(Cuomo 1-16-18)

Lawmakers have until April 1st to get a budget passed in time for the new fiscal year.
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63-year old Ray Agard of Fort Plain was charged with DWI, Speed not reasonable & Prudent, criminal possession of a Controlled Substance among other charges, after he drove his car into the Jones residence on State Highway 28 in the Town of Milford. Agard lost control of the vehicle and exited the right shoulder, striking a snow bank. His vehicle continued off the roadway before coming to rest in the Jones home, he faces court action shortly.
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Delaware County Sheriff Craig Dumond will hold an active shooter/ disturbance Training session in Sidney on January 17th, Sheriff Dumond told WCDO News about the session:

(Dumond 1-16-18)

The session will be held in January 17th at the Sacred Heart Church on Liberty Street in Sidney starting at 10:00 AM.
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The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has reprimanded Guilford Town Justice Joan Kline. Kline is accused of procedural errors & inappropriate comments; she has decided to accept the censure.
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A new Sienna College Poll found voters like major elements of Governor Cuomo’s 2018 State of the State address that was unveiled last week. The most popular proposal with 76% approval is the plan to pass the Child Victims Act, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for sex crimes, committed against minors and increase the statute of limitations for civil cases. Over 65% supported the plan to prevent taxpayer funds from being used to settle sexual harassment claims involving state officials. 65% favor early voting, The Dream Act was supported by 60%, Making Roe vs. Wade into a permanent State law was backed by 59%. 58% approve of filing a lawsuit challenging the new federal tax law.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is holding a Labor Law Seminar on Friday at the chamber’s offices on Main Street beginning at 8:00 a.m. The presentation focuses on Labor and Employment Law for small employers from hiring to firing and the investigations and policies in-between including the newly enacted paid family leave policy. Registration deadline is Wednesday; members can register at otsegocc.com or call 267-4010 extension 104.
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The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public & will begin at 7:00 PM.

36 year old James Giacalone of Glen Aubrey was formally charged Monday with 2 counts of attempted 1st-degree murder and is being detained by authorities in Pennsylvania. Giacalone is accused of trying to run down 2 state troopers earlier this month in Binghamton with his vehicle, following a chase & crash into a utility Pole in Binghamton. Giacalone is being held on $250,000 bond and was remanded to the custody of the warden of the Montour County Prison; he will be extradited to New York State after he is released from a Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the face.
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The Trial of Wayne Spratley of Greene is underway in Chenango county court. Spratley was charged with assault, attempted 2nd degree murder and criminal use of a weapon, for an alleged hate crime attack in a Norwich City Parking lot in July of 2015.
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All After School Activities at the Walton central School District have been cancelled today, following the death of a female 12th grade student due to an unspecified medical emergency. School officials said that counselors, school psychologists & trained staff are available for support for any students or staff for the next few days.
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The State Senate Republican majority announced their “Blueprint for a Stronger New York” that they claim will make the state less costly and more attractive for hardworking New Yorkers. State Senator Fred Akshar commented at an ALbany Press Conference:

(Akshar 1-9-17)

The Affordability blueprint calls for additional decreases in Income Taxes, Property Taxes, Energy Taxes, Lower Taxes on Retirement & Reforms to Control Spending and Prevent Tax Increases.
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The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has reprimanded Guilford Town Justice Joan Kline. Kline is accused of procedural errors & inappropriate comments; she has 30 days to appeal.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State has certified 2,123 minority and women-owned businesses, exceeding the goal established in his State of the State Address 2 years ago. The State’s streamlined the certification process, more than 6,600 Minority or Women owned businesses have been newly certified since 2011, which allows them access to perform on public contracts.

Adverse weather conditions overnight and this morning have led to numerous problems in the tri-county region.  NYSEG reports that about 1430 customers are without power, about 1000 of those in Franklin.  Police have responded to numerous accidents this morning due to slippery road conditions, they advise motorists’ drive with extra caution.

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Former General Clinton Canoe Regatta chairperson Pam LeFever died Wednesday at her Unadilla residence, following a lengthy illness.  LaFever was an area business owner and had volunteered in a variety of local endeavors, including serving as the chair for the general Clinton canoe regatta for 6 years, and for supporting veterans serving in the military overseas.  Calling hours will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Friday December 28th at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Main Street in Sidney, followed by a memorial service there at 3:00 PM.  Family & friends will gather at 4:00 PM at the Sidney American Legion on Union Street.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, 13820.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a one-car motor vehicle accident on County Highway 12 in East Meredith.  29-year-old Chris Mathewson of Davenport failed to negotiate a curve in the road, striking a bridge abutment.  Mathewson had left the scene prior to the arrival of police & was ticketed for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident and failure to keep right.  Mathewson will appear in Meredith Town Court.

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The Mohawk valley regional development council will receive over 59 million dollars for submitting 1 of the winning entries that were announced by Governor Cuomo Wednesday.  State senator Jim Seward supports the Governor’s regional ground-up approach:

(Seward)

Seward said that the partnership from area colleges, business and government officials would go for projects to improve on the local assets of agriculture, education and tourism.

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New York State’s economy gained 83,500 private sector jobs in 2012, according to the State Department of Labor.  The year-to-date gain of jobs was impacted by the loss of 29,100 private sector jobs in November 2012 due to the widespread impact of Hurricane Sandy on the greater New York City region. The State’s unemployment rate fell 4 tenths to 8.3% in October, but state officials noted that the monthly survey was completed a prior to Hurricane Sandy, next months report will reflect the effect of they storm.

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The state Commission on Judicial Conduct reported that Gary Anderson of Bainbridge Town Court in Chenango County has resigned. Anderson is accused of mishandling cases in 2011 and 2012, failing to advise a defendant of the right to an attorney, inappropriately questioning defendants at arraignment and finding defendants guilty without a plea, trial or opportunity for cross-examination.  Anderson has served as Bainbridge court justice since November 2008.

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The Sidney Elks Lodge will hold their annual Free Throw “Hoop Shoot” contest on Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club of Sidney in the Sidney Civic Center. Registration for the Elks “Hoop Shoot” will begin at 9:00 AM; the free throw Contest is free and open to all Tri-Town area boys and girls ages 8 to 13. More information is available at 563-2012.

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