The City of Oneonta is gearing up for a busy period of activity, as the Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects should begin shortly. Oneonta mayor Gary Herzig explains:

(Gary Herzig 4-20-17)

Oneonta was one of a handful of communities to be rewarded with state money for aggressive economic development plans.
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Another meeting has been planned for May 1st in Sidney, for those involved in the upcoming Tri Town relay For Life next month in Bainbridge. American cancer society Spokesperson Heather Brewster explains:

(Heather Brewster 4-20-17)

The meeting will be held on May 1st at SFCU on Union Street in Sidney beginning at 5:30 PM.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today issued a consumer alert about scammers utilizing gift cards to commit fraud against consumers, and in particular senior citizens, following an uptick of complaints received by the office. The Attorney General also announced that his office would partner with the Retail Council of New York State and AARP to adopt measures to protect customers from and educate them about common scams that utilize gift cards. In addition, the office is meeting with retailers, credit card companies and banks to institute additional measures to protect consumers from these scams.
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A public information session will be held at the Unadilla Town Hall on State Route 7 tonight at 7:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to attend a discussion on how the town & village of Unadilla residents may be able to lower their electricity rates.
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The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.4% to 4.3% in March, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. This represents New York State’s lowest unemployment rate since February 2007.
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New York State will invest more in mental health & behavioral health services for children across the estate. Governor Cuomo announced that 6.5 Million Dollars would be distributed to 17 health centers to expand services under the “Healthy Steps” program, which focuses on early life doctor visits & family screening. The funds will go directly to federal qualified health centrs, hospital based clinics, private practices & community health centers for the hiring of specialists to identify behavioral or developmental health concerns, such as maternal depression, developmental delays, and childhood trauma.
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On Tuesday, April 25th at 1:30 pm, the State Police will be gathering at the Middletown Town Hall to honor Trooper David Brinkerhoff on the 10-year anniversary of his line-of-duty death in a shout out with Travis Trim in a house in Margaretville. Directly following the service the gathering will proceed to State Route 30 to place wreaths at the NYS DOT signs honoring him. All are welcomed to attend.
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Governor Cuomo today announced $112.2 million in funding has been awarded to 81 projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements across the state. The funding will provide up to 80% of the cost of each project & it is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the State DOT.
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Governor Cuomo signed legislation investing over $200 million to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic in New York yesterday on Long Island:

(CUOMO 4-20-17)

The money for the program was included in the recently passed State Budget, doubling the state commitment from the year before.
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Due to Wednesday’s postponement, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies have rescheduled their Prevention Night for Monday, May 1. No alcohol will be served during the Rumble Ponies’ game that evening, the team has joined the Broome Opioid Abuse Council to present the event. Tickets for yesterday’s game will be honored on May 1st when the Rumble Ponies will host the Akron RubberDucks at 6:35 PM.