(Mike Piazza on 9-11-)

Ken Griffey Junior’s father, Ken Griffey Senior was an outstanding player in his own right. Junior discussed being able to play in Seattle with his dad briefly, and for his dad taking him the see the Cincinnati Reds “Big Red Machine of the 70’s” as a young boy:

(Ken Griffey Jr. on Sr)

Griffey wrapped up his speech by putting on Hall of Fame Baseball cap, and turning it around backwards like he did during his playing days, at the last minute urging of Hall Of Famer Frank Thomas. Hall of Fame Weekend also feature the Saturday Awards Presentation, when Ford C. Frick Award winner the late Graham McNamee and J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Dan Shaughnessy honored for their broadcasting & writing about Baseball.
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SIDNEY HIGH SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD STANDOUT MALLORY STILLMAN RECENTLY RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA AND HAWAII TO COMPETE IN THE “DOWN UNDER SPORTS” GAMES REPRESENTING THE USA. STILLMAN IS A STANDOUT SPRINTER FOR THE WARRIORS AND GOT TO FACE SOME OF THE BEST YOUNG ATHLETES IN THE WORLD AT THE GAMES:

(Mallory Stillman 7-25-16)

STILLMAN HAS MADE IT TO THE NEW YORK STATE TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS THE PAST 2 YEARS AND HOPES THIS EXPERIENCE WILL HELP HER TO RETURN TO STATES AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
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Sidney  officials announced that the Main Street Railroad crossing in Sidney is closed for repairs, until further notice. Village officials said that the repairs may take a day or 2 to complete, motorists are advised to use Union Street as a detour.
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NYSEG Reminds area residents to report any downed trees or power lines due to strong summer thunderstorms. Residents are also reminded to never touch downed power lines, call Nyseg & law enforcement immediate if you pot downed power lines. NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.
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A.M. NEWS Monday 7-25-16
The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2016 Induction Ceremony with Mike Piazza & Ken Griffey Jr. drew about 50,000 people to the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown Sunday. Mike Piazza went first, thanking his Parents, Brothers, Wife & Children, Managers, Coaches, and even quoted Teddy Roosevelt at the end of his speech:

(Piazza 7-25-16)

Ken Griffey Junior aso thanked family, friends coaches & Team mates along the way in his emotional speech:

(Griffey 7-25-16)

Griffey wrapped up his speech by putting on Hall of Fame Baseball cap, and turning it around backwards like he did during his playing days. The Hall Of Fame weekend wraps up for Piazza & Griffey Monday with a Roundatable discussion at the Hall, Hall of Fame Weekend also feature the Saturday Awards Presentation, when Ford C. Frick Award winner the late Graham McNamee and J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Dan Shaughnessy honored for their broadcasting & writing about Baseball.
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Last Monday , a Town of North Norwich resident was arrested for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Driving Across Hazard Markings following a Motor Vehicle Accident in the Town of Norwich. Deputies arrested 30 year old Robert Youngblood following a one car motor vehicle collision on State Highway 12 in the Town of Norwich, he was found to be operating a motor vehicle while being in an impaired state due to drugs. Youngblood was issued tickets to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date. The collision caused a utility pole to be severed, State Highway 12 had to be closed for 8 ½ hours while NYSEG worked on the lines.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that $3 million is available from the Environmental Protection Fund in grants to assist municipalities in New York State with recent, unexpected costs of collection and recycling of eligible electronic wastes. New York State consumers are required to recycle electronic waste, such as computers, keyboards, televisions, and small electronic equipment, in an environmentally responsible manner. These grants, part of the FY2017 State Budget’s record $300 million investment in the Environmental Protection Fund, will mitigate the growing unexpected financial costs so that municipalities can recycle electronic waste efficiently and sustainably.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies are currently investigating a number of recently reported thefts of cash, produce and farm other products from self-serve farm stands located on the County Highway 18 between Delhi and South Kortright, as well as on East Bramley Mountain Road in Bovina Center. Anyone with information concerning these or other thefts from a farm stand or, who observes unusual or suspicious activity in the area of a farm stand, to contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office at (607) 832-5555. All calls remain confidential.
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(Andy Matviak 7-22-16)

Matviak said that construction would start on the 2nd & 3rd floors after the closing; 2+4 Management is the same developer behind the Sherwood Heights project.
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Governor Cuomo today signed legislation that eliminates sales tax on feminine hygiene products. The bill exempts these products from all local and State sales tax, Feminine hygiene products have been taxable since the state sales tax was first instituted in 1965, even as a wide variety of other goods, such as dietary and family planning products, have been exempt. The new exemption is expected to save women purchasing tampons, and other similar products, an estimated $10 million a year.
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Governor Cuomo today signed legislation expanding New York State’s “Move-Over” Law to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. The measure requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane when approaching a vehicle with flashing blue or green lights that are operated by volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers involved in a roadside emergency. Previously, the “Move-Over” law only applied to drivers approaching stopped police, emergency or hazard vehicles with flashing red and white or amber lights.
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Magic City Music Hall in Binghamton was advised Thursday evening that a member of Quiet Riot, who were scheduled to appear Saturday night, was hospitalized yesterday afternoon, necessitating cancellation of the band’s upcoming show. Magic City Officials are working with management to reschedule the show, in the meantime; Quiet Riot Tickets may be redeemed for a credit towards any other announced concert at Magic City, including Ace Frehley on Saturday September 24th or for a refund. Magic City has also just announced that Sister Hazel will perform there on September 9th; tickets go on sale on Saturday July 30th.
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The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services awarded $1 million in funding to support 25 new treatment beds to provide care for New Yorkers with substance use disorders. The funding was awarded to Tompkins County addiction treatment services provider Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services for the creation of a new 25-bed adult residential treatment facility. The residential treatment facility in Trumansburg will offer a full spectrum of addiction treatment services to residents including counseling, life-skills training and after-discharge support.
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The 1st annual Pound 4 Paws fundraising event will be held in Oxford Saturday night. A variety of sporting competitions will be held, sponsored by the Pound Gym in Norwich, proceeds will go to the Delaware Valley Humane society, the event starts at 7:00 PM Saturday at 207 Tamarac Road in Oxford.
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The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2016 Induction Ceremony will Ken Griffey Jr.& Mike Piazza, beginning at 1:30 PM Sunday at the Clark Sports Center. Hall of Fame Weekend will also feature the Saturday Awards Presentation, when Ford C. Frick Award winner Graham McNamee and J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Dan Shaughnessy will each be honored. On Saturday in Cooperstown, will be the Parade of Legends down main Street, and on Monday, Piazza & Griffey will participate in the Legends of the Game Roundtable discussion.
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On Saturday, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host the Bainbridge Summer Fest with a variety of event & a showcase the new sound system for use during village and town events. Spokesperson June White Comments

(June White 7-22-16)

White said that at 7:00 pm, one of Payne’s Cranes would drop 400 golf balls on the lawn next to the Methodist Church. There will be prizes for the Golf balls that are closest to the hole; tickets can be purchased at Hometown Hardware, Highway 7 Bar and Grill, B&W Wines and Liquors LLC, Nana’s Keepsakes, New Image Hair Care, Newbauer’s Construction and Bainbridge House Bed and Breakfast. Also, at 8:00 pm “Footloose” will be featured as The Movie in the park.
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Governor Cuomo signed legislation that requires guidelines for end of life notices and visitation rights regarding incapacitated individuals subject of legal guardianship proceedings. The bill requires the court order appointing a guardian to oversee the care of an incapacitated person to identify all individuals who are entitled to notice of a person’s death, funeral and burial arrangements.
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State Senator Fred Akshar of Colesville announced his official candidacy for reelection at his First Annual “Spiedies with the Senator” event at Chenango Valley State Park. Akshar was elected in a special election last year to finish up the term, following the conviction of the late Senator Tom Libous.

(Magee 6-8-16)

A flurry of bills is expected to be passed in Albany in the last days, the Assembly once again passed the Dream Act for tuitions for the children of illegal aliens, and it once again faces little chance of passing in the Senate.
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Projects supported by New York’s Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) produced nearly 36,000 additional jobs in 2014, an increase of 18 percent from the prior year, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This is DiNapoli’s ninth annual report examining the performance of the state’s IDAs and how these entities work to attract, retain and expand businesses within their communities. DiNapoli’s report shows the state’s 109 active IDAs provided $1.1 billion in total tax exemptions in 2014. These exemptions were partially offset by $483 million in payments-in-lieu of taxes, leaving the total net exemptions for the year at $632 million – a decrease of $28.5 million, or 4.3 percent, from 2013.
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Governor Cuomo announced $16.3 million to fund rail and port improvement projects across New York State. The grants from the Governor’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program will support projects that strengthen infrastructure vital to the movement of goods throughout the state, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments. In the Southern Tier, the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway will receive $1.4 million for construction of a state of the art Rail Terminal in Binghamton.
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The Congressional Candidates for the 19th district will debate tonight in Oneonta. Republicans Andrew Heaney & John Faso will debate each other at 7:00 PM, Democrats Will Yandik & Zephyr Teachout will debate at 8:30 PM both will be at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, The debate is sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 39 year old Arlo Biviano of Norwich for DWI Wednesday, following the report of a one car roll over accident on County Road 29 near the intersection of Tiffany Road in the Town of North Norwich with possible entrapment. Biviano’s vehicle left the roadway and overturned over an embankment before striking a light pole. Both occupants escaped the crash with minor injuries. Biviano was processed and released on appearance tickets for later court action in the Town of North Norwich Court.
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The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday June 3rd is the last day to register for the June 28th Federal Primary Election. Primaries will be held for Democrats & Republicans in the 19th Congressional District race. Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at co.delaware.ny.us/departments, by calling 832-5321 or at the County office in Delhi.
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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, June 2, 2016, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM with a Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct.
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(Piazza 3-10-16)

Piazza will be inducted into the national Baseball Hall Of Fame with Ken Griffey Junior in July.
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Budget negotiations continue among lawmakers in Albany with Conference Committee activity beginning next week. State lawmakers are dealing with a budget surplus this year, Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 3-10-16)

Crouch said that the surplus includes 1 time settlement money, which he hopes will be used for infrastructure projects upstate, where 40% of the bridges are in need of repair or replacement.
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Constitution Pipeline Company announced today that they are changing the projected start of service from the 4th quarter of this year to the 2nd half of 2017. The company says it won’t be able to complete tree-clearing before the end of March; they have completed tree-felling along the Pennsylvania leg of the project, New York work will not begin until state regulators issue a water quality certification. The Constitution Pipeline would be a 124-mile of natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania through the southern Tier for distribution into the New England markets.
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The State Department of Environmental Conservation and local Fire Departments remind area residents that the annual burn ban will be in effect from March 16th to May 14th. The DEC prohibits outdoor residential burning during the high-risk fire season to reduce the number of wildfires and protect people, property and natural resources. Since being enacted in 2009, the ban has been effective in reducing the number of wildfires. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.
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The Saint Baldrick’s Foundation will hold one of their head shaving events on Saturday at the American Legion Hall at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich at 6:00 PM. About 45 people are expected to get their head shaved to show solidarity with children with cancer, and to raise money to conquer childhood cancers. More information is available at stbaldricks.org/events/Norwich, or that the Norwich Saint Baldricks facebook page.
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Nearly a thousand people will come to Broome County this summer to take part in the 98th annual New York State American Legion Convention, as well as the 96th annual New York State Auxiliary Convention and the 42nd annual Sons of the American Legion Convention. The conventions will take place from Thursday, July 13th through Saturday, July 16th; The Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton, along with the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena will serve as the headquarters for the Legion Convention.
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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office & New York State Parole arrested 3 people on drug charges at a motel in the Town of Dickinson during a parole Check. Deputies found the parolee & 2 females, as well as cocaine, hypodermic needles, packaging material, Marihuana & heroin. 23-year-old Odell Tindley from the Bronx & Binghamton was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was sent to the Broome County Jail on the parole warrant & will be arraigned at a later date. 22-year-old Rochelle Landon Of Newfield and 20-year-old Hanna Lecoq Of Interlaken were both charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana Violation. They were released on appearance ticket for the Town of Dickinson Court.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & Sherburne Police investigated incidents of criminal mischief and larceny, on March 8the & 9th. The investigation began with the report of a motor vehicle crash in the Town of Smyrna, the occupants of the vehicle left the scene, and the vehicle was stolen from Sherburne. Information led to the arrest of a 15 year old male & 17 year old Michael Wilson, of Sherburne. The pair is accused of stealing the vehicle; spray painting vehicles, school buildings, and residences & stealing items from vehicles. Both were charged for multiple counts of Grand Larceny, Petty Larceny, and Criminal Mischief, the amount of damage and stolen property is approximately $15,000.00 The 15 year old male was released on a juvenile appearance ticket and Michael Wilson is being arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court. The investigation is continuing and the Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call 337-1931 or 334-2000 option 1.
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The city of Oneonta announced that a special meeting of the legislative Committee has been scheduled for today. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at Oneonta City hall; the committee will discuss proposed changes to the City charter.
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Nominations for the Sidney Chamber of Commerce “Citizens of The Years” & “Business of the Years are due today to the Chamber office. The award winners will be announced in April and will be honored at the Annual Dinner in June. More information is available at Sidneychamber.org or by calling 561-2642.
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The village of Bainbridge Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting today at 4:30 PM at the village office at 33 West Main Street. The Purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the 2016-2017 Village Budget; the meeting is open to the public.
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(Magee 3-9-16)

Magee said that both houses will send their proposed budgets out fro printing on Friday, conference committees should get started negotiating next week & the budget should be completed by the April 1st deadline again this year.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a consumer alert today for National Consumer Protection Week, reminding New Yorkers to protect themselves against recurring government “imposter” phone scams. These scams often target seniors, students, and first-generation Americans. Recent scams include callers posing as a representative from the Attorney General’s office, the IRS, or as officers of the court regarding alleged missed Jury Duty & the threat of arrest or other penalties. Schneiderman said that New Yorkers should also report instances of fraud to ag.ny.gov or 1-800-771-7755.
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The New York State Senate today passed a resolution honoring Mike Piazza for his impending induction into the National Baseball Hall of fame this summer. Piazza will be inducted with a New York Mets cap on his plaque, for his 7 1/2 years as a member of the team, which won the National League championship in 2000. Piazza spent part of Tuesday at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum at Cooperstown before visiting the state Capital today. A copy of the resolution can be found at nysenate.gov/legislation/resolutions.
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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Department announced that there will be a fundraiser this Sunday in Walton, to support their K9 Unit, which has been an integral part of the County’s crackdown on Drug dealers in the County. The fundraise will be held on Sunday at Danny’s Restaurant at 14 Gardiner Place in Walton from 12:00 noon until 7:00 PM, donations can be made by check to Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills, with “K9 Drug Fund” in the memo box. More information about the fundraiser can be directed to Danny’s restaurant at 865-8496.
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The Binghamton Zoo will be open for the next two weekends on March 12th, 13th, and the 19th and 20th, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Visitors will be able to tour the zoo for half price admission on those days, The Binghamton Zoo is located at 60 Morgan Road in Binghamton, more information is available at 724-5461 or rossparkzoo.com.
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The “YES LEADS” program will hold a joint Heroin Awareness Night between Afton and Bainbridge-Guilford High Schools at the BG District today. The program will feature State Senator Fred Akshar, State Police, Chenango County Sheriff, Chenango County District Attorney, Chenango County Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Southern Tier AIDS Program & Recovering Addicts, The event is today starting with a free pizza dinner at 5:30, & the program begins at 6:00 PM.
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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is accepting the nominations for Citizen of the Years & Business of the Years through tomorrow. Sidney Chamber President Stephanie Taylor comments:

(Steph Taylor 3-10-16)

More information is available at the newly revamped website, Sidney chamber.org or by calling 561-2642
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Governor Cuomo announced that $2.4 million has been distributed to 100 organizations that provide employment services to individuals with disabilities via the New York State Employment Services System. This funding is part of the Governor’s Employment First Initiative to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, decrease the poverty rate of those with disabilities; and encourage businesses to establish formal policies to hire people with disabilities.
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The Otsego county Chamber of Commerce will offer the Leadership Otsego program, which is accepting applications for the class of 2016. Leadership Otsego is a program that kicks off in April and engages emerging and existing leaders in a 6-month program that sharpens leadership skills. An informational session will be held today at 6:00 PM at Roots Brewing Company on Main Street, Oneonta. More information is available at 432-4500

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(Seward 1-10-13)

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch also responded:

(Crouch 1-10-13)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez also commented:

(Lopez 1-10-13)

Lawmakers get back to work in Albany, they will receive the governors executive budget proposal by the end of the month.

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Governor Cuomo relayed his disgust during his state of the state address yesterday, regarding receiving about 14% of the federal aid requested, which took congress more than 2 ½ months to send after Hurricane Sandy pummeled the state:

(Cuomo to Congress)

Cuomo pointed out that Hurricane Katrina is widely viewed as a slow response with aid to Louisiana in 2005, that response was 10 days; the Hurricane Sandy partial response is 74 days.

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A winning candidate did not emerge from the Hall of Fame balloting conducted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America with 569 ballots cast, none of the 37 candidates gained mention on the required 75% for election to the Hall of Fame.  Craig Biggio, received 388 votes, 39 less than needed, followed by pitcher Jack Morris with 385, Jeff Bagwell with 339, Mike Piazza with 329 & Tim Raines with 297.  The Induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, July 28^th at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, honoring umpire Hank O’Day, old-time New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert and 19^th-century player Deacon White.

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The Knights of Columbus are hosting a free throw championship this Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Sidney High School Gym.  Knights Spokesman Vic Tartaglia explains:

(Vic Tartaglia)

More information about the event can be obtained at 563-3920 or 369-4474.

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State Troopers arrested 59-year-old Diane Reynolds of Afton for Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of .20%. The arrest resulted from a vehicle stop in Greene; Reynolds was issued tickets returnable in the Village of Green Court on January 22^nd.

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Governor Cuomo will deliver the 2013 State of the State Address this afternoon in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany at 1:30 PM.  The address will be streamed at governor.ny.gov.

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The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown will announce this year’s inductees, who will be enshrined in the Hall later this summer.  Among the possible inductees include former Mets Catcher Mike Piazza, Astros great Craig Biggio, as well as suspected Steroid users Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro & Roger Clemens.  The Announcement is scheduled for 2:00 this afternoon.

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The State DOT today announced that, crews would be conducting pavement repair and pavement striping operations on Route 17 and Interstate 81 today in the vicinity of Prospect Mountain in the City of Binghamton, between 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon.  Traffic will experience rolling slow-downs administered by State Police, motorists should anticipate delays.

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Oneonta police have arrested Kerry Dalton of Oneonta, for the alleged theft of $425 through the misuse of a city owned gas card, while working as an employee at the city garage.  Dalton has been placed on administrative leave & will face court action at a later date.

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The Oneonta city environmental board will hold their next meeting this evening.  The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the common council chambers at Oneonta city hall.

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The Sidney chamber of commerce will hold their January Board meeting will be held this morning at 7:45 at Trackside Dining on Main Street.  Chambers members are encouraged to attend.

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