WCDO Radio News

The State Labor department released the unemployment rate numbers by county, for the month of November today. Locally, Chenango County had 4.8%, Delaware County had 4.9% & Otsego County had 4.3% unemployment, the statewide rate dropped 1 tenth to 5.1% in November.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Sidney Police Department arrested 46 year old Chanin Ives on an Arrest Warrant issued out of the Town of Guilford. Ives was arrested on an Arrest Warrant for 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment, Ives was arraigned in the Town of Guilford court & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail.

In November 2016, the State’s private sector job count increased by 4,800, or 0.1%, to 7,950,000, according to preliminary figures by the State Department of Labor. In November, New York’s statewide unemployment rate decreased from 5.2% to 5.1%.

The New York Farm Bureau announced their disappointment today in Governor Cuomo's veto of a bill that would have established a food donation tax credit up to $5,000 annually per farmer. The bill would have helped offset the cost of labor, packaging and transportation to get the food to regional food banks. It has passed the legislature the last 2 years; in 2015 the governor vetoed the bill after lawmakers did not include money in the budget to cover the cost of the n order to implement the tax credits. New York's farmers donated approximately 13 million pounds of food to regional food banks through the Harvest for All program in 2015.

Officials with the Federal Highway Administration and the New York state Department of Transportation will meet next month to discuss the removal of more than 500 "I Love NY" signs from the state's roadways. The FHA has threatened to cut nearly $1 billion in federal funding to the state if the signs aren't removed. State officials argue that the signs help promote tourism and provide valuable information about New York's attractions. FHA officials say the signs don't conform to federal standards and are dangerous because they contain too much information that drivers can become distracted.

The state labor department released their county unemployment rates for October today. Locally, Chenango County was at 4.8%, Delaware County was also at 4.8% and Otsego County was at 4.2%. The statewide unemployment rate went up 2/10's to 5.2 % in October.

The New York State Department of Health today announced that it will award $7.2 million to 6 organizations over the next 5 years to establish Breastfeeding Friendly community support networks for families. The funded entities will advance broad-based policy, system and environmental changes that protect and promote breastfeeding within community settings and businesses, & will also work to help child care and healthcare providers support families who opt to breastfeed their infants.

New York State’s private sector job count climbed by 89,900 or 1.1% over the last 12 months, through October 2016, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. The state’s private sector job count fell by 4,000 from September to October, the state unemployment rate increased from 5.0% to 5.2%.

New York already has mailed out more than a half a million property tax checks this fall to qualified homeowners. About 2 million homeowners qualify for those checks, Homeowners who do not receive their checks shortly can call the department of Taxation & finance at 518-453-8146.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s department will host a “Coffee with Cops” today from 9:00 to 11:00 at the Delaware County Public Safety Building. The event gives residents an opportunity for County residents to meet and speak with members of the Sheriff’s Office to discuss current issues and concerns, & learn about different programs.

The State Department of Labor recovered nearly $3.45 million in fraudulently obtained Unemployment Insurance benefits during the first 10 months of 2016. In 2015, the office set a record, collecting over $3.7 million in restitution from 568 cases statewide. The amount collected to date in 2016, already up to 93% of the total amount collected in all of 2015 and an 8% increase over the same period last year.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for September. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.8% to 5.0% in September, locally, Chenango County’s unemployment rate was at 4.7%, Delaware county was at an even 5%, & Otsego county had 4.4% unemployment in September.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Department will hold a "Coffee With Cops” program on November 18th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Delaware County Public Safety Building in Delhi. “Coffee With Cops” will be an informal opportunity for Delaware County residents to meet and speak with members of the Sheriff’s Department about issues or concerns.

State Senator Jim Seward will be at the Mount Vision Fire Department station to announce a special state grant to help fund construction of a new fire station. The Announcement will be held at 7:00 PM at the Mount Vision Fire Department at County Highway 11B.

On Wednesday Oneonta Police assisted the Otsego County probation Department with items located during a routine visit of a person on probation. Officer confiscated 40 bags of heroin, Packaging materials, Scales & A small quantity of marijuana, police arrested 30 year old Daniel Londner of Oneonta for Criminal possession of a controlled substance, Criminally using of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana, Londner was held pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court

After many years as the Chief of the Sidney Police Department, Mike Hood is stepping down next week, to be replaced by 23-year Sidney Police Department veteran Jan Gorshack. Hood Commented about his years as the Sidney Police Chief:

(Mike Hood 10-21-16)

Hood's last official day as Sidney Police Chief is October 28th, he will work part time for the Bainbridge Police Department & the Delaware County Sheriff’s department.

From September 2015 to September 2016, New York State's private sector job count climbed by 115,100, or 1.5 percent, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. In September 2016, the state's private sector job count fell by 4,400. Since the beginning of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's administration, New York State's economy has added 839,500 private sector jobs and experienced employment growth in 58 of the past 69 months. In September 2016, the statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.8% to 5.0%, which was equal to the comparable U.S. unemployment rate of 5.0%.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Department of Financial Services has issued guidance to health insurers outlining new insurance coverage requirements for substance abuse treatment. Under the new law, health insurers will be required to cover medication, including naloxone, for detoxification or maintenance treatment of substance use disorders under large group policies. Health insurers will also be required to provide coverage without preauthorization for inpatient substance abuse treatment in facilities that participate in their networks and are certified by the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

The Village of Sidney Police Department is collecting unused & unwanted medications at a "Take Back" event Saturday. Offer Jan Gorshack explains:

(Jan Gorshack 10-21-16)

Gorshack said that they can NOT collect needles & sharps at the event, but can take prescription & over the counter medications, preferably in their original containers.

Governor Cuomo today announced that his administration has reached a three-year labor agreement with the New York State Public Employees Federation. PEF is one of the largest unions in the United States and is New York's second-largest state-employee union, representing 54,000 workers. The three-year contract agreement includes a 2 percent increase in 2016-17, 2 percent increase in 2017-18 and a 2 percent increase in 2018-19. Both the state and PEF agree to work together on a plan to reduce out-of-control healthcare costs. Other elements of the contract will be released shortly. The contract must now be approved by its Executive Board and ratified by its membership.

NYSERDA’s NY-Sun PV Trainers Network and the Otsego County Planning Department invite all local public officials to attend the Land Use Planning and Zoning for Solar Workshop tonight. The workshop will cover information on current solar topics, including relevant property tax topics related to solar development and agricultural assessments. The presentation will take place at the ETC Room, at the Milford BOCES at 1914 County Route 35, tonight from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

The Delaware County Department Of Public Works announced that they would begin paving on County Route 14 on Tuesday September 27th, at 7:00 AM. Work will be performed between Hayes road & Warner Road in the town of Meredith, daily between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM; the project is expected to be completed on September 30th.

The New York State Park Police are seeking candidates interested in a law enforcement career in the New York State park system. A competitive written Civil Service examination will be held November 19th; online applications are available at the Department of Civil Service web site cs.ny.gov. Applicants must be between 20 & 35 at the time of the exam, Applications for the exam must be submitted to the Department of Civil Service by October 5th. More information on the qualification and selection process is available at nysparks.com.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local unemployment rates for August, the State’s unemployment rate increased over the month, from 4.7% to 4.8% in August, locally, Chenango County had an unemployment rate at 4.4%, Delaware County was at 4.9% & Otsego county was at 4.3%.

New York State’s private sector job count climbed by 120,400 or 1.5% in the last year, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. In August 2016, the state’s private sector job count fell by 12,400, only the 10th drop in the last 68 months. In August, the statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.7% to 4.8%, the nationwide rate was 4.9%.

Oneonta police arrested an Andes, man after a traffic stop and a search of his car led to the discovery of heroin and oxycodone pills. 21-year-old Austin Rose was stopped by Police on Center Street, Police seized 12.5 grams of powdered heroin, oxycodone pills; and $3,679 in cash. Rose was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and was being held by the Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court. Oneonta police were assisted by State Police and Delaware County Sheriff Department with K-9 Ozzie.

Governor Cuomo today announced that non-essential lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended today until Tuesday Morning at 6:00 AM to accommodate travelers during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Governor’s construction suspension seeks to make it easier for motorists to travel with minimized traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies. Donations decline around summer holidays like Labor Day. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A blood drive will be held tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Main Street Baptist Church Briggs Hall, 333 Main Street in Oneonta

City of Oneonta Police arrested 18-year-old Noah Graetz of Owings Mills Maryland & Hartwick College for Criminal possession of a Controlled substance & Criminal possession of marihuana. Oneonta Police Department Detectives received information regarding illegal narcotics and a large amount of marihuana on the Hartwick College campus; Police seized 6 grams of cocaine, 27 ounces of marijuana, & $2,150 cash. Graetz was held in the City of Oneonta Police Department pending arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.

Helping those deal with Heroin & Opioid abuse continues to be at the forefront for area lawmakers. State Senator Fred Akshar said that his ideas about how to deal with this crisis has changed since his law enforcement days:

(Akshar 8-30-16)

Akshar said that another "Shed the Meds event, to collect old outdated prescription medications will be Wednesday at the Endicott Police Department from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, followed by a Narcan Training event there from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Also the newly formed TRI-TOWNS COALITION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE Meeting will be held Wednesday night at 6:00 PM at the Sidney High School Library.

Governor Cuomo today announced that non-essential lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, September 2, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Labor Day holiday weekend. The construction suspension is in keeping with Governor Cuomo's Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

The New York State Department of Health today announced that, based on a statewide needs assessment; it will implement numerous recommendations through new regulations and guidelines to enhance its Medical Marijuana Program. The recommendations, which will improve access for patients suffering from severe, debilitating and life threatening conditions, include authorizing nurse practitioners to certify patients for the program, allowing for home delivery service of medicine, expanding the financial hardship waiver for patients and caregivers who apply for registration, and modifying the state’s data management system to make it more user friendly for certified patients and caregivers. For more information on the two-year report for the Medical Use of Marijuana Under the Compassionate Care Act, visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/.

Governor Cuomo today announced a $10,000 donation from the PGA TOUR to support the "SUNY's Got Your Back" program, a collaborative effort between the State University of New York and the State Police that funds comfort bags with personal care products for victims of sexual and interpersonal violence. The "SUNY's Got Your Back" program has already provided more than 4,000 comfort bags containing items such as toiletries, resource pages, and personal notes to victims and survivors of violence across the Empire State. Altogether, SUNY has assembled nearly 9,000 comfort bags since the start of the program.

State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for July 2016. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.7% in July 2016. Locally, Chenango County’s unemployment rate was at 4.5%, Delaware County at 5.2% & Otsego County at 4.5% for July.

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

Governor Cuomo directed State Police to ramp up enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on impaired driving through Labor Day weekend, one of the deadliest times of year for drunk and drugged driving fatalities. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign began today and ends September 5, will be carried out with assistance from local law enforcement agencies and aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by motorists driving drunk or impaired by drugs. 1/3rd of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. In New York State, alcohol involvement was listed as a contributing factor in more than 7,000 police-reported crashes in 2015, while illegal drugs contributed to more than 800 crashes.

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

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

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

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

The State Labor Department released the unemployment rates for southern tier area counties today. Chenango county registered 4.5% unemployment, Delaware County had an even 5%, Otsego county registered a 4.3 % for teh Month of June. The state wide unemployment rate for June was at 4.7% for the 2nd straight month.

In June, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 23,900, or 0.3%, to over 7.9 million, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. Since the beginning of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration, New York State’s economy has added 824,100 private sector jobs and experienced employment growth in 57 of the past 66 months. The statewide unemployment rate was unchanged from May, the U.S. rate was 4.9% in June. New York’s statewide unemployment rate continues at its lowest level since August 2007.

The State Department of Labor released the preliminary local area unemployment report for the month of May, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased over the month, from 4.9% to 4.7% in May, Locally, Chenango county's rate was at 4.5%, Delaware County at 4.9% and Otsego county’s rate was 4%.

The State Department of Health announced a public meeting on the issuance of New York City's Filtration Avoidance determination. Locally a meeting will be held this evening at the Senator Charles Cook County Office Building in Delhi from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

The Delaware county department of public works will be replacing culverts on County Route 20 in the town of Masonville. The work will be performed between 8:00 to 3:00 PM on Today, Wednesday & Thursday & the road will be reopened to traffic each afternoon at 3:00 PM. More information is available at 832-5800.

The City Of Oneonta Department of Public Service will be flushing Water Mains on the Intermediate Service today through Friday. Affected areas are East Street above Hazel Street, Wilber Park Apartments, and the top of Draper Street, & North 5th, 6th, & 7th Streets, East Center Street Youngman Avenue & Park Street. More information is available at 432-2100.

An Interfaith Candlelight Vigil will be held tonight in Oneonta, in support of the Orlando Florida Shooting Victims. The vigil will begin at 7:00 PM in Muller Plaza on Main Street, the event is being hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, The 1st Methodist Church, the Oneonta NAACP & the city Of Oneonta Commission on Community Relations & Human Rights.

The statewide unemployment rate for April rose 1/10th to 4.9%, the State Labor Department has released the local unemployment rates for April. Chenango County equaled the state rate at 4.9%, Delaware County had a 5.5% rate & Otsego County had 4.6% unemployment.

The Otsego County Sheriff's department is continuing the investigation into Monday's Bank robbery at the Edmeston NBT bank branch. The suspect is described as a white male, in his mid-to-late twenties, 5 foot 7 to 5 foot ten, with a thin build, he was last seen wearing light-colored pants, a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored shoes, a dark-colored knit hat and dark-rimmed glasses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office at 547-4273.

New York State’s private sector job count increased by 13,300, or 0.2%, to 7,905,500, a new record high in April, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. The statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.8% to 4.9% in April 2016, the national unemployment rate was an even 5%.

Oneonta Fire fighters responded to a fire at 8 Forest Avenue in the city's East End Wednesday. Doria Watson was injured and 1 of her dogs was killed in the fire that was reported at about 1:15 PM Wednesday afternoon. Watson was taken to Fox Hospital for injuries to her ribs. West Oneonta & Worcester fire department also responded, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Governor Cuomo today announced more than $453,000 in state grants to enable 39 police departments and sheriffs' offices to purchase new electronic fingerprinting equipment. With this investment, the state has provided nearly $1.2 million to local law enforcement since last fall, enabling a total of 90 agencies across the state to replace existing devices that are old or obsolete.

Fox Hospital in Oneonta has submitted a Certificate of Need to the NYS Department of Health to combine its labor and delivery services to Bassett Medical Center. Fox CEO Jeff Joyner told WCDO News that the number of childbirths at Fox has dropped significantly:

(Jeff Joyner 4-20-16)

The proposed timeline is January 1, 2017 to allow for a sufficient transition period. Prenatal and post pregnancy care, as well as general women's health services will continue to be available in Oneonta and current maternity patients would still be able to deliver at Fox if they choose to do so. The proposal is part of a larger plan that would also expand orthopedic services at Fox Hospital and focus on a growth strategy designed to sustain Fox Hospital for the long term. The plans are subject to The Department of Health's approval.

The Chenango county health department announces a free rabies clinic for dogs, cats, & ferrets today in Guilford. The clinic will run form 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Guilford Town Garage at 223 Marble Road.

The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.8% in March. Locally, unemployment was at 5.7% in Chenango County, 6% in Delaware County & 5.1% in Otsego County, according to statistics released today by the State Department of Labor.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 28-year-old Justin Harrington of Norwich for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Harrington was charged following a traffic stop on State Highway 12 in the Town of Norwich, Harrington was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date to answer to his charge.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation Monday enacting a statewide $15 minimum wage plan and a 12-week paid family leave policy. The legislation was passed as part of the 2016-17 state budget. The Governor signed the 2 pieces of legislation immediately prior to attending a 1,000-person victory rally, which included workers, advocates, labor leaders, and elected officials, at the Javits Center in New York City.

In February, New York State's private sector job count increased by 18,700, according to preliminary figures released by the State Department of Labor. The statewide unemployment rate decreased to 4.8% in February, slipping below the national rate of 4.9%.

The state unemployment rate was at 4.9% in January, according to the State Labor Department. Locally, Chenango County was t 6% unemployment, Delaware County at 6.7% & Otsego County at 6.1% for January

Governor Cuomo announced that the State Police, Division of Homeland Security, the Offices of Emergency Management and Fire Prevention and Control & the DEC responded to last night’s 16 car train derailment on the Norfolk Southern line in the town of Ripley, in Chautauqua County. 2 of the rail cars contained ethanol, which leaked causing an evacuation of surrounding homes as a precaution. The main CSX line is open for trains at reduced speeds & the state Department of Transportation is working with Federal Railroad Administration to determine the cause of the accident, there were no injuries reported.

Independent pharmacies across the state will now be able to provide naloxone to their customers without a prescription. Naloxone, which is also known as Narcan® is a medication that reverses opioid overdose. The Department of Health provides funding to The Harm Reduction Coalition, they will issue standing medical orders to the more than 750 independent pharmacies in the 57 counties outside of New York City, as well as chain pharmacies without a designated prescriber, allowing their pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription.

Rock & Roll Hall Of Famers Chicago will perform at the 2016 Great New York State Fair on Labor Day, September 5th at Chevy Court. This will be Chicago's first appearance at the Fair in 26 years and its fourth appearance overall. Several other performers will take the stage at Chevy Court for free concerts for fairgoers, including: Bruce Hornsby, Air Supply, Herman's Hermits, Survivor, The Commodores & Macy Gray.

Governor Cuomo today announced that a report by the State Department of Labor details the impact of a $15 minimum wage for New York workers and their families. The report stated that 2.3 million New Yorkers would earn higher wages and as a result, increase spending power by more than $15.7 billion across New York State. The Governor is urging the State Legislature to pass his phased-in minimum wage proposal this session. Cuomo said that the Dollars Reinvested in Southern Tier Regional Economy by those making a living wage would be $495,300,000; The Governor's report is available at governor.ny.gov

The Delaware County Sheriff's department arrested a number of people who were allegedly operating a meth lab in Walton. The investigation is ongoing & details are expected to be released shortly.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision & the State Department of Civil Service will be holding an exam for its latest correction officer recruitment effort. While the exam will be held on April 9th, the application deadline for this examination is February 24th. Those interested must be 21 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a resident of New York, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Those interested in applying for the position of correction officer trainee, one may apply online or download the examination information and applications at the Department of Civil Service website at cs.ny.gov/exams, more information can be found at doccs.ny.gov/.

Governor Cuomo announced the opening of 85 free tax filing assistance sites across New York State. These new locations will add to the expanding network of sites that help eligible New Yorkers file timely and accurate returns at no charge. The State is offering 1,200 sessions at 85 locations, each staffed by State Department of Taxation and Finance tax experts who are available to assist eligible New Yorkers with electronically filing their 2015 taxes. To find free electronic filing assistance near you, call 518-457-5181 or visit tax.ny.gov/fsa.

Governor Cuomo today announced a partnership between the New York State Department of Health and the State University of New York to help college faculty, staff and students identify sexual assault and interpersonal violence, as well as learn safe methods of intervention. This collaboration is the latest in a long line of efforts by Governor Cuomo's "Enough is Enough" campaign to end sexual violence on college campuses. For additional information on the "Enough Is Enough" campaign, visit ny.gov/programs.

Delaware County Deputies arrested and charged 37 year old Julia Coan of Oneonta Sunday, for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and felony Aggravated DWI with a Child. Coan was arrested following a one-car personal injury motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Meredith involving Coan who is accused of driving in an impaired condition with a child less than seventeen years old within her vehicle. Deputies were assisted in their investigation by a Sidney Village Police Department. Coan was issued tickets and released on her own recognizance to return to the Town of Meredith Court on February 3rd.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for December 2015. The State’s unemployment rate stayed at 4.8% in December, Locally, Chenango County had 5.1% unemployment, Delaware County had 5.5% and Otsego County 4.9% in December.

The Oneonta Police Department released their annual report for 2015, noting that they had fewer calls & made fewer arrests last year. The report showed that calls for service last year were 9,328 — down 6.8%, arrests totaled 735, down by 23.3% from 958 in 2014.The city's Crime Report has no murders in the last two years, Rapes totaled 5 last year, & 8 in 2014, there were 6 robberies & 12 assaults last year. The sale of controlled substances totaled 36 last years, a 28.6% increase from 2014.

In December 2015, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 13,200, or 0.2%, to 7,880,000, a new record high, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. The statewide unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.8% in December 2015, which is lower than the national unemployment rate of 5.0% in December 2015.