The Otsego County Sheriff’s Dept. arrested 47-year-old Rich Compitello of Worcester after officials seized $35,000 in drugs from his residence.  Compitello was charged with criminal possession of marijuana,  criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon and unlawfully growing of cannabis by an unlicensed person. Deputies & agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency seized 6 pounds of marijuana, 10 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, a digital electronic scale, a blackjack, a dagger, $1,688 in cash and several loaded high-powered rifles and shotguns. An additional 17 marijuana plants and more than a pound of loose marijuana, as well as a loaded .22-caliber rifle, were seized from a separate building. Compitello was sent to the county jail on $2,500 bail to re-appear February 20th.

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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission found the Constitution natural gas pipeline project could have numerous impacts on the environment during construction and operation. The Constitution Pipeline would span Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie counties, it would deliver natural gas from Susquehanna County Pennsylvania to markets in New York and New England.  The commission released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement, it outlined additional mitigation measures that would be  needed to minimize or avoid potential impacts on water bodies, wetlands, and wildlife. After the final environmental impact statement is issued, commissioners will take the recommendations under consideration when deciding project approvals

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New York will add a bonus license plate and other perks to its lifetime hunting and fishing licenses and offer new lifetime state parks passes. The cost of a lifetime hunting license is about $535. A lifetime fishing license is about $460 and a lifetime pass to state parks would cost $750. The permits come with decorative fishing and hunting “I love New York” state license plates, which will help the state advertise the outdoors. Tourism is $100 billion industry and the fifth-largest employer in the state.

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Governor Cuomo said applications are being accepted for the Empire State Fellows, a program that allows individuals to serve in high-level administration positions within the Executive Branch. Candidates selected will be appointed to a position that best suits their skills and experience, and will work alongside senior administration officials.  The program hopes to recruit qualified professionals, college graduates and interns to serve in state government. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, personal statement and two letters of recommendation to fellows@exec.ny.gov.

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Free tax counseling will be available for some Delaware County residents through the Free Tax Counseling for the Elderly program.  Senior citizens and low- and moderate-income residents can receive free tax preparation assistance for basic returns. Counseling will be available February 19th, March 12th and April 9th at the Sidney Civic Center.  For more information call 563-2212

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Oxford Academy High School senior Lorrin Parks has chosen to partner with the American Red Cross to help increase the blood supply, with a blood drive tomorrow from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Fort Hill American Legion Post 376 at 17 South Washington Avenue in Oxford.  Walk-ins are always welcome but Appointments are requested at lorrinparks@yahoo.com; redcrossblood.org or at 1-800-RED CROSS.

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State Senator Jim Seward has been named to 4 state senate budget sub-committees which will review the governor’s budget proposal and offer recommendations for modifications.  Seward will serve on the education, general government/local assistance, health, and higher education & arts sub-committees.  budget information can be accessed on Senator Seward’s website, senatorjimseward.com.