U.S. Senator Charles Schumer stopped at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich this morning, to announce his plans to present legislation to permanently install the Medicaid Dependant Hospitals program and the Low Volume programs that are currently set to expire on September 30th.
(Schumer 4-10-17)
UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is a recipient of both programs and would loose $1.8 million dollars annually & over 20 Million dollars in future years, if those 2 programs are not be renewed. The hospital has an annual budget of $65,000,000, 44% of their patients are on Medicaid, and about 50 patients a day use the Emergency room.
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Plans are continuing to get regular Rail service back to Chenango County soon. Chenango County IDA President Steve Craig comments:
(Steve Craig 4-10-17)
The section of the Utica Mainline through Chenango County has been closed since the 2006 floods wiped out major portion of track bed, the recent trial run of an engine showed that the track itself is ready to receive regular freight traffic.
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Otsego Now announced today that their newly created local development corporation, “Oneonta Rail Yards” has closed on approximately 80 acres of land surrounding the rail yards in the City of Oneonta. Otsego Now plans to move aggressively towards shovel-ready status for any and all of the developable land, and will initiate environmental reviews of the property immediately. Otsego Now’s purchase of the rail yards property is tied to the kickoff of an update of the City’s comprehensive plan and downtown revitalization plans.
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The Northeast Classic Car Museum today announced that their next exhibit will feature Convertibles & Motorcycles. “Open Road Open SKY’ will be unveiled to members & Exhibitors on May 19th, the exhibit will open to the public in May, as part of the Museum’s 20th Anniversary in Norwich.
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The annual Big Wheels Golf Tournament, held at the Delhi College Golf Course on Friday, May 12th. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for programs and services, which provide assistance to Delaware County senior citizens. The field is limited to a maximum of 104 players; Entry forms with check must be received by April 30th. More information is available at the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750.
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Governor Cuomo announced an agreement on a $153.1 billion budget over the weekend.
(Cuomo 4-10-17)
The budget agreement includes a 1.1 Billion dollar increase in school funding, adds a tuition-free college program for middle class families making less than $125,000 a year, & it raises the age of criminal responsibility to 18, so that 16- and 17-year-olds are no longer automatically processed as adults.
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Bail was set in Chenango County Court Friday for Ernest & Heather Franklin of Guilford, they have been charged by a Chenango County Grand Jury with Murder & Arson for allegedly killing their 16 year old son Jeffrey & Setting fire to the family home on State Route 8 on March 1st to cover up the crime. Bail for Ernest Franklin was set at $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond; Bail for Heather Franklin was set at $125,000 cash or $250,000 bond.
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State Police reported that 59-year-old Mark Masler of Triangle was pronounced dead after suffering severe burns in a fire Saturday afternoon. Masler was transported to Wilson memorial Hospital & then to Upstate Medical in Syracuse where he passed away. 1 other person escaped without injuries, the cause of the fire is under investigation.