WCDO Radio News

Oneonta's First Night 2016 kicks off at 6:00 pm tonight with a PARADE down Main Street Oneonta. Officials said that 7:00 pm; entertainment starts at venues such as the Foothills Performing Arts Center, the First United Methodist Church, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society and the Main Street Walkway & a FIREWORKS DISPLAY at 10:30 pm!

Governor Cuomo announced that the minimum wage increase for State Workers would take effect beginning tomorrow. The increase will be implemented on the same phased-in schedule currently underway for fast food workers, all State workers will receive an hourly wage of at least $9.75 per hour for employees outside of New York City.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Governor Cuomo announced that New York State would begin accepting applications for the new 'Get On Your Feet' Loan Forgiveness Program on December 31st. the program offers up to 24 months of federal student loan debt relief to recent college graduates living in the State. To qualify, applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree from a college or university located in New York State in or after December 2014, have an adjusted gross income of less than $50,000, and be enrolled in the federal Income Based Repayment plan or Pay as You Earn plan. more than 2,500 graduates from the class of 2015 have registered to apply for the program through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

Governor Cuomo announced that Taste New York has achieved the goal of tripling gross sales of participating vendors in 2015, to over 4.5 Million dollars. Additionally, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets partnered with Empire State Development to provide New Yorkers and visitors worldwide instant access to a list of all the Taste NY agri-tourism destinations through the I LOVE NY mobile app, bringing greater exposure to New York’s food and beverage businesses across the state. The Department also worked with Food Export USA and Empire State Development this year to ensure Taste NY products were included in the Governor Cuomo's trade missions to Cuba and Puerto Rico.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office have charged a man with DWI, following an accident involving 3 tractor trailers Monday morning. The accident occurred on Colesville Road in Kirkwood, where a tractor trailer driven by 54 year old Daniel Masonic of Binghamton, crossed over the double yellow lines and struck two other tractor trailers who were headed the opposite direction. Masonic's truck then went off the road, up an embankment, and struck a group of trees. Masonic's BAC was .18%. He was issued tickets to appear at a later date in the Town of Kirkwood court.

State Troopers arrested 34 year old Nathaniel Dendler of Windsor for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Inadequate Exhaust and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Dendler's passenger, 19 year old Caleb Harris of Windsor was found to be in possession of heroin and suboxone and was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Both arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court, Dendler was remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail. Harris was released on his own recognizance.

The Otsego County Chamber announced that the Fun First Night New Year's Parade would begin Thursday night at 6:00 PM. The Parade will begin at the corner of Elm and Main Streets in downtown Oneonta.

The Otsego county Sheriff's department arrested 3 people on drug charges. 33-year-old Jason Foster of New Lisbon is accused of selling marijuana from the Oneonta Wal-Mart parking lot, while also working at the store. Foster was charged along with his wife Alice for felony possession of marijuana after 12 ounces of marijuana and 11 pot plants were seized from their home, along with a scale, rifles and equipment used to grow marijuana indoors and outdoors. 28-year-old Joseph Lukeman of Mount Vision was charged with evidence tampering and criminal possession of marijuana after he allegedly removed a quantity of marijuana from the Fosters' home after the investigation began.

According to a new Siena College poll, 67% of New Yorkers predict that Donald Trump will not be elected President. Only 7% thought it was "very likely" that the Republican presidential hopeful would win the White House. Among the Republicans questioned, 51% predicted that Trump's would fail to get to the White House.

State Police responded to the report of a 2-vehicle collision with injuries on State Highway 8 in the Town of Norwich, Thursday. Investigation revealed that 43-year-old Yae Yar of Utica entered the opposing lane to pass an un-involved tractor-trailer, his vehicle struck another driven by 27 year old Joanna Stanimer of West Edmeston.   Yar was pronounced dead at the scene from internal injuries, 36 year old Me Me was transported to Tri Town Hospital in Sidney where she was pronounced dead on arrival from internal injuries.   Stanimer was air lifted to Wilson Hospital by Lifenet and remains in critical condition with internal injuries.   Autopsies on the 2 deceased persons will be performed at Lourdes Hospital. 4 other people were taken to area hospitals with a variety of injuries; all were listed in serious but stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a new 'Kitchen Table Toolkit' as part of the State Combat Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse campaign. This toolkit features 2 new videos, which can be used by parents, teachers and community members, concerning the health risks and dangerous consequences of heroin and prescription painkiller abuse. to download the toolkit, visit talk2prevent.ny.gov or call 1-877-8-HOPENY

Governor Cuomo has signed legislation that combats the proliferation of clothing collection bins provided by fake charities by imposing stricter regulations on the placement, maintenance and transparency of collection bins across the state. The legislation prohibits placement of collection bins on public property and imposes maintenance requirements of such bins. The law also strengthens operator transparency by imposing disclosure requirements, including indication as a for-profit business or nonprofit organization. Additionally, disclosure is required if the bin is operated by a for-profit business in conjunction with a nonprofit organization. Bin owners are subject to fines for violations of the bill's disclosure and maintenance requirements.

Governor Cuomo stated that at approximately 7:00 pm, Unit 3 at the Indian Point nuclear facility shut down. The cause is currently unknown; the Department of Public Service is conducting the investigation into another unexpected incident at Indian Point. The company reports there was no radioactivity released to the environment. Cuomo said that “Because of the number of recent unplanned outages, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's requirements will result in increased inspections and scrutiny of the plant.

Governor Cuomo today announced he would host the 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. New Yorkers wishing to attend should visit the Governor's homepage to register, which is governor.ny.gov.

A state judge has banned DraftKings and FanDuel from doing business in New York State today. The order was issued today by state Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, after Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that the 2 companies are violating state gambling laws dating back to the 1890's. The companies unsuccessfully argued that their games are based on skill, Judge Mendez did not agree.

Area Resident Gene Schmidt is coordinating the 3rd Christmas Community Dinner on Christmas Day, which has now been moved back to the Sidney Fire Department's Training Center on River Street. Schmidt said that they still are looking for volunteers & donations:

(Gene Schmidt 12-11-15)

Schmidt can be reached at 610-4030, Donations can be sent by check to the Sidney United Methodist Church, with Community Christmas Dinner on the memo line. Schmidt said that last year they served about 250 dinners on Christmas day.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's New Year's Eve Celebration.

Chenango River Theatre announced that the New York State's Council on the Arts Theatre Panel has awarded the theatre a 3-year grant to support overall operations. The grant award is for $7,000 a year, for 2016 to 2018, which reflects a 40% increase over previous grant awards. Chenango River Theatre is the only non-profit, professional theatre in Chenango County to receive direct NYSCA funding, and one of only two in the greater Binghamton area.

Area Congressman Richard Hanna released a statement regarding Donald Trump's call to ban Muslims from traveling the United States. Hanna said that the "Call to ban Muslims from entering the United States of America is un-American, ill-advised, dangerous and shows a profound lack of understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Hanna said that he supports taking extra precautions and reforming the Visa Waiver Program to prevent terrorists from exploiting our immigration laws, & he also supported a measure in the House last month to halt the admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq until the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence certify that they do not pose a threat to our national security.”

Former State Senator Thomas Libous is appealing his recent conviction in federal court for lying to the FBI. Libous' attorney filed the notice of appeal Tuesday to the U.S. District Court Southern District in White Plains. Libous was sentenced to 6 months of house arrest, plus 2 years probation and a $50,000 fine, he was found guilty earlier this year of lying about using his political influence to get his son a job at a downstate law firm. The Republican lost his seat in the Senate because of the felony conviction.

The fourth Cal Harris' fourth murder trial is expected to begin March 28, and the trial will be moved from the Schoharie County Court to the state Supreme Court in Schoharie County. Judge Richard Mott was assigned to the case in a decision by the state's Third Judicial District. The 3rd trial was presided over by Schoharie County judge George Bartlett, it ended in a mistrial, and Harris was convicted twice in Tioga County Court for murdering his estranged wife Michelle around September 11th 2001.

The State University Police at SUNY Oneonta arrested 20 Brandon Negron of New Windsor in connection with a threatening message posted to the Yik Yak social media platform Saturday. Negron is SUNY Oneonta student, he was charged with making a terrorist threat, & 2nd degree aggravated harassment, following a joint investigation by Oneonta Police Department and State Police. Police were notified Saturday evening of the threatening post, which threatened violence for today, police searched Negron's residence and no weapons were found, Negron was arraigned this morning in Oneonta City Court and released on bail. He remains enrolled at SUNY Oneonta while the college follows its student conduct process.

Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting announced support today for Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum, who last week called on his county's residents with valid licenses to carry their weapons publicly, in case of a mass shooting.   Sheriff Cutting said he supports the legal right of those with permits carry fire-arms to do so, to ensure the safety of themselves & their loved ones, but be knowledgeable of the laws of New York with regard to carrying a weapon and when it is legal to use it. Cutting becomes the latest New York Sheriff to support Sheriff Van Blacum's controversial call, following last week's San Bernadino California mass shooting.

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

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

(Amanda Bunzey 12-4-15)

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

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

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

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's Autumn Glory exhibit opens tomorrow. the Museum will celebrate the Royals' 2015 World Series title & Artifacts donated by the Royals will be featured in the exhibit. Among the items will be a Jersey worn by Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer in Game 5, a Glove used by Royals catcher and World Series Most Valuable Player Salvador Perez, Spikes worn throughout the Series by Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain , Road cap worn by Royals closer Wade Davis, a Bat used by Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas, & a Bat used by Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul visited Norwich this afternoon following the tour of Sidney; she met with Business Leaders at Commerce Chenango, toured the Business district, convened a Women’s Roundtable at the Artist's Pallet, & toured the Northeast Classic Car Museum.

Governor Cuomo today announced that during the past year, 43 new farm breweries have opened their doors in New York State, bringing the state's total number of operational farm breweries to 106. Additionally, the Governor's Farm Brewery law, which created a new license for craft brewers that use New York grown ingredients and included an exemption on brand label registration fees for small brewers, has saved brewers nearly $1 million to date. Aside from the 106 farm breweries, New York is now home to 133 micro-breweries, up from just 40 in 2011, and 39 restaurant breweries, up from 10 in 2011. Additionally, eight farm breweries have opened off-site branch stores, a practice which was also authorized under the Governor's law.

Governor Cuomo announced a 60% decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities since Governor Mario Cuomo raised New York State's drinking age to 21 exactly 30 years ago. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries; school, social, legal, and physical problems; abuse of other drugs; and death from alcohol poisoning.

The Trial of Former State Senate Majority leader Dean Skelos continues in a Manhattan Federal Courtroom. Skelos is accused of using his political influence to get his son Adam No-Show jobs with politically connected firms in exchange for political favors. Skelos's trial follows the recent conviction of former deputy Majority leader Tom Libous of Binghamton and former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on similar corruption charges.

Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was convicted on Monday as a federal jury in Manhattan found Silver guilty of all 7 counts he faced for fraud, extortion and money laundering. The conviction comes as Silver's counterpart in the Senate, former Majority Leader Dean Skelos, faces his own corruption trial in the same federal court. Both men resigned their leadership posts but continued to work as lawmakers; Silver automatically loses his seat as a result of his conviction.

Tonight from 6:30-8:30, Opportunities for Chenango's Community Forum about drug addiction will be held in Norwich. Organizer & Moderator Donna Wood-Craig comments:

(Donna Wood Craig 12-1-15)

The event will be in the Guernsey Library Community Room.

Chenango County Sheriff's office arrested 31-year-old Andrew Gould of Sherburne for 3rd degree Assault, following an altercation with a Town of Sherburne. Gould is scheduled to appear in the Town of Sherburne court at a later date.

Jury deliberations were underway in a Manhattan Federal Courtroom this morning, in the trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Silver's trial is into the 5th week with the jury set to resume deliberations today. Silver was elected speaker of the New York State Assembly in 1994, he was forced to step down as speaker after his arrest in January on federal corruption charges.

Governor Cuomo announced that Patricia Groeber (Pronounced "Grober") has been appointed First Deputy Superintendent of the New York State Police, which places her second in command of the 4,800 member Division. The appointment, made by Superintendent Joseph D'Amico, marks the first time that a female member has been appointed to the position in the 98-year history of the State Police. First Deputy Superintendent Groeber will oversee the daily operations of all aspects of the Division, including Field Command, Administration, Employee Relations and Internal Affairs. She first joined the State Police on September 22, 1986

The Sidney chamber of commerce announces that the holiday Business After Hours program will be held on December 15th, at SFCU at 42 Union Street in Sidney. RSVP's are requested by Tuesday December 1st at 561-2642.

DraftKings and FanDuel will head to court today to try to continue operation in New York, as Attorney General Eric Schneiderman tries to shut them down. Schneiderman said that both fantasy websites are misleading the public with deceptive advertising and violating the state's gambling laws, while FanDuel and DraftKings argue that it's not gambling, but a game of skill. If the judge decides to keep fantasy sports out of New York, it would affect more than 600,000 players based in the state who spent at least $200 million in entry fees in 2015

Former State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton was sentenced in Federal Court today to 6 months of home confinement, a $50,000 fine and two years of probation. Libous was convicted in July for Providing a False Statement to the FBI during an investigation of his son Matthew. Libous's attorney pleaded for leniency as Libous's cancer has worsened & was told by his cancer doctors that he has maybe a year to live.

The New York State Department of Labor released today preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2015. Between September and October 2015, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.1% to 4.8%, its lowest level since November 2007. Locally, Chenango County's unemployment rate was 4.6%, Delaware County was at 4.7% and Otsego County registered 4.3% unemployment for October.

The state DEC Announced that $2,000,000 in grants are available to organizations for projects to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in New York State's waterways, The grants are the latest action in the state's comprehensive efforts to combat aquatic invasive species and aim to foster outreach to users of water bodies, install decontamination stations and provide steward training programs in high priority areas. Applications & more information are available at dec.ny.gov.

State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico discussed a new App that will be an extension of the "See Something, Say Something" campaign, launched after 9/11:

(DAmico 11-23-15)

D'Amico said that the App is free to download, the news of the App follows a week of law enforcement meetings in Lake George regarding the latest terrorist attack in Paris France. D'Amico added that there was no current credible terroristic threat to New York State.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer plans to renew the push for a bill that would no longer allow people on airlines' no-fly lists to purchase guns in the United States. The bill Schumer is backing was originally proposed by former President George W. Bush in 2007 & would close the so-called "terror gap." Under current federal law, suspected or known terrorists who are on a no-fly list can legally purchase firearms and explosives in the U.S.

The State DEC announced that the 2015 regular deer and bear hunting seasons open at sunrise on Saturday, November 21, in New York's Southern Zone. These big game seasons close at sunset on Sunday, December 13. The Southern Zone Regular Season is New York's most popular hunting season, with participation from about 85 percent of New York's 550,000 licensed hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and 30 to 60 percent of the statewide bear harvest.

State Police hosted the 7th annual State Intelligence Summit Wednesday & today in Lake George, along with Homeland Security, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the FBI. More than 250 leaders from federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies from Canada and the United States attended to hear from law enforcement representatives experienced in current trends in terrorism, intelligence gathering and sharing, major crime trends, and counter terrorism programs. The event also provided an opportunity for the attendees to receive training in crime analysis, cyber threats, and current narcotics trends. Last week's terror attacks in Paris and the State's response to the potential increased threat of terrorism in New York have been ongoing topics of discussion at the conference.

Rebuild New York Now is a coalition seeking to raise public awareness about the issues impacting New York State's infrastructure, State Senator Fred Akshar and other local elected officials, members of organized labor, and private local businesses held a press conference at a bridge in disrepair in the town of Chenango & they called on the Legislature and the Governor to include funding parity between New York City & upstate in next year's budget plan. Akshar was joined by Broome County Executive Debbie Preston, & Assembly members Cliff Crouch & Claudia Tenney.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed an enforcement action Tuesday in New York State Supreme Court, seeking a preliminary injunction against DraftKings and FanDuel. The Attorney General's suit details alleged violations of law by DraftKings and FanDuel, as the State Constitution has prohibited bookmaking and other forms of sports gambling since 1894.

Delaware County Sheriff's Department Investigators arrested 35 year old Wilber Tyrrell of Hancock Tuesday as a Fugitive From Justice from the State of Pennsylvania. Tyrrell was incarcerated at the Delaware County Correctional Facility on an unrelated charge at the time of his arrest, Tyrrell will be arraigned as a Fugitive From Justice in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time.

About 30 people have been arrested in an investigation into prostitution at the New York State Fair. The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office, & various Police agencies arrested 1 person for sex trafficking, 18 for prostitution & 9 for promoting prostitution. The investigation was a joint operation involving 25 officers from the State Police, Homeland Security, FBI, & local Police departments.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting today. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Common council chambers on the 2nd floor of Oneonta's City Hall.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 21-year-old Joseph Gilhauley of Walton for DWI and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or greater. Deputies accuse Gilhauley of failing to stop for a stop sign Sunday in Walton, as well as failure to yield when making a left turn, he was released on traffic tickets returnable to Walton Village Court at a later date.

Broome County native David Sweat pleaded guilty to charges brought against him after he escaped from the Clinton County prison in Dannemora earlier this year. Sweat pleaded guilty to 2 counts of escape and 1 count of promoting prison contraband, for the June jail break with Richard Matt, Sweat was on the run for 22 days until he was found near the Canadian border. He was shot & injured by a state trooper 2 days after Matt was shot & killed by police. Sweat is now serving his time at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, he was previously sent to jail for the murder of Broome County Sheriff's deputy Kevin Tarsia in 2002.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a residential burglary at 4040 County Highway 16 in West Delhi between approximately 8:30 and 11:45 pm Wednesday night. The homeowner reported the theft of a television, a DVD player, a laptop, coins and jewelry. Deputies are asking anyone with information to call 832-5555.

First Night and LEAF will be collaborating with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, December 12th on their annual FREE Christmas Party with live music, games and activities, snacks and a visit from not only Santa. The Elks Club will be welcoming families to participate in a Hoop Shoot from 10 am until noon and the Christmas Party will run from noon until 2 pm. It will also be a chance to purchase discounted buttons for First Night Oneonta's Spectacular New Year's Eve Celebration.

New York outlawed daily fantasy sports websites and FanDuel CEO Nigel Eccles said that they're hoping to work around the decision by New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, that declared daily fantasy sports sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings are illegal gambling operations. Eccles said that their attorney claims that there is a 5-day period allotted in the cease-and-desist letter in which they'll be working to figure out their options. About 10% of the 2 companies business has been from New York.