Governor Cuomo today signed an executive order banning all non-essential state travel to Mississippi. The order requires all New York State agencies, departments, boards and commissions to immediately review all requests for state funded or state sponsored travel to the state of Mississippi, and bar any such publicly funded travel that is not essential to the enforcement of state law or public health and safety. The ban follows Mississippi’s enactment of a discriminatory law that allows business and non-profit groups to refuse service to people on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce announced today that Long time Sidney Fire Department member & former Chief Ray Baker is this year’s choice for “Citizen of the Years” Baker told WCDO News he was quite surprised to get the honor at this mornings chamber meeting:
(Ray Baker 4-6-16)
This year’s Sidney Chamber “Business of the Years” award goes to the Cullman Child Care Center, Director Amy Williams comments:
(Amy Williams 4-6-16)
Baker & the Cullman Center will both be honored at the Sidney Chamber Of Commerce’s annual dinner in June.
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The Line up has been set for this Years “Rock In The Park” Concert at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. This year’s Headliner will be the “Marshall Tucker Band” with local acts Tumbleweed Highway, Wreckless Marci & Woodshed Prophets all performing. Tickets are available at Snips & Snails Consignment shop in Bainbridge, through the Chenango SPCA or at Ticketmaster.com; all proceeds will go to the Chenango SPCA.
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The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties announced that the The CASH Coalition of Otsego and Delaware Counties can still prepare and file state and federal income taxes for free, for taxpayers who made under $62,000.00 in the 2015 tax year. The program is available for use on any home computer or public computers at CDO Workforce Offices, in Oneonta, Sidney or Delhi, at the SFCU branch in Delhi. Also, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is available for individuals and families who made under $54,000 in the 2015 tax year, They offer free tax preparation and filing by trained individuals under the supervision of volunteer site coordinators, apointments are required by calling Catholic Charities at 432-0061. More information is available at United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties at 432-8006.
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Franklin Central School District officials saved more than $800,000 in health insurance costs by switching carriers and offering employees a buyout incentive, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. In January 2013, Franklin school officials assessed the benefits and costs associated with the district’s health insurance coverage and pursued a lower cost alternative, they found a new insurance carrier that was less expensive and which offered employees 2 additional health plans that provided equivalent or better coverage than the previous plan. the district saved an additional $283,000 by offering 25 employees an annual health insurance buyout incentive.
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On Friday, April 1st, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested several people following an investigation into an under aged drinking party. Arrested were 19-year-old Kyle Conklin of Delhi, 19 year old John Gisonna, of Delhi, 24-year-old Stephen Jastrow of Delhi, 20-year-old Christopher O’Connor of Bayville, 24-year-old Anthony Rodriguez of Delhi, 23-year-old Alexander Bracco of Delhi All face court action in Town of Delhi court at a later date.
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On Sunday, Delaware County Deputies stopped a vehicle in the Town of Hamden for not having an inspection displayed in the front window. As a result of this traffic stop, Deputies arrested 20 year old Anthony Mastrorocco of Walton for driving while ability impaired by drugs, Unlawful possession of Marijuana and uninspected motor vehicle. He was issued appearance tickets for each charge returnable to the Town of Hamden Court on May 2nd.
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State Senator Jim Seward announced that the recently adopted State budget includes $200,000 for the City of Oneonta to help offset public safety costs generated due to being a SUNY host community.
(Seward 4-5-16)
Senator Seward’s legislation includes a formula to distribute state aid to municipalities hosting four-year SUNY schools, the bill been referred to the Senate Finance Committee & Companion legislation has been introduced in the State Assembly.
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State Senator Fred Akshar announced that another meeting would be held regarding the continuing heroin & opioid addiction crisis. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 13th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Chenango Valley High School Auditorium.
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The city of Oneonta announced today that the citizens campaign for the environment will be conducting a home to home canvass in the city from 4:00 to 9:00 PM Mondays through Fridays now through the month of June. More information is available at 432-6450.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Job Fair today from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The Job fair will be held at the Holiday Inn, on State Route 23, Oneonta
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Governor Cuomo announced that he is deploying the Department of Financial Services’ Mobile Command Center to help eligible New Yorkers prepare and file their taxes for free. The unit will be making stops at locations throughout Upstate New York between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.: Locally, the event will be held today in Oneonta at the Foothills Performing Arts Center.
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The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting this morning at 7:45. The meeting will be held at Trackside dining on Main Street.
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