Governor Cuomo & state leaders agreed on the Upstate Gaming Economic Development Act, to establish 4 Gaming Resorts Upstate. Resorts are authorized in the Hudson Valley–Catskill area, the Capital District-Saratoga area, and the Eastern portion of the Southern Tier. No gaming resorts can be authorized in Westchester, Rockland, New York City, or Long Island & a 7-year exclusivity period exists where no other gaming resorts will be licensed. The agreement also authorizes a state gaming inspector general’s position to prevent corruption at the Gaming Commission. Details are available at governor.ny.gov.
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Otsego county Deputies reported that 56-year-old Grant Housworth of the town of Milford drowned after his canoe capsized during a storm on Goodyear Lake Monday. Milford Fire Department crews responded, where 2 victims in the water, one unidentified man made it to shore, Housworth was removed unconscious, he was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta, and was transferred to Albany Medical Center by helicopter. Housworth died Tuesday, the investigation is continuing, as officials are waiting for the autopsy results.
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State Troopers arrested 24-year-old Melissa Brannock of Walton for 4th degree Criminal Mischief, 2nd degree Criminal Trespass and 2nd degree Harassment. The arrest resulted from an investigation into a reported dispute on County Route 21 in the Town of Walton; Brannock was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and released pending court action on July 24th.
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Chenango county deputies arrested 26-year-old Desiree Prosser of Norwich on a charge of 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment. Prosser is accused of several threaten phone calls to the victim last Friday, she was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Guilford Court at a later date.
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The New York State Senate today passed the “Public Assistance Integrity Act” to crack down on welfare fraud and prohibit welfare recipients from using Cash Assistance for the purchase of cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets or for casino gambling. State senator Jim Seward co-sponsored the bill:
(Seward 6-19-13)
The bill would bring the state in line with a federal mandate, it passed the senate by a vote of 51-9 and will be sent to the assembly for consideration.
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Governor Cuomo & state leaders announced an agreement on legislation that will create a Financial Restructuring Board for Local Governments as well as reform the binding arbitration process to help eligible municipalities manage their finances and provide public services in a more cost-effective manner. The legislation includes an alternative binding arbitration process that municipalities and unions could voluntarily opt for to resolve contract issues in an expedited process. Details are available at governor.ny.gov.
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Chenango county deputies arrested 35-year-old Kevin Urgo of Oxford, on an active Felony bench warrant. The Warrant was issued by Chenango County Court accuses Urgo of violating the conditions of his release following a DWI arrest; he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail pending future court action.
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NYSEG officials announced that they would be inspecting high-voltage power lines from low-flying helicopters over the next 8 weeks. Work will begin in NYSEG’s Oneonta and Liberty divisions this week; move to NYSEG’s Brewster and Binghamton divisions; then to NYSEG’s other coverage areas around the state. The work is weather dependent.