April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month and law enforcement agencies across New York will have extra patrols out this week looking for those texting and driving or using handheld cell phones while behind the wheel. Last year’s campaign resulted in nearly 35,000 tickets including close to 1,700 for distracted driving. Source: https://dmv.ny.gov/press-release/press-release-4-1-2022
The Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center is holding an Electric Vehicle Show and Earth Fair on April 22 at the center on State Highway 80 in Sherburne. You can see EV’s from local owners and some will be offering test rides. The show starts at 4:00 p.m. Source: https://driveelectricearthday.org/event?eventid=3088
Federal charges are filed against a Maryland man who prosecutors say failed to register and update his registration as a sex offender. The man was convicted 25 years ago in Rhode Island and his last registered address was in that state. He is in jail pending future court action. Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/otsego-county-man-arrested-failing-register-sex-offender
The Cooperstown Lions Club is bringing back the winter carnival for 2023. According to All Otsego a weekend meeting took place and over 20 people agreed to serve on carnival committees. Contact the Lions Club if you’re interested in volunteering. A carnival date has not been set. Source: Winter Carnival 2023 A GO!
Oneonta Department of Public Works crews are repairing a water main break today in front of 274 River Street. Residents may experience a change in water color, pressure or loss of water. Water discoloration should disappear after running a cold-water tap for a few minutes. Source: https://local.nixle.com/alert/9340710/
Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful a six-county affiliate of the national Keep America Beautiful program is launching the 21st annual Clean & Green Effort. The organization is holding a litter clean up event and beautification project on April 23. Bags and gloves will be provided. Register your group at ohswa.org Source: Press release
The Walton Central School District is holding a Community Budget Forum in the boardroom located in the O’Neill High School at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Masks are optional for anyone attending in person. The forum will be live streamed on the district’s YouTube channel. Source: Press release
It’s back to the drawing board for defining new voting district maps after a judge tossed out the ones previously passed by the state legislature. The juege ruled the maps were unconstitutional because the redistricting favored Democrats. Lawmakers have until April 11 to come up with new districts. Source: https://www.wbng.com/2022/03/31/judge-rejects-new-yorks-redistricting-plan-orders-new-maps/
A 7th grader from Oneonta Middle School is heading to the nation’s capital in May for the National Scripps Spelling Bee. Daanya Butt punched her ticket for the big competition by winning school and regional bees. The 12-year-old credits her mom for helping her practice. Source: https://www.wicz.com/story/46198919/oneonta-7th-grader-is-heading-to-national-spelling-bee
Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County is accepting applications for potential homeowners. To qualify applicants must meet income and residency criteria, agree to work on obtaining a loan and are willing to help build homes for others through the program. Application deadline is May 31. Source: Housing Application & Homeowner Info