WCDO Radio News

State DMV Commissioner Barbara Fiala of Binghamton is retiring. Fiala served as the Broome County Executive before taking over the DMV in 2011 when she was appointed by Governor Cuomo. A successor for Fiala has not yet been announced.

3 people have been arrested in Binghamton for a recent home invasion burglary. Charged were 25-year-old Christopher Peterson, 36-year-old Bryan Crowningshield and 37-year-old Ariana Edwards of Binghamton, after they allegedly broke into an elderly woman's home Christmas Eve, and stole a large screen TV. A police K9 tracked down the suspects, they were charged with burglary and face court action shortly.

Governor Andrew Cuomo submitted a letter to New York State’s Gaming Commission on Friday to re-open bidding for a ‘true’ Southern Tier Region casino license, which was included in Proposition One which was passed on 2013. Tioga Downs would be a likely spot for a casino, as owners at Traditions in Johnson City have backed out. The gaming commission awarded a “Southern Tier” casino license to Lago in Tyre, about 85 miles north of the Binghamton region.

Public Comments Sought On Draft State Permit Applications For the Proposed Constitution Pipeline Will Be Accepted now through January 30th, 3 Public Meetings to be held in January. Comments can be submitted to Stephen Tomas, DEC Division of Environmental Permits, 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, 12233 or at dec.sm.constitution@dec.ny.gov. Public meetings are scheduled on Monday January 12th at the East Middle School Auditorium, 167 East Frederick Street Binghamton at 6:00 PM. An Oneonta meeting will be held on January 13th at 6:00 pm at the SUNY Oneonta Lecture Hall in IRC #3, & in Cobleskill, Wednesday, January 14th at 6:00 PM at SUNY Cobleskill, Bouck Hall Theater. Copies can be viewed online constitutionpipeline.com.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch stated that the ownership at Traditions and Tioga Downs are working together to bring a Casino to the Southern Tier. Crouch, along with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and State Senator Tom Libous are urging Governor Cuomo to reopen the bidding for a fourth Casino and for this Casino to be granted to the Southern Tier, the siting commission only picked 3 sites for new casinos, with the Southern Tier choice about 85 miles north of Binghamton in Seneca county. The plan for this bid was jointly presented at a press conference Tuesday at Traditions.

State Senator Tom Libous is calling on the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board, and the Governor to reconsider the Southern Tier's 2 applications for the fourth authorized casino license, at a press conference Friday in Binghamton:

(Libous 12-22-14)

Libous said that the chosen Tyre site is closer to Canada than it is to Binghamton, he said that the original casino siting legislation allows up to 2 licenses in each region.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation opening the door for growing and researching industrial hemp in New York. The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, creates an agriculture pilot program to study ways to cultivate and manufacture products with the multi-use crop. It passed both houses of the State Legislature in the spring. Colleges and universities, including Cornell, Binghamton University, may take part in New York's research program.

Governor Cuomo announced the release of proposed regulations for the State’s medical marijuana program, which would require that certificates be issued only by physicians who have registered with the State Department of Health and received training. Patients with serious medical conditions would be certified by their physicians before applying for the registry identification card needed to receive medical marijuana. Entities that wish to manufacture and distribute medical marijuana would apply to DOH, and pay a $10,000 application fee for the review. The public will have 45 days to comment on the proposed regulations starting December 31st, A copy of the proposed regulations can be found on the Department of Health’s website health.ny.gov.

A.m. news Friday 12-19-14
Governor Cuomo announced the release of proposed regulations for the State

Governor Cuomo today announced that $26.8 million in State Funding is being awarded to 38 rail and aviation safety, security and Economic development projects across the State. $17.8 million in funding will go for rail upgrades, locally, the Syracuse, Binghamton and New York Railroad Corporation of Cooperstown received $262,600, New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad of Cooperstown received $2.3 million for improving rails, ties and surfacing & the Central New York Railroad of Cooperstown received $3.1 million to rehabilitate railroad track in Delaware and Broome Counties.

Governor Cuomo signed a bill to increase protections for pets across New York State. The bill prohibits the piercing or tattooing of all pets, including cats and dogs, to protect the animals from unnecessary harm, yet still allows the use of piercing and tattooing for identification purposes only, or where the piercing provides a medical benefit to the animal & is performed by a licensed veterinarian. The law will take effect in 120 days; Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton sponsored it in the State senate.

Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 33-year-old Tyrone Middleton & 38-year-old Angela Cooley of Binghamton, on drug charges. The 2 are accused of possessing crack cocaine packaged for sale, they were charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 1 one count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. Both were arraigned in City of Binghamton Court this morning.

Governor Cuomo launched a statewide toy, coat and school supplies holiday giving drive to benefit families in need throughout New York. The Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations across the state for businesses and individuals to bring the toys, coats and school supplies, which will be distributed to families in need. The drop-off locations will collect donations through December 19.The drop-off locations include the Binghamton State office building at 44 Hawley Street

State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton will remain the #2 Republican in the Senate leadership despite lingering cancer issues & legal problems. Libous told WCDO News that the state is moving in the right direction and he enjoys being a part of it:

(Libous 11-18-14)

Libous still faces a charge of lying to the FBI in a case involving his son receiving a job at a politically connected law firm, he also continues to undergo cancer treatments, which he tries to schedule around his hectic schedule.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & State Police arrested 32-year-old Christopher Eisele of Walton on an arrest warrant issued by the Town of Walton Justice Court on charges of 3rd degree Criminal Mischief & 3rd degree Criminal Trespass. Also arrested was 31 year old Laura Heslin of Binghamton on an arrest warrant for 3rd degree Criminal Trespass & & on a warrant for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle. Both subjects were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond

Members of the public learned how to administer Naloxone, a medication that counters the effects of drug overdose, during a free training session yesterday at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. Lourdes Hospital's Youth Services Program in Binghamton hosted the free training session along with the Southern Tier AIDS Program. The medication is intended to revive someone experiencing an overdose of drugs like heroin, oxycodone, methadone and Vicodin. Lourdes has planned another session for December 9th.

The State DEC, Cornell University & the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed emerald ash borer Beatle in both Westchester and Broome counties. The beetle was found in DEC-deployed traps just north of the city of Peekskill in Westchester County, and southeast of Binghamton in Broome County. The DEC urges residents and municipalities to inventory their ash trees and inspect them for signs of infestation. Homeowners and municipalities can contact the nearest DEC Forestry Office for technical assistance and management recommendations to prepare for the latest threat. More information is available at DEC.Ny.Gov.

One of the bigger races locally this year is in the 52nd state senate district, where incumbent Republican Tom Libous of Binghamton is facing a challenge from Democrat Anndrea Starzak. Starzak told WCDO News that her 3 terms as Vestal Town Supervisor gives her a good understanding of what Albany needs to do for the district:

(Anndrea Starzak 10-31-14)

Senator Libous told WCDO News that he has the strong local ties and the clout in Albany to continue to help the 52nd district:

(Tom Libous 10-31-14)

The 52nd district covers Broome as well as much of Chenango & Tioga counties plus Deposit & Hancock in Delaware County.

An autopsy conducted at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton on 26-year-old Derek Prindle of Afton determined that the cause of death was from a gunshot wound to the chest, the death ruled as a homicide. State police are looking of eyewitnesses to the shooting in the parking lot of Peak Fitness in the town of Bainbridge Monday between 1:00 & 1:30 PM; they can call Troop C at 561-7400. Former New York City police officer and John Guzy of Bainbridge has been charged with 2nd degree murder, he is being held in the Chenango county jail without bail pending court action Friday.

State Police announced that 16 year old Paige Lott-Urich of Endwell has been located in the Binghamton area and in good health. the 16 year old was reported missing since July 16th, she was locate after a flurry of calls & activity following a posting by State Police on their Facebook page.

State Police CNET Unit and Vestal Police Department arrested 38 year old Kendall Smith of Binghamton after a search warrant led to the seizure of 245 packages of heroin, packaging materials and cash. Smith was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Smith was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

State Police & Vestal Police arrested 21 year old Kenneth Godfrey of Binghamton for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell. Members of CNET and the Vestal Police Department executed a search warrant on Godfrey, his vehicle and residence last Wednesday, seizing 371 envelopes of heroin, & cash. Godfrey was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

YES! Safe Choices for Kids, from Senator Libous and Lourdes, will host over 500 students from across the Southern Tier at their YES! Ignites Training today at the Binghamton DoubleTree from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. YES! Leaders are trained to provide substance abuse prevention education to elementary school students, from Afton, Bainbridge-Guilford, Chenango Valley, Norwich, Windsor & other Broome & Chenango County school districts. Senator Libous will kick off the opening session with introductory remarks.

Broadway in Binghamton & NAC Entertainment announced that “SISTER ACT” will be performed at the Forum Theater on Sunday, November 23rd for 2 shows at 3:00 & 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale this morning at 10:00 AM at the Arena Box Office.

13th District Broome County Legislator Anthony Fiala said he would not resign from office, he admitted to driving drunk & pleaded guilty earlier this month after he hit a bicyclist in Binghamton and left the scene. He is the son of Barbara Fiala, who now serves as state commissioner of the DMV.

Tonight at the Floyd Maines Veterans memorial Arena in Binghamton, it will be PINK AT THE RINK with the Binghamton senators & the Portland Pirates, PRESENTED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER. Game time is 7:05 PM with $2.00 DONATED per ticket to the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. The B-Sens uniforms will be pink in honor of breast cancer awareness and they will be auctioned off after the game.

Students don't have to wait for a college tour to learn more about their higher education options. The 43rd Greater Binghamton College Day gives students a chance to speak to representatives from more than 175 colleges, universities, military groups and financial institutions. Tonight's session runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Broome County Arena in Binghamton. College Day is free and open to the public. For more information, visit greaterbinghamtoncollegeday.org.

The New York State Office of General Services will hold surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auctions locally today & tomorrow. Auctions will be at 9:30 this morning at NYS Department of Transportation, 241 Colesville Road, Binghamton & at 1:30 today at the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities at 249 Glenwood Road, Binghamton. Tomorrow’s auction will be at 9:30 AM at SUNY Delhi and 1:30 PM at the State Police Troop C headquarters on Route 7 in Sidney. A listing of auctions is on line at nysstore.com; specific items and terms of sale are at ogs.ny.gov.

The FBI has ranked the cities of new York state, in regards to their crime rates, amount of law enforcement, paroled Sex Offenders and other factors, to determine the most dangerous cities to live in. Niagara Falls was named the most dangerous City in New York, followed by Schenectady, Newburgh, Rochester, Gloversville, Buffalo, Jamestown, Albany, then and Binghamton & Auburn.

State Troopers from Deposit arrested 26-year-old Naylisha Harrell of Binghamton for False Personation. Harrell is accused of driving at about 92 miles an hour in a 65 miles an hour zone on State Route 17 in the town of Sanford & allegedly identified herself by a false name to keep the Trooper from finding out about her suspended license. Harrell was issued tickets to the Town of Sanford Court on November 24th.

22-year-old Julian Talamantez was sentenced Friday in Broome county court to 40 years in prison for 1st degree murder and 1st degree attempted murder, in connection with the attack on 22-year-old Jordan Dordell and his 19-year-old pregnant girlfriend in Binghamton. Talamantez and 25-year-old Nigel Saunders are accused of breaking into the Dordell home & beating, stabbing & setting fire to the victims, Dordell was killed and his fiancée was injured. Saunders faces trial on the same charges shortly.

Broome County sheriff's department arrested 31-year-old Christopher Wolfson of Binghamton & 23 year old Sierra Barnett of Binghamton on drug charges following a traffic stop in the town of Chenango where Heroin was discovered in the vehicle. Wolfson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Barnett was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, both were remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility without bail pending future court proceedings.

The Binghamton Senators, American Hockey League affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, announced its roster for Opening Night this Saturday against the Worcester Sharks. The B-Sens opening night team will consist of 23 players, with many of last year's favorites returning according to team president Tom Mitchell:

(Tom Mitchell 10-11-14)

Tickets for Opening Night are still available through the Binghamton Senators Executive office at 722 SENS, the Arena Box Office or through Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000 or at binghamtonsenators.com.

The Broadway Theater League presents the first play of the season at the Forum Theater in Binghamton. "Jekyll & Hyde" will have 2 performances at the forum Sunday at 3:00 and 7:30 PM; more information is available at Broadway in Binghamton.com. Tickets are still available at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000.

Broome County legislator Anthony Fiala was arraigned in Binghamton City Court Thursday morning for DWI following a crash with a bicyclist on October 2nd. Fiala allegedly hit a bicyclist with his vehicle and left the scene, he refused a breathalyzer test. Fiala pleaded guilty Thursday morning, he was given a conditional discharge for one year. Fiala’s driver’s license was revoked for six months and he was ordered to install an interlock device in his vehicle, he was also ordered to pay a $500 fine & a court surcharge of $395.