Buckle Up New York — or You’re Gonna Get a Ticket

Police Focus on Seatbelt Use

Police officers throughout the region will participate in another effort to get people to wear their seat belts.

A 14-day state-wide campaign called “Buckle Up New York” begins today.

Four hundred law enforcement agencies will focus on seatbelt enforcement. The driver of a vehicle with those who are not using seatbelts can be fined $50 for each passenger not buckled, as well as $100 for those less than 16 years of age who are not properly restrained.

The violation is also worth three points on a driver’s license.

The Buckle Up New York effort comes just weeks after police officers focused on a texting-while-driving effort.

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One Killed, Four Injured in Richfield Springs Accident

A fatal injury accident on Saturday took the life of a young mother and injured her 3-year-old son in Richfield Springs.

State police investigators say 22-year-old Nicole Dukerich ran a stop sign and hit a car with three people inside. Dukerich was pronounced dead at the scene and her son was sent to the hospital. The driver of the other car and two children were also seriously injured and airlifted to the hospital.

The accident happened on state route 20 about 12:30 p.m.

Chenango County Courthouse to Get Fresh Golden Dome

Thanks to a collaboration of the public sector and Chenango County, the Chenango County courthouse in the center of Norwich will see its dome coated with a fresh coat of gold.

A committee approved a bid last week to coat the dome in gold, make repairs, paint the roof and chimney and the enclosed cupola. The greater Norwich foundation, NBT Bank and others are interested in partnering with the county to pay for the project, which will cost between $185,000-$200,000. The proposal will be presented to the Chenango County Board of Supervisors for consideration next month.

Fire Kills Two Near Whitney Point

Fire investigators are working on the scene of a blaze that killed two people Saturday night.

Firefighters found two bodies in a house in the Town of Triangle near Whitney point.

The fire may have been the result of a domestic dispute in which a man threatened to kill himself and his 3-year-old daughter. A woman was taken to the hospital from the scene on Saturday night.

Officials say there’s an ongoing investigation and the two bodies have not been positively identified.

The Broome County sheriff’s office is asking the public for help with any information they may have.