WCDO Radio News

State Police at Troop C in Sidney announced that a 5-year-old and her dog, who were reported missing in the town of Franklin, were located safe & sound this afternoon at about 1:15 PM.  State Police Aviation was able to spot Destiny & her dog in a tall grassy area and direct troopers and emergency personnel to her location.  Police and several other agencies were dispatched this morning to the area of Grange Hall Road and State Route 28 in the town of Franklin.  State Police said that Destiny and her puppy were located several hundred yards from the area where they were reported missing.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and members of the Delhi
Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded to a 911 report of a serious
personal injury motorcycle accident on State Highway 10, near Betts Hill Road,
in the Town of Delhi.  The Investigation
revealed that 46 year-old Daniel Quackenbush of Delhi was traveling south on
State Highway 10 when he lost control of his motorcycle which ran off the
southbound road shoulder before striking an embankment and rolling over in the
ditch,  ejecting Quackenbush,  who sustained serious injuries.  Quackenbush was taken to O’Connor Hospital in
Delhi where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Deputies believe alcohol use contributed to the cause of the accident.

New York's "Red Flag" bill goes into effect tomorrow.  The bill allows for Law enforcement, district
attorneys, school officials and family members to request a confiscation of
firearms from an individual who has been deemed a threat to themselves or
others.  The bill would also prohibit
people who are at high risk of using a firearm to hurt themselves or others to
purchase weapons.

The State Comptroller’s office audited the City of Norwich
Emergency Medical Services Billing practices, they discovered that the EMS
Department did not bill for 614 incidents resulting in $417,600 of unbilled
medical services and inaccurately billed 9 incidents totaling $8,300; this
equates to approximately $200,000 in lost revenue at the current rate of
collection.  The EMS Department had 903
unserviceable incidents resulting in approximately $400,000 in unrecoverable
costs.  Norwich City officials disagreed
with some of the audit’s findings, but indicated they have initiated corrective
action.

The City of Oneonta announced that there will be a special
meeting of the Common Council on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 5:30pm.  The purpose of the meeting will be for the
discussion & approval of a bond resolution and discussion concerning Common
Council guidelines for the City staff’s preparation of the City’s 2020 budget.

Chenango United Way is looking for teams for their annual
Golf Tournament on September 27th at the Canasawacta Country Club in
Norwich.   More information is available
at 334-8815.

The Susquehanna Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will host a public celebration tomorrow at
5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown marking the groundbreaking of the future
site of its planned animal shelter and adjoining campus.  The reception is free and open to the public,
it will kick off at 12:00 noon with a groundbreaking ceremony and run until 2
p.m.

55 farms will welcome visitors during the 7th Annual Family
Farm Day Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at local farms throughout
Schoharie, Otsego, and Delaware Counties.
Complete information about all participating farms can be found in the
2019 Farm Guide, available online at familyfarmday.org.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce and 6ZERO7 Ads
have teamed up for Afton Sidewalk Day on Saturday.  There will be over 40 vendors plus musicians
at 3 locations, plus the All-Wheels Cruise-In & Cruise-Out,  from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm,  more information is available at
aftonsidewalkday.com.

Old Franklin Day will be held Saturday, with the Greater
Franklin Chamber of Commerce coordinating activities and preparing a map of
events.  Scheduled activities include
lawn sales, a library book sale, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church pies, the Franklin
Train and Community Museum, music in the park, antique stores, numerous food
venues, Doodle Bugs. Old Franklin Day runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

State
Police arrested 64 year old Norman Fletcher of Bainbridge for Driving While
Ability Impaired by Drugs & Failure to Keep Right.  Troopers, who were leaving the Sidney
headquarters after training, observed Fletcher driving on State Route 7 in the
town of Unadilla failing to keep right, Fletcher was processed and was released
on appearance tickets to the town of Unadilla court on August 12th.

Governor
Cuomo has signed "Shannon's Law" recently, named after a Long Island
Teacher who died of breast cancer at the age of 31.   Insurance companies must cover annual
mammograms for women over 35; previously, insurance companies were only
required to cover annual mammogram screenings for women over the age of 40.

State
Police at Sidney arrested 36 year old Sabrina Hetrick of Guilford for DWI,
after Troopers responded to a 1-car accident on State Route 51 in the town of
Butternuts.  Hetrick was transported to
Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown of complaint of pain and was issued appearance
tickets to the town of Butternuts court on August 22nd.

State
Police and other police agencies joined forces on August 2nd in an effort to
get impaired drivers, unlicensed drivers and drugs off the roadways.  29 law enforcement members were involved in a
5-hour traffic saturation detail with troopers from Troops C, G and H, the
Delaware, Greene & Schoharie County Sheriff’s Departments, DEC Police, Park
Rangers, & the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  A total of 38 traffic summons were issued for
DWI, Leandra's Law, aggravated unlicensed operation, unregistered motor
vehicle, speeding, & 2 people were wanted on active warrants.

The
Community Foundation for South Central New York announced a new mini-grant
opportunity for qualified non-profit organizations in Broome, Tioga, Chenango,
Delaware and Otsego counties.   Proposals
may be submitted for projects that support, develop and/or expand the skill set
of young professionals in our region and/or increase their involvement in the
community.  The deadline for applications
is Friday, September 6th.  Details on
submission requirements can be found at donorswhocare.org.

A
new Siena College Poll of registered New York voters found that the majority of
New Yorkers say Governor Cuomo has made the state a better place since he took
office in 2011, the poll also found that his favorability and job performance
ratings currently match record lows.  New
York voters said Cuomo has improved the state by a 51 to 39% margin,  but his favorability ratings of 43% negative
and 50% positive matches his lowest ratings, his job performance rating of 34%
positive and 64% negative is his lowest ever.

The
State Department of Health announced that a proposal for a new Medicaid model
of care serving children throughout the state with complex health needs has
been approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The
new model will improve access to Medicaid services and expand Medicaid coverage
to home- and community-based care for more than 6,000 youth under age 21 who
are faced with an array of serious health issues and otherwise could be forced
to live in hospitals and other institutionalized settings.

State
Police arrested 40 year old Rachel Rose of Otego for Aggravated DWI, with a BAC
of .22%, plus Imprudent Speed and Moving from a Lane Unsafely.  A trooper was dispatched by Otsego County 911
to the area of Country Club Road in the town of Oneonta for a report of a vehicle
off the road.  The trooper located Rose
and her vehicle which was stuck in a drainage ditch.  Rose was processed and released on appearance
tickets returnable to the town of Oneonta court on August 6, 2019.

The next
Commerce Chenango Business After Hours will be held today at UHS Chenango
Memorial from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  The
program will highlight the grand opening of the new UHS Cardiology &
Cardiac Rehabilitation Center and the next phase of transformation at UHS
Chenango Memorial Hospital.

The
next SIDNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING will be held this morning starting at
7:45 AM.  The Meeting will be held at The
Sidney Country Club and Golf Course.

The Annual Sherburne Pageant of Bands will be held this
weekend, at the Sherburne High School.
Pageant competitions will be held tonight & tomorrow, the Parade
will begin Saturday at 1:00 PM on Route 12 in downtown Sherburne.

This weekend is the MX Rewind Weekend at the Unadilla Valley
Sports Center on State Route 8, in New Berlin.
MX Rewind is a full weekend of vintage racing and has become the largest
vintage event of its kind in the nation.
Racing begins on Friday with AHRMA cross-country racing and moves into
motocross racing on Saturday and Sunday. More information is available at
965-8450 or unadillamx.com.

Greater Chenango Cares is once again coming to Norwich to
provide services for families in need. Greater Chenango Cares is a Department
of Defense Innovative Readiness Training event. It gives joint training
opportunities to reservists to increase their deployment readiness while also
providing free medical, dental, vision and veterinary services to the
community.  This year's Chenango Cares
will be held at Norwich High School from July 11th through the 20th.   The Chenango United Way is looking for
volunteers for the event; those interested can call 334-8815.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee had to name 8 champions
yesterday, after the 8 winners continued to spell words correctly round after
round after round.  Organizers said that
they ran out of difficult words to give to the last 8, Scripps officials gave
up and declared them all co-champions, each will win the $50,000 grand
prize.  Melodie Loya of Bainbridge made
it to the final day for the 3rd straight year, before being stumped during an
afternoon round Thursday.

Governor Cuomo today announced
the application window is now open for round one of the Grow-NY food and
agriculture competition. The competition is focused on growing an enduring food
and agriculture innovation cluster in New York's Finger Lakes, Central New York
and Southern Tier regions. The competition will run for 3 & will offer a
total of $3 million in funding for each round to innovative high-growth
start-ups that are focused on the food and agriculture industry.   More information is available at grow-ny.com.

Today is World No Tobacco Day, where people are trying to
get the word out about the dangers of Tobacco use & the growing
Concern  of children getting addicted to
Nicotine through fruit flavored E-Cigarettes Like Juul.  Linda Wegner of Advancing Tobacco free
Communities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties said that they are
hoping the state & the Federal Government do something soon:

(Linda Wegner 5-31-19)

Currently, the state wide rate of smoking is about 14%, but
Delaware County is much higher at 24%, there has also been a 160% increase in
E-Cigarette usage among teens in the last 2 years, each Juul cartridge contains
the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of traditional cigarettes.

A.O. Fox Hospital is offering a program this summer for
individuals interested in becoming junior volunteers, to offer a helping hand
to hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, and staff in a multitude of
capacities.  Training for accepted
applicants is scheduled for Monday, July 1st
from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 PM in Fox Hospital’s Education Department.  Applicants must be at least 14 years of age
& applications are available in the guidance offices of area high
schools,  all applications are due by
June 18th . More Information is available at 431-5042.

A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held at the Sidney Central
School District today along with the Raymond Corporation of Greene, for the
opening of their Raymond welding Center.
Sidney Welding Program Advisor Joseph Waltz told WCDO News about the
full year course

(Joseph Waltz 5-28-19)

Raymond Corporation representative Dan Quiter Jr. told WCDO
News that this program is the first of its kind locally:

(Dan Quiter Jr 5-28-19)

The program was started through the efforts of 6 Sidney
Students and a Raymond Corporation Advisor.

Communities & Educators are looking at ways to curb
tobacco use & the use of fruit flavored E-Cigarettes like Juul, that are hooking
a whole new generation of people getting addicted to Nicotine.  Linda Wegner of Advancing Tobacco Free
Communities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties explains;

(Linda Wegner 5-28-19)

Wegner said that 1 Juul packet contains as much nicotine as
an entire pack of tobacco cigarettes and her group is continuing to try to
educate local residents not to be tricked into nicotine use & addiction.

An amended marijuana legalization bill was introduced on
Friday by lawmakers in Albany, which more closely echoes what Governor Cuomo
wanted in the bill earlier this year.
The bill includes the Office of Cannabis Management to regulate
commercial and medical marijuana; it would also expunge the records of those
who have committed marijuana-based offenses in the past.   Opponents to Marijuana legalization site
potential issues with traffic safety and increased links to mental illnesses
such as Schizophrenia & violence.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies charged 40-year-old
Jeffrey Bosket of Tompkins with 2 counts of harboring a dangerous dog in
violation of Agriculture and Markets Law. The charge follows an investigation
where an individual was allegedly bitten by 2 dogs owned by Bosket in the Town
of Tompkins. Bosket was issued tickets and was scheduled to appear before the
Town of Tompkins Court at a later date to answer for the charges.

State Senator Fred Akshar released a new Community Voice
Survey on a proposal to end religious and any other non-medical exemptions for
vaccination for children attending school in New York State.  All 50 states require that students be vaccinated
for diseases like measles, mumps, chicken pox and polio among many others, all
states allow exemptions for medical reasons, but 47 (including New York) allow
exemptions for religious reasons.   The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that measles was eradicated
in 2000; however 940 measles cases were reported nationwide this year, with
more than half of those reported in New York City & Rockland County.   Akshar is asking his constituents to weigh
in on Senate bill S.2994 which would repeal all non-medical exemptions from vaccination
requirements for children; the survey is available at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov.

New York State will not be
funding a housing development with 64 units in Oneonta' 6th Ward.  The RSS development announced their plans
last year, with residents speaking out about the plans to have some people in
the development recovering from substance abuse.  Governor Cuomo recently announced that 6
organizations in The Southern Tier would receive $21.3 million in tax credits
and low-interest loans from the State Homes & Community Renewal’s 2018
Unified Funding applications; the Oneonta RSS project was not included.

The 57th General Clinton canoe regatta was held over the
Memorial Day weekend, with over 1000 pro & Amateur Paddlers from 22 states
& 5 Canadian Provinces participating.

The 2 person pro race was won by Steve Lajoie & Jimmy
Pellerin, who completed the 70 mile course in 7:15:23, they spoke with WCDO’s
Craig Stevens

(Lajoie/Pellerin 5-28)

The Duo beat 2nd place finishers Trevor LeFever of Oneonta
& Ben Schlimmer of Camillus by 2 minutes, but 2nd place wasn’t easy as they
beat out Guillaume Blaise & Samuel Friggone for Quebec by just 1 second,
Schlimmer spoke to Craig Stevens about the close ending:

(Schlimmer 5-28)

62 year old Regatta champion Serge Corbin & his partner
Normand Mainguy finished 4th in the pro race, he talked with WCDO’s Craig
Stevens after the race;

(Serge Corbin 5-28)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Michigan Team of Bruce & Roxanne Barton, Tim
Triebold & Weston Willoughby won the C4 Race with a time of 7:37:45;  Local Paddler Bob Zaveral of Mount Upton
spoke to Craig Stevens after his 4 person team finished 2nd in the C-4 race
yesterday:

(Zaveral 5-28)

Walton father Son team Bill & Lucas Walley won the tough
stock aluminum race by 40 minutes over the 2nd place finishers, Lucas Walley
talked about racing with the heavier canoes to WCDO’s Craig Stevens:

(Lucas Walley 5-28)

Complete results can be found at canoeregatta.org.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will host a FREE
workforce development event today aimed at business owners and managers who are
struggling to hire staff or have employees in drug and/or alcohol treatment and
recovery.  Representatives from the
Delaware County Probation Department, Delaware County Drug Treatment Court, CDO
Workforce and the Department of Labor will participate, the session will be
held at 10:00 AM at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at 5 1/2 Main
Street, Delhi, more information is available at 746-2281.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi will be hosting a listening
session on rising prescription drug costs in Binghamton Today.  The event will include health care
professionals, seniors, and community leaders, at the Koffman Southern Tier
Incubator at 120 Hawley Street at 11:30 a.m.

Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with
Oneonta Elks, over their wrongful use of over $480,000 charitable assets from
the estate of a benefactor whose last will and testament directed that the
funds be used to help the needs of children, people with disabilities, and the
elderly.   The Oneonta Elks are required
to repay those funds, after the investigation determined that the Oneonta Elks
repeatedly appropriated and expended almost $170,000 to pay for capital
improvements to its lodge building and property, as well as covering general
operating expenses, rather than for the intended purposes.

The National Weather Service is calling for a Winter Storm
Watch Tuesday, local meteorologist rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 1-28-19)

Townsend said that he believes that
the storm will have up to 6 inches of snow accumulation Tuesday.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down Sealed Indictments
last Thursday after a narcotics trafficking investigation in the Delhi area.  Sheriff’s Investigators and Deputies arrested
61 year-old Herbert Jones and 47 year-old Nicole Byron of Delhi Friday, for
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Heroin in the
Village of Delhi in December.  Byron was
located and arrested in the City of Albany, & was returned to Delaware
County. Jones was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Friday and was remanded
to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending continuation
of his arraignment.   Byron was arraigned
in Delaware County Court this morning and was also remanded to the Delaware
County Correctional Facility to be held without bail pending continuation of the
arraignment.

The Child Victims Act is expected to pass today in the
legislature, and a 3-way agreement was reached on this legislation last week.
Governor Cuomo has been a vocal advocate for the Child Victims Act for years,
and he even quoted Pope Francis in his State of the State address recently to
call for the passage of these bills by the legislature:

(Cuomo 1-28-19)

The Child Victim's act will be signed into law by Governor Cuomo
shortly after its expected passage in Albany.

A new report shows that the use of E-Cigarettes by New York
State youth has sky-rocketed in the last few years by 160% over 4 years.  Linda Wegner of Advancing Tobacco Free
Communities of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties said that there is a
lot of work to be done to correct this issue:

(Linda Wegner 1-28-19)

Wegner said that the problem has been compounded by big
tobacco companies such as Marlboro, buying up E-cigarette companies & using
flavorings & marketing to entice youth into nicotine based products, state
& federal officials are just starting to consider legislative action to
stop these trends.

State Senator Fred Akshar released his latest in a series of
online surveys.  Akshar is asking his
constituents to weigh in on the Governor's proposal to legalize recreational
marijuana. Key provisions of the proposal include Establishing separate licensing
programs for marijuana growers, distributors and retailers, with a ban on
growers also opening retail shops;
Imposing a 20 percent state tax and 2 percent local tax on the sale of
the drug from wholesalers to retailers, plus a per-gram tax on growers;
Allowing counties and large cities to ban marijuana sales within their
boundaries & Banning marijuana sales to anyone under the age of 21. The
survey can be found at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov.

Hundreds of county delegates
from across the state will gather Today through Wednesday for the New York
State Association of Counties Legislative Conference at the Desmond Hotel in
Albany.  Attendees will participate in
bipartisan standing committee meetings, training workshops, policy discussions,
keynote addresses, and business meetings.
More information is available at nysac.org.

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force
Police arrested 26 year old Bethany Kasson & 38 year old Anthony
Thompson  of Binghamton following a drug
bust at 116 Park Avenue Friday. Police seized 25 grams of Fentanyl plus
Cocaine, $7,800 cash from suspected drug sales, Marijuana, & Drug Packaging
Materials, Kasson & Thompson face 6 counts of Criminal Possession of a
Controlled Substance, 1 count of Criminal Possession of Marijuana, and 4 counts
of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, they were being held  pending court action.

More than 150 new Troopers were honored this morning for their perseverance and dedication in completing the 207th session of the Basic School of the State Police Academy during graduation exercises in Albany, New York. David Schulte of Oneonta was one of today's graduates:

(Trooper Schulte 11-14-18)

Trooper Schulte will be assigned to Troop C in Sidney.

The Great American Smoke Out is being celebrated on Thursday, November 15th and is an awareness day to promote tobacco use abstinence. Dee Cisneros of the Advancing Tobacco Free Communities said that they can help companies help their employees quit tobacco:

(Dee Cisneros 11-14-18)

Advancing Tobacco Free Communities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties can be reached at 518-255-5364.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Jarred Robinson of Walton, for disorderly conduct, trespass, obstructing government administration and resisting arrest following a report of a male subject causing fights and refusing to leave the Feather and Stone Bar in the Village of Walton. Robinson physically resisted Deputies during arrest, he was arraigned at Hamden Town Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $400 bail or $1000 bond pending future court action.

Unadilla Valley Central School District confirms that they went into a lock-down late Tuesday morning after an alleged threat reported in the Otselic Valley School District. Unadilla Valley went on a lock-down after 2 students reported an audio recording of a threatened act of violence against a school, was allegedly made by a Unadilla Valley student. Chenango County sheriff’s Deputies responded, the student who made the threat was located and a search of that student’s locker revealed no weapons or contraband & the lockdown was lifted about 30 minutes later. The investigation is continuing.

The City of Oneonta is set to unveil the draft vision, goals and recommendations for the Oneonta Comprehensive Plan Update at an open house today from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm, at the Oneonta High School cafeteria. The event will build on feedback and information gathered during the first open house held in January. For those unable to attend the Open House, an opportunity to provide feedback will be available at opportunityoneonta.com.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down several Sealed Indictments Thursday relating to 3 separate narcotics trafficking investigations conducted in the Sidney and Hancock areas by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division.   Arrested were 36 year old Angela Huggins of Sidney, 36 year old Mark Tubbs of Sidney & 30 year old Lisa Hayslip of Oneonta for selling illegal drugs in Sidney.  4 people from Fish’s Eddy were charged, 23 year old Samantha Wren, 33 year old William Weyrauch, 29 year old Seth Appley & 29 year old Lacey Benson for allegedly selling a variety of illegal drugs in Fishes Eddy, Benson faces an additional charge of Promoting Prison Contraband, for allegedly introducing secreted hypodermic instruments into the Delaware County Correctional Facility following her arrest.  All were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending further court action.

State Police at Norwich are looking for the public’s help in locating a 43-year-old woman from Greene who is in need of medication. Arzou Hami was last seen on Sunday, October 7th exiting a vehicle near State Highway 369 in Port Crane. Hami has also identified herself as Michelle Girard. She was last seen wearing white capris, slip-on shoes, a dark shirt and carrying two suitcases, she is white, approximately 5’7, 165 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at 561-7400.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and the City of Norwich Police Department conducted a traffic stop on 29 year old Logan Dalrymple of Sherburne, whose vehicle and person were subject to a search warrant. Officers seized methamphetamine packaged for sale and Suboxone strips. Dalrymple was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a controlled substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Promoting Prison Contraband, she was arraigned in the City of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail, the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

Governor Cuomo today announced $45 million in state grant funding has been awarded to 57 counties and New York City for emergency communications. This funding enables local governments to expand their emergency response capabilities to enhance public safety operations. Locally, Chenango County receives $534,000, Delaware County $497,000 & Otsego County $796,000.

The Afton Community Theater will present "DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" tonight at 7:00 PM & Sunday at 2:00 PM. The production will be located at the Afton School District Auditorium on Academy Street in Afton.

The Otsego County Office fore the Aging & the Foxcare Center in Oneonta are teaming up for their Annual Info Fair from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Gabrielle Argo of Foxcare explains:

(Gabby Argo 10-12-18)

More information is available at 547-4232.

The Raymond Corporation hosted more than 250 high school students today, as part of their National Manufacturing Day commemoration. Students from more than 20 area schools learned about career opportunities within the science, technology, engineering and math fields, Raymond CEO Mike Field commented about this event:

(Mike Field 10-12-18)

Raymond Corporation has experienced continued growth over the last 7 years, they have held this event for students for the last 4 years now, and more information is available at raymondcorp.com or at the Raymond Facebook page.

Youth across New York State have declared tomorrow, October 13 as the 2nd annual “Seen Enough Tobacco Day” to protect young people from the billions of dollars of tobacco promotions in places where adolescents and young adults can see and be influenced by them. Reality Check youth in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties are posting lawn signs and banners with tobacco-free messages to educate the public. Community members are encouraged to visit SeenEnoughTobacco.org and sign the online petition.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 22-year-old Dane Edwards of Deposit on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Village of Deposit Court for 3rd degree Assault, involving an incident earlier this year in Deposit. Edwards was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear at the Village of Deposit Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre Presents Memories of Patsy Cline tonight, Jericho Arts Council spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 10-12-18)

Tonight's show begins at 7:00 pm, tickets are available at the door, and they can also be reserved by phone 288-3882.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group announced a fundraising event coming up this weekend. The annual Crock-pot Cook-off and Lucky Day Auction will be held on Sunday, beginning at 12:00 noon at the Sidney Center Fire Hall.

The NYS Smokers' Quitline, recently launched a fully updated, redesigned and mobile-ready website www.nysmokefree.com Linda Wegner of the Advancing Tobacco Free Communities - Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties commented about the 24/7/365 website:

(Linda Wegner 8-23-18)

The NYS Smokers’ Quitline is a service of the NYS Department of Health, at 1-866-NY-QUITS, which is still free of charge, & is available 7 days a week starting at 9:00 AM each day.

The Walton Central School district board of education held another emergency meeting Wednesday night, they appointed Larry Thomas as interim Superintended replacing Roger Clough, who is out of paid administrative leave following accusations of misconduct. The Walton School Board is also working to hire new principal at the High School & Middle School, & an Assistant Principal from both school, after Rob Knuschke, Andy Gates & Mark Lamoreaux all resigned recently to accept other positions in other school districts.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that expands the benefits available to eligible crime victims, who have not been physically injured, to include reimbursement of crime scene cleanup and domestic violence shelter costs. The change will allow victims of hate crimes or domestic violence cases to apply for compensation for these expenses from the state Office of Victim Services. Under current law, crime scene cleanup and shelter costs incurred by crime victims were excluded.

State Police arrested 57 year old Cornelia Dawson of Massachusetts for Aggravated DWI with a reportable B.A.C. of .21%, as well as several other traffic tickets, after Troopers monitoring I-88 in Oneonta Dawson's vehicle cross into the shoulder several times. Dawson was arraigned in the town of Oneonta Court and released on her own recognizance.

The Town of Sidney Offices, including the Court, has been moved into the New Sidney office building at 44 Grand Street. Sidney Town Supervisor Gene Pigford comments:

(Gene Pigford 7-10-18)

The next Town of Sidney Board meeting will officially be held in the 44 Grand Street location in Sidney. The moves were precipitated by the sale of the Sidney Civic Center to 2+4 Management Company, who have built senior apartments on the 2nd & 3rd Floors, which forced offices to move to the 1st floor, or out of the building into new locations.

Otsego County Sheriff's department arrested 36 year old Ryan Biggs of Gloversville following an accident in Worcester Sunday. Biggs is accused of driving mentally & physically disabled people in an ARC vehicle while intoxicated, he was charged with DWI & endangering the welfare of an incompetent or disable person, he was released & faces court action at a later date.

A Cortland man was found guilty by an Otsego County Jury for selling heroin & cocaine in the city of Oneonta recently. 34 year old Jason Chase was found guilty after the jury deliberated for about 40 minute, he was returned to the Otsego County Jail pending sentencing on August 3rd on 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28 year old Aaron Dumond of Denver New York for Tampering with Physical Evidence & Conspiracy, after a reported Assault in Roxbury in May. Dumond allegedly altered and concealed physical evidence; he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond pending future court action.

State Police at Deposit arrested 25 year old William Caiati of Tompkins, for Aggravated Family Offense, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Harassment. A trooper responded July 4th to a domestic dispute, where 1 victim reported that Caiati placed his hands around her neck, restricting breathing and she was shoved to the ground and injured her wrist, Ciaiti is also accused of disabling the victim's phone. A second victim reported that he allegedly punched her when she attempted to intervene. Caiati left, but was located by phone & turned himself in, he was arraigned in the town of Deposit and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail. An order of protection was also issued.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 28 year old Kevin Matthews of Worcester for Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle. Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle that was taken without the owner’s permission, Matthews allegedly took the vehicle on July 4th, another vehicle in that driveway sustained damage. Troopers observed the vehicle on I-88 in Richmondville, they arrested Matthews for Driving while Ability Impaired by Drugs and other charges. Matthews was later turned over to troopers at SP Oneonta where he was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle. He was arraigned in the Decatur Town Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $1000 cash bail or $2500 bond.

State Senator Jim Seward joined officials from local domestic violence prevention programs Monday to announce state grants totaling $45,000 to help support key community services. The funding awards included: Opportunities for Otsego - $15,000; Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties - $15,000; Delaware Opportunities - $7,500 & Liberty Resources in Chenango County - $7,500.

Thousands attended the Calling Hours & Funeral Services over the weekend for Trooper Nicholas Clark. Troopers & officers from various law enforcement agencies paid their respects, along with friends and family members, at the services held at Alfred University. Trooper Clark died in the line of duty last Monday while responding to the report of a suicidal man who had barricaded himself inside a home in Steuben County.

The American Red Cross is now facing an emergency blood shortage following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations; with hundreds fewer blood drives than a typical week and a resulting decline in donations. All eligible donors are urgently needed to give now to help replenish the blood supply. Locally, blood drives are being held today in from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the SFCU main branch in Sidney; in Gilbertsville, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, at the Christ Episcopal Church, In Delhi Wednesday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the State University of New York Delhi O’Connor Center for Community Engagement, at 2 Main Street & Friday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 41861 State Highway 10

Norwich City police arrested an area couple for allegedly assaulting a child. Police were notified by the Chenango County Department of Child Protective Services, The child had been taken to Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Emergency room with injuries to the head & face, police arrested 31-year-old Marrianne Ray and 31-year-old Scott Ray of Norwich for 2nd degree Assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Both were arraigned in Norwich City Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $75,000 cash bail, they will reappear in Norwich City Court at a later date.

The trial of Dean & Adam Skelos continued Friday, with former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos taking the stand. Dean Skelos was convicted in his first trial for exchanging political favors in order to get his son Adam High Paying No-Show Jobs, a new trial was ordered after the US Supreme Court changed the definition of Corruption, leading to new trials for Skelos & Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York's maple industry hit a 74-year record in 2018 with the production of 806,000 gallons of maple syrup. The maple industry in New York has grown by nearly 50 percent in the last five years and continues to maintain the state's standing as the second leading producer of fresh maple syrup in the nation. According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York's maple production constituted about 19 percent of the national total. New York producers also benefited from a long season in 2018 which lasted 52 days, compared to 43 days in 2017

State Senator Jim Seward will be in Otsego County today at Opportunities for Otsego in Oneonta at 2:00 PM. Senator Seward will announce special state grants he secured to help fund local domestic violence prevention programs. Representatives from Opportunities for Otsego, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties, Delaware Opportunities, and Liberty Resources of Chenango County will join Senator Seward for the announcement. Senator Seward will also detail several legislative accomplishments from the past year to combat domestic violence and sexual harassment.

State Senator Fred Akshar has come under fire for his relationship with Jessica Williams, who has worked for Akshar, his predecessor Tom Libous & is now working for the state Senate Republicans staff and she has received large percentage pay increases since 2011. Akshar spokesman Emmanuel Priest told WCDO News that Williams' is involved with Senator Akshar, and the increasing salary was commensurate with the work she has been tasked with doing. Akshar has been a State Senator since 2015, when he won a special election to fill Libous's seat.

State Police arrested 45 year old Brett Brooks of Sidney, Wednesday, for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs. Troopers were dispatched to a 2 car Accident on State Highway 7 near Valley View Drive in Unadilla. After an investigation, Brooks was arrested and arraigned in the town of Unadilla Court, he was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to reappear on August 13th.

Governor Cuomo today announced $30 million is available statewide to support conservation easement projects on dairy farms. The Farmland Protection Program for dairy builds on New York State's continued land preservation efforts. In May, the State announced nearly $38 million is available through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program to help Farmers across New York protect valuable and at-risk farmland. The application deadline is August 31, and the Request for Proposals is available at agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html.

470 New York State municipalities have adopted tobacco-free outdoor area policies, 2 recent examples are the Town of Stamford and Village of Delhi in Delaware County. Both municipalities recently worked with Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, spokesperson Linda Wegner comments:

(Linda Wegner 7-6-18)

The use of tobacco products is prohibited on any present and future parks, recreation areas, trails and events under the jurisdiction of the Town of Stamford & the Village of Delhi, Tobacco products are defined as any manufactured product containing tobacco or nicotine including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, Snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, e-cigarettes and vape pens.

The Franklin Farmers' Market & the Stage Coach Run Art Festival will be hosting a free children's rock painting activity Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. Children and Families are invited to use paints provided for artistic expression on the rocks. The Franklin Farmers' Market is located at 25 Institute Street, Franklin, every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Stage Coach Run Art Festival runs Saturday & Sunday at various locations in Franklin & Treadwell; more information is available at stagecoachrun.com.

Governor Cuomo announced that advance sale tickets for the 2018 Great New York State Fair will be available Monday, July 9, including new discounts to make the Fair more affordable. The New York State Fair is operated by the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, it runs from August 22 to September 3 this year in Syracuse.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 71 year old Phyllis Brown of Denver, New York for DWI, failure to maintain lane and failure to notify DMV change of address. The arrest was the result of a civilian report that Brown was driving erratically in the Village of Margaretville, nearly causing multiple collisions in the opposing lane of travel. Brown was released and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Middletown Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo signed the New York Democracy Protection Act Wednesday, which calls on all political advertising in print, TV & radio to disclose the organization or individual paying for that ad. The Act also amends the definition of "political communication" to include paid Internet and digital advertisements, it ensures foreign entities cannot form an independent expenditure committee and purchasing political ads to influence elections; Requires all digital ad buyers to register as an independent expenditure committee, Requires paid independent political online ads to clearly display that the ad was not authorized by any candidate; and Directs the State Board of Elections to create an online archive of all political communications in order to make them transparent and accessible to the press, fact-checkers, political opponents and the public.

Hartwick College will host a Rural Prosperity Forum on Infrastructure, presented by the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office and Congressman John Faso. The Topics of discussion will include innovative partnerships that have been developed to overcome challenges in rural areas and exploring best practices to build and support economic development. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday at the Shineman Chapel House on the Hartwick College campus, the public is welcome to attend.

A Chenango County jury found Jeremy Coates of Norwich guilty of the murder of David Green in Oxford in 2016. Coates and his girlfriend Melissa Crispell robbed Green, Coates beating him 20 times with various weapons, Crispell pleaded guilty to robbery last May, in a plea deal in exchange for her testimony against Coates, Sentencing for Coates is scheduled for June 1st.

The "Seen Enough" Tobacco Presentation will be held at the Sidney Library This evening, Linda Wegner is the Program Director of Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties:

(Linda Wegner 4-18-18)

Wegner's special guests at the presentation will be Former Sidney Business Owner Whit Whitaker & his wife Rosemary; the program will start at 6:30 PM at the Sidney Memorial Public Library.

Chenango Links & the Chenango Arts Council present the Documentary "UNFRACTURED" at the Martin W. Kappel Theater tonight, which follows the story of Biologist Sandra Steingraber, who helped get Hydraulic Fracturing banned in New York State, she talked to WCDO News about her efforts & the movie:

(Sandra Steingraber 4-18-18)

The movie director was Chanda Chevannes of Toronto Canada, she told WCDO News about the film:

(Chanda Chevannes 4-18-18)

Both Steingraber & Chevannes will be at the screening of "Unfractured" tonight in Norwich, the movie starts at 7:00 PM, more information is available at chenangolinks.com or unfractured.com.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce & the Otsego-Delaware Job Service Employer committee is co-hosting a free “Opioid Crisis in the Workplace” discussion, with featured speaker, attorney Theresa Levine of Coughlin & Gerhart. The event will be held from 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Otsego Chamber offices at 189 Main Street in Oneonta.

Delaware County Public Health is hosting a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic today for dogs, cats and ferrets. The Clinic will run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Pindars Corners Fire Hall on State Highway 23, in the town of Davenport, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has declined to over-rule New York State’s denial of the construction of the Constitution pipeline. The DEC ruled that the pipeline failed to meet certain requirements, the federal agency will not over rule the state’s decision. The Constitution pipeline was proposed to run from Northeast Pennsylvania, through Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego Counties into Schoharie County, carrying gas would could have been tapped into by businesses and communities along the route.

State Police arrested 42 year old William Caputo of Raleigh, North Carolina for DWI and other traffic violations, after troopers responded to a 1 vehicle collision on Russell Road, in the town of Walton. Caputo is accused of driving while intoxicated when he drove off the roadway and stuck a tree, Caputo was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for anxiety and chest pains, he refused to submit to a test to measure his blood alcohol content. Caputo was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 property bond.

The Sidney United Way recently named ACCO Brands as the recipient of the 2017 “Community Matters” award. The Community Matters Award is presented to an individual or organization that has provided significant support for our local United Way and the Sidney Community. ACCO's Brands 2017 campaign raised more than $30,000 to help support the work of the Sidney United Way.

The Binghamton Pond Festival for local hockey enthusiasts will take place over the next 3 weekends starting today. Events will take place at Chenango Valley State Park in Chenango Forks. There is no charge to attend, area Hockey teams are invited to register to participate, and the full schedule of events and registration information is available at bingpondfest.com.

Chenango County Judge Frank Revoir has found Wayne Spratley of Greene not guilty of all 6 charges he was facing, in connection with a shooting incident in downtown Norwich in July 2015. Spratley was found not guilty Thursday of attempted 2nd-degree murder and 1st-degree assault, attempted 2nd-degree murder & criminal use of a firearm.

Hartwick College will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights heritage Sunday & Monday on campus and throughout Oneonta. On Sunday, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Citywide Birthday Celebration will be held at Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. On Monday, “The Changing Faces of the Civil Rights Movement: Who’s in and Who’s Out.” will be held at the Dewar Union from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

23 Year old Kevin Perry of Laurens has been charged with 1st degree murder & criminal use of a weapon, for allegedly killing his parents in their home on New Road in the town of Laurens last night. The sheriff's office received a call from a relative who found Tim & Solveig Perry dead in their home, The Otsego County Sheriff's department alerted area law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for Perry's Pickup truck. Schoharie County sheriff’s deputies spotted the Pick Up truck, on I-88, Perry was apprehended following a high-speed chase, & a crash where Perry’s vehicle overturned at Exit 23. Perry was arraigned today in Town of Oneonta court, he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputy’s arrested Matthew Bowden of Hancock for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, after a stop in Hancock for traffic violations. Deputies observed a strong scent of marihuana emanating from the vehicle; a search of the vehicle uncovered a quantity of marihuana. Deputies also discovered that Bowden’s operating privileges in New York State had been suspended. Bowden was released with appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced that more than $755 million in economic and community development funding has been awarded through Round VII of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. All 10 regions won money for their projects, the top 5 winning regions were Central New York, Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region, The Mid Hudson region & Long Island. Locally, the Mohawk regional Council, which includes Otsego County, receives $85.5 Million dollars for their projects, which includes a $525,000 award for Brewery Ommegang for their Hospitality Center in Cooperstown. The Southern Tier Region, which contains Delaware, Chenango & Broome Counties will receive 67. 3 Million dollars for their various projects.

NY State of Health officials announced that enrollment continues to increase as consumers approach the important December 15th deadline to enroll for coverage that starts January 1st. the Customer Service Center has answered more than 865,000 calls since November 1st - up 180,000 calls since last reported. Website and call volumes are expected to increase as the December 15th deadline approaches. Open Enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan continues through January 31st, 2018. Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced his office completed audits of several school district around the state, including the Oneonta City School Districts. The Comptrollers report regarding the Oneonta District said that the district ensured the accuracy of compensation and benefits provided to employees. Officials effectively segregated the multiple aspects of the payroll process and provided adequate oversight.

Bob Costas has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually for excellence in broadcasting by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Costas will be recognized during the Hall of Fame Awards Presentation on Saturday, July 28, as part of Hall of Fame Weekend next summer.

The State Health Department declared that influenza is now prevalent in the State, which puts into effect a regulation requiring that health care workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present. New York has had 1,820 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in 54 counties and all 5 boroughs of New York City. There have been 612 influenza-related hospitalizations reported, and no reports of pediatric deaths from influenza. Over the last three seasons, there have been 19 pediatric influenza deaths in New York and an average of 11,183 influenza-related hospitalizations each season.

Norwich Police & Chenango County Sheriff's deputies arrested 3 people on various charges after the execution of a "no-knock" search warrant at 29 Silver Street Tuesday. Arrested were 50-year-old Alan Banks of Norwich for Criminal sale of a controlled substance & Criminal nuisance, 31-year-old Steven White of Norwich for Criminal sale of a controlled substance & 29-year-old Amanda Strozier of Norwich for Criminal nuisance. Banks and White are accused of selling cocaine; while Banks and Strozier are accused of allowing people to sells drugs at their Norwich apartment. Banks and White were sent to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 bail each, while Strozier was sent on $5,000 bail. All 3 will appear in Norwich City Court Thursday.

Governor Cuomo will advance legislation to add 11 fentanyl analogs to the state controlled substances schedule, giving law enforcement the ability to go after the dealers who manufacture and sell. The Governor is also directing the State Department of Financial Services to take immediate action to Advise Insurers Against placing arbitrary limits on the number of naloxone doses covered by an insurance plan. The Governor announced that a synthetic Fentanyl that is mixed with heroin is being sold illegally, which has a high risk for user to overdose, fentanyl-related deaths increased at 160% statewide.

A raid at Motel 88 in Oneonta netted Police 70 bags of heroin and crack cocaine, 33 year old Jason Chase of Cortland, was arrested for 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a controlled substance following a no knock search warrant.  Police discovered that Chase had 2 arrest warrants for Criminal Sale of a Controlled substance, and was also wanted by the New York State Division of Corrections and Community Supervision. Oneonta Police were assisted by City of Norwich Police Department, Chenango County Sheriff’s Department and the State Division of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Travis St. Denny of Norwich will be in jail for 10 years and plus post-release supervision for a guilty plea for 2 counts of criminal sexual act & 1 count of producing obscene materials to a minor. St. Denny was arrested earlier this year following a tip from a Child Abuse Hotline.

The State DEC has confirmed that a deer attacked a man in the city of Troy on Tuesday. Tony Remillard was taking out trash in his backyard when the 10-point Buck pinned him against a fence and hit him in the face with his antlers, before a neighbor came to his rescue. The dear ran off and died, it was tested positive for Rabies. Remillard is undergoing post-rabies exposure treatments.

State Assemblyman Cliff Crouch today encouraged families to take advantage of the "NY ABLE" program, which focuses on encouraging and assisting individuals and families to save private funds in accounts to help individuals with disabilities to maintain their health and quality of life. The account is exempt from tax on its earnings as long as the funds are used to pay for qualified expenses. More information is available at mynyable.org or call 1-855-569-2253.

Delaware County Public Health announced that a cat from the town of Franklin tested positive for rabies. The stray cat attacked one person and a dog on September 20th, the individual delayed calling Public Health until September 24th, 2017; the cat was then sent for testing to Wadsworth lab on September 25. The person is receiving rabies Prophylaxis treatment. The dog was up to date on its rabies vaccinations and will receive a booster. The next free rabies clinic will be on October 18, 2017, from 6PM-8PM, at the Delhi Fire Hall, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older who are uninsured/underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at the Great American Food Store at 90 Main Street in Unadilla on Today, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Call toll-free 1 -888-345-0225 for your appointment.

Broome County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Bryan Getchell on an outstanding warrant and they are asking area residents for assistance. Getchell is described as a White Male, 5’ 11" & weighing about 190 pounds, with Hazel eyes, & Blonde Hair, he is wanted for a Violation of Probation for a DWI Related charge. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/mostwanted or 778-1196 or 778-2923 or 778-2933.

State Police arrested 37-year-old Barbara Vazquez of The Bronx for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and several other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a trooper observed Vazquez using a cell phone while driving on Interstate 81 in the town of Kirkwood, When he attempted to conduct a traffic stop, she refused to stop & continued for another 5 miles before stopping for Police. Vazquez is accused of driving without a license, possessing a cocaine & marihuana. Vazquez was arraigned in the town of Kirkwood court and was released without bail required. Her next court date is pending.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured/underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at the Unadilla Great American Food Store on Thursday, September 28th, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments or More information is available at 1 -888-345-0225.

State Police arrested 56 year old Rhonda Koban of Norwich for felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .19%, plus other traffic violations. The arrest occurred after a traffic stop when Koban failed to keep right on State Route 12 in the town of Norwich. Koban was arraigned in the town of Norwich court and was released without bail required.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman & a coalition of 16 Attorneys General filed a lawsuit to protect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals grantees. The lawsuit details how the Trump administration has violated the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution by discriminating against DREAMers of Mexican origin, who make up 78 percent of DACA recipients; violated Due Process rights; and harmed States' residents, institutions, and economies. A copy of teh lawsuit is available at ag.ny.gov.

The State Office of General Services announced that a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction will be held today at 9:30 AM at the State Police troop C headquarters. Information on specific items and terms of sale is available at ogs.ny.gov, or (518) 457-6335.

Oneonta Police announced that 3 men wanted for an April Burglary have been arrested. Oneonta police responded to a domestic dispute on April 22nd. 1 of the victims was pistol-whipped & was treated & released from minor injuries at Fox Hospital. 34-year-old Teddy Faison of Oneonta was arrested in Monticello, he's been charged with 2nd degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon, he was remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail. Also charged was 19 year old Brian Scott of Utica, & 19 year old Nelson Navar of Utica, they were charged with 1st degree burglary & 1st degree robbery, they both face court action shortly.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Dorothy Ramsell of the town of Maryland, for 2nd degree Assault & Criminal Mischief, after troopers responded to a physical dispute at a home on State Route 7 in the town of Maryland. Ramsell allegedly threw a coffee mug at her boyfriend’s head & a stepladder at his vehicle, which smashed the windshield. The victim was treated at Fox Hospital for head pain and a laceration to his arm, and then released. Ramsell was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego county jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond, pending court action on September 12th. The court issued an order of protection against Ramsell on behalf of the victim.

Brandon Corey was sentenced today in Broome County for a knifepoint rape of a woman in the parking lot at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City in April 2016. Corey will serve 10 years in prison followed by 20 years post-release supervision, he was also ordered to register as a sex offender.

State Senator Jim Seward announced that $75,000 in grants he secured will go to local domestic violence programs. The funding was set aside in the 2017-2018 state budget, locally, Opportunities for Otsego will receive $16,000, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties will also receive $16,000, Delaware Opportunities will receive $6,000 & Catholic Charities of Chenango County will get $5,000

Governor Cuomo announced 2 new actions to expand addiction treatment and recovery services for people across New York. A Request for Applications makes up to $4.5 million in funding available to develop nine Open Access Centers across the state and a Request for Information has been released that seeks input on the development of two pilot recovery high schools. These actions were announced at the grand opening of a new $8.4 million outpatient addiction treatment center in Rochester Tuesday.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 40 year old Nathan Jackson of Sherburne for 3rd & 4th degree Grand Larceny. Jackson was arrested after he allegedly stole numerous items from the victims residence over a month long period, totaling about $10,790.00. Jackson was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $1000.00 cash bail.

State Police arrested 73-year-old Csaba Fekete of Bainbridge, for 2 felony counts of Criminal Contempt in the 1st degree. Troopers were advised of 2 incidents where Fekete was allegedly sounding a loud alarm outside his home and then yelling at separate neighbors, which violated an order of protection. Fekete was arraigned in the town of Bainbridge court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $20,000 cash bail. His next court date is pending.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & State Police arrested 23-year-old Geraldo Rivera of Greene for 2nd degree Burglary. Deputies arrested Rivera following a report that he was found inside the victim’s residence by the victim. Rivera was arraigned in the Town of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail pending future court action.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit upheld New York State's denial of a water quality certification for the proposed Constitution Pipeline. The Pipeline would include construction of 100 miles of new natural gas pipeline across Central New York, crossing more than 250 streams and more than 80 acres of wetlands. In 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline but conditioned that approval on certification from New York State, the State DEC denied the certification on the grounds that they failed to provide sufficient information that the project would meet the state’s standards.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties; will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured/underinsured, near the front gate of the Delaware County Fair in Walton, tomorrow from 9:00 am to 2:00pm. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that New York has agreed in principle to join a state-federal $465 million settlement with Mylan Inc. New York led a coalition of states in the investigation that resolved allegations that Mylan knowingly underpaid rebates owed to Medicaid for the drugs EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr.® that were dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the settlement, New York will receive $38.5 million.

State Police arrested 60-year-old Lawrence Jaeger of Edmeston for felony Grand Larceny, after troopers were advised of a theft of funds from the Burlington Flats Fish and Game Club, in the town of Hartwick. An investigation determined that, while acting as the club treasurer, Jaeger had stolen just over $50,000 from the club funds, from June 2010 up until May 2017. Jaeger was arraigned in the town of Hartwick court and was released without bail; his next court date is on September 13th.

State Police arrested 29 year old Henry Macias of Laurens for felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, 3rd degree Assault, Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Interlock Device, and other traffic violations. Troopers responded to the report of a domestic dispute with injuries in Laurens, Macias allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle; troopers located him in Oneonta. Macias was arraigned in the town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond pending future court action; an order of protection was issued behalf of the victim.

Otsego County will hold their annual Tax foreclosure Auction Wednesday morning at the Oneonta Holiday Inn. 72 properties will be auctioned off starting at 11:00, those interested in bidding need to register, beginning at 9:00 AM. The list of available properties is located at nysauctions.com.

Governor Cuomo signed into law Monday, a measure that increases the minimum penalty against those who make bomb threats against community centers. The governor sited the events in Charlottesville Virginia, and a bomb threat against a Buffalo area Jewish Center in February as 2 reasons in favor of the new law, which lets prosecutors send those convicted of making bomb threats against community centers to prison for up to 1 year.

New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams of Brooklyn is the latest name to surface as a possible 2018 Democratic primary challenger to Governor Cuomo. The Brooklyn Democrat said that he has been approached about a run for governor. Williams, Actress Cynthia Nixon, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and former Hudson Valley State Senator Terry Gipson have also been mentioned as potential primary challengers to Andrew Cuomo

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured/underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare this weekend. The screenings will be offered outside the gates of the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Walton, this Saturday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Governor Cuomo announced executive actions designed to expand voter registration opportunities for New Yorkers. Executive Order #169, which directs every state agency to make voter registration forms available and to offer assistance in filling them out. The Governor also established the State Agency Voter Registration Task Force, to oversee administration of the state agency voter registration program in consultation with the State Board of Elections.

State DOT officials announced that that Interstate 86/ State Route 17 is closed between Nichols & Lounsberry to allow personnel to evaluate damage caused by Sunday night's storms & flooding. Also, Broome County emergency Services announced that The Town of Vestal is under a State of emergency due to flooding in several locations. Motorists that need to be in Broome County are advised to be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops, up to date travel conditions & road closures are available by calling 511 or at 511NY.org.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman & a coalition of 11 state Attorneys General, today filed a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency for illegally delaying a rule meant to protect communities, workers, and first responders from dangerous chemical accidents. The Accidental Release Prevention Requirements or the "Chemical Accident Safety Rule" makes improvements to Congressionally-mandated protections against explosions, fires, poisonous gas releases, and other accidents at more than 12,000 facilities across the country, including over 200 in New York, that store and use toxic chemicals. In the suit filed today, the coalition is challenging the 20-month delay of the Chemical Accident Safety Rule's effective date.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation to include animal fighting as a designated offense for an eavesdropping or video surveillance warrant. Animal fighting often requires multiple individuals acting in concert, using telephones and web-based communications devices. Currently, the investigation of animal fighting activities does not qualify law enforcement to receive a warrant to conduct electronic surveillance. The legislation now authorizes the issuance of eavesdropping and video surveillance warrants for the investigation of animal fighting crimes.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties Mobile Screening Coach & Bassett Healthcare will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older who are uninsured or underinsured, at the Delaware County Fair in Walton, outside the gates on Saturday, August 19th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Appointments can be made toll-free 1 -888-345-0225.

There will be a special meeting of the Oneonta Common Council tonight, the meeting will begin at 6:00 PM, and the council will establish budget guidelines for the 2018 city budget.

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting tonight at 7:00 PM at the Civic Center. The Board will consider rezoning two parcels located at 139 West Main Street and 995 Circle Drive, from R-1 to R-3. A public hearing on the proposed rezoning will be scheduled at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 36-year-old Dean Martin of Walton, on 1 count each of 3rd degree Assault & Menacing, after an investigation of a domestic incident in the town of Walton Saturday. Martin is accused of threatening an individual with a knife, & causing a physical injury with his fist. Martin was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 bail or $5,000 in bond, pending future court action in the Town of Walton Court.

Applications are now being accepted for the operation of custom craft beverage production centers to provide space and equipment to those looking to produce beer, wine, or cider for home consumption. The State Liquor Authority will provide new licenses to facilitate the production, to both current craft manufacturers looking to expand or businesses seeking to open a stand-alone custom homemade craft beverage production center. Governor Cuomo signed legislation last year, creating the new license authorizing the creation of custom craft production centers where craft beverage amateur brewers and cider makers can utilize the expertise, space and equipment of existing facilities to produce craft beverages for personal consumption. More information is available at sla.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced that over $3.1 million dollars in wages and interest during the first quarter, has been returned to 1,367 workers by the State Department of Labor. In addition, more than $125,500 in civil penalties have been assessed against employers in violation of prevailing wage law and 14 individuals or business entities have been debarred since the beginning of the year. Locally, 76 Southern Tier area workers were awarded over $168,000 in back wages through this effort.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie will offer free health screenings to women 40 or older that are uninsured or underinsured, in partnership with Bassett Healthcare. The screenings will be offered at Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney on Monday, June 19th from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Appointments can be made at 888-345-0225 for your appointment

State Police responded Friday to a report of a 1-vehicle rollover fatal accident on State Highway 17 in the Town of Sanford. The investigation revealed that the operator of an Econoline van fell asleep at the wheel, the vehicle drifted off the road and overturned multiple times before coming to rest. 5 of the 7 occupants were transported to Wilson and Lourdes Hospitals to be evaluated for non-life threatening injuries, however, 1 Passenger; 70 year old Dennis Pitts of Rochester, was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital, he was pronounced deceased. The investigation is continuing.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down Sealed Indictments last Thursday regarding the illegal sale of prescription drugs. Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested 49-year-old Louis Aulicino of Franklin, for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Morphine and Oxycodone from his residence between early November 2016, and late January of this year. Sheriff’s Investigators also arrested 46 year old Richard Mattice, of Delhi, on 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling Hydrocodone in the Village of Delhi between July, 2016, and late January of this year.

Norwich Police unveiled 20 new officer body cameras to increase transparency and accountability while improving relationships between law enforcement and the community. Officers began utilizing the body cameras on patrol and in the field earlier this year. The cameras are always on and rolling footage, the officer maintains control over when the camera starts to record and save footage. Funding for the equipment was secured through a $50,000 Public Protection Grant by State Senator Fred Akshar in the State Budget.

24-year-old Brittney Ellis of Binghamton was arrested following a search of her residence. Police seized cocaine, packaging materials, when they executed a warrant, police said 2 children were in the residence at the time of the raid. Ellis was charged with 6 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 2 counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of a child. Ellis was arraigned in Binghamton city court and sent to Broome County Jail.

Governor Cuomo announced $3 million in new funding to help eligible municipalities and rural electricity cooperatives purchase electric vehicles for use in their municipal use fleets. The initiative is part of the New York Power Authority’s Municipal Electric-Drive Vehicle Program, which provides financial assistance to facilitate the replacement of less fuel-efficient vehicles. This announcement supports Governor Cuomo's energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York 40 percent by 2030.

New York State of Health is holding information sessions at libraries throughout the state to reach uninsured New Yorkers. Certified in-person assistors will be available to answer questions and provide enrollment assistance during more than 200 information sessions at 77 libraries in February. a local session will be held in Walton at the Ogden Public Library on February 17th from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM.

Catholic Charities of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties is looking for volunteers to act as mentors for at-risk children ages 7-17. Spokesperson Tracy Martindale explains:

(Tracy Martindale 2-10-17)

More information is available by calling 604-4071 or 353-2198.

State Police arrested 22 year old Joshua Fuller of Windsor for 3rd degree Grand Larceny, after troopers were requested to assist the Binghamton Police Community Response Team with a traffic stop. Binghamton Police officers discovered over $20,000 dollars in cash & savings bonds that did not belong to Fuller or his passengers. Troopers determined that Fuller had recently stolen over $40,000 from a home while he was working for the owner. Fuller was arraigned in the Town of Union Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set. His next court date is pending.

State Police arrested 31 year old Sara Milford of Oneonta for Driving While Intoxicated & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and other traffic tickets. Milford is accused of speeding on Winney Hill Road in the Town of Oneonta, troopers located an open bottle of beer, discovered that Milford was driving with a suspended license, they also found 5 grams of marihuana. Milford was issued tickets to appear in the Town of Oneonta Court on February 21, 2017.

Broome County & the city of Binghamton announced that the Empire Road Race Series would begin on March 4th. The 10 race series will run through November 23rd, some of the races will coincide with the Parlor City 5K race during July Fest, and the Kelly LaBarre 5K race during Spiedie Fest. More information is available at empire road race series.org.

The Scoville-Meno Family of Dealerships announced the distribution of $10,000 to local charitable agencies. Scoville-Meno Auto Plaza in Owego presented a $2500 check to Tioga Rural Ministry; Scoville-Meno Chevrolet-GMC in Bainbridge presented a $2500 check to Catholic Charities of Chenango County; Scoville-Meno Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-Jeep in Sidney and Scoville-Meno Honda in Oneonta each presented $2500 checks to Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties.

NY State of Health, announced the Marketplace is now open for individuals looking to renew their health plan coverage for 2017. Current enrollees can update their account information, if needed, and enroll in a plan for coverage starting January 1st. New Yorkers must enroll by December 15th for coverage beginning January 1, 2017. More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov/individual.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network marked the American Cancer Society's 41st annual Great American Smokeout today by calling on State leaders to protect the health of residents by allocating $52 million to support the New York State Tobacco Control Program. This program supports those trying to quit smoking and provides non-smokers support so they never start. more than 480,000 deaths each year caused by tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

The Public Service Commission today endorsed Entergy Corporation's proposal to sell FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego County to Exelon Corp. for $110 million. The state has authorized up to $7.6 billion in ratepayer subsidies to keep FitzPatrick and two other nuclear plants operational. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo says nuclear power is preferable to coal or natural gas as New York transitions to renewable energy. Federal regulators also must also approve the transfer.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 45-year-old Charles Locke of Oneonta Saturday for Aggravated DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and several other traffic violations. The arrest came from a traffic stop on State Highway 357 in the Town of Franklin, where a vehicle Locke was operating had been stopped for vehicle and traffic violations. Further investigation revealed that Locke was found to be operating in an intoxicated state while having a passenger that was less than 16 years old. Locke was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility.

State police arrested 38-year-old Jillenia Murphy of Sidney for felony assault and arrested her husband 54-year-old Joseph Murphy of Sidney for 3rd degree assault. Troopers responded to the report of a dispute at a home on Oak Hill Spur Road in the Town of Afton, they accuse Jillenia Murphy of striking her husband with a curtain rod. The Murphy’s were arraigned in the Town of Afton court and were remanded to the Chenango County jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond; their next court dates are pending.

State Senator Jim Seward announced a special state grant of $20,000 to support the Center for Continuing Adult Learning, Which offers a wide range of classes to adults from Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties. The grant funds will support scholarships for individuals who are unable to afford the CCAL membership fee; a portion of the funds will be used for needed office equipment and to establish new classes

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 24-year-old Eric White of Franklin  Saturday for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd Degree. The arrest stemmed from a traffic stop on State Highway 357, when White was found to be operating while his driving privileges had been suspended. White was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $3000 bail.

Governor Cuomo today announced a contract for the installation of 300 electric vehicle-charging stations at public locations across New York. The plan calls for New York achieve its goal for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from 1990 levels and ensuring 50 percent of electricity consumed comes from renewable energy sources by 2030.

The state ethics committee has issued proposed regulations for state lobbyists. The Joint Commission of Public Ethics will seek public comments & will hold hearings on the proposal before a final draft is ready. The Commission states that more than 240 million dollars was spent on lobbying last year in trying to influence lawmakers, proposed changes include lowering the filing threshold from = for total lobbying expenditures from $50,000 to $15,000, and reducing the minimum contribution amount that requires disclosure from $5,000 to $2,500.

A non-partisan New York organization that advocates for transparency in government says it will begin posting the spending records of local municipalities online. Reclaim New York officials say the information comes from hundreds of requests for records under the state's Freedom of Information Law. The database will include county, city, town, school district, and village expenditure records. The information will allow taxpayers to see how their money is being spent.

New York trails other states, in modernizing its 911 systems to handle greater cell phone use, in part because lawmakers use money intended for that purpose to plug holes in the state budget. An upgraded 911 system would make it easier to pinpoint the location of cell phone callers or accept 911 text messages. Like many states, New York imposes a surcharge on cell phone bills to support local 911 systems. New York officials dispute claims they aren't doing enough for 911. They say since 2010 the state has awarded more than $48 million to support 911 upgrades

State police announced an arrest today in connection with the September 24th shooting on Carl Street in the Town of Union that injured 1 male subject, who was taken to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City. Initially, 4 subjects were taken into custody & were released. Today state Police arrested 35-year-old Paul Warner of Endicott for Attempted Murder. Warner was arraigned & was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo inspected the Indian Point Nuclear Facility by boat and provided an update on the State’s response to an oil spill reported at the facility. On Friday, the State DEC responded after being notified by Entergy that an unspecified amount of oil leaked from a heat exchanger into a cooling water discharge canal inside the facility. Entergy's clean up contractors Miller Environmental deployed absorbent booms to collect the petroleum sheen in the discharge canal and to prevent the spill from reaching the Hudson River. Most of the 600 gallons of petroleum that leaked is contained within the plant and only a small portion reached the discharge canal. Since 2011 there have been over 40 spills and unexpected shutdown events at the Indian Point Nuclear Reactor In Buchanon.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Anthony Hebbard of Treadwell for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C. result of .25%. Troopers responded to a 2-car crash on County Route 14 in the Town of Franklin. An investigation determined that Hebbard was driving while highly intoxicated when he crashed into a car that was driving just ahead of him, and caused that car to drive into a ditch. Hebbard was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Franklin Court on October 13, 2016.

State Police announced that Tierra Scott was back in custody after she escaped police custody & stole a Trooper’s vehicle. State Police reported that a Trooper was delivering Scott to the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office when she removed her restraints. The Trooper left the vehicle to take her into the office when she climbed into the driver’s seat and locked the doors, & drove off, dragging the Trooper for a short distance. The unidentified Trooper suffered minor injuries; the patrol car was found on Wetsel Hollow Road in the town of Schoharie. State Police had Scott back in custody Sunday evening.

State Police arrested 37 year old John Schreiber of Otego for aggravated family offense, endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful imprisonment, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and driving while intoxicated, after troopers responded to a report of a dispute in the Town of Otego. Schreiber allegedly choked the victim & would not let her and her 3 children leave or call for help, he left & then returned & was arrested by troopers. Schreiber was arraigned in the Town of Laurens court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail in lieu of $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 property bond, pending future court action.

Governor Cuomo announced the grand opening of a new $3.6 million Fairview Recovery Services women's facility in Binghamton. The new facility will offer treatment and accommodations for women, specifically offering mothers the opportunity to have their children stay with them during treatment for drug & alcohol issues, it is located at 8 Clapham Street in Binghamton, & features 16 beds for adult women and two beds for women with children. The facility will focus on serving women from Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties.

Governor Cuomo today directed state agencies to take immediate steps to lower electricity usage, due to the persistent high temperatures and humidity today and through the weekend. All state agencies have been directed to immediately lower energy usage by turning off lights, raising air conditioning temperatures, closing window shades, and powering down unused computers, printers and other electrical devices; other regions.

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell announced the arrest & arraignment for 2nd degree manslaughter charges against Jennifer and Charles Burks of Endicott for allegedly recklessly causing the death of their 5-year-old son through an opioid overdose. The case is scheduled to go to a grand jury next week.

The Binghamton Senators announced that the club will host its annual Open House at the Floyd Maines Veterans Memorial Arena this Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Fans can get guided tours around the arena, through the locker room, video room, and skybox suites, participate in free activities to win various B-Sens prizes. The B-Sens will also host their annual equipment and merchandise sale throughout the day. The Binghamton Senators Home Opener will be on Saturday, October 15th. more information on tickets is available at binghamtonsenators.com or 607-722-SENS.

Farmers in Otsego & Schoharie Counties will participate in Family Farm day this Saturday. Participants will be able to visit working farms; talk to the farmers about their operations, & sample farm fresh produce. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at participating farms, a list of farms participating in the program is available at familyfarmday.org.

I-88 Speedway in Afton will give kids and adults a chance to see what it's like to ride in a race car or race truck, with a special event at the Afton facility today. I-88 Spokesperson Denise Page comments:

(Denise Page 8-12-16)

Page said that it is strongly encouraged that those who want to participate in the "Kiddie Ride Night" by 5:30 PM today.

The City of Oneonta Department of Public Service will be working on Chip Sealing of area streets this week between the hours of 7:00 AM & 4:00 PM. Area Motorists are reminded to remove their vehicles from the affected streets or facing being towed and facing towing fees. A list of streets is available by calling the DPW at 432-2100.

According to a new study, New York State is among the worst places to have a baby. "Wallet Hub" compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions: Delivery budget, health care and baby-friendliness, their research had New York State ranked 48th out of 51. The Top States to have a baby were Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Minnesota & New Hampshire. New York also ranked near the bottom in annual infant-care costs & child-care centers per capita. The states that ranked worse than New York were Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi.

Farmers in Otsego & Schoharie Counties will participate in Family Farm day this Saturday. Participants will be able to visit working farms talk to the farmers about their operations, & sample farm fresh produce. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at participating farms, a list of farms participating in the program is available at familyfarmday.org.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll announced that the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for federal fiscal years 2017 through 2020 is available for public review and comment. The list has all projects in New York that will receive federal funding. The draft of the STIP document will be available for public review and comment through August 26th, at dot.ny.gov.

DELAWARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES WILL HOLD A Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets today in Sidney. The Clinic will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sidney Fire Station, on River Street. more information is available at 832-5200, or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Property tax levy growth for local governments will be capped at 0.68 percent for 2017, decreasing slightly from 2016, when it was 0.73 percent, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with some exceptions, including a provision that allows municipalities to override the tax cap. The 2017 fiscal year is the fourth year in a row that local governments have had their levy growth capped at less than 2 percent and the second year in a row that it has been capped at less than 1 percent.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 45-year-old Christopher Wormuth of Hancock on charges of felony grand larceny, & petty larceny. Deputies allege the defendant logged two separate properties in the Town of Hancock and in the course of doing so unlawfully removed greater than $1000 dollars in logs and firewood from those properties. Wormuth is scheduled to appear at Hancock Town Court at a later date.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings, without charge to women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or who are underinsured with a high deductible. Screenings include pap with pelvic exams; clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits, appointments can be made at 1-888-345-0225 for your appointment.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 26-year-old Jesse Stefanelli of Bovina Center for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. He was also issued tickets for unlicensed operation, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely, after a 1-car accident on County Highway 18 in the Town of Stamford. He was arraigned in the Town of Stamford Court and sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1500 cash bail. He is to return to the Town of Stamford Court at a later date.

The American Red Cross announced an upcoming Blood Drive at Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney. The Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, July 27th between 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Tri-Town Regional Hospital Conference Room. Appointments may be made at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-RedCross. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

The Greater Chenango Cares IRT Event continues at the Norwich High School, it started Friday & runs through July 24th. Chenango County United Way was able to get over 500 volunteers together to assist the military effort in providing the much needed dental, medical, eye care & Veterinary services for the region, according to spokesperson Elizabeth Monaco:

(Elizabeth Monaco 7-18-16)

Col Erik Kirchen said that Medical personnel are not training for those fields, they are already fully accredited in their fields, they are training as part of their military commitments in case they are deployed because of their areas of expertise:

(Col Kirchen 7-18-16)

The event serviced 495 patients in the first 2/12 days, about 170 personnel are providing the services, and appointments are requested for dental or vision appointments at 337-4320. There is no cost for the services; there are no income, insurance or residency requirements. A similar IRT Event is also occurring through the 24th in neighboring Cortland County.

3 people were killed in a plane crashed in Esperance in Schoharie County Saturday evening. The FAA reported that the single-engine Piper PA-28 crashed about 6:45 p.m. Saturday in a heavily wooded area and was destroyed by fire. 1 person survived the crash & was taken to a burn unit. The plane was taking off from a small airport in the town of Esperance when it crashed about 1,000 feet from the facility. The investigation is continuing.

Local Police Agencies conducted an enhanced traffic safety enforcement campaign in the tri town area last Thursday. A total of 30 traffic summonses were issued for a variety of vehicle & traffic violations, there were also 7 arrests made for a variety o of charges including criminal l possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear in court. The police agencies involved in the campaign were the Sidney Police Department, Delaware county Sheriff's office, state Police & The Delaware County Probation department. Delaware county Undersherff Craig Dumond told WCDO News that these combined efforts make communities & highways a safer place to live, work & travel.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 45-year-old Christina Kruger of Masonville Thursday for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of marijuana and operating with an expired inspection certificate following a traffic stop on County Highway 23 in the Town of Sidney. Kruger was later arraigned & was released on her own recognizance, & will face action in Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

The 3rd annual "Delaware County Senior Fun Day" to be held at Delaware County 4H-Camp Shankitunk, in Delhi, on Wednesday, August 24th from 9:30am to 3:00pm. The event will again feature music, a variety of picnic foods & beverages. The event is open to seniors age 60 and over. Reservations are required as space is limited and need to be made by August 15th, at the Office for the Aging at 832-5750.

State Police are continuing to investigate a November 1980 homicide case in Broome County 30-year-old Barry Marquart of Binghamton was reported missing after they were contacted by Marquart's father, who stated that his son had been missing & he had received a call from Barry’s roommate. On November 9, 1980 Marquart’s car was found parked at the Exit 5 rest area on I-81 in the Town of Dickinson, Troopers found Marquart’s body in the Chenango River, his wallet was located in Otsiningo Park, south of the rest area. The autopsy ruled the death as a drowning and determined the victim received injuries from blows to his head and face. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Investigator Matthew Hicks at the State Police Major Crimes Unit at 561-7400.

Following a month-long review, the New York State Police Search Committee unanimously recommended Lieutenant Colonel George Beach to serve as superintendent of the State Police. Beach has more than 30 years of expertise in crisis response, operational planning, emergency management and public policy; he will replace Joseph D’Amico who has served as superintendent of the New York State Police since 2011.

Members of the Assembly's Minority Conference called for changes to the way the books are kept, to create more transparency, accountability and oversight in how tax dollars are spent--especially in terms of New York's Economic Development, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch responds:

(Crouch 6-7-16)

Assemblyman Pete Lopez also responded:

(Lopez 6-7-16)

The Assembly Minority Conference Legislation sets up an independent advisory committee, streamlines economic development tax credits and other programs to make it fairer for all businesses to compete for state contracts and prohibit campaign contributions from appointees to their appointing authority.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-year-old Patrick Davenport of Oxford on an active Bench Warrant from the Norwich Police Department. Davenport was wanted for failure to appear on the charges of Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamine and 3rd degree Burglary. Davenport was turned over to the custody of Norwich Police Department for processing.

Governor Cuomo today announced special education providers would receive a 4% increase in reimbursement rates. Schools benefiting from this increase serve approximately 13,500 students across the state with emotional or physical disabilities, mental health issues, trauma, substance abuse, or involvement with the juvenile justice, social service or child welfare system. Action was taken to continue the reforms approved 2 years ago to help stabilize and streamline the rate-setting process for school-age providers.

Fox Hospital’s executive leadership team and the board of directors announced that Dr. Reginald Knight has been selected as the new Vice President of Medical Affairs. Dr. Knight will begin his appointment at Fox on July 5th; He will be based at Fox three days of the week, splitting time between Bassett Medical Center and Fox. For the last 7 years, Dr. Knight has been an attending orthopedic surgeon for Bassett Medical Center. He also serves as director of Bassett’s spine care institute as well as president of the medical staff.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings, to those women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or are underinsured. Screenings include pap with pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits. Those who Sign up now will receive a 25% discount card to Sweet Frog, those who get the screenings done by June 30th will have their name entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card to Wal-Mart and Mirabito's. Appointments can be made toll-free 1-888-345-0225.

Delaware County Public Health will host a rabies clinic today in Walton, for dogs, cats, and ferrets on: 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Walton Highway Garage on state route 10.

Republican Bob Bishop of Hamden drops out of 19th congressional district race. Delaware County Republican Bob Bishop has dropped his bid to replace Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional District.  Remaining candidates include Republican John Faso & Andrew Heaney & Democrats Zephyr Teachout & Will Yandik.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today called for changes to the state’s fiscal practices, including limiting discretionary lump sum spending, restricting “backdoor spending” by public authorities and imposing a constitutional limit on state debt, among other reforms, to bring increased transparency and accountability to state finances. DiNapoli released his recommendations in a report, “Unfinished Business: Fiscal Reform in New York.” The report can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us/reports.

State Police at Sidney arrested 41-year-old Danielle Pettit of Bainbridge, for criminal mischief, after troopers responded to a Chenango County 911 report of criminal mischief on Kelly Road in the Town of Bainbridge. An investigation determined that Pettit had damaged the windows of a parked car and then left the scene. The windows had a value of more than $250. After being located, Pettit was arraigned in the adjoining Town of Afton court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Her next court date in the Town of Bainbridge Thursday.

New York reports honey production statewide increased 9% last year with more than 3.6 million pounds produced. New York remains the top producer in the Northeast and for the first time in a decade among the top 10 states nationally. New York Beekeepers earned almost $10.6 million last year, up $1.2 million.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or underinsured. There are no income guidelines. Screenings include pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms, and take-home colorectal test kits. Appointments or More information is available at Call toll-free 1-888-345-0225.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division arrested 49 year old Matthew Ahearn of Harpursville, for failing to register with the State Sex Offender Registry. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division received a tip that Ahearn had moved to Harpursville and failed to report his address change within the proper time period; he was arraigned and was sent to the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility on $500 cash or $1000 property bail