Employment among New York’s small businesses has increased slightly faster than the national pace, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report from the U.S. Census Bureau, examined the 5-year trend through 2016, where small business employment rose by 9.2% in New York while increasing 8.9% across the country. Small Businesses provided more than 4.1 million jobs in the state, which is about half of all private sector jobs. Small businesses provided more than $212 billion in payroll, nearly 40 percent of the total private sector payroll in the state.

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State DOT officials announced that 45 year old Dennis Howe of Candor has died, Howe was the driver of a DOT Vehicle that was hit by 37 year old Lawrence Faucett who failed to move over on March 18th on I-86 in the town of Nichols in Tioga County.  The investigation is ongoing, and Faucett may face charges.

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State Attorney General Letitia James today announced that Spectrum Cable has started to issue credits to consumers as required by their settlement agreement.  Under the terms of the settlement, Charter is required to issue monetary relief to qualified subscribers and offer some  video streaming services at no charge.  In all, qualified subscribers will receive $62.5 million in bill credits. Subscribers do not have to fill out any paperwork to obtain the credit, but must contact Spectrum to receive the streaming services by May 30th at  1-833-422-8795 for further information.

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The Village of Sidney Board will hold a special Meeting Thursday Evening, regarding the sole sourcing of Village garbage pickup.  The meeting will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the board room at 21 Liberty Street, Civic Center.  This meeting will be the 1st of 2 on this subject, as they board discusses the possibility of having 1 hauler for all Village homes.

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The Chenango County Farm Bureau is hosting an Agricultural Celebration Wednesday at the Silo Restaurant in Greene, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM, to celebrate National Agriculture Day.  Chenango County farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-19-19)

Vickers said that this year’s theme is “Agriculture: Food for Life” & the keynote speaker will be New York State Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture & Markets; Dave Valesky.

Village elections are being held across the state today.  Locally, in Sidney incumbent Mayor Andy Matviak faces a challenge from Jeffrey Stefanek, plus 3 people are running for 2 seats on the board, Sheri Youngs, Raymond Baker & Barry MacPherson.  In Walton incumbent Mayor Ed Snow, faces a challenge from Steve Condon. In Gilbertsville, incumbent mayor Ken Nolan faces challenger Mark Muller. 3 people are seeking 2 trustee seats: Glenn Foster, Randolph Palada & John Wargo & in Afton 2 Trustee seats are open, 3 candidates are seeking those seats, Sally Muller; DeAnna Lawrence; Melissa Matthews. Polling places are open from 12:00 noon until 9:00 pm.  Those who have questions regarding their eligibility to vote in village elections, should contact their county Board of elections, or they should go to their polling place to see if they are eligible to vote today.

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State Police arrested 27 year old Bradly Falkenmeyer of Coventry for Menacing and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, after Troopers were dispatched to dispute that began over a dog going on the neighbor’s property.   Falkenmeyer allegedly displayed a shotgun and threatened to shoot the dog and the complainant.  Falkenmeyer was also on parole which would not allow him to be in possession of any firearms.  Falkenmeyer was arrested and arraigned in the town of Coventry Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail.

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State Police arrested 41 year old Thomas Guinn of Chelsea, Oklahoma for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a reportable B.A.C of .20%. A trooper was dispatched to a complaint of a vehicle traveling erratically on I-88, nearly striking several vehicles. Troopers located the vehicle stuck in the mud on State Route 357 in the town of Sidney, Guinn was arraigned in the town of Sidney Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. His next court date is March 28, 2019.

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State Police arrested 30 year old Corey Burns of Bainbridge for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Criminal Trespass, after a trooper was dispatched to a complaint that a male entered a home on State Highway 41 in the town of Coventry and was not known to the residents of the home. The property owner was able to provide a description of Burns and the vehicle he was operating. Burns was located, arrested & was arraigned in the town of Afton Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $15,000 property bond.

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Members of Troop “C” conducted an Underage Drinker Initiative Friday, March 16, 2019. 13 retail stores in Chenango and Otsego Counties were checked for potential sales to a minor. All 13 were found to be in compliance and no alcohol was sold to minors during the detail.

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The Oneonta Common Council will be holding their next regular meeting this evening.  The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers of City Hall.

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