Emergency crews & DEC officials have responded to a CSX Train derailment in The Mohawk valley this morning, where 2 dozen cars fell off the tracks, spilling loads on adjacent State Route 5 at around 8:00 this morning. 2 people were injured; State routes 5 & 10 will be closed for a couple of days for the clean up. Amtrak announced that they would have to make schedules changes away from the affected line, more information is available at the Amtrak website or at 1-800-USA-RAIL.
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State lawmakers voted to exempt retired police from restrictions from the New York SAFE ACT, on large-capacity magazines and guns classified as assault weapons. The legislation passed Friday, the exemption would apply to officers who bought or were issued restricted weapons in the course of their duties and who retired in good standing. The new law stipulates that the officers would still have to re-qualify for right after they retire and they are still required to register those guns.
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Governor Cuomo announced that the State has awarded $13.1 million in grants under Operation IMPACT to 17 counties to fight gun violence and other violent crimes. This funding allows municipalities to enhance police patrols and increase investigations to target high crimes areas. Operation IMPACT counties reported that crime was down 9% for the first quarter. Locally, the Binghamton Police Department will get $381,700 in grant money.
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NYSEG officials announced that they are taking measures to prepare for a summer of hot temperatures. NYSEG accelerated reliability practices including Vegetation management, comprehensive maintenance, visual and infrared inspections of equipment, Helicopter patrols of key facilities and high-tech inspections and testing of substation equipment. Information of how to keep electricity use down in the hot summer months is available at nyseg.com/UsageAndSafety.
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Teen drug use continues to be problematic with new drugs like synthetic marijuana, bath salts, & “Mollies” joining substances like heroin, prescription pain pills, stimulants, cocaine & stronger grades of marijuana in the last year. Dave Ramsey is the Executive Director of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County; he mentions some of the changed behaviors that teens may exhibit when they experiment with these drugs:
(Dave Ramsey 6-27-13)
The Drug Enforcement Administration announced 150 arrests yesterday of those who were involved in trafficking bath salts and synthetic marijuana here, DEA officials said that the added problem is that the money from the sale of these drugs goes to the Middle East and the often goes to suspected terrorists groups.
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NYSERDA is offering grants for projects that will stimulate environmentally friendly, sustainable economic growth consistent with the Regional Sustainability and REDC plans. This funding is available through Phase II of the Cleaner, Greener Communities Program. Funding Categories include Streamlined Permitting, Comprehensive Planning, & Capital Projects. Applicants must include a scope of work, budget, and project timeline with application, which is due August 12th.
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Hospice Chenango announces the 2nd Annual “We Honor Veterans” motorcycle ride to benefit Hospice. The ride will take place on August 10th, the money raised will be allocated to provide services to Veterans who reside in Chenango County and opt for Hospice care. The ride and is open to any rider and passenger for a fee of $10.00 per person. Registration will begin at 9:30am at the American Legion Post at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich. More information is available about Hospice at hospicechenango.org.
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