Broome County Fire officials reported that 4 people died early this morning in a house fire at 439 State Line Road in the town of Vestal. Fire officials said that a mother & 3 of her children were killed in that fire, one 15 year child escaped, and the father of the children was at work. the fire was called in at about 2:00 AM this morning, 5 area fire departments responded, more details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation as well as family notification..
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Governor Cuomo announced that road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended from 6:00 AM Friday, to 6:00 AM Tuesday, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. AAA predicts that of the more than 37 million people traveling more than 50 miles from home this weekend, an estimated 33 million of them will be traveling by car. This Memorial Day weekend is expected to have the highest travel volume of the past ten years. Travelers can call 511 or by access 511ny.org for details.
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Landowners & businesses along the I-88 corridor are now attending a second round of public meetings for a second pipeline proposal from Kinder Morgan, after the region already attended meeting for the Constitutition pipeline along the same pathway. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez comments:
(Lopez 5-21-15)
The plans call for the Constitution Pipeline to provide access along the way to businesses & municiaplities, including Amphenol in Sidney, the Kinder Morgan pipeline initially calls for no such local offerings.
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Governor Cuomo announced that New Yorkers can now contact the New York State HOPEline addiction referral and support service by texting 1-877-8-HOPENY. The HOPEline is a free and confidential 24-hour service that connects people who are struggling with substance abuse and problem gambling to trained professionals for assistance in times of need. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services has contracted with the Mental Health Association of New York to expand existing HOPEline services to include the texting feature.
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On Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, Scoville-Meno in Sidney will partner with parents & teachers at parking lot of Unadilla Elementary School for a “Drive for the Kids” fundraiser, to raise money during the Playground Celebration. Parents and guests can earn a $10 contribution for the school from the Chrysler brand, by taking a test drive in a new 2015 Chrysler vehicle from Scoville-Meno. More information is available at drive4kids.com.
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The State DMV has seen a significant increase in the number of motorcycle permit holders who participate in motorcycle safety courses. DMV Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan announced that in 2014, 70% of motorcycle permits holders in New York State elected to take motorcycle safety courses, up from 51% in 2010. There are between 36,000 and 44,000 permit riders in a given year in New York State, which allows them to ride on the road under the guidance of a licensed motorcycle operator.