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WCDO News — Tuesday 1-24-17
Governor Cuomo discussed his plans to strengthen the Upstate economy, with income tax cuts for middle class families, free tuition at SUNY & CUNY Schools for middle class families, and the continuing of the Regional Economic Development Councils.
(Cuomo 1-23-17)
Lawmakers will begin hearing later this week on various aspects of the Governor's 152 Billion Dollar Executive Budget Proposal.
Governor Cuomo announced a series of actions to firmly secure access to reproductive rights in New York State. The State will ensure that contraceptive drugs and devices are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles regardless of the future of the Affordable Care Act; contraceptives are available in amounts exceeding one month’s supply at a time; and all medically necessary abortion services are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles. The announcement coincides with this weekend's Women’s Marches in Washington D.C., across New York State and across the country, as well as the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision.
On Thursday January 19th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35-year-old Brian Bennett of Stamford, on charge of obstructing governmental administration, felony assault, and felony assault on a police officer following a report of an assault in progress at a Restaurant in the Village of Stamford. Deputies allege that Bennett repeatedly struck another person leading to a fractured vertebra, and then kicking a Deputy in the face. Bennett was later arraigned in Stamford Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail.
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement with Cigna, requiring the health insurer to eliminate a ban on coverage for claims for neuropsychological testing of psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder. An investigation was launched following a complaint last year about Cigna’s policy. Under the terms of the settlement, the company agrees to comply with Timothy's Law, which is named for a 13-year-old Schenectady boy who committed suicide after an insurance denial. The settlement requires Cigna to revise its policies, pay autism claims previously rejected, and pay a penalty of $50,000.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 11th annual women's Trailblazer Award, presented by the Oneonta City Commission on Community relations & Human Rights. The award honors an Oneonta Area woman who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in her field or in the community that has enhanced the visibility & Stature of women. Nominations are due by February 21st, the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.
Chenango County Sheriff's office arrested 23 year old Branden Ward of Brookfield for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and additional vehicle and traffic violations. Ward was charged when correctional officers received information of narcotics attempting to be brought into the Chenango County Jail. Ward is accused of selling narcotics, and was later found to be in possession of heroin, suboxone, and marihuana. Ward was also allegedly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license & was wanted by the New Hartford Police Department on a separate charge. Ward was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail & will reappear in court at a later date.
State Police stopped a vehicle traveling west on State Route 17 in the Town of Sanford for a traffic infraction. Troopers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered approximately 7 ½ pounds of marihuana. 22 year old Andrew Reid of Queens, was arrested for second-degree criminal possession of marihuana, he was arraigned in the Town of Sanford Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. 20 year old Andeka Morgan of Queens was charged with unlawful possession of marihuana and released.
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that the income tax filing season officially begins today. New York taxpayers with household income of $64,000 or less in 2016 can qualify to use Free File software, the Tax Department is hosting 54 Facilitated-Self Assistance sites throughout New York State, each staffed by Tax Department experts. More information is available at tax.ny.gov/fsa.
The Unatego School District Board of Education will be deciding next month on the recommendations from a Facilities study on the district's buildings. Unatego Superintendent Dave Richards explains:
(Dave Richards 1-23-17)
Richards said that the 2 Elementary school buildings are each about 90 years old & would require millions of dollars in renovations, however the need for the extra space is negated by the fact that the district population has decreased by 28% over the last 10 years.
THE UNADILLA CHAMBER of Commerce IS HOSTING THE 4 CHAMBER MIXER at Green's Long River Inn, Unadilla today. The Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm for members of the Unadilla, Sidney, and Bainbridge & Afton Chambers of Commerce.
(Cuomo 1-23-17)
Lawmakers will begin hearing later this week on various aspects of the Governor's 152 Billion Dollar Executive Budget Proposal.
Governor Cuomo announced a series of actions to firmly secure access to reproductive rights in New York State. The State will ensure that contraceptive drugs and devices are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles regardless of the future of the Affordable Care Act; contraceptives are available in amounts exceeding one month’s supply at a time; and all medically necessary abortion services are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles. The announcement coincides with this weekend's Women’s Marches in Washington D.C., across New York State and across the country, as well as the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision.
On Thursday January 19th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35-year-old Brian Bennett of Stamford, on charge of obstructing governmental administration, felony assault, and felony assault on a police officer following a report of an assault in progress at a Restaurant in the Village of Stamford. Deputies allege that Bennett repeatedly struck another person leading to a fractured vertebra, and then kicking a Deputy in the face. Bennett was later arraigned in Stamford Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 bail.
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement with Cigna, requiring the health insurer to eliminate a ban on coverage for claims for neuropsychological testing of psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder. An investigation was launched following a complaint last year about Cigna’s policy. Under the terms of the settlement, the company agrees to comply with Timothy's Law, which is named for a 13-year-old Schenectady boy who committed suicide after an insurance denial. The settlement requires Cigna to revise its policies, pay autism claims previously rejected, and pay a penalty of $50,000.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 11th annual women's Trailblazer Award, presented by the Oneonta City Commission on Community relations & Human Rights. The award honors an Oneonta Area woman who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in her field or in the community that has enhanced the visibility & Stature of women. Nominations are due by February 21st, the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.
Chenango County Sheriff's office arrested 23 year old Branden Ward of Brookfield for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, and additional vehicle and traffic violations. Ward was charged when correctional officers received information of narcotics attempting to be brought into the Chenango County Jail. Ward is accused of selling narcotics, and was later found to be in possession of heroin, suboxone, and marihuana. Ward was also allegedly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license & was wanted by the New Hartford Police Department on a separate charge. Ward was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail & will reappear in court at a later date.
State Police stopped a vehicle traveling west on State Route 17 in the Town of Sanford for a traffic infraction. Troopers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered approximately 7 ½ pounds of marihuana. 22 year old Andrew Reid of Queens, was arrested for second-degree criminal possession of marihuana, he was arraigned in the Town of Sanford Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. 20 year old Andeka Morgan of Queens was charged with unlawful possession of marihuana and released.
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that the income tax filing season officially begins today. New York taxpayers with household income of $64,000 or less in 2016 can qualify to use Free File software, the Tax Department is hosting 54 Facilitated-Self Assistance sites throughout New York State, each staffed by Tax Department experts. More information is available at tax.ny.gov/fsa.
The Unatego School District Board of Education will be deciding next month on the recommendations from a Facilities study on the district's buildings. Unatego Superintendent Dave Richards explains:
(Dave Richards 1-23-17)
Richards said that the 2 Elementary school buildings are each about 90 years old & would require millions of dollars in renovations, however the need for the extra space is negated by the fact that the district population has decreased by 28% over the last 10 years.
THE UNADILLA CHAMBER of Commerce IS HOSTING THE 4 CHAMBER MIXER at Green's Long River Inn, Unadilla today. The Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm for members of the Unadilla, Sidney, and Bainbridge & Afton Chambers of Commerce.
WCDO News — Tuesday 1-24-17
State Police arrested 20-year-old Brandon Sprague of Schenevus, for Sexual Misconduct and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, after troopers were advised of an incident in the Town of Maryland. Sprague allegedly had sexual contact with a victim less than 17 years old and also gave them narcotics. Sprague was arraigned in the Town of Maryland Court and was released without bail required. His next court date is on January 30th.
State Police arrested 34-year-old Anthony Fedora from Windsor, for the felony Assault and Unlawful Imprisonment, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute in the Town of Windsor. Fedora allegedly struck the victim several times causing serious injuries & also kept the victim from leaving. Fedora was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. An order of protection was issued. The victim was transported to Wilson Hospital and was treated for their injuries.
28 year old Adam Alexander of Afton was indicted By a Broome County Grand Jury this week, for a fatal crash that killed a motorcyclist from Binghamton last September. Alexander was indicted on charges of 2nd degree Manslaughter, Vehicular Manslaughter, DWI, & driving a vehicle with a BAC of .08 of higher, in connection with the crash on September 5th in the town of Colesville, when Alexander failed to stop at the intersection of Route 7 & 235, and struck a motorcycle driven by Jason Smith, who was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he succumbed to his injuries.
State Senator Jim Seward announced his committee assignments for this year's session. Seward will continue to serve on the education, higher education, agriculture, and health committees; he has also been named to the new Senate Select Committee on Technology and Innovation. Seward stated that new technology and innovation companies are starting to grow in New York, the new senate committee will develop strategies to boost the tech sector, and lead to good paying jobs and careers.
Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that he has signed a letter along with 106 other mayors, to members of Congress, to build upon, and not dismantle the Affordable Care Act. The letter seeks to keep numerous protections intact, like treatment for those with mental illnesses, pre existing conditions or various preventative services.
The New York State Legislature will again consider legislation that would authorize people with terminal illnesses to request life-ending drugs from a physician. The bill was introduced Monday, it would require 2 physicians to certify the patient's illness is terminal. Physicians could refuse to agree to the request for any reason. The bill passed an Assembly committee last year but didn't get a full floor vote & it is expected to be rigorously challenged again this year. Colorado, Washington, Vermont, California and Oregon already have similar laws on the books.
The State Department of Labor released local unemployment rates for December today. Locally Chenango County had 5.2% unemployment, Delaware county 5.3% and Otsego County at 4.8%, the State’s unemployment rate decreased 2/10 to 4.9% in December.
United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties announced that taxpayers will be able to do their taxes free online through the CASH Coalition of Otsego & Delaware counties. United Way Executive Director Susan Kurkowski explains:
(Susan Kurkowski 1-24-17)
The website is unitedway.org/myfreetaxes.
Another public meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization initiative will be held on Tonight at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. Updated information will be provided by Stantec Urban Planners, Otsego Now & the local planning committee, regarding plans to transform the downtown business district. Oneonta received 10 million dollars from the state last year for the projects. The public is encouraged to attend & participate in the meeting at 7:00 PM.
State lawmakers are tackling various segments of the Governor's proposed budget plan; Area Assemblyman Cliff crouch said that he hopes that this is the year that the school state aid formula is changed:
(Cliff Crouch 1-24-17)
Crouch said that the aid formulas were changed by Governor Spitzer about 10 years ago, but a lawsuit by downstate concerns and the recession put those changes on hold, to the detriment of poor rural school districts.
Breastfeeding support is currently available every Tuesday at UHS Pediatrics in Sidney. Rene Stratton of Delaware County Public Health explains:
(Rene Stratton 1-24-17)
More information about the program is available at 561-2200.
State Police responded to a report of a 1-vehicle crash on County Road 2 near Echo Lake Road in the Town of Greene, where the driver had fled the scene on foot into the woods. The driver was identified as 23-year-old Alexander Drost of Greene. A man had knocked on the door to a home nearby asking for help, Drost was found hiding in a large backhoe. He was arrested for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and several traffic violations & was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango county Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond.
State Police arrested 34-year-old Anthony Fedora from Windsor, for the felony Assault and Unlawful Imprisonment, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute in the Town of Windsor. Fedora allegedly struck the victim several times causing serious injuries & also kept the victim from leaving. Fedora was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. An order of protection was issued. The victim was transported to Wilson Hospital and was treated for their injuries.
28 year old Adam Alexander of Afton was indicted By a Broome County Grand Jury this week, for a fatal crash that killed a motorcyclist from Binghamton last September. Alexander was indicted on charges of 2nd degree Manslaughter, Vehicular Manslaughter, DWI, & driving a vehicle with a BAC of .08 of higher, in connection with the crash on September 5th in the town of Colesville, when Alexander failed to stop at the intersection of Route 7 & 235, and struck a motorcycle driven by Jason Smith, who was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he succumbed to his injuries.
State Senator Jim Seward announced his committee assignments for this year's session. Seward will continue to serve on the education, higher education, agriculture, and health committees; he has also been named to the new Senate Select Committee on Technology and Innovation. Seward stated that new technology and innovation companies are starting to grow in New York, the new senate committee will develop strategies to boost the tech sector, and lead to good paying jobs and careers.
Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that he has signed a letter along with 106 other mayors, to members of Congress, to build upon, and not dismantle the Affordable Care Act. The letter seeks to keep numerous protections intact, like treatment for those with mental illnesses, pre existing conditions or various preventative services.
The New York State Legislature will again consider legislation that would authorize people with terminal illnesses to request life-ending drugs from a physician. The bill was introduced Monday, it would require 2 physicians to certify the patient's illness is terminal. Physicians could refuse to agree to the request for any reason. The bill passed an Assembly committee last year but didn't get a full floor vote & it is expected to be rigorously challenged again this year. Colorado, Washington, Vermont, California and Oregon already have similar laws on the books.
The State Department of Labor released local unemployment rates for December today. Locally Chenango County had 5.2% unemployment, Delaware county 5.3% and Otsego County at 4.8%, the State’s unemployment rate decreased 2/10 to 4.9% in December.
United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties announced that taxpayers will be able to do their taxes free online through the CASH Coalition of Otsego & Delaware counties. United Way Executive Director Susan Kurkowski explains:
(Susan Kurkowski 1-24-17)
The website is unitedway.org/myfreetaxes.
Another public meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization initiative will be held on Tonight at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. Updated information will be provided by Stantec Urban Planners, Otsego Now & the local planning committee, regarding plans to transform the downtown business district. Oneonta received 10 million dollars from the state last year for the projects. The public is encouraged to attend & participate in the meeting at 7:00 PM.
State lawmakers are tackling various segments of the Governor's proposed budget plan; Area Assemblyman Cliff crouch said that he hopes that this is the year that the school state aid formula is changed:
(Cliff Crouch 1-24-17)
Crouch said that the aid formulas were changed by Governor Spitzer about 10 years ago, but a lawsuit by downstate concerns and the recession put those changes on hold, to the detriment of poor rural school districts.
Breastfeeding support is currently available every Tuesday at UHS Pediatrics in Sidney. Rene Stratton of Delaware County Public Health explains:
(Rene Stratton 1-24-17)
More information about the program is available at 561-2200.
State Police responded to a report of a 1-vehicle crash on County Road 2 near Echo Lake Road in the Town of Greene, where the driver had fled the scene on foot into the woods. The driver was identified as 23-year-old Alexander Drost of Greene. A man had knocked on the door to a home nearby asking for help, Drost was found hiding in a large backhoe. He was arrested for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and several traffic violations & was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango county Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond.
ADAM ALEXANDERAftonALEXANDER DROSTANTHONY FEDORABinghamtonBRANDON SPRAGUEColesvilleDelaware County Public HealthGovernor CuomoGreeneJASON SMITHNew YorkNYOneonta Downtown Revitalization InitiativeONEONTA MAYOR GARY HERZIGRENE STRATTONSchenevusSTATE ASSEMBLYMAN CLIFF CROUCHState senator Jim SewardSUSAN KURKOWSKIUHS SIDNEYUNITED WAY OF DELAWARE AND OTSEGO COUNTIESWCDOWindsor