Today is Operation Safe Stop Day in New York and that means that local law enforcement agencies will be partnering with school districts to have officers follow school buses on their AM and PM routes. Officials say more than 50,000 drivers illegally pass school buses every day. Source: https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/operation-safe-stop
A judge rules that a Norwich man charged with assault, attempted rape and kidnapping is not guilty. The trial for Stephen Dale Pierce wrapped up last week. Prosecutors say Pierce committed the crimes in 2021 while on parole from a 1974 murder conviction. Source: https://www.wbng.com/2022/04/26/chenango-county-da-speaks-out-after-recent-court-case/
Starting on Monday Otsego County will subsidize all fares on its Otsego Express public transit routes for a period of six months. All passengers can board Otsego Express buses without paying a fare. The county is using federal CARES Act funding to cover the fares. Source: https://www.wicz.com/story/46374738/otsego-express-offers-free-bus-rides-for-6-months-starting-in-may
Special Olympics New York athletes and volunteers will visit Applebee’s locations today to raise funds and awareness for the organization. They along with law enforcement personnel will serve as celebrity waiters from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visit specialolympics-ny.org for more information. Source: Applebee’s Go for Gold
Oral arguments began Tuesday in state appeals court on the dispute over New York’s redrawn congressional and state district maps. The state legislature drew the maps after the Independent Redistricting Commission couldn’t come to a consensus. Republicans say the new boundaries favored Democratic candidates. Source: https://www.cnyhomepage.com/news/nys-court-of-appeals-takes-up-redistricting-case/
Bassett Healthcare Network announced that Dr. William LeCates is stepping down from his current role as president and chief operating officer of Bassett Medical Center and northern region executive for Bassett Healthcare Network. His last day in these roles will be Saturday. Source: https://www.bassett.org/news/bassett-healthcare-network-thanks-dr-william-lecates-he-steps-down-executive-leadership-roles
The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at its semi-annual drug take back event on Saturday. Medications will be accepted at the Afton Town Hall on County Road 39 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at no charge with no questions asked. Source: https://www.facebook.com/chenango.sheriff/posts/358238409664725
The Hawks Town Fever Main St. Festival in Oneonta takes place this Saturday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. Hartwick College is sponsoring the event and officials say the goal is to bring the community and college students together to celebrate the ending of the college year. Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10166529180075472&set=a.254376760471
Motorcyclists have until Saturday to renew their registration with the DMV. Unlike vehicle registrations, all motorcycle registrations expire on the same day. Registrations that are suspended or revoked, have been expired for more than a year, or have not been inspected in the past 12 months cannot be renewed. Source: https://dmv.ny.gov/press-release/press-release-04-11-2022
A fire destroyed a Town of Oneonta home early Sunday. Firefighters found the flames had spread from the West Street dwelling to a nearby parked vehicle and called in reinforcements. Efforts were hampered because the nearest water sources were about one-half mile away. No one was hurt. Source: Press release