The Sidney K-Mart has donated toys to the Toys for Tots program, after the recent fire in Norwich & fundraising efforts to raise money to buy more toys for underprivileged children by Christmas. K-Mart Northeast Regional Vice President David George is a Bainbridge native; he told WCDO News that the donation is 11 pallets, or about half of a tractor-trailer’s capacity:
(David George 12-13-13)
Toys for Tots Coordinator Roger Barnhart explains:
(Roger Barnhart 12-13-13)
Barnhart said that they would check out the donated toys from K-mart quickly, in order to get as many toys distributed for this Christmas.
——————————
State Senator Jim Seward is calling on the State Education Department to rework the Common Core Learning Standards and associated testing.
(Seward 12-13-13)
Seward said that there is proposed legislative action for several bills, one that calls for a ban on standardized testing on students in Pre-K through 2nd grade; the complete report is available at senatorjimseward.com.
—————————————
A winter storm is heading for the WCDO Listening area this weekend, Sidney High School Science Teacher & area meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:
(Rich Townsend 12-13-13)
WCDO will pass along any cancellations or postponements due to this winter storm.
—————————————–
State police arrested 28-year-old Jennifer Irwin of Walton for criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal impersonation and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The arrest resulted from a vehicle and traffic law stop for using a cell phone while driving on State Route 23 in Oneonta, Irwin had Suspended Driving privileges & gave police a false name, she was also found to unlawfully possess suboxone. Irwin was arraigned in the Oneonta town court and released pending court action on January 2nd.
———————————–
This year’s Regional Economic Development funding includes a total of $1,086,701 for 8 projects in Chenango County. Engineering grants will help the Village of Greene improve wastewater treatment, and lay the groundwork for sanitary sewers in the Village of New Berlin. A technical assistance award will help with renovations in downtown Oxford. The state has committed another $1 million to the Southern Tier Rural Initiative Fund, for loans to businesses that increase demand for farm and forest products. A list of projects and awards is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
————————————-
The State Tax Department announced the state deadline to file for the 2014 STAR program has been moved from December 31st to early March. Officials said that homeowners have the extra time, as the tax department has to notify local assessors about who hasn’t registered. The registration does not apply to senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption. More information is available at tax.ny.gov.
————————————-