P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-28-16

The Avon Breast Health Outreach Program has awarded a $60,000 one-year grant to Chenango Health Network to increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast cancer and to assure that women in Chenango County are screened and receive follow-up care. Chenango Health Network’s Every Woman Counts in Chenango County Campaign is a local community-based effort to encourage and help women to have breast cancer screenings. More than 650 Chenango County women are actively participating in this program. More Information is available at 337-4128 or chenangohealth.org.

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Lawmakers in Albany are conducting budget hearings this week, getting information from each state department on their needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Assemblyman Pete Lopez comments:

(Lopez 1-27-16)

Lawmakers have until April 1st to complete their work on the proposed 1456 billion dollar executive budget proposal.

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With peak flu season right around the corner, and an increase in the number of flu cases reported statewide, the State Department of Health reminds New Yorkers that it’s not too late to get their annual flu shot. Flu season occurs primarily from October through May. The current season has been mild so far but cases are on the increase, with 369 flu-related hospitalizations in the State. Over the last 4 years, there have been a total of 26 pediatric flu deaths in New York and an average of more than 7,767 flu-related hospitalizations per year. More information about influenza is available at health.ny.gov/diseases.

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82 school districts have been designated as fiscally stressed under New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System, for the fiscal year ending on June 30th 2015. The 8 school districts were classified in “significant stress” none of those were in the local tri-county area.   The 2nd level, entitled “Moderate Stress” included the Unatego School distinct, The Cooperstown district was listed as susceptible to fiscal stress. School districts found to be in fiscal stress are operating with low fund balances, a pattern of operating deficits and limited cash on hand & are more likely to have a shrinking property tax base, low budget support and a low graduation rate.

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a Town of Otselic resident was arrested by Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance and Promoting Prison Contraband.   30 year old Steven White was found to be in possession of controlled substance while being booked into the Chenango County Jail, he is scheduled to appear in the Town of Norwich of Court at a later date.

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Governor Cuomo today announced $11 million is available to protect soil and water resources through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program. These grants will assist farmers in implementing the best management practices to address water quality challenges in priority watersheds throughout New York State while increasing productivity and economic activity. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can now apply for the AgNPS Program through agriculture.ny.gov.

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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Department & State Police announced that 7 people were sent to jail on felony drug charges following the discovery, dismantling and clean-up of an active meth-lab at 116 East Street in the Village of Walton Tuesday night. Police executed a search warrant, 7 adults and 3 children were removed, and the children were provided medical evaluation for potential contamination of toxic chemicals and were placed into emergency foster care. Police seized an active meth lab, prescription medications, cocaine, marijuana and public assistance benefit cards. Sheriff’s Investigators arrested James Nash, of Walton; Amanda Bicknell, of Walton; James Klinegardner of Tennessee, Brooklyn Alford of Walton; Tammy Lewis, of Walton; Johnny & Emily Uhl of Swan Lake, on a variety of drug charges plus Endangering the Welfare of a Child. All 7defendants were returned to the Delaware County Jail on $150,000 cash bail or $300,000 property bond.
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The Oxford Police Department has teamed up with “Truth Pharm” to try a different approach to the growing heroin problem; they will be holding a free Narcan training session for anyone interested at the Oxford High School at today 5:30 PM. Oxford Police Chief Richard Nolan comments:

(Oxford Police Chief Richard Nolan 1-28-16)

Chief Nolan said that they will also be holding another session in more detail for first responders in February, they are also receiving grant money to set aside an area for people struggling with addiction to come & talk with Police & Volunteers on how to get treatment to beat the heroin addiction.
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New York State Office of General Service Commissioner RoAnn Destito Will Outline Governor Cuomo’s 2016 State of the State Agenda at SUNY Oneonta at 3:00 PM today. The presentation will be given at the Morris Conference Center in the Craven Lounge.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next Business After-Hours meeting today. The event starts at 6:00 pm at Stella Luna Ristorante located at 58 Market Street in Oneonta.