Oneonta Police & Fire department officials will hold a press conference today, regarding the fatal fire at 5 Walling Avenue Saturday morning that took the life of former Oneonta Firefighter John Heller, while he was helping 5 people escape out of the building. The press conference can be viewed live at the City of Oneonta Facebook page, at 5:00 PM.
Governor Cuomo granted clemency to 29 individuals who have demonstrated substantial evidence of rehabilitation and have avoided additional crime activities. The pardons were in recognition of each individuals’ efforts after serving their terms and to remove the barriers that their criminal records present to their immigration status, which affected 22 of the pardoned individuals, some who were facing possible deportation. The Governor said that in each case, a pardon will make immigration-related relief possible, if not automatic.
Willow Run in Kirkwood announced that they will be expanding & adding staff this spring. The company announced that they received a 1.2 million dollar grant for their expansion, which was awarded as part of the regional economic development awards program. The expansion should lead to 40 more jobs; they currently employ about 450 people at their current site.
Otsego County has funding for a Microenterprise Program to assist small businesses with 5 or fewer employees. The application deadline is January 31st; more information is available through Thomas Development at 753-1433.
The Sidney Dollars for Scholars program, for Graduating Sidney High School Seniors, has had a change in the amount of time the seniors have to participate. Program Spokesperson Tracy Young explains:
(Tracy Young 1-2-19)
Young said that they are awarding 81 scholarships this year totaling over $80,000, the website is SIDNEYNY.DOLLARSFORSCHOLARS.ORG.
State Police CNET and Vestal Police stopped a vehicle on Murray Street in Binghamton for a Traffic violation. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of approximately 2 pounds of marijuana, Police executed a search warrant at 64 Oak Street in Binghamton, they seized 103 pounds of marihuana, with a street value of $412,000; plus 60 boxes of concentrated cannabis vapor cartridges; 224 canisters of medical grade flavored marihuana; plus cocaine; $37,000 cash; drug paraphernalia and packaging. Police arrested 22-year-old Naami Islam and 21-year-old Melissa Pincus, both of Binghamton for Criminal Possession of Marihuana & Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance. Both were arraigned in the City of Binghamton Court, they were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.
A stray cat in the town of Kortright has tested positive for the rabies virus. There were no human exposures to the cat. An unvaccinated cat was exposed to the rabies virus by the rabid cat; the cat will be humanely euthanized. This is the third animal that has tested positive for rabies in Delaware County in 2018.
A funeral for John Heller, the former Oneonta firefighter who died rescuing 5 people in the Saturday morning fire at 5 Walling Avenue, will be held this week. Calling hours will be 5:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street in Oneonta. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Friday at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. His life will be celebrated at the East Meredith Fire Department, immediately following the funeral service.
Governor Cuomo was inaugurated for his 3rd term as Governor last Night at Ellis Island, where he promised that New York will lead the way during this time of divisive politics:
(Cuomo 1-2-19)