It’s not looking to promising for New York State to have a budget passed by tonight’s deadline. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that the whole budget process has been out of the public’s eye & the rank & file Lawmakers again this year:

(Lopez 3-31-16)

Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO news this morning that he doesn’t see a budget passed by midnight:

(Cliff Crouch 3-31-16)

Crouch said that 1of the key sticking points in this year’s budget negotiation is the phased in minimum wage proposal, increases in revenue expected from New York City, he expressed disappointment in the closed process, and the lack of discussion about leadership term limits after many former legislative leaders faced charges & conviction for corruption.
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Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul & State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey unveiled a $2.2 million project that will transform the popular beach area at Chenango Valley State Park Wednesday. The project will expand the sand beach area and create multiple swim areas that provide a range of appropriate depths for all ages. Water circulation and quality will be improved through hydro-engineered technology and aeration, which pushes and circulates water from the bottom of the swim area.
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The 4th murder trial of Cal Harris begins today in Schoharie County Court. After 2 jury convictions in Tioga County court, 2 successful appeals, and a move to Schoharie County and a hung jury, Harris has requested that the Judge Richard Mott decide his fate after all the testimony is given. Harris is accused of killing his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.
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The New York State Court of Appeals has upheld smoking restrictions in state parks, unanimously rejecting arguments from a smokers’ rights group that parks officials exceeded their authority and smoking limits should be left to state lawmakers. Judge Eugene Fahey writes that lawmakers gave responsibility to the parks department authority to provide for public health and welfare within the park system. The parks office oversees 179 parks and 35 historic and other sites, they said that the smoking restrictions apply to less than 5% of their 330,000 acres.
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The Unadilla Youth for Christ organization will hold their 3rd annual 5K run this Saturday. The race begins at 10:30 from the Unadilla elementary school, registration & number pick up begins at 8:30. Participants are encouraged to run in costume, all proceeds benefit the youth for Christ teen center. More information is available at 432-0594.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension will be sponsoring two conferences on Epigenetics and Breastfeeding today with keynote speaker Larry Noble. The 1st conference is at the FoxCare Center from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, the 2nd at SUNY Delhi’s Okun Theatre from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
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The American Red Cross will have another area blood drive today in Chenango County, from 10:00 to 3:00 today at the NBT Bank Branch at 52 South Broad Street in Norwich. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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The city of Oneonta commission on community relations & human rights will meet tonight. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.
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The Otsego County Medical reserve corps will hold a meeting today for those looking to volunteer their expertise in the event of a disaster. Stefan Dunham heads up the corps:

(Stefan Dunham 3-31-16)

Dunham said that a meeting is today at 5:00 PM in Cooperstown at the Meadows Office Building, EMS Classroom b. More information is available at 547-6477 or dunhams@otsegocounty.com
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This morning at 8:30 AM until 9:30, The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Eye Opener Continental breakfast at The Hampton Inn in Oneonta on behalf of Catholic Charities for Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. The Dispute Resolution Center of Catholic Charities is currently recruiting potential candidates to become trained volunteer mediators for their program.
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