The possibility of significant accumulation of snow could reach the region this weekend, local meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 1-16-19)

Townsend said that early indications are that 6 to 12 inches of snow could arrive in this storm, but he will have a clearer picture of snowfall amounts as we get closer to the weekend.

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Local lawmakers reacted to the Governor Cuomo’s State of The State address & Executive Budget Proposal delivered yesterday to a joint session of the legislature.  Freshman area Assemblyman John Salka comments:

(John Salka 1-16-19)

State Senator Jim Seward also commented:

(Seward 1-16-19)

The Budget proposal totals 175.2 billion dollars, a 1.9% increase over last year’s state budget plan.

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The Unatego Central School is seeking feedback for area parents, Students, Staff & community members regarding the strategic planning for the future of the district.  Unatego Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 1-16-19)

The survey can be accessed through a link at unatego.org; more information can be obtained through the Superintendent’s office at 988-5038.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office audited the Meridale Fire Department & Emergency Squad.  Auditors found that Cash receipt and disbursement duties were not adequately segregated and mitigating controls were not implemented, that Fundraising revenues of more than $8,400 were deposited between 26 and 59 days after collection, Meeting minutes did not always contain adequate information regarding bills approved for payment.  Department officials generally agreed with the Comptrollers audit & its recommendations and indicated that they planned to initiate corrective action.

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The Otsego County Chamber will hold its 8th Annual Career Expo and Job Fair Open House on Wednesday, February 6th from 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m. at the ONC BOCES campus at 1914 County Route 35 Milford.    Area businesses interested in being an exhibitor can call 432-4500 Ext. 104 or email karen@otsegocc.com, the Deadline to register is February 1st.

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State Senator Jim Seward honored John Heller of Oneonta posthumously on the floor of the State Senate with a special Resolution conferring the Senate’s Liberty Medal.  Seward said that Heller displayed great courage in saving the lives of his fiancé and four young nephews, in the fire at Walling Avenue in Oneonta in December. Senator Seward previously presented the Liberty Medal to John Heller’s parents John and Gayle Heller and fiancé Amber Roe during a memorial service in Oneonta on January 4, 2019.

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Former Area Congresswoman & current US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced she is forming an exploratory committee to run for president, she made the announcement last night on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”:

(Gillibrand 1-16-19)

Gillibrand joins Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts in what is expected to be a large field of candidates looking for the Democratic Party nomination in 2020.

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