Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that State Police, local and municipal law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on drunk driving and underage drinking this Halloween weekend. The special traffic enforcement detail will begin today and continue through Sunday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2009 to 2013, 43% of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes across the U.S. on Halloween night were in crashes involving a drunk driver. Motorists can expect to see a number of sobriety checkpoints and additional patrols. Troopers will also conduct a special enforcement detail to crack down on the sale of alcohol to minors.
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State Senator Jim Seward will be in Oneonta today at the City Public Safety Building in Oneonta, along with Assemblyman Bill Magee, Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig, and Oneonta Fire Chief Patrick Pidgeon to inspect the fire department’s recently delivered ladder truck. Both Seward and Magee secured a total of $500,000 in state funds to assist in the purchase of the new truck.
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The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is urging residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as daylight saving time approaches. Officials with the Association stated that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be cleaned to remove any debris that could prevent them from working properly. Older alarms that have removable batteries should receive a new pair. More information is available at fasny.com.
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On Sunday, the Chenango County American Legion will host a joint visitation by the Legion’s State Commander James Yermas, & State Auxiliary President Jan Mahoney among others. the leaders will visit Oxford’s Fort Hill Post 376, the Veterans’ Home at Oxford, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department in Norwich, followed by a reception & dinner at the Lieutenant Warren Eaton, DSC Post 189, at 29 Sheldon Street, Norwich.

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Governor Cuomo commemorated the three-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and released a report detailing the continued progress made by New York State. It underscores the advancements made in rebuilding homes, businesses, and large-scale infrastructure projects in communities and neighborhoods, as spearheaded by the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery. More information can be found at stormrecovery.ny.gov.
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26-year-old Timothy Green of New Berlin has been charged with forgery and Grand Larceny following an investigation by the State office of the Inspector General. Green was a substitute worker for the New York State Office for the People with Developmental Disabilities in Norwich, he is accused of submitting fraudulent time sheets for work that he did not do, which resulted in over $39,000 in payments. Green was arraigned in the Town of Guilford court and remanded to the Chenango County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 property bond.
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the City of Oneonta began investigating a decrease in sanitary sewer flow into the wastewater treatment plant, as compared to historical averages. On Monday, a flow variation was identified in the line between Market Street and Neahwa Park, on wedensdya an outside contractor was brought in with equipment sufficient to inspect the line, and a partial collapse of the underground 30” sanitary sewer line flowing near the Millrace was identified. a significant quantity of untreated wastewater has emtered the Millrace & emergency measures are underway to have the line bypassed and repaired as soon as possible. The public should avoid recreational activities in the Millrace and Susquehanna River downstream from the pipe break. Updates will be provided by the City, they can be viewed at nyalert.gov or at 432-6450.
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State Police at Sidney arrested 36 year old Brandi Brown of New Berlin for the felony DWI with a BAC result of .16% which is twice the legal limit. This arrest occurred after traffic stop for failing to keep right on State Route 8 in the Town of Guilford. Brown was arraigned at the Town of Guilford court and was released without bail required. Her next court date in the Town of Guilford is November 12, 2015.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a brochure offering tips to New Yorkers buying health insurance coverage for next year, entitled “Shopping For Health Insurance Coverage” Which is being released in advance of the New York State of Health Marketplace’s open enrollment period starting on Sunday. Schneiderman encourages consumers to take advantage of this open enrollment period to evaluate how their current health plan, whether it will change, or to consider what other options are available. Open enrollment through New York State of Health begins on November 1 through December 15th, for coverage effective January 1st.
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Bainbridge area dentist Dr. Michelle Gifford is participating in a program that will protect area smiles from the cavity monster, and send smiles to troops overseas, following Halloween Trick or treating this weekend. Spokesperson Trish Hippenstiel explains:

(Trish Hippenstiel 10-30-15)

The candy collection will be at Dr Gifford’s office at 10 Whitney Way in Bainbridge on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. More information is available at 967-8200.
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The Afton Fire Department will host a Pancake Breakfast tomorrow morning at the Fire Station on Spring Street. The Breakfast will run from 7:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
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A “Meet The Candidates” event will be held tonight in Guilford. Candidates for Town Supervisor & The Town Board will meet with interested town residents beginning at 6:30 PM.
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