WCDO Radio News

A.M. NEWS Friday 3-6-26

Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 44 year old Christopher West of Deposit following the report of copper piping stolen from a house while the residents were out of town. On Tuesday, deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at a residence on Yarnes Road in the Town of Colesville, the vehicle was registered to West, Deputies confirmed with the homeowner that no one was allowed to be in the residence. West was located in the basement and was taken into custody without incident. Copper pipes were found to have been cut, West was charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief & Possession of Burglar Tools, he was processed and remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility.

The State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities will be holding walk in interviews for those interested in positions with the Department, today from 12:00 to 3:00 PM on March 6th at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, spokesman Joe Ramsey explains:

(Joe Ramsey 2-25-26)

More information is available by calling 607-240-4786 or by email Broome.Careers@opwdd.ny.gov.

Bassett Healthcare Network's FoxCare Center is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross today, from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM, at the Conference Room 1 at FoxCare Center in Oneonta. Appointments are available by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities will be holding walk in interviews for those interested in positions with the Department, on March 6th at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, spokesman Joe Ramsey explains:

(Joe Ramsey 2-25-26)

More information is available by calling 607-240-4786 or by email Broome.Careers@opwdd.ny.gov.

36 year old Samantha Green of Binghamton was sentenced in Broome County Court to serve up to 6 years in State Prison following her conviction for 3rd degree Burglary. On May 1, 2025, in Binghamton, City Police Officers responded to a report of a burglary at 100 Chenango Street, officers reviewed surveillance footage from the location and recognized the Defendant as Green, footage showed her leaving a short time later with bags & a suitcase. Green stole numerous items including an IPAD from the victim, who is both blind and deaf, and used it as the only means of communication.

State Police responded to multiple accidents due to the weather again this morning, this morning at about 3:15 am., Troopers were dispatched to I-81 in the town of Cortlandville, the investigation revealed that a Greyhound bus was traveling northbound on I-81, it was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Cheikh Mohamed Lem Abedouty of Virginia, the bus slowed following the initial collision, it was subsequently rear-ended by a car operated by Tyreck Hunte of Endicott, who did not initially stop but later reported the crash to Troopers. Abedouty was transported to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, where he was treated and released. Hunte was not injured, The operator of the bus, Kimberly Poole of Philadelphia, did not report any injuries. None of the 43 passengers on board reported injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

ACHIEVE in Norwich gave a tour of their new facility at East Main Street in Norwich yesterday, the renovated facility will offer a 200 capacity multi-purpose meeting space, a cafe & kitchen for job skills training, a nursing station, Hoyer Lift Systems and a community center. Achieve is a non-profit organization that provIdes support & services to more than 2200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Broome, Chenango & Tioga Counties, more information is available at achieveny.org.

The 213th State Police Academy Graduation, will be held on Thursday, at 11:00 AM at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany. 232 new Troopers will graduate from the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy, they will then be assigned to the Troop following graduation.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 31 year old Cachet Fernandez of Sidney on a sealed indictment arrest warrant issued out of the Delaware County Court. On Friday Morning, Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies, located and identified Fernandez, he was turned over to the custody of Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies. The Delaware County Court issued a sealed indictment arrest warrant, stemming from Fernandez allegedly not reporting his new residence as a registered Sex Offender to the proper authorities upon moving. Fernandez was remanded to the Delaware County Jail to await arraignment in Delaware County Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 7-27-22

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded Tuesday morning at the abandoned Vestal Hills Country Club, for the report of a person being shot with a Bow & Arrow. Deputies found 23-year-old Bayso Vannavongsa of Binghamton early Tuesday morning in the parking lot of the Country Club with a non-life threatening wound to his chest. He was transported to Wilson Hospital for evaluation. State police attempted to stop the vehicle that allegedly left the scene, and the 2 occupants, Savannah Perry and Carson Vanco of Endicott, fled but were found on Powderhouse Road. Police accuse Vanco of shooting the arrow at Vannavongsa, The investigation is on-going and criminal charges are expected.

Sidney Rotary Club & Cullman Child Developmental Center of Sidney continue to gain popularity with their free summer events, Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert said that their recent Dairy Day event was very successful, and they anticipate similar attendance at the "Big Rig Event" August 6th:

(Larry Halbert 7-27-22)

Halbert said that the event will be held at the Cullman Center at 90 West Road in Sidney, more information is available at the Sidney Rotary Facebook Page, or by calling 563-PLAY.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 7-27-22

The World Health Organization declared the international monkeypox outbreak a global emergency, & the State Department of Health continues to monitor the current monkeypox outbreak.   Chenango County Department of Public Health Director Isaiah Sutton told WCDO News that they are prepared if a case is confirmed locally:

(Isaiah Sutton 7-26-22)

Sutton said that anyone with symptoms of monkeypox should first call their health care provider, more information is also available by calling the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 27-year-old Brandon Hamilton of Binghamton will serve 9 years in prison after pleading guilty to robbery in the second degree, escape in the second degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. He will also serve five years post-release supervision. Hamilton admitted to stealing a car from a female by pepper-spraying her and then leaving in her vehicle in the parking lot of the Oakdale Mall. He was later arrested in Vestal a short time after the robbery where he attempted to escape from police.

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that 32 year old Zeke Wilmarth of Binghamton was sentenced to 15 years in prison for an attempted killing of a woman for an incidnet in Vestal in July of 2021. Wilmarth had pleaded guilty to attempted murder, 1st degree assault, possession of a weapon and strangulation, He will also serve five years post-release supervision.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group will be holding a Park & Playground Opening & Mural Exhibit at the park Sunday, from 11:30 to 4:00 PM. Sidney Center Improvement Group Spokesman Mike Sellitti explains:

(Mike Sellitti 7-1-22)

Sellitti said that the much of the playground is on order & is expected to arrive & be installed soon, he said that the Sidney Center Improvement Group will also pick up with other projects that were stalled by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Springbrook has finalized the purchase of the Ford Block buildings from 186 to 212 Main Street in Oneonta, the $8.9 million project will keep existing retail space on the lower floors while the upper two stories will be converted into 24 affordable, market-rate residential units, with 4 units reserved as integrated housing for people receiving services from the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Renovations will also revive the pass-through area from the municipal parking lot to Main Street.

State Police reported that 27 citations were issued during an Operation Hard Hat detail in Broome County Thursday. Troopers were set up while workers completed bridge work along Interstate 81 in Binghamton; they issued 19 tickets for speeding, 2 for violating seatbelt laws, & 6 for other violations.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 2 people Tuesday after Deputies responded to a burglary reported in the Town of Hamden. The home owner's Video captured 2 subjects, 1 with a handgun, who forcefully entered the home. Randy Hawkins of Morris was taken into custody by State Police; George Klinger was taken into custody at his Morris residence by members of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and State Police. Officers executed a search warrant at Hawkins’ and Klinger’s Morris residence and recovered a quantity of firearms, ammunition and other property reported stolen in recent Delaware County burglaries. Hawkins and Klinger were charged with 1st degree burglary and criminal use of a firearm, they were arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court, Hawkins was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $75,000 cash bail and Klinger was remanded on $40,000 cash bail. The investigation is on-going and more arrests are anticipated.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-20-21

The Rotary Club of Sidney and the Cullman Developmental Center will hold an event for children this Sunday, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, "The Buzz about Honeybees" will be held at Keith Clark Park on River Street in Sidney, Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert told WCDO News that it is a safe event for the children:

(Larry Halbert 8-20-21)

Halbert said that the children in attendance will see honeybees contained behind a glass enclosure, & they will get samples of honey to take home.

NYSEG crews continue to try to restore power that was lost due to storms earlier in the week that knocked down trees & power lines.  This afternoon, about 1900 were without power in Broome County & about 30 in Delaware & Chenango Counties.

The Rotary Club of Sidney and the Cullman Developmental Center are teaming up to create a series of events for area children this summer, the 1st is this Sunday at Sidney Veterans Memorial Park from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, with the Family of Heroes Event,  Rotary Spokesman Larry Halbert explains;

(Larry Halbert 7-9-21)

Halbert said that other events will be held on July 25th & August 7th & 22nd.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year-old
Christina Townsend of Port Crane for 3rd degree Grand Larceny &
Scheming to Defraud,  following an
investigation by Sheriff’s Deputies and Broome Developmental Center staff into
on-going thefts from residents by an employee.
Townsend is accused of engaging in an ongoing scheme while employed at a
Franklin residential facility that resulted in the theft of more than $12,000
from developmentally disabled residents.
Townsend was arraigned at the Town of Franklin Court and was released
upon her own recognizance pending future court proceedings

The State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
today announced the award of more than $5.1 million in funding to establish 14
new recovery community centers across New York State, and expand services at
two existing recovery centers. Funding is administered by the Office of Alcoholism
& Substance Abuse and its fiscal partner, the Research Foundation for
Mental Hygiene.  In the Southern Tier,
The Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, will receive $350,000.

Delaware County Public Health Services and Friends of
Recovery of Delaware Otsego will be sponsoring a Recovery Coach Academy &
Ethical Considerations training during the week of March 25th-March 30th in
Delhi and Margaretville.   The 30 hour
training covers the Connecticut Center for Addiction Recovery model for peer
specialist roles and responsibilities.
This Recovery Coach Academy includes all course materials. Scholarships
are available, more information or registration is available at 267-4435 or by
email at sarah@friendsofrecoverydo.org

A Delaware County jury acquitted Jeffrey Hitchcock of Sidney
Center Friday, for charges of sexual abuse & endangering the welfare of a
minor.  Hitchcock had been accused of
inappropriately touching an 11 year old female; the jury took a little over 4
hours to find Hitchcock not guilty of the charges.

State Police arrested 31 year old Anthony Heath of Oneonta for endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person & harassment with physical contact. Heath is accused of abusing patients will working at the Broome developmental Center in Oxford; he will answer to the charges in Oxford Court April 23rd.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division arrested 30 year old Lance Weiss of Harpursville for Unauthorized Use of a Computer. Weiss is accused of using a computer at a business in Broome County without permission, to access a pornographic website, he was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Computer, he faces court action at a later date.

A Binghamton man was sent to the Broome County Jail after leading deputies on a chase Monday. Broome County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division and the Warrant Unit attempted to take 31-year-old Kenneth Boyd into custody, he was spotted in a vehicle in a parking lot in the town of Fenton, when Boyd was approached, he took off & a pursuit continued through the Colesville, into Chenango County and back into Colesville. Deputies set up sticks to flatten the tires & a Taser was used to bring Boyd into custody. A passenger 30 year old Tiffany Hemion, attempted to drive off, she was taken into custody. Both were arraigned Boyd was sent to the Broome County Jail to await further action in Broome County Court. Hemion was released on her own recognizance and ordered to appear in the Town of Fenton Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo announced the grand opening of The SBH Binghamton Evaluation Center in Building 1 on the Broome County Developmental Center campus, at 249 Glenwood Road in Binghamton. The facility will include 50 Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization beds and will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services is providing $1.5 million in annual operational funding for the program. Syracuse Behavioral Health was selected as the facility operator through a Broome County Request for Proposals process.

After 15 years of absence, Broome County is once again home to African Lions. A new cub recently came to reside at Animal Adventure Park, The female cub is 3 months old, its addition will be will be celebrated on World Lion Day, Friday, August 10th, with the celebrations continuing throughout the weekend.

The Broome County Legislature approved the proposal to accept $3 million dollars in state money to help turn the former Broome Developmental Center into an Opioid Crisis center operated by a Syracuse Healthcare group. The center could be open as soon as next month, and could treat up to 3200 patients suffering from Opioid Addictions.

25-year old Danielle Agosto of Endicott faces several charges, for allegedly fracturing the skull of a 3 year old. Agosto was charged with assault & Endangering the welfare of a child for the attack that occured in October. Agosto is being held in the Broome County Jail.

28-year old Robert Mikulski of Endicott was arrested on Saturday on robbery and drug charges, after he allegedly tried to rob Matt's Barber shop located in Endicott Saturday afternoon. Mikulski was taken into custody a few blocks away after fleeing on foot, he was found to possess methamphetamine and heroin. Mikulski was arraigned & was sent to the Broome County Jail pending additional court action.

An American Red Cross Blood drive is being held today in Broome County, in honor of Trooper Christopher Skinner, who was fatally hit by a car during a traffic stop on I-81 in 2014. The Blood drives for the general public will be held today from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM, at the 5 Mile Point Fire Company in Kirkwood, the Binghamton State Office Building on Hawley Street & a Blood drive for State Troopers and their families will be held at the Trooper Barracks in Kirkwood. Those wishing to doante can make an appointment with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

The Broome County legislature is expected to vote today on the proposal to turn the former Broome Developmental Center into an Opioid Crisis center operated by a Syracuse Healthcare group. The center could be open as soon as next month, and could treat up to 3200 patients suffering from Opioid Addictions.

The Broome County Legislature has tabled a vote on accepting state funding for the proposed opioid addiction center being opened in the former Broome Developmental Center. The State had offered 2.7 Million dollars toward start up costs at the facility, which was scheduled to open early next year. Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare is scheduled to operate the facility.

State Senator Fred Akshar and Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch have released answers to the many questions posed by the community regarding the planned repurposing of the former Broome Developmental Center to bring new Addiction Treatment Services to the community. The document compiles questions raised at the October 26th Town Hall Meeting, with answers from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, the Broome County Department of Social Service and the Broome County Health Department. The document can be found at Akshar.NYSenate.Gov; nyassembly.gov/Donna Lupardo or nyassembly.gov/Clifford Crouch.

The Delaware County Solid Waste Management will hold an open house at the Solid waste center in Hamden tomorrow morning. Solid Waste Coordinator Sue McIntyre explains:

(Sue McIntyre 11-15-17)

McIntyre also said that the department's ten-year plan is available for viewing & public comment, it can be found on the Delaware county Website

State Senator Fred Akshar, & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch will hold a public Town Hall Meeting today, to discuss the ongoing repurposing of the Broome Developmental Center to provide substance abuse treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. Officials from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, Broome County Department of Social Services and the Broome County Health Department will answer questions and address concerns related to the repurposing project. The event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Chenango Valley High School.

State Senator Fred Akshar & Assembly Members Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch will hold a public Town Hall Meeting to discuss the repurposing of the Broome Developmental Center to provide substance abuse treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. Officials from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Syracuse Behavioral Health, Broome County Department of Social Services and the Broome County Health Department will answer questions and address concerns related to the repurposing project. The Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Chenango Valley High School at 221 Chenango Bridge Rd.

The Broome County Task Force announced that 2 people were arrested in a drug bust in Kirkwood, with officers seizing crystal meth, packaged heroin with fenantyl, cocaine, Marijuana & suboxone and $3800 in cash. 32-year-old Sean Donahue of Kirkwood and 31 year old Victoria Morgan of Binghamton were sent to the Broome County jail after being charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Broome County Executive Jason Garner announced this morning the establishment of a drug treatment center at the former Broome Developmental Center site. Garner announced that Syracuse Behavioral Health Care would run the facility to help those battling opioid addiction.

State Senator Fred Akshar will host “Face Time with Fred” in Conklin Saturday. Senator Akshar invites community members to an informal, in-person town hall meeting to listen to their concerns. The event will be held from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Floyd Maines Community Center, 956 Conklin Road.

The Office For People with Developmental Disabilities & CSEA announced that a Civil Service test would be administered in Oneonta Wednesday Afternoon, for many open positions to assist those in need. CSEA Spokesman Dave Jenkins explains:

(Dave Jenkins 9-26-17)

The test will be given at 5:00 PM at 28 Hill Street, to enroll to take the exam, area residents can call 240-4786 or email opwdd.sm.broome.jobs@opwdd.ny.gov.

Bassett Medical Center is Offering Free Depression Screenings with a Bassett psychotherapist in recognition of National Depression Screening Day. The event will be held Thursday, October 5th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bassett's Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic in Cooperstown. There is no cost for screenings; the service is funded by the Kathryn Tamara Harmon Fund, more information is available at 547-3660.

Many Job openings are available through the State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities throughout the Southern Tier. Dave Jenkins of the CSEA comments:

(Dave Jenkins 9-19-17)

A civil Service test will be given on Wednesday September 27 at 5:00 PM At the Otsego Regional Center at 28 Hill Street at the Oneonta Job Core Complex, more information is available at 240-4786.

State Police arrested 27-year-old Kenneth DeGroat Jr., of Windsor, for DWI, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Resting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration and other traffic violations. This arrest occurred after troopers responded to a motorcycle accident on Foley Road in Windsor, where the driver had been given a ride to a nearby gas station and left his motorcycle at the scene. DeGroat had been driving with a suspended license, and did not have a court ordered ignition interlock device, he also refused to submit to a breath test. DeGroat was arraigned in the Town of Windsor Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail set.

The state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs office announced the arrest of 29-year-old Michael Scott of Binghamton for endangering a person with special needs in his care. Scott is accused of pushing the victim to the ground, and kicking the victim several times in February at the HCA’s Kirkwood facility. Scott was placed on administrative leave, & was arraigned in Kirkwood Town Court and was released on his own recognizance.

State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, Binghamton University Police, Binghamton Police, and the Broome County SIU Task Force arrested 21 year old Bryan Shin of Binghamton, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after Shin was found to be in possession of approximately 1000 pills and powder containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, a digital scale and packaging material. The street value of the recovered drugs was estimated to be approximately $10,000. Shin was arraigned in the City of Binghamton Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The Arc Otsego will host a free Self-Direction Information Session on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta. The informational session will be led by Cynthia Spann and Vanessa Smith, from The Broome Developmental Disabilities Regional Office, Pre-registration ends later today at 267-3210.

Lawmakers managed to get a new State budget enacted about 7 days late, State Senator Jim Seward commented:

(Seward 4-11-17)

The Budget Boosts Funding For The Tuition Assistance Program, Secures Funding for Improvements at BELLEAYRE Mountain Ski Center, Special SUNY Impact Aid For The Cities OF Cortland & Oneonta, plus key agricultural programs, & pay increases for Direct Care workers

A special meeting for Afton Village Residents meeting will be held on Sunday, April 23rd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Bolster Community Center, on Main Street. Residents will hear about 2 grants that could benefit the Village, residents can ask questions and give your feedback and ideas, to the consultants from GeoEco Design, as they discuss their Economic Revitalization Strategic Plan. More information is available at 639-4849.

The Arc Otsego will host a free Self-Direction Information Session on Thursday, April 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta. The informational session will be led by Cynthia Spann and Vanessa Smith, from The Broome Developmental Disabilities Regional Office, they will discuss what self-direction is, what can be included in self-directed supports and services, and provides an overview of the process of becoming truly self-directed. Pre-registration by Tuesday, April 25th is requested; more information or pre-registration is available at 267-3210.

Delaware County Public Health is offering free one day training today from 8:30am-3:00 PM at SUNY Delhi, for therapists, parents, and educators. The morning session “Get Your Game On!” explores the power for play-based instruction through the implementation of cooperative learning games and identify the developmental benefits for individuals. The afternoon session titled Sensational Sensory Experiences-Enhancing Learning Opportunities through Sensory Play, to recognize the benefits of intentionally creating sensory experiences for individuals with sensory needs. Each session has includes “make and takes”, all supplies are provided.

Broome County Sheriff’s department reported that 1 person was killed when a disabled Jeep was struck by a tractor-trailer at 1:30 this morning on state Route 17 near Windsor. Deputies reported that a disabled Jeep stopped in the right lane of the highway was rear-ended by a tractor trailer, the Jeep & the tractor Trailer both went over an embankment. The Jeep's driver was pronounced dead at the scene, the identity of the driver has not been released pending family notification. The tractor trailer driver suffered head injuries and was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital, the investigation is continuing.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26-year-old Jennifer Hinman of Sidney following a burglary investigation in the town of Sanford. Hinman is accused of unlawfully entering a home & taking property from the home on May 18th. Hinman was charged with 2nd degree burglary, she was arraigned in Fenton town court and released on her own recognizance.

The State Economic Development Council announced that Otsego Now has been named a recipient of several 2016 Marketing, Literature and Promotion Awards. The awards will be presented at the Awards Banquet Tonight at the 2016 NYSEDC Annual Meeting in Cooperstown. Otsego Now was honored as Best in Class for its fiscal year 2014 Annual Report, & they received a Certificate of Excellence for its Workforce Training Center brochure, and an Honorable Mention for its web site at www.otsegonow.com.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch And the Assembly Task Force on the Developmentally Disabled will hold a meeting today at SUNY Broome Decker Health Sciences Center Room 201, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Crouch comments about the meeting:

(Crouch 4-14-16)

Crouch said that the state has been closing homes for the developmental disabled and putting them into smaller group home facilities, which may be detrimental to those who were previously cared for at Broome Developmental & other larger scale facilities with many more amenities, friends & staff available.

2 Broome county residents have been charged with 2nd degree murder after a New York City man was found dead in Binghamton. A grand jury has handed up an indictment against Ariana Edwards and Bradley Miles, in connection with the murder of Michael Thomas in August 2015. Thomas, of New York City, was found dead in September inside an apartment at 11 Mather Street. Miles will be arraigned on the charges in Broome County Court Thursday.

The State Inspector general’s office announced that 27-year-old Timothy Green of South New Berlin pleaded guilty to 3rd degree Grand Larceny in Chenango County court. Green will serve six months in jail and five years under probation supervision. He received pay of more than $39,000 for hours he never worked, at the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will be sponsoring two conferences on Epigenetics and Breastfeeding with keynote speaker Larry Noble on Thursday, March 31st. The public is invited to register for either the FoxCare Center at 7:30 am to 9:30 am at SUNY Delhi’s Okun Theatre from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Registration is available at 865-6531 or email nc225@cornell.edu.

The Broome County Sheriff's responded to 4 Light Road in the Town of Colesville on January 1st, for a reported fight. The suspects were eventually determined to be father and son Robert Woodward the 3rd & Robert Woodward the 4th, both arrested and charged with assault, they will appear in the Town of Colesville Court on a later date to answer to the charges.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced that people with developmental disabilities would now be able to open tax-exempt savings accounts because of a bill that he supported and was signed into law by the governor at the end of December 2015. Crouch said that these accounts would help pay for education, health care, housing, transportation and other needs that they may have. Crouch said that family members and friends of the owner of the account would be able to contribute to it.

Sidney Center Improvement Group announced that they will be releasing a booklet shortly about the Carr's creek watershed & their efforts for a more sanitary & fiscally responsible way to deal with wastewater. Group Spokesman Mike Sellitti comments:

(Sellitti 1-8-16)

Sellitti said that they have received Grants from the Chose Clean Water Coalition, & they will also be continuing with their annual clean up days to remove debris and other obstacles from the Carr’s Creek Watershed

State Police arrested 49-year-old Timothy Roche of Binghamton, for 1st degree Attempted Rape & Unlawful Imprisonment. Roche was arraigned in the Town of Binghamton Court and remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail. More details are expected to be released shortly & the Investigation is continuing.

State Police arrested 21-year-old Noel Smith of Binghamton, for endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person & Sexual Abuse. Troopers received a report of sexual abuse by an employee at the Broome Developmental Center in the Town of Dickinson; Smith is accused of sexually abusing an adult client. Smith was issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Dickinson Court on August 4th.

The State DOT today announced that the right lane on I-81 northbound near the Exit 5 interchange at Front Street will be closed to through-traffic beginning at 12 Noon on Friday through 11:00 AM Monday for the Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally. I-81 northbound through-traffic will be shifted to the left and center lanes near Exit 5, the right lane will be used as a dedicated acceleration lane for Exit 5 northbound on-ramp traffic for shuttle busses to enter and exit the highway at the Spiedie Fest. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution during Spiedie Fest, & they should be observant of slow moving traffic and sudden stops as high traffic volumes are anticipated.

Delaware County Public Health, Early Childhood Direction Center, and Family Enrichment Network announced a conference on May 21st, at the Okun Theatre at SUNY Delhi featuring Lindsey Biel, regarding children's sensory processing issues, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental challenges. The event will begin at 9:00 AM; registration is requested by email to rebecca.gardner@co.delaware.ny.us or by calling 832-5200.

Governor Cuomo announced a partnership between New York State and Project Lifesaver International to provide life-saving equipment and training for 50 law enforcement agencies to assist in missing child searches, for children with Autism, Down syndrome or another type of cognitive impairment that puts them at risk for wandering or becoming lost. 596 personal transmitters will be provided to agencies through an agreement between the state Division of Criminal Justice Services and Project Lifesaver. Sheriffs’ offices in the following 21 counties will receive transmitters, including Broome County, sheriffs’ offices that already partner with Project Lifesaver will each receive 11 transmitters to add to their existing supply, including in
Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego counties locally.

Foothills Performing Arts Center will host Dr. K's Motown Revue this Friday Night at 7:00 PM. Foothills Executive Director Bill Youngs said that there will be a special treat after the show:

(Bill Youngs 9-15-14)

Tickets are available at FoothillsPAC.org or at the theater Box office on Market Street in Oneonta.

Broome County Executive Debbie Preston will present her proposed 2015 budget tonight before a special session of the legislature. The proposal will be the first draft of the spending plan that will fund county government next year. Last year, a 1.8 percent property tax increase was adopted for the $376 million 2014 budget. Preston would not say whether another increase is being proposed for 2015

US Senator Chuck Schumer wants to ban 10 flame-retardants found in items such as children's toys. A Duke University study found flame-retardants in upholstered furniture and children's products like toys, pajamas & pillows to be highly toxic. the chemicals have been linked to developmental delays & rare cancers in firefighters as well as cancers and hormone disruption in children. Schumer’s bill would also require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to study all other flame-retardants to identify other potential dangers

The state Senate approved legislation, to postpone for two years, Cuomo administration plans to close state institutions for the disabled and mentally ill. The bill would postpone closures and consolidations of four facilities operated by the Office of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities until April 1, 2017. Sponsors say more time is needed to put appropriate safety nets in place. The bill sponsors represent Binghamton, where the Broome Development Center is scheduled to close in 2016. The bill moves to the assembly for consideration as the state Legislature is scheduled to wrap up their session this week

Governor Cuomo announced changes yesterday to the mental health situation in the southern tier, with a new plan to keep much of the existing services going, and add new services. Area Assemblyman Cliff Crouch was one of the lawmakers who opposed the initial plans to close down mental health services around the greater Binghamton area, he told WCDO News that he is pleased with this outcome:

(Cliff Crouch 12-20-13)

Crouch said that they still have to work on a plan to keep the Broome Developmental Center opened; it is scheduled to close in 2015. Details of the plans announced yesterday are available at governor.ny.gov.