State Police arrested 46 year old William Bateman of Edmeston, for 7 counts of 2nd degree Rape 2nd degree, 6 counts of Criminal Sexual Act, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, after troopers were advised of an incident in Otsego County. Bateman is accused of having sexual contact with a child less than 15 years old; he was arraigned in the town of Otsego Court and was released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. Bateman’s next court date is on January 17th.
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Area Citizens are being reminded to be aware of the latest scams that are being perpetrated by phone, emails or even in person. Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack explains:

(Jan Gorshack 1-11-18)

Gorshack said that if anyone has any questions regarding the latest scams, they can contact the Sidney police Department at 561-2301.
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New York State Department of Health officials urged New Yorkers 6 months of age and over who have not yet received a flu shot to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Over the past week, cases of influenza rose by 37%, and new cases of influenza were reported in 61 of 62 counties & the first influenza-associated pediatric death was confirmed by the state’s public health laboratory. As of January 6th, 11,280 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza have been reported and 3,606 people have been hospitalized with influenza in New York State. Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are among those at highest risk for serious flu complications, which may require hospitalization and could result in death.
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that the income tax filing season officially kicks off on Monday, January 29. 9.5 million New York taxpayers e-filed in 2017. Taxpayers with incomes of $66,000 or less are eligible to electronically prepare and file both their federal and NYS returns under the Free File program. More information is available at tax.ny.gov.
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Governor Cuomo today announced a new record for the number of people arrested in 2017 attempting to use fake identification to buy alcoholic beverages under the legal drinking age. As part of the state’s year-round Operation Prevent initiative, investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the State Liquor Authority work with state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct underage drinking and fake ID sweeps at bars, restaurants, concert venues, and alcohol retailers across New York State. In the Southern Tier there were 45 arrests for selling alcohol to minors last year.
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A training program is available for Delaware & Otsego County residents who are 55 & older & who are looking to get back into the workforce. Associates for Training & Development spokesman John Frisch explains:

(John Frisch 1-11-18)

Frisch said that there is no cost to join the program; more information is available at 432-4800 extension 122, or online at a4td.org.
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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will once again hold the Annual Bruce Haak Memorial Sleigh Rally in General Clinton Park later this month. Event organizer Phil Canonaco comments:

(Phil Canonaco 1-11-18)

The Sleigh rally will be held weather there is snow or not on Saturday January 27th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, donations will be accepted on behalf of the Delaware Valley Humane Society.
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The Sidney Town Board announced that last week’s cancelled meeting has been moved to tonight. the meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Sidney Civic Center Board room.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today, in the Guilford Elementary school at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM with a PUBLIC HEARING on the Smart Schools Investment Plan.