The Middleburgh Town Council votes to ban solar power and wind power projects. According to the Times-Journal the unanimous vote came after a proposed zoning amendment was considered last March. Lawmakers say they expect a lawsuit from one of the sular power project contractors to overturn the ban. Source: https://cobleskilltimesjournal.com/article.asp?id=105923
Attorney General Leticia James says her office is investigating social media companies after the suspect in Buffalo’s worst mass shooting broadcast the incident live and posted his manifesto. James says it is bone-chilling and unfathomable that someone could do that without any consequences. Source: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/attorney-general-james-launches-investigations-social-media-companies-role
Governor Kathy Hochul signs several executive orders to combat domestic terrorism following Saturday’s mass shooting in Buffalo. One establishes a unit to track domestic violent extremism through social media while another requires State Police to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order of they believe an individual is a threat to themselves or others. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-support-comprehensive-package-combat-rise-domestic-terrorism
Oneonta City Schools receives a state grant the Smart Schools Bond Act to upgrade internet connectivity. 45 districts across the state submitted plans for review by the Smart Schools Review Board and a total of nearly $25 million was awarded to all the projects. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-248-million-school-technology-security-enhancements-through-smart
121st District Assemblyman John Salka announces he will run for the State Senate in the newly-proposed 53rd District. Under the new redistricting he will leave Otsego County and move north to Utica along with parts of Oneida and Onondaga County. The new maps go for approval on Friday. Source: https://www.wktv.com/news/politics/salka-running-for-newly-proposed-53rd-senate-district/article_2e49a532-d6c8-11ec-b6d3-673c2b97715b.html
Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek issues a statement on Saturday’s mass shooting in Buffalo. He says while it is hard to fathom the depths of hatred that would lead to such an act her firmly believes that love, respect, inclusion, and the celebration of diversity is the light that takes us out of the darkness. Source: … Read more
New York State Police Troop “C” based in Sidney held their Memorial Day Service on Wednesday honoring those members who lost their lives in the line of duty and recognizing the heavy price paid for the freedoms enjoyed today. The service was led by Troop “C” Commander, Major Jeffrey VanAuken. Source: https://www.facebook.com/nyspolice/posts/310337797956608
On Monday a training session on the use of the anti-opioid-overdose drug Narcan takes place at the Guernsey Memorial Library in Norwich beginning at 6:00 p.m. According to the Evening Sun representatives from Truth Pharma will show how to administer the drug which can quickly reverse an overdose’s effects. Source: https://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2022-05-18/36476/Help-prevent-overdose-deaths-by-learning-how-to-use-Narcan
SUNY Oneonta is again coordinating the Go STEM Institute for young people in grades 7-9. The one-week science, technology, engineering and math experience takes place starting July 18. This year’s theme is “A Journey Through The Cosmos”. The suggested tuition is $120 and applications are due by June 15. Source: GO STEM Institute for grades … Read more
Several school districts held budget voted on Tuesday. One of the closest votes was in the Schenevus Central District where the 60% needed to pass was achieved by a just a handful of votes. All the other districts releasing vote results easily achieved the 60% threshold for passing. Source: Various reports