WCDO Radio News

New York State of Health announced that its 6th Open Enrollment Period is underway, through January 31st, 2019. New Yorkers who are new to the Marketplace can enroll now and existing customers can renew their health plans starting November 16th. Consumers must enroll or renew by December 15th for coverage effective January 1st. Consumers can call 1-855-355-5777, log onto nystateofhealth.ny.gov or Meet with an in-person assistor.

State Senator Jim Seward campaigned for re-election in Sidney today, with local officials. Seward talked to WCDO News on Main Street in Sidney:

(Seward 11-2-18)

Seward faces Democratic candidate Joyce St. George in the 51st State Senate District on Election Day next Tuesday.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Andes Road in the Village of Delhi. 21 year old Brittney Barnett of Oakdale was observed traveling at 43 mph in a posted 20 mph School Zone, during dismissal time at Delaware Academy. Deputies detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, Barnett was charged with Speeding in school zone, obstructed license plate & unlawful possession of marijuana, she was released on an appearance ticket & will to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

The City of Oneonta’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee met in City Hall on Thursday, an open house has been scheduled for November 14th. The City's last Comprehensive Plan was in 2007; the timeline calls for a public comment period and final revision, then the plan will be brought to Common Council for a vote.

25 year old Mamadou Barry of Brooklyn has been charged with 9 felony charges after he was found with counterfeit money in Oneonta. State Police arrested Barry on 6 counts of Criminal Possession of Forged Instrument & 3 counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a trooper on patrol observed Barry using an electronic device while he was driving and speeding while on State Highway 28 in Oneonta. Barry allegedly threw paper-like objects out the vehicle window as the trooper initiated a traffic stop. Berry is accused of using counterfeit bills at 3 Oneonta businesses; he was arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bail bond pending court action on November 15th.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber and The Bainbridge Chamber are hosting the Four Chamber Meeting and Saturday Seminars at Greenlawn Elementary School in Bainbridge on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Various topics will be discussed by area professionals at the seminars.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 1st Friday Eat & Meet this Friday in Hobart, from 8:30 to 10:00 am at Liberty Rock Books at 678 Main Street. The guest speakers are Paul Van der kruik of the Leatherstocking Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Kimberly Lorraine of the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties.

The end of daylight savings is officially at 2:00 AM Sunday Morning, and in addition to turning the clocks back one hour, the Firemen's Association of the State of New York is urging New Yorkers to inspect their smoke alarms when they change their clocks. The Association encourages New Yorkers to install smoke alarms equipped with sealed-in, non-removable batteries that last for 10 years. These alarms do not require any battery changes during their lifespan and are nearly impossible to disable. New York State has experienced 107 civilian fire deaths thus far in 2018, ranking second in the nation behind Texas, Working smoke alarms are critical in preventing additional fire deaths.

The State Office of General Services announced that a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction has been scheduled in Binghamton on Thursday, November 8. For information on specific items and terms of sale, visit www.ogs.ny.gov, or call (518) 457-6335.

State Police at Deposit are investigating a fatal industrial accident at the loading dock at the Courier Printing Corporation in Deposit. The deceased has been identified as 66 year old William Sethmann of Deposit, who was working as an independent contractor and handyman at Courier; he was located crushed underneath a hydraulic loading dock. The investigation revealed that Sethmann was working on the lift when it failed sometime between Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning. There are no signs of foul play.

19-year-old Alexander Wetzel was reported missing Tuesday, the SUNY Broome student was found by Binghamton Police Wednesday, SUNY Broome officials announced their condolences to Wetzel's family on their website today. Grief Counselors are available for students & staff following the announcement of Wetzel's death. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Fire Fighters from Several Area Companies responded to the report of 2 trailers on fire at the Sidney Unadilla Trailer Park at 754 State Route 7, near the State Police Troop C Headquarters today. The fire was reported at around 1:00 PM, with occupants escaping the fire, fire fighters from Sidney, Wells Bridge, Sidney center, Bainbridge & Franklin responding. WCDO News will have further details as they become available.

State Police arrested 37 year old Gary Sullivan Jr. of Hancock for DWI, after a trooper was dispatched to a 1 car accident on State Route 17 in Kirkwood. The trooper located Sullivan’s vehicle on its side and Sullivan had with minor injuries. Sullivan was arrested & was released on appearance tickets to town of Kirkwood Court on October 16th.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting local crafters, vendors and organizations to join their first ever Small Business Saturday Holiday Shop taking place on Small Business Saturday, November 24th from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 pm at the Afton Central School. More information is available at 208-4064.

The Peanuts gang will be coming to The Forum, Binghamton, on November 20th at 6:00pm for A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage. Tickets are on sale Monday, October 8th at 10:00am at the arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. The Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles Schulz originally aired on television over 50 years ago.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department investigated a robbery Tuesday Night on Royal Avenue in the Town of Norwich, after a male victim went to Chenango Memorial Hospital with missing teeth, head lacerations and additional trauma. The investigation revealed that the victim was lured to the Royal Avenue address by 19 year old Jade Orlando, who requested marihuana to be delivered to her, Brenden Gager, Hunter Speenburgh and Landon Cummings were hiding nearby, they allegedly assaulted and robbed the victim. All 4 were arrested & were charged with Robbery & Assault; they were arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility. The City of Norwich Police Department assisted with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Two men were arrested and 100 pounds of marijuana were seized after the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department raided elaborate growing operations in Morris and New Lisbon. 47 year old Christian Balmaceda of Morris and 49 year old Joseph Ali of New Lisbon were arrested, Balmaceda was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Growing of Cannabis, and 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Ali was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawfully Growing of Cannabis, they were remanded to the Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

Hartwick College’s True Blue Weekend 2018 is scheduled to start today with more than 50 regional, national, and international employers offering students work opportunities at Hartwick College’s Internship & Career Expo. The event will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 PM in Lambros Arena, on the Hartwick College campus, more information is available at hartwick.edu/EXPO or by calling 431-4249.

Free 5-gallon pails of remixed exterior latex paint are still available to non-profit agencies and county residents on a first come, first served basis. The paint was collected as part of the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, it was re-mixed and packaged for distribution by Golden Artist Colors of New Berlin. Pails of beige/tan paint are still available. All other colors have been distributed. For more information or to place an order for paint, please call the Otsego County Planning Department at 547-4225.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

The Broome County District Attorney's office announced that 45 year old Shannon Callahan of Binghamton was indicted by a Grand Jury on a number of charges including Attempted 2nd degree Murder, 1st degree assault plus a weapons charge, for allegedly slashing his girlfriend's throat with a Box Cutter during a domestic dispute on May 22nd in Binghamton. Callahan faces arraignment on the charges shortly, he could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

State Police arrested 35 year old Daniel White of Unadilla, for Unlawful Growing of Cannabis, 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Troopers responded to White's home to conduct a welfare check, troopers discovered that cannabis was being unlawfully grown within the home where 3 minors reside. White was released with an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Unadilla Court on July 9th.

State Police arrested 26 year old Sandra Perry of Port Crane for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, after a trooper observed Perry speeding on State Highway 12 in the town of Greene. Perry was stopped, marijuana, amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and Adderall were found to be in Perry’s possession, she was released on appearance tickets for the town of Greene Court.

Fireworks Over the Fairgrounds returns to the Chenango County Fairgrounds on July 4th, Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment explains:

(Terry Potter 6-20-18)

Tickets are available locally at Blue Ox Store, or at the gate the day of the show.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 37 year old Heather Koncelik of Worcester on 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Troopers arrested Koncelik after she was found to have heroin and suboxone in her possession in the town of Worcester. Koncelik was arraigned & was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $500 cash bail.

Broome County Sheriff David Harder announced that confidential tips provided by the residents of the southern tier have led to the capture of Noah Venth-Costick. On Wednesday morning, the Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division received information that Venth-Costick was hiding out in a residence in Afton. The Warrants Division observed a vehicle enter the driveway which was occupied by Venth-Costick, he was arrested without incident, and he was transported to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility where he is being held without bail.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Robert West of New Berlin for allegedly sending messages of a sexual nature to the child by Snapchat. West has been charged with 2nd-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching, & 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. West was arraigned in North Norwich town court and sent to Chenango County Jail on $5,000 bail.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch and State Senator Fred Akshar will be holding a dedication ceremony to name the bridge on route 97 spanning the Delaware River the "Hancock Veterans Memorial Bridge" this Thursday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the corner of Route 97 and Front Street in the Village of Hancock. The bridge is being named in honor of all those from the village who lost their lives in service to our country.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce announced that their annual Sidewalk Day will take place from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 25th this year. Merchandise and Craft Vending spaces are available now at www.AftonSidewalkDay.com or by calling event organizer Melissa Matthews at 242-8473, or Afton Chamber President John Hinman at 343-0533.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum cable, was ordered by New York regulators Thursday to pay a $2 million fine for not building out its cable network and expanding high-speed internet service as they promised at the time of their Time Warner cable takeover in 2016. The Public Service Commission also threatened to revoke its approval of the merger if Charter doesn't agree to the penalty.

State lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill to toughen New York’s child sex trafficking laws. The new law would punish anyone over the age of 21 who intentionally promotes or profits from the prostitution of minors with a felony sex trafficking charge, facing up to 25 years behind bars. Currently, prosecutors have to prove minors were forced or coerced into the sex trade to secure a trafficking conviction.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 37 year old Jarred Cutting of Masonville for 8 counts of Criminal Contempt, for allegedly violating a court order of protection. He was arraigned at the Town of Delhi Court, and was released upon his own recognizance and scheduled to appear before the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Industrial Development agency announced that for the first time in 12 years, commercial freight was shipped on the Utica mainline railroad tracks through Chenango County. Train traffic was halted by washouts from the 2006 floods. The first train consisted of a locomotive pulling 2 flat cars carrying steel beams from the Bull Moose Tube Company of Elkhart Indiana; they were being shipped to Di Highway Sign 7 Structure Company in New York Mills Wednesday.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York is now home to 1,005 craft beverage manufacturers operating in 60 counties across the state. New York now ranks 2nd in craft distillers, 3rd in breweries, and 4th for the total number of wineries. The Southern Tier led the state with a 600% increase in the number of hard cider producers & has the 2nd most offsite tasting rooms in the state at 18.

The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is holding another Job Fair today will be held at the SUNY Broome Ice center. Dozens of area businesses are participating and hundreds of job seekers are expected to attend. The Job Fair runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The 2018 Chenango County Dairy Day celebration will be Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. The day will begin at 10:30AM with a parade in the City of Norwich leading to the Fairgrounds, beginning at the CWS parking lot and proceeding down Maydole Street to the Fair grounds.

The City of Oneonta will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, at 7:00 pm at Council Chambers, City Hall, 258 Main Street, Oneonta, for public comments on the City’s community development needs, and to discuss the possible submission of one or more Community Development Block Grant applications for the 2018 program year. The City is currently considering a grant application for $230,000 for Nick’s Diner on Chestnut Street that will result in the creation of 15.5 full time equivalent jobs.

After decades of allegations of corruption & ineffectiveness surrounding New York’s Economic Development programs, The Assembly Minority Conference called for immediate Assembly action on bills aimed at improving the transparency and effectiveness of those programs, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch commented:

(Cliff Crouch 6-13-18)

1 Assembly bill seeks to provide stronger oversight of taxpayer-funded programs, enact penalties for missing reporting deadlines, as well as require a comprehensive review of economic development programs and the tax code, and prohibit political contributions to appointing authorities. It also calls for the creation of an Advisory Committee made up of the comptroller, the attorney general and the director of the Division of the Budget.

There will be a Federal Primary Election on Tuesday, June 26th; Polls will be open from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM. Those registered in the Democratic Party will chose a candidate for the 19th congressional district race, as will the Women’s Equality Party. June 19th is the last day an absentee ballot application may be mailed to the Board of Elections. June 25th is the last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot and the last day to mail a completed ballot to the Board of Elections. June 26th is the last day for a ballot to be delivered by agent to the Board of Elections. More information is available at 832-5321 Voters can view sample ballots at the Board of Elections website: co.delaware.ny.us.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency has purchased a long dormant Sidney Property that could lead to new industry & new jobs to the village of Sidney, Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 5-24-18)

Mayor Matviak said that so far there are no firm plans with the site, but the potential is there to do any number of job creating projects.

Serge Corbin is back to participate in this year C2 Pro race in the 56th General Clinton Canoe Regatta on Monday, after not competing since the 50th Regatta, he told WCDO News that after training this year, he feels ready to go with 3 time winner Guillaume Blaise:

(Serge Corbin 5-24-18)

The 61 year old Corbin has won 28 times out of 29 entries, with 8 different partners in the 70 mile race on the Susquehanna River in the General Clinton Regatta.

New York State is spearheading the statewide “Buckle Up New York” Campaign through June 3rd in support of the National “Click It or Ticket” mobilization. Troopers will be joining forces with local and county law enforcement officers to ensure motorists begin the summer travel season buckled up. New York State crash research indicates approximately one-third of all motor vehicle occupants killed on highways are unrestrained. This zero tolerance Enforcement campaign is designed to draw attention to the risks faced by unbuckled passengers in motor vehicles.

Convicted Murderer Thomas Marlowe was denied parole again, according to the State Department of Corrections. Marlowe was sentenced to prison for 2 murders on separate occasions a week apart in 1982 in Broome County. Marlowe was sentenced to a term of 23 ½ years to life in jail on the murder & robbery convictions, he is eligible to come up for parole again in 2 years.

Another Job fair has been organized in Broome County on Friday June 15th. The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce announced that the Job Fair will be held at the SUNY Broome Ice center, hundreds of job seekers are expected to attend.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reminds area Voters that the Federal Election Primary Date will be on June 26th this year. June 1st is the last day to have a postmark on a voter registration form by mail; it is also the last day to register in person at the Board Of Elections in Delhi. Primary races will be for the nominations for the 19th Congressional District for the Democratic & Women’s Equality Party. More information is available at 832-5231 or at co.delaware.ny.us/departments.

Governor Andrew Cuomo secured the endorsement of the Democratic Party for his 3rd term as Governor, at the Democratic Party Primary Wednesday. 95% of the members voted to endorse Cuomo over actress Cynthia Nixon. Also on Wednesday, the Republicans nominated Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro for governor.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce today announced that Dr. Riaz Lone has been named as their "Citizen of the Years"; And Unalam was named as the "Business of The Years". Dr. Lone commented about the honor:

(Dr Lone 4-4-18)

Craig Van Cott of Unalam was surprised & honored, when he learned that his company was selected as the "Business Of the Years" at this Mornings Sidney Chamber Meeting:

(Craig Van Cott 4-4-18)

Both Dr. Lone & Unalam will be honored at the Sidney Chamber's Annual Dinner on June 1.

Binghamton Police announced the arrest of 23 year old Travon Sanders of Brooklyn, in connection with the shooting of 40 year old Grady Hunter, while Hunter was sitting in his car in front of 121 Susquehanna Street Sunday. Sanders were arrested in Endicott, he was charged with attempted 2nd degree Murder, he is being held in the Broome County jail pending future court action. Hunter was listed in critical condition at a Syracuse area Hospital.

State Police announced a statewide crackdown on distracted driving, as part of April's designation as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. From Thursday April 12th to Monday April 16th, Troopers will ticket drivers using handheld devices, like smartphones, during “Operation Hang Up”. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,450 people were killed in distraction-related crashes in 2016. During Last year’s event, State Police issued more than 2,000 tickets for distracted driving.

State Police arrested Dylan Rodriguez for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs, after troopers stopped him for speeding on East Main Street in Oneonta. Troopers also located marijuana in the vehicle and charged Rodriguez with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Rodriguez was arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court and released on $500 cash bail. He is scheduled to reappear in court on April 12th.

Governor Cuomo announced that $35,370,000 was returned to 36,446 victims of wage theft in 2017. In addition, $1 million in continued funding was secured in the new state budget to support the expansion of the Department of Labor's staff of investigators. In the Southern Tier, $666,000 was returned to 581 workers who were denied their due wages.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce announced that this year's Business of the Year is the House of Consignment, Owner Kirsty Roefs comments:

(Kirsty Roefs 4-4-18)

The Unadilla Chamber announced that the Good Neighbor Award will be awarded to Carl French for 55 years of volunteer service with Unadilla Fire Department. The Annual Unadilla Chamber Dinner will be held on Sunday, April 22 at Unadilla United Methodist Church Social at 4:30 PM. Dinner reservations are requested by April 17th, more information is available at 369-2614.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are expecting big crowds and an enthusiastic welcome to former Football Player turned Baseball Outfielder Tim Tebow, when the team starts their season tomorrow Night at NYSEG Stadium, Spokesman Eddy Saunders comments:

(Eddie Saunders 4-4-18)

Saunders said that some tickets are still available for the season opener at the NYSEG Stadium box office or online at BINGRP.com.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that the recently adopted 2018-19 New York State budget includes $200,000 for the City of Oneonta to help offset public safety costs generated due to being a SUNY host community. Seward's legislation includes a formula to distribute state aid to municipalities hosting 4-year SUNY schools; it has received the backing of the New York Conference of Mayors. The bill been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, Companion legislation has been introduced in the state assembly.

Norwich police arrested 32-year-old Andre Bryant of Norwich following a domestic dispute call. Bryant is accused of unlawfully entering a Diamond Street residence and assaulting a victim & intentionally damaging the victim's property. The victim was treated and released at Chenango Memorial Hospital, Bryant was charged with 2nd-degree burglary, 3rd-degree assault, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and endangering the welfare of a child. He was sent to the Chenango County jail with bail set at $20,000 cash pending future court action.

State Police arrested Nathanial Ford of Norwich, for Aggravated DWI with a reported B.A.C of .25%. Troopers initiated a traffic stop after they observed traffic violations on Ford’s vehicle. After an investigation, Ford was arrested & was arraigned in the village of Oxford Court and released to a third party.

Governor Cuomo announced that the law requiring law enforcement agencies to video record custodial interrogations with individuals accused of serious crimes, is now in effect. The law will help ensure the reliability of evidence that is later presented at trial and guard against false confessions. The law stipulates that law enforcement investigators are required to video record interrogations of individuals accused of most serious non-drug felonies, failure to record interrogations could result in a court determining that a confession is inadmissible as evidence.

A Public Scoping Session regarding the Draft Scoping Document for the preparation of a generic environmental impact statement for the Oneonta Rail Yards Project will be conducted this evening at 6:30 pm at Riverside Elementary School, and on Thursday at 6:30 PM at Greater Plains Elementary School. The city has received money to prep the former railyards for future development.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning at Trackside Dining on Main Street. The meeting will begin at 7:45 am.

Oneonta City Police arrested 30-year-old John Smith of Oneonta & 24-year-old Duane Oates of Schenectady foo multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly possessing cocaine in their vehicle. Both men face action in Oneonta city court shortly; additionally Oates was wanted on a parole warrant & was sent to the Otsego County jail.

State Police arrested 33-year-old Houston Hollister of Oneonta for Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person. The arrest stemmed from a report that Hollister allegedly pushed and kicked a resident while he was employed at a residential home for people with developmental disabilities in the town of Milford in December. Hollister was arrested Thursday & was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Milford Court on March 15th.

This afternoon U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will appear at 2:25 at Co-owners of 3i Graphics & Signs to push bipartisan legislation, the Investing in America’s Small Manufacturers Act. Gillibrand states that the bill would increase the availability of affordable loans for small manufacturers through the Small Business Administration’s loan guarantee programs, it would also eliminate a penalty that new manufacturers are required to pay when applying for an SBA 504 loan. Gillibrand will be joined by Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, City of Binghamton Mayor Richard David, and Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jennifer Conway.

Governor Cuomo announced that for the 2nd consecutive week, the number of laboratory confirmed influenza cases has decreased. Last week, 6,414 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported to the State Department of Health, The number of weekly hospitalizations decreased for the 4th consecutive week, with 1,026 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza.

NYSEG, crews and contractors continue restoration work after a 2nd winter storm blanketed the Hudson Valley region with an additional 10-16 inches of heavy, wet snow, resulting in further damage to the electrical infrastructure. 11,000 customers are without power in the company’s Brewster and Liberty divisions, NYSEG has restored power to nearly 25,000 customers in the two divisions since Thursday morning, and they expect to return power to at least 90% of customers by 11:45 PM Saturday. Restoration crews addressed over 2,700 downed lines and 373 broken poles.

Daylight Savings Time begins Saturday night into Sunday Morning, everyone will set their clocks forward one hour at that time. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York urges all New Yorkers to take this opportunity check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure their homes are properly protected, if alarms have removable batteries, they should be replaced. Alarms equipped with sealed-in batteries should be tested. Alarms that are more than 10 years old should be replaced.

Governor Cuomo is nominating Justice Paul Feinman to serve as an Associate Judge on the State Court of Appeals. Justice Feinman is currently an Associate Justice on the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court and has served as a judge in New York for more than 20 years. Justice Feinman has been nominated to fill the vacancy created earlier this year by the tragic death of the Honorable Sheila Abdus-Salaam. If confirmed, Justice Feinman would be the first openly gay person to serve on the Court of Appeals.

The New York Lottery celebrated its 50th Anniversary this afternoon with a series of activities on Albany’s Empire State Plaza, hosted by Lottery spokeswoman Yolanda Vega. The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.27 billion in fiscal year 2016-2017 to help support education in New York State. The Lottery’s contribution represents approximately 14% of total state aid to local school districts.

New York spends more money per student than any other state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In fiscal year 2015, New York spent $21,206 per pupil, almost double the national average of $11,392. In New York, $8,758 goes toward instruction, or teacher salaries. That's the highest number in the nation. Only California spends more money on Education than New York.

Survivors of child molestation are urging lawmakers in New York to loosen the statute of limitations on lawsuits for past abuse. The proposal would eliminate the criminal and civil statute of limitations for several child sexual abuse crimes and create a one-year window for past victims to file civil suits. Victims now have until they turn 23 to sue.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and other area groups have revived the Meredith Dairy Fest this Saturday & Sunday. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 6-16-17)

Pucci said that the Meredith Dairy Fest is right near the previous location off of Catskill Turnpike Road & Honest Brook Road in the town of Meredith, more information is available at meredithdairyfest.com.

The deadlines for signing up teams for the upcoming Gus Macker Basketball tournament is approaching quickly, organizer Tom Revoir explains:

(Tom Revoir 6-16-17)

The Gus Macker Tournament will be held the weekend of July 8th & 9th in Norwich.

Senator Fred Akshar, Binghamton Mayor Rich David and the Southern Tier AIDS Program will host a "Shed the Meds" prescription turn-in event at the Binghamton Fire Department Training Center at 1 Belden Street in Binghamton tomorrow from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Residents can dispose of their old prescription pills to prevent those meds from falling into the wrong hands. Those attending are asked to avoid to bringing bottles of liquids for disposal. A free Narcan training session will also be held at 1:00 PM, pre-registration is required at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov.

The Friends of Rogers announced a Family Fishing day for tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Rogers Environmental Education Center on State Route 80 in Sherburne. More information is available at 607 674-4733.

The 2017 Greater Binghamton Job & Career fair will be held today at the SUNY Broome Ice Center. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the event is being held by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.

People all over the world are weighing in on naming the baby boy Giraffe, born at Animal Adventure in the town of Colesville recently, where millions watched the birth live on their web-stream. Jordan Patch of Animal Adventure told WCDO News that the first round of voting ended last night where the names were paired down to a "Top 10":

(Jordan Patch 4-26-17)

People can vote on the Top ten names at nameaprilscalf.com, the name choices are Alyssa’s Choice, Apollo, Geoffrey, Gio, Harpur, Noah, Ollie, Patch, Patches, & Unity. WCDO will air the complete interview with Jordan Patch about Animal Adventure & April the Giraffe in the 8:00 hour on Friday morning.

The "Regatta Row 3rd Annual Street Art Festival will open Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in Downtown Bainbridge, where Adirondack style Chairs & Game tables, made in part with Canoe Paddles are being displayed. Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce President John Payne comments:

(John Payne 4-27-17)

Nancy Kitchen is a member of the Jericho Arts Council, which is the lead organization for this project, she told WCDO that the idea for this project began about 5 years ago when a local artist participated in a juried Art Show in the Capital Region, and they wanted to bring something like that to Bainbridge:

(Nancy Kitchen 4-26-17)

The Chairs & Game tables will be auctioned off during the General Clinton Canoe Regatta on Saturday May 27th at 2:00 PM prior to the annual Regatta Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; the money raised will be used for future Jericho Arts Council events.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded Tuesday to a report of a 2-car accident in the parking lot of the Dutch Deli in Meridale. Deputies and State Troopers were advised that the operator of 1 of the involved vehicles was intoxicated and had fled the scene in his vehicle. Deputies observed the vehicle that fled the scene, had driven past their location, they stopped 49 year old Andrew Bright of Meridale, he was charged with DWI, Aggravated DWI with a Blood Alcohol Content Greater Than .18%, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and backing unsafely. Bright was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash bail pending future court action. The occupant of the struck vehicle was 19-year-old Kyle Oborn of Malta, who was not injured, and was not ticketed.

Walton Police arrested 3 Walton residents Saturday on various drug charges, following a 6-month investigation. Arrested were 44-year-old Sueann Maler, 34-year-old James Laughman & 32-year-old Jessica Bolster, for criminal sale of a controlled substance. The investigation was wrapped up with sealed indictments being handed down by a Delaware County Grand Jury last week, all 3 were sent to Delaware County jail pending future court action.

A new Sienna research Institute poll shows that 37% of those polled feel that the new state budget is fair, 23% viewed the budget poorly & 25% viewed it positively. Specific items in the budget polled more favorably, including free college tuition for families with an income up to $125,000, increased aid to school districts, ride sharing & a 2.5 billion dollar clean water infrastructure fund. 51% of those polled said that they would vote for Governor Cuomo for a 3rd term, up slightly from last month.

Binghamton Police charged 36-year-old Jennifer Grenchus of Vestal with Vehicular Manslaughter, for allegedly driving while impaired by drugs when she hit and killed 47-year-old Ronald Richardson of Binghamton with her car Monday afternoon. Binghamton Police responded to the parking lot of Tom’s Cards and Gifts on Main Street where they found Grenchus and her vehicle, with Richardson pinned underneath. Police, Firefighters & civilians flipped the Grenchus vehicle off of Richardson, who died at the scene before EMT's could respond. Grenchus struck Richardson along Main Street; dragging his body underneath her vehicle before turning into Tom’s parking lot. Grenchus was arraigned in City Court where she was remanded to the custody of the Broome County Jail. The investigation into incident is continuing, anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will host the Four Chamber mixer meeting today with a social beginning at 6:30 pm at East Main Lanes and Lounge, Sidney.

United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties will host its 8th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, May 19 at Ouleout Creek Golf Course in Franklin. Teams can register by contacting Susan Kurkowski at 432-8006 or Tim McGraw at 432-2022. All monies raised will go towards United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties.

The Otsego County Conservation Association will be holding their annual ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ Garage Sale on April 29 and 30 at the Farmers’ Market Building in Cooperstown. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on both days. Donations of items will be accepted at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market building in Pioneer Alley, today through Friday, Proceeds from the sale help support OCCA’s environmental programs, For further information, call 547-4488, or occainfo.org.

Governor Cuomo spoke at Binghamton University today, he called for County Executives to convene meetings among all county governments to consolidate services, share office space & equipment, & put it before voters, in order to lower the States Staggering Property taxes:

(Cuomo Property Tax)

Governor Cuomo also reiterated his plans for free SUNY Tuitions for students in families earning less than $125,000 a year:

(Cuomo SUNY)

Cuomo has both plans up for consideration by the State Legislature this year, in his $152.9 Billion dollar budget proposal.

State Police arrested 48-year-old Henry Grant of Oxford, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, False Inspection Sticker and several other traffic violations. A State Trooper saw an improper inspection sticker on a vehicle in the Town of Candor, it was determined that Grant had placed a fake inspection sticker on the windshield a Toyota SUV, he was driving with a suspended license, had switched plates on the vehicle and was driving without insurance. An inventory of his vehicle found that he unlawfully possessed about three grams of methamphetamine. Grant was arraigned Candor Town Court and was released to reappear on March 6th.

Sales tax collections in Delaware County grew by about 7% in 2016, according to a report recently released by the Office of the New York State Comptroller. Delaware County Chamber of Commerce president Ray Pucci, claims that tourism is reason:

(Ray Pucci 2-7-17)

While statewide collections grew by 2.3%, Delaware County was among only six counties that saw increases of more than 4%, Regionally, the Southern Tier counties grew by less than 1%.

A free business partnership workshop open to the public will be held tonight at the Oxford Academy primary school multi purpose room. Representatives from the Voss Group & Southern Tier Startup Alliance will speak to those who are thinking about becoming entrepreneurs in the Greater Chenango Area, the workshop runs form 6:30to 8:00 PM tonight & is one of a series of workshops as part of the 2 year "Innovation Series" of monthly forums. More information is available at 843-2025 extension 3301.

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced that the Assembly Majority plans on implementing legislation to protect & enhance the lives of New York's Immigrant population:

(Carl Heastie 2-7-17)

Heastie also said that they would once again act on the "Dream Act" to allow illegal immigrants to pursue higher education that legislation has failed to pass in the Republican led State Senate in the past.

State Police arrested 37 year old Brenten Bryan of Stamford, for the felony of Aggravated DWI, with a child passenger less than 16 years old, with a B.A.C. result of .24%, plus other traffic violations. Bryan was observed speeding and then pulling into the South Kortright Central School parking lot, where he had let a child off at the school. Bryan was issued tickets returnable in the Town of Kortright Court on Feb 21st.

The State Senate passed a bill to bring ride sharing to Upstate communities. The bill provides the framework for ride-sharing companies to expand operations outside of New York City and enable new jobs to be created. While the Executive Budget includes a tax of 5.5 percent on rides that begin outside of New York City, the Senate's measure cuts that tax to 2 percent and does not subject rides to the 4 percent state sales tax.

The next meeting of the Oneonta Downtown revitalization Initiative Planning Committee will be held today, at the Foothills Performing Arts center on the 2nd floor. The meeting will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM & is open to the public and there will be a period for public comments. Also, the Oneonta Common Council will hold their next meeting tonight, at 7:00 PM at City Hall.

The National Women's Hall of Fame will announce their 2017 inductees today in Seneca Falls, the site of the first women's rights convention. 10 women who will be inducted to the hall during a ceremony in September, so far 266 women who have influenced arts, athletics, business, education, government, and the sciences, have been inducted.

State Police arrested 35-year-old James Smith of Norwich for criminal sexual act & endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of an incident that happened in the Town of Norwich, Smith is accused of having sexual contact by forcible compulsion, he was arraigned in the Town of Oxford court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 property bond, pending court action at a later date in the Town of Norwich court.

Governor Cuomo announced the proposal of new regulations that would require the State Board of Parole commissioners to consider both an inmate's current risk to public safety and that individual's own needs, as well as offer explanations of those findings, before making any release decision. The proposed regulations would require the Board's release determination to incorporate an inmate's current score on a risk and needs assessment, Additionally, the regulations would direct the Board to consider the diminished culpability due to age at the time of the crime and to weigh any demonstrated growth and maturity since the time of the offense.

The Sidney Police Department will host a "National Take Back" collection day on Saturday, Jan Gorshack of the Sidney Police Department explains:

(Gorshack 10-18-16)

The event runs form 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday at the Sidney Police Department. Controlled, Non Controlled or over the counter medication will be accepted at that time, Liquid medications need to be capped & in their original container for disposal.

The Society of American Florists has coordinated the "Petal It Forward campaign" for tomorrow. Sidney Flowers & Gifts owner Dan Cristelli explains:

(Dan Cristelli 10-18-16)

The event began in New York City & will be held in various communities around the country on Wednesday.

An investigation is underway into the death of an inmate at the Broome county Jail. 34-year-old Kevin Carroll was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City on September 27th, he died 3 days later. The state commission of Corrections is conducting the investigation, Carroll was being held in connection with a shooting in Binghamton in October 2014.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will begin at 2nd floor at the common council chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

The 2016 New York State Tourism and Craft Beverage Summit will bring hundreds of industry experts together on Tuesday, October 18 to discuss new strategies to strengthen the economy and create jobs in New York. The Summit will begin at 10 a.m. in the Hart Lounge at The Egg on the Empire State Plaza. The morning session will consist of presentations and discussions by State officials and industry experts on the impact of both industries across New York State.

Governor Cuomo announced that from October 1 to October 14, the Department of Motor Vehicles automated online system processed 214,356 online voter registration applications, including 122,147 from first-time voters, shattering the previous one month set in the entire month of September. Since the state launched the online application system in 2012, the DMV website has processed 822,014 online voter registration applications, including 383,118 from first time voters.

Another blood drive will be held locally today in Oneonta from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, The drive will be held at the Oneonta Elks Club, 84 Chestnut Street, appointments can be made with a download of the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS. All blood types are needed.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Fall 2016 Four Chamber Mixer today at 6:00 pm at the Highway 7 Bar and Grill on route 7 in Bainbridge. the Guest Speaker will be Rich Cuthbertson regarding the Afton Sertoma

Binghamton City Officials announced that a 10-car pile up on State Route 17 Eastbound yesterday led to 10 people being injured, all were taken to area hospitals; none of the injuries are considered life threatening. City Officials reported that the accident occurred at about 4:20 Thursday afternoon, Binghamton Police department reports suggested that a tractor-trailer speeding through the Eastbound section near the Front Street exit had defective brakes. No tickets have been issued, The investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Sheriffs department arrested 37-year-old Yurian Perez and 31-year-old Yuniel Brito, both from New Jersey, for Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Cultivation of Marijuana, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. The charges are the result of a month long investigation into alleged marijuana growing operation at 9179 County Highway 21 in the Town of Franklin. The execution of a Search Warrant resulted in the seizure of lighting, ventilation and irrigation equipment, 328 plants, a crossbow, a metal knuckle knife& a vehicle. Both were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $75,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond. The investigation continues, and more charges against additional suspects are likely.

Fire Investigators have determined the fire that destroyed the Cooperstown Motel on Tuesday, August 9th was arson. Investigations by the state Office of Fire Prevention & Control, county Office Of Emergency Services, state Department of Financial Services and the Cooperstown Police Department determined that the fire began on the second floor of the abandoned motel. No further details are available at this time. Anyone with information about the person(s) responsible for starting the fire is asked to call the Cooperstown Police Department, at 547- 2500. All calls are confidential.

Disgraced & convicted former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver will not be heading to Federal Jail august 31st, after a judge ruled that he can remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction of corruption charges. Federal Judge Valerie Caproni, granted Silver’s request for bail, even though she presided over Silver's original trial, and stated that she believes that Silver is guilty of using his political power to increase his net worth, even as the definition for his crimes has changed in a recent US Supreme court ruling.

State & Federal money is being designated to get broadband service to rural areas of upstate New York. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that he likens this situation to when electricity was slow to make it into rural areas 120 years ago:

(Lopez 8-26-16)

Lopez said that the state has kicked up their contribution in recent years to about 500 million dollars annually to get rural broadband to residents, up from only a 5 million dollar commitment annually in 2008.

Sidney Center Community members & students past & present are invited to the former Elementary school building tomorrow from 4:00 TO 7:00 pm, as a time capsule in cornerstones will be opened. Spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 8-26-16)

The cornerstones were extracted as the Greater Maywood Society attempts to sell the former school buildings; they wanted the community to find out what was in the cornerstone time capsules before the structure was sold.

The Sidney chamber of Commerce has 2 events scheduled tonight & Saturday. Chamber Vice President Teri Schunk told WCDO News that the maps of those participating in Saturdays Village wide yard sales are available today:

(Teri Schunk 8-26-16)

Village yard sales will be held at Saturday various homes, as well as in the former Mirabito Fuel Group Parking Lot on Grand Street. Also, The Cruise in on Main Street tonight was originally scheduled as part of the Sidney Arts & Music Festival last month; Money raised will benefit the chambers efforts for this year's Jolly Holly days parade in December.

The Franklin chamber of commerce is hosting “New Old Franklin Day Saturday, with a variety of musical acts & exhibits featured, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Doodle Bugs will be on display, the Franklin Rail Road and Community Museum will be open. More information is available at FranklinNY.org.

The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a critical summer blood shortage. A blood drive will be held in Afton on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Afton United Methodist Church, 34 Spring Street, those interested can Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will host a Sidney Village Sale Day on Saturday. Spaces will be available at the Old Mirabito's Parking Lot, behind Trackside Diner at 44 Grand Street. A map of people who are participating will be at local businesses and at the Car Cruise In tonight on Main Street. All proceeds will support the Jolly Holly Day Parade.

Maine Endwell Little League is headed to the USA Finals in Williamsport, after defeating a team from Bowling Green Kentucky yesterday in the latest action of the Little League World Series. The Binghamton Mets announced that NYSEG Stadium would host the Official Watch Party for the Championship Game on Saturday at 3:30pm on the stadiums big screen. Parking will be free and there will be no admission charges. Limited concessions options will be available. Maine Endwell's team will play the winner of today's Tennessee Kentucky match up in Saturday's game.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to curb the power of independent expenditure campaigns unleashed by the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission. The legislation strengthen disclosure requirements for political consultants and lobbyists who provide services to sitting elected officials or candidates for elected office by requiring them to register with the state and reveal their clients.

A Town of Greene resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Criminal Mischief & Harassment following a Domestic Dispute in the Town of Greene. Deputies arrested 56-year-old Joshua Browning who allegedly intentionally pushed the victim and prevented the victim from call 911 by damaging a phone. Browning was arraigned in the Town of Greene court and released on his own recognizance. Browning is to reappear in the Town of Greene Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31-year-old Courtney Otte of Walton for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. Deputies allege the defendant operated a motor vehicle in a northerly direction on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton while having an active suspension on her license for failure to answer a summons. Otte was additionally charged with unlicensed operation, operating a motor vehicle with an out headlight, and was released on traffic tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

The Greater Maywood Society has been attempting to sell the firmer Sidney Center School, but they are planning a special community event to open up time capsules Saturday. Spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 8-27-16)

The event is open to the public; it will also feature music, a barbecue, as well as displays & memorabilia from the Greater Maywood Society & the Sidney Alumni Association. The event runs from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Saturday at the former Sidney Center School.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 16th annual Business Links golf tournament on Wednesday, September 14, at the Stamford Golf Course. Registration begins at 11:00 am, and the four-person captain and crew tourney will begin with a shotgun start at noon.   Registration & More information is available by calling the Chamber at 746-2281.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting on Today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo announced a coordinated effort by several state agencies and institutions to prevent underage drinking on college campuses as the fall semester begins. The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the State Liquor Authority, the DMV, and State Police are aligning resources to prevent underage drinking on campuses, More than 1,800 college students die from alcohol-related injuries, 696,000 college students are assaulted by another student that has been drinking, 97,000 college students experience alcohol-related sexual assault.

The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a critical summer blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, A blood drive will be held today in Norwich from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Norwich VFW Post 2782, 61-63 East Main Street. . Appointments to give blood can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

A Town of Plymouth resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on a Fugitive of Justice complaint for active Bench Warrant out of the Cleveland County Court in the State of Oklahoma. Deputies arrested 37-year-old Michael Lee Hall on the Fugitive of Justice complaint Hall was taken into custody and taken to the Town of Norwich Court. Hall was remanded to the custody of the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. He is to reappear in the Chenango County Court at a later date.

The Delaware County Fair has a few tickets available for a variety of events planned this year in Walton. Fair Officials John Jackson commented about ticket availability for this year's attractions:

(John Jackson 6-17-16)

The Delaware County Fair will be held on August 15th through the 20th, wrapping up with the Frankie Ballard Concert on Saturday august 20th, tickets are available at Hodge's Power Equipment on Liberty Street in Walton or at Delaware county fair.Org.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Kurtis Breed of Oneonta, for 2nd degree Reckless Endangerment, following the report of an incident in the parking lot of the Price Chopper on State Route 7 in the Town of Oneonta on June 5th. Breed allegedly drove his vehicle recklessly at another motorist and veered at the last second and then drove away, he was arraigned in the Town of Oneonta court and was released without bail required. An order of protection was issued, pending future court action.

State Police arrested 48-year-old Chauncey Couse of Davenport for criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon 4th degree and other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop for Couse talking on his cell phone while driving on Main Street in the Town of Oneonta, police accused Couse of possessing 12 grams of heroin and a Billy club in his vehicle, he faces court action returnable to the town of Oneonta on June 29th.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested a City of Norwich resident on an active arrest warrant for Criminal Mischief. 50-year-old Brian Doeberl was charged following an investigation into allegations that he intentionally damaged county property while being incarcerated in the Chenango County Correctional Facility. Doeberl was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and released on his own recognizance; he will reappear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Department arrested 47-year-old Gina Criscitello of Binghamton for DWI, Driving while ability impaired by Drugs among other charges, in the Town of Chenango Thursday night. Criscitello was transported to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office for further evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert. Criscitello was released she will be arraigned in the Town of Chenango Court at a later date.

A Broome County Grand Jury handed up a 9-count indictment of 50-year-old James Starnes of Binghamton for Felony Predatory Sex Against a Child. Starnes faces a number of charges relating to performing illegal sexual acts with a Child,

State Lawmakers are wrapping up session & passing a flurry of bills. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch commented on the Heroin & Opioid agreement that was reached:

(Crouch 6-17-16)

Lawmakers will continue today to act on left over legislation, and try to wrap up the 2016 session in Albany.

I-88 Speedway will begin the Fast Cash Summer series starting tonight at the Afton Fairgrounds. Track Spokesperson Denise Page explains:

(Denise Page 6-17-16)

Page said that there would also be a special night of racing Tuesday night with Hot Laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:00 PM. More information is available at I88speedway.com.

The Chenango County Dairy Day will be held this Saturday in Norwich. The event is coordinated each year by a committee of area dairy farmers, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Chenango County Farm Bureau members, USDA employees, and local Chenango County businesses. The event will be held at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, following a parade in the City of Norwich leading to the Fairgrounds.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce & the Greater Oneonta Historical Society will introduce the self-guided walking tour of Main Street in Oneonta this Sunday at 2:00 PM. The self-guided walking tour is in the format of an app for mobile devices, it was constructed by Sweet Home Productions; it will be accompanied by a print version, which will be downloaded at www.OneontaHistory.org. At the launch, visitors will view a version of the app, and then be able to download it for free and try it out on the street. Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. The History Center will be open on June 19 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For more information, contact 607-432-0960 or info@OneontaHistory.org.

State Police arrested 45-year-old Michael Clark of Port Crane for criminal sexual act. On April 29, Troopers received a report of child abuse from the Broome County Child Protective Service, Clark is accused of sexually abused his 4 children in 2011, they were less then 11 years old. Clark was being held in the Gowanda Correctional Facility on an unrelated charge, he was arraigned at the Town of Fenton court and then remanded back to his correctional facility, pending future court action.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 63-year-old Patricia Carlson of Oneonta following a Motor Vehicle Accident, for aggravated driving with a blood alcohol content of .18% or greater. Lab tests confirmed Carlson's BAC to be .32%, 4 times the legal limit. Carlson was arraigned at Delhi Town court and was released on her own recognizance.

State Parole Officers & Broome County Sheriff’s department arrested 5 people on various drug & weapons charges Thursday at the Econo Lodge in the town of Dickinson. Arrested were 38 year old Terrance Brown of Dickinson., 27 year old Patrese Reid of Brooklyn, 24 year old Lauren Steckler of Binghamton, 23 year odl Breeanna Ortiz of Afton & 25 year old Gabrielle Bohn-Blodgett of Binghamton. Authorites seized heroin, marijuana, hypodermic needles, heroin packaging materials, scales and s stolen Pennsylvania State Police handgun. All fcee court action at a later date.

The Chenango Arts Council presents " Cocktail Hour: The Show" at the Martin W. Kappel Theater at 27 West Main Street, Norwich Saturday night. Chenango Arts Council Executive Director Diane Batson Smith comments:

(Diane Batson Smith 12-4-15)

The show will start at 7:00 PM Tickets are available at chenangoarts.org, or at the Box Office at 336-ARTS.

The "I Am Dreaming of a Cancer-Free Christmas" Holiday Bazaar will be held on December 5th at the Sidney American legion. Organizer Amanda Bunzey explains:

(Amanda Bunzey 12-4-15)

Bunzey said that last year they raised $4000, this year's event would run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the event is sponsored by the NBT Bank, NBT-Mang Insurance Relay For Life team.

Chenango Memorial Hospital's Auxiliary will again host Breakfast with Santa tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the hospital's cafeteria. The morning includes a full breakfast buffet and free photo with Santa, courtesy of NBT bank. Proceeds from Breakfast with Santa go to the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary to help support hospital services, facilities and programs.

O'Connor Hospital will host its 17th Annual Holiday Parade and Open House on Saturday at 11:00 AM, it will begin at SUNY Delhi at 2 Main Street finish behind the Senator Charles D. Cook county office building at 111 Main Street. Following the parade the community is invited to O'Connor Hospital for free refreshments in the hospital café. More information is available at 746-0591.

The next free Chenango County rabies clinic will be held tomorrow at the city of Norwich Fire Station. The clinic will run from 9:30 to 11:00 AM.

The Sidney Chamber Of Commerce will hold their annual Jolly Holly days Christmas Parade Friday night. Chamber Spokesperson Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 12-2-15)

Green said that awards & cash prizes would be awarded after the parade.

The Toys for Tots Train will be in Bainbridge Saturday. Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce President John Payne Comments:

(John Payne 12-4-15)

Donations for Toys for Tots will be accepted at that time, The Train will leave at about 12:40, it will then arrive in Oneonta at about 1:30.

Broome County Officials reported that 2 children pulled from a fire in Johnson City early this morning, have died. The fire at 145 Floral Avenue in Johnson City was reported at about 2:00 this morning. The identity of the victims has not yet been announced, the investigation is continuing. Johnson City Police announced this afternoon charged 38-year-old Dwight Burton with first-degree murder and first-degree arson.

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.

Broome County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a head on collision this morning at about 10:30, in the town of Colesville. The accident occurred at the intersection of Colesville Road and Johnson Road in Harpursville, Initial reports suggest that one of the drivers may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The Unidentified drivers were taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, tickets are pending.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office reached an agreement with Don’s Automotive Mall in Binghamton to resolve an investigation that revealed that the company was selling salvaged automobile airbags in violation of New York State law. Don's agreed that they would not sell any salvaged airbags without first complying with the law, New York requires anyone attempting to sell inflatable restraint systems salvaged from another vehicle to have it first certified according to standards established by a nationally recognized testing, engineering and research body approved by the DMV. Currently there are no approved standards from the State of New York, the sale of all salvaged airbags illegal.

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.

On Saturday, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, & Norwich Police executed a no knock search warrant at 30 Classic Street in the Village of Sherburne. 50-year-old Frederick Harty of Sherburne was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to sell, Criminal Nuisance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, & Criminally Possessing Drug Paraphernalia. 46-year-old Tabitha Harty was also charged with Criminal Nuisance. Frederick Harty was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash bail. Tabitha Harty was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $2,000 cash bail. The Sheriff’s Office recovered heroin, scales, packaging material, and unlawfully possessed prescription pills.

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 Afton Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Next 4- Chambers meeting tonight, at The River Club in Afton, beginning at 5:30 PM. The Guest Speaker will be Lori Koblanski from LO-KO Social Media Management.

Mel Brooks "The Producers" takes the stage at The Forum Theatre November 17th & 18th in Binghamton. Tickets go on sale this morning at 10:00 AM at The Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig has called a special meeting of the Oneonta Common Council today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the city's 2016 Budget; the meeting is open to the public.

Tioga Downs in Nichols received the news from the State Gaming Facility Location Board, to go ahead with plans to expend for a full-scale casino, The board denied their bid last year, and gave the Southern Tier Casino license to the Lago resort about 85 miles north of the region. Groundbreaking on the expanded casino facilities is expected to be announced shortly.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the State Liquor Authority has approved a host of advisories to help support the continued growth and development of New York’s beverage manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers. Governor Cuomo convened the state’s 3rd Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cider Summit last week, where industry participants raised specific legislative and regulatory issues facing the industry. Bainbridge Native & Binghamton Brewing Company Owner Kristen Lyons participated in the summit:

(Kristen Lyons 10-15-15)

The new State Liquor Authority advisories are posted at sla.ny.gov, more information about the state's growing beer, wine, spirits and cider industries is available at taste.ny.gov.

Area Republican Congressman Richard Hanna made national headlines today, as he joined Kevin McCarthy in suggesting that an investigation into the Benghazi incident may have been an effort to damage Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. In a radio interview in Utica yesterday, Hanna implied that McCarthy was forced to withdraw his bid for House Speaker, by his Republican peers because of his statements regarding the political damage that they tried to inflict on Hillary Clinton & her presidential bid.

State DOT officials today announced the scheduled reopening of the Interstate 81 southbound ramp to State Route 17 westbound, a major milestone in the $135 million project to reconstruct the Prospect Mountain Interchange of State Route 17 and I-81 in the city of Binghamton and town of Dickinson, Broome County. The I-81 southbound ramp to Route 17 had been closed since December 2014. An estimated $164 million project to reconfigure Interchange 4 will begin next spring and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

The State DEC today urged outdoor adventurers to suspend exploration of caves and mine sites that serve as homes for bat hibernations. Human disturbances are harmful to the state’s bat population since the arrival of the disease known as white-nose syndrome, which has killed more than 90% of hibernating bats in New York. Officials warned that if you encounter hibernating bats while underground, leave the area as quickly and quietly as possible. 2 species of bats are currently protected under federal and state endangered species law, including the northern long-eared bat, which was prevalent in New York, but the current population for this formerly common bat is approximately 1% of its previous size.

The Norwich Business Improvement District announced a full line up of events for the annual Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 23rd through Saturday the 24th in Norwich. On Friday, from 5:30-7:00pm is the Giant Pumpkin Contest-Weigh In, On Saturday; events include a Pumpkin Bake-Off Contest, the YMCA Halloween Parade, Horse & Wagon Rides, and music with Kaitlyn Jackson and the Hometown Ban& The Beadle Brothers, followed by fireworks at the end of the evening.

Commerce Chenango will hold a “Meet the Candidates” session on October 27th. As part of the SFCU Business After Hours event. The session will be held at the SFCU Norwich branch, at County Road 32 & State Highway 23, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, among those confirmed to attend are State Senate candidates Fred Akshar & Barbara Fiala, among several local Norwich and Chenango County candidates. RSVP are requested by October 23rd at 334-1402 or johara@chenangony.org

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual ceremony to honor the Small Business of the Year award & the Breakthrough Business of the Year today. The award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Small Business Banquet at The Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown.

On Saturday night, October 10th, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old Erick Daly of Queens with Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, following traffic stop on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Troopers initially stopped Daly for driving 83 mph in a 55mph zone, Deputies found Daly to be in possession of marijuana and an electronic stun gun. Daly was arraigned in the Hancock Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 bail.

FEMA is reminding policyholders who filed Hurricane Sandy flood insurance claims that the last day to request a review of their claim is today. If you feel your Hurricane Sandy flood insurance claim was underpaid, ask FEMA to review your claim by calling 866-337-4262 between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The Oneonta police department special response team is scheduled to work in cooperation with the Greater Plains Elementary School to conduct a school lockdown drill today. The event will provide the Oneonta SRT Team the opportunity to train in full gear, and it will give students & faculty a chance to become familiar with evacuation procedures in case of an emergency.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting Today, in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM.

State Police are investigating a 1 car fatal motor vehicle accident on Hawleyton Road in the Town of Binghamton at approximately 3:20 AM Thursday. The investigation determined that a 2004 Lexus being operated by 34 year old Jemark Ballenger of Endicott, NY, failed to negotiate a left hand turn and exited the right side of the roadway striking a tree. Ballenger & passenger, Troy McIver of Johnson City, had to be extricated from the vehicle. McIver was pronounced deceased at the scene, Ballenger suffered a compound fracture to his right femur and a broken right arm, he was taken to Wilson Hospital, Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

Tomorrow, The Greater Afton Area Chamber Dinner & Dance Fund Raiser will be held at the Silo Restaurant in Greene, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. More information is available at 343-0533, 765-6507 or 639-4100.

Saturday is New Old Franklin Day, The Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce will be coordinating activities & a free map of events, businesses and lawn sales will be available. More Information is available at franklinny.org.

32 year old Teddy Faison of Oneonta & was charged with 2nd degree assault for allegedly dragging an unconscious woman along a city street, police found the female victim in an apartment. Faison was apprehended, Police said that Faison is also a level 3 sexual offender, he will appear in Oneonta City Court on Monday for the assault charge & for violating the terms of his probation.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the Town of Conklin for a report of a woman screaming and standing in the road. Deputies found a bloodied 19 year old woman crying in the road, she reported that she had been arguing with her boyfriend, 49 year old William Finnerty of Conklin, who drove at high rates of speed with her standing on the running boards, she jumped off as he allegedly accelerated. Finnerty was taken into custody without incident. & was charged with Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree, he was arraigned & was remanded to Broome County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail. An Order of Protection was also issued on the victim’s behalf. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

State Police arrested 22-year-old Ryan MacPherson of Unadilla, for Menacing, Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, Cruelty to an Animal, Harassment & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. This arrest occurred after troopers responded to an Otsego County 911 report of a dispute at a home on Lockwood Road in the Town of Unadilla. An investigation determined that during a physical dispute with his mother and sister, MacPherson assaulted them and the family pet dog, smashed items, & refused to comply with troopers, who shot MacPherson once with a Taser. MacPherson was arraigned at the Town of Unadilla Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $15,000 property bond.

the Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a truck vs. motorcycle accident on Sanitaria Springs Rd. in the Town of Colesville where a deputy responded and observed a motorcycle and its operator pinned underneath a Ford pick-up truck. The motorcycle operator was identified as Ralph Thorn of Johnson City, he was transported to Wilson Hospital. Investigators believe that the pick-up truck was operated by Matthew Briel of Kirkwood, he allegedly pulled out into the intersection after coming to a stop and did not see Thorn’s motorcycle, Thorn attempted to stop, lost control and went under Briel’s pick-up. Briel was ticketed for Failure to Yield the Right of Way at a Stop Sign.

3 people were injured after their car went down an embankment Thursday afternoon on Doc Rich Road in the town of Franklin. The initial reports states that the unidentified driver lost control of the vehicle, it went down the embankment, & landed on its roof. Injured occupants were taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta & the investigation is ongoing.

Roofing materials caught fire at the East Middle School in Binghamton yesterday afternoon. The building was having roof work done, none of the workers were injured, the fire was knocked down in about an hour, and a structural engineer will inspect the roof as soon as possible.

It will be a busy weekend in Cooperstown this weekend, as the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held. Padres announcer Dick Enberg will be honored with the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award Saturday, on Sunday, The annual Induction Ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center, Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martínez and John Smoltz will be inducted.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Arts & Music festival will be held in downtown Sidney tomorrow. Sidney Chamber Spokesperson Kerri Green comments:

(Kerri Green 7-24-15)

Arts & craft Vendors will be lined up on Main Street starting at 9:00 AM, there will be food and The Cullman Child Development Center will hold their annual Community day event on main street.

Tomorrow from 9:00 am to 3:00pm, on Genesee Street, in Greene, The Greater Greene Chamber of Commerce is holding the 39th annual craft festival. More than 200 artisans exhibit their arts and crafts on the streets of Greene, more information is available at greenenys.com, or 656-8225.

The annual Mount Upton Community Days will be held tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There will be various kid’s games, a variety of vendors, Town wide garage sales & a Chicken Barbecue.

Bainbridge area residents are invited to participate in the next "Reunite" Bainbridge meeting Monday, Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 4-22-15)

Payne said that there are a number of projects already being discussed from the previous "Reunite Bainbridge" Meeting, including assisting with their wildlife preserve, road signage and the possibility of a "Boys & Girls Club".

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for March. The state's private sector job count increased to 7,753,700, which is an all-time high, the state's unemployment rate fell from to 5.7% in March, and the lowest level since August 2008. Locally, The Greater Binghamton area rate was at 6.3% in March down 7/10's from March of last year.

The office of State Senator Tom Libous announced that the senator has had successful back surgery. During Senator Libous' recovery from recent surgery to repair a detached screw in his spine, it was discovered that additional follow-up surgery was needed. That surgery took place on Monday, & Senator Libous is in contact with Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, his Senate staff and voters in his district by phone and email. Libous will return to work in Albany when cleared by his doctor.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that audits identified a total of $513 million in improper Medicaid payments and untapped revenue opportunities over a 4-year period. Auditors identified another $361 million in questionable transactions that will require further review and actions to prevent overpayments or recover costs. The state expects to transition the majority of Medicaid spending, services, and enrollees to managed care by 2016, but recent audits by DiNapoli’s office highlight the need for more effective oversight of managed care organizations

The Sidney Police Department arrested 19-year-old Michael Fairbairn of Sidney early Sunday morning for 3rd degree, Petty Larceny and Criminal Mischief; Fairbairn was arrested during a Burglary at the American Legion at 22 Union Street in the village of Sidney. Fairbairn was apprehended hiding near the scene with items taken during the burglary. Fairbairn was arraigned at Sidney Village Court and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. Sidney Police was assisted by State Police and Delaware County Sheriff's Office.

Inclement weather forced the postponement of tonight's game between the Binghamton Mets and Erie SeaWolves at NYSEG Stadium. The contest will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Tuesday, August 25th. Ticket holders for tongiht's game can redeem them for a ticket of equal or lesser value to any future 2015 regular season home game, excluding July 4th.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 2-car accident on State Route 12 in the town of Oxford last night. 51-year-old Richard Swanson of Staten Island pulled out a driveway into the path of a vehicle driven by 31-year-old Heather Bradley of Binghamton, at around 9:20 last night. Swanson was charged with DWI; Bradley was taken to Wilson hospital with minor injuries.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding its 2nd annual dinner meeting on Sunday, at 6:00 PM at the Afton Golf Club. The chamber will honor their "Citizen of the Year", Gloria Harvey of Afton, and "Business of the Year", MR Construction of Nineveh. Assemblyman Cliff Crouch will be the Guest Speaker.

State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information sessions about its associate and bachelor’s degree programs at its Binghamton location today. The session will be in the State Office Building, Room 505 at 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton today at 4:30 PM. More information is available at 721-8651.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office 18 year old Dylan Whitman of Greene for 3rd degree Grand Larceny, for allegedly stealing property exceeding $3,000 from a Town of Smithville residence. Whitman was arraigned at the Town of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility. Whitman is to appear in the Town of Smithville Court at a later date.

The Greater Afton Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting today at 7:00 PM in the Susquehanna Room of the Jack Bolster Community Center in Afton. John Graham from the Dispute Resolution Center of Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties will be speaking about the process and benefits of mediation in resolving business and personal disputes.

Broadway in Binghamton announced that tickets are on sale today for “JEKYLL & HYDE” at the Forum Theater on Sunday, October 12th at 3:00 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale today at the Arena Box Office, Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. More information is available at 778-6626 or BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

Oneonta police arrested 58-year-old James Hone of Oneonta following an incident earlier this month involving an envelope mailed to Oneonta City Court.  Hone was charged with Aggravated harassment in connection with the February 3rd incident when court employees opened a letter containing a white powder. After an investigation, the substance posed no threat to court personnel.   Hone was arraigned in Oneonta Town Court on Tuesday, he was sent to the Otsego County jail on $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond bail.

The problem of heroin addiction has come back again, as it seems to now regain popularity every 20 years, in spite of its deadly reputation.  Dave Ramsey of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware county comments:

(Dave Ramsey 2-20-14)

Those in need of help regarding heroin or other substance addictions can access information through the council’s website at adaconline.org or by calling 746-8300.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested Joshua Stilson of Guilford for 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment, following an incident in the Town of Norwich.  Stilson is accused of harassing an individual numerous times by electronic means, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and released on his own recognizance, pending future court action.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its February Business Development Event today at 7:00 pm, in the Susquehanna Room of the Bolster Community Center, 105 Main Street in Afton.  Virginia Thompson from the New York State Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University will be speaking about free business management assistance for start-up or established businesses.

The Tony Award winning musical “American Idiot” featuring the music of Green Day, will be coming to the Broome County Forum in Binghamton on Thursday March 6th at 7:30 PM.  NAC Entertainment spokesperson Tina Niles explains:

(Tina Niles 2-20-14)

Niles said that good seats are still available at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Governor Cuomo said $9.4 million would be awarded to local organizations that fight teen smoking. The state Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Control will award amounts from $325,000 to $500,000.  The money will go to 25 local organizations around the state over 5 years. Local organizations must submit applications by Tuesday. More information is available at health.ny.gov.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is proposing legislation to help those wrongfully convicted of a crime, file claims against the state. Schneiderman said current law hinders those who were wrongfully imprisoned and then had their convictions overturned. The Unjust Imprisonment Act would strip away restrictions that block lawsuits, by people seeking financial damages, after being coerced into false confessions or exonerated by DNA evidence. The bill must pass the state Legislature to be enacted into law.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo announced changes yesterday to the mental health situation in the southern tier, with a new plan to keep much of the existing services going, and add new services. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch was one of the lawmakers who opposed the initial plans to close down mental health services around the greater Binghamton area, he told WCDO News that he is pleased with this outcome:

(Cliff Crouch 12-20-13)

Crouch said that they still have to work on a plan to keep the Broome Developmental Center opened; it is scheduled to close in 2015. Details of the plans announced yesterday are available at governor.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo signed 35 bills into law late Wednesday and vetoed 33 others, rejecting legislation that would have allowed the limited sale of sparklers and exempted small vending machine sales from tax. Cuomo signed bills expanding the number of judges serving on city court benches, increasing oversight of special-education providers; easing requirements for a business tax credit for hiring high school students; modernizing state laws that govern nonprofits; and requiring manufacturers to collect old mercury thermostats. 11 bills still need to be dealt with by Cuomo before the end of the year.

State Troopers at Troop C in Sidney arrested 45-year-old Keith Hoefer of Unadilla for unlawful possession of marihuana. The arrest resulted from a vehicle and traffic law stop on State Route 7 in Unadilla, Hoefer was found to possess 14 grams of marihuana. He was issued a ticket returnable to the Town of Unadilla Court at a later date.

Sidney village police arrested 61 year old Robert Holt of Unadilla on a charge of petty larceny. Holt is accused of taking a misplaced envlelop with $1,000 cash belonging to someone else, in the lobby of the Sidney Federal Credit Union’s Main Branch. Holt faces court action in February.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will send out judges tonight & through the weekend, to decide on their annual “Sprit Awards", for the best decorated houses for the holidays. Chamber spokesperson Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 12-20-13)

The Sidney Chamber held their annual Jolly Holly days Parade December 6th, as well as the annual children’s holiday party at the Sidney Library last Saturday, and this year they collected food for the food pantry during the annual parade.

Milk prices could reach $7 or $8 a gallon next year if Congress can't pass a new farm bill. Congress is required to pass a new farm bill every five years which sets milk prices to farmers and also determines food stamp benefits. The last farm bill expired in the fall of 2012. Congress has until the end of the month to pass a new farm bill or an extension on the old one.

A lawsuit challenging the legality of the property-tax cap will be heard in state Supreme Court. The New York State United Teachers union is suing Governor Cuomo and the state Education Department over the law, saying it is unconstitutional to limit the growth in property taxes to 2% a year. This year, 98 percent of schools and 77 percent of local governments stayed under cap. For 2014, the tax cap is set at 1.6 percent, based on the current rate of inflation. The tax cap can be overridden with 60 percent of a vote of a governing board, or for schools it’s 60 percent of the public vote in May.

Binghamton Police arrested 21-year-old Trevis Johnson for the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Sergio Beldo of Binghamton Friday.  Johnson is being charged with 2nd degree murder; He was arraigned in City Court and sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.   Police are urging anyone with more information to call the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau: 772-7080.

State police at Sidney arrested 52 year old Colleen Layton of Binghamton for aggravated unlicensed operation. The arrest resulted from a vehicle and traffic law stop on State Highway 7 in Unadilla, A check of her driving privileges in New York State showed she was suspended nine times.   Layton was arraigned in the Unadilla court and released on her own recognizance to return on October 21st.

State Police in Binghamton arrested 47 year old Robert Klepfer of Binghamton for 2nd degree grand larceny.  Police were advised of a theft at the NYTECH Supply Company in Dickinson,  The investigation determined that  Klepfer had allegedly stolen $80,942 through falsifying business records over the last year.  He was arraigned at the Dickinson town court and released on his own recognizance.

The Greater Greene Chamber of Commerce will host a 5K run/walk & wellness fair on October 26th from 9-12 at the Greene Central High School.  To participate, contact the school office at 656-4161.

The Delaware county department of emergency services is continuing with their plans to upgrade the counties antiquated communications system.  County EMS director Richard Bell explains:

(Richard Bell 9-27-13)

Bell said that the upgrades should be completed by spring of 2016.

The Greater Greene Chamber of commerce announces the 27th annual Greene apple fest put on by the First United Methodist Church of Greene. The event will take place Saturday between 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM.  More information is available at fumcgreene.com/applefest.

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today announced his office completed the audit of the Laurens Central School District.  DiNapoli’s report said that the district has accumulated reserve balances in excess of the district’s average needs and has accumulated significant total fund balance, including reserves. For the fiscal years 2007-08 through 2011-12, the district’s total fund balance increased to $3.6 million, with reserves at nearly $3 million, or 82 percent of the fund balance.  Copies of the audit are available at openbooknewyork.com.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $900,000 in federal funding, provided by the USDA, to support research projects ranging from improving the resiliency of New York's crops, to expanding the reach of the state's agriculture sector.  The funding includes $154,000 to support the state's wine and grape industry.  The funding will provide state assistance for specialty crop programs including research, promotion, food safety, and nutrition. Several of the grants were awarded to Cornell University in Ithaca.  For more information go to govenor.ny.gov

US senator Charles Schumer urged the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to review their mental-heath protocols. Schumer will recommend the VA to set up a Joint Emergency Psychiatric Response Center that will work with the Department of Defense, local and state law enforcement. The call follows the Washington D.C. Navy Yard shootings earlier this month by former Navy reservist Aaron Alexis. There are 8 VA Medical Centers and 35 community-based outpatient clinics in upstate New York. Schumer will recommend the national response centers be open 24 hours a day to help identify vets that need help.

The American Red Cross of the Southern Tier will host a babysitters training class for youth ages  11 to 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Red Cross office at 620 E. Main St, Endicott. To register visit redcross.org.

“50 SHADES! THE MUSICAL” is coming the toe Broome County Forum in Binghamton for 1 performance only on Wednesday November 13th at 7:30 PM.   Tickets went on sale today at the Arena Box Office, Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000 and BroadwayInBinghamton.com.   The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy of books has shattered sales records & tickets for this show are expected to sell out briskly.

State Police, Delaware County sheriff’s deputies & Walton Police responded on February 19th to a murder-suicide & arson at 294 John Lockwood Road in the Town of Walton.  After the fire was extinguished, 2 sets of remains were removed; one was identified as 47 year old Debra Sundstrom of 1884 South River Road in Walton, from suicide by a gunshot to the head.  On Friday, a 3rd set of human remains was located at 1884 South River Road, who was identified as 49 year old Randy Sundstrom, the husband of Debra Sundstrom, his death was ruled as a homicide, Randy Sundstrom’s death may have occurred during February of 2010. . The second set of human remains from the February 19th fire was identified as the homeowner-51 year old Dominick Bosco, the cause of his death is undetermined.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 561-7400.  The investigation is continuing.

State Police investigated a 1-Car fatal motor vehicle accident on Afton Lake Road at around 2:20 AM Sunday.  The investigation revealed that 22-year-old Ryan Lewis of Harpursville lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a curve; he struck a tree with the passenger side. 24 year old Joelyn Sines of Harpursville was a front seat passenger, she was pronounced dead at the scene, 22 year old Mitchell Birch of Afton and 22 year old Caleb Gregory of Afton, were both transported to Wilson hospital in Johnson City, Lewis has been charged with 2nd Vehicular Manslaughter and Driving While Intoxicated, he was transported to Wilson hospital, he faces action in Town of Afton Court at a later date.  The investigation is continuing.

Lawmakers in Albany are working on Governor Cuomo’s ambitious agenda for the year.  Assemblyman Pete Lopez said that the agriculture and energy agenda’s are doable:

(Lopez 2-25-13)

Lawmakers were given Cuomo’s 30-day amendments last Thursday, which knocked about 179 million dollars off of the original executive budget proposal.

A Binghamton man was arrested Saturday on drug charges, after being pulled over for an inspection violation.  24-year-old Daniel Gregoris was charged with Criminal Possession of a Hallucinogenic Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and driving an Uninspected Motor Vehicle, he is accused of possessing several grams of Ecstasy and a small amount of Marijuana in the vehicle.  Gregoris faces court action shortly.

State Police at Sidney arrested 21-year-old Gregory Castro of Binghamton, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrest resulted from a traffic stop in Sidney; Castro was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable in the Town of Sidney Court on March 14th.

Delaware county sheriff's department Investigators arrested 31 year old Richard Dostis, of Walton for failure to register his e-mail account information to law enforcement within 10 days, as required of a level 3 sex offender in new York.  Dostis maintained at least 1 e-mail account, which he failed to register with authorities, he was charged with 1 count of Failure to Register and/or Verify an Address or Status Change, and he will be arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time.

The Delaware County Sheriffs Office responded to a one car motor vehicle accident Sunday on County Highway 22 / East Brook Road in the Town of Hamden. 52-year-old Anthony Triarsi of Yonkers left the roadway and struck a utility pole.  Triarsi was not injured; he was issued a traffic summons for the unsafe tires.

The Greater Afton Chamber of Commerce will hold their kick off events this Wednesday in Afton.  Chamber president Elena Hulsey explains:

(Elena Hulsey 2-25-13)

The event will begin at 7:00 PM at Armetta’s café on Main Street in Afton.

Commerce Chenango is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Business of the Year, Commitment to Community and Young Professional of the Year.  These awards will be presented at the Chamber's Annual Dinner held on April 23rd at the Eaton Airport in Norwich.  The forms are available at library.constantcontact.com/download