The State Department of Environmental Conservation allocated $1.35 million for the first round of competitive awards from the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Grant Program. Awards can go to eligible, accredited land trusts for purchasing conservation easements on forested land to protect the lands from future development. Source: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/124953.html
A Sidney man is arraigned on federal child pornography cfharges. According to prosecutors an investigation determined the man possessed images and videos on his phone. He is being held pending future proceedings. The case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security agents with assistance from State Police. Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/delaware-county-man-charged-possessing-child-pornography
New York could see changes to bail reform laws passed in 2019. According to the New York Post Gov. Kathy Hochul is to propose a 10-point plan which among other things makes more crimes bail eligible and detain repeat offenders. The proposal is to be included in state budget negotiations. Source: https://nypost.com/2022/03/17/gov-hochul-to-pitch-changes-to-bail-reform-law-as-part-of-sweeping-public-safety-plan/
The Boy Scouts of America Leatherstocking Council is putting their camp in Maryland up for sale. According to All Otsego officials made the difficult decision to sell Camp Henderson because of declining enrollment. Scouts hve gone to the camp off Route 35 for dozens of years. Source: Scouts selling Camp Henderson
Springbrook’s Chief Operating Officer outlines plans to renovate the Ford Block Buildings in Oneonta. Seth Haight tells All Otsego the planned $6.5 million project will create more than 22 market-rate residential units while keeping existing first-floor retailers. Construction is to start in the second quarter of 2022. Source; Springbrook details plans for “Ford on Main”
SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station receives a five-year, $2.2-million contract to expand the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership Watershed Steward Program. It provides free inspections of watercraft and equipment at boat launches and fishing access sites throughout the greater Catskill region. Source: Press release
The Arc Otsego is recognizing the accomplishments of Dr. Celeste A. Johns who is retiring from Bassett Healthcare Network. Dr. Johns worked with the nonprofit for the last 12 years supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Officials say she will be greatly missed. Source: Press release
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has a new K-9 officer. The dog named “Edge” was purchased with a $30,000 Homeland Security grant and will be trained for explosives detection. School Resource Deputy Corporal Jeff Clark will be Edge’s handler and both will begin training soon. Source: https://www.facebook.com/DelawareCountySheriff/posts/335554188617111
New York is distributing more than 20 million no-cost COVID-19 over-the-counter tests the Spring to bolster the state’s ongoing preparedness efforts. The kits are being sent to o nursing homes, adult care facilities, and schools plus elected officials will handle kit distribution to the public. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-more-20-million-covid-19-tests-be-deployed-across-state-through
22nd District Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s office is accepting entries for the 2022 Congressional Art Competition which is open to all 11th and 12th grade district students Submissions will be judged by a panel of experts and the winning entry will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. Source: https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-announces-launch-2022-congressional-art-competition