Governor Cuomo announced State assistance for storm recovery efforts to communities in 17 counties that were impacted by flooding of June 26th to July 10th in 2013 and Winter Storm Nemo in February 2013. The State will relieve local governments of their entire required share of FEMA Public Assistance Program costs to minimize the financial impact on local taxpayers. The counties eligible for State assistance include Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego Counties.
—————————————–
The Foothills Performing Arts Center will have country music performer Mark Wills Saturday in a show honoring military veterans. Foothills Spokesman Bill Youngs explains:

(Bill Youngs 11-13-14)

The show will take place Saturday at 8:00 pm at The Foothills, with many good seats still available. More information can be obtained at 431-2080.
————————————-
The Broome County Sheriff’s office arrested a Harpursville man for having sex with an 8-year-old child. 39-year-old Martin Elliott Jr was arrested following an investigation into the allegations. The sex crimes allegedly took place over a period of two years at a home in the town of Colesville. The State Office of Children and Family Services assisted in the investigation and an order of protection was issued on behalf of the child. Elliott was sent to the Broome County Jail without bail. He’s charged with 1st degree criminal sexual act and 1st degree sexual abuse.
———————————————-
Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program can be filed starting Monday. HEAP is a federally funded program, administered through local counties, that assists income-eligible households in meeting winter heating costs. The program can support payment for electricity, propane, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, coal, or other heating fuels. You can apply for HEAP online at otda.ny.gov or at mybenefits.ny.gov.
————————————-
The state Attorney General’s office issued a consumer alert following recent reports of bogus tax debt collection scams. The State Taxpayer Rights Advocate reported recent fraudulent activity by scammers posing as debt collectors, pressuring consumers into sending payments via money order to satisfy debts that the consumers may not actually owe, & promising to settle the alleged debt for a fraction of the cost. Some of the calls have come from the number 305-507-8505. New Yorkers who believe they have been victims of any tax scams are urged to file complaints at ag.ny.gov or 1-800-771-7755.
———————————————–
Deductibles and co-payments will be flat, with individual premiums rising about 4.5% in New York’s health exchange for individuals and families during its 2nd year. State Health Department officials said their exchange has operated smoothly in the 1st year after some initial computer capacity problems. The exchange has enrolled 370,604 people with commercial and nonprofit insurers, 525,283 in Medicaid and 64,875 in the state’s Child Health Plus coverage. For the coming year, 16 insurers offer plans for individuals and families, 9 insurers offer coverage for small businesses with 50 or fewer workers. Open enrollment begins Saturday.
——————————————————-
Due to Veteran’s Day falling on this past Tuesday November 11th, the monthly meeting of the Unadilla Town board will be held tonight at 630 at the Unadilla Town Hall, state highway 7 in Unadilla. The public is invited to attend.