A 16 Year old was killed in a structure fire at 457 State Highway 8 in Mount Upton early this morning. Firefighters from Mt. Upton Fire Department, Sidney, Bainbridge, Guilford, & South New Berlin responded, Chenango County Sheriff’s Department reported that the 16 year old youth was unable to escape the fire, the name of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification. The cause of the fire appears to be a wood stove which was the main home heating source. The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Chenango County Bureau of Fire Investigation Team & State Police.
—————————————
A Benefit is being held for Sidney native Jessica Archer Vis, who is battling leukemia & money is needed for uncovered medical costs, travel and family lodging during treatments in the buffalo area. Long time friend Jeannette Peck is organizing the fundraiser Sunday in Sidney:

(Jeannette Peck 3-1-17)

The fundraiser will be held from 2:00 until 6:00 PM at the Elks club on River Street in Sidney. Tickets are $10 in advance & $12 at the door; the fundraiser will feature a chicken & biscuit Dinner, 50/50 drawing, Chinese Auction & bake sale, more information about tickets or donations is available at 337-8110.
————————————
State Police at Troop C, announced that they are searching for Willie Thompson of the Binghamton area, he is wanted for criminal contempt. Thompson was arrested in 2013, after violating an order of protection, & after missing court dates; the Town of Barker Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. Police said that Thompson has many tattoos including stars, a crown and the words “ADONIS” and “LATHISA”. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 775-1241 or email Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.
——————————
The State Department of Health announced today that it is launching a pilot program that will allow residents that are served by either a private well or public water system an opportunity to have their drinking water tested for lead free of charge. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to sign up on the Department’s website at health.ny.gov. Testing will continue as long as funds are available.
————————
The Foothills Performing Arts center will hold their second annual Bluegrass & Americana music festival on March 17th & 18th. Foothills spokesman Bill Youngs said that they are currently looking for vendors to set up for both days of the festival:

(Bill Youngs 3-1-17)

Tickets or information for vendors are available at 431-2080, tickets are available also at foothillspac.org.
———————————————-
Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 21-year-old Korey Bush of Delhi for 2 counts of Petty Larceny and 1 count of Criminal possession of a controlled substance. Bush is accused of stealing prescription medication & cash in the Town of Meredith. Bush was arranged in the Town of Meredith Court and remanded to the Delaware County correctional facility in lieu of $500.00 cash bail. Bush is to reappear in the Town of Meredith Court at a later date to answer the said charges.
—————————————

Governor Cuomo announced $38.8 million in New NY Broadband Program Round II grants have been awarded to 17 projects in the Southern Tier. These awards will provide 12,835 homes and businesses with access to high-speed broadband for the first time, and leverage $11.7 million in private matching funds; bringing the total public-private investment in the Southern Tier to $50.5 million in Round II.
——————————————–
Governor Cuomo announced that he is advancing new legislation to end child marriage by raising the age of consent to marry from 14 to 18-years-old in New York. The legislation strengthens protections for minors by preventing child marriage and holding violators accountable. Under the new measures, those who issue a marriage license to anyone under 18-years-old without parental and judicial written consent will be charged with a misdemeanor.
—————————————–
New York State has new rules in effect today that will require financial institutions to create & maintain cyber-security programs in order to prevent illegal access to sensitive personal records of their customers from hackers. Most banks already have programs in effect, but the new rule makes in mandatory instead of optional.
———————————–