A Norwich woman was arrested on drug nuisance charges for allegedly using her home as a gathering point for drug dealing. Norwich police arrested 46-year-old Barbara Palmer, after an investigation conducted with assistance of state police, Chenango County Sheriff’s deputies and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Palmer was charged with a felony count of first-degree criminal nuisance, along with misdemeanor counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia. She was held for arraignment in Norwich City Court.

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Governor Cuomo is making a long-term, $1 billion investment to expand solar power over the next decade. The investment will help the state’s solar power industry to move away from government subsidies. The money is part of the NY-Sun initiative, run by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which is funded mostly through assessments on utilities. Cuomo’s office said the state has more than 400 solar power companies that together employ 5,000 workers.

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State attorney general Eric Schneiderman said 9% of New York’s residential mortgages, representing nearly 225,000 families, are in distress, meaning at least 90 days delinquent. More than 42,000 are a year behind. Schneiderman said funding for a network of counselors, and legal help for troubled homeowners, will increase $10 million to $30 million for the year. New York’s foreclosure rate remains 5.8 percent, nearly three times the national average.

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A new report on high school graduation rates shows 77% of New York State’s Class of 2012 graduated on time, slightly below the national average, according to a report by foundations including the America’s Promise Alliance, which is headed by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. New York ranks 34th in the nation for students graduating on time. The national rate is 80%.

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The Amphenol Construction project continues to move ahead.  Project Manager Tom Czernicki told WCDO News where they are:

(Tom Czernicki 4-28-14)

Czernicki said that getting a roof on the main structure before the harsh winter hit, helped to keep them on schedule.

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The Oneonta city department of public service will be flushing hydrants this week.  Affected areas include west Street, north of Clinton Street, Bugbee Road west of Crestmont Terrace, as well as streets in the vicinity of the SUNY Campus.  Residents may experience low water pressure or a change in water color during those times; work is expected to be completed by Wednesday. More information is available at 432-2100.

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A new regulation that prohibits hunting or trapping of free-ranging Eurasian boars was formally adopted BY state DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. The regulation is designed to ensure maximum effectiveness of DEC’s statewide eradication efforts. Wild boars have been confirmed to be breeding in 6 counties, Including Delaware County.  The DEC is working with the USDA’s Wildlife Services program to remove any Eurasian boars that are reported in New York.   To date, more than 150 animals have been captured and destroyed.  Officials said that hunters with baited traps can undermine state & federal efforts to eradicate the boars.