Jury selection will begin July 5th for Almond Upton’s murder trial in Broome County Court. Upton is accused of intentionally driving into State Trooper Christopher Skinner as he was conducting an unrelated routine traffic stop on I-81 In the town of Chenango on May 29, 2014. Upton pleaded not guilty to an indictment of 11 charges, he is being held in the Broome County jail without bail.
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The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors. Donations are needed now to help prevent a shortage, following lower than normal collections during the holiday season. The Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts are celebrating National Volunteer Blood Donor Month with an offer for a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card with a blood donation. Those interested in donating blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS-to make an appointment.
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Wal-Mart is closing 269 stores, more than half of them in the U.S. and another large number in Brazil. In the U.S., 154 locations will be closed, most of them small format stores called Wal-Mart Express, which were launched as a test program in 2011. No New York Wal-Marts will be closing.
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Governor Cuomo called for a state constitutional convention, to give New Yorkers the chance to reform their state government.

(Cuomo 1-15-16)

Voters would decide in 2017 whether to hold a constitutional convention, where they could revise the rules under which government operates. Cuomo said that he wants to include $1 million in the state budget to create a non-partisan commission to look into holding a constitutional convention.
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The New York state unemployment system has experienced technical problems with its website and telephone lines all week, causing problems for people looking to file or claim jobless benefits. The Department officials said that they are working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
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The Oneonta City Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights is now seeking nominations for the 10th Annual Woman Trailblazer Award, during Women’s History month. The Deadline for submitting nominations is February 19th & the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. A complete nomination form is available at City Hall or on the City Web site at oneonta.ny.us and click on City Government, then Commissions, then Community Relations & Human Rights. . More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.

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A Town of Bainbridge resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 1 Count of Sexual Abuse & 1-Count Endangering the Welfare of a child. 19 year old Cody Rowe was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and remanded to Chenango County Jail on $250 cash bail; he is accused of subjecting a 13 year old female to sexual contact in September 2015.
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A Village of Oxford resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Mischief. 49 year old is accused of intentionally striking 2 of the victim’s parked vehicles on January 4th on New Virginia Road in the Town of Oxford. Rheinhaeimer was arraigned in the Town of Oxford court and was released on his own recognize. Rheinhaeimer is scheduled to appear in the Town of Oxford Court at a later date.
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