37-year-old Samantha Werkheiser of Binghamton was found guilty of sexual abuse this morning, following a trial. Werkheiser was accused of abusing a 6-year-old child starting in 2003, her first conviction was thrown out on appeal, but she was found guilty again in this 2nd trial. Sentencing is scheduled for March 10th.
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Delaware Valley Humane Society in Sidney is looking for donations of cleaning supplies & food for the animals at the shelter, among other items. Director Erin Johnson explains:
(Erin Johnson 2-9-17)
Johnson said that they had over a dozen Dogs & about 40 cats for adoption; more information is available at 563-7780.
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The New York State Assembly Minority Task Force on Protecting the Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities conducted 11 informational forums and issued a series of recommendations in a report published today. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch participated:
(Crouch 2-9-17)
Among the recommendations, Enacting a Bill of Rights for individuals with developmental disabilities, Requiring the Department of Labor and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to conduct a wage study for direct care workers; Establishing a service learning or internship program for students interested in working with individuals with developmental disabilities; Amending tuition rates for Special Act School Districts; and Directing the Commissioner of Transportation to conduct a statewide study and review of the transportation of individuals with developmental disabilities. More information on the task force is available through the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073.
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State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman unveiled a package of measures aimed at overhauling and simplifying voting in New York State. Schneiderman’s proposal would create a system of early voting, automatic and same-day registration; it would consolidate state and federal primaries and shorten the deadline for registering in a political party. Schneiderman’s legislation comes after his office conducted a review of voting in New York, identifying issues with registration and participating in party primaries.
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The state capital is hosting Black History Month with a free exhibit honoring prominent African Americans with ties to New York State. Among those being honored, Harriet Tubman, Recently deceased broadcaster Gwen Ifill, as well as various artists, writers, activists & soldiers. The items displayed at the state capital this month will then be moved the National Museum of African American History in Washington DC.
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On February 18th, the 22nd annual Polar Bear Jump will be held at Goodyear Lake. This year, they will raise funds through pledges by jumping into the frigid waters; they will also raise funds with the Polar Bear Auction with donations from numerous local businesses and organizations. All proceeds are used to support local children and families with medical issues and the community organizations that support them.
New York State is setting aside nearly $20 million dollars to assist local health care providers looking to expand or upgrade their facilities. The New Community Health Care Revolving Fund is intended to help health organizations that might not be able to expand otherwise. The money will be awarded in the form of low cost loans for mental health clinics or community clinics on projects to construct, expand or renovate facilities. Governor Cuomo said that the funding would help ensure that every New Yorkers has access to quality health care.
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The Tourism Advisory Board of Delaware County is planning to hold a series of public information meetings for public input and comments on the use of funds raised through the Delaware County Hotel Occupancy Tax. The Tourism Advisory Board has drafted a proposal for how occupancy tax funds will be made available to support tourism promotion activities in 2017, and will hold a series of public meetings to present the proposal and solicit public input. The meetings will begin at 5:30pm starting with one on February 20th at the Delaware County Public Safety Building, Delhi, February 23rd – Hancock Town Hall, March 2nd – Stamford Town Hall, & March 6th – Middletown Town Hall. More information is available at 832-5123.
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