Chobani Releases Details on Ammonia Leak

Chobani Ammonia Leak Came From Chill Tunnel

The ammonia leak that forced an evacuation of the Chobani plant in New Berlin was apparently the result of a contractor error in the chill tunnel, according to an official statement.

“Our team detected an ammonia leak in a chill tunnel at our New Berlin, NY, plant and immediately evacuated the facility, relocated all onsite employees to a safe location and alerted the New Berlin Fire Department and Emergency Squad,” a Chobani press release said.

Two employees were transported to Chenango Memorial Hospital for precautionary monitoring and both have been released. No other injuries were reported.

The leak resulted from an error make by a contractor working on an AC line in the chill tunnel of the facility, according to Chobani’s release.

Last week, Chobani lost 18 tons of yogurt when one of its delivery trucks overturned in Binghamton.

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Details Unveil Disturbing Circumstances Before Broome County Fire

The Broome County sheriff’s department has updated information about the fatal fire in the Town of Triangle over the weekend.

Investigators say the two bodies found on Saturday in the burned out house were that of 61-year-old Larry Oney and his 3-year-old daughter.

The elder Oney threatened the life of his wife of five years, 39-year-old Melissa Oney, and their daughter Allison after Melissa was said to have asked for a divorce.

Deputies say the elder Oney doused the house with gasoline and started the fire, then shot himself and his daughter when officers arrived.

Melissa suffered leg wounds from her husband and was tied up, she was able to escape.

Schneiderman Wants Supreme Court to Uphold State Campaign Laws

State attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a brief yesterday urging the Supreme Court to uphold state campaign laws in the wake of its Citizens United decision.

He led a bi-partisan coalition of 22 states and the District of Columbia. The court has been asked to strike down Montana’s campaign finance law on the grounds it violates the first amendment rights of corporations. Schneiderman and his coalition reject this position, arguing states have a compelling interest in regulating corporate spending in state and local elections.

Cuomo Says Minimum Wage Hike Unlikely This Session

New York governor Andrew Cuomo has said again he does not believe there will be a deal made on raising the minimum wage this legislative session.

He points out opposition to a higher minimum wage from senate republicans without a bill to give tax credits to small businesses to offset added labor costs.

Cuomo himself supports a higher minimum wage, but not necessarily the proposal put together by assembly democrats. It would bring the hourly rate from $7.25 and hour to $8.50.

A recent Siena poll indicates that 78 percent of new Yorkers favor a raise in the minimum wage.

This year’s legislative session ends in late June.