The Sidney Rotary announced that another Heroin & Opioid Forum would be held Wednesday evening in the Sidney High School Library. Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen told WCDO News about one of the guest speakers, Sergeant John Capellini:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 6-28-16)

The Doors will open at 6:00 & the presentations start 6:15. Keckeisen said that they would Establish Work Groups, & set Priorities with the goal of creating a Sidney Tri-Town Area Coalition to fight the ongoing Heroin & Opioid crisis.
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As part of the “Get Screened, No Excuses” campaign, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to increase access to breast cancer screenings and build on the series of breast cancer initiatives outlined in the 2016 State of the State address. The new initiatives include mobile mammography vans, patient navigators, a public awareness campaign, community-based peer education programs, and investments through the state-backed venture capital fund to support promising cancer-related technologies. The Governor also announced the launch of a new “Text Line” to help women find mammogram locations. New Yorkers can text “Get Screened” to 81336 and after submitting their zip code; they will receive information about screening locations with extended hours near home.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of $235,613 in public library construction grant funds. Locally, the Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick will receive $25,035 to Replace old windows and add insulation, the Unadilla Public Library will receive $35,475 to Replace inefficient windows and light fixtures and interior renovations, the Village Library of Cooperstown will receive $23,327 for Interior renovations & the Worcester Free Library will get $23,606 for insulation.
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The 1st phase of the $50 Million Dollar restoration if the New York State fairgrounds are nearly complete, with the final touches being applied in the final months before the annual state fair. The 1-mile track & the grandstand are gone, in their place is an expanded midway, and a bigger RV park with 315 more spaces, 2/3rds are already booked for this year’s fair, which begins on August 25th.
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New York’s highways & bridges are among the worst in the nation, according to a new report by “TRIP”, which is a national transportation organization. 5% of the states interstate bridges are structurally deficient, 4th worst in the nation, 17% 0of the pavement on the New York interstate system is in poor to mediocre condition, which is 10th worst in the nation. President Obama signed into law a 5 year 305 billion dollar highway improvement plan last year, which will boost highway funding by 15% and transit funding by 15% by the year 2020.
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Governor Cuomo announced a new consumer hotline to accept reports of “ZOMBIE PROPERTIES” across the state. New Yorkers Are Encouraged to Call (800) 342-3736 to Report Properties in Their Neighborhoods, following last week’s signing of legislation to get Zombie properties rehabilitated or renovated, sold and back onto the tax rolls in a more timely fashion.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced New York State’s participation in partial settlements with Volkswagen and its Audi and Porsche affiliates arising from Volkswagen’s violations of emissions standards and state consumer protection laws. As part of the settlements, all owners of 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine VW and Audi diesel cars in New York will be entitled to be paid full, pre-scandal fair market value for their vehicle, in addition to a cash payment of at least $5,100, car owners may also choose to keep their vehicle and wait to see if VW and Audi develop acceptable emissions fixes; car owners who exercise this option will also receive a cash payment of at least $5,100. The settlements will also direct to New York over $115 million for environmental projects to improve New York’s air quality, as well as over $30 million in additional monetary recoveries for the state’s general fund.
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Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl announced that 50 year old Casey Callahan was arrested Monday on a sealed indictment warrant for 2nd degree Murder for the killing his wife Elizabeth on January 19th, 2000, by allegedly running her over with a tractor trailer in a parking lot in Athens Township Pennsylvania. Muehl stated that the murder was planned out when Callahan & his wife lived at Goodyear Lake; Callahan is s currently serving a 12-½ year sentence for a criminal sexual act conviction from 3 years ago. Callahan was arraigned and was returned to the Attica Correctional Facility. Callahan faces 25 years to life in prison.
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State Police arrested 32-year-old Joseph Little of Sidney Aggravated DWI with a BAC result of .20%, and other traffic violations. Little was observed failing to use a designated lane on State Route 7 in the Town of Unadilla, he was arraigned in the Town of Unadilla court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 property bond pending future court action.
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Binghamton Police arrested Shaun Pauling-Payne of Binghamton, for vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and several other charges, after he crashed into a motorcycle driven by 37-year-old William Nash Jr. Nash was taken to an area hospital, but died as a result of his injuries. Pauling-Payne had a BAC of .22; He was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and taken to the Broome County Jail. The investigation is continuing.
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The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds county registered voters affiliated with the republican or democratic parties, that Primary Elections are today, from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM. Both Democrats & Republicans are holding a Primary for the 19th Congressional District. All Tompkins voters will now vote at the Tompkins Town Hall at 148 Bridge St., Trout Creek. More information is available at 832-5321. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reminds voters that a hotline has been set up for those experiencing trouble in the polling place, the number is 800-771-7755.