Local sales tax collections across New York grew 3.3% in the first 6 months of 2017, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Through June, local collections totaled $8 billion compared to $7.8 billion during the same period last year. DiNapoli’s report revealed local sales tax collections in several regions outpaced the statewide average, including Southern Tier at 4.5%, Central New York at 4.4% & the Mohawk Valley at 4.3%.
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Governor Cuomo announced that Brooklyn’s Threes Brewing Company earned top honors at the first-ever New York State Craft Beer Competition, winning the Governor’s Excelsior Cup. Threes Brewing earned gold in the Light Lager category and moved on to win Best in Show. Entries were submitted from 143 breweries, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners awarded in 20 categories. A Local Gold medal winner was Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown in the Wheat Beer category. The full results are available at newyorkcraftbeer.com.
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Numerous crews from Delaware & surrounding counties are searching for 60-year-old Wayne Lamicela of Arkville, who was reported missing while hiking on Tuesday. Lamicela did not return from a day trip at Big Indian Wilderness area in western Ulster County. Lamicela is described as a white man with brown hair, 5’8″, about 130 pounds. Forest Rangers say he last wearing a black and gray striped shirt, khaki shorts, a beige ball cap with the words “New Smyrna” written on it, and a black backpack. Delaware County emergency services and Forest Rangers are working with a growing number of volunteers today; they have a command post at the Margaretville Fire Department. Anyone with information on Lamicela’s whereabouts is asked to contact the State Forest Rangers, or State Police at Troop C headquarters in Sidney at 561-7400.
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The annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon rally will be held at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton today through Sunday. Concerts will feature Dennis DeYoung of Styx fame tonight, Blue Oyster Cult & Eddie Money Saturday, & country acts Kellie Pickler & Sara Evans Sunday. Details & schedules are available at spiediefest.com.
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The Afton Parks Committee announced that they would host a Vendor Market & Garage sale Saturday, starting at 9:00 AM. The event will be held at the new Town Hall on County Road 39.
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The annual Edgewood Mountain Music Festival will be held in Laurens today through Sunday. Several local musical acts will perform throughout the weekend, at 216 Crow Hill Road in Laurens, More information & the schedule is available at the Edgewood Mountain Music Festival Facebook page.
Area Law Enforcement Agencies teamed up with Area Dunkin Donuts locations to raise money for the “Cops On Top” fundraiser. Sidney Police Chief Jan Gorshack told WCDO News that the Sidney Police Department participated this morning, with great success:
(Jan Gorshack 8-4-17)
Police officers will also assisted in the fundraising efforts in Bainbridge, Norwich, Vestal, Binghamton, Johnson City & Whitney Point this morning, all benefiting the Special Olympics.
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The Annual Sidney Elks Lodge “Looking Back” car show will be held tomorrow at the Lodge on River Street, Spokesman Mark Little explains:
(Mark Little 8-4-17)
The event will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with numerous trophies to be handed out.
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