WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-25

An Endicott man is facing a felony charge after allegedly stealing 27 iPhones from a FedEx facility while working for the company. Last Friday the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol responded to a larceny complaint at FedEx Freight East, at Industrial Park Drive in the Town of Kirkwood. Security at the facility advised that someone had been stealing from iPhones since April by sneaking them out of the facility in his coat pocket. After reviewing footage, 22 year old Leon Roberts of Endicott was charged with 3rd degree Grand Larceny. Roberts was arraigned at Central Arraignment Part and released with an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Kirkwood Court.

Organizer at the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament in Norwich announced that the Registration period has been extended

(Tom Revoir 6-24-25)

A large number of teams were still trying to register yesterday, so registration was extended until midnight on Wednesday, June 25th, more information is available at Macker.com, Tournament Dates are July 12th & 13th

Afton Central School's Adult Education Program will be offering free G.E.D instruction into the ONC BOCES District, Program Director June White explains:

(JUNE WHITE 6-24-25)

The Programs will be available to adults 21 and over in ONEONTA, FRANKLIN, MILFORD, MORRIS, CHARLOTTE VALLEY, COOPERSTOWN among others, more information is available by calling 607-639-2811.

Catholic Charities of Sidney will hold their Roll The Dice LCR fundraising tournament on July 10th in Sidney, Spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 6-24-25)

The event will be held on July 10th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, more information is available at 607-604-4071.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-24-25

Today is Primary Day in New York State, The Chenango County Republican Party Primary Elections will be held in the towns of Afton, Plymouth, Smithville and Smyrna. Sample ballots can be viewed at chenangocountyny.gov; or by calling the Chenango County Board of Elections at 607-337-1760. In Delaware County: Republicans will vote for a candidate for County Treasurer between Ronda Williams & Carli Pinner; In the Town of Sidney 4 Republicans are running for 2 seats on the Town Board, between Richard DeCola, Frank Selleck, William Hunt & Andrew Hinkley. Republican primaries are being held for Town Supervisor in Colchester, Hancock, & Meredith, more information is available at the County Board of Elections page at co.delaware.ny.us. There are no Democratic Party primaries in Chenango or Delaware Counties & there are no primaries in Otsego County this year.

On Monday Morning, the Colchester Town Police Department, the Downsville Fire Department and Emergency Squad, responded to a reported motorcycle accident on State Highway 30 & Delaware County Highway 7. The operator of the motorcycle, a 42-year-old female, left the roadway and struck a ditch, she was ejected, sustained serious injuries and was transported by LifeNet of New York to Albany Medical Center for advanced medical care.

Amphenol of Sidney is celebrating 100 years in operation in the village of Sidney, with an Open House on Saturday July 19th, with a host of activities & exhibits at the Delaware Avenue facility. WCDO News interviewed Chris Cappello, who is helping to organize the event & wrote a book on the company's rich history in Sidney, that interview will be aired in its entirety following the 6:00 PM News tonight on WCDO.

The Otsego County Department of Emergency Services announced that Dry ice and bottled water will be available for pick up this evening at the Unadilla fire station and the West Exeter fire station from 6 PM – 9 PM or while supplies last. They also announced that the Emergency shelter at the Armory in will cease operations tomorrow, at 12 Noon. The Clark’s Sports Center will remain open until further notice. Edmeston Central School will be open this evening from 5:00M – 9 PM for Edmeston residents to come and get warm, get a hot meal and a hot shower.

4Towns Forward will hold their Community Yard Sales Saturday, spokesperson Teri Schunk told WCDO news where people will be set up:

(Teri Schunk 4-21-22)

The event runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in Afton, Bainbridge, Sidney & Unadilla.

SFCU announced that they have expanded its field of membership to an additional 4 counties, they are Onondaga, Cortland, Essex and Hamilton counties. SFCU Vice President of Sales & Marketing Andrew Smith told WCDO News how this happened:

(Andrew Smith 4-21-22)

Smith said that people in the 4 Counties can take advantage of SFCU Memberships immediately, future locations of new facilities have not yet been determined, more information on SFCU can be found at www.sfcuonline.org.

Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center is hosting an Earth Fair today through Saturday at the Rogers Center in Sherburne, Spokesperson Heather Tehan explains:

(Heather Tehan 4-12-22)

Tehan said that the Friends of Rogers Visitor Center will have all of the activities, Seasonal hours of the Visitor Center are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

40 organizations in the region were awarded grants totaling $287,684 from the Community Foundation for South Central New York. Funded Organizations included museums, theater groups, libraries, human service agencies, animal welfare organizations, chambers of commerce, food banks, housing programs, and public safety agencies and other nonprofits, municipalities, and school districts. More information about the Foundation can be found on its website at www.donorswhocare.org.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-21-22

Attorney General Letitia James distributed the 1st round of payments from the opioid settlements to the Southern Tier. In 2022, the Southern Tier will receive a total of $4.8 million, from the $1.5 billion settlement Attorney General James secured with the manufacturers and distributors of opioids for prevention efforts. Later this year, the Southern Tier will receive additional payments from the settlements with Endo Health Solutions, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Allergan. Locally Broome County receives $1.6 Million dollars, Chenango County, $308,000, Delaware County: $327,000.

The Board of Trustees of Hartwick College announced today that they have selected Darren Reisberg, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at the Joyce Foundation, as the College’s 11th president, he will take office on August 1, replacing Dr. Margaret Drugovich, who announced her retirement earlier this after serving as Hartwick College President for 14 years.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond awarded Deputy Samantha Acuna with the Sheriff’s Superstar Award for meritorious service while in the performance of duty. On April 8th, Deputy Acuna was dispatched to a “routine” welfare check following a call to 911 with an “open line”. Upon gaining entrance to the residence, Deputy Acuna found a male victim suffering from an apparent stroke, rendered first aid and immediately called for medical assistance, and likely saved the victim’s life.

State Police members from Troop C removed 42 impaired drivers from the roadways in the Southern Tier in March. The majority of the charges stem from misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated charges, several people were charged with other crimes, including robbery, and drug possession.

42-year-old Jeremie Hoyt of Davenport, New York, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to 2 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, 2 counts of distribution of child pornography, and 1 count of possession of child pornography. Hoyt is being held pending sentencing scheduled for August 24, 2022, he faces at least 15 years and up to 110 years imprisonment on the charges, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Chenango County Public Health reported 11 new COVID cases today, with 87 Active Cases, 444 Active Quarantines & 7 Hospitalizations; they have had a total of 3342 cases during the pandemic.

Go Cart Racing is returning to Action Park East on River Valley Lane in the town of Greene tomorrow, local businessman Brandon Clapperton is reviving the races:

(Brandon Clapperton 4-28-21)

Clapperton said that more information is available on the Action Park East Facebook page.

Chenango County Department of Public Works is collecting county resident’s old paint, Spokesman Dustin Hendricks explains:

(Dustin Hendricks 5-7-21)

More information about the program is available at 337-1790 during normal business hours.

Chenango County Department of Public Works announced that starting May 24th, Cold In-Place Recycling will begin on County Road 17, between State Route 206 and State Route 41 in the Towns of Bainbridge and Afton.  The procedure should take 3 days to complete and weather permitting.   The traveling public is asked to find alternate routes if possible.  Local traffic shall be allowed to and from their homes.  More information is available by calling Director of Public Works Shawn Fry at 337-1710.

About 1,300 members of SUNY Oneonta’s graduating class will be recognized during 2021 commencement exercises that include virtual and in-person components, including an opportunity to cross the stage and hear their name called.  SUNY Oneonta’s virtual ceremony is a full commencement program that will air Saturday, May 15th, and will feature recognition of individual graduates and the official delivery of degrees.  4 ceremonies will take place based on academic major: School of Economics and Business at 9 a.m.; School of Education, Human Ecology, and Sports Studies at 11 a.m.; School of Liberal Arts at 1 p.m.; and School of Sciences at 3 p.m.

Broome County executive Jason Garnar announced today that free rapid Covid-19 testing will be offered before the first 6 Binghamton Rumble Ponies home games at NYSEG Stadium, then on May 19th, the guidance changes:

(Jason Garnar 5-7-21)

The first home game is Tuesday, tickets are available at BINGRP.com.

Fire Fighters from Sidney & Unadilla responded this afternoon, at around 2:00 PM, to the report of a barn fire, on the Back River Road, near Carr's Creek.  The fire was fully involved; WCDO will have more details as they become available.

Construction is continuing on the building of a new road in Sidney, Village Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 5-7--21)

Mayor Matviak said that the money was promised to Sidney as long as the project was completed by February of 2022.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a Single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Wednesday May 12, at 97 Main Street Delhi,  from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  This vaccination clinic is open to all New York state residents or people who work in the State over the age of 18. Registration is mandatory at apps2.health.ny.gov.  For more information or assistance getting registered call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.  Public Health reported 2 new cases out of 790 tests Thursday, with 4 hospitalized, 44 active cases & 83 quarantined.

The Otsego County Department of Health is partnering with local high schools to bring the COVID 19 vaccine to the schools. Clinics will be open to students 16 and older, parents, staff and community members. To register go to otsegocounty.com.  Clinics are May 11 at Cherry Valley Springfield, May 13 at Richfield Springs Central School, May 17th at Schenevus, and May 18th at Morris Central School, all clinics are from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

The Utica Comets confirmed Thursday that they have entered into a 10-year agreement with The New Jersey Devils to move their AHL team back to Utica, and the request was approved by the AHL Board of Governors. The board also approved the move of Vancouver's AHL team, from Utica to Abbotsford, British Columbia.  The move leaves Binghamton without an NHL affiliation after the seasons.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists of a milling and paving project on a portion of State Route 10/ Main Street beginning Monday, May 10th, in the Village of Delhi. Flaggers will be controlling alternating, one-way traffic on Route 10 from Sherwood Road to Meredith Street for approximately 5 days, weather permitting. Alternate side of the street parking will be established within the scope of the project during that time frame.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced their 1st Friday Networking event to be held virtually on Friday May 7th @ 12:00 Noon.   Chamber members will have the opportunity to promote their businesses to other members in speed-dating style.  To register go to delawarecounty.org.

Sidney Village residents can drop off certain items  at the Village Garage on Sherman Avenue today & tomorrow from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, accepted items include Computer monitors, TV’s, Copiers, Fax Machines, Cell Phones, Radios, Microwaves, Gaming Devices, Metal & non-Freon appliances.  More information is available on the village of Sidney website.

Governor Cuomo announced that there were 727 new COVID 19 cases discovered Thursday or .85% of all those tested.  The State total is now 424,167; there were 3 virus related deaths Thursday, bringing the state death toll to 25,232.  Patient Hospitalization were down to 554, there were 127 ICU patients, with 59 on ventilators

Governor Cuomo announced today that Bowling alleys, gyms, museums and other low-risk indoor cultural venues will be allowed to open shortly with strict COVID-19 guidelines.  Cuomo said that Bowling alleys will be allowed to open Monday, with 50% occupancy capacity, face masks & social distancing must be followed & every other lane will be closed, thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment between each use will be required; and all food service must follow all state-issued guidance.  The opening date and rules for gyms will be revealed on Monday.

Chenango County Department of Public Works will be holding their household Hazardous waste collection Tomorrow in Norwich, DPW Spokesman Dustin Hendricks explains:

(Dustin Hendricks 8-14-20)

More information is available by calling Hendricks at 337-1792, or email him at dhendricks@co.chenango.ny.us.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding New Yorkers' ability to complete certain transactions through secure drop boxes. The drop boxes can be used for license plate surrenders, address changes, and license and registration renewals. Customers using drop boxes must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Drop boxes are located at all state-run DMV offices and are available during regular office hours.  More information is available at dmv.ny.gov.

The Oneonta City School District has posted their extensive District Re-opening plan on their website.  With the expected influx of college students coming from all over the country to Oneonta, the district announced that they will remain in the remote learning environment to start the 2020-2021 school year; they will reevaluate that model when they approach the Interim Progress Report period of October 9th.

The State DOT is advising motorists that State Route 28 is closed between Margaretville and Andes just north of the intersection of NYS Route 28 and NYS Route 30 to allow construction work required in response to recent storm. Detours will be posted.  During the closure, southbound motorists will be directed to County Route 1 to Tremperskill Road, to State Route 30, back onto NYS Route 28. Northbound motorist will follow the same path in reverse. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Up-to-date travel information is available by calling 511, visiting 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

The Unatego Central School District will hold 3 meetings next week to get parents up to date about the district's re-opening proposal, Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 8-13-20)

The Virtual meetings with parents will be on Monday at 2:00 & 6:00 PM & Tuesday at 3:00 PM, more information is available on the Unatego District website.

The Afton Central School district announced that there will be a remote Special Community Meeting today at 2:00 PM; the link to the virtual meeting is available on the district website.  Afton Superintendent Tim McNamara told WCDO News what their plans are for students for the fall:

(Tim McNamara 8-14-20)

McNamara said that on August 21 at 9:00 A.M. there will be a special live presentation in the Margery Secrest Memorial Auditorium and available remotely by clicking Special Community Meeting on the school website. The district's reopening plan is also available on the district website.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced more than $100 million in additional emergency food assistance for New Yorkers adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, is available.   About 700,000 low-income individuals and families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP" will receive a supplemental payment to bring them up to the maximum allowable benefit for August to help them avoid food insecurity.   More information is available at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19.

Delaware County Public Health received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Thursday and no additional recoveries have been reported, the known active cases is 2. To date there have been 98 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 23 people now under mandatory quarantine.  The 2 people are receiving care at home, since March, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

2020 SCHOOL BUDGET VOTES

DELAWARE COUNTY
Voters in the Sidney Central School District approved the district's proposed budget 538-131 & also approved a capital reserve fund 547-113.
Voters in the Walton Central School District approved the budget 796-292.
Voters in the Franklin School District approved their budget 289-130, and their bus proposition 289-147.
Voters in Deposit approved their budget 472-177, they also approved of their bus & library propositions.
Voters in the Charlotte Valley District voted in favor of their budget 336-188 & their capital reserve proposition 357-164
Voters in the Hancock Central School District voted for their budget 352-135.
Voters in Downsville approved of their budget 199-61
Voters in South Kortright approved their budget 196-64
Voters in the Delaware Academy District approved their budget 845-399 they also approved of the bus proposition & the asbestos abatement proposition.

CHENANGO COUNTY
Voters in the Afton School District approved of their budget 326-169, their bus proposition 285-207 & their building project 247-244.
Voters in the Bainbridge-Guilford Central School approved their Budget 541 to 255 & approved the bus proposition & the proposition for a Student on the Board of Education.
Norwich City School District voters approved their budget 1179-522, they approved the Leased Vehicles Proposition & the Library Budget.
Greene Central School District Voters approved their Budget 794-436 & passed both Propositions
Unadilla Valley district voters approved a $22.2 million budget by a vote of 534 to 219; Voters also approved a bus lease proposition by a vote of 557 to 194.
Oxford Academy district voters approved their budget School Budget 535 to 236; they also approved a Vehicle Purchase & the Oxford Memorial Library budget

OTSEGO COUNTY:
Voters in the Unatego School District voted in favor of their budget 594-293
Voters in the Edmeston School District approved their budget 171-18, they also approved of 3 vehicle purchases.
Gilbertsville Mount Upton Voters approved of their budget 267-133
Laurens School district voters approved of their budget 231-24, & voted in favor of purchasing busses by a similar margin.
Milford central School District voters approved their budget 467-272

Voters in the Morris District approved their budget 245-38
Voters in the Oneonta City School district approved of their budget, Bus proposition & Capital Project

BROOME COUNTY
Harpursville District Voters approved their budget, 508-194.

WINDSOR Central School district voters approved of their budget 991-537.

Governor Cuomo announced Thursday that the State has over 159,000 cases of the Coronavirus; they have reported 7,067 deaths so far, with another record breaking amount on Wednesday of 799 deaths.  Governor Cuomo said that people still need to stay at home, and there is no good estimate as to when this ends:

(Cuomo 4-9-20)

Meanwhile, over 800,000 New Yorkers are filing unemployment claims in recent weeks, crashing the state labor department’s system, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa said that the systems gets a reboot & new application tonight:

(DeRosa 4-9-20)

State Budget Director Robert Mujica said that the state will freeze the 2% increase in wages for state workers for 90 days, and they hope for Federal assistance:

(Mujica 4-9-20)

Governor Cuomo said that there are over 18,200 Hospitalized, the Number of people in ICU beds went up by only 60 Wednesday, the number of recoveries continues to increase.

Chenango County Health officials announced Thursday that they have 53 confirmed Coronavirus cases, there are 62 Precautionary Quarantines, 358 Mandatory Quarantines,  9 people are being treated in Hospitals, 10 people have Recovered they have administered 265 tests.

Delaware County Solid Waste Management Center & Compost facility is open but with reduced staff.  Spokesman Tyson Robb asks that County residents try to hold off on bringing recyclables to the Center at this time:

(Tyson Robb 4-9-20)

Robb said that hours are currently Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, they also suggest that visitors to the Center try to get in & out as quickly as possible.

Good Shepherd Communities Board and Senior Management announces $2 per hour differential for staff at their Binghamton Facility.  The Board reported that this is their way of thanking employees for the exceptional care they are providing to residents at all facilities during the Covid-19 crisis. All employees, except senior management, will receive a $2 per hour differential along with a free meal during lunch periods.

Caregivers at UHS Chenango Memorial are in for a sweet treat thanks to The Parson's Daughter chocolate shop of Norwich, by donating their stock of Easter candy to the UHS staff.  The Parson’s Daughter will re-open as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Broome County Health department announced that they have 93 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.  Officials reported 6 deaths, 14 recoveries, 53 in Precautionary Quarantine, 194 in precautionary quarantine, they have conducted 700 tests.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of the Coronavirus.  There are 42 confirmed positive cases, with 36 people under mandatory quarantine and 2 people under precautionary quarantine. To date 289 people have been tested, 5 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county to where the person actually resides. Of the 37 confirmed positive cases, 6 are isolated in a hospital, 23 are recovering at home, 1 person is deceased and 7 have fully recovered.

The Otsego County Department of Health is reporting a 2nd death from COVID 19, they currently have 35 confirmed cases, 5 are hospitalized, 12 have recovered, 94 people on mandatory quarantine, 4 people on precautionary quarantine, 46 people have been released from quarantine.

The State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet today at 10:30 AM to consider petitions for rehearing of the Siting Board’s December 2019 approval of Bluestone Wind, LLC’s application for Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to build and operate a 124-megawatt wind facility in the Towns of Windsor and Sanford.   The parties seeking rehearing are Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, Broome County Concerned Residents and a resident of the Village of Johnson City. Bluestone Wind applied to construct and operate 27 wind turbines & its associated network, to reduce the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, member of the public will be able to listen at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a SPECIAL Board of Education Meeting  Today in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM with open session starting at 7:00 PM. Check the BGCSD website for information on on-line or phone-in options for public viewing that will be available or call the District Office at 607-967-6321.

Due to the Coronavirus situation, The Village of Afton will be conducting their monthly board meeting through Zoom; the next meeting will be April 13th at 7:00 PM.

The Annual Bainbridge
Glow Run will be held on September 14th at General Clinton Park in
Bainbridge.  The event began in 2015
after Heather Bucalos of Sidney finished her treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
and decided to hold fundraisers for area cancer patients.  This year, Heather has suffered a relapse
& her friends are teaming up to raise funds for her with the Glow Run
Fundraiser, Bucalos talked to WCDO News this morning about the activities
scheduled for that day:

(Heather Bucalos
8-26-19)

More information is
available at www.bainbridgeglowrun.com.
Heather’s treatment is expected to begin again in the next few weeks.

Delaware County
Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25-year-old Alizabeth Ramos of Brooklyn Friday
evening, on a charge of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle,
following a traffic stop on in the Town of Masonville. Ramos was also issued
tickets for Unlicensed Operator, and Speeding, she was released on an
appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to the Town of Masonville Court at
a later date.

The New York State DOT
is actively preparing for the arrival of winter weather by making applications
available for approximately 500 positions as permanent and seasonal maintenance
staff.  The DOT intends to hire about 38
in the Southern Tier and another 34 in the Central New York Counties, more
information is available on Twitter @NYSDOT or facebook.com/NYSDOT.

CDO Workforce is
offering Supervisory Training Classes at the Delaware County eCenter, 5 1/2
Main Street, Delhi on September 6, 13 and 20th.
This 9-hour course is divided into 3 segments and will give participants
an advanced foundation of management skills. More information is available at
832-5781.

Oneonta Police responded Saturday to
a residence on Chestnut Street, for a report of a deceased person.   Officers discovered 20 year old Nicolas
Stagnitta from Patchogue, Long Island, who was a student at the State
University at Oneonta, the initial investigation and autopsy revealed that
Stagnitta took his own life; however, the investigation is continuing pending
results of toxicology testing.

The Hancock Fire
Department and EMT’s were dispatched Saturday to Jensen’s Ledges for a report
of a 10 year old boy who had fallen off the ledges.  The Hancock Fire Department  rope rescue team performed a high angle rope
rescue to extricate the boy within 1 hour and he was transported down the
mountain in a UTV & was transported by LifeNet to a pediatric trauma center
with life threatening injuries.

The Dormitory Authority has issued
approximately $482 million in low-cost, tax-exempt bonds on behalf of 54 school
districts across the state as part the School Districts Revenue Bond Financing
Program, for fire protection, security, and air quality systems upgrades;
renovations, Athletic field improvements; and technology updates.  Locally, the Norwich City School District
receives $7,430,000, Sidney Central School District gets $9,820,000 &
Unadilla Valley Central School District gets $6,890,000.

The City of Oneonta announced that
there will be a special meeting of the Common Council today 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.

The Afton Central School District
will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting Today at 7:00 AM in the District
Office of the Afton Central School.  More
information is available at 245-9894.

Commerce Chenango announced today that Kerri Green of Sidney
will succeed Steve Craig as President & CEO of Commerce Chenango starting
in August.  Green told WCDO News that she
is excited for this opportunity:

(Kerri Green 7-29-19)

Green previously served as
President of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce while she worked in Sales at WCDO,
she is also currently president of the Sidney central School District Board of
Education & also previously worked as Senior Assistant to the President at
Hartwick College in Oneonta.

The Otsego County Fair kicks off Tuesday at the Fairgrounds
in Morris.  Fair Spokesperson Lisa Jones
told WCDO News that Wednesday will have 2 new events:

(Lisa Jones 7-29-19)

The full line-up is available at otsegocountyfair.org.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to establish a 30-day
waiting period for individuals who are not immediately approved to purchase a
firearm through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.  The bill closes loopholes to prohibit
ownership or sale of a bump stock, & gives law enforcement sufficient time
to complete a background check and help ensure that only those eligible to
purchase and own a firearm are able to do so.

Delaware County Sherriff’s Deputies arrested 72 year old
Franklin Purdy of Baldwinsville Thursday for Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer
in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Speed not reasonable and prudent,
Speeding at 95 miles an hour in a 55 mile an hour zone, Moving from lane
unsafely, & driving an unregistered & uninsured motor vehicle.  Purdy was observed by Deputies on State
Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock driving at a high rate of speed, they
attempted to conduct a traffic stop, and Purdy fled & was apprehended by
Deputies in Sullivan County.  Purdy faces
additional charges in Sullivan County as well as in Delaware County; he will
appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date.

A new law signed by Governor Cuomo decriminalizes marijuana
use in New York.  Under the new
legislation, the penalty for unlawful possession of marijuana will be reduced
to a violation punishable by a fine. The penalty is $50 for possessing less than
an ounce or a maximum of $200 for 1 to 2 ounces.  There will be no criminal penalties for
possession of any amount of marijuana under two ounces.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old
Thomas Conkling of Long Eddy, early this morning for Aggravated Unlicensed
Operation of a motor vehicle, driving an Unregistered & uninsured motor
vehicle, operating with switched plates, and unsafe tire. Conkling was
arraigned at the Town of Colchester Court and was released on his own
recognizance. Conkling is scheduled to appear at the Town of Hancock Court at a
later date to answer the charges.

State Police are looking for the public’s help in locating
approximately 75 escaped buffalo from the Honey Hill Road in Roseboom.  State Police warn the public not to approach
the buffalo since they are a wild animal and can be unpredictable.   Troopers were dispatched Thursday & learned
that a buffalo broke a gate allowing approximately 75 buffalo to escape from a
farm in the town of Sharon.  Troopers
worked with a DEC officer and the owner of the buffalo to devise a plan to
convince the animals to return home, some were reported in the town of
Schoharie & the town of Roseboom.
Anyone who sees any of the buffalo should contact the owner at (518)588-1402
or State Police at (315)858-1122.

Several local fire departments responded to a barn fire at
125 Corbin Road in the town of Bainbridge last night.  The fire started in a barn filled with hay at
about 10:30 last night, according to owner & Bainbridge Fire Chief Fred
Bell.  Fire departments from Afton,
Bainbridge, Sidney, Masonville, Trout Creek, and Coventry responded, No
injuries were reported, Bell said that the fire did NOT spread to his house,
the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The American Red Cross announced that today through August 29th,
blood donors will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Currently, the
Red Cross has less than a 3-day supply of most blood types & less than a
2-day supply of type O blood.
Appointments can be made through Amazon’s Alexa or by using the Red Cross
Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A
blood drive is being held today in Oneonta from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at The
Salvation Army, 25 River Street.

16 year old Nicholas Pheilshifter pleaded guilty Thursday to
criminal possession of a weapon as a crime of terrorism, as a participant in
the plot against Islamberg in Delaware County.
Pheilshifter will be sentenced to 7 years in state prison, after serving
the first 2 years in juvenile detention.
Previously, Vincent Vetromile pleaded guilty to a weapons charge and
faces seven to 12 years in prison. Brian Colaneri and Andrew Crysel pleaded
guilty to terrorism-related conspiracy and face four to 12 years in prison.

Corey Weidman of Norwich pleaded guilty this week in federal
court on a variety of drug charges stemming from his arrest in Norwich in
December of last year.  The Chenango
County Sheriff’s Office raided Weidman’s apartment after a 2-month
investigation, officers seized Crystal Meth, Cocaine, marijuana, LSD, suboxone,
a loaded handgun and more than $35,000 in cash. Weidman will be sentenced on
November 25th.

State Police have reported that a 17-year-old male has been
arrested in connection with a homicide in the town of Cobleskill.  Police responded to a residence at 435 Lamont
District Road in Cobleskill and found the 50-year-old unidentified male victim
with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head.  A 17-year-old has been remanded to the
Schoharie County Jail and is currently charged with Assault, Criminal Use of a
Firearm, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Additional charges may be
pending. The incident remains under investigation.

The State Public Service Commission approved an agreement
with Charter Communications/ Spectrum, to resolve disputes over the
Commission’s network expansion condition that was contained in the Commission’s
approval of the company’s merger with Time Warner Cable in 2016.  Under the terms of the agreement, Charter
will expand its network to provide high-speed broadband service to 145,000
residences and businesses entirely in Upstate New York and will pay an
additional $12 million to expand broadband service to additional premises.

The annual Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball Tournament will be
held this weekend on the streets of Norwich; Organizer Tom Revoir said that
they could still use a few more people to volunteer for the event:

(Tom Revoir 7-12-19)

Revoir said that about 340 teams are participating in the
tournament this weekend.

Catholic Charities in Sidney is once again offering free
backpacks to local children in need for the 2019-202 school year, Spokesperson
Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 7-12-19)

McKnight said that the deadline to apply is August 12th,
also donations of school supplies will be accepted, and more information is available
by calling the Sidney Office at 604-4071.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce is holding their
inaugural Sunday Summer Concert Series, at various locations around Afton
through September 8th, Chamber Vice President Melissa Matthews explains:

(Melissa Matthews 7-12-19)

More information about the Sunday Summer Concert series in
Afton can be found at gaacoc.com.

The "Help After Loss" nonprofit
group, which is also known as HALos, announced that they are purchasing the
former Afton Great American building.
HALos purchased the building at an auction in June, closing is
anticipated in late July or August, plans call for some of the space to be used
by HALos, and additional space can be rented out to interested businesses
following renovations. Donations like building supplies, paints, or gift
certificates will be accepted, more information is available at 639-4256 or
240-1550 or by email at HALosOrg@aol.com. or online at helpafterloss.com

The Sidney Town Board received a petition at Thursday’s
meeting from Muddy Rivers farm Brewery Owners Dustin & Jared Wood, in favor
of changing the zoning laws to allow the business to continue at their current
site on the Back River Road at Tryon’s Corners, past a July 25th
deadline.  Sidney Town Supervisor Gene
Pigford Told WCDO News about potential Town zoning Board & Subsequent Town
Board Action on Muddy Rivers:

(Gene Pigford 7-12-19)

Pigford said that the final actions my take beyond the July
25th deadline, he does not anticipate the business will close at
that time.

Delaware County Social Services Commissioner Dana
Scuderi-Hunter has taken an indefinitely leave of absence from that
position.  No timetable was announced for
the commissioner's return, or reason for the leave of absence.

A Red Cross Blood Drive will be
held at the Baptist Church in Oneonta tomorrow at 333 Main Street.  All Blood Types are needed, the Blood Drive
will be held from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Property tax levy growth for local governments with fiscal
years that close on December 31 will be capped at 2% for the 2020 fiscal year,
according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. This figure affects the tax cap
calculations for all counties, towns, fire districts, 44 cities and 10
villages. 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 43rd Annual Carnival of Sales will be held tomorrow
throughout the village of Unadilla, Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Jackie
Carey explains:

(Jackie Carey 7-12-19)

The event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, More information
is available at the Unadilla Chamber web site: unadillachamberofcommerce.org

Delhi Telephone Company representatives will be in Sidney
Center tomorrow as they continue to expand broadband services locally, with
High Speed Internet, Cable TV including HD & DVR & phone services.  Jason Miller of DTC comments:

(Jason Miller 7-12-19)

Miller said that the Meet & Greet with the Sidney Center
Fire Department tomorrow will run from 11:00 to 2:00 PM.

The Sidney Central School District will be holding a special
Board of Education meeting today, at 4:30pm in the high school library. This
meeting is open to the public.

Chenango County Emergency
Services Responded to a number of reports for flooded roads following heavy
downpours last night & earlier this morning.  Flooded roads were reported at Butler &
State Streets in Oxford, there was washout damage to the grounds at the Oxford
School Playground, & flooding on North Broad Street in Norwich, in
Smithville at North End Road, & Chenango County Road 2 as well as County
Roads 7 & 10 in Pharsalia, County Road 7 in McDonough.  Officials remind motorists to turn around
& seek an alternate route if they encounter a road covered with water, and
to alert authorities.

State Lawmakers also passed a
bill calling allowing farm workers to unionize, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch
opposed the plan:

(Crouch 6-20-19)

Crouch said that many of the
farm workers are migrant workers in the state for 90 days, & they tend to
work more than 40 hours a week in order to make as much as they can for their
families back home.

Oneonta police arrested 30 year
old Alexander Coffran of Oneonta for possession of cocaine and marijuana.   Coffran was reported to police for violating
the terms of his parole by possessing drugs in his residence, at the time that
a probation office made a visit.
Coffran is being held in Otsego County Jail without bail pending future
court action.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi
announced that he has secured an extra $10 Million Dollars for Department of
Defense programs that fund NextFlex.  The
funding will help the NextFlex Nodes at Binghamton University, which has
brought millions of dollars in economic activity to the area.  The bill now proceeds to the US Senate for consideration.

Sidney High School was one of
562 high-achieving and high-progress schools as part of the 2018-19 Recognition
Schools, as announced by New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.

(Bill Christensen 6-20-19)

Sidney was one of just 234 high
schools statewide on the list, and the only high school in the immediate area
to be selected.  Of the 562 schools being
honored, 241 are located in New York City, 40 are public charter schools, and
280 are located in the rest of the state, 131 of those were also named as
Reward Schools last year.

Delaware County Sheriff’s
Deputies arrested 51-year-old Diane Dedominicis of Treadwell Tuesday for
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop on
Griswold Street in the Village of Walton.
Dedominicis was additionally charged with Speeding, Unlicensed Operator,
and she was released on tickets returnable to Walton Village Court at a later
date.

The Delaware County Chamber of
Commerce announced that Leadership Delaware is seeking participants committed
to community service who would benefit from strengthening leadership skills and
developing a personal professional network.
The 2019 Leadership Delaware program is currently accepting applications
for its 8-month curriculum that begins in October.  Up to 20 individuals will participate in
half-day sessions, held twice monthly.
More information and an application is availbale at 746-2281,
delawarecounty.org, or by email: info@delawarecounty.org.

The State Senate passed legislation in honor of Sidney
veterans.  The bill sponsored by Senator
Jim Seward designates a portion of State Route 8 running to the newly developed
Sidney Veterans' Memorial Park as the "Sidney Veterans' Memorial
Parkway".  The special highway
designation was requested by the Village of Sidney.  Companion legislation sponsored by
Assemblyman Cliff Crouch has been introduced in the state assembly. The
legislation must still be approved by the state assembly and signed by the
governor to take effect.

The 130th Afton Fair begins Today, Fair Spokesperson Rhonda
Barriger comments:

(Rhonda Barriger Thursday)

The Afton Fair runs through Sunday at the Fairgrounds in
Afton.

The Otsego County Chamber will host an Informational Session
on Today, from 11:30 AM to -2:00 PM on the “Legalization of Marijuana” with
Featured Speaker Dawn Lanouette, Partner at Hinman, Howard & Kattell.
Topics will include the effect of legalization on employer-employee relations,
landlord-tenant relations, banking and real property and zoning
considerations.  The Event will be at
Foothills Performing Arts Center.

The Oneonta Department of Public Service will be planting a
new tree on Main Street, in front of the Yellow Deli, Today. Work will begin
around 9:30 AM and is expected to be completed within 2 hours.  During the work, flaggers will maintain
one-way traffic on Main Street; more information is available at 432-2100.

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

NYSEG officials announced that with the high wind advisories
around the region, power outages are anticipated from downed tree limbs &
power lines from the wind gusts.  NYSEG
urges customers to avoid downed power lines. Even lines that appear dead can be
deadly. NYSEG customers should call 800.572.1131 to report downed power lines
or other hazardous situations.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York is making up to $31.6
million available to ramp-up the expansion of electric vehicle fast charging
stations to serve the future electric vehicle market.  The plan approved by the Public Service
Commission will leverage existing State Energy Research and Development
Authority and New York Power Authority funds to spur the private-sector
development of the charging infrastructure to support the goal of 800,000
zero-emission vehicles in New York by 2025.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31-year-old
Shawn McGrath of Hamden on charges of Endangering The Welfare Of a Child and
Harassment following a report of a domestic incident. Deputies accuse the
defendant of engaging in a physical altercation in the presence of a child.
McGrath was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance; he is scheduled
to re-appear at Hamden Town Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 32 year old
Bradley Wallace of Delhi, on charges of Criminal Contempt, Unlawful
imprisonment & harassment following a report of a Domestic Dispute in the
Town of Delhi. Wallace is accused of restraining another person while violating
an order of protection issued by Delhi Town Court. Wallace was arranged in the
Town of Delhi Court, he was releases on his own recognizance.

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education has
begun a search for a new Superintendent of Schools.  Sidney community, parents, staff and students
can assist in developing a profile of desirable attributes/qualities of this
individual, at the District's Facebook page or website sidneycsd.org and
complete the survey. All entries are anonymous.

Delaware Valley Humane Society
announced that they will hold a Bake Sale Tomorrow at the Sidney Great American
from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  All Proceeds
will go to the Delaware valley Humane Society.

State Police responded to a one-car fatal motor vehicle
accident in the town of Harpersfield Monday Night.  The driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado has
been identified as 20 year old Clayton Collins of Jefferson; he was confirmed
deceased by emergency responders.  Collins
traveled off the roadway for an unknown reason and into a large tree.  The investigation continues.

The Chenango Arts Council will feature the Popovich Comedy
Pet Theater will be at the Martin Kappel Theater Saturday at 7:00 pm.  Council Executive Director Alecia O’Neill
comments:

(Alecia O'Neill 2-8-19)

Tickets can be purchased online at ChenangoArts.org or by
calling the box office at 336-ARTS.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has collaborated
with industry expert and consultant Jeff Bump of Grow Hemp New York, LLC for an
informal, informational seminar and question and answer session about growing
hemp today.   The discussion will be held
at the Delaware County Business Center, 5 1/2 Main Street, Delhi from 10:00 AM
to 12:00 Noon,  More information about
the Delaware County Chamber is available at 746-2281.

6ZERO7 Advertising will be hosting a *Valentine's Day Gift
Shop* at the United Methodist Church of Afton located at 34 Spring Street on
Saturday, February 9th from 10am to 2pm.
Local vendors will be selling merchandise for Valentine's Day shoppers,
Tabitha’s Closet will also be open for the community and supporters to get a
look at the mission.  Proceeds from the
event will benefit Tabitha's Closet; more information is available at 208-4077.

34 Year Old Terrence Truitt of Oneonta will have his arson
case go before a Grand Jury shortly.
Truitt is accused of intentionally setting the fire at 5 Walling Avenue on
Saturday December 29th, where former Oneonta fire fighter John
Heller died in the blaze. Truitt was originally charged with 1st
degree arson, he is being held without bail in the Otsego County jail pending Grand
Jury action.

Former New York Republican State Senate leader Dean Skelos
reports to prison today to begin serving his 4+ year prison term for
corruption.  Skelos reports today to a
federal prison at Otisville, New York,
His son, Adam, reports to the federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut, to
begin serving his four-year sentence. Dean Skelos and his son were both
convicted in July on charges of extortion, wire fraud and bribery, with the
elder Skelos using his political influence to get his son high paying no-show
jobs.

Governor Cuomo today announced up to $10 million in capital
funding is available to expand addiction treatment services.   The funding is being administered by the New
York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and will be
distributed through a Request for Applications process.   Selected applicants must develop and support
a minimum of 16 beds up to a maximum of 40 beds. Funding is only available for
new beds, not conversions of currently operating programs. The Request For
Applications can be viewed at oasas.ny.gov. Responses are due by February 19.

Broome County is offering grants through the Small Community
Fund for 2019, for local municipalities, non-profits, and local economic
development entities that are working on projects to assist in carrying out the
Broome County Comprehensive Plan.   A
total of $150,000 is available, last year, funds were provided for the
demolition of a smokestack in Deposit to make way for their new community park,
among several other projects around the county.
Grants ranged from $2,500 to $50,000, with the average grant being
approximately $16,000. The initial deadline for applications is March 31, 2019.
The full plan is online at gobroomecounty.com/comprehensive plan

Several upstate cites are
teaming up for a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies, for misleading
health care providers about the addictive dangers of opioid medications they
manufactured.  so far, the cities of
Albany, Schenectady, Troy & Plattsburgh are on the lawsuit against several
top manufacturers of prescription opioid medications, more are expected to join
the suit, as the opioid crisis has continued to grow across New York State.

Bainbridge Fire fighters responded to 1025 Searles Hill Road
Monday afternoon for a structure fire at a Barn that had been converted into
Apartments.  Fire Fighters from Afton,
Coventry, Sidney & Masonville responded, no injuries were reported, but 1
dog died in the fire.  The cause of the fire
was a malfunction with the propane system, according to Bainbridge Fire Chief
Fred Bell.

The Unadilla Town Board will hold their next regular meeting
today.  The Meeting will be held at the
Town hall on State Route 7 beginning at 7:00 PM.

The Walton Central School District Board Of Education will
hold their next meeting today at 6:00 PM.
The meeting will be held in the Board Room at the High School.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walton Central School Superintendent Roger Clough has been placed on administrative leave, the High School Principal Rob Knuschke & Assistant Principal Mark Lamoreaux & Middle School Principal Andy Gates have all resigned in recent weeks, following alleged misconduct by Clough while serving as Superintendent since 2013. Clough has hired a Syracuse Law firm; they have begun the process to sue the District, the Board of Education, and Board President Ronda Williams. The Walton School Board released a statement to WCDO today, first the stated that personnel matters cannot be discussed, secondly, 3 of the Walton Administrators accepted positions in other districts, the Board will consider all options to quickly work on replacements, & they are confident that they will have capable staff in place for their opening day events.

Democratic Party Congressional Candidate Anthony Brindisi has agreed to 6 debates throughout the 22nd district ahead of the November election. The League of Women Voters of Broome and Tioga Counties debate has been scheduled for November 1st at the PBS Media Studios in Vestal from 8:00 - 9:00 PM. The League of Women Voters of Cortland County debate will take place on September 22 at the Elks Lodge in Cortland from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Details are still being worked out for the remaining 4 debates, as well as for debates with other organizations.

The Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting "Afton Sidewalk Day" this Saturday all over the Village of Afton; Event Coordinator Melissa Matthews of 6ZERO7 Advertising Concepts told WCDO News that they are still accepting Vendors for Saturday's event:

(Melissa Matthews 8-22-18)

The event runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Afton this Saturday. More information is available at aftonsidewalkday.com or (607) 208-4064.

The Hartwick College experience begins today for new students, who began the check-in process this morning & moved into residence halls and attended Welcome Weekend activities and events, to acclimate them to the college environment. Returning student move-in begins at Sunday, August 26th, the full schedule of events for the opening week is available at Hartwick.edu.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting tonight at the BAINBRIDGE TOWN HALL at 6:30 PM. The business Portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 69 year old Alan Tiffany of Walton on a criminal summons issued by The Town of Sidney Court for Harassment. The arrest followed an investigation into a report of a disturbance at a Rest Area on I-88 in the Town of Sidney on July 18th, where Tiffany is alleged to have subjected another person to unwanted physical contact. Tiffany is scheduled to appear at Town of Sidney Court at a later date to answer the charges.

29 year old Mark Briley was arrested by the Otsego County Sheriff's Office for failing to mail his identification form within 10 days to the state Sex Offender Registry and leaving the state. Briley is on parole in New York, he was located in New Jersey and extradited back to New York, he was issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Oneonta Court for August 14th. Briley was charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a fellow inmate at Otsego County Jail in 2006, he is a level 2 sex offender & he is required to register for life.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 27 year old James Cormier on a charge of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, uninspected motor vehicle and unlicensed driver, following a traffic stop on Meredith Street in the Village of Delhi. Cormier was released on tickets and is scheduled to return to the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today appointed a workgroup to draft legislation for a regulated adult-use marijuana program for the legislature to consider in the upcoming session based on the findings of a multi-agency study he commissioned in January. The study, led by the Department of Health, concluded that the positive impacts of a regulated marijuana market in New York State outweigh the potential negative impacts, and that areas that may be a cause for concern can be mitigated with regulation and proper use of public education that is tailored to address key populations. The workgroup will be overseen by Counsel to the Governor Alphonso David; it will consist of experts in public health, public safety and economics, and the leaders of relevant state agencies.

The City of Oneonta announced that the next Downtown Improvement Fund Information Session will be tomorrow morning at 8:30. Business owners are invited to attend the session related to the Downtown Oneonta Improvement Fund at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce offices at 189 Main Street Oneonta on the 5th floor. Registration or more information is available at 267-4010 Extension 103.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 49 year old David Aunchman of Delhi for Aggravated Harassment and Criminal Contempt, for allegedly calling a protected party and violating an Order of Protection issued by the Delaware County Family Court. Aunchman was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court where he was released on recognizance and directed to reappear in that court on a later date to answer the charges.

The Afton Central School Board of Education will meet in regular session today. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM in the board room across from the district office. Visitors are asked to use the entrance on Sand Street for board meetings.

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

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

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

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

(Terry Potter 6-20-18)

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

State Lawmakers wrapped up their session one calendar later than anticipated, in the early morning hours today. The 2018 session ended without a deal to renew the state law authorizing school zone cameras, Lawmakers also failed to reach a compromise on bills to overhaul teacher evaluations and address school security.

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Police investigated another school threat incident at the Charlotte Valley School Distinct on May 3rd. Troopers charged an unidentified 9 year old with making a terroristic threat, classes at the district resumed the following day, there was no actual threat to the safety of students & staff.

The New York State Department of Health is warning of a potential measles outbreak at several locations. The department reported that an international traveler from Europe who has been confirmed to have measles visited multiple places in Elmira, Dansville, & Niagara Falls, potentially exposing others to measles on April 30, May 1, and May 2. The health department Officials said anyone with symptoms like muscle pain, fever, or fatigue should see a doctor immediately.

There have been some changes regarding the requirements for those seeking to get a high school equivalency through the TASC program recently. June White of the Afton Central School Tasc Program explains:

(June White 5-8-18)

Anyone who is interested in participating in the TASC program can contact June White at 639-2811.

State Police arrested 36 year old Luke Remillard of Otselic for criminal mischief, for allegedly intentionally smashing his car at a residence in April. Remillard was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail pending court action on May 14th.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has resigned, following a report on allegations of assault by multiple women in The New Yorker. The Manhattan District Attorney's office said they had opened an investigation into the allegations of Schneiderman being physically violent to women; Governor Cuomo called for his resignation Monday. Schneiderman's interim replacement is Barbara Underwood.

The City of Oneonta Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting will be held this evening at City Hall. The Meeting Begins at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall & it is open to the public.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy’s arrested 61 year old Robert Wenzel of Delhi for DWI, failure to maintain lane, after a motor vehicle accident on State Highway 28 in the Town of Delhi. Wenzel was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear at a later date.

The Unadilla Valley School District will host their annual school budget meeting this evening in the school library. The meeting will be following the Board of Education meeting at 6:00 PM.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Hancock couple for allegedly possessing stolen Snowmobiles from Pennsylvania & possessing drugs packaged for sale. Deputies recovered 4 stolen snowmobiles in Hancock and Deposit, they arrested 28 year old Matthew Mason of Hancock, for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for allegedly possessing the stolen snowmobile trailer and 4 snowmobiles, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Deputies had also arrested 43 year old Tammy Moore on 2 separate occasions once for Aggravated DWI, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & later for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Moore was returned to the County Jail after posting bail on the 1stset of charges. A search warrant was executed at the Mason and Moore home; deputies seized marihuana plants, processed marihuana & drug paraphernalia.

Oxford Central School will be hosting a Robotics Competition called "Robo-Rave" in the High School Gymnasium Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Over 20 teams will be competing. Robo-Rave is a program designed to teach students how to design, build, code & program Robots to perform a variety of tasks, Oxford High School Science Teach Mark Muller explains why he wanted to bring Robo Rave to Oxford:

(Mark Muller 4-6-18)

Muller said that Saturday's event is the first Robo Rave event in New York State, Robo rave is associated with NASA, who brought a team of engineers to Oxford to speak & teach at the event, which is free & open to the public. More information is available at oxac.org.

State Police arrested 38 year old Michael Sullivan of Agawam, Massachusetts & 30 year old Gabrielle Graham of Pittsfield, Massachusetts for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Sullivan was additionally charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Troopers received a complaint of a disabled vehicle on I-88 in the town of Afton; they located marijuana and a smoking pipe with residue. Sullivan and Graham were arraigned in the town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for April 23, 2018 in the town of Afton Court.

Johnson City Police Department announced that 29-year-old Corey Robinson is being detained in Marietta, Georgia, he is suspected of murdering 46 year old Erika Smith Cunningham, who was found dead at 92 Crocker Avenue Sunday morning. An arrest warrant was issued on Thursday and Robinson was taken into custody a few hours later. Robinson will be charged with 2nd degree murder, Extradition proceedings have begun, Robinson is expected to be returned to Broome County in about a week.

The controversial NG Advantage natural gas compressor station project in Port Crane is being scrapped by the company, even after they received approval for the project by the Town of Fenton planning board a year ago. NG sold some of the property already to Carrier Services Corporation of Ohio; they are expected to request a rezoning of the property for commercial or industrial activity.

New York continues to be one of the leading states in the country where people are moving out of, according to United Van Lines. New York ranked 3rd behind Illinois and New Jersey, as the top 3 states that people are leaving. The United van Lines statistics showed that 46% left for job-related reasons, 29% left following retirement, 19% left for family reasons, 5% for health reasons. The largest age population of those who left were ages 55 to 64.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new initiative to provide teachers and coaches with resources they can use to help prevent and address substance use disorder among young people. Starting next week, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Education Department, and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services will notify schools statewide of the availability of flash drives loaded with materials in English and Spanish for coaches, teachers, school nurses, and other educators to use in personal conversations with students and in community forums.

The Otsego County Department of Health is hosting the 2018 Living Healthier Expo at the Foothills Performing Arts center on market Street in Oneonta today & tomorrow. The American Red Cross will be holding blood drives over both days, topics will include Lyme disease, rabies Awareness, Chronic Disease management; more information is available at 547-4230 or LHEOtsego.com.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 2nd Annual Comedy show at the Old Schoolhouse Inn of Downsville Saturday Night starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets & more information are available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.

Democratic Congressional candidate Gareth Rhodes will appear in Sidney today. Rhodes will appear at the Sidney Golf & Country Club this morning at 9:00 AM, he is one of 7 announced candidates running for the Democratic Party Nomination for the right to face incumbent Republican Congressman John Faso for the 19th District.

The Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame Committee announced that it will induct Brian McGrattan and Larry Kish as the class of 2018. There will be a pregame ceremony prior to Friday’s game against Syracuse. McGrattan played a total of 196 regular-season games over the course of three seasons in Binghamton with the Senators from 2002-2005, he recorded 25 goals and 22 assists for 47 points, his 551 penalty minutes in 2004-05 is the most in a single season in AHL history. Kish coached several teams in Binghamton from 1975-1982 winning the AHL’s Coach of the Year in 1981. More information about tickets for tonight's game is available at binghamtondevils.com or 722-7367.

The Otsego County Health Department has reported that the Oneonta School district has 6 cases of Pertussis, also know as Whooping cough. Parents of students at the Oneonta School have been notified, Pertussis is highly contagious & is usually accompanied by fever, a runny nose & a harsh cough.

Oneonta Police arrested A Milford man for 2nd degree Assault, criminal possession of a weapon & criminal Tampering. 23-year-old Michael VanDeusen was charged following a fight in Oneonta on November 18th, where an unidentified man from Mount Vision suffered a non-life threatening stab wound. VanDeusen was arraigned; he faces action in Oneonta City Court in January.

The Afton Central School District has appointed Timothy McNamara as the new Superintendent of Schools. McNamara has accepted the position; the Afton School board is expected to act on McNamara's appointment at their meeting this evening.

Governor Cuomo announced nearly $6.5 million in grants to 55 state-approved anti-sexual assault crisis and prevention programs operated by hospitals, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies statewide. The grants will help fund local crisis hotlines and direct services for sexual assault victims, such as crisis counseling, advocacy and trauma therapy, and support prevention and education in schools, on college campuses and in communities. A complete list of the funded programs is available at governor.ny.gov/sites.

NY State of Health announced enrollment in Qualified Health Plans and the Essential Plan have reached nearly 900,000, outpacing last year by 13%. Open Enrollment in a Qualified Health Plans continues through January 31st, but consumers need to enroll by December 15th, 2017 for coverage beginning January 1st, 2018. Consumers can enroll in a health plan Online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by calling 1-855-355-5777.

Environmental Advocates of New York released an update to its 2016 report Tapped Out: New York's Clean Water in Peril. The new analysis published by the DEC as required by the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act, shows that from May 2013 to July 2017, a total of 10,687 overflows were reported, translating into over 3.8 billion gallons of sewage being discharged into waterways. Statistics indicates more work is needed to help municipalities fully comply with the Act and more funding is needed for municipalities to address aging infrastructure.

Governor Cuomo today announced $2 million is available through round 3 of the Climate Resilient Farming grant program to help farms reduce their operational impact on the environment and better prepare for, and recover quickly from severe weather events. $2.9 million has been provided to 37 farms across the State to implement critical projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy savings, mitigate water and soil quality concerns, and increase on-farm resiliency to climate change. The Request for Proposals for the grant program is located under Funding Opportunities at agriculture.ny.gov; Proposals are due by February 26, 2018.

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

The Attorney for 35-year-old Ernest Franklin of Guilford is requesting another bail reduction for his client, in Chenango County Court. Ernest Franklin is accused of acting with his wife Heather, to murder their 16 year old special needs son Jeffrey & then set fire to the family home to cover up the crime. Heather Franklin posted bail earlier this year & was released, Chenango County Judge Frank Revoir will have his decision on Ernest Franklin Bail lowering request later this week. The Franklins will be tried separately in Chenango County Court early next year.

State Police are continuing to investigate 35-year-old Justin Mancini of Endicott, who was arrested last week for possessing child pornography. State Police are asking for the public's help, after their investigation revealed that Mancini had solicited for babysitting jobs through Craigslist. Troopers ask that if anyone has information regarding the craiglist ad, or if they know of anyone who hired Mancini to baby-sit, to call the Bureau of Investigation at 754-3854.

State lawmakers are beginning work on segments of next year's state budget this week in Albany. The Governor is scheduled to deliver a joint state of the state & state budget message to a joint session of the legislature in mad January, the budget is due to be passed on April 1st.

The State Office of General Services announced that a special exhibition will be on display at the Empire State Plaza starting this Friday. “AIDS: Art in Protest,” will open Friday, which is World AIDS Day. The exhibit space is located on the walls adjacent to the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center and Gift Shop& will be on display until January 1, 2018.

Governor Cuomo today announced the deployment of 72 additional New York State electric utility experts to Puerto Rico arriving today and tomorrow to assist with the ongoing recovery of Puerto Rico's power grid. The deployment coincides with the arrival of a barge loaded with an additional 55 utility vehicles and equipment docking at the port in San Juan. Under Governor Cuomo's direction, this week's deployment brings the total number of New York utility personnel involved in the power restoration effort to 457 along with approximately 330 New York utility vehicles and other power recovery equipment to assist with the island's restoration of power.

The Afton Central School District Board of Education will hold open forums this week for their 2 candidates for Superintendent. Daniel Erickson of the Johnson City school district will have his public forum will be from tonight from 5:30-6:30 pm in the Afton Central School auditorium. Timothy McNamara of the Downsville School District, will be have his public forum Thursday from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium.

The State Police CNET Team, State troopers, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and State DEC executed a search warrant at 163 Sherman Hill Rd in the Town of Afton, following an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine. 36-year-old Matthew Mazepa, & 21-year-old Taylor Quackenbush of Afton were arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Officers seized crystal methamphetamine, marihuana, Digital scales, drug packaging material cash & cell phones. Mazepa was arraigned in Afton Town Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail. Quackenbush was issued Appearance Tickets for Afton Town Court and released.

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2017. Locally, Chenango County's rate was at 4.7%, Delaware County at 4.8% & Otsego County at 4.3%. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.9% to 4.8% in October 2017.

Governor Cuomo announced the completion of a $1.7 million project to replace the State Route 28 bridge over State Route 7 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the town of Milford. The bridge opened to traffic today, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The new bridge is a two-span structure supported by steel and concrete beams. It has 12-foot travel lanes and eight-foot shoulders in each direction. Approximately 5,200 vehicles use the Route 28 bridge each day.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a one-car roll over with property damage on Case Hill Road in Treadwell on November 6th. Deputies determined that William Rathbun’s vehicle left the roadway, entered into a ditch & rolled over and stuck a utility pole, which caused a minor power outage. Rathbun was ticketed for failure to keep right, speed unreasonable and prudent, & possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Rathbun will appear in the Town of Franklin Court at a later date.

The Afton Central School District Board of Education has invited 2 candidates to interview for the Superintendent position. A forum for each candidate will be held next week, with the forum with Daniel Erickson; who is the middle school principal in Johnson City, will be November 28th, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium. Timothy McNamara is the principal in the Downsville Central School District; his public forum will be on November 30th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the Afton Central School auditorium.

The State DMV, the DEC and the State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation are reminding New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually, it can be performed online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Last year, 106,867 snowmobiles were registered in New York.

The Oneonta Common Council will hold their next regular meeting this evening starting at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Common Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of Oneonta City Hall. The Oneonta clerk's office announced that City Hall would be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on both Thursday & Friday this week.

The Village of Bainbridge announced that there would be 2 public hearings in addition to the regular monthly Board meeting. The hearings are for the new Spectrum contract and the resolution for the Restore NY grant application. All residents are encouraged to attend this evening at 6:30 PM at 33 West Main Street.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to read the fine print on gift cards this holiday season for details about fees and expiration dates. DiNapoli said New Yorkers should use their gift cards within a year of purchase to avoid inactivity fees and register cards with the retailers that offer it so the owner can be identified. Money from unused gift cards issued by New York businesses is turned over to the State Comptroller’s office as abandoned property after five years of dormancy.

CDO Workforce and BEAM are offering a free Interviewing Workshop Today, at 11:00 am at the CDO Workforce Center, at the Sidney Civic Center. Participants can learn about the interview process; clarifying Interview questions; knowing your resume; selling yourself; anticipate questions and answering difficult questions. Reservations are requested at 832-5776, walk-ins are also welcome to attend.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that the annual Jolly Holly Days parade would be held on Friday December 1st in Downtown Sidney. Interested participants are asked to contact the Sidney Chamber Office at 561-2642.

Governor Cuomo announced the findings of a statewide review of compliance under the "Enough is Enough" law at 244 higher-education institutions across the state. The review found that, many institutions have not taken the necessary steps to achieve full compliance, & they will be required to submit an action plan to achieve full compliance within 30 days. So far, 38.9% were compliant 11.9% were not-compliant & 49.2% were significantly compliant, but presented concerns that must be addressed to achieve compliance.

The Sidney Central School Alumni Association's Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner & Ceremony will be held this Friday & Saturday. Alumni Association Spokesman Greg Davie explains:

(Greg Davie 9-20-17)

Tickets are available through any committee member or at VEP & J&M trophies on Main Street in Sidney, More information is available at Sidney alumni.org.

Oneonta Police Department reported that they have received complaints from a number of citizens indicating that they have received scam phone calls from an unknown person claiming to be a representative of a police department in Florida. The scammer claims that they are performing a donation drive and asks for money. Oneonta Police reminds area residents to contact & donate to reputable charities that are well known to conduct releif efforts for those affected by natural disasters.

The new 838 area code is taking effect for new phone service in eastern New York. The state Public Service Commission says as of Tuesday, customers seeking new service or an additional line in the 518 region may be assigned the new 838 area code. The 518 region spans 17 counties from the Catskills to Canada and from the eastern Mohawk Valley to the Vermont border. The new 838 area code was overlaid in the area to meet demand for new telephone numbers. The overlay requires all consumers to dial 10 digits, even within their own area code. It’s the second new area code overlay to take effect this year in New York. In the 315 area of central New York, a 680 overlay took effect in March.

Fans of Horror movies will get a chance locally to see a New York Premier of "Killer Campout" this weekend, with a chance to meet actors from the film. Afton Resident Solon Tsangaras is in "Killer Campout", he told WCDO News about the premier Saturday:

(Solon Tsangaras 9-20-17)

The event & screening will begin at 6:00 PM Saturday at Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market street in Oneonta.

Binghamton City Police announced that they made the biggest marijuana arrest in 8 years Tuesday, following a traffic stop of 30-year-old Benjamin Key, of Berkshire, for two traffic violations. A search of the vehicle found 7.8 pounds of marijuana in several vacuum sealed bags which has a street value of $32,000, plus $2500 Cash. Key was charged with criminal possession of marijuana and was released on bail; he faces court action at a later date.

New York State Senator Jim Seward has joined the Hartwick College faculty as an adjunct professor of political science for the fall 2017 semester. Seward is a class of ‘73 Hartwick College Graduate, he will teach “New York State Politics and Policy” for 20 students, Seward will draw on his decades-long experience in the State Senate. Senator Seward is serving his 16th term as a state senator.

The United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties will kick off their 2017 Campaign today. The Board of Directors of the United Way will be at the B-Side Ballroom in the Clinton Plaza in Oneonta from 4:00 to 6:30 PM; they will also be announcing the recipient of the 2017 Cheri Albrecht Excellence Award at 5:15 pm.

28-year-old Joshua Shurock of Norwich was sent to jail without bail, after being accused of assaulting a police officer & possession of heroin. Shurock was arrested last Thursday; he allegedly injured a Norwich officer while being arrested on the drug charge. The officer was treated & released at Chenango Memorial Hospital. Shurock was remanded back to jail pending future court action.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 36-year-old Seth Maki of Minnesota, with Criminal Impersonation; he is accused of falsely identifying himself to Deputies at the Delaware County Fair. Maki was arraigned in the Village of Walton Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Todd Matias of Harpursville for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1& several other traffic violations, after a trooper heard a vehicle with a loud exhaust on State Route 79, in the town of Colesville. The officer determined that Matias was driving while intoxicated, had a suspended driver's license, and an expired vehicle registration. Matias refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content, he was arraigned in the town of Colesville court, and was remanded to the Broome County jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 22-year-old Ashley Murphy, of Sidney Center, on a Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Walton, for failure to appear to answer a charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Murphy was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and was released on her own recognizance and directed to reappear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date.

State Police arrested 46-year-old Wayne Johnson of Oneonta, for Felony DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Interlock Device. Johnson was pulled over for improperly working headlights, a trooper determined that Johnson was intoxicated, had a suspended driver’s license, and was driving a vehicle that was not equipped with an ignition interlock device. Johnson was arraigned in the town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego county jail on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bond, pending September 12th court action.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold its September 1st Friday Eat & Meet on Friday, at 8:30 a.m., at the Sidney Elks Club, on River Street in Sidney. The featured speaker for the event is Bill Wagner, Director of Mobility Management of South Central New York, in partnership with Rural Health Network of South Central New York. More information or registration is available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.

The Town of Hartwick offers collection containers for household batteries and mercury thermostats. There are 2 Drop-off Locations for rechargeable, button cell, and lithium batteries, one is at the Hartwick Town Hall at 103 Town Drive. The second is at Short Cuts located at 10 Commons Drive in the Hartwick Commons during open hours. Household batteries and mercury thermostats can be dropped off during town clerk’s hours, Monday-Wednesday, 10am-2pm and Thursday, 4pm -6pm.

Classes for those interested in receiving a high school equivalency diploma will be starting shortly. June White of the Afton Central School’s Adult & Continuing education program explains:

(June White 8-28-17)

More information is available at 639-2811.

Governor Cuomo signed Briana’s Law that requires State Police and New York City Police Department candidates and officers to receive CPR training prior to graduation and every 2 years after. In 2010, Briana Ojeda suffered an asthma attack while playing at a playground, on the way to the hospital; Briana's mother was stopped by a police officer who was unable to perform CPR. Briana died shortly after she got to the hospital. The new law will go into effect in 60 days.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works will close County Road 38 between Hohreiter Road and Searles Hill Road, in the Towns of Guilford and Bainbridge today, between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for a Culvert Replacement project. Motorists are asked to seek alternative routes. More information is available at 337-1710.

The Oneonta City Clerk's office announced 3 meeting for today at City Hall. The Operations, Planning & Evaluation Committee will meet at 4:00 PM, the Finance Committee meets at 5:00 PM and the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals meets at 7:00 PM. All meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers & are open to the public.

Stephen Stills & Judy Collins will perform tonight at the Anderson Center @ SUNY Binghamton. Some Tickets are available at the Anderson Center Box Office, at 777-2787 or at anderson.binghamton.edu.

33-year-old Heather Franklin of Guilford has posted bail & has been released from the custody of the Chenango County Correctional facility. Franklin was released on Saturday, her husband Ernest remains in the County jail, both are accused of murder, arson and tampering with physical evidence, following a fire at their town of Guilford residence, where their adopted son Jeffrey was allegedly murdered & a fire was set to cover up the murder on March 1st.

The Broome County Sheriff's arrested 2 people wanted on warrant by the town of Afton, while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked in a parking lot in Chenango Bridge Friday. 32-year-old Zachariah Burns is accused of possessing cocaine, and giving officers the name and date of birth of another person. Burns' was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Impersonation, he was also wanted on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear in Town of Afton Court. Another passenger was 19-year-old Salena Palmatier also is also accused of giving officers the wrong identity, she was charged with Criminal Impersonation, & was also wanted on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear in Town of Afton Court.

New York State of Health, is offering a series of enrollment and informational events at approximately 40 campuses across the State this week. Certified enrollment assistors will speak with students and soon-to-be graduates about how to get health insurance coverage and enroll in a health plan through the Marketplace. Details on the colleges participating in the April educational activities with NY State of Health can be found at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/events.

Former Broome County Executive Debbie Preston appeared in Binghamton City Court this morning, she pleaded guilty to 1 count of Official Misconduct, she was originally charged with 3 counts. Preston will pay a $1,000 fine. Preston was charged for using a Town of Conklin Credit card for her own purposes when she was a town supervisor between 2005 & 2012.

State lawmakers head back to Albany today after a 2-week vacation; they have 7 more weeks for the current 2017 session. Issues to be dealt with in that time include ethics reforms, reforming elections laws, & a proposal to raise the age of marriage from 14 to 17, with judicial & parental consent.

The State Tax Department has launched Quick Pay, which is a free service that provides individuals a new way to pay a tax bill or debt owed from an audit or collection case. Taxpayers made nearly 2,620 payments worth $2.5 million in the first 4 weeks after Quick Pay was launched on March 24th. The Quick Pay app provides individuals the option to pay directly from their bank account, which can be followed by an emailed confirmation of payment. Taxpayers can access the new app anytime at theTax Department's webpage.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 30-year-old Scott Hanrahan of Deposit On Thursday on a Sealed Indictment Arrest Warrant after a Delaware County Grand Jury handed down an Indictment for 3 counts Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Hanrahan is accused of selling heroin from his Hale Eddy residence, Investigators obtained and executed a search warrant on February 10th and seized approximately 8 grams of bulk heroin, scales, packaging materials, a shotgun, prescription narcotics, marihuana, a kung-fu throwing star and several hundred dollars in cash. Hanrahan was arraigned and was ordered held without bail on the new charges pending further court action.

State Police are investigating a Fatal Motor vehicle Collision on I-88 in the Town of Maryland, early Saturday morning. A vehicle exited the roadway, entered the center median, rolled over several times, ejecting 19 year old Douglas Alvarez of Mamaroneck, and coming to rest in the westbound lane of travel, it was then struck by another vehicle. Alvarez was transported to Albany Medical Center and later succumbed to his injures. 5 other occupants were transported to Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown with non-life threatening injuries. All 6 occupants are SUNY Cobleskill College students. The operator of the second, uninvolved vehicle was not injured. Alcohol was not a contributing factor to the accident. The investigation is ongoing.

The City of Oneonta will begin milling & paving on Chestnut Street this week. Today, work will be performed from Clinton Street to Main Street, including side-street tie-ins from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. City Residents can get more information at 432-6465.

The Oneonta Town Board will hold a special meeting this afternoon, to set up a public hearing on the Community Choice Aggregation. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM at the town hall in West Oneonta.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold the next "Reunite Bainbridge" Committee Meeting tonight. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM at Bob's Diner in the Back Conference Room. Topics of discussion will include The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Weekend, Summer Fest on July 22nd, a Clam Bake on August 20th, an Update on the Mural Project & the Golf Tournament on August 13th, as well as Bainbridge Days on the Labor Day Weekend

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

Binghamton Police announced a major drug bust in the city today, after police raided a 236 Clinton Street early this morning. Police seized $100,000 worth of heroin, $16,000 worth of crack cocaine & $43,000 in cash from alleged drug sales. Arrested were 46-year-old James Brabham, 59 year old Tyrone Thompson & 62 year old Joseph Bowles on a variety of drug & weapons charges & face court action shortly.

Binghamton Police responded Saturday to 92 Front Street on a report of a male who fell from a 4th floor balcony. The deceased was identified as 18 year old Conor Donnelly of Pearl River, New York, he was transported to Wilson Hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Donnelly fell when he attempted to climb to a third floor balcony from the fourth floor balcony, his death has been ruled accidental, the autopsy stated that Donnelly had been drinking, Donnelly was a student at Binghamton University and was attending a frat house party, Police said that they do not believe that Donnelly’s death was the result of hazing. the incident is still being investigated, anyone with information is asked to contact the Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

Binghamton Police charged 27-year-old Liz Ayala of Binghamton for 2nd Degree Murder, for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend, 26-year-old Gerrard Davis, during a domestic dispute. Binghamton Police responded to 97 Broad Avenue after receiving a 911 call, Davis was taken to an area hospital, where died shortly after arrival. Ayala was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the custody of the Broome County Sheriff Office. 2 children were home at the time of the incident; the Broome County Child Protective Services removed them. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at 772-7080.

The State Unemployment rate dropped 2 more tenths to 4.4% in February, the lowest rate since 1976, according to statistics released today by the State Labor Department. The number of Private Sector Jobs went over 8 Million in February, an all time high for the state.

Ticketmaster announced today that the Interactive "Price Is Right Live" Show has been cancelled. The Price is Right Live stage that was scheduled to come to the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena this spring has been canceled. The show was scheduled for April 22nd at the Floyd Maines Broome County Veterans Arena in Binghamton. Refunds can be obtained at the Point of Purchase only; Internet & Phone orders will automatically be canceled & refunded, according to Ticketmaster.Com.

The Next Tri Town Relay for life event is coming up in May, and an important meeting for team captains is coming up, according to new regional spokesperson Heather Brewster:

(Heather Brewster 3-23-17)

The Tri Town Relay for Life will once again be held in General Clinton Park in Bainbridge; their goal is to raise $70,000 for The American Cancer Society's research, educational programs & assisting cancer patients.

State Police arrested 17-year-old Kirk Wayman of Windsor for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Troopers were advised of a theft of a rifle and a shotgun & other items from a home in Windsor in January, Police accuse Wayman of possessing the stolen firearms. Wayman was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with no bail set.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged all eligible taxpayers in Central New York to take advantage of three free tax filing assistance events scheduled for today.  Central New York taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $64,000 or less in 2016 qualify to e-file their tax returns using free online software, Today's event will be from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Huntington Memorial Library at 62 Chestnut Street in Oneonta.

The State Department DOT will hold a public open house meeting today to discuss plans to replace a bridge on State Route 7 in the village of Afton. The open house will be held at the Afton Town Hall, from 5:30 to 7:000 PM today regarding the bridge was built in 1922 and carries State Route 7 over Kelsey Brook. The bridge is safe for continued travel and is regularly inspected. The purpose of the meeting is to share and exchange information with the public regarding the project and its potential impacts, including proposed work zone traffic control options to manage traffic during construction. More information is available at 772-7336.

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

A certificate of need has been submitted to the New York State Department of Health to make Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney; a satellite emergency department under the leadership of Fox Hospital in Oneonta. Tri Town Regional Hospital CEO Dr. Carlton Rule explains:

(Dr Carlton Rule 1-25-17)

Dr. Rule said that both hospitals are part of Bassett Healthcare Network; he said that if the Certificate is approved, the conversion to a satellite Emergency Department model would take effect in the third quarter of this year. Dr. Rule said that services would not change; state regulations simply stipulate that a satellite emergency department must be within 35 miles of an acute care hospital. Fox Hospital is 23 miles from TRH in Sidney while Bassett Medical Center is just over 45 miles away.

59 school districts have been designated as fiscally stressed under State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System, which is a decrease from 82 districts that were listed in stress last year and 90 the year before. The latest round of scoring designated two school districts in “significant fiscal stress,” nine in “moderate fiscal stress” and the remaining 48 as “susceptible to fiscal stress.” Only 2 local schools were listed in the "Susceptible to Fiscal Stress Category, those were the Harpursville & Afton school district.

Governor Cuomo is being criticized by members of the Legislature for taking his Budget proposal on the road, instead of the traditional presentation in front of a joint session of the Legislature. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez comments:

Lopez 1-25-17)

Cuomo had members of his cabinet deliver his State of the State & Budget presentations around the state in the last week and a half, and did some presentations himself in a few upstate locations where he announced upstate economic development projects.

Governor Cuomo wants $2 billion to address some of the nation's oldest water and sewer systems in this year's State Budget. The Governor wants to replace old water mains, modernize sewer systems and remove lead pipes. The Governor said that the $2 billion would be spent over five years. It would come on top of $200 million for water projects approved by lawmakers last year.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold an information session in conjunction with the regular Board of Education meetings. Meetings start at 6:30 PM with the business portion of the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. A special Board Of Education Meeting will be held this Thursday for Board members to vote on SEQRA and the Capital Project, It is anticipated that the public will vote on the Capital Project in March.

New York Lawmakers will begin several weeks of hearings on Governor Cuomo's proposal in the 152 billion dollar budget plan. The 1st hearing will be focus on the Governor's plan to make state & City university free again, for students in families making less than 125,000 a year, the 2nd hearing will be dedicated to workforce development, following hearings will deal with taxes, state spending on public safety, economic development, health care & social services, education and the environment. The legislature has until April 1st to pass a budget.

The Tri Town Coalition on Substance abuse will hold their next meeting tonight at the Sidney High School Library. Spokesperson Lorraine Keckeisen comments:

(Lorraine Keckeisen 1-25-17)

Residents from Sidney, Unadilla & Bainbridge are encouraged to attend tonight's meeting, which will run from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

The Afton SADD chapter & Afton Driver Education announced a Brooks Chicken Barbecue to benefit the family of Lynn Bascuiska today, during the boys & girls basketball games with Sidney. Pick up or eat in available from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Plans also call for raffling off baskets & other prizes throughout the night.

The Village of Sidney has received close to another 2 million dollars in federal FEMA funds for their projects, thanks to US Senator Charles Schumer, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 1-18-17)

Senator Schumer visited Sidney in December 2014, and liked the plans & promised to work on getting the federal funding.

About 100 area residents attended last nights Unatego School district Town Hall meeting with Superintendent Dave Richards, who told WCDO News of the 2 main concerns:

(Dave Richards 1-18-17)

Richards said that the Facilities committee has suggested closing the Otego Elementary School first, and then the Unadilla Elementary School in 4 to 5 years after that, the Unatego Board of Education is expected to vote on the Otego closure next month. Richards said that the district has lost 28% of their student population in the last 10 years, and the 2 buildings are over 90 years old and face millions of dollars in repairs & renovations.

Another public meeting of the Oneonta Downtown Revitalization initiative will be held on Tuesday January 24th at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium. Updated information will be provided by Stantec Urban Planners, Otsego Now & the local planning committee, regarding plans to transform the downtown business district. Oneonta received 10 million dollars from the state last year for the projects. The public is encouraged to attend & participate in the meeting on the 24th.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded to a 2-car motor vehicle accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Walton Monday. 48-year-old Tenzin Pelmo of Ithaca was rear-ended by a vehicle being driven by 37 year old Karyl Rose of Bainbridge. Both drivers were transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Rose was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, unsafe tires and following too closely. Rose was arraigned & was released on her own recognize pending later court action in Town of Walton Court.

Oneonta Police arrested 30-year-old Jesse Tetlow of Oneonta on charges of 2nd degree burglary, plus criminal contempt, obstructing Governmental administration & harassment. Tetlow is accused of entering the residence of a former girlfriend, which violated an order of protection, & pushing another resident against a washing machine and using physical force to prevent police from performing his official duties at the scene. Tetlow was sent to the Otsego county jail on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 bond pending court action on Friday in Oneonta City Court.

An Afton Central School District bus slid off Lord Road in icy conditions this morning, No Injuries were reported, The Afton district delayed the opening of classes today by 2 hours.

Property tax levy growth for school districts will be capped at 1.26% for the 2017-18 fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% percent; with certain exceptions, including a provision that allows school districts to override the cap with 60% voter approval of their budget.

Governor Cuomo revealed his executive Budget Proposal to lawmakers Tuesday, with a big increase in Education spending:

(Cuomo 1-18-17)

Cuomo said that the budget would spend $152.3 Billion dollars, including the 1 billion dollar increase in education spending; the legislature will have until April 1st to get the budget passed.

A presentation from Place Alliance was held at the Sidney Civic Center last night regarding the plans for the Sidney Green Streetscape project for Main Street. Ian Law is the Director of Urban Planning & Design for Place Alliance:

(Ian Law 1-18-17)

Plans call for new sidewalk configurations, new trees, lighting, and underground rainwater collection into reservoirs under the sidewalks. The plans are expected to go up for bidding next month, with construction getting underway this spring.

Bainbridge-Guilford-Afton-Harpursville Head Wrestling Coach Brandon MacNaught has been named the 2015-2016 New York State Wrestling Coach of the Year. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association recognized MacNaught's work during the 15-16 season, he had the task of working with 3 different school districts for his combined team, yet the Bears are consistently one of the most successful teams in the area. They sent several wrestlers to the state tournament in Albany last year and won several tournaments as a team as well.

Binghamton Police are investigating the death of Binghamton university student Stefani Lineva of Queens, who was found around 2:00 AM Saturday lying on State Route 434 South Washington Avenue and the Pennsylvania Avenue ramps. Lineva was taken to Wilson Hospital where she was pronounced dead from injuries consistent with getting hit by a vehicle. No eyewitnesses have come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call Binghamton Police at 772-7080, calls will remain confidential. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the driver of the vehicle that hit Lineva Saturday.

There will be plenty of Holiday activity in Bainbridge Saturday with a parade, and an appearance by Santa. Bainbridge Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-5-16)

Those interested in participating in the Bainbridge parade can begin lining up on Pruyn Street at about 4:00 PM Saturday.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 47-year-old Joel Ortega of Walton Friday night on 1 count of felony DWI, following a reported 1 car MVA with entrapment on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi. Ortega is additionally charged with moving from lane unsafely and operating a motor vehicle out of ignition interlock restrictions, he was released & will return to Delhi Town Court at a later date. The investigation is continuing & more charges may be filed.

Chenango County Area residents can help the Chenango County Law Enforcement Association to provide Christmas gifts for children with this year’s "Shop with a Sheriff" program. This year the Association would like to make it even better and available to more kids, last year, 20 kids from schools within Chenango County were given $100 for themselves, $50 for their family and a Deputy to shop with. This year they would like to help 30 kids. This year's event will be conducted on December 10th, Donations may be sent to Sergeant Joshua Gould or Detective Gary Miller at Chenango County Law Enforcement Association at 279 County Road 46, Norwich, NY 13815.

The Afton Central School has teamed up with NBT Bank to add financial education to its curriculum. The school is bringing NBT Bank's Strive® financial literacy programs to students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. NBT Bank Customer Service Representative Jennifer Cower will visit students Friday, Students who participate in this program will be able to identify money-saving choices and explain how spending choices can impact the environment. This specific session will enhance their mathematics and science lessons.

The city of Oneonta clerk's office announced that due to a lack of agenda items, the December 26th meeting for the Zoning & Housing Board of Appeals has been cancelled.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded Saturday to Big Hollow Road & Cheese Factory Road in the Town of Sanford for a reported body lying in a drainage culvert. A passerby called in the report, officers determined that the victim was deceased; he was identified as 55 year old Christian Savu of Sanford. The incident is still under investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact 778-1911.

Delaware Academy was placed on lockdown for about an hour Friday afternoon, after the Delhi Village Police were made aware of a post made on social media threatening violence against the school. Delhi Police arrested 18 year old Ben Lane of Delhi and 21 year old David Piskacek of Fleischmanns, they were charged with making a terroristic threat, they were arraigned in Delhi Town Court, and Lane was sent to Delaware County jail on $500 cash bail and Piskacek was jailed on $1,500 cash bail.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Binghamton man Friday for an active arrest warrant for a Sex offender that failed to report a change of address. 24 year old Lee Mead is accused of moving to Broome county in October & failed to register as a sex offender with authorities, he was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich court and released, he will appear in the Town of Sherburne court at a later date.

Tioga Downs in Nichols will officially open as a full-fledged casino tomorrow. The site was awarded one of the last Casino licenses by the state gaming commission, as another way to increase upstate tourism & development. A New casino sneak Preview is being conducted at the Nichols facility this afternoon, prior to tomorrow’s official opening.

50-year-old Jeffrey Feldman of Worcester was sentenced top 35 years in Prison, after a recent trial & conviction in Otsego County Court. Feldman was found guilty of engaging in sexual acts on multiple occasions with females under the age of 13.

Governor Cuomo announced the 6 winning companies of the 76West Clean Energy Business Competition, which focuses on supporting and growing clean-energy businesses in the Southern Tier. The $1 Million Dollar Grand Prize winner was Micatu of Horseheads; they make an optical sensor that gives accurate voltage readings so utilities can reduce energy use. The $500,000 Award winner was Charge CCCV in Binghamton, which produces energy storage batteries for telecommunications systems and other industries that need storage with longer lifetimes. The $250,000 Award winners was ChromaNanoTech in Binghamton, which produces a dye that keeps windows transparent but blocks ultraviolet radiation, so buildings stay cooler and air conditioning loads are reduced.

Chenango County Sheriff's deputies arrested a town of Sherburne man for DWI and aggravated DWI following a one-car crash last week. 24 year old Branden McDaniel was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office following a crash on Kendricks Road in the Town of Sherburne on November 24th. McDaniel is accused of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher. McDaniel will appear in Sherburne Town Court at a later date.

The City of Oneonta will have their annual Christmas Celebration tonight. An all day Ugly Sweater Contest concludes at 6:00 PM, at McLaughlin’s at 150 Main Street. The Oneonta Tree Lighting & the Oneonta Santa Claus appearance will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the Muller Plaza on Main Street.

The annual Downtown Norwich Tree Lighting Ceremony, will be held today at West Park. Santa will be visiting with area children in his igloo at the East Park gazebo, the Igloo will open following the Parade of Lights & will be Friday's from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 to 4:00 pm during the Christmas holiday season.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 21-year-old Matthew DeVaul of Binghamton Tuesday, on a charge of Grand Larceny. DeVaul is accused in connection with a reported larceny of a vehicle from a Town of Afton residence; he was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $2000 cash bail pending future court action.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will have their next Business After Hours event today. The Business After Hours program will be held at Nana’s Keepsakes from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, and the Public is welcome to attend.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School Board of Education’s next Meeting will be held tonight in the District Conference Room at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 29-year-old Heather Terry and 28-year-old Daniel Jamieson, both of Walton, on Friday, for criminal possession of controlled substance. Both are accused of possessing Heroin following a probation search of their Walton residence, both were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail, Terry on $2,000 bail and Jamieson of $10,000 bail. Both will re appear at Walton Village Court at a later date.

The team formerly known as the Binghamton Mets will be known as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, following a season long survey of fans to rename the team under the new ownership. Team President Jim Hughes spoke at this morning’s announcement:

(Jim Hughes 11-3-16)

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies new team identity was revealed in front of 700 students, teachers and administrators at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School today in Binghamton, Carousel Silver, Fire Red and Binghamton Blue make up the club's new official colors, paying tribute to Binghamton's carousel heritage.

State Police reported 242 arrests for DWI during the Halloween Crackdown on impaired driving. The campaign ran from Friday and ended Tuesday, State Troopers issued 11,497 total tickets, including 4,342 for speeding, 322 for distracted driving, 333 for child restraint and seatbelt violations, and 176 for failing to “move over.” Additionally, Troopers investigated a total of 1,111 crashes, with 227 people injured, and 3 people were killed.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 20-year-old James Hannigan of Hobart Saturday, on 1count of driving while ability impaired by drugs following a traffic stop in the Town of Meredith. Hannigan is additionally charged with failure to keep right, unlawful possession of marijuana, he was released on tickets returnable to Meredith Town Court at a later date.

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.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 52-year-old John Coss, of Andes for falsely reporting an incident following an investigation into a 1-car motor vehicle accident on Rathbun Hill Road in the Town of Meredith. Deputies allege the defendant left the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving a rental vehicle after striking a tree, and later reported the vehicle stolen in an attempt to evade criminal action. Coss was later released on an appearance tickets for Delhi & Meredith Town Courts at later dates.

the Bainbridge Town Board will hold a special meeting tomorrow morning at the Bainbridge Town Hall. The meeting will begin at 9:00 AM & will be open to the public.

State Police are attempting to locate an unknown white male for questioning relative to a burglary on October 19th at a home on Bassett Road in the Town of Triangle. The suspect was wearing a baseball cap & was observed on surveillance video, which can be viewed on the State Police Facebook Page. Anyone with information is asked to call the New York State Police at 775-1241.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced a special meeting of the Oneonta Common Council tonight, for the purpose of discussing a new city budget. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall.

Another Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Afton. The drive will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Afton Central School, Appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

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