Archives for December 2019

State Senators James Seward and Fred Akshar along with Assemblymen Cliff Crouch, Brian Miller and John Salka are named to the New York Farm Bureau’s annual “Circle of Friends” list. A total of 77 state lawmakers are recognized for their support during 2019 of New York agriculture and the Farm Bureau based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance as well as other evidence of legislative support. The “Circle of Friends” is not an endorsement.

Source:
www.nyfb.org/news/press-releases/new-york-farm-bureau-announces-2019-circle-friends

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli urges gift card recipients to read the fine print for details about fees and expiration dates. While some gift cards sellers have eliminated inactivity fees, consumers should still ask whether fees apply. DiNapoli also reminds recipients to spend their new gift cards in a timely manner, otherwise the money could eventually get turned over to the Office of Unclaimed Funds. DiNapoli’s office is currently holding more than $16 billion in unclaimed funds.

Source:
www.osc.state.ny.us/press/releases/dec19/123019a.htm

On Thursday City of Oneonta crews will repair a water main break on Orchard St. near the dead end. That will result in part of Orchard beting closed along with sections of streets near the work area. The roads will be open only for local traffic so extra time should be factored in to get through detour routes. The work is to start at 9:00 a.m. Contact the the Department of Public Service with any questions.

Source:
Post at www.facebook.com/pg/cityofoneonta/posts/?ref=page_internal

The New York State Police in conjunction with other local law enforcement agencies are hosting “Coffee with a Cop” on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.at The Tulip and The Rose Café on Main Street in Franklin. The public is invited to come and enjoy a cup of coffee while they get to know local law enforcement. Members of the community will have the opportunity to talk about concerns and ask questions in a casual and informal environment.

Source:
www.nyspnews.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=69859

A woman is in critical condition after being hit Monday evening on the Lettis Highway. All Otsego reports the woman was struck while crossing the road near Main St. in an area that police say was not marked for pedestrians and is not well lit. She was taken to A.O. Fox Hospital. Investigators say the driver is cooperating with investigators and was ticketed for driving without a license but there’s no word on if charges will be filed in the accident.

Source:

Oneonta Woman In Critical Condition After Being Struck By Car

A family in Morris is looking for a new place to live after a fire destroys their home. All Otsego reports the Broad St. residence went up in flames on Saturday gutting the lower level and rendering the dwelling uninhablitable. Authorities say there was no one at home but a dog was rescued and is said to have been stressed out but safe. The American Red Cross is helping the family. Investigators say it looks like an electrical problem started the fire.

Source:

Second Morris Home Burns; Dog Rescued

Norwich City School District Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers issued an update on the district’s finances and where things stand as they get ready for 2020. A 2018 report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office found Norwich was in significant financial distress. Bowers says they have taken a number of steps including hiring a forensic auditor along with a business manager plus the district’s budget was frozen after Thanksgiving. The district is holding budget meetings on Feb. 5 and Mar. 11.

Source:

The state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation invites you to start 2020 with a First Day Hike. One of those is at Glimmerglass State Park and it will be an easy 1 – 1.5 mile hike starting at 10:00 a.m. with warm beverages and snacks served afterwards. Events are being held at Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne starting at 10:00 a.m. ant at Bowman Lake State Park/McDonough State Forest in Oxford starting at 11:00 a.m.

Sources:
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/112174.html?fbclid=IwAR2CdptDF-2Ji361LfL1yrCaYkObIYWGok7bp1di_nBlvCQsanjbDp1SHdU#New_York_City

and
parks.ny.gov/events/event-results.aspx?ft=36&lct=0

Starting a week from today employers will no longer be allowed to ask prospective employees about their salary history. That’s one provision of a new law that takes effect Jan. 6 and applies to both public and private sector employers. The law also means current employees do not have to provide their salary history from any outside employers. It also prevents businesses from seeking similar information from other sources.

Source:
www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2019/12/28/139573/new-york-state-department-of-labor-announces-implementation-of-new-law-to-close-gender-wage-gap-in-new-york

The recently passed federal budget brings increased funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. $9.7 million is allocated which is up 62% from last year and over double what the program received in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 combined. The funding will be open to eligible applicants in the Delaware River Watershed including government entities, non-profit organizations, and institutes of education implementing on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects.

Source:
www.delawarepublic.org/post/delaware-river-basin-restoration-program-receives-increased-grant-money-2020