Governor Cuomo announced $13.6 million in Community Renewal Funds for 44 projects in regions around the State, following yesterday’s Regional Economic Development event. Winning entries came from the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, and the North Country. Locally, The Mohawk Valley Council will fund 21 projects, including: 7 in Otsego County, The Southern Tier Council will have funding for 9 projects, including Sportsfield Specialties of Delhi & The Town of Delhi to assist in the companies’ expansion, as well as $200,000 in Community Development Block Microenterpise Program funds for Delaware County to assist in establishment of 15 agricultural microenterprises and create 22 jobs;
————————————-
Governor Cuomo highlighted results from the first-ever Farm to Table Upstate-Downstate Agriculture Summit, which was held yesterday in New York City, to explore ways of increasing access to fresh food for underserved populations and growing New York City markets’ access to upstate agricultural producers. A number of proposals will be studied in order to get more upstate produce to the downstate markets, agriculture is still the #1 industry in New York State.
—————————
Afton School District residents will vote on a proposal to purchase property located at 43 Caswell St. (the former site of the village garage). The property will be used for parking spaces for staff and students, and parking for athletic events. The property also includes an existing red Morton building which will be used for storage. Purchase price is $45,000, and will have NO EFFECT on the tax rate. Vote will take place in the Lobby at Afton Central School, on Monday, December 8th from noon until 9pm.
—————————————–
Republicans in the state Senate claim that the new federal immigration order could cost New York as much as $2 billion in Medicaid costs. In a letter, Republican Leader Dean Skelos estimated as many as 300,000 immigrants could enroll in Medicaid under the federal policies ordered last month by President Obama. The state has yet to weigh in on what the cost of the new immigration rules will have on New York, which has a large immigrant population. The state Department of Health said it is reviewing the president’s order. Gov. Cuomo will release his state budget proposal next month.
—————————————-
Sunday marks the final day of the open enrollment period for Medicare, the one chance Medicare users have each year to make any changes they wish to their plan. Medicare plans can change, and users are encouraged to review their plan. If a Medicare user is taking new medications or has been given any new medical diagnosis, his or her plan might not cover new needs. Eligible people can compare plans and enroll in new ones at medicare.gov. Changes made during open enrollment period will go into effect on Jan. 1st
————————————-
Governor Cuomo launched a statewide toy, coat and school supplies holiday giving drive to benefit families in need throughout New York. The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state for businesses and individuals to bring the toys, coats and school supplies, which will be distributed to families in need. The drop-off locations will collect donations through December 19.The drop-off locations include the Binghamton State office building at 44 Hawley Street
————————————-
Governor Cuomo called for reviews and reforms within New York’s criminal justice system, in the wake of a Staten Island grand jury’s decision, not to indict a police officer in the death of Eric Garner. Cuomo pledged to put the criminal justice review at the top of his agenda for the next legislative session. Ideas could include changes to the state’s grand jury process. The governor also called for better training and more transparency in police departments.
————————————
The Chenango county health department will hold their last free rabies clinic of the year tomorrow. The clinic for dogs’ cats & ferrets will be held at the Norwich fire station from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
—————————-
The Chenango Chargers will be holding a one-day registration for the 2015 Spring Soccer Travel Teams. It will be held one day only prior to the Jan. 1st deadline. Registration will be held from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. tomorrow at the YMCA in Norwich. For more info call 334-5038 or visit the Chenango Soccer Facebook Page.
—————————
A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-5-14
The 3rd murder trial for Cal Harris of Spencer has been pushed back 2 weeks in Schoharie County Court. Jury selection for the latest Harris Trial will begin January 21st, Harris has been convicted twice for the 2001 murder of his estranged wife Michelle in Tioga county court, both of those convictions were overturned, this time, Harris sought to have the trial moved to another venue.
———————————–
29 year old Stephanie Fletcher accepted a plea bargain deal with the Delaware County Court. Fletcher admitted to performing sexual acts on 2 under aged students, while serving as a teacher in the Walton school district. Fletcher pleaded guilty to 2 counts of criminal sexual act, she will serve 10 years probation and must register as a sex offender, and sentencing will take place on February 2nd
———————————–
The Toys for Tots train will be coming to Bainbridge on Saturday, December 6th at Noon. The train will be stopping at the Walnut Street crossing, there will be parking at the Village parking lot or on Pearl or Juliand Streets. Please bring a toy to donate to your local Toys for Tots campaign. This event is being sponsored by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce.
———————————————-
The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has scheduled their annual Christmas parade tonight, Chamber Director Kerri Green comments:
(Kerri Green 12-5-14)
Parade participants are reminded to line up in the parking lot before the parade at 5:30. The parade begins at 6:30
———————————————-
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Bainbridge, BAINBRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CAL HARRIS, Kerri Green, New York, NY, Sidney Chamber of Commerce, Stephanie Fletcher, Toys For Tots, Walton, WCDO
Comments Off on A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-5-14
P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-4-14
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $500 million broadband expansion program will be discussed in the 2015 State of the State address in January. The expansion would create a “NY Broadband Fund” that would offer grants to any broadband company that offers to match public funding to expand and improve existing infrastructure. Officials reported that the guidelines for the beginning of the expansion will be released shortly after the State of the State address next month & projects should be underway by mid-summer.
——————————
State Police from Sidney arrested 21 year old Dillon Kemmerer of Port Crane for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and other vehicle and traffic law violations following a vehicle and traffic law stop when a Trooper observed he was driving a vehicle with a suspended registration while on State Route 41 in Afton. An investigation determined Kemmerer had several suspensions on his driver license and was driving without valid insurance. Also, after smelling marihuana, the Trooper found he unlawfully possessed a small amount inside the vehicle. Kemmerer was arraigned in town of Afton Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 bail
——————————–
A controversial plant could fuel a new agriculture and manufacturing boom in New York according to supporters of a law that would ease restrictions on growing industrial hemp. A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo would permit hemp to be grown as part of an agriculture pilot program starting next year. It passed unanimously in the Assembly and Senate. It is now awaiting Governor Cuomo’s signature. Lupardo said the goal is to establish capacity & interest in producing hemp products on New York land, with New York labor, to generate money and taxes that stay in the state.
——————
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said the FDA released a final rule that sets standards for the use of prescription drugs and other biological products by mothers that are pregnant or breastfeeding. The new content and formatting label requirements, will provide a more consistent way, to include relevant information about the risks and benefits of prescription drugs, and biological products used during pregnancy and breastfeeding
—————————–
New York Farm Bureau has come out with its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 125 State Legislators to their annual list of lawmakers who’s voting record closely echoes the Farm Bureau’s agenda. The “Circle of Friends” locally included State Senators John Bonacic, Jim Seward & Tom Libous, and Assembly Members Cliff Crouch, Bill Magee, Donna Lupardo & Pete Lopez.
—————————————
A proposal to create a single-payer, government-financed health care system for all New Yorkers was the subject of a public hearing at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Richard Gottfried, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, has been pushing the proposal for more than 20 years. Under his “New York Health Act” bill, the state would get rid of private health insurance and replace it with a publicly funded system. The proposal is opposed by the insurance industry and business groups. Proponents of the single-payer approach said it would lower cost and improve access to care.
—————————-
State Police at Oneonta arrested 28-year-old Justin Cody of Oneonta for torturing, injuring and failure to feed animals after a Trooper responded to a report of animal cruelty at a residence at the Lantern Hill Trailer Park on State Route 23 in Oneonta. An investigation determined two kittens had died while under the care of Cody who then put the remains under his trailer. He was issued a ticket for town of Oneonta Court December 9th
—————————–
The chairman of the state Thruway Authority resigned, saying he will return to focus on his business interests. Howard Milstein, the billionaire New York City developer, is leaving the board. The 570-mile highway faces financial problems and is building a $3.9 billion new Tappan Zee Bridge between Westchester and Rockland counties. Milstein’s departure won’t impact the agency’s operations, and they are in the process of finding a replacement to fill the unpaid post. An analysis by a consultant to the Thruway Authority estimates the highway system’s revenue will be $67 million short of its needs in 2015 under the current toll rates.
————————————
The Otsego County Board of Representatives passed an annual budget plan at their most recent meeting this week. The budget spends 103 million dollars in the next fiscal year, and lowers the tax levy by 2% from last year’s budget.
—————————————–
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Afton, ASSEMBLYMAN BILL MAGEE, ASSEMBLYMAN CLIFF CROUCH, ASSEMBLYMAN PETE LOPEZ, ASSEMBLYMAN RICHARD GOTTFRIED, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, DILLON KEMMERER, Governor Cuomo, HOWARD MILSTEIN, JUSTIN CODY, New York, New York Farm Bureau, NY, Oneonta, PORT CRANE, State senator Jim Seward, STATE SENATOR JOHN BONACIC, STATE SENATOR TOM LIBOUS, U.S. SENATOR CHARLES SCHUMER, WCDO
1 Comment
A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-4-14
Walton police arrested 33 year old Lloyd Hunt of Unadilla and 30 year old Jeremy Stafford of Walton, in connection with the armed robbery of a Walton tobacco shop last week. Hunt & Stafford were charged with 1st degree robbery and 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon, plus petty larceny, both were arraigned, Hunt was sent to jail on $50,000 bail and Stafford was jailed on $30,000 bail, for the armed robbery on November 28th at the Smoker’s Choice shop, the investigation into the robbery is continuing.
————————————-
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is making another bipartisan push to change how the military handles allegations of sexual assault. This time, she has a new ally — the former chief prosecutor of the Air Force. Retired Col. Don Christensen joined Gillibrand at a news conference to request a floor vote on Gillibrand’s Military Justice Improvement Act, which would remove commanders from the process of deciding whether to prosecute sexual assault cases and turn that responsibility over to military prosecutors. Gillibrand’s bill received 55 votes earlier this year, five short of the 60 needed to overcome a threatened filibuster. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees are working on a compromise version of the bill.
———————————-
The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give blood this holiday season. Blood donations often decline this time of year, Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. Appointments can be scheduled at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS, a blood drive is being held today in Oneonta from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM at the State University,
—————————
The Norwich Business Improvement District announced that the annual tree lighting ceremony is tonight at 6:30 pm, at East, West and Gordon Parks. Santa will be in his igloo in East Park.
—————————-
The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.
——————————
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged American red Cross, BAINBRIDGE GUILFORD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION, JEREMY STAFFORD, LLOYD HUNT, New York, NORWICH BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, NY, Retired Col. Don Christensen, SMOKERS CHOICE, STATE UNIVERSITY AT ONEONTA, U.S. SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND, UNADILLA, Walton, WCDO
3 Comments
P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-3-14
Constitution Pipeline Company announced that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued an order approving construction of its proposed pipeline to increase natural gas supply to New York and New England markets, subject to certain conditions that will ensure the protection of natural resources. The 124-mile Pipeline will travel from Pennsylvania, through Broome, Chenango, Delaware and into Schoharie County, construction will begin as early as the first-quarter next year. Studies indicate that the environmental impacts would be to less than significant levels with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures by the company and FERC.
———————————————
Governor Cuomo announced that the state would convene a summit of agricultural, food, and distribution leaders to brainstorm ways to sell more upstate produce in New York City this Thursday in Manhattan. Currently, locally grown produce has remained as only a small percentage of the overall food sales in the state, in spite of Agriculture being the state’s largest industry. Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy will chair tomorrow’s summit.
———————
Oneonta Police have arrested 29-year-old Adam Egal of Oneonta on burglary & petty larceny charges. Egal is accused if breaking into a dorm at Hartwick College over the Thanksgiving break, staying there illegally for 3 days & stealing alcoholic beverages & cash.
————————————-
Governor Cuomo announced the first round of businesses certified as New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. The 21 newly certified businesses cover a range of goods and services including construction services, financial services and a variety of commodities. The designation makes each business eligible to participate in contracting opportunities with the State. More information & applications are available by calling (844) 579-7570 or emailing veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov.
————————————
The Southern Tier Independence Center is offering help to those looking to enroll in the next round for the Affordable Care Act. Center spokesman Chad Eldred said that there are many misconceptions about what the law means:
(Chad Eldred 12-3-14)
Those who would like more information about the Center can call 724-2111 or log on at stic-cil.org. The deadline to file in this round is Febraury 15th.
———————————————–
Congressmen Chris Gibson is calling on Governor Cuomo to sign into law the Lyme disease bill that passed the State Legislature this year. The Patients’ Rights/Doctor Protection Bill provides that physicians who treat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases according to medical standards should not be subjected to investigations of their medical licenses by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Cuomo has not indicated if he will sign the bill.
————————————-
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said the $5 billion dollars in extra money New York is reaping from the bank settlements should not be viewed as a surplus, and should not be spent as though there will be more money coming in the future. DiNapoli said it should not be used for recurring expenses, like tax cuts or increased school aid. According to projections, the state still has a structural deficit of nearly $2 billion dollars for the upcoming budget year. Cuomo and legislative leaders have said they want the $5 billion dollars to be kept separate from the budget and placed in an infrastructure fund.
—————————————–
The State Department of Taxation and Finance launched the continuing education component of New York’s regulations to protect consumers who hire tax preparers. The training program builds on the first phase of the regulations – tax preparer registration, which began in 2010. Each year, about 70% of tax returns are completed and filed by paid tax preparers. The training program will ensure that those who prepare taxes for others are adequately trained. For more information go to tax.ny.gov
———————–
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged ADAM EGAL, CHAD ELDRED, Congressmen Chris Gibson, CONSTITUTION PIPELINE, FERC, Governor Cuomo, Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, New York, NY, Oneonta, SOUTHERN TIER INDEPENDENCE CENTER, STATE COMPTROLLER TOM DINAPOLI, The State Department of Taxation and Finance, WCDO
Comments Off on P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-3-14
A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-3-14
New campaign finance records show that Governor Andrew Cuomo spent more than $35 million on his successful bid for a 2nd term. Disclosures filed Monday show that Cuomo still has more than $9 million in his campaign account, & he raised $1.3 million in the period between October 24th & December 1st. Cuomo raised more than $45 million for his re-election; Republican Rob Astorino raised about $6 million over the entire campaign. Cuomo beat Astorino 52% to 40% on November 4th
———————-
The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured today in Walton, in partnership with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach. The coach will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Bassett Healthcare Network Walton Health Center at 130 North Street, appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.
—————–
The American Red Cross is seeking blood donations today in Davenport. Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS, today’s blood drive will run from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Charlotte Valley Central School.
——————————————-
The state will award more than $700 million in grants and tax breaks next week to projects submitted by the 10 Regional Development Councils. The 4th annual event is December 10th at The Egg in Albany. In the first 3 years, the state awarded more than $2 billion to 2,200 projects across the 10 regions. The money has helped create and retain more than 100,000 jobs. The Southern Tier council has had success in the competition, getting $91.1 million in 2012 and $81.9 million in 2013.
———————————————–
An advocate for the disabled has sued the Cuomo administration to get disclosures about crimes against disabled individuals in state care. The suit cites data from the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs showing more than 70,000 incident reports received in its first 11 months, with 1,402 abuse or neglect cases assigned to its investigators and another 7,572 referred back to state agencies contracting with nonprofits. Data show only 28 of 3,688 death reports investigated. The suit by the Jonathan Carey Foundation said data provided under New York’s Freedom of Information Law omits requested details about crimes and why most reports were not assigned for investigation.
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged American red Cross, Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach, CHARLOTTE VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL, Davenport, Governor Cuomo, JONATHAN CAREY FOUNDATION, New York, NY, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS, ROB ASTORINO, SOUTHERN TIER REGIONAL COUNCIL, The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, WCDO
1 Comment
P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-2-14
The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has scheduled their annual Christmas parade fro this Friday night, Chamber Director Kerri Green comments:
(Kerri Green 12-2-14)
Parade participants are reminded to line up in the parking lot before the parade at 5:30. The parade begins at 6:30
———————————————-
Governor Cuomo received a status report outlining progress by State agencies to protect New Yorkers from the potential risks with the transport of crude oil. 66 actions have been implemented to strengthen standards, regulations and procedures to make the transport of crude oil by rail and water in New York safer, and to improve spill preparedness and response. The rule changes followed explosions of crude oil on trains in North Dakota that were scheduled to be shipped across the State.
———————————
State Police arrested 21-year-old Alexander Church of Delhi for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop for failing to keep right while driving on State Route 28 in Franklin, Church is accused of driving while impaired & also unlawfully possessed approximately three grams of marihuana, he was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Franklin Court on December 11th.
——————————
New York State has identified 278 licensed gun owners who could lose their weapons because they are considered mentally unstable. At least eight of them are Central New Yorkers, half of whom have had their guns and permits taken away by authorities. Psychiatrists and other health professionals reported these individuals to the state because they appeared to be at risk of harming themselves or others. Under a provision of the SAFE Act, mental health providers have reported over 38,000 at-risk patients, 737 of them from Central New York
——————————–
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the release of several municipal audits, including for the Village of Bainbridge. The audit found that the board did not request adequate reports from the clerk-treasurer and was unable to make informed financial decisions. In addition, the clerk-treasurer’s records understated the total fund balance of the general, water and sewer funds by a combined $233,000. The report & the village’s response to the audit are available at osc.state.ny.us.
——————————–
Governor Cuomo today announced that the State University of New York has adopted a uniform sexual assault prevention and response policy for SUNY campuses. The policy is being disseminated today to each campus’ official’s implementation. The policy follows the resolution passed by the SUNY Board of Trustees in October, The Governor also today launched a new website that provides information regarding sexual assault prevention and response for students, parents, administrators and law enforcement at campuscrime.ny.gov.
——————————–
Family Planning of South Central New York is offering free, confidential, rapid HIV testing and counseling this week at the following locations and times: 5 Cortland Street, Norwich tomorrow-Friday noon to 4 PM, 37 Dietz Street, Oneonta: tomorrow-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 PM, 37 Pleasant Street, Sidney: Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 130 North Street, Walton: tomorrow 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rapid HIV test gives results in 20 minutes. Patients will receive counseling on how to identify and reduce their risk of HIV infection. For more information call 607-723-8306
A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-2-14
Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that for World AIDS Day the statewide Ending the Epidemic Task Force he created earlier this year has made significant progress toward developing a blueprint to implement his 3-point plan to decrease new cases of HIV to 750 per year by 2020. The Task Force has held 14 forums that attracted over 400 participants and generated 294 recommendations, they are expected to finalize their work in January 2015, To date, more than 200,000 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with AIDS and more than 132,000 individuals in the State are living with HIV/AIDS.
———————————-
The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next “Business After Hours” event today from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Creative Imaging in the Southside Mall. RSVP’s are requested at 432-4500 Extension 207, or emailing shelly@otsegocc.com.
——————
Members of the Bainbridge-Guilford Board of Education will hold a special meeting today in the District Conference room at 6:30 PM. The Board will move into Executive Session to discuss a personnel item. No action will be taken.
—————————-
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Bainbridge-Guilford Board of Education, Creative Imaging, Governor Cuomo, New York, NY, OTSEGO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WCDO
Comments Off on A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-2-14