Governor Cuomo has signed legislation that combats the proliferation of clothing collection bins provided by fake charities by imposing stricter regulations on the placement, maintenance and transparency of collection bins across the state. The legislation prohibits placement of collection bins on public property and imposes maintenance requirements of such bins. The law also strengthens operator transparency by imposing disclosure requirements, including indication as a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. Additionally, disclosure is required if the bin is operated by a for-profit business in conjunction with a nonprofit organization. Bin owners are subject to fines for violations of the bill’s disclosure and maintenance requirements.
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Delaware County Deputies arrested 55-year-old Kathryn Southerton from Delhi for Petty Larceny and Resisting Arrest. Southerton is accused of refusing to pay her bill at the Delaware Valley Humane Society and then fled on foot with her dog. Deputies located her and her dog in an adjacent field, she attempted to flee deputies by going into the river and then refused to cooperate with deputies when they attempted to place her is custody. She was arraigned in the Town of Delhi court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail. She is scheduled to re-appear in the Town of Delhi court of December 22.
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State Police arrested 27-Year-old Michael Tenace of Oneonta for criminal contempt, after troopers were advised that Tenace allegedly showed up at his ex-girlfriend’s place of employment, which violated a prior court order of protection. Tenace was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 property bond.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that 16 more businesses plan to expand in or locate to New York State as a result of START-UP NY program that establishes tax-free areas associated with colleges and universities across the state. The Governor announced that efforts at SUNY Binghamton University will result in 21 new jobs, as SensAttire, they will locate to the incubator at the Engineering and Science building in Vestal. The company will not only create 21 new jobs but they will also invest over $3,00,000.
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The Cancer Services Program of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties continues to perform free screenings for women & men who are uninsured or under-insured. There are no income requirements; those interested in free health screenings can call 1-888-345-0225 for an appointment or more information.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced a $70,000 legislative grant to support improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport. Senator Seward announced the grant during a ribbon cutting for the first-phase of renovation work performed at the airport terminal by students at the Oneonta Job Corp Academy. New upgrades at the airport include: a new conference area; ADA compliant bathroom facilities; and exterior painting. The grant will fund additional interior improvements such as: security and fire alarm systems; entry gate detection loops; computers; and conference room area displays. Otsego Now will also be studying additional improvements at the Oneonta Municipal Airport after receiving a $50,000 grant through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
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State Senator Fred Akshar & Rebuild New York Now are urging Governor Cuomo to fund upstate infrastructure projects at the same rate as downstate projects:

(Fred Akshar 12-16-15)

Akshar said that about 6,000 bridges and 60% of upstate roadways are in need of repair.
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Governor Cuomo announced the release of program criteria for the $25 million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program. The eligibility requirements are now available online at agriculture.ny.gov. The program will provide funding for projects designed to help farms and agribusinesses expand and grow their operations, as well as increase environmental enhancements in Broome, Chenango, & Delaware counties locally. Applications will be available beginning January 19th. Projects that are awarded State funding may receive up to $100,000.