State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says that state-funded debt is projected to grow to $63.7 billion shortly, which averages out to more than $3,100 per New Yorker. DiNapoli is calling for reforms that include voter approval of borrowing and better capital planning for infrastructure projects. New York’s annual debt service payments are projected to exceed $8.2 billion by 2022.
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State Police responded Wednesday night to a 2-vehicle collision on State Route 206, in the town of Bainbridge. A 2002 Mitsubishi operated by 18-year-old Maleek Smith of Staatsburg crossed into the opposite lane into the path of a Chevrolet SUV driven by 53-year-old Joseph Artuso of Syracuse. Smith was eventually air lifted to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he was pronounced deceased due to accident related trauma. Artuso and his two passengers were transported to Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney, NY where were treated for minor injuries and released. The investigation is continuing.
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State Police and local law enforcement will participate in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign beginning today. Through Saturday, December 30th. State Police will also be conducting an enforcement period over New Year’s Eve, from Sunday, December 31st to Monday, January 1st. Police will set up DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” & they will also conduct underage drinker enforcement details statewide.
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Planning is already underway for the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1969 Woodstock concert, and the Regional Economic Development Council awards includes $690,000 for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The three-day concert held in August 1969 drew more than 400,000 rock music fans to Max Yasgur’s farm in the town of Bethel. Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 2019 anniversary event, they are also planning the event as a 3-day festival.
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The Chenango United Way is currently at 70% of their goal and will be closing their 2017 campaign on December 31st. Chenango United Way Spokesperson Elizabeth Monaco explains:
(Elizabeth Monaco 12-15-17)
Contributions can be made at 334-8815 during normal business hours through the remainder of the year.
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A Special blood drive is being held in Norwich in memory of Savannah Williams. Residents of Norwich and surrounding communities are asked to donate blood at a special blood drive in Savannah’s memory on Thursday, December 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holy Family School at 17 Prospect Street in Norwich. Williams died unexpectedly in Geneseo after her car collided with a tractor-trailer; she was a freshman at SUNY Geneseo & was a graduate of the Norwich City School District
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Governor Cuomo today unveiled the 3rd proposal of the 2018 State of the State: to invest $100 million to launch the 3rd round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative which is aimed at transforming communities with a variety of economic development projects. The downtown areas will be selected by the state’s Regional Economic Development Councils. Locally, in the 1st round, the City of Oneonta won a $10 million dollar award through the Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council; they are currently in the process of the downtown upgrades funded through that award.
Downsville Central School District officials reported that 6 students suffered minor injuries & were taken to area hospital as a precautionary measure, after a crash Thursday morning. Investigators believe that a truck lost control while making a turn on Route 30 in the town of Hancock, and hit a district school bus carrying 31 students. The investigation is being conducted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s department.
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The Sidney American Legion announced that they would be holding their annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday December 16th. Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:
(Larry Halbert 11-29-17)
The Sidney American Legion is located at 22 Union Street; more information is available at 237-4762.
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Commerce Chenango is still accepting new, unwrapped toys to fill the Toys for Tots box in their lobby, at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich. Toys for children age’s newborn through 12 years old will be accepted through December 19th. Families needing assistance this holiday season may call 607-371-3567 or 607-244-8124.
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