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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced over this past weekend that the state has acquired 1,263 acres of land in the Warren County town of Johnsburg in the southern Adirondacks. The parcel includes Huckleberry Mountain, an elongated peak that tops 2,400 feet, with spectacular cliffs on the ridge's south and southwest face. "Through the Environmental Protection Fund, New York State continues to invest in land acquisitions that conserve open space and preserve the natural beauty of this great state for future generations to visit and enjoy," Governor Cuomo said. "Preservation of the spectacular Huckleberry Mountain lands will benefit the region for generations to come, providing new opportunities for visitors to explore the outdoors." The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation purchased this property from the Open Space Institute for $770,000 using resources from the State's Environmental Protection Fund. Permanent conservation of this land will enhance recreational access in the region and offers opportunities to connect New Yorkers with nature, protect crucial watersheds, and improve important wildlife habitat in this part of the Adirondack Park. The newly protected land adjoins Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, which includes Crane Mountain, a popular, publicly accessible mountain peak that also provides access to exceptional cliffs for climbers. The Huckleberry Mountain parcel contains a wide range of wildlife habitats, including a high quality cold-water stream—Crystal Brook—that is excellent for brook trout, cliff faces that are a preferred nesting place for the endangered peregrine falcon, and a wetland complex home to an active heron rookery. The Huckleberry Mountain property was a priority acquisition under the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest Management Plan. DEC will manage this parcel and is developing a unit management plan to determine the best use for the trails and recreational access for Huckleberry Mountain. Photo credit: Jerry Monkman courtesy of the Open Space Institute

Yesterday Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act. The legislation (S.6362-A/A.7175-A) extends protections prohibiting residential and commercial evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic until August 31, 2021. The legislation adds to New York State's efforts to protect tenants and homeowners from the economic hardship incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic at a critical time in the pandemic's trajectory as the State begins to lift restrictions on public gatherings and businesses. "As we approach the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, it is critical that we continue to protect both New York's tenants and business owners who have suffered tremendous hardship throughout this entire pandemic," Governor Cuomo said. "Extending this legislation will help to ensure that vulnerable New Yorkers and business owners who are facing eviction through no fault of their own are able to keep their homes and businesses as we continue on the road to recovery and begin to build back our economy better than it was before." The previously enacted legislation helps both residential and commercial tenants facing eviction and mortgagors facing foreclosure proceedings due the pandemic: Residential Evictions The legislation places a moratorium on residential evictions until August 31, 2021 for tenants who have endured COVID-related hardship. Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions. Landlords can evict tenants that are creating safety or health hazards for other tenants, and those tenants who do not submit hardship declarations. Residential Foreclosure Proceedings The legislation also places a moratorium on residential foreclosure proceedings until August 31, 2021. Homeowners and small landlords who own 10 or fewer residential dwellings can file hardship declarations with their mortgage lender, other foreclosing party or a court that would prevent a foreclosure. Commercial Evictions: The legislation places a moratorium on evictions until August 31, 2021 for commercial tenants have endured COVID-related hardship. The legislation applies to small businesses with under 50 employees that demonstrate a financial hardship. Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions. Commercial Foreclosure Proceedings: The legislation places a moratorium on commercial foreclosure proceedings until August 31, 2021. Tax Lien Sales The legislation prevents local governments from engaging in a tax lien sale or a tax foreclosure until at least August 31, 2021. Payments due to the locality are still due. Credit Discrimination and Negative Credit Reporting Lending institutions are prohibited from discriminating against a property owner seeking credit because the property owner has been granted a stay of mortgage foreclosure proceedings, tax foreclosure proceedings or tax lien sales. They are also prohibited from discriminating because the owner is in arrears and has filed a hardship declaration with the lender. Senior Citizens' Homeowner Exemption and Disabled Homeowner Exemption Local governments are required to carry over SCHE and DHC exemptions from the 2020 assessment roll to the 2021 assessment roll at the same levels. They are also required to provide renewal applications for anyone who may be eligible for a larger exemption in 2021. Localities can also set procedures by which assessors can require renewal applications from people who the assessors believe may no longer be eligible for an exemption in 2021. Recipients of the exemption do not have to file renewal applications in person. Governor Cuomo first announced a State moratorium on residential and commercial evictions on March 20 to ensure no tenant was evicted during the height of the public health emergency. The Governor signed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act on June 30 which became effective immediately as well as additional legislation providing financial assistance to residential renters and landlords. Additionally, previous Executive Orders have prohibited charges or fees for late rent payments, and tenants facing financial hardship can still use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.

As time has gone on I'm seeing that a lot of the stuff posted doesn't generate a whole lot of interest or conversation. Other stuff does. It's still difficult to compete with social media when it comes to "breaking" news. By the time it's on here it's already been seen by thousands, often posted by the same agencies before it's sent to the media. As you've noticed, I'm running less links to other sites and more complete, legally shared articles here. That seems to help. So what I want to know is, what does everyone want to see more of? What can we do without, or less of? What do you think is best for generating good conversation on here, fun or otherwise?

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Yesterday Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the 2021 Reimagined New York State Fair, a special end-of-summer celebration at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse from August 20 to September 6. This one-of-a-kind fair will feature New York's best food and drink, live music and entertainment, Midway rides, and agriculture education and awareness in four different, concurrent festivals that will take place exclusively in the outdoor areas of the fairgrounds. Admission is $3 per person, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. "The New York State Fair is one of our biggest and most exciting tourist attractions that celebrates the spirit of New York and generates economic growth for the region and the entire state," Governor Cuomo said. "I've said time and again that no one wants to open the Fair this year more than I do - and we are finally making it happen in a safe, responsible way with the 2021 Reimagined New York State Fair. This celebration is a unique reward for New Yorkers who have made so many sacrifices during this pandemic and will allow visitors from across the state and the country to enjoy some of the best attractions the Fair has to offer with all necessary safety guidelines in place. This is an important step towards the full return of New York's largest events as we continue to reopen and reimagine our state's economy." The 2021 Reimagined New York State Fair will take place in four outdoor areas across the fairgrounds, one representing each of the major elements that make the fair great, including: Exceptional array of food and beverage including some of the Fair's most iconic culinary experiences, such as the Pizze Fritte, sausage sandwiches and wine slushies; Daily concerts from national touring performers in the scenic, spacious New York Experience festival grounds; Thrilling amusement rides, games and attractions for all ages on the Midway; Farm animals on display to introduce the young and young-at-heart to New York's agriculture. Among the acts who will be performing are REO Speedwagon, Dropkick Murphys, Sheena Easton, Great White and Vixen and the Oak Ridge Boys. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the Great New York State Fair. This year the fair and fairgrounds are being planned and prepared in accordance with the Department of Health's COVID-19 health and safety guidance. As public health conditions and the guidance changes, the fair will adapt and adhere to all applicable health protocols, such as capacity restrictions, social distancing, face coverings, and health screening where necessary. Daily admission is planned to be limited to approximately 50 percent of capacity for the areas available for attendees to allow for social distancing. Capacity limits will be reexamined and adjusted if necessary to comply with health and safety guidelines. The fairground's buildings will not be open to the public, except for bathrooms. Attendees will be required to observe social distancing and wear masks, except when eating or drinking. People buying food and drinks will be asked to sit while they eat and drink, and ample tables and dining spaces will be made available. Midway rides, games and attractions, as well as all surfaces of frequent customer contact will be rigorously and frequently cleaned and sanitized. Tickets will be sold for each of the outdoor areas, so families can decide which areas they want to visit and plan their day accordingly. To ensure capacity limits and social distancing, attendance at concerts and other live performances will be limited.

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Check out the rest of the article here. Any other Dr. Demento fans out there? What's your favorite novelty songs?

To date, Tioga Co. Public Health has held over twenty vaccination clinics throughout the county, and administered what they received. When the vaccine first became available, supply was limited, they were receiving one hundred doses weekly, which slowly increased to two hundred doses weekly, which increased to the currently weekly supply of three hundred doses. According to the NYS Vaccine Dashboard, 31.7% of Tioga Co. residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; while, 24% of residents have completed the series. “We are confident in the accuracy of the numbers from clinics that we have held,” says Katie Wait, Public Health Educator, “But, where we think there might be a gap is those that sought their vaccine across the border in Pennsylvania. I think this is especially true for residents that live so close to the border like Waverly and Nichols.” The state vaccination rate is 43% and 29.7% for those that have received one dose, and those who have a completed series, respectively. Tioga Co. Public Health is encouraging those that want to be vaccinated, and have not yet been vaccinated to make an appointment as soon as possible, at a venue of their choosing. Those that are still on the fence of whether they want to be vaccinated are also encouraged to get vaccinated. “Do the research, get information from experts such as your primary care provider or your pharmacist, and then don’t hesitate to go get vaccinated with whatever vaccine is available,” says Wait. “We know that we are getting into the population that isn’t sure how they feel about the vaccine. The vaccine was developed so fast, we don’t know the long-term effects…those are the things that we’re hearing, but I think we forget that the world was put on pause for several months. While the rest of the world was at a standstill, experts in epidemiology, public health, communicable disease, and other health fields were working to come up with a vaccine that would protect us. Millions of dollars were donated to the research and development of this vaccine, so it was developed in what seems like a short amount of time, but we had the time, resources, personnel, and money to do it because that’s all the focus was on. The vaccine is the best option we have right now to protect ourselves. The quicker we all get vaccinated, the quicker we can return to normal.” Officials add, "We are still seeing positive cases come through, particularly related to schools and sports. It is important to be vigilant about social distancing, mask wearing (when possible), and good hand hygiene both on and off the field (or court!). This is especially important as we are seeing most of the spread happening with individuals that are presenting without symptoms. Please keep in mind that if you are not feeling well, please stay home and consult with your primary care provider or health department to see if testing is needed."

BATH – Steuben County Public Health received notification 19 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 6,408 confirmed cases, 207 of which are currently active. According to Steuben County officials, the individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified. In line with CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset or date of test if asymptomatic through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risk. The investigations indicate: • 13 individuals had contact with a previously reported Steuben positive • Two individuals are associated with Corning, Inc. at the Erwin and Diesel Plants • One individual is associated with BOCES Bush Campus In addition, the individuals reported visiting the following locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes: • 4/11, 4/13, 4/14, 4/19 – 4/21 – Kwik Fill in Addison • 4/15, 4/16 – Corning Children’s Center • 4/18 – His Tabernacle Family Church in Horseheads • 4/19 – T&R Towing in Bath Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows: • 0 – 9 years: 1 • 10 – 19 years: 5 • 20 – 29 years: 5 • 40 – 49 years: 4 • 50 – 59 years: 3 • 60 – 69 years: 1 “Today is the first day since April 1st where the majority of the cases are connected with previously reported Steuben positives,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Being able to link current cases to previous positives typically indicates that the new cases were already identified and quarantined as contacts prior to them becoming positive, which lessens the opportunity for further spread in the community. This month, we have been seeing high community spread and individuals testing positive shortly after known contact. Hopefully, we will start to see less spread as we all continue to follow prevention strategies.” All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.

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On Sunday, April 18th, 2021, at approximately 9:20 P.M., the Elmira Police Department responded to the intersection of W. Hudson St. and Harmon St. for a report of a shooting. A group of people were gathered in the area for a vigil for the recent homicide victim. When officers arrived on scene they observed people leaving the area and people still standing in the yard of the residence. Officers asked people present if a shooting had just taken place. The officer was advised that at least one person was struck by a bullet and had been transported to a hospital by a private vehicle. Officers were able to locate this person and confirmed that this was not a life-threatening injury. Officers received little cooperation from those on scene. A witness told police that a vehicle drove by and slowed down at the time of the shooting. This vehicle was described as a dark colored sedan that was traveling west on West Hudson St. No other description was provided. It is unknown if this vehicle was actually involved. This investigation into this shooting is ongoing. If anyone was present in the area and witnessed this shooting, or has any information related to this shooting, they are encouraged to contact the Elmira Police Department at (607)737-5626, or the tip line at (607)271-HALT.

After a really deep and sometimes slightly testy ( though ultimately friendly ) conversation Friday night, I came to the realization that if there's one thing this country needs, it's more thoughtful and perhaps sometimes difficult conversation about national issues. Sometimes even touching those "third rails" we're told you're not supposed to discuss in polite company. The "National News" section is back, and it's my hope that we'll be able to continue to have those necessary conversations.

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New Yorkers are being urged to consider becoming organ and tissue donors by joining the NYS Donate Life Registry as nearly 9,000 New Yorkers await a lifesaving transplant. In recognition of Donate Life Blue and Green Day on Friday, April 16, landmarks across the state will be lit blue and green. "Each life is precious, and while the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unimaginable loss, it has also displayed the kindness and generosity of New Yorkers who took action to save lives," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "Becoming an organ and tissue donor is not only a display of kindness, but saves lives and gives people waiting for a transplant a renewed chance at life. We're recognizing Donate Life Month and particularly Blue and Green Day to stand in solidarity with the thousands of New Yorkers still waiting for an organ transplant." The landmarks being lit include: Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Kosciuszko Bridge H. Carl McCall SUNY Building New York State Education Department Building Alfred E. Smith State Office Building New York State Fairgrounds - Main Gate and Exposition Center Niagara Falls Albany International Airport Gateway Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct New Yorkers can raise awareness and motivate others to register as organ donors by wearing blue and green on April 16 and using the hashtags #BlueGreenDay and #DonateLifeMonth and on their social media platforms. In the spirit of the day, NYS DMV staff will wear blue and green on Friday. More than 8,700 New Yorkers are among the 107,587 Americans currently awaiting an organ transplant, according to the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. In addition, almost 600 New Yorkers died last year because the organ they needed was not available in time, according to the OPTN. Nationally, 17 people die each day while awaiting a match for a transplant, according to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. A person is added to the wait list every nine minutes, but one donor can save as many as eight lives and heal up to 75 lives through tissue and corneal donation. Any New Yorker age 16 and older is eligible to enroll in the Registry. Currently, 43 percent of eligible New York State residents have enrolled to be organ donors through the Registry. New Yorkers can enroll in the NYS Donate Life Registry through the following online options: The NYS Donate Life Registry website - www.donatelife.ny.gov The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles website - dmv.ny.gov Under "Lauren's Law," DMV customers can also continue to register as organ donors by completing the donation section of their driver's license or non-driver ID renewal application. The law is named for Lauren Shields, a Rockland County resident who received a life-saving heart transplant at nine years of age. New Yorkers registering to vote can join the Registry by completing that section of the voter registration form or online form at https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/voting/voteregform-eng-fillable.pdf. New Yorkers seeking health insurance through the NY State of Health Insurance Marketplace can enroll in the Registry as well. DMV also offers a Donate Life custom license plate to raise awareness and support critical research. When a consumer orders the plate, $20 of the annual fee is directed to the "Life Pass It On Trust Fund," which is used for organ donation and transplant research and educational programs promoting organ and tissue donation. Plates can be ordered on the DMV website at https://dmv.ny.gov/plates/life-pass-it. Starting in 2020, the Life Pass It On Trust Fund was added to the charitable causes that New Yorkers can contribute to when filing their personal income taxes. The money in this fund is used to support donation and transplant related education and research as well as operation of the NYS Donate Life Registry.

State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today said that the newly enacted 2021-2022 New York State budget provides significantly increased state support for local roads, bridges, and culverts. In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “Local roads are essential. This year’s state budget includes critical steps and increased funding to move forward on this priority. State investment in our local transportation infrastructure is vital to the post-COVID future of local communities, economies, environments, governments, and taxpayers. We have long stood together with New York’s county and town highway superintendents, and local leaders, to do everything we can to raise awareness and call for legislative support. Unmet needs and challenges will remain in the future, and we look forward to continue working together to prioritize the state’s commitment to the effective maintenance and improvement of local roads, bridges, and culverts in every region of New York.” O’Mara and Palmesano said the new budget increases base level funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) by $100 million to a total of $538 million, the first baseline increase since 2013. The budget increases funding for Extreme Winter Recovery to $100 million and for the PAVE-NY program to $150 million. It also creates a new, $100-million City Touring Roads program to provide an additional source of funding dedicated to cities, towns, and villages. O’Mara and Palmesano said that area counties will receive the following 2021-2022 CHIPS, Extreme Winter Recovery (EWR), PAVE-NY funding (in each category of aid, funding amounts are followed by percentage increases from the 2020-2021 allocations): County 2021-22 CHIPS 21-22 EWR 21-22 PAVE-NY Chemung $1,993,316.27 (+21.33%) $348,997.41 (+53.85%) $562,998.22 (+50.13%) Schuyler $1,039,027.93 (+20.67%) $177,998.85 (+53.85%) $294,807.68 (+50%) Steuben $5,418,385.61 (+22.32%) $988,567,50 (+53.85%) $1,516.725.10 (+50%) Tompkins $2,466,047.30 (+22.31%) $450,966.78 (+53.85%) $689,933.00 (+49.91%) Yates $1,430,430.24 (+22.53%) $262,998.33 (+53.85%) $399,716.93 (+50%) Palmesano, who also represents a part of Seneca County, said that the allocations for Seneca County are: CHIPS, $1,246,310.96 (+22.03%); EWR, $225,998.19 (+53.85%); and PAVE-NY, $349,344.82 (+49.85%). [NOTE: See the following link for a full breakdown of CHIPS, Extreme Weather Recovery, and PAVE-NY allocations for cities, towns, and villages: https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/chips/chips-budget] At the beginning of March, like they have throughout the past decade, O’Mara and Palmesano rallied the support of more than 60 state Senators and members of the Assembly to get behind the call from county and town highway superintendents and other local leaders from throughout New York for increased state support for local roads, bridges and culverts. The annual advocacy campaign, renamed this year as “Local Roads Are Essential,” is sponsored by the New York State Association of County Highway Superintendents (NYSCHSA) and the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc. ( NYSAOTSOH). Since 2013, O’Mara and Palmesano have organized legislative colleagues to get behind the effort and raise awareness of the need. Among other studies, an October 2017 report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli estimated that locally owned bridges alone need at least $27.4 billion in repairs. An earlier report from the comptroller called 32% of New York’s local bridges deficient and 40% of local roads fair or poor, and getting worse. TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based national transportation research nonprofit, has found that 10 percent of bridges across the state are in poor/structurally deficient condition – the 12th highest rate in America. According to TRIP, nearly 12 million vehicles cross a poor/structurally deficient bridge in New York State every day. In a March 1, 2021 letter to Cuomo and legislative leaders, O’Mara, Palmesano and their Senate and Assembly colleagues wrote, “We once again stress that New York State’s direct investment in local roads and bridges through the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) remains fundamental to the mission highlighted above. It deserves priority consideration in the final allocation of state infrastructure investment the Executive proposes for the 2021-22 fiscal year. CHIPS is the key difference for local communities, economies, governments, motorists and taxpayers throughout the Empire State, including New York City and surrounding metro areas, and we should no longer ignore this fact. This legislative session we believe the opportunity exists to strengthen our investment to address the tremendous, still unmet needs and challenges facing the effective maintenance and improvement of local roads, bridges and culverts in every region of New York State.” According to a recently updated analysis by the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, the local highway system outside of New York City faces an annual funding gap of $1.7 billion.

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This has been making the rounds on social media this week:

Okay, so now that everyone knows what a viral video is, let's open up discussion for what you believe to be the greatest viral videos of all time. Multiple submissions are welcome and encouraged. After all, if I can't choose just one, I don't expect you to! To kick it off, an African Gray parrot practicing its cover of Drowning Pool's "Let The Bodies Hit The Floor": For those not familiar with the song:

Earlier today New York Department of Health Secretary Dr. Howard Zucker released the following statement: "Today the CDC and FDA issued a statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution. New York State will follow the CDC and FDA recommendation and pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine statewide immediately today while these health and safety agencies evaluate next steps. All appointments for Johnson & Johnson vaccines today at New York State mass vaccination sites will be honored with the Pfizer vaccine. "As the CDC and FDA have said, any adverse events related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine 'appear to be extremely rare' and, 'People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.' "I am in constant contact with the federal government and we will update New Yorkers as more information becomes available." No word has been issued as to how long this pause will remain in effect.