WCDO Radio News
Viewing Thursday, August 15, 2013 · back to latest
WCDO News — Thursday 8-15-13
More than 2.6 million New York property taxpayers who receive the School Tax Relief exemption will soon have to re-apply for the benefits as part of a massive state undertaking to root out fraud in the 1.9 billion dollar system. In the coming weeks, homeowners will receive a letter instructing them to reapply for the STAR program online or by phone by December 31. People will need to verify their salaries, Social Security numbers, and primary residence. The initiative, approved as part of the state budget last March, will seek to stop some property owners from claiming the tax breaks on multiple homes. An audit in March found widespread abuse of the STAR program, and the state is holping to save at least 1 million dollars a year with the new system.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced charges against 48 year old Joe Junkovic of the Bronx for allegedly engaging in a scheme to defraude the state department of health out of more than $700,000 dedicated to providing cancer screening services to low income New Yorkers. Junkovic allegedly used a non profit corporation that he controlled, Cancer Service Network, to obtain more than $25 million in federal and state funding to administer cancer screening services, and then billed the state health department for thousands of hours that he did not work. Junkovic is charged with one count of mail fraud and one count of theft of US government property.
The New York state division of criminal justice services is assisting the Cayuga County Sheriff's office in searching for 16 year old Victoria Groom, who was reported missing from Skaneateles on August 7th. Groom is white female, 5 foot 2, 130 pounds with blonde hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information should call 1-800-346-3543
Gov. Cuomo warned parents and young people about an increase in child-identity theft. He said child victims may not know their identities had been stolen until they get older and start applying for loans or need a credit report. The problem is that a thief can use a minor’s personal information and Social Security number to open a credit-card account or take out a loan. The state Division of Consumer Protection said be aware of any suspicious mail addressed to your child. If any credit-card offers or debt collection materials contain your child’s name, contact the credit agencies. The state website on identity theft is dos.ny.gov
A helicopter will take to the sky over the next three weeks to assist NYSEG in its continuing efforts to provide safe, reliable electric service. As weather permits, NYSEG contractors will prune trees along transmission rights of way in Chenango Bridge, Morningside Heights, Hillcrest, Port Dickinson, Sanitaria Springs and Center Village/Harpursville using a special saw that hangs beneath a helicopter. Those with questions can log on to nyseg.com
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the indictment of John Hall, a former Engineer-in-Charge for the New York State Office of General Services who oversaw emergency service projects, for defrauding the State of more than $50,000. As alleged in the indictment, Hall approved fraudulent expense reports submitted to OGS by a contractor, in exchange for expensive construction equipment and home improvement materials for personal use. Hall is charged with sixteen felonies and was arraigned in Seneca County Court.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced charges against 48 year old Joe Junkovic of the Bronx for allegedly engaging in a scheme to defraude the state department of health out of more than $700,000 dedicated to providing cancer screening services to low income New Yorkers. Junkovic allegedly used a non profit corporation that he controlled, Cancer Service Network, to obtain more than $25 million in federal and state funding to administer cancer screening services, and then billed the state health department for thousands of hours that he did not work. Junkovic is charged with one count of mail fraud and one count of theft of US government property.
The New York state division of criminal justice services is assisting the Cayuga County Sheriff's office in searching for 16 year old Victoria Groom, who was reported missing from Skaneateles on August 7th. Groom is white female, 5 foot 2, 130 pounds with blonde hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information should call 1-800-346-3543
Gov. Cuomo warned parents and young people about an increase in child-identity theft. He said child victims may not know their identities had been stolen until they get older and start applying for loans or need a credit report. The problem is that a thief can use a minor’s personal information and Social Security number to open a credit-card account or take out a loan. The state Division of Consumer Protection said be aware of any suspicious mail addressed to your child. If any credit-card offers or debt collection materials contain your child’s name, contact the credit agencies. The state website on identity theft is dos.ny.gov
A helicopter will take to the sky over the next three weeks to assist NYSEG in its continuing efforts to provide safe, reliable electric service. As weather permits, NYSEG contractors will prune trees along transmission rights of way in Chenango Bridge, Morningside Heights, Hillcrest, Port Dickinson, Sanitaria Springs and Center Village/Harpursville using a special saw that hangs beneath a helicopter. Those with questions can log on to nyseg.com
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the indictment of John Hall, a former Engineer-in-Charge for the New York State Office of General Services who oversaw emergency service projects, for defrauding the State of more than $50,000. As alleged in the indictment, Hall approved fraudulent expense reports submitted to OGS by a contractor, in exchange for expensive construction equipment and home improvement materials for personal use. Hall is charged with sixteen felonies and was arraigned in Seneca County Court.
WCDO News — Thursday 8-15-13
The White House confirmed Wednesday that President Barack Obama's two-day bus tour will stop in Binghamton, along with Buffalo, Syracuse and a stop in northeastern Pennsylvania. According to a White House official, the president will be traveling through New York and Pennsylvania Thursday, Aug. 22 and Friday, Aug. 23
Governor Cuomo continued to say that there is no timetable for a decision on the return of Hydrofracking to New York State. State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton told WCDO News that a decision has to be made soon, after 5 years of waiting:
(Libous 8-15-13)
Currently, the decision of Hydrofracking rests with the findings of the state Health Department. A gas-drilling moratorium has been in effect for almost 5 years, hydrofracking started in Western New York in 1979.
The trial of 25 year old Binghamton resident Jaclyn Wesley began in Broome County Court yesterday. In May of 2011, Wesley was driving her Ford Explorer when it went off Interstate 88 west in the town of Fenton and into the Chenango River. There were 4 people in the vehicle and Wesley was the only survivor. The bodies of 39-year-old Carri Michalski, 25-year-old Robert Moorehead and 45-year-old Robert Marshall were later recovered from the river. Wesley is facing seven misdemeaners including driving while intoxicated in the case. The trial continues at the Broome County Courthouse.
Tompkins County and the Town of Enfield declared local emergencies Wednesday afternoon due to the numerous damages caused by last week's storms. Damages exceed four hundred thousand dollars and the compromised waterways and infrastructure could threaten private properties in the case of another storm. The repairs are beyond the capacity of what the local government can manage and the county is calling on New York State to provide assistance.
A group of junior sailors from Camp Comstock were out on Cayuga Lake Wednesday when the winds picked up and waters became too rough. A camp counselor attempted to rescue the three campers in a motor boat, but began taking water on board and the boat began to sink. Others from the camp went out in canoes and jet skis to try and bring them in. Trumansburg Fire and Rescue, along with the New York State Park Police Marine Unit and the Ithaca Fire and Rescue Marine Unit, responded to the scene and were able to rescue the boat operator. Two campers were taken to Cayuga Medical Center for treatment of head injuries. Officials said the use of life jackets helped make sure there was no loss of life.
Two men who led Pennsylvania State Police on a high-speed chase Monday morning have been arrested. 33 year old Erich J. West, and 21 year old Ryan J. West, both of Wellsboro, were wanted on several warrants. They had been spotted driving a stolen vehicle on state Route 660 in Richmond Township. The two led police on a high speed chase through several townships before turning onto Scouten Hill Road where they abandoned the vehicle in a wooded area and fled on foot. A search of the area after the incident was unsuccessful. The suspects were arrested at an undisclosed location at a later time.
The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing County Route 20 in the town of Masonville from Monday to Friday, August 19th to the 23rd to replace a large culvert. Work is expected to be complete by 3pm Friday the 23rd.
Governor Cuomo continued to say that there is no timetable for a decision on the return of Hydrofracking to New York State. State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton told WCDO News that a decision has to be made soon, after 5 years of waiting:
(Libous 8-15-13)
Currently, the decision of Hydrofracking rests with the findings of the state Health Department. A gas-drilling moratorium has been in effect for almost 5 years, hydrofracking started in Western New York in 1979.
The trial of 25 year old Binghamton resident Jaclyn Wesley began in Broome County Court yesterday. In May of 2011, Wesley was driving her Ford Explorer when it went off Interstate 88 west in the town of Fenton and into the Chenango River. There were 4 people in the vehicle and Wesley was the only survivor. The bodies of 39-year-old Carri Michalski, 25-year-old Robert Moorehead and 45-year-old Robert Marshall were later recovered from the river. Wesley is facing seven misdemeaners including driving while intoxicated in the case. The trial continues at the Broome County Courthouse.
Tompkins County and the Town of Enfield declared local emergencies Wednesday afternoon due to the numerous damages caused by last week's storms. Damages exceed four hundred thousand dollars and the compromised waterways and infrastructure could threaten private properties in the case of another storm. The repairs are beyond the capacity of what the local government can manage and the county is calling on New York State to provide assistance.
A group of junior sailors from Camp Comstock were out on Cayuga Lake Wednesday when the winds picked up and waters became too rough. A camp counselor attempted to rescue the three campers in a motor boat, but began taking water on board and the boat began to sink. Others from the camp went out in canoes and jet skis to try and bring them in. Trumansburg Fire and Rescue, along with the New York State Park Police Marine Unit and the Ithaca Fire and Rescue Marine Unit, responded to the scene and were able to rescue the boat operator. Two campers were taken to Cayuga Medical Center for treatment of head injuries. Officials said the use of life jackets helped make sure there was no loss of life.
Two men who led Pennsylvania State Police on a high-speed chase Monday morning have been arrested. 33 year old Erich J. West, and 21 year old Ryan J. West, both of Wellsboro, were wanted on several warrants. They had been spotted driving a stolen vehicle on state Route 660 in Richmond Township. The two led police on a high speed chase through several townships before turning onto Scouten Hill Road where they abandoned the vehicle in a wooded area and fled on foot. A search of the area after the incident was unsuccessful. The suspects were arrested at an undisclosed location at a later time.
The Delaware County Department of Public Works will be closing County Route 20 in the town of Masonville from Monday to Friday, August 19th to the 23rd to replace a large culvert. Work is expected to be complete by 3pm Friday the 23rd.