State Lawmakers will start looking over the Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal, in what is expected to be a challenging year, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Cliff Crouch 1-17-18)

State Senator Jim Seward also commented:

(Jim Seward 1-17-18)

Lawmakers have until April 1st to get the budget finished in time for the start of the state’s fiscal year.
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The Fundraising has begun to make sure that the winner of a regional spelling bee can attend the Scripps National Spelling bee later this year. Spokesperson Martha Ryan explains:

(Martha Ryan 1-17-18)

Ryan said that the Regional Competition will be held on Saturday March 3rd, last year Delaware County’s Melodie Loya ranked in the final 50 in the National Spelling Bee, & she will be participating in the regional competition. More information is available at 335-1292.
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State Police arrested 50-year-old Robert Stilson of Unadilla for Driving a Vehicle While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and other traffic violations. The arrest followed a traffic stop by a Trooper for a loud exhaust on State Route 8, in the town of Guilford; the trooper determined that Stilson was driving impaired. A search of the vehicle recovered marihuana and concentrated cannabis; Stilson was issued tickets returnable to the town of Guilford Court on February 6th.
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The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s bid to block his retrial on corruption charges, April 16th is the start date for Silver’s new trial in Manhattan federal court. Silver was convicted on charges that he took payoffs disguised as legal fees in return for using his political power to benefit political supporters, the conviction was overturned last year by the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals because of flawed jury instructions. Silver was found guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in jail; he never entered jail as the case was on appeal.
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State Police arrested 30-year-old Paige Shaul of Oneonta on charges of 3rd degree Grand Larceny & filing a false instrument with intent to defraud, in connection with an incident on January 8th. Shaul faces court action at a later date.
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2 committees will be meeting at Oneonta City Hall today. The Airport Commission will hold their meeting at 4:00 PM; the Planning commission will hold their meeting at 7:00 PM. Both meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers at Oneonta City Hall.

The Sidney Historical Association & the Sidney Memorial Public Library will co-sponsor a presentation on the restoration of the Andrew Mann Inn on State Route 7 in Sidney. Current Owner Kurt Reigel will discuss the buildings history & his current restoration efforts, on January 17th at 7:00 PM in the Library’s Smart Community Room.
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