| Middleburgh Student Press "The Real Voice of the Students" |
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| Friday, April 12, 2002 |
| Contact Information If you have questions, comments, corrections, tips, suggestions for stories, or letters to the editor, please contact the Middleburgh Student Press through one of the means below. U.S.Mail- The Middleburgh Student Press Robert Kerley, Editor C/O Mr. Jonathan Bright Middleburgh High School Main Street, P.O. Box 400 Middleburgh, N.Y. 12122 E-Mail- mcsnewsman@yahoo.com Personal Contact- Talk to Robert Kerley |
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| A little strip of pavement from the beginning of West Fulton Road, and down a dirt path, brings you to one of the biggest hot spots of summer entertainment, Bouck's Falls. This landmark, formed mostly by flow of water, is a pool of darkened, shallow water. This swimming hole has many beautiful waterfalls that are frequently transporting a variety of fish and snakes from place to place. The natural jumping platforms attract people from all sorts of places. There are at least four common platforms to leap from. They range from 4 feet high to almost 50 feet. The areas where you can take dives from vary in path. Some are mildly difficult, but there is a danger risk. The highest jump is where you need to be most careful. The only way up is to it is through a steep footpath that is full of water, mud, trees, and other obstacles. Once you get too a certain point, the path no longer exists, but a rope stretched between two small trees is there. You need to very cautiously repel along a 40-foot Cliffside. Past this point you need to snugly fit by a rock wall and the edge of the cliff. At this point you would be ready to jump off directly over the brush that grows from the platform. It's an exhilarating thrill each time you do it. Just remember it could be dangerous. The owners of this land, the Beckers, are very wary of people that are swimming and jumping off cliffs on their property. According to the Beckers, they allow it during summer time, but ask that people be safe and not to disrespect the area. Plenty of fun can be had as long as you are paying attention to what you are doing. One recommendation is to not attempt cliff jumping after the first snowfall of the season. The water gets increasingly shallow by this time. From experience we know that it can inflict pain at this time of year. Going to visit Bouck's falls is one of the many pleasures of rural Schoharie County. Although an excessive number of people do not go during the year, plenty of visitors come and go with time. It's a nice place to go relax, have fun, and enjoy yourself, but don't tell too many people. It's nice to keep it clean and private. |
| Bouck's Falls popular despite danger |
| Feature by Evan Durfee and Trevor Everts |
| In response to a rumor that was circling relating to a possible 20% to 25% across the board teacher/staff lay-off the MCS Student Press investigated this issue. In an interview with District Business Administrator Mr. John DeSanto he expressed that he does not expect that the cuts will be quite that large. However, he believes that there will most definitely be some cuts in both teaching and non-teaching staff in the upcoming year. In the Times Journal on April 10th it was reported that the MCS District is considering cutting eighteen positions. DeSanto does not believe that the current district finance proposal will be passed when the budget vote arrives next month. Nevertheless, he said that even if the budget were passed there would still be faculty cuts and a percentage increase in the school tax. No matter what, "there will definitely be a tax increase," he said. Mr. DeSanto said that the crisis that Middleburgh is experiencing is not specific to just our district. He explained that many schools across New York are having revenue problems as a result of the "frozen State aid." The state government has "frozen" the numbers that it will use to determine districts' need at the level that it was at in the late 1990's. Therefore, by not taking into account inflation, cost increases, and other new expenditures, the state effectively has substantially cut educational aid to all schools. This puts Middleburgh and other like schools in a difficult dilemma. New York has recently instituted new standards and educational improvements statewide. But due to the present situation, there are not sufficient funds to implement these guidelines and also support the already established programs. Thus, it is inevitable that some areas of the students' education will suffer. |
| State aid cuts may result in layoffs, tax increase |
| NEWS by Peter DeBartolo |