NYS BUDGET - Poised to Pass

The NYS Senate & Assembly are expected to wrap up the $152 billion budget, today (Wed 4/5/17).

The budget legislation keeps taxes flat, increases public education spending by $1 million, raises college tuition assistance and invests $2.5 billion in upgrades for the state's aging water infrastructure.

It also would allow Uber and Lyft to expand into upstate cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany. The two app-based ride-hailing services are now limited to the New York City area.

Another provision,  would end the state's distinction as one of only two states that automatically prosecute and incarcerate 16- and 17-year-old offenders as adults.

The budget was due by Saturday, April 1, when the state began a new fiscal year. But it was delayed by disagreement over the juvenile justice reform piece, as well as education funding and an affordable housing tax credit for New York City developers.

See the full SYRACUSE POST STANDARD ARTICLE....

Syracuse Post Standard - Deadlock apparently over, New York state lawmakers poised to pass budget
http://www.syracuse.com/state/index.ssf/2017/04/deadlock_apparently_over_new_york_state_lawmakers_poised_to_pass_budget.html#incart_m-rpt-1

MAD CO. - ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES - Stockbridge

When will MADISON COUNTY hire an ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATOR? That is the ONLY WAY some CHILDREN are saved ALONG WITH THE ANIMALS!! ??

STOCKBRIDGE, NY - A Madison County man faces animal cruelty charges after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Madison County sheriff's deputies.

Caleb Cottrell, 32, of 6559 Trew Hill Road, Stockbridge is charged with eight counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, which are misdemeanors, police said.

Police said after executing a search warrant on the property in March, they found four dead cattle in two barns. They also found four horses  "in distress" in another barn and seized them, police said.Deputies said the condition of the residence and farm "were deplorable."

Tiffany Cottrell, 32, Caleb's wife, and Caleb Cottrell also were charged with endangering the welfare of a child due to their own child living in the "deplorable" conditions, deputies said. Police said they could not elaborate on the specifics at this time.

See the full article at SYRACUSE POST STANDARD:

http://www.syracuse.com/crime/index.ssf/2017/04/cny_couple_charged_with_animal_cruelty_police_say_farm_and_home_condition_deplor.html#incart_river_home

BCS - January Board Minutes Finally Approved and Online

The Brookfield Central School Board has finally caught up with their JANUARY minutes and are now posted online at the link below.  Hopefully we can catch up with FEBRUARY & MARCH minutes before the MAY vote....

LINK:  http://www.brookfieldcsd.org/Page/388

CRIME: Waterville Man Sentenced in Sexual Assault

UTICA 3/31/17 – A Waterville man was sentenced 25 years to life in state prison for sexually assaulting three young girls and recording the incidents.

David S. Ireland, 55, pleaded guilty in February to the violent felony charge of predatory sexual assault against a child.

It's alleged that between 2014 and 2016 he sexually assaulted three young girls between the ages of 7 and 10 years old while recording and taking photos of some of the incidents.

See UTICA OD for full  Article:  http://www.uticaod.com/news/20170331/area-man-sentenced-25-to-life-for-sexually-assaulting-3-children

MAD CO: $821,280 Grant for Emergency Communications

Madison County Receives $821,280 State Grant to Upgrade Emergency Communications Systems. 

In late March,  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo revealed $45 million has been awarded for counties across the state to upgrade critical technology and improve emergency communications systems. 

This funding will enable local governments to expand their ability to communicate, exchange valuable data, and streamline information through their systems to enhance collaboration and assist first responders.

Madison County is set to receive $821,280, while Oneida County is scheduled to take in $637,360.

See the full article at this Oneida Dispatch link....they provide good, local coverage ...

LINK:  http://www.oneidadispatch.com/general-news/20170330/madison-oneida-counties-receive-sizable-emergency-communication-grants

OBIT - Elwyn Kearn Gray, 92 Brookfield

Gray, Elwyn Kearn, 92, of Brookfield, died February 21, 2017. Arrangements by Paul Funeral Home, Brookfield.

Accident - Miner Rd. 3-30-17 No injuries reported

MVA

Leonardsville Fire
Brookfield Fire
West Winfield Ambulance

Rte 8 at Minor Rd
One car rollover into ravine, jaws being requested from Bridgewater. No injuries on scene but occupant unable to extricate from vehicle. MCFW3

Posted at:MADISON COUNTY FIRE WIRE 2:54AM - 3/30/17

https://www.facebook.com/MadsionCountyFireWire/?fref=ts