Showing posts with label steven getman county attorney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steven getman county attorney. Show all posts
Monday, March 30, 2026
Schuyler County Boater Safety Course Announced
The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Unit will be hosting a free two-day New York State Boater's Safety Course on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday March 31, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm both nights. For more information, see below.
Monday, December 22, 2025
The Five Best Christmas Movies for Lawyers: A Festive Legal Brief
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way for lawyers to unwind than with Christmas movies that sneak in a bit of legalese? Whether it's contract clauses that bind you to the North Pole or courtroom battles over Santa's sanity, these films offer a jolly mix of cheer and jurisprudence. We've curated a lighthearted list of the top five, focusing on classics that highlight legal themes without taking themselves too seriously. No objections here—just good fun and a nod to the profession. Ho ho ho, your honor!
1. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)This timeless tale follows Kris Kringle, who claims to be the real Santa Claus and ends up in a New York courtroom to prove his identity. With sharp-witted lawyers arguing over sanity hearings and evidence like letters to Santa, it's a holiday courtroom drama at its finest.Why it's great for lawyers: It reminds us that sometimes the best defense is believing in the impossible—plus, it's a masterclass in cross-examination techniques. If you've ever dreamed of winning a case with the U.S. Postal Service as your star witness, this one's for you. No billable hours required!2. The Santa Clause (1994)Tim Allen's Scott Calvin accidentally becomes Santa after a rooftop mishap, all thanks to a sneaky fine-print clause in Santa's contract. What follows is a hilarious journey of inheritance, custody battles, and magical obligations.Why it's great for lawyers: Contract law takes center stage—who knew the North Pole had such ironclad agreements? It's a fun reminder to always read the terms and conditions, even if they're written on a business card from the jolly old elf. Perfect for those who love debating "force majeure" over eggnog.3. Home Alone (1990)Young Kevin McCallister turns his house into a booby-trapped fortress to fend off bungling burglars while his family is away for Christmas. Amid the slapstick chaos, there are undertones of property rights, self-defense, and potential tort claims.Why it's great for lawyers: It's a comedic exploration of premises liability and the castle doctrine—those paint cans and tarantulas could spark endless debates on reasonable force. Lawyers will chuckle at the "what if" lawsuits, making it ideal for personal injury pros who need a break from real slip-and-fall cases.4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)In this live-action adaptation starring Jim Carrey, the grumpy Grinch hatches a scheme to pilfer every last bit of Christmas cheer from the Whos of Whoville, complete with elaborate disguises, gadgetry, and a sleigh full of stolen goods—only to have a change of heart when the Whos' spirit proves unbreakable.Why it's great for lawyers: It's a whimsical dive into criminal law, featuring grand theft holiday on an epic scale, with potential charges of burglary, conspiracy (shoutout to loyal sidekick Max), and even animal welfare concerns. Lawyers will enjoy pondering defenses like diminished capacity due to the Grinch's famously undersized heart or restitution through his heartfelt return of the loot. A fun nod to redemption arcs that could inspire plea deals over plum pudding—ideal for criminal defense attorneys with a soft spot for reformed villains.5. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)George Bailey, a beleaguered building and loan owner, gets a supernatural glimpse of life without him, touching on financial regulations, community banking, and the ripple effects of ethical decisions.Why it's great for lawyers: Amid the angelic interventions, it's packed with banking law nods, like avoiding foreclosure and fiduciary duties. Lawyers will appreciate the message that one good deed (or solid legal advice) can change everything—perfect for corporate or estate planners who want to feel the holiday magic without the mergers.
Monday, December 15, 2025
New York Expands Senior Property Tax Exemptions
A new New York law will allow local governments to increase property tax exemptions for senior citizens from 50% to 65% of a home's assessed value, potentially easing financial burdens for older homeowners starting in 2026.
property values and inflation.
The measure was signed into law on Dec. 6, updating a program unchanged for decades amid rising
The change could save qualifying seniors an average of $300 annually, with more than 1.8 million older adult homeowners statewide eligible based on local income limits and other criteria.T
The optional program requires counties, cities and towns to adopt it before implementation. It aims to help seniors on fixed incomes avoid displacement by reducing tax pressures, though its impact will depend on local participation and budget considerations.
Bill sponsors noted the measure addresses long-standing affordability issues for elderly residents, with eligibility tied to income thresholds set by municipalities. Officials from the state Office for the Aging described it as a tool to support aging in place.
Seniors seeking details should contact local assessors' offices, as requirements and application processes vary by area. While most localities have not yet announced plans, the law fits into ongoing state efforts to curb living costs through tax adjustments and credits.
Monday, November 10, 2025
Schuyler County Offers Free Emergency Preparedness Training
Schuyler County officials are inviting county residents to sign up for a free class to learn about preparing for emergencies. The New York Citizen Preparedness Training Program will be held at the Schuyler County Human Services 
Complex, Room 120, in Montour Falls, NY, on Tuesday, December 2, at 5:00 p.m.
This program is designed for county residents who may benefit from learning more about preparing for extreme weather and other emergencies. It is offered by Schuyler County in conjunction with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Citizens Preparedness Corps.
With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to normal conditions.
The training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or man-made disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies. Each family that attends will receive one preparedness kit.
Registration is required to attend. Residents can sign up here.
Monday, July 29, 2024
Schuyler County announces Citizen Preparedness Training Program
From the Schuyler County Emergency Services Office:
With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. This training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or man-made disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies. Each family that attends will receive one Preparedness kit.The event will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the County’s Human Services Complex 323 Owego Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865. All participants must register in advance. To register and for additional information click here.
Monday, March 18, 2024
2024 Voting: key dates, resources, and hotline information
Volunteers will troubleshoot issues and work with local boards of elections when necessary.
Persons who experience problems voting can call 1-866-390-2992 or submit a voter complaint here.
Important dates and deadlines are available here.
Monday, July 10, 2023
Schuyler County Tax Foreclosure. Index No. 21-21. Notice of Entry, Judgment of Foreclosure
SUPREME COURT: STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF SCHUYLER
COUNTY OF SCHUYLER
In The Matter Of Foreclosure Of Tax Liens By Proceeding In Rem Pursuant To Article Eleven Of The Real Property Tax Law by the County of Schuyler.
NOTICE OF ENTRY: Judgment of Foreclosure
Index No. 21-21
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that annexed hereto is a true and correct conformed copy of the Judgment of Foreclosure dated June 27, 2023 that was entered in the office of the Clerk of the County of Schuyler on June 28, 2023, at 10:37 a.m.
Enforcing Officer: Holley Sokolowski
Treasurer, County of Schuyler
105 Ninth St, Unit 17
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Tel: 607.535.8181
Attorney for the tax district:
Steven J. Getman, Schuyler County Attorney
105 Ninth Street, Unit 5
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Tel: 607.535.8121
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, notwithstanding the above judgment, you may have rights to repurchase the property pursuant to Schuyler County Buyback Policy/Practice, Resolution No. 484 of 2008, a copy of which is available at: https://www.schuylercounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/54/Minutes---2008- (Restictions and deadlines apply. Please contact the Treasurer for more details).
Monday, January 16, 2023
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Ronald Reagan:
"Each year on Martin Luther King Day, let us not only recall Dr. King, but rededicate ourselves to the Commandments he believed in and sought to live every day: Thou shall love thy God with all thy heart, and thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. And I just have to believe that all of us -- if all of us, young and old, Republicans and Democrats, do all we can to live up to those Commandments, then we will see the day when Dr. King's dream comes true, and in his words, "All of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning. . . land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
(President Reagan, Coretta Scott King, Bob Dole and others at the signing ceremony for HR 3706 making the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. a national holiday. 11/2/1983)
Monday, December 26, 2022
New year, new laws: Legal changes affecting New Yorkers
Nexstar Media Inc. reports on a number of changes to legislation look out for in 2023:
• Social Security payments get a boost: About 70 million Americans can expect to see an increase in their monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for 2023.
• Minimum wage is going up: Minimum wage will be jumping to $14.20 — up a dollar from $13.20 — for most upstate workers.
• New York’s Paid Family Leave Law is expanding: Federally, 1993’s Family and Medical Leave Act gives workers the right to take twelve unpaid workweeks off for a birth or adoption, for a serious health condition, or to care for a seriously ill spouse, child, or parent. 2023 brings siblings into the mix.
• E-waste recycling is getting cheaper: Starting January 1, most manufacturers who make or sell their own tech in New York State will now have to provide and pay for “free and convenient” e-waste recycling for New Yorker
Other changes going into effect include:
• New York Collegiate Athletic Participation Compensation Act: College athletes can receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness without the risk of having to give up their scholarships or eligibility.
• Telemarketing calls: This new law requires telemarketers to give customers the option to be added to their do-not-call list immediately after the telemarketer says their name and company.
• Lactation rooms in airports: The new law requires airports to provide a nursing space for breastfeeding mothers.
• Electric Vehicle Rights Act: Prohibits homeowners’ associations from preventing homeowners from installing EV charging stations on their properties.
• Pedestrian and bicyclist safety: This law requires new drivers to learn about pedestrian and bicyclist safety awareness as part of their pre-licensing course.
• Polling places: This law allows registered voters to cast their ballot at the wrong polling place as long as they are in the correct county and State Assembly district.
• Brianna’s Law: Beginning January 1, 2023, those born on or after January 1, 1983 need the boating safety certificate to operate mechanically propelled boats.
Monday, August 29, 2022
11th National Animal Cruelty Prosecution Conference announced
The Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, in partnership with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, will host the 11th National Animal Cruelty Prosecution Conference on December 13-15, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The goal of this training is to provide prosecutors, law enforcement, and others with the requisite skills to strengthen links between the criminal justice system and the community by protecting our most vulnerable victims and to enhance prosecutors' ability to successfully identify and prosecute animal cruelty and animal fighting cases.The conference is intended for prosecutors, law enforcement and animal control officers, veterinarians and related disciplines involved in the prosecution of animal cruelty crimes.
For more on the conference, including how to register, click here.
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Schuyler County man jailed for failure to pay nearly $31,000 in back child support
A Schuyler County man was given a 60-day jail sentence for not paying nearly $31,000 in past-due child support, following an appearance in Schuyler County Family Court on Wednesday (July 6, 2022).
Assistant County Attorney Vinton Stevens presented the violation case for the County Attorney’s office. At Wednesday’s court appearance, Stevens advised the court that the respondent had paid only $1,910.65 toward the amount due. Stevens also noted that the man was recently apprehended on a criminal court warrant in Chemung County, and he was already facing extradition to another state for a separate criminal prosecution.
Getman said he was satisfied with the court’s decision.
According to the office of Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman, the man was found in willful violation of a prior court order because he failed to pay $30,993.72 in court-ordered support for the benefit of his two children. This failure to pay stretched back to at least November 2018, court records showed.
Based on the evidence, Stevens argued that the respondent should be sentenced to 60 days in jail, consecutive to any sentence for the Chemung County criminal matter.
The respondent was represented by Schuyler County Assistant Public Defender Mark Raniewicz. Raniewicz asked the court to consider his client’s circumstances, arguing that the respondent intended to get a job and pay support upon his release from incarceration and that the court should impose any jail sentence concurrent to any sentence in Chemung County.
After hearing from the attorneys, and giving the respondent an opportunity to speak, Schuyler County Family Court Judge Matthew Hayden confirmed the man had willfully violated the child support order, and determined that the respondent should be jailed. Therefore, he sentenced the respondent to sixty days incarceration, consecutive to any sentence in the Chemung County criminal matter and entered a money judgement for the past due child support. Hayden also directed that the respondent could be released from jail if he paid the full amount of back child support.
“These jail sentences send a message that will hopefully resonate,” Getman said. “Under New York State law, parents who willfully fail to obey court orders of child support can be sentenced to up to six months for contempt of court.”
“Parents who refuse to support their children can, and will, be punished when appropriate.”
The County Attorney’s Office represents the Department of Social Services in prosecuting child support cases brought in Family Court by that agency. In addition, the office provides support collection services for eligible custodial parents seeking assistance in establishing and enforcing orders for child support.
The County Attorney’s Office was assisted in the prosecution and presentation of the case by employees of the County’s Child Support Enforcement Unit.
The man’s name and address was not released to protect the privacy of his children and family.
Monday, June 13, 2022
Beware these Cryptocurrency Investment Risks
New York State officials are reminding the public of some of the potential risks of investing in cryptocurrencies. According to officials, investors in virtual assets should beware of the following:
• Highly Speculative and Unpredictable Value;
• Difficulty Cashing Out Investments;
• Higher Transaction Costs;
• Unstable “Stablecoins;
• Hidden Trading Costs;
• Possible Conflicts of Interest;
• Limited Oversight.
Even “legitimate” investments in virtual assets are subject to speculative bubbles and security issues, the report notes.
Members of the public who are worried that they have been a victim of investment fraud, can contact the Investor Protection Bureau or seek the advice of a competent attorney of their own choosing.
For more guidance on the possible risks associated with cryptocurrencies click here.
Monday, April 11, 2022
New York State Court system’s annual report released
The New York State Unified Court system has issued its annual report for the previous year.
Among the issues addressed in the report for 2021 are:
• Equal Justice in the CourtsThe 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.
• Gun Crimes
• Justice for Children
• Problem-Solving Courts and Initiatives
• Expanded e-filing
A complete copy of the report is available here.
Monday, March 28, 2022
Kyra’s Law: reforms proposed to address domestic violence, protect children
A proposed law to reform New York State’s divorce and Family Courts to protect children and families at risk of domestic violence, is moving closer to passage.
"Kyra’s Law," currently in committee, would amend Domestic Relations Law 240, adding a number of requirements and presumptions in any custody and visitation proceeding involving allegations of child abuse or domestic violence by a parent, regardless of whether the allegations involve the subject child.
The provisions include:
• A requirement that the court must first consider allegations of child abuse or domestic violence before considering any other best interest factors and hold a hearing on the allegations within 60 days of the filing of a petition.
• If the court finds a pattern of domestic violence or child abuse, then the court must award sole custody to the “non-offending parent” and must suspend visitation, or only award professionally supervised visitation, without court discretion.
• In any custody and visitation proceeding where such pattern is found, concerns regarding parental alienation are not admissible and may not be considered in a best interests determination.
The proposed law would also mandate domestic and child abuse training for state judges and other court officials.
For the complete text of the proposed law, click here.
Friday, November 26, 2021
Schuyler County Officials Warn: Be aware of unsolicited property offers. “Know your rights before you sign.”
Schuyler County Clerk Theresa Philbin and County Attorney Steven Getman are warning property owners to be aware of unsolicited offers to buy land in Schuyler County, often at a deep discount from the actual value.
“Reports have surfaced this month of a company soliciting property owners in the area offering to buy vacant land for cash,” Philbin said. “The offers include a Purchase and Sale Agreement, asking the owner to sign and send back within a short period of time. The quick cash offer they make is always below the assessed value, and sometimes by as much as 15 to 25 percent. That could cost you thousands of dollars, depending the price and your property’s actual value.”
“Many of these buyers are, basically, throwing out nets to see if they can find an owner who doesn't understand the real value of their property or an owner that wants to sell quickly at (almost) any cost. They may be senior citizens, facing a personal situation that is forcing them to consider selling their real estate. These buyers are often hoping to find sellers willing to sell at 85% or less of the true market value.”
While the offer may be perfectly legal, signing and sending back the agreement, Getman pointed out, would create a binding contract. That contract, Getman said, may obligate the owners to conditions or expenses they did not understand before signing.
“For example, the offer may state the buyer will pay all closing costs, but also require the seller to clear up any liens or encumbrances on the property at the seller’s own expense before the sale,” Getman explained. “That could include mortgages, property taxes or even electric, water and sewer bills. If the sale price does not cover those expenses, the sellers could be left paying out more than they are getting for the property.”
Therefore, property owners should review any documents very carefully and consult an experienced attorney before signing any type of agreement, Getman said.
Philbin and Getman offered several tips to property owners who receive unsolicited offers to buy their land:
• Never sign anything until you are sure you want to move forward.
• Have your own attorney review the document before your sign them. If you do not have an attorney, the New York State Bar Association may be able to refer you to an appropriate attorney via the NYSBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service: https://www.findalawyernys.org.
• Check out the would-be buyer online. If someone is legitimately interested in buying your home, you should be able to retrieve information about them. Look for any red flags such as bad reviews or lawsuits.
• Ask for references. If the buyer will not offer any, something is wrong. If their references are sketchy and cannot be verified, you need to rethink doing business with that person.
• Find out the fair market value of your home before you agree to a price.
• Consider bringing in a real estate professional to represent you and give you a fair opinion of your land’s value. If the buyer is legitimate they should be willing to discuss terms with your agent.
• If selling your property seems like a good idea, do not jump at the first offer made (especially if it represents just a small fraction of the land’s worth).
Finally, if you receive anything in the mail about your property that seems questionable, Philbin and Getman said that you can contact the County Clerk or, in the event of possible criminal activity, local law enforcement.
“Keep in mind that this is often totally legitimate,” Getman said. “The goal here is to understand what you may sacrifice for convenience.”
“Know your rights before you sign,” Philbin said.
The Schuyler County Clerk is responsible for all books, files and other necessary equipment for the filing, recording and depositing of deeds, maps, papers in actions and special proceedings of both civil and criminal nature, judgment and lien dockets and books for the indexing of the same as directed or authorized by law.
The Schuyler County Attorney is the legal advisor for county government and its various officials. The County Attorney prosecutes and defends civil actions on behalf of the county and county employees acting pursuant to their official duties.
Monday, November 8, 2021
Second Amendment Legal Update: November, 2021
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 PDF copy of this month's update, click here.
Friday, November 5, 2021
NOTICE AND PETITION OF FORECLOSURE: COUNTY OF SCHUYLER, STATE OF NEW YORK
Please take notice that on the 2d day of November, 2021, the Treasurer, County of Schuyler (the
“Enforcing Officer”) of the County of Schuyler (the “Tax District”), pursuant to law filed with the Clerk of
Schuyler County a petition of foreclosure against various parcels of real property for unpaid taxes. Such
petition pertains to the following parcels: [see exhibits A, B and C, annexed hereto and made a part
hereof]
1. Effect of Filing: All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in such petition are hereby notified that the filing of such petition constitutes the commencement by the Tax District of a proceeding in the court specified in the caption above to foreclose each of the tax liens therein described by a foreclosure proceeding in rem.
2. Nature of Proceeding: Such proceeding is brought against the real property only and is to foreclose the tax liens described in such petition. No personal judgment will be entered herein for such taxes or other legal charges or any part thereof.
3. Persons Affected: This notice is directed to all persons owning or having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in such petition. Such persons are hereby notified further that a duplicate of such petition has been filed in the office of the Enforcing Officer of the Tax District and will remain open for public inspection up to and including the date specified below as the last day for redemption.
4. Right of Redemption: Any person having or claiming to have an interest in any such real property and the legal right thereto may on or before said date redeem the same by paying the amount of all such unpaid tax liens thereon, including all interest and penalties and other legal charges which are included in the lien against such real property, computed to and including the date of redemption. Such payments shall be made to: Holley Sokolowski, Treasurer, County of Schuyler, 105 Ninth St, Unit 17, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. In the event that such taxes are paid by a person other than the record owner of such real property, the person so paying shall be entitled to have the tax liens affected thereby satisfied of record.
5. Last Day for Redemption: The last day for redemption is hereby fixed as February 28, 2022.
6. Service of Answer: Every person having any right, title or interest in or lien upon any parcel of real property described in such petition may serve a duly verified answer upon the attorney for the Tax District setting forth in detail the nature and amount of his or her interest and any defense or objection to the foreclosure. Such answer must be filed in the office of the County Clerk and served upon the attorney for the Tax District on or before the date above mentioned as the last day for redemption.
7. Failure to Redeem or Answer: In the event of failure to redeem or answer by any person having the right to redeem or answer, such person shall be forever barred and foreclosed of all his or her right, title and interest and equity of redemption in and to the parcel described in such petition and a judgment in foreclosure may be taken by default.
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