Local sales tax collections across New York State only grew 1.7% in the first 6 months of 2016, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overall, growth slowed from 2.6% in the first quarter to 0.8% in the second quarter. The Mid-Hudson region had the strongest growth at 2.7%, collections declined in the Central New York region by 1.3% Local sales tax collections were generally lower due in part to lower tax revenue by lower gasoline and diesel fuel prices.
———————————
Broome County District Attorney Steven Cornwell announced that he would prosecute a drug ring case after announcing a 95-count indictment was handed down against 7 people arrested last week in Endwell. Terrance Wise is charged with 84 counts and is accused of being the leader of the drug ring, 2,700 bags of heroin were seized in the raid at his residence last week.
—————————————
The City of Oneonta will be growing thanks to 10 million dollars in State money for economic development projects around the market street area. Mayor Gary Herzig comments:

(Gary Herzig 8-4-16)

Oneonta was one of a handful of small cities that received state assistance through the regional economic development councils.
———————
The State DEC unveiled new regulations concerning deer and bear hunting, to increase opportunities for junior hunters to take bears, rescind an antlerless-only rule from 2015 in portions of southeastern New York and the Lake Plains, reduce antlerless harvests in two management units in the western Adirondacks, and clarify when special season tags may be used by bow and muzzleloader hunters. The new bear hunting regulation now includes the taking of bears in the youth firearms hunt over Columbus Day weekend that was previously a deer-only event.
————————————-
The Town of Bainbridge & the National Guard Counter Drug Task Force has collaborated to bring a prescription drug drop box to the Town hall. The drop box can be used by area residents wishing to safely dispose of prescription drugs, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held today in Bainbridge at 6:00 PM.
—————————–
State Police arrested 22-year-old Cody Smolin of Roxbury, for endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, after troopers responded to report of a dispute inside a car in the Town of Roxbury. An investigation determined that, while being a passenger inside with a small child, Smolin grabbed the driver’s face during a verbal dispute. Smolin was arraigned in the Town of Roxbury Court where he was released on his own recognizance. His next court date is pending.
————————–
The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 58-year-old Mark Babcock of Otselic for 2 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, following a sealed indictment by a Chenango County Grand Jury. The Indictment alleged the sale of narcotics from Babcock’s residence; he was already in custody and is awaiting arraignment in the Chenango County Court.
—————————————————–

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation to legalize interactive fantasy sports in New York State. The bill requires that fantasy sports companies must register with, and operate under regulations issued by, the State Gaming Commission. the legislation will generate approximately $4 million in revenue to fund state education aid. The legislation also takes steps to institute consumer protections for players for the first time, some of which include offering introductory procedures to new players, identifying highly experienced players, prohibiting the participation of minors and protecting players’ funds upon deposit.
———————————–
The Sidney Department of public Works announced that Pearl Street East from James Street to Prospect Street would be closed today. Crews will be replacing Storm Pipe; the work will be performed from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
———————————–
The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.