WCDO Radio News

The Broome County Health Department reported 83 more positive cases of COVID 19 since Tuesday, bringing their total to 1610 cases, they still report 82 deaths, 1285 recoveries and 1157 people are being monitored by the health department, following the latest cluster reported in Binghamton last weekend.

The town of New Berlin will hold a public hearing at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13th at the New Berlin Town Office at 30 North Main Street, to discuss possible cuts to the town budget, including saving about $180,000 dollars by eliminating their Town Police Department.  Municipalities around the state are waiting to see if New York State will receive any federal aid because of the COVID 19 pandemic, New York has lost about 20% of their revenue stream since March.

Village of Delhi Police Department arrested 32-year-old Sheila Thompson and 32-year-old Kyle Alverson of Delhi, each of them being charged with Unlawfully Growing Cannabis and 6 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Thompson and Alverson were released with appearance tickets directing them to appear in Delhi Town Court to answer the charges at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies  & Downsville Fire & EMS were dispatched to a roll-over accident on County Highway 7 in the Town of Colchester that was reported by “On-Star”.   19-year-old Parker Rosencranse of Roscoe lost control of his vehicle which ran off the roadway, into a ditch and overturned.  Rosencranse was arrested and charged with the DWI, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, unauthorized sticker, among other charges, Rosencranse was released on traffic summonses directing him to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date to answer the charges. Rosencranse & an unidentified passenger were not injured.

With cold weather just around the corner, customers will be firing up furnaces and other appliances for the first time this season. NYSEG officials urge the public to recognize the potential signs of a natural gas leak and review the following safety tips about what do if a leak is suspected.

(Ridge Harris 10-1-20)

NYSEG officials report that you should leave immediately & call NYSEG at 1-800-572-1121 from a safe location, Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances, as those items may produce a spark that  might ignite the natural gas and cause an explosion.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-1-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 4 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, all 4 were SUNY Oneonta students, and also 3 cases were reported in SUNY students that had not previously been reported.  Otsego County reports 893 total confirmed cases, 17 are active cases with 1 hospitalization, there have been 7 deaths.   722 cases are linked to the SUNY Oneonta outbreak, 19 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Chenango County Health Department announced that they will have 3 Drive-through rabies clinics this year.  The next one will be in Bainbridge at General Clinton Park Today from 9:00 to 11:00, one is also scheduled at the Sherburne Earlville High School bus garage on October 31st from 9:00 to 11:00 and another will be held at the South New Berlin Fire Station on December 5th from 9:00 to 11:00, Pre-Registration is Required at health.ny.gov/go2clinic/9 or by calling 337-1673.

State Police responded to a report of a wrong-way driver on State Highway 17 in the city of Binghamton Tuesday. Broome County 911 received numerous calls of a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes which sideswiped a tractor trailer. Police said that an 86-year-old woman was traveling the wrong way in the passing lane directly into the path of a tractor trailer who took evasive action but was unable to completely miss the vehicle. No injuries were reported. The accident remains under investigation.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Town of Tompkins man on charges for violating of an order of protection violation and animal cruelty. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were investigating a complaint of animal cruelty by a male residing in the Town of Tompkins, A 2nd complaint was then filed by a female victim alleging the male had violated an order of protection by contacting the protected party. Deputies arrested and charged 30-year-old Christopher Baird of Tompkins for criminal contempt, harassment & 4 counts of torturing and injuring animals. Baird was released on appearance tickets, returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

The State DEC announced that the State has expanded its Drought Watch to the Southern Tier region. Residents must monitor usage and avoid wasting water, by fixing dripping and leaking faucets and toilets, raise lawn mower cutting height as longer grass needs less water; water lawns less frequently and Sweep sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them. More water saving tips are available at the DEC's webpage.

The National Transportation Safety Board found violations were made by Prestige Limousine, The State DOT, The State Department of Motor Vehicles, and State Police related to the crash which killed 20 people on October 6th 2018 in Schoharie. The NTSB determined the probable causes of the crash were the total disregard for safety by Prestige Limousine by dispatching a limo with an out of service order. Other contributing factors were oversights made by the DOT and DMV, & the State Police had sufficient evidence to stop the company from operating prior to the crash but failed to take action. A criminal investigation led to charges for Nauman Hussain, the operator of Prestige Limo.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-27-20

The Broome County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of Caleb Casteline of Apalachin for the fatal stabbing of Q-Quan Richardson of Binghamton, at a party in Endwell Wednesday.  Casteline was charged with 2nd degree murder and faces court action on the charge shortly.

The Delhi Village Police Department executed a search warrant on August 21st at 219 Main Street; they seized concentrated cannabis in a variety of forms, as well as LSD, cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone, packaging materials & $1,500 cash from suspected drug sales.  Delhi Police arrested 20-year-old Alana Blaustein of Delhi & 22-year-old Connor Guiseppone of Delhi on a variety of drug charges, both were arraigned in Delhi Town Court where & were released on their own recognizance pending future court action.

Utica Firefighters were called to a massive fire at the former CharlesTown Mall in Utica.    Firefighters from the Utica & surrounding Fire Departments responded at about 1:30 this morning, Utica city officials are advising residents in the eastern sections of the city to remain indoors with their windows shut due to the high winds whipping the smoke & ash around from the blaze.

The State Health Department announced another 791 positive COVID 19 cases on Wednesday statewide after over 83,000 tests were administered.  490 were hospitalized for the virus, 4 deaths were reported, bringing the state death toll to 25,309.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a New York City man Tuesday following a property damage accident on County Highway 26 in the Town of Colchester.  23-year-old Evian Camacho of New York City had a suspended driver’s license, for failure to answer summonses in both Bronx and New York counties and for failure to pay a State DMV driver responsibility assessment.    Camacho was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and moving from a lane unsafely.  Camacho was released and directed to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date.

A variety of severe weather warnings have been issued throughout the region this afternoon, as severe weather pounded the region.  Meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 8-27-20)

A Tornado watch remains in effect through 7:00 PM throughout the WCDO Listening area .

Otsego County Department of Health is investigating 9 cases of coronavirus reported Wednesday, 5 of the cases are SUNY Oneonta students. The other 4 cases have been associated with a gathering of high school students. All cases are have been investigated and contacts are being notified.  Currently, Otsego County now reports 128 total confirmed cases, with 15 active cases, 1 person is hospitalized.  The Otsego County Health Department is holding another free COVID 19 testing this morning from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON at the former "Greenies" site on state route 7 in Otego, This testing site is for Otsego County residents only who preregister by calling 547-4279.

The Broome County Sheriff's department arrested 25 year old Keenan Johnson of the town of Chenango twice Tuesday.  Johnson reportedly had a dispute with his girlfriend, he was confronted by neighbors & displayed a handgun, he fled the scene, was located by deputies & was charged with Menacing and Criminal Possession of Marijuana before being released on an appearance ticket, he was arrested a short time after his release at the girlfriends residence, fled on a Motorcycle the chase was terminated due to public safety concerns.  Additional charges against Johnson are pending.

The State Health Department announced that there were 608 new positives for COVID 19 Sunday, about 1% of all tested, bringing the state total since March up to 412,344.  There were 11 deaths reported Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 25,117.

Broome County Health Department reported that they are up to 932 positive COVID 19 cases Sunday, they report 64 deaths, 722 recoveries & 659 people are being monitored by the Health Department

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic safety check on County Highway 7 in the Town of Colchester Friday, During the detail, 42-year-old Kris Rose of Monticello was stopped for having an expired inspection, the investigation revealed that Rose’s license plates were suspended and switched from another vehicle & his driving privileges in New York were suspended.  Rose was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, along with several other violations, he was directed to appear in the Town of Colchester Court on a later date.

Otsego County Health Department reported 3 new cases, they are up to 96 total confirmed cases, with 12 active cases, 3 are hospitalized, 79 have recovered, and there have been 5 deaths.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & DEP Police responded July 7th to a 1 car accident near the intersection of State Highway 206 and Wilson Hollow in the Town of Colchester, the vehicle was not occupied, but Deputies located 33-year old Brian Hartwell of Bainbridge walking on State Highway 206.  Hartwell lost control of his vehicle and struck a highway sign and drainage ditch when he swerved to avoid a deer, he left the scene as he had been driving in violation of his conditional license.  Deputies discovered that Norwich Police Department held an arrest warrant for Hartwell for criminal contempt.  Hartwell was charged with a number of traffic offenses, & for the Norwich charge, he was turned over to the Norwich Police Department.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they have had 4 new cases of COVID 19 reported in last few days.  They have had 89 total confirmed cases, 10 active cases with 2 hospitalized, 74 recoveries, 5 deaths,

The Watershed Agricultural Council will be sponsoring their 4th annual blood drive from 12:00 to 5:00 pm today at the Walton Fire Department, 59 West Street, Walton. Appointments are requested at redcrossblood.org.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works will close County Road 9 today between Page Road and Gardner Road in the Town of Greene, for the replacement of large twin culvert crossing under County Road 9.  This closure shall be in place from the stated date of closure until the twin culvert replacement project on County Road 9 is complete.  There shall be NO ON-SITE DETOUR. The traveling public is asked to seek alternative routes. Local traffic shall be allowed access to their homes, on each side of project.

The State Health Department announced that the Coronavirus total since Early March was over 381,000, about 2000 people are hospitalized, and just fewer than 24,500 have died.

State Police arrested 2 teenagers from Delaware County after they engaged in 2 separate vehicle pursuits with troopers.  A 16-year-old was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Grand Larceny, and 2 counts of Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle, a 17-year-old was arrested for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Grand Larceny.  Troopers were advised of an erratic driver on I-88 near Unadilla, Troopers attempted to make a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to comply, accelerated off the Interstate at exit 10 and on to State Highway 7 in Unadilla.  Another trooper attempted to stop the vehicle on State Highway 7 when the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a tree, the juveniles fled on foot & were spotted in another vehicle on State Route 7, and they failed to comply but were taken into custody at the Speedway at State Routes 7 and 8.  The 1st vehicle was stolen from the town of Downsville, the 2nd from the village of Unadilla; both teens were virtually arraigned and were released to legal guardians.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a property damage accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester Thursday.  38-year-old Alan Moore of Walton apparently he fell asleep at the wheel on State Route 206, lost control of his vehicle, it overturned before coming to rest in a ditch.  Moore was not injured in the accident, he did not possess a New York Driver’s license and had 9 active suspensions, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, operating out of class among other charges, and he will appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Delaware County reported no new cases of COVID-19 Thursday and no additional recoveries. To date there have been 79 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 17 people quarantined, 2 are in the hospital, 6 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 66 have fully recovered.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old
Dystinee Rubera of Unadilla  with
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Moved from lane unsafely
and Operate Motor Vehicle by Unlicensed Driver. The arrest occurred as result
of a traffic stop on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi, Rubera was issued
an appearance ticket to Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Another free Christmas Day dinner is being offered by Gene
Schmidt & his family at the Sidney Fire Department on River Street, Schmidt
is looking for volunteers to help out:

(Gene Schmidt 12-9-19)

The dinner will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Christmas Day,
those who would like more information, or to volunteer, can call Schmidt at
607-610-4030.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 44-Year-Old
Jubar McDaniel of St. Albans, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor
vehicle, Failure to Comply with a Lawful Order, Speeding as well as several
other charges, after he failed to comply with law enforcement on State Highway
17 in Hancock, into the Town of Colchester, and he stopped in Sullivan
County.  McDaniel was arraigned in the
Colchester Town Court, and subsequently remanded to the Delaware County Jail on
$500 cash, or $1,500 bond.  McDaniel is
scheduled to return to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

The number of private sector jobs in New York State grew by
8,900, to 8,280,700 in August according to preliminary figures released today
by the State Department of Labor.  The
State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0% for the fourth
consecutive month.   Upstate Counties saw
the unemployment rate go up .1% to 3.8% in August.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34-year-old
Joshua Gardepe of East Branch, Wednesday on the charge of endangering the
welfare of a child, following an investigation of a report of child
maltreatment in the Town of Hancock. Gardepe was arraigned at Town of
Colchester Court and was released to appear at Town of Hancock Court at a later
date to answer the charge.

Delaware County Public Health certified Child Passenger
Safety Technicians will be offering free car seat safety checks and education
to parents today from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm at Little Lambs Children’s Center, 383
Delaware County Highway 11 Oneonta.  The
event is part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, more information is
available at 832-5200.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a Traffic
Safety Checkpoint on State Highway 10 in the Town of Hamden recently.  Deputies issued 16 traffic violations for
offenses ranging from driving while ability impaired by drugs, operating with a
driver’s view obstruction, operating with prohibited studded snow tires,
uninspected motor vehicle, speeding, operating an unregistered motor vehicle,
operating an unregistered motorcycle, and operating with an unregistered
trailer. All defendants were released on tickets and are scheduled to appear at
Hamden Town Court at a later date to answer the charges. Deputies were assisted
by members of the State Police.

New York Attorney
General Letitia James 16 State Attorneys General are urging the U.S. Department
of Labor not to adopt its proposal which reverses federal overtime protections
for workers.    Under the proposed rule,
over 8 million workers, including over 600,000 workers in New York, would lose
overtime protections.    The proposed
rule would change the white-collar exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards
Act, which currently exempts from overtime protections for those in executive,
administrative, and professional "white-collar" positions. In order
for an employer to classify an employee as exempt, the employee must be paid a
fixed salary, be paid a minimum specified salary and Have a job with duties
that are executive, administrative, or professional in nature.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 43-year-old
Jesus Bracero of Syracuse, Saturday night for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation
of a motor vehicle & speeding, following traffic stop on State Highway 17
in the Town of Colchester.   Bracero was
arraigned in the Colchester Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County
Jail on 500 dollar cash bail or 1000 dollar secured bond. Bracero is scheduled
to re-appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date to answer for
these charges.

Sidney area residents over 65 can get assistance with medical bills of prescription costs through the Mary MacKinnon Trust Fund. Community Bank Trust Department Spokesperson Julia Goff explains:

(Julia Goff 10-10-18)

Goff said that the trust fund has been active & growing for over 50 years, more information is available at 433-4212

Delaware County Sheriff's Department and State DOT Inspectors conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester. 3 Inspections were conducted; Deputies issued 17 summonses for various safety violations including unsafe tires, uninspected motor vehicle, unregistered vehicle, loose cargo, spreading debris on the highway, & inadequate brakes. 2 of the vehicles were taken out of service, 1 driver was arrested for a displaying a forged commercial motor vehicle inspection certificate and issued multiple summons returnable to the Town of Colchester Court.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested 46 year old Michael Lynch of Sidney following the execution of a search warrant at his County Highway 23, Town of Sidney, and residence. Members of the Criminal Investigation Division, acting on a tip, obtained a search warrant for Lynch's residence, they seized marijuana plants, drying marijuana and a number of rifles and shotguns, Lynch was charged with criminal possession of marijuana & unlawful cultivation of cannabis, he was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

The Otsego County Health Department will hold the next Rabies Vaccination clinic tonight in Otego. The clinic will be held at the Otego Fire Department from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 547-4230.

The Broome County Health Department has confirmed 2 cases of the West Nile Virus in recent weeks. Both Patients were hospitalized and both are recovering. Mild cases usually feature a fever, headache, body aches and occasionally skin rash or swollen glands, more serious cases include high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness and an altered mental status. Public health officials say the key is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, through insect repellent, screens and the elimination of standing water.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & the Downsville Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded to a 911 report of a motor vehicle accident Sunday Morning on County Highway 7; The Cat Hollow Road in the Town of Colchester. Upon arrival, first responders found the involved vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Following fire suppression, responders found that the vehicle’s driver was deceased, there were no other occupants. Investigators determined that 41 year old Anthony Driskell of Unadilla, lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree. The cause of this accident remains under investigation.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a fatal motor vehicle accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton Friday Night. 21 year old Aaron Tubbs of Treadwell was operating a bicycle on State Hwy 10, when he was fatally struck by a vehicle operated by 66 year old Michelle Mason of Hamden. Mason and her passenger were uninjured. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

A.O. Fox Hospital is co-hosting a special panel discussion event at Hartwick College’s Slade Theatre in Yager Hall on Wednesday, September 12th from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, Community agencies, law enforcement, crisis counselors, survivors, & A.O. Fox’s Emergency Department will facilitate a candid conversation about sexual assault more information is available at 431-5180.

New York Farm Bureau, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, and Farmers for Free Trade, gathered at the State Fair last week to discuss their concerns, as a number of New York commodities, including dairy, soybeans, wine, maple and apples face retaliatory tariffs in several countries including China, Canada, Mexico and in the European Union. commodity prices have fallen on agricultural products, Equipment prices are rising due to the tariffs, and farmers are concerned about losing long established markets as countries turn to other, cheaper sources for their food. Net farm income was already down by 50% before the trade wars began. The principle agreement announced last week with Mexico is a step in the right direction, but an agreement with Canada needs to be completed for an effective news NAFTA deal.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 29 year old Donald Kern of Sidney for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Deputies and Hancock Village Police Department responded in March to the report of a dead dog in the Delaware River, that had been fatally shot. Kern was identifed as the owner, Deputies recovered a rifle illegally sold by Kern, that was used to kill the dog. Kern was arraigned in the Village of Hancock Court Sunday morning and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,000 cash bail pending further court action. Kern will face additional firearms related charges shortly.

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations; with hundreds fewer blood drives than a typical week and a resulting decline in donations. Locally, Blood drives are being held today in Delhi from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the SUNY Delhi O’Connor Center for Community Engagement at 2 Main Street & again in Delhi on Friday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on State Highway 10.

The Delaware County Department of Public Health announced that a Free Rabies Vaccination clinic will be held today, for dogs cats & domesticated ferrets. the clinic will be held at the Colchester Highway Garage on River Road in Downsville from5:00 to 6:30 PM. More information is available at 832-5200 or delaware county public health.com

Last Friday, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a Click It or Ticket/Seatbelt Mobilization enforcement traffic check point on County Highway 7 in the Town of Colchester. Deputies issued a total of 23 traffic tickets for offenses ranging from operating without a seat belt, uninspected motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, aggravated unlicensed operation speed not reasonable and prudent, and driving while ability impaired by drugs. 29 year old Andre Fenner of Bronx was arrested for Driving while ability impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operator, and unlawful possession of marijuana, among other charges, he will appear in town of Colchester court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 22 year old Ashley Newkirk of Roscoe for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, Newkirk was charged during a traffic and safety checkpoint conducted by Deputies in the Town of Colchester. Newkirk was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date to answer the charges.

On Saturday, Senator Fred Akshar partnered with representatives from UHS, the Broome County Sheriff's Office, the Johnson City Police Department and the Southern Tier AIDS Program for a "Shed the Meds" prescription turn-in event at the Oakdale Mall. Volunteers collected over 490 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter medication, including 334 bottles of prescription narcotics and other controlled substances with an estimated street value of over $50,000. Community members participated in free Narcan training held at the UHS Stay Healthy Center, each trainee received a free Narcan kit.

Governor Cuomo today announced a 30-day budget amendment that will Prohibit level 2 and 3 sex offenders, whose victims were under the age of 13, from being within 1,000 feet of a kindergarten or pre-K school; Ban certain sex offenders from living in temporary emergency housing or shelters that house families; and Require the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to obtain a list of schools from the State Department of Education, and distribute that list to probation and parole departments to ensure sex offenders stay away from those locations.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 56 year old Dennis Hulse of Auburn, on charges of unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance and driving while ability impaired by drugs following a traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Colchester. Hulse was also charged with driving 80 miles per hour in 55 miles per hour zone. He was later released on traffic tickets returnable to Colchester Town Court at a later date.

Delaware County Emergency Services Department announced that the early Friday morning structure fire at 478 Dehning Road in the Town of Davenport involved the death of 2 small children. Officials said that the apartment building was fully involved, a 1-year-old male and a 3-year-old female died, an adult male was transported with burns to Upstate Medical Center Burn Unit in Syracuse. The names of the victims are being withheld at this time. The investigation is currently ongoing by State Police, plus the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Emergency Services, Fire Investigation Team and the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

State Police, State Liquor Authority and Endicott Police Department conducted an Underage Drinker Identification Enforcement check Friday. They targeted 29 Broome County area convenience stores that sold alcoholic beverages, only 1 sold alcohol to an underage operative, at Kelly's Gulf on State route 26 in the Town of Maine. 21-year-old store clerk Zonia Altamirano of Apalachin was arrested for selling alcohol to a minor; She was given an appearance ticket for Town of Maine Court on November 28th.

The Hartwick College Nursing Department invites the public to an informational meeting about its 18-month Accelerated Nursing Program. The event is Tuesday, November 14, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in Johnstone Science Center, on the Hartwick College campus. More information on the event or the Accelerated Nursing Program is available at 431-4790 or 431-4324.

Governor Cuomo announced that applications for home heating assistance would be accepted beginning Monday, November 13 throughout New York State. The Home Energy Assistance Program is making $327 million in federal funding available to eligible older New Yorkers and low- and moderate-income New Yorkers to help cover heating costs. Households that are eligible can receive assistance of up to $726, depending on income, household size, and how the home is heated. Applications are accepted at local departments of social services, anyone living outside of New York City can apply for a regular Home Energy Assistance benefit online at myBenefits.ny.gov. Last year, nearly 1.5 million households received assistance through HEAP.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 17 year old Dylan Osonitch of Queens for unlicensed operator, operating with an expired registration sticker displayed, failure to keep right, and driving while ability impaired by drugs, following a traffic stop in the Town of Colchester. Osonitch was later released on tickets returnable to Colchester Town Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced completion of a $2.3 million project to renew 9.2 lane miles of concrete pavement repair along Interstate 88 between the I-88/Interstate 81 interchange and exit 3 in the towns of Dickinson and Fenton. Interstate-88 serves about 25,600 vehicles use this stretch of highway every day.

An Autopsy performed at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton has determined that Kenneth Faulkner of New Rochelle died from a Cocaine Overdose. Oneonta Police had picked up Faulkner where they had warrants to search Faulkner & an apartment in Oneonta, following a drug investigation. Faulkner struggled with Oneonta Police officers & swallowed a packet believed to contain Cocaine, EMT's brought him to Fox Hospital, and he died a few hours later, after the Police struggle Thursday night. The investigation into the incident is continuing by the Oneonta Police Department & the Otsego County District Attorney's office.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 43-year-old Scott Burgess of New Jersey, for allegedly speeding on State Highway 268 in the Town of Hancock. Deputies accuse Burgess of driving while intoxicated, with a child as a passenger. Burgess was charged with Aggravated DWI & Endangering the Welfare of a Child, he was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 secured bond.

State Senator Fred Akshar & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch will hold a public Town Hall Meeting to discuss the repurposing of the Broome Developmental Center to provide substance abuse treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. Officials from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, Broome County Department of Social Services and the Broome County Health Department will answer questions and address concerns related to the repurposing project. The Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Chenango Valley High School at 221 Chenango Bridge Rd.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 36-year-old Harold Wilson of North Branch for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Wilson was observed traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester at a high rate of speed where he was stopped, Deputies determined that Wilson was driving with 13 active suspensions, he was arraigned in the Town of Colchester Court, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $750 cash bail or $2,500 secured bond.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $3.7 million in grants to help further reduce motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud.. Police departments, sheriffs' offices and district attorneys' offices will share the funding for anti-theft and anti-fraud training programs to law enforcement professionals. The grants are awarded by the state's Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention program, the state Division of Criminal Justice Services provides staff to the board and administers the grant program.

The Chenango County Health department & the Chenango County Area Office on aging are co-sponsoring a flu clinic today in Oxford. The clinic will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Oxford Firehouse, more information & registration is available at 337-1660.

Chenango County residents can still sign up to participate or volunteer for the next Household Hazardous waste day this Saturday, Organizer Pat Pittsley explains:

(Pat Pittsley 9-19-17)

The event will be held from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Chenango County Highway Garage Saturday at the County Highway garage. Registrations or more information is available by calling 337-1792.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary unemployment rates for August. The State’s unemployment rate rose 1/10 of 1% in August, Locally Chenango County's unemployment rate was at 4.7%, Delaware County was at 5.3% & Otsego County had 4.7% in August.

Governor Cuomo today announced that over $69 million in grants, interest-free, and low-cost loans has been approved by the State Environmental Facilities Corporation to support drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects. The Town of Colchester will receive $318,000 for the construction of a new water treatment building with a cartridge filtration system so that their source may be used as for drinking water. Other improvements include a new finished water tank level monitoring system, a back-up electrical generator, new chemical feed systems, and a new raw water tank.

The Otsego County Sheriffs department arrested 59-year-old Rhonda Wing of Morris for DWI Saturday after she crashed her car in the Town of Pittsfield. Wing was arraigned at the Pittsfield Town Court and is expected to reappear December 21st.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 46-year-old Ronald Walley of Walton, for DWI, failure to keep right and speed unreasonable and prudent, following a 1-car rollover accident on County Highway 23 in the Town of Walton. Walley was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Walton Court on December 28th.

The State DOT announced that bridge work on State Route 30/206 northbound and southbound over the East Branch of the Delaware River in the town Colchester will require intermittent road closures in both directions starting today through December 2 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day. Crews will be setting bridge girders for the new bridge. Motorists will encounter traffic stoppages intermittently for 10 – 15 minutes several times during the work hours daily. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

The State DOT announced that bridge work on State Route 30/206 northbound and southbound over the East Branch of the Delaware River in the town Colchester will require intermittent road closures in both directions starting on November 30 through December 2 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day. Crews will be setting bridge girders for the new bridge. Motorists will encounter traffic stoppages intermittently for 10 – 15 minutes several times during the work hours daily. Flag personnel will control traffic. Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops.

Governor Cuomo today announced that temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will not be permitted from today through 6:00 AM on Monday, in order to accommodate motorists during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

The State Department of Health today announced that it has officially filed amendments to the Medical Use of Marijuana regulations that will authorize nurse practitioners to register with the Department to certify patients for medical marijuana. The amendments will take effect on November 30th, when the notice of adoption will be published in the New York State Register. Nurse practitioners will need to take the Department-approved Medical Use of Marijuana course online. The proposed rulemaking will be published on November 30th and will be subject to a 45-day public comment period. So far, over 10,500 patients have been certified by more than 740 registered physicians to participate.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held in Greene today from 12:30 until 5:30 PM at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 1180 State Highway 206. Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

Governor Cuomo today announced $28.3 million in federal highway safety grants has been awarded to 550 programs throughout New York State to improve overall highway safety and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is distributing the funding in the form of grants to state, local and not-for-profit agencies to support specific types of driver safety initiatives: A complete list of 2017 grant projects is available at safeny.ny.gov.

The Upper Delaware River Tailwaters Coalition and Friends of the Upper Delaware River are working on a project to protect, manage, and restore waterways in Delaware County. Public workshops will be held today at the Deposit State Theater at 148 Front Street, on Wednesday at the Hancock Town Hall at 661 West Main Street & on Thursday at the Colchester American Legion Hall on River Road in Downsville, all meeting will run from 6:00 to 7:30 PM

The next General Clinton Canoe Regatta Meeting will be held tonight at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill on route 7 in Bainbridge. At 6:30, the Race Committee Meeting will begin & at 7:30 PM the Regular meeting will begin. More information is available at 607-237-6008.

The State Office of General Services announced that there will be surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auctions in Broome County on Wednesday, November 9. Information on specific items and terms of sale is available at ogs.ny.gov, by email to state.surplus@ogs.ny.gov, or by calling (518) 457-6335. The auctions will be at 9:30 AM at the Department of Transportation at 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton & at 1:30 PM at SUNY Binghamton at Vestal Parkway East, Vestal

Fire fighters from several area departments responded this morning to a structure fire on Main Street in Delhi. The fire began at about 6:30 this morning in the kitchen of Village Pizzeria at 106 Main Street, it eventually spread to an adjacent antiques store. Main Street has been closed off & the Delaware County Courthouse has cancelled all activity today due to a loss of electrical power. Delaware County Emergency Services department reported that fire fighters from Manpower and Apparatus from Delhi, Andes, Bloomville, Bovina, Franklin, Margaretville, Meridale, Oneonta, Pindars Corners, Sidney, Walton, & Wells Bridge responded, 1 firefighter fell on stairs & suffered minor injuries.

Otsego County will be holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Event for Small Businesses on Friday September 9th from 2:00 PM TO 4:00 PM at the Meadows Office Complex County Highway 33W in Cooperstown. Otsego County small businesses should call the County Planning Department to register, or obtain more information, at 547-4225 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Registration ends September 2nd

Governor Cuomo today announced the availability of $98.7 million in funding to support bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and transportation-related programs as well as projects that reduce congestion and help to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. These projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include public benefit, air quality improvement, and innovation. The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through October 21, 2016. Program guidance, applications and workshop schedules may be found at dot.ny.gov.

In July, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 36,200, or 0.5%, to 7.95 million a new state high, according to the state Labor Department. The statewide unemployment rate was unchanged from June’s level of 4.7%, and remained below the comparable U.S. rate of 4.9% in July 2016. New York’s statewide unemployment rate remained at its lowest level since August 2007.

The Delaware County Board of Elections announced that Friday is the last day to register in person at the Board of Elections for the September 13th Primary Election. Democrats will vote for a State Senate candidate in the 42nd District in Colchester, Delhi, Hamden, Masonville, Tompkins and Walton, Republicans will vote for a candidate in the 101st Assembly District in Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Hamden, & Meredith, the REFORM PARTY primary voters will also decide on a candidate for the 101st Assembly District in Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Hamden, & Meredith Registration forms and applications for absentee ballots may be found online at co.delaware.ny.us/departments or at 832-5321 or at the main office in Delhi.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & Walton Police arrested 17-year-old Dylan Groat of Walton for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, for allegedly stealing a dirt bike from Klinger’s Power Sports in Walton in December 2014, & selling that dirt bike in June of this year. Groat was arraigned in Colchester Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 bail.

Delaware County District Attorney Investigators and the Walton Police Department arrested 27-year-old Brandi Wyckoff of Walton for 2 counts of Forgery & 2 counts of offering a false instrument for filing. Wyckoff was arraigned in Delhi Town Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 Bail or $10,000 Bond. Pending future court action.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that he is sponsoring a pair of free senior scam prevention forums in Oneonta and Cooperstown on Friday. Senator Seward is partnering with the State Department of State to notify senior citizens, caregivers, and others about the alarming trend of senior targeted scams. The forums will take place on Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Elm Park Church, 401 Chestnut Street in Oneonta & from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Cooperstown Village Offices, 22 Main Street in Cooperstown. The forums are free and open to the public.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 69-year-old Frank Viscardi of St. Johnsville following a motor vehicle accident on state highway 28 in the town of Milford. Viscardi lost control and drove off the shoulder, struck an embankment, traveled across a lawn & hit a garage, causing significant damage. Viscardi was charged with felony DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment of property, unlawful possession of marijuana, speed not reasonable, failure to keep right, driving on shoulder and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Viscardi will appear in the town of Milford court on October 27th.

The Greater Chenango Cares Event is continuing at the Norwich High School, with a variety of "no cost" medical services. Chenango County Planning Department Spokesperson Rena Doing comments:

(Rena Doing 7-14-15)

Dental appointments must be made at 337-1643, veterinary services were booked up in advance, there may be limited slots open, and more information is available at 334-9724, extension 6. The program will run through July 22nd.

Sidney village police department is asking for any information regarding the vandalism at the Sidney Pool Saturday night. Anyone with information can contact the Sidney police at 561-2301.

The Chenango county health department has scheduled a free rabies clinic tonight in Coventry. The clinic will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Coventry Highway department, for dogs, cats & domesticated Ferrets.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today. The clinic will run from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in the Colchester Highway Garage in Downsville.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office and the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating a 1-car accident from Sunday morning on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester. 44-year-old Shawn Maynard of Randolph, New York failed to negotiate a curve and struck an earth embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn, 20 year old Candice Brown of Salamanca New York was ejected from the vehicle. Maynard and Brown were taken to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton; Brown was later transferred to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where she was listed in critical condition. Maynard was treated at Delaware Valley Hospital and released. Sheriff’s Deputies are waiting for toxicology results; Maynard may face criminal charges upon completion of that testing and the collision reconstruction investigation.

The State Department of Labor today announced the Region’s Top 5 Trending Jobs for 2015, selected by labor market analysts based on occupational survey data and the projected needs of their region. Job expected to see greater than normal growth are Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Certified Nursing Assistant, Electrician, Welder, & Registered Nurse. The Jobs Express website at jobs.ny.gov, has tens of thousands of jobs available.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation of a Thursday morning 10:00am two car head-on collision on Cat Hollow Road in the Town of Colchester that claimed the life of one person and seriously injured four others. The accident claimed the life of 48-year-old William Sharpless of Nineveh and seriously injured four Bronx, NY, residents. Preliminary investigation revealed that Sharpless was struck head-on by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 30 year old Crest Wood of Bronx. Wood, 34 year old Alnie Chisholm, 19-year-old Georgette King and 21-year-old Yolanda Jones, all of Bronx, NY, were seriously injured and were taken to Westchester Medical Center. Deputies are asking any witnesses to call 746-2336.

The town of Unadilla Highway Department announced that Valley View Road would be closed today from 7:30 to 4:30. Crews are replacing a culvert near the intersection with Otsego County Route 1.

One man was killed and 4 other people were critically injured in a serious two-car motor vehicle accident in the town of Colchester on Thursday morning, The crash occurred at about 10 AM on County Highway 7, Delaware County deputies & state police responded, the male driver of one of the vehicles was killed, 4 occupants in the other vehicle, were critically injured & transported to trauma centers in the Hudson valley region. The names of those involved in the accident are being withheld until notification is given to the families, the investigation is continuing.

The Delaware County Department of Corrections announced that the 4th annual Andrew Brown Memorial Golf Tournament would be held tomorrow at Hardwood Hills gold Course in Masonville, with a tee time of 8:30 AM. Organizers announced that the money raise with this years tournament will go to the family of Johnson City Police officer David Smith, who was shot & killed in the line of duty on March 31st.

Governor Cuomo's campaign will not appeal a ruling allowing Zephyr Teachout to remain in the Democratic primary. A state appeals court rejected the campaign's argument that Teachout has spent part of the past five years in Vermont. A lower court had already ruled Teachout could stay on the ballot for the September 9th primary. Teachout teaches at Fordham University Law School in New York City. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found 85 percent of state Democrats said they know too little about Teachout to have any opinion of her.

Chenango county sheriff’s department Detectives arrested 23 year old Devan Ellsworth of Norwich for one count 3rd degree Burglary Thursday.  Ellsworth was arrested following  a reported Burglary to the Adult World store in the Town of Norwich at approximately 5:30 am Thursday morning, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $ 20,000.00 cash bail, The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests and charges are pending.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s investigated a 1 car motor vehicle accident Thursday on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester.  18 year old Loren Early of Downsville lost control of his vehicle striking the guide rails twice before going into a ditch flipping the vehicle on to its roof.  Early was transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital & was issued a ticket for speed not reasonable and prudent. Early faces court action in Town of Colchester Court on August 27th .

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Arrested 54 year old Ricky Ferris for Driving While Intoxicated, Following an investigation of a traffic stop on State Highway 23 in the Town of Plymouth.   Ferris  was processed and released to a sober third party.  He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Plymouth Court at a later date.

Delaware county department of Public Works will need to close off the main street bridge in Sidney for 4 days, starting next Tuesday, in order to repair a pothole issues that involves the concrete deck under the asphalt.  County DPW Commissioner Wayne Reynolds explains:

(Wayne Reynolds 7-26-13)

Reynolds said that message board would be in place to remind motorists of the bridge closure and any changes that may occur.  The main street bridge project will begin next Tuesday & should be completed Friday.

The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 32-year-old Robert Roberts of Norwich for 2 counts of Felony Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and 1Count of Petty Larceny.  Roberts is accused of using stolen credit cards, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango county jail on $1000 cash bail. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending following the examination of evidence.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a one-car accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester. 22-year-old Larissa Hughes of Walton lost control of her vehicle and went into the ditch; she traveled 75 yards and flipped over twice before coming to a rest.  Hughes was not injured; she was ticketed for failure to keep right.

After 25 hours, the stand off in Herkimer with 64 year old Kurt Meyers of Mohawk ended this morning in a shoot out at the former Glory days Bar on North Main Street, State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico described how it ended:

(Superintendent Joseph D’Amico 3-14-13)

Governor Cuomo promised that state assistance would be available for Mohawk & Herkimer residents & businesses affected by the tragedy:

(Cuomo 3-14-13)

The deceased were identified as 68 year old Harry Montgomery of Mohawk, 57 year old Michael Rancier or Herkimer, who were at John’s Barbershop in Mohawk, killed at Gaffee’s Car Wash were Thomas Stefka, an employee, and Michael Renshaw a customer, who was a 20 year veteran of the state corrections department.  Injured at the barbershop was John Seymour, who owned the shop and Dan Haslauer a customer of Seymour’s, they were listed in critical condition this morning at area hospitals.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 17-year-old youth of Hamden for 2 counts of Reckless Endangerment, 2 counts of endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Unlawfully Fleeing from a Police Officer.  Deputies reported that on Saturday, the unidentified youth was traveling at a high rate of speed on State Highway 206 through Downsville; he failed to comply with police and fled.  Deputies reported that there were 2 other youths in the vehicle, the driver’s 15-year-old brother and a 16-year-old female.  Police followed to private road, where the 3 youths abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, but were apprehended.  The driver was also charged with Failure to Keep Right, Speed not Reasonable and Prudent, Operating in Violation of Restrictions, Failure to Use Signal and Failure to Comply With a Lawful Order.  The youth was arraigned in Colchester Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail or $2000 bond.  He is scheduled to reappear at a later date.