WCDO Radio News

16-year-old Brandon Palmatier of Guilford has been identified as the youth shot accidentally Friday in the town of Guilford. State police investigating the incident said that it was an accidental shooting, at about 9:00 AM Friday in a residence on Chenango County Route 35 in the town of Guilford. The name of the person who accidentally discharged the rifle has not been identified.

State Police responded to a 2 vehicle crash Thursday in Franklin. 34 year old Chyanne Allen of Downsville was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where she died from injuries sustained from the crash and from suffering with a brittle bone disease. Troopers responded to an accident on state Route 357 where 25 year old Christopher Delong of Unadilla was backing a delivery van into a driveway when 65 year old Robert Allen of Downsville attempted to avoid the van by veering into the opposite lane, he was unable to avoid the vehicle and a passenger-side collision resulted. Delong and a passenger were not injured. Robert Allen was not injured; 25 year old Savannah Miller was taken to Bassett Medical Center for chest pain.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down a Sealed Indictment Wednesday afternoon relating to a narcotics trafficking investigation. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 30 year old Chellie Warner of Trout Creek, on a warrant charging for 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance. Warner is accused of selling Fentanyl laced Heroin; she was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court action.

Delaware County District Attorney’s office announced the indictment of 61 year old Anthony Bellissimo of Roxbury for theft of Public Assistance Benefits in excess of $42,000.00. Bellissimo was indicted by a Delaware County Grand Jury on 7 felony charges for Welfare Fraud, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree for allegedly collecting benefits he was not entitled to for 5 years.

Otsego County will be increasing the tip fee rate at the Oneonta and Cooperstown Transfer stations effective January 1st, from $65/ton to $68/ton with a minimum fee of $20 for deliveries up to 588 lbs. More information is available at 547-4225 or otsegocounty.com/depts/sw.

The Otsego County Board of Representatives Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee released a report today regarding their attempts to investigate alleged terrorist threats made by Otsego County Corrections officer Sergeant Ros Devlin last January, Devlin is the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Today’s report outlined the efforts made to investigate the matter where Ros Devlin was accused of threatening to bring a duffel bag full of guns to work at the Otsego County Jail, shoot co-workers & to shoot up an area school. The Committee sought legal advice or action from Sheriff Devlin, the Otsego County District Attorney, the Otsego County Attorney, State Police, and the state Attorney General’s office & Governor Cuomo's office with little success. The committee recommends that Sheriff Devlin recuse himself, & appoint the County Board or another board to investigate & short of recusal, they recommend that the sheriff require a full mental health examination of Ros Devlin, that the DA's office appoint a special prosecutor, that a process be enacted to insure better coordination among law enforcement agencies to deal with terrorist threats coming from a law enforcement officer. The committee expressed concerns that the school in question was never notified of the threats, they have vowed to continue with their investigation. Ros Devlin has been suspended with pay, had his gun permits suspended and is not allowed on county property.

State Police responded to a 2-vehicle collision with injuries on State Route 23 in the town of Harpersfield. 56 year old Joseph Moore of Stamford failed to keep right and collided head on with a dump truck. Moore's vehicle came to rest in a ditch, the dump truck tipped over onto the passenger side. Moore sustained minor injuries and was taken to Bassett Hospital, front seat passenger, 80 year old Joseph Moore Jr., of Stamford was also taken to Bassett Hospital for minor injuries, backseat passenger 76 year old Erna Moore of Stamford, sustain serious injuries to her legs and body, she was airlifted to Albany Medical Center. The driver of the dump truck 33 year old Roland Birdsall of Stamford, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bassett. The investigation by State Police is ongoing.

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

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

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

Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell announced that Joshua Taylor was sentenced in Broome County Court Tuesday, for the murder of James High in Binghamton in 2015. Taylor will spend 25 years to life behind in jail for the murder of High outside the Antler Lodge in July 2015.

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

At 11:00 AM this morning, Governor Cuomo will announce the 2017 Regional Economic Development Council Awards. The event will be held at the Albany Capital Center.

Oneonta Police arrested 20-year-old Julian Vancourt-Weis of Schenectady, on charges of 1st degree attempted murder, 1st degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. Oneonta Police responded late Friday night to the report of a domestic dispute at 30 Maple Street, the victim was taken to Albany Medical center with stab wounds to the face, neck, shoulder & arms, she was subsequently released from the Hospital Saturday night. Vancourt-Weis was arraigned & was sent to the Otsego County Jail without bail pending future court action.

The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the newly created Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program, to provide funding assistance to eligible applicants for projects that seek to attract more tourists. Applications for grant assistance under this program must be hand-delivered to the Delaware County Department of Economic Development or postmarked by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. The Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program is funded through revenues raised through the Delaware County Hotel Occupancy Tax. More information is available at the Delaware County Department of Economic Development at 832-5123, by email to ecodev@co.delaware.ny.us or at the office at 1 Courthouse Square in Delhi.

The Broome County District Attorney, the State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance and State Police announced a large scale bust of untaxed tobacco products which resulted in 14 arrests. 13 people from Broome County and one person from Elmira were arrested in a bust of shops selling untaxed cigarettes. State Police made the arrests Thursday evening, in simultaneous sweeps of 11 convenience stores, more charges are anticipated.

Delaware County Public Health is hosting a free training session called "Self Care: A Response to Vicarious Trauma". The program will be held today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon & from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The program is geared to professionals who treat people with physical or emotional traumas full time and often find themselves in need of counseling.

Delaware County Sheriff-Elect Craig DuMond announces the selection of long-time Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Timothy Buckley to be the Undersheriff. Buckley began his career as a police officer with the Village of Hancock Police Department in 1996; in 1998 he served as a Sheriff’s Deputy and a School Resource Officer with the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office before transferring to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in 2000.

The 2018 State of the State Address will be held on Wednesday, January 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Seating is limited and tickets are non-transferable. In the event that the number of requests exceeds available seating, attendees will be selected by lottery. Guests will be notified of their selection via email on Monday, January 1. Registration will close on Friday, December 15 at 5:00 p.m. Request to attend are available at governor.ny.gov.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will begin its 2018 monthly networking breakfasts on January 5 at SUNY Delhi’s Alumni Hall from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The presentation will be on the New York Paid Family Leave Law, nearly all private sector employees in New York will be eligible for Paid Family Leave, the featured speaker is New York Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations are required at delawarecounty.org or 746-2281.

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 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.

Casey Callahan was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison In Otsego County Court today, for the murder of his wife Elizabeth in 2000. Pennsylvania. An Otsego County jury convicted Callahan of 2nd degree murder recently, for running over his wife with an 18-wheeler at a gas station on Route 17 in Pennsylvania; the case was tried in New York as prosecutors said that Callahan plotted to murder his wife in Otsego County.

State Police arrested 28-Year-old Philip Dionisio of Mamaroneck early Sunday Morning for Felony DWI and other traffic violations. Troopers responded to a report of a car in a ditch off of Newton Town Road, in the Town of Bainbridge, Dionisio is accused of Driving while Intoxicated when he drove into a ditch; the arrest is a felony due to a prior DWI conviction. Dionisio was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond.

The State Legislature may be making a return trip to Albany in the coming weeks. Governor Cuomo said last week that the state is facing a 4 billion dollar deficit in the budget that could require legislative action.

The Chenango Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition in collaboration with The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office & The Norwich City Police Department will hold 3 National Drug Take-Back Month Events this Saturday. The events will be held between 10:00 AM & 1:30 PM at the Norwich Police Department at 18 East Main Street, the Bainbridge Town Hall at 33 West Main Street & the Smyrna Town Hall at 7 East Main Street. Unwanted or expired medications will be accepted at the event, organizers remind those bringing in the unwanted meds, to have them in their original containers.

Governor Cuomo has vetoed a bill that would ban gravity knives. The Governor stated that overly broad language in the legislation would have applied to too many knives. A compromise on the bill failed to be passed in the final days of the 2017 session of the legislature in Albany, Cuomo said that bill approved by lawmakers was not a sufficient improvement from a previous plan that tightened up the definition of a “gravity knife.” The proposed compromise by the governor’s office would have addressed issues raise by police departments and added protections for workers who carrying knives as part of their jobs.

ACHIEVE Broome-Chenango-Tioga welcomes the community to visit their Chenango Day Habilitation facility, at 214 County Route 44 in Norwich on Tuesday November 2nd for light refreshments provided by Canasawacta Country Club and an introduction to ACHIEVE and the services they provide.

The Chenango County Farm Bureau the 62nd Annual Meeting is starting at 6:30 PM tonight at the Silo Restaurant in Greene. State Senator Fred Akshar, a representative from Senator Seward’s office and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch have been invited.

The Chenango County Health Department announces another Flu Vaccination Clinic to be held today. The Clinic will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Bainbridge Firehouse. Registrations or more information is available at 337-1660.

A lower level State Appeals Court has affirmed the decision of the State Court of Appeals, where convicted murderer Ganesh Ramsaran of New Berlin will NOT get a new trial. Ramsaran was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after being convicted in Chenango County Court in 2014 of killing his wife, Jennifer. The state Appellate Division Third Department granted Ramsaran a new trial in 2016, The State Court of Appeals reversed that decision earlier this year, the case was returned to the appellate court, they affirmed the Court of Appeals ruling today.

Governor Cuomo is considering calling the legislature back to Albany for a special session, in order to appropriate funds for the communities that experienced flooding damage from Lake Ontario earlier this year. About 45 million dollars was already earmarked for those efforts, but new damage estimates suggest that more than 80 million dollars may be needed.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31-year-old Danielle Lister of Walton, for 1st degree Identity Theft, 3rd degree Grand Larceny, & Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification. Lister is accused of fraudulently presenting herself as another person, fraudulently opening financial accounts using the victim’s personal identification information and using the victim’s existing financial accounts to obtain goods and services totaling more than $3,000. Lister was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail pending further court proceedings.

On Friday, Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators assisted State Parole Officers and Delaware County Probation Officers with the search of a residence in the Village of Delhi. Officers found 24 year old Harry Ramirez of Delhi, in possession of a quantity of cocaine and narcotics packaging material, as well as $3250 in cash he was taken into custody by Parole Officers and remanded to the Delaware County Jail as a Parole Violator. On Tuesday, Sheriff’s Investigators arrested Ramirez at the Jail and charged him with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Ramirez was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail with no bail. Additional charges are expected at a later time, pending laboratory analysis of the substances seized.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 49-year-old William Scherer of Bloomville for DWI, Driving with Blood Alcohol Content above .08%, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, during a traffic stop in the Town of Kortright. Deputies responded to a report of an erratic operator, Scherer was released on appearance tickets, and scheduled to appear at the Town of Kortright Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced that 118 names would be added to the State Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Cuomo stated that of the 118, 114 firefighters suffered injuries and illnesses as a result of their efforts following 9/11. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial now honors 2,524 individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty. Governor Cuomo also issued 2 proclamations, marking Today as Firefighter Appreciation Day and the week of October 8th to the 14th as Fire Prevention Week.

The Delaware County Office for the Aging announced today that they are moving to their new location at 97 Main Street in Delhi. The agency will be closed for business tomorrow through this Friday; any emergency situation regarding the Office should be forwarded to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department at 832-5555. The Office for the Aging will re-open at the new location on Monday, October 16th.

A new report from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli estimates that locally owned bridges need $27 billion in repairs, with 13% of all locally owned bridges are considered structurally deficient. The report suggests that repairs or upgrades are needed to support heavier loads, while others are prone to, or have been damaged by floods. DiNapoli’s report states that local officials will have to work with their state and federal counterparts to ensure there's money to pay for critical repairs. Locally, Delaware County had 6.9% of their bridge structurally deficient, Chenango County has 12.2%, and Otsego County had 14%.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 38-year-old Nelson Gardner of Walton, following an investigation into a domestic incident in the Town of Walton. Gardner is accused of choking a woman while her while children were in the residence, he was charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court & was released on his own recognizance, he was ordered to appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

23-year-old Edward Ferrall of Lynbrook Long Island was arrested early Saturday morning by Oneonta police, for 1st degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, menacing and resisting arrest. Oneonta Police responded to 236 Main Street at about 2:25 AM, Police found the victim of a Head Injury, who was taken to Fox Hospital, and was transferred to Albany Medical Center. Ferrall was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and released on $5,000 bail, the investigation is ongoing.

The State Police Campus Sexual Assault Victims Unit is hosting its 2nd annual Campus Sexual Assault Seminar this week in Albany. More than 270 participants registered for the seminar, which continues through tomorrow at the State Police Academy on the in Albany. The stakeholders attending the conference include members of the law enforcement community, campus public safety officials, campus administrators, faculty and staff, victim advocates, medical professionals, prosecutors and attorneys.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office and the State Police conducted an enhanced traffic enforcement detail Friday in Stamford & Walton. 53 traffic summonses were issued and resulted in 8 arrests for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana; 2 possession of alcohol by a person under 21; 2 possession of an open alcoholic beverage container, plus Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs; Criminal Possession of Marijuana; criminal possession of a forged instrument; Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 19-year-old Jack Oflynn of Pearl River for unlawful possession of marijuana and driving while ability impaired by drugs following a traffic stop on Main Street in the Village of Delhi. The defendant was additionally charged with operating with an out headlight, failure to keep right, and was released on tickets returnable to Delhi Town Court at a later date.

Oneonta Police served a search warrant Tuesday at 5 Myrtle Avenue, following an investigation of the sale and possession of Marijuana & the violation of an active order of protection. Arrested were 30-year-old Jason Harageones of Unadilla for Criminal Contempt, Criminal Possession of a controlled substance & Criminal possession of marijuana. Hargeones is also accused of causing damage to a surveillance camera, which led to an additional Criminal Mischief charge. Police also arrested 28-year-old Danielle Stoesser of Oneonta for Criminal Possession of a controlled substance & Criminal Possession of marihuana; she is also accused of engaging in a physical confrontation with the officers processing her arrest and was charged with Obstruction of Governmental Administration. Harageones was arraigned & remanded to the Otsego County jail without bail; Stoesser was issued an appearance ticket and released to appear at a later date.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System has designated 27 municipalities across the state as fiscally stressed. The list, which includes 8 counties, 8 cities and 11 towns, which is the fewest number of municipalities listed in stress since DiNapoli implemented his system in 2013. Based on their 2016 financial reports, the counties of Broome and Monroe, and the cities of Albany and Watervliet have received the highest designation of “significant fiscal stress.” 13 communities have been listed in the second-highest category of “moderate fiscal stress.” Locally, it includes the town of Cherry Valley. An additional 10 municipalities have been listed as “susceptible to fiscal stress.” Locally this includes the town of Oxford.

The Delaware County Board of Elections released a statement today, regarding the proposition for a Constitutional Convention on the November Ballot. False information has gone viral over social media, with the implication that if you do not vote on the proposition it will be counted as a yes, which is not true. Officials with the Board of Elections stated that failing to vote on this measure does not default to a vote in favor of holding a Constitutional Convention, according to state election law 9–112. Propositions will be on the back of the ballot again this year, & there will be signs posted at polling sites and inspectors are obliged to tell the voter to turn the ballot over.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced their annual winners of the Citizen of the year & Business of the year Awards. This year's Citizen of the year is June White, who has been involved in many area organizations & events in Bainbridge:

(June White 9-27-17)

Also picked for Business of the Year is Snips & Snails Consignment shop, owned by Lori McGraw. The annual dinner & awards ceremony will be held at the Sundown Golf & county Club in Guilford on Saturday October 28th at 6:00 PM.

The Broome County Sheriff’s office responded to the intersection of Old State Road and Bevier Street in the Town of Kirkwood for a motor vehicle accident. Deputies located the driver, 67-year-old Daniel Clune of Harpursville.  Clune was charged with driving while intoxicated as well as driving with a blood alcohol above .08%, he faces court action shortly.

Tomorrow is Primary Election Day, with a handful of races locally. Polls will be open from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM Tuesday, in Delaware county, Party Primary races will be held in the towns of Andes, Walton & Hancock, Chenango County has Primary elections in Afton, North Norwich, Norwich, Plymouth, Sherburne & Smyrna. Otsego County has Primary races in the towns of Butternuts, Hartwick, Middlefield, Morris & Richfield.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 39-year-old Chad Guthrie of Brewerton for DWI, after Guthrie was observed traveling at a high rate of speed on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton. Guthrie was arrested & was processed and released with an appearance ticket for a later date in the Town of Walton Court.

Governor Cuomo participated in a September 11th Commemoration Ceremony this morning in New York City. Cuomo will joined more than 500 motorcycle riders in the 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride, Groups of riders traveled from Albany, Ulster and Long Island for a ceremonial ride to the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan earlier today.

State Police arrested 47-year-old Leslie Brewer of Oxford for 3rd Degree Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child & Trespass. The arrest occurred after Troopers were advised of an incident that occurred outside a home in the Town of McDonough, Brewer allegedly threatened a man who was outside with his young child & struck another person in the face causing physical injury. Brewer was located by the Norwich Police; He was arraigned and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 property bond.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 37-year-old Eric Carpenter of Plymouth for Harassment for allegedly subjecting 2 victims to physical contact during a Domestic Dispute in the Town of Plymouth. Carpenter was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on bail pending future court action.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Town of Sherburne Man for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Promoting Prison Contraband. 40-year-old Nathan Jackson is accused of possessing heroin while being detained in the Chenango County Jail; Jackson was sent back to the jail and is scheduled to appear in Norwich Court at a later date.

State Police in Norwich responded to 961 County Route 33, in the Town of Norwich, for a report of an 11 year old girl in cardiac arrest. Responding patrols arrived and determined the victim, Jacelyn O’Connor of Morris, was deceased. Further investigation determined she was the victim of a homicide. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police in Norwich at 334-3296.

State Police responded to a 2 vehicle crash on State Route 7 in the town of Unadilla. An investigation determined that 92 year old Joseph Norton of Sidney was driving a Chevrolet Impala, eastbound on State Route 7 when he entered a sharp curve in the roadway and drifted into the westbound lane & struck a dump truck driven by 38 year old Jeffrey Haynes of Sidney head on. Norton was deceased at the scene. Haynes was airlifted to Albany Medical Center and was listed in critical condition. Haynes passenger, 40 year old Jackie Ryan of Mt. Upton was transported to Wilson Hospital and is in stable condition. An autopsy will be conducted at Lourdes hospital, the investigation is ongoing.

27-year-old Kyle Ives of Oneonta was charged with reckless endangerment, unlawfully fleeing police in a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana, Monday following a high-speed car chase from Oneonta to Milford. Oneonta Police had stopped Ives on Spruce Street; Ives fled, and was chased by police onto I-88, the pursuit ended when Ives crashed into Guide rails on Otsego County route 44 in Milford. Ives was taken to Bassett Hospital, there were no other injuries or vehicles involved.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 27-year-old Frank Mastrorocco and 23-year-old Misty Jackson on of Walton drug possession charges last Thursday afternoon, July 27. Both were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin) and Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument. Jackson was also charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Mastrorocco was under the supervision of the New York State Division of Parole, & was arrested on a Parole Revocation Warrant. Mastrorocco and Jackson were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,000.00 cash bail pending further action by the Village of Walton Court.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded Sunday afternoon in the Town of Walton in relation to a reported violation of an order of protection. Deputies arrested and charged 56-year-old Edward Steitz of Walton with Criminal Contempt, Steitz violated the “stay away” provisions of an Order of Protection issued by Delaware County Family Court Judge Gary A. Rosa. Steitz was arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional facility on $1,500 cash bail pending a future appearance in the Town of Walton Court.

The Delaware County Historical Association is looking for individuals to volunteer some of their time to be extras in a movie the museum is filming. Individuals interested in being part of a scene involving a crowd at Church are needed. The scene will take place on Saturday, August 12th at 2 PM, but early arrival is highly encouraged. Filming will be at the Fitches Bridge Church on Route 10 in Delhi. Anyone interested is asked to call the museum at 746-3849.

Governor Cuomo announced that 26 state-approved Child Advocacy Centers will share more than $4 million to enhance services provided to children who are victims of crime. The centers are located across New York State and will use the funding to offset the cost of purchasing and installing video recording equipment, as well as hiring specially trained staff to interview young victims of sexual and physical abuse. In the Southern Tier, funding was designated to the Crime Victims Assistance Center for two centers, one in Broome County, one in Chenango County, totaling $118,097

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Business Links Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 12 at the Delhi College Golf Course, with a 1:00 PM shotgun start. Captain and crew four-person entry fees are $300 per team. Fee includes cart and green fees, dinner, unlimited range balls and invaluable networking. Registration or more information is available at delawarecounty.org or 746-2281.

A Chenango County area Drug Take-Back Day has been announced for July 19th starting at 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Afton Free Library at 105 Main Street, Afton. Various organizations are teaming up for the event, where people can dispose of old, expired & unused medications, in order to keep them out of the wrong hands & out of the Waste Stream.

Utica Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi already announced his intentions to run for the 22nd congressional district in November 2018, at a press conference in Utica this morning. Brindisi seeks to unseat Republican Claudia Tenney, who is only 6 months into her first term in Congress. The 22nd congressional district covers part of Chenango & Broome Counties locally. Brindisi will reschedule a press conference for Binghamton that was postponed today due to the extraordinary session of the Assembly called by Governor Cuomo for today in Albany.

Lawmakers were called back to Albany today for an Extraordinary session to deal with some left over legislation that was not dealt with before the end of the 2017 session last Wednesday. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that some of the bills really should be dealt with by the local municipalities, and not the state legislature:

(Cliff Crouch 6-28-17)

In the last weeks of the legislative session, state lawmakers had to decide on what Crouch called "Home Rule" issues, like allowing for counties to continue to collect sales tax, in addition to the issue of New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio overseeing the City schools.

Chobani unveiled its 1st entry into non-Greek, classic yogurt today with Chobani Smooth. Chobani's attempt to break into the traditional yogurt market, after making their Greek Style Yogurt the number 1 style since they opened their first plant in Chenango County ten years ago in New Berlin. Yogurt sales top $8 billion dollars a year currently in the US.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies & local EMT’s responded to a 1 car roll-over accident with entrapment, at approximately 2:00 PM Tuesday on State Highway 28 in the Town of Middletown. 78 year old Doris Hubar of Margaretville was extricated from the overturned vehicle & was transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital and was transferred to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Hubar may have experienced a medical emergency while driving, causing her to lose control & flip her vehicle after striking a tree. No tickets have been issued, the investigation is continuing.

Delaware County municipal leaders will listen to suggestions on ways in which they might be able to save money by sharing services or eliminating duplicated services at a public hearing today. The hearing will begin at 3:00 PM at the Delaware County Office Building on Main Street in Delhi. Delaware County Chamber staff will present cost-saving initiatives to those who have been tasked with presenting ideas to the Governor's office. Governor Andrew Cuomo has encouraged municipalities to come up with ways to share services to save taxpayer dollars.

The state legislature is wrapping up a few loose ends today in Albany, after they expected to end the 2017 session Wednesday in Albany. Governor Cuomo said that he was pleased with this year’s sessions:

(Cuomo 6-23-17)

State Senator Jim Seward said that he was pleased with much of what was accomplished:

(Seward 6-23-17)

There is still an outside chance that lawmakers could return to Albany later this year to deal with left over legislation, if they are ordered to return by the Governor.

An Otsego County man was indicted by a County Grand Jury last week on charges of conspiracy & criminal solicitation. State Police arrested 56 year old Danny Baldwin of Cherry Valley in March, he is accused of conspiring with another person to intentionally cause the death of his wife, he will be arraigned on the Grand Jury indictment on June 26th

Delaware County Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested 30-year-old Joseph VanLeuvan of Big Indian, on 4 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, plus Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer & Reckless Driving and various traffic violations. VanLeuvan is accused of selling more than 70 bags of heroin and more than one gram of powder cocaine in the Town of Middletown during 2 transactions Wednesday. VanLeuvan was on parole since May 2016, following a 2011 burglary conviction in Ulster County. VanLeuvan was arraigned and was sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $250,000 cash bail.

Chenango County Sheriff's Detective’s Division and Norwich City Police responded to the area of the stone quarry off West Main Street Extension, in the Town of Norwich for a narcotics investigation. 2 individuals were found in a tent with Methamphetamine, materials to manufacture Methamphetamine and a fire pit they used to burn Methamphetamine waste and byproducts. Detectives arrested 29 year old Amber Towndrow and 30 year old Steven Pighinni for Unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of a controlled substance, Unlawful disposal of Methamphetamine and Trespassing. Both were arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $7500 cash bail.

State Lawmakers did not complete the 2017 session Wednesday, and are being called back to Albany to wrap up the session Friday Morning. A few items were left on the table when work completed late last night, but are likely to be voted on Friday, they included bills extending control of New York City Mayor authority over the public school system & the continuation of sales taxes in upstate and Long Island counties.

State Police arrested 45-year-old Vernon VanValkenburg of Masonville, for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 4 counts of Reckless Endangerment, and Illegal Discharge of a Firearm within 500 feet of a Residence. Troopers responded to a report of shots fired by a subject at a residence on Finnerty Road in the Town of Masonville, VanValkenburg is accused of firing at a neighbor's house, VanValkenburg was unable to possess a firearm due to a prior felony conviction, he was arraigned in the Town of Masonville court and remanded to the Delaware County jail on $1,000 cash bail. An order of protection was issued, no injuries were reported.

Delaware County Public Health announced another Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Masonville Fire Hall. Previous vaccination records are requested to verify if pets are eligible for 3-year coverage. More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

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

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

(Ray Pucci 6-16-17)

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

Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell, State Police & Johnson City Police announced a major weapons bust in Broome County. 65-year-old Ramadan Abdullah has been charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon & Criminal possession of stolen property. Abdullah was arrested by Johnson City police on May 31 for shoplifting ammunition from Gander Mountain, a search warrant was executed on Abdullah's storage unit in the town of Union, where police seized 4 loaded handguns, 8 assault weapons, 64 high-capacity ammunition feeding devices, a loaded shotgun, 2 rifles & Thousands of rounds of ammunition. Search warrants were also executed at additional properties, resulting in the seizure of numerous rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, High-capacity ammunition feeding devices and ammunition & another loaded firearm. Abdullah was sent to the Broome County Jail pending arraignment.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies and the Andes Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded at about 1:30 this morning to a 1-car accident on County Highway 1 in the Town of Andes involving an off-duty corrections officer employed by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. 39-year-old Nathan Weaver of Andes fell asleep while driving & left the roadway and colliding with a utility pole and a gas pump at the Tremperskill Country Store before the vehicle overturned on its side. Deputies determined that Weaver was intoxicated, he was charged with DWI, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration in excess of 0.08% and Failure to Keep Right. Weaver faces court action; Sheriff Tom Mills said that Weaver has been suspended without pay pending disciplinary actions.

New York Correctional system workers who have died in the line of duty are being honored. 43 state prison system employees have died on the job since 1861, are being remembered today at a ceremony in Albany, also 5 employees are being honored for outstanding service at the Albany Training academy. Also, the agency's Canine Unit is being recognized today, for detecting contraband being smuggled into prisons.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office & Norwich Police arrested 25-year-old Randy Wilcox of Sherburne for driving while intoxicated, following a 1-car accident in the Town of Sherburne on June 1st. The Wilcox vehicle left its lane of travel and exited the State Hwy 12B, the vehicle struck numerous objects; an eyewitness told police that the vehicle left the scene & continued To Norwich. Wilcox was charged with DWI, he was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court where he was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail, pending future court action.

State Police arrested 49 year old Preston Bryant of Hartwick for 3rd degree Assault, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, and Menacing, after troopers responded to dispute in the Town of Hartwick. Bryant is accused of punching & choking the victim, Bryant was arraigned in the Town of Hartwick court and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond, pending court action on Wednesday. An order of protection was issued against Bryant on behalf of the victim.

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

(Ray Pucci 6-13-17)

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

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 25-year-old Samuel Ackerman of Norwich for criminal contempt. Ackerman was charged following a complaint filed for allegedly violating of an order of protection by sending letters while incarcerated, to a woman who had filed for the Court order. Ackerman is being held in the Chenango County Jail unrelated charges; he faces court action on the new charge shortly.

The SUNY Oneonta University Police Department has named Jennifer Fila as the new campus police chief. Fila was previously the deputy chief at the SUNY Albany University Police, she will start in Oneonta July 12th.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down Sealed Indictments, Deputies arrested 30 year old Nicole Sass of Denver, New York on a the Sealed Indictment Warrant charging her with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, she is accused of selling Hydrocodone in the Village of Margaretville in January of this year. Sass was arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday afternoon and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court action.

The State Legislature has between 5 to 7 more sessions before the official end of the 2017 session, local assemblyman Cliff Crouch would like to see Ethics Reforms get passed this year:

(Cliff Crouch 6-12-17)

Crouch said that entrenched Assembly & Senate leadership since he starting serving in Albany in 1995, have wound up facing various corruption charges, rather than simply returning to the private sector. Former State Senate leaders Joe Bruno, Dean Skelos, Pedro Espada & Hiram Monseratte & Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver have all faces charges & court dates after their runs at the top in Albany.

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

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

State Police arrested 27-year-old Denzil Kelly of Binghamton, for Identity Theft, Criminal Impersonation, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, & Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Interlock Device. Kelly had been driving a vehicle and was stopped for speeding on Place Road in the Town of Windsor in January. During this traffic stop, he is accused of impersonating another person to keep from being arrested. Kelly was driving with a suspended license and his vehicle did not have a court ordered ignition interlock device installed. Kelly was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Job Fair at SUNY Delhi on June 20th, Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO news that the Job Fair is also aimed at recent graduates looking to start careers:

(Ray Pucci 5-31-17)

The Job Fair will be held at SUNY Delhi's Farrell Hall, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

The Delaware County Firefighters Association is conducting their annual fund drive; they are looking to raise money for upgrades at the Charles Cook Fire Training Center in Hamden. Checks can be sent to the Delaware County Firefighters Association at 280 Phoebe Lane, Suite 3, Delhi 13753.

The corruption conviction of late State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton has been vacated. Yesterday, the U.S. Second Circuit court ruled in the appeal of Libous & the corruption conviction was vacated and the fine was ordered returned. Libous was convicted in 2015 of lying to the FBI for allegedly using his political influence to get his son a job with a Westchester County law firm. In October 2015, Libous was sentenced to 6 months house arrest and a $50,000 fine, an appeal was filed in November 2015, and Libous died in May 2016 after a long battle with cancer.

State Lawmakers will return to work in Albany on June 5th, with many bills to be considered before the end of this year's session in Late June. Lawmakers will consider a bill to raise the age of marriage from 14 to 17; also, Governor Cuomo is expected to sign a measure to allow for the start of Ride Sharing services like Uber & Lyft to start in late June, rather than on July 9th.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with several organizations to hold a job fair on June 20th at SUNY Delhi. Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO News that employers are looking to expand, and many people are looking for work:

(Ray Pucci 5-22-17)

Employers looking to participate in the Job Fair can call the County Chamber at 746-2281, the fair will be held on June 20th at SUNY Delhi's Farrell Hall from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for April, the State’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3%. Locally, Chenango County's rate was 5%, Delaware County 5.4% & Otsego County 4.7%

The Environmental Advocates of New York are making a push today in Albany to make clean air & clean water a Constitutional Right. The group cites recent drinking water contamination in Hoosick Falls & on Long Island, plus ongoing air quality concerns in arguing for stronger protections across the state.

State Police received a report of a robbery at the Express Mart at 16 North Road in Windsor. A male suspect handed a note to a clerks demanding money, 2 clerks retreated to the rear of the store and the suspect fled the scene. On Sunday, Police arrested 29-year-old Brandon Birch of Harpursville for Attempted Robbery; Birch was also arrested on an active parole warrant as Birch for violating the conditions of his parole from a conviction for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Birch was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

State Police have issued an AMBER Alert for a child abduction in Cattaraugus County this morning. 12-year-old McKenzie Wilson was abducted at about 5:00 AM in Lyndon by 18-year-old Joshua Monette and 16-year-old John Harvey, they are believed to be armed with handguns, & are driving a stolen red Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck heading east, with New York license number CXA 5836. McKenzie Wilson is a White female, is about 12 years old, with straight, blonde hair and blue eyes, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 100 pounds. The suspect Monette is a White male, approximately 18 years old with short, black hair and brown eyes, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds, Harvey is a White male, approximately 16 years old with brown hair. Anyone with any information is asked to call (866) NYS-AMBER or 911.

Chenango County Officials announced that sometime this afternoon, State Highway 12 south of Sherburne will be closed for up to one hour. This closure will be related to the movement of an oversized/overweight load, and the need to reinforce a bridge for weight distribution just south of the village. Officials said that they were unsure of the exact time for the closure.

Farm Workers are expected to rally in Albany today for the right to unionize. State law currently prohibits farm workers from being able to organize, which workers say leads to harsh conditions & poor treatment; they are urging lawmakers to repeal the law.

State Police arrested 44-year-old John Shapley of Afton for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with passengers less than 16 years old and with a B.A.C. result of .18%, as well as other traffic violations. Troopers responded to a 911 report of an accident on Oak Hill Road in the Town of Afton, Shapley is accused of driving while highly intoxicated, with his two children as passengers, he crossed into the opposing lane and caused another driver to swerve off the roadway, he then struck a mailbox and continued to drive to his home nearby. Shapley was arraigned in the Town of Afton and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $20,000 cash bail or $50,000 property bond.

192 new members of the State Police were added to the force at the 205th session graduation ceremony from the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy this morning in Albany. Trooper Arron Erickson of Jametown will be assigned to Troop C in Sidney:

(Trooper Erickson 5-10-17)

Trooper erickson is one of 35 new troopers that are assigned to Troop C in Sidney.

CDO Workforce, the Delaware County Chamber, SUNY Delhi & others organizations are sponsoring a Job Fair at SUNY Delhi in Farrell Hall on June 20th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Exhibitors who would like to participate in the Job Fair must contact the Delaware County Chamber at 746-2281 to reserve a space.

On Monday, State Police executed a search warrant in the Town of Milford. During the search, a quantity of heroin and cocaine as well as CASH, was seized, & 3 people were arrested on a variety of drug charges. Charged were 28 year old Richard Cushnie of Maryland,  37 year old Keith Blush, of Maryland, NY & 24 year old Kwannasia Barnes of Binghamton, all 3 were arraigned in Town of Milford court & were sent to the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending future court action.

Delaware County Deputies arrested 48-year-old Laura Fagan of Harpersfield Monday on 1 count of Promoting prison contraband. Fagan was being processed into the corrections facility on a separate charge, Corrections Officers found narcotic pills in her personal belongings. Fagan was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Delhi Court.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Annual Awards Gala at the Castle on the Delaware, in Walton on Wednesday, May 17th from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Several awards will be handed out at the Gala, to register and pay online visit delawarecounty.org or call 746-2281.

Fallen police officers from all over New York State are being remembered in Albany today, a Memorial at the Empire State Plaza. 40 more names are being added to the Memorial, 38 of the 40 lost their lives after becoming ill while serving at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade center in New York City in 2001.

The Chenango Health Network’s Financial Assistance Program assists insured & uninsured women in the county, when they have been diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancers, and need help with the cost of treatment. A variety of assistance is available; more information is available at 337-4128.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 28-year-old Hasan Siddiqi of Franklin last Wednesday on charges of Operating a motor vehicle without a headlight, failure to keep right, unlicensed operator, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the 3rd degree. Deputies say this arrest is a result of a traffic stop on State Highway 23 in the Town of Walton. Siddiqi was arraigned in front of Judge Hall at Walton Village Court and was released on his own recognizance.

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.

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.

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.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department responded to 30 Classic Street in Sherburne to investigate complaints of methamphetamine being manufactured at the residence. Officers arrested Andrew Palmer they located several “one pots” & State Police teams responded to conduct a search and cleanup of the area. Methamphetamine & ingredients were recovered, Palmer was charged with Unlawful Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Unlawful Disposal of Methamphetamine Laboratory Equipment, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash bail.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Sunday t a 1 car MVA on Pines Brook Road, in the Town of Walton. Deputies arrested 22 year old Fawn Palladino of Walton, for Aggravated DWI; driving with a BAC of .18% or more, along with several other Vehicle and Traffic violations. Palladino failed to maintain control of her vehicle while turning onto Pines Brook Road; Deputies also arrested 27-year-old Amanda Dente of Walton, for Obstructing Governmental Administration, after she became physically violent with individuals on scene. Both were processed and released with appearance tickets made returnable to the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

This Month is Alcohol & Substance Abuse Awareness month across the nation. Justin Hamm of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County told WCDO News of some disturbing statistics:

(Justin Hamm 4-19-17)

Hamm said that The Council is working with the Delaware County Stop DWI program to bring presentation to area schools, and they will be reviving the "Mock DWI" Crash demonstrations shortly.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Bell Hill Road in the Town of Delhi Monday, for a personal injury Motor vehicle accident. 18 year old Camron Cotto of Ithaca, lost control of his vehicle on a curve causing the vehicle to leave the road and strike a number of trees. Cotto was treated and released from O’Connor Hospital. 24-year-old Jesse-Lee Demarco of Watertown sustained serious head trauma and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, 20-year-old Alex Brimmer of Dexter sustained serious chest and head trauma and was airlifted to Bassett Hospital. 2 other passengers were not injured. The investigation is continuing, charges may be filed.

A State of Pennsylvania resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on a Fugitive from Justice Warrant stemming from two warrants from Pennsylvania. Michael Perry had been released from the Chenango County Correctional Facility on unrelated charges then turn over to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department on the active warrant. Perry was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and remanded back to the Jail, Perry is to reappear in the Chenango County Court at a later date to answer to his charges.

The Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee of the Otsego County Board of Representatives announced that they continue to investigate the situation regarding Sergeant Ros Devlin of the Otsego County Corrections Department, who is also the son of Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin. Ros Devlin was accused of using excessive violence as a corrections officer, he is also accused of making threats, possibly against area schools and the public in general that led to his pistol permit being revoked, and he was banned from being on County Property, and his behavior was being investigated by the County District Attorney’s office, The County’s Labor Attorney, the Sheriff’s Department & State Police. Sheriff Devlin was requested to recuse himself from the investigation due to an obvious conflict of interest, which he initially refused; County officials said that the Sheriff did not advise them of his original disciplinary action until April 10th. The investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 21 year old Alissa Young of Hancock, Thursday for 1 count of Driving While Ability Impaired Drugs plus other charges, Following the report of a vehicle going off the road and into a ditch on State Highway 97 in the Town of Hancock, she was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bail bond. Deputies also arrested Young’s passenger, 26-year-old Anthony Rhinebeck of Hancock, for Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument, he is accused of possessing 3 hypodermic instruments, Rhinebeck was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bail bond.

The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the newly created Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program. This program will provide funding assistance to eligible applicants for projects that seek to attract visitors to Delaware County and enhance the overall tourism industry. Applications for grant assistance must be hand-delivered to the Delaware County Department of Economic Development or postmarked by 5:00pm on May 17th. More information is available at 607-832-5123.

4 Chenango County Farms will benefit following an announcement by Governor Cuomo, to address the impact of climate change on agriculture. The Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $67,716 to work with four farms to plant 1,015 acres of cover crops over a three year period, to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, increase soil organic matter and improve resiliency to the farm from extreme weather conditions like floods & droughts.

State Police arrested 34 year old Rachel Howard of Burlington Flats for the Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a B.A.C. result of .18 and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after a traffic stop when Howard was observed driving across hazard markings while on County Route 22 in the Town of Exeter. An investigation determined that she was driving while highly intoxicated. Howard was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Exeter Court on April 19, 2017.

The New York State Museum is opening a new exhibit on the Empire State's experience in World War I. The exhibit titled "A Spirit of Sacrifice: New York State in the First World War" opens on Saturday, just over a week after the nation marked the 100th anniversary of the United States' entry into the conflict fought from August 1914 to November 1918. The exhibit's highlights include a life-size recreation of a trench on the Western Front. The exhibit at the downtown Albany museum runs through June 3, 2018. More than 500,000 New Yorkers served during WWI, the most of any state. Nearly 14,000 lost their lives.

Today is the last day to sign up for free income tax preparation in Chenango County through the Colgate University Volunteer income tax assistance program. Residents who earned less than $54,000 may be eligible to participate, more information, can be made through Cornell Cooperative Extension at 99 Broad Street in Norwich, at 334-5841. The deadline to file state & federal income taxes is Tuesday April 18th this year.

Governor Cuomo & State health officials held a press conference this morning,  blasting Congressman  Chris Collins of Buffalo and area congressman John Faso for supporting the House Republican health care bill and the push to have the state assume county Medicaid costs.

(Cuomo 3-21-17)

The Governor stated that over 4 years New York State would lose $4.6 billion and lose at least $2.4 billion a year by fiscal year 2020. The Collins-Faso amendment would stop the counties from paying a share of Medicaid, which would cost upstate counties is 2.3 Billion Dollars.

Conference committee activity will continue among lawmakers in Albany through the end of the month, local assemblyman Cliff Crouch has been assigned to serve on some committees, he said that the Agriculture portion of the budget should be favorable this year:

(Crouch 3-21-17)

The Governor's Budget proposal increased spending by 1.9% over last year, with over 152 billion dollars in spending, the deadline to pass the budget is April 1st.

Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting encourages residents to support the State Sheriff's Institute, during their membership drive currently underway. The Sheriffs Institute has numerous programs, including the Sheriff's Summer Camps, the Criminal Justice Scholarship Program & the Victim Notification program. More information is available at sheriffsinstitute.org.

State Police located wanted subject Troy Maloney of Hampton, New Hampshire operating a motor vehicle on Interstate 88 in the Town of Colesville. Maloney was wanted by the State of Massachusetts for Arson to a Dwelling, Troopers stopped the vehicle Maloney was traveling in and arrested him without incident. Maloney was arraigned as a Fugitive From Justice in Town of Colesville Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of bail pending an extradition hearing.