Closing arguments began earlier today in Broome County Court in the Murder trial of Almond Upton of Florida. Upton was on trial for 1st degree murder for the intentionally running down Trooper Christopher Skinner, while he was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on I-81 in the town of Chenango in May 2014. At the conclusion of closing arguments, the jury will begin deliberations.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the arrest and arraignment of 4 former employees of Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Cooperstown, who are accused of leaving a 94-year-old patient left in a recliner with substandard care for 41 hours over the Memorial Day weekend in May. Lorraine Caldwell, of Holland Patent, Amanda Gus of Hartwick, Sarah Schuyler of Mohawk and Donna Gray, of Sidney were charged with Falsifying Business Records, Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person & Willful Violation of Health Laws, all 4 were arraigned in Town of Otsego Court & were released on their own recognizance.
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The state DOT Announced that sections of state highways 8 & 51 that were damaged by storms & flash Floods, are improved since yesterday. DOT Region 9 Spokesman Dave Hamburg told WCDO News today that Route 8 was opened late yesterday afternoon to alternating traffic controlled by temporary signals. The Route 51 Bridge at County Route 3 between Mt. Upton and Morris was opened to traffic this morning. Both areas are safe for travel and work at both locations continues.
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Governor Cuomo announced that the New NY Broadband Program has made progress toward achieving its goal of broadband for all. On the heels of its merger with Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications has outlined its four-year rollout plan to service 145,000 currently unserved households in upstate New York.

(Cuomo 8-3-16)
Additionally, Charter will make available internet speeds of 100 megabits per second for more than 2 million upstate homes and businesses by early 2017, The Governor also unveiled the Program’s Round I awards, which will connect 34,000 homes to high-speed internet for the first time, giving 97% of New Yorkers broadband access.
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State Police at Sidney arrested 62-year-old James Jordan of Otego for menacing & criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a report of a fight at a home on State Route 7 in the Town of Otego. Jordan was in a physical dispute with another man while in his garage, when he allegedly grabbed an axe and threatened the other man with it, & for smashing the taillight on the man’s Volkswagen Jetta. Jordan left the scene but was located nearby and arrested, he was arraigned in Town of Otego court and was released without bail required. His next court date in the Town of Otego is on August 25th.
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The Progress continues on getting the Utica Mainline railroad running from Binghamton to Utica, through Chenango County, where service was disrupted by the 2006 floods Chenango County IDA Chairman Steve Craig explains:

(Steve Craig 8-3-16)

Craig said that the railroad expects to be serving customers again on that line in about a year.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Will is moving out of the Sidney Civic Center & Into New Offices on Main Street in Sidney as of September 1st. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor explains:

(Stephanie Taylor 8-3-16)

The Sidney Chamber Annual Gold Tournament will be held tomorrow at the Sidney Golf & Country Club, with room for another 1 or teams, also the recently rained out Cruise in has been rescheduled for Friday August 26th, and a Chamber open house at the new Office will be held on September 12th.
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State Senator Jim Seward & Assemblyman Bill Magee announced a $1 million grant, with half coming from each legislative house, to help fund the 12-tower Otsego County emergency communication system. The System is expected to be completed later this fall.
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DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Will hold a free rabies clinic today in Franklin. The Clinic will be held at the Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.
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The Sidney Town Board will be holding a one item agenda board meeting this afteroon. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM in the first floor board room, it will be open to the public.
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Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning at 7:45 at the Sidney Golf & Country Club. Chamber members are urged to attend.
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