New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in November 2018, reaching its lowest level since these records began in 1976, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. The number of unemployed New Yorkers fell in November, from 387,500 to 379,400, its lowest level since August 1988. In addition, New York State’s private sector job count rose by 5,200, or 0.1%, to 8,231,100 in November 2018, a new, all-time high.
New York’s population continues to decline faster than any other state, according to new statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The report found New York was just 1 of 9 states to see a decrease in population, losing an estimated 48,510 residents between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018. Illinois saw the second largest population loss, followed by West Virginia, Louisiana, Hawaii, Mississippi, Alaska, Connecticut and Wyoming. New York’s over 19.4 million populations is the 4th highest behind California, Texas and Florida.
Attorney General Barbara Underwood today announced the settlement of a lawsuit against FedEx that will distribute $2 million to an estimated 500 qualifying drivers who delivered packages. The Attorney General’s office filed the lawsuit back in October 2010, alleging that the drivers had been unlawfully misclassified as independent contractors and was, in fact, employees. The Attorney General’s action sought restitution for violations of New York Labor Law, including unpaid overtime and unlawful deductions from wages. Qualifying drivers will be sent notice by the claims administrator and be required to submit a claim form in order to qualify for payment from the settlement fund.
State Police arrested 3 people for DWI after a 1 car crash in the town of Smyrna last Sunday. Troopers were dispatched to State Highway 80 in the town of Smyrna, when they arrived they found an unoccupied vehicle they observed another vehicle parked next to the vehicle that had crashed but it took off as soon as troopers approached. Troopers caught up to that vehicle & they accuse the driver, 43 year old Raymond Haitian Jr of Georgetown of driving while Intoxicated. The investigation revealed that 34 year old Kyle Dulian of Tonawanda was operating the original vehicle that had crashed and was also one of the occupants in Haitian’s vehicle. Dulian was arrested for DWI. While troopers were still on scene, 34 year old Alicia Martin of Georgetown arrived looking for her friend, she was also arrested for DWI. All 3 will appear in court in January to answer to the charges.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District is in the process of updating the Master Plan for the East Sidney Lake Project. THE Army Core of Engineers is preparing an environmental assessment in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to assess the impact of the Master Plan Revision to the human and natural environment. A public review meeting will be held after the initial public comment period, ending January 11, 2019, to allow opportunity for the public to submit ideas, comments, and feedback on the Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment, the public meeting is planned for some time in April 2019. All updates regarding the Master Plan Update and public meetings may be found at nab.usace.army.mil/ESL-Master-Plan-Revision/.
Afton area businesses & The Afton Girl Scouts are teaming up this holiday season to put together Military care Packages for soldiers overseas. Scout leader Lora Vanderheide explains;
(Lora Vanderheide 12-20-18)
Vanderheide said that the collections will be accepted through December 24th & will be shipped out the following week. More information is available at 639-1700.
The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be replacing a water main valve located on Ann Street today, starting at 8:00 AM, Water outages will begin at 9:00 AM. Residents on Ann Street, West Ann, Meckley Ave, Baker Street, and Wilcox Ave will be without water for the duration of the project. River Street residents from Meckley to Wilcox Ave will also experience a water outage during work. Parking on the street will not be permitted, and the street will be closed to traffic for the duration of work. More information is available at 432-2100.