State Police will initiate special law enforcement effort today through Monday for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend to keep drunk drivers off the roadways and alcohol out of the hands of minors. Last year’s effort resulted in 184 arrests for DWI and more than 11,000 tickets issued for traffic and other violations. Drivers can expect increased road patrols and sobriety checkpoints along roadways throughout the state, as well as a stepped-up effort to ticket distracted drivers using handheld electronic devices. State Police will also engage in operations to identify underage drinking and sales to minors during the campaign. During the 2014 enforcement period, State Police issued 34 tickets on charges ranging from unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage to sale to a person under 21.
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Governor Cuomo launched a new website; NY.gov/UpstateRevitalization to engage New Yorkers and provide information on the Upstate Revitalization Initiative that he included in his Executive Budget. Every Upstate region except for Western New York will compete for one of three $500 million awards that will be disbursed over five years, alongside the Regional Council initiative. entries that do not win still receive at least $90 million in economic development funding this year.
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The 17th Annual Unatego Middle School/ High School Student & Staff Variety show will be held tonight at the Unatego high school auditorium in Wells Bridge. Organizer Judy Pitel comments:

(Judy Pitel 3-13-15)

Pitel said that money raised would be used for medical expenses for the Wayne Himes family, following a recent accident.
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The American Red Cross will hold 2 Area blood drives. Today, a blood drive will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Laurens High School. On Saturday, a blood rive will be held at from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Oxford American Legion Post 376, 17 South Washington Street.
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Due to the high number of delays and cancellations this winter, The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District is canceling the staff professional development day originally scheduled for today. Classes will be in session today.
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