
A copy of Schuyler County’s resolution “Recognizing and Commemorating ‘Law Day’ in Schuyler County” is available here.
RECOGNIZING AND COMMEMORATING MAY 1, 2025 AS “LAW DAY” IN SCHUYLER COUNTY – COUNTY ATTORNEY by Steven Getman on Scribd
Monday, April 14, 2025
New York State Court system’s annual report released
Among the issues addressed in the report for 2024 are:
• Access to Justice and Equal Justice
• Community Outreach & Civic Education
• Justice for Children
• Court Modernization
• Diversity and Inclusion
• E-Filing
• Grants and Contracts
• Indian Nation Courts
• Justice Court Support
• Technology and Court Research
The New York State Unified Court System is administered by the Office of Court Administration (OCA) under the authority of the Chief Judge and Chief Administrative Judge. OCA provides financial management, automation, public safety, personnel management and other essential services to support day-to-day court operations throughout the state, including Schuyler County.
A complete copy of the report is available here.
Monday, April 7, 2025
Second Amendment Legal Update: April 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025
Schuyler County tables resolution to sue New York State; receives notice Hochul’s “no hire” order for fired Corrections Offices to expire April 9.
Watkins Glen, NY --The Schuyler County Legislature has tabled its resolution suing the state over Governor Kathy Hochul's executive order that banned fired striking Corrections Officers from seeking other public employment, after getting news that the order will expire April 9.
According to
Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman, on Monday (March 24) the legislature
adjourned the action to its April 14 meeting, after the county received word
from state officials that the relevant provisions of Hochul’s Executive Order
47.3 will expire and will not be renewed.
“After the
county’s proposed lawsuit was announced, the New York State Division of
Homeland Security issued a letter March 22 to all counties,” Getman said. “That letter states the governor’s order
prohibiting the hiring of correction officers whom she fired in connection with
the strike is temporary,” Getman said. “The
letter says these provisions of the order will expire on April 9 and the governor
does not intend to renew these provisions.”
“That means any
local government, including Schuyler County will be able to hire any terminated
correction officer any time on or after April 10.”
If the order
does expire, Getman explained, the county has received the bulk of the relief
it wanted in the lawsuit and the case would be moot.
Sheriff Kevin
Rumsey agreed with the decision to table, noting that if the order is extended,
the county legislature can authorize the lawsuit on April 14.
Rumsey also
expressed concerns with the governor’s plan to decertify the fired officers.
“If she decides
to push the issue of having them all decertified, counties will have to spend
the time and money to ‘re-train’ these DOCCS CO's, which many of them have some
considerable time on the job. It would be a cost benefit to have them
lateral rather than to have to send them through another academy.”
Rumsey, along
with County Legislature Chair Carl Blowers, blasted Hochul’s “no hire” order
affecting the corrections officers fired after a three-week strike, in a letter
sent to her March 18.
“We write to
express our strong opposition to your recent Executive Order, which unjustly
prohibits Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) employees
from being hired by other state, county, or local government workers…Leadership
means standing up for workers, not abandoning them to serve political
expediency.”
Blowers and
Rumsey noted that the county is experiencing staffing shortages and sees this
order as something that only worsens things for the county.
“It is
unthinkable and outrageous that, in the same breath that you push for second
chances through the Clean Slate Act, you are denying those who have devoted
their careers to public service the chance to continue their work and support
their families,” their letter states.
“We urge you to
reconsider this ill-conceived, arbitrary, and capricious order and immediately
reverse your decision.”
Schuyler County’s April 14 meeting will be held at 6:30 pm at the Schuyler County Courthouse, 105 Ninth Street, Watkins Glen, New York. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Monday, March 24, 2025
Fair Trial/Free Press Conference: Spring 2025
What happens if decades of legal precedent protecting a free press is suddenly turned on its head? Hear from a distinguished panel of experts from the media, courts, and bar as they explorethe legal, political, and ethical issues that arise in a hypothetical scenario.****
The conference combines a discussion of a hypothetical scenario with an overview of media law and constitutional law. An interactive discussion between the panelists and audience will follow the panel discussion.
This free event is open to the public and includes a reception before the program. Registration is required.
Interested persons can attend in person at the following location:
NYS Judicial Institute
Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
78 N Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
For more information, including how to register, click here.
Monday, March 17, 2025
New York State Judicial Conduct Commission Releases Annual Report of Activity
• 363 full-fledged investigations were undertaken.
• 11 judges were publicly disciplined: three judges were removed from office, three were censured and five were admonished.
• 13 judges resigned and publicly agreed never to return to judicial office.
• Seven other judges resigned while complaints were pending, where it had not been determined permanent departure from office was warranted or appropriate.
• 23 judges were issued confidential cautionary letters.
• 212 matters were pending at year’s end.
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct is the independent state agency that reviews complaints of ethical misconduct against the 3,500 judges and justices of the State Unified Court System and, where appropriate, renders public disciplinary Determinations.
The annual report is available here.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Schuyler County Expands Legal Services for Local Veterans with Free Legal Services Event
According to Schuyler County Veterans Services Director Crystal Kawski, the event will be held Wednesday, March 19, 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, estate planning, as well as benefits claims with the VA or Social Security Administration, Kawski explained. The clinic is not able to provide advice on any criminal matters, she noted. Law students and a supervising attorney will provide the legal assistance, she said.
Said Kawski: “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: “As the son and nephew of Navy veterans, I am proud to be able to assist our local veterans service agency in providing needed civil legal services. As a Cornell Alum (CALS ’86), I am happy that my alma mater can and will be giving something back to our local veterans community.”
Hardwick said that the clinic can offer 12 slots during the event. The clinic will be staffed with at least three 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 complete an intake form at the agency’s office, 323 Owego Street, Montour Falls NY 14865. Interested veterans and service members may also email: ckawski@schuylercountyny.gov.
If the event is successful, Schuyler County and the law school hope to host more legal assistance events for veterans and service members in the future, County Administrator Shawn Rosno said.
Said Rosno: “Schuyler County remains committed to our veterans. I want to applaud our veterans director and our county attorney for their initiative in setting up this event and I want to thank Cornell Law School for their assistance to our community.”
The Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency provides assistance to our 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.
Monday, March 3, 2025
Second Amendment Legal Update: March, 2025
Monday, February 24, 2025
Tips for New Yorkers to Protect Themselves from Predatory Debt Collectors
The EIPA is a state law that prevents debt collectors from draining consumers’ bank accounts, leaving them unable to cover the costs of basic needs. The law automatically protects a certain amount of money in people’s bank accountsfrom being frozen or seized, and also protects vital government benefits like Social Security, disability benefits, and veteran’s benefits.****
The EIPA automatically exempts a certain amount of money in people’s bank accounts from being frozen or seized. This protected amount is based on the minimum wage and is $3,960 for those in New York City, Long Island, or Westchester, and $3,720 for those anywhere else in New York as of January 2025. The EIPA also protects 90% of wages or salary earned in the 60 days before a debt collector attempts to seize funds.
Crucially, EIPA also protects government benefits and retirement funds from being frozen or seized, ensuring New Yorkers have enough money to pay their bills. These funds include:
• Social Security;
• Supplemental security income;
• Disability benefits;
• Unemployment insurance;
• Workers compensation;
• Veterans benefits;
• Spousal support, alimony, or child support; and
• Payments from public or private pensions and retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
For a copy of the guide, click here.
Monday, February 17, 2025
Monday, February 10, 2025
Can a Thumbs-Up Emoji Form Binding Sales Contract?
This is the instant-classic lawsuit involving a Saskatchewan farmer who text-messaged a “thumbs-up” emoji in response to an offer to buy his flax. The lower court found that the seller’s thumbs-up emoji constituted assent to the buyer’s offer and awarded the buyer $82k (Canadian) in damages. On appeal, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeals affirmed the decision on a 2-1 vote.****
The seller argued that he had used the thumbs-up emoji to acknowledge receipt of the buyer’s text, not to assent to it. The majority says that is theoretically possible...Nevertheless, the majority says that the seller chose this particular emoji in this particular context...As a result, the emoji functioned as a signature...
The blogger, Prof. Eric Goldman, suggests that the outcome would have been the same in the United States:
While Canadian law resembles US law about electronic signatures, the emoji-as-signature issue may have been an easier call in the US courts. I think that the E-Sign and UETA laws in the US make it entirely clear that the emoji usage in this context would satisfy their requirements as a signature.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Second Amendment Legal Update, February 2025
Monday, January 27, 2025
Family Court E-Filing service expands to Schuyler, Seneca and Yates Counties
According to Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman, as of Tuesday (January 21) Schuyler, Seneca and Yates counties join sixteen other counties across New York State in offering the service, known as NYS Courts Electronic Filing (“NYSCEF”).
“NYSCEF service permits the filing of legal papers by electronic means with the courts in certain case types,” Getman said. “In an e-filed case, the court and all parties to the action are provided with the same documents as they would receive in a non e-filed case. The difference is that the documents are provided electronically. This avoids the costs and time associated with printing, copying and mailing documents.”
New York State courts were already using e-filing statewide for many other types of cases, Getman noted. Courts having already instituted e-filing include Supreme Court, Surrogate’s Court and the New York State appellate courts. The federal courts also have their own electronic filing system, available to lawyers and the public, he said.
The court system offers training on how to use the e-filing system for people who do not have an attorney and are representing themselves, Getman said. Training also is available to attorneys and their staff members, he noted.
The New York State Bar Association studied the impact and benefits of e-filing for more than a decade with the most recent report adopted in 2023, which detailed the benefits of an expanded, statewide e-filing system.
As County Attorney, Getman is the chief legal advisor for county government and responsible for the prosecution and defense of civil actions brought by and against the county. In that role, his office represents the Department of Social Services and Probation Department in various family court prosecutions, including child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency and child support enforcement.
For more information on New York State family court e-filing, including a complete list of counties participating, click here.
Monday, January 20, 2025
Schuyler County solar development on farmland class to be held January 23
Schuyler County farmers and landowners are invited to an upcoming workshop to learn more about solar development on agricultural lands.Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and Schuyler County Farm Bureau are hosting a workshop to address critical issues around solar development as it becomes more common for solar panels to be installed on agricultural lands in the Finger Lakes Region. The workshop will educate farmers and landowners about the important issues and teach them the things
they should know before leasing land to solar companies.****
The workshop, which is called “Solar & Ag in Schuyler County: What you need to know,” will start at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, and should end by 2:30 p.m. It will take place in the Human Services Complex, located at 323 Owego St. in Montour Falls. Registration is required, and there’s a $15 fee to join. The fee will include lunch.
For more information on factors to consider when leasing land for solar power, see below:
Monday, January 13, 2025
New York State Jury Service and Reform: Notice of Public Hearing
The Williams Commission is a permanent, independent commission within the New York State Unified Court System, committed to promoting racial and ethnic fairness in the courts. Its mission is to enhance the court system’s responsiveness to communities of color while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the legal profession.
The Commission will be holding a hearing to discuss challenges to jury service and explore recommendations to improve jury outreach and diversification within the Third Department, including the Third, Fourth, and Sixth Judicial Districts as follows:
Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Appellate Division, Third Department
Robert Abrams Building for Law and Justice
State Street, Room 511
Albany, New York 12223
For more information on the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, click here.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Second Amendment Legal Update, January 2025
