WCDO Radio News

28 year old Tyron Morris of Schenectady faces additional charges of assault, following an incident in the Otsego County Jail. Morris is accused of attempting to assault an inmate & a correctional officer, last month, he was charged with Attempted Assault, and he was being held on drug charges on $25,000 bail, he faces court action on the latest charge on January 15th.

Otsego County residents are reminded that their holiday wrapping paper is recyclable and should not be thrown away as trash. Wrapping paper can be mixed with regular household recyclables & may be left for your local hauler to pick up, or may be delivered to the transfer stations in Cooperstown and Oneonta. There is no charge for delivering recyclables to the transfer sites and there is no limit to the volume delivered. Wrapping paper with aluminum coating and bows should not be included. More information on recycling in Otsego County is available at 547-4225 or otsegocounty.com/solidwaste.

Ganesh Ramsaran was arraigned on bribery charges in Chenango County Court Thursday, according to the Chenango County District Attorney's Office. Ramsaran was indicted on a bribery charge for allegedly trying to bribe a county corrections officer into letting him escape the county jail in exchange for $100,000. Ramsaran faces court action on the latest charge on December 5th; he faces sentencing on a 2nd degree murder charge in county court on December 1st.

Sidney village police arrested 31-year-old Carlene Morgan of Wells Bridge, following a 2-vehicle accident on Delaware Avenue Tuesday afternoon. Morgan was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, & failure to keep right, she is accused of losing control of her vehicle and crashing head on into a vehicle in the opposing lane. Morgan was arraigned and faces action in Sidney village court at a later date. The operator of the other vehicle was taken to Tri Town Regional hospital for treatment of injuries; police have not released the name of the 2nd driver.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Donald Kern of Walton on a charge of Assault in the second degree. It is alleged that while Kern was incarcerated at the Delaware County Correctional Facility he assaulted another inmate. He was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded back to the correctional facility in lieu of 2,500 cash bail

The state adopted new regulations for child day-care centers and child-care programs, including new naptime procedures, nutrition rules and a ban on reptiles and amphibians. The regulations by the state Office of Children and Family Services will impose new rules for childcare employees, such as banning cell-phone use while supervising children, prohibitions against firearms and new training requirements. The changes will take effect June 1st. The new regulations come after it found a need to improve health and safety standards. The new state rules are posted at dos.ny.gov

State Police are investigating an armed robbery Saturday night outside the Citizens Bank on River Road in the town of Chenango. 3 victims employed at the Red & White grocery store & Guiseppe’s pizza, were robbed at knifepoint when they attempted to make a night bank drop off. The suspect was described as a male who is 6 ft - 6 ft 2 inches tall and 200 lbs to 225 pounds, wearing all black clothing and a black mask. The assailant stole an undisclosed amount of cash & fled on foot, anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at 775-1241.

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.

State Police arrested 29-year-old Benjamin Ryan of Oxford for Felony DWI, & Criminal Possession of a Weapon. The arrest resulted from a vehicle stop for failing to stop at a stop sign on State Route 7 in Unadilla, the investigation determined that Ryan was driving while intoxicated, a check of his criminal history showed that he had a prior conviction for DWI and a prior felony conviction. During an inventory of the vehicle, Ryan was accused of unlawfully possessing a bolt-action rifle. Ryan was arraigned at the Town of Unadilla Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail.

Republican State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos supports giving New York lawmakers their first pay hike in 14 years, which may lead to the Legislature coming back to Albany before January to approve it. Senate Republicans met behind closed doors at the state Capitol, where they re-elected Skelos to another two-year term as their leader. Governor Cuomo hasn’t discussed a pay increase for lawmakers, he would have to call a special session of the Legislature before January for the pay increase to be voted on.

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many important races on the ballot tomorrow, WCDO News Director Rob ray has details:

(Election 2014)

A felony hearing was held Friday in Bainbridge Town Court for 56 year old John Guzy of Bainbridge, charged with second-degree murder in the death of 26 year old Derek Prindle of Afton. Friday's felony hearing served to send the case before a grand jury in county court. At the close of the hearing, Bainbridge Town Judge Brian Barnhart denied a request by Assistant Chenango County Public Defender Aaron Dean to dismiss the murder charge. Guzy remains held in the Chenango County jail without bail. If convicted of second-degree murder, he faces a maximum of 25 years to life in state prison.

a Town of Norwich woman was arrested twice in 2 days by the Chenango County Sheriff's Office. 28-year-old Jovonne Woolever was charged with Failure to appear on criminal possession of a controlled substance charges, she was taken into custody without incident and arraigned in the City of Norwich Court, she was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. the following day, Deputies arrested Woolever for 1st degree Promoting Prison Contraband, for allegedly possessing narcotics while being booked into the Chenango County Jail. She will appear in Court on November 6th on the later charges.

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 40-year-old Rollins Crane of North Norwich following an investigation into a domestic dispute where Crane was found to have subjected the victim to unwanted physical contact in the presents of young children. Crane was arraigned on charges of 1st degree Harassment & endangering the welfare of a child, he was released until a later court date.

To help control upcoming winter heating bills, NYSEG released some tips. Set thermostats no higher than 70 degrees. When you're away from the house for more than a few hours or in bed for the night, turn thermostats down to 58 degrees. Change or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Use registers to direct warm airflow across the floor, not up toward the ceiling. Open drapes and blinds on sunny days to let the warmth in, but close them at night to insulate against cold air outside. For more go to nyseg.com.

The $138 million reconstruction of the Gilboa Dam has been completed with a ceremony held Friday. The project included the addition of 234 million pounds of concrete, molded and dyed to resemble the original bluestone face of the dam, more than 500 spillway slabs, and upgrades to the abutment walls that support the dam. The project was completed two years ahead of schedule. The new dam includes instruments to constantly measure stress on the dam and will allow engineers to visually inspect the inside and outside on a regular basis.

A Port Crane woman was arrested last night after multiple syringes, one of which was loaded with heroin, were found in her purse during a traffic stop on Rte 11 in Kirkwood. 27 year old Mandy Holmberg was charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count of criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. Holmberg was released on appearance tickets in town of Fenton Court at a later date.

State senator Jim Seward is urging new farmers in the region to get the information about new state grants to assist in start up farms, or farms that are passed down to the next generation.

(Seward 10-17-14)

Information and applications are available @ esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms. The deadline to apply is January 28th 2015.

An open 911 call Thursday morning led to the arrest of a 22 year old James Garcia of Monroe, for felony Unlawful Imprisonment charge. Monroe is accused of being in a violent domestic incident with a passenger in his vehicle on State Highway 28 in the Towns of Delhi and Bovina, whee he allegedly was involved in 2 separate motor vehicle accidents, 1 of which led to the passenger sustaining injuries. Garcia is accused of threatening the victim with a weapon and restricting the victim’s movements and escape, then seizing and disposing of the victim’s cell phone. Garcia was charged with Unlawful Imprisonment, Menacing, Criminal Mischief & Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident. He was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1000 cash bail pending a future court appearance and a Temporary Stay Away Order of Protection was issued.

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.

A man accused of killing his neighbor in Johnson City more will go on trial. The trial for 43-year-old Christopher Davis will begin in Broome County Court Monday. He faces charges of 1st degree murder, 2 counts of 2nd degree murder and robbery. He's accused of killing his neighbor, 50-year-old Patricia LaCaprara, during a robbery in July 2013, she was found dead in her home on Brown Street and as a result of traumatic head injuries.

As baseball’s best begin their quest for postseason celebrations, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate an unforgettable 2014 with a little help from its Otsego County friends and neighbors. The Hall of Fame will host Community Day on Sunday, Oct. 5, with all Otsego County residents admitted to the Museum free of charge during normal Museum hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum will host programs throughout the day as well as a 1:30 p.m. Cider and Donuts Reception featuring Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark and Museum President Jeff Idelson, who will share details on upcoming Museum initiatives and take questions from visitors.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 23 year old Whitney Valcin of Garnerville in Rockland County on a Warrant issued by the Town of Hamden Court in 2011. Valcin was arrested in Spring Valley on an unrelated charge, it was discovered that Valcin was wanted by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office for Failure to Appear for a court appearance for Criminal Impersonation, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle & Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign. Valcin was transported back to Delaware County & was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail pending future court appearances.

State Senator Tom Libous has spent more than $100,000 in campaign funds on attorneys this year, according to the state Board of Elections. The Thomas Libous' re-election campaign spent another $53,000 on criminal-defense attorneys from mid-July to late August. That's on top of the $60,000 it spent on lawyers from mid-January through mid-July, as well as about $75,000 in 2012 and 2013. Libous was indicted in White Plains federal court in July on a charge of lying to the FBI. The use of campaign funds to pay for attorney fees has been the subject of debate in Albany. Gov. Cuomo's latest filing shows he spent $10,000 on an attorney as an investigation continues into the dismantling of the Moreland Commission

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 63-year-old David Eaton of Norwich felony DWI, Parking on Pavement, No or Improper Signal, Refusal to take a Breath Screen test, Consumption of an alcohol in a motor vehicle. Eaton was pulled over by a deputy, who observed a pickup truck pull over and park in a no parking zone in the Village of Sherburne hitting the curb, as the deputy approached, Eaton pulled away from the curb with no turn signal, and then stopped after driving a block, he was taken into custody without incident, failed to submit to the chemical test, and was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court, he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail pending court action at a later date.

Researchers are looking at whether money, from the Marcellus Shale natural gas boom, helps families in regions where companies are drilling, to compare Pennsylvania communities that have experienced the boom, during the last six years, with nearby ones in New York that haven't. New York has a moratorium on shale drilling, while Pennsylvania has become the second-largest producer in the nation. Some families in fracking communities get millions of dollars in royalties, many get tens of thousands of dollars, but others get nothing. The research will compare government-collected data that doesn't identify people. That includes data on crime, schools, economics, childhood obesity, teen pregnancies and state tax records on royalty income

Governor Cuomo announced 12 Citizen Preparedness Corps training sessions across New York State and also proclaimed September as Preparedness Month. The Citizen Preparedness Corps program, administered by the New York National Guard, aims to provide approximately 100,000 New Yorkers with the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Those interested in attending a Citizen Preparedness Corps training session can visit www.prepare.ny.gov. Local Classes will be held on Wednesday, September 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Margaretville Central School & at 6:00 p.m. at SUNY Morrisville in Morrisville

40 year old Aaron Powell of Binghamton was sentenced Wednesday morning in Broome County Court, for 2 counts of 2nd degree murder & 1 count of 1st degree murder for the murders of his estranged wife Christina Powell & Mario Masciarelli in the Powell Family home. Powell was sentenced to 25 years to life for each 2nd degree murder charge and life without parole for the 1st degree murder charge.

The Binghamton Mets announced yesterday that they have signed an agreement to play at NYSEG Stadium for another 5 years. The Binghamton Mets are now signed to play in Binghamton through the end of the 2021 season.

State Police and New York Alert announced the disappearance of 2 Amish children from the North Country. Missing are 12 year old FANNIE MILLER, with Brown Hair, Brown Eyes, about 5 feet tall and weighing about 90 pounds, Police said that Fannie is Cross-eyed. Also missing, 7 year old Delila Miller, also with Brown Eyes & Hair, about 4 feet tall and weighing about 50 pounds, she has a round scar on forehead and is missing front teeth. Both victims last seen wearing dark blue dresses with blue aprons and black bonnets, Police said that both girls went to a roadside stand to wait on customer in a small white 4-door sedan. A Witness saw the suspect throw something into back of car then get into the back seat, the Vehicle then left scene and victims were gone. Any one with information is asked to call 1-866-NYS-AMBER or 911.

Published reports out of Albany suggest that the FBI and state Attorney General's Office raided the home of State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton last Friday. Libous and his son were indicted in July in connection with a FBI investigation; Senator Libous is accused of using his influence to get his son a job with a downstate Law Firm. Records and a computer belonging to Frances Libous, the wife of Senator Libous were seized.

NYSEG is warning customers about callers who say they represent NYSEG about billing matters. Some customers have been contacted and warned that their service would be shut off & they should purchase a "Green Dot MoneyPak Card" and contact the caller with the card information. Customers who have any questions about a call for an overdue payment are urged to contact NYSEG at 1-800-572-1111.

Governor Cuomo signed a new law that bans direct contact between people and lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and cougars. The "Tiger Selfie" bill, is also directed at roadside zoos that charge people for photos with big cats. The governor said despite any level of training, big cats have instincts to kill. The penalty is $500 for the first offense.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 45-year-old Michael Ruland of Guilford for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Ruland was charged following an investigation into a Domestic Disturbance, he is accused of subjecting a 10-year-old child to unwanted physical contact. Ruland was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5000 cash bail pending future court action.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 38-year-old Kendra Baker of Greene on an active Bench Warrant, issued out of City of Norwich Court, for failure to appear to pay restitution on a Welfare Fraud charge. Baker was arraigned in Town of Norwich Court and sent to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 bail

With schools set to open next month, a new report ranks schools in New York state 20th in the nation. The report, released by WalletHub, a personal finance social network, conducted an analysis of schools in all 50 states. It used a dozen metrics -- from student-teacher ratios and drop-out rates, to test scores and bullying incident rates, along with data from the Census Bureau, the National Center for Educational Statistics and other sources, to compile its list. New York did not appear in the top five in any of those categories

1of the nation's biggest credit-rating firms warned New York officials the state's improved rating is at risk as the federal government tries to get back nearly $1.3 billion in Medicaid payments. Moody's Investors Service said the potential Medicaid repayment is a "credit negative" for the state. Officials with Medicare and Medicaid accuse New York of wrongfully paying out money in 2010 for about 1,300 developmentally disabled people in 9 state facilities. Medicaid officials also said they might demand further repayments once reviews of the state's 2011 and 2012 fiscal years are finished. State officials said the state is in good financial shape and windfalls from civil settlements from banks and financial firms will cover any future bill owed to the federal government.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division located 20 packets of heroin on an inmate at the Chenango County Jail Wednesday the narcotics were located in the body cavity of 28-year-old Conroy Robinson who is currently incarcerated on a separate charge.  Robinson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Promoting Prison Contraband, & Criminal Mischief, He was arraigned at the Town of Norwich Court Thursday.

Governor Cuomo state that there are more than 100,000 available jobs listed on the Jobs Express website. The site sorts thousands of jobs by region and occupation, and also allows users to search jobs based on zip code and travel distance. The occupational categories with the most jobs listed include: Sales, Clerical, Management, Computer/Mathematical and Business/Financial Operations. The website is located at jobs.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo today announced that New Yorkers could, buy tickets online to attend the Great New York State Fair at nysfair.org/buy-tickets. The Fair, runs from August 21 to September 1, online tickets can be purchased at a 40% discount over the price at the gate. The secure website sells five products including the single-day ticket, which will be mailed free of charge to buyers:

The American Red Cross annual summer Communities that Care blood drive is today at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The NY Penn Region requires 1,200 pints, or units, each day to keep pace with hospital needs, and a good turnout is needed to avoid a shortage. Call 1-800-RedCross or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment

The Chenango county sheriff's department arrested 23-year-old James Marshall of Guilford on a charge of 4th degree Grand Larceny.  Deputies charged Marshall following an investigation of stolen ATM card; he is accused of using the card & taking over $1,000 from the victim.  Marshall was processed and released on an appearance ticket for a later date in the Town of Guilford court.

New York state is in a stronger financial position, reflecting better budgeting and financial practices and an improved economy, according to a report (http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/budget/2014/2014-15_financial_plan_enacted_budget.pdf) on the 2014-15 state Financial Plan by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.   DiNapoli estimates that projected out-year gaps for the fiscal years ending in 2016 through 2018 average $2.5 billion annually, or 3.7 percent of average projected General Fund revenues, much lower than the levels of five and ten years ago. New York state ended fiscal year 2013-14 with General Fund reserves at $2.2 billion, the highest level since the end of 2008.  A copy of the report can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us.

Governor Cuomo signed the medical Marijuana Bill Tuesday, allowing doctors to prescribe it to those where traditional pharmaceuticals have not worked. Cuomo said that Lawmakers had to pass a bill that allowed for dispensing marijuana under tight restrictions, and without affecting public health or safety:

(Cuomo 7-8-14)

The bill allows for medical marijuana for 7 years, it can be suspended at any time following concerns from the state health commissioner or state police superintendent.

Farmers Markets are now open to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to local residents. Delaware County senior citizens may take advantage of the Farmers Market Coupon Program, to receive twenty dollars worth of free New York State grown produce. The coupons can only be used for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating vendors. Delaware County Office for the Aging will coordinate the distribution of the booklets for households of eligible seniors. Go to co.delaware.ny.us

State Senator Tom Libous said he would be found innocent of the federal charge that he lied to the FBI and vowed to run and win re-election this fall. Libous said he will fight the charge. Libous has had a close relationship with Gov. Cuomo and Libous revealed that Cuomo left him a phone message after his indictment a week ago. Libous stressed that he will seek re-election in the fall, even as he faces the federal charge and battles cancer. He said his doctors have given him approval to continue to serve in the Senate and run for office. He has a Democratic opponent, Vestal Town Supervisor Anndrea Starzak

Officials in New York are enlisting the public’s help in going after invasive species.Gov. Cuomo said citizens can help combat invasive plants and animals by learning how to recognize them and prevent their spread. Non-native species like the Asian longhorned beatle, zebra mussels and feral pigs can outcompete native species, interfere with ecosystems and cause damage to crops and trees. This is New York Invasive Species Awareness Week to highlight ways that gardeners, boaters and others can help stop the spread of invasive species. Go to dec.ny.gov

NEWS 7-2-14

An indictment was unsealed Tuesday morning in Federal Court, accusing State Senator Tom Libous of using his political influence to get his son a job with a law firm in Westchester County, following an investigation by the FBI and The IRS.   Libous is accused of giving   false statements to investigators, his son Matthew is charged with 6 counts of charges of impeding or obstructing the IRS and filing false tax returns. Following yesterdays’ arraignment in a federal court in Westchester County, Senator Libous released a statement: claiming that he has spent 26 years working for the people of his district, and he will continue to do so.   Libous claimed his innocence from the charge; his office issued a statement that Libous intends to run for re-election this year, as originally planned.

NYSEG Customers were without power earlier today, after heavy storms moved through Central New York yesterday afternoon. Falling trees, downed power lines and flooded roads were reported in Norwich and other area communities, 1 Norwich home was heavily damaged when a tree fell through it, according toe the Chenango county emergency operations center. About 3700 NYSEG Customers were without power during the height of the storm yesterday. The latest NYSEG Updates are available at outagemap.NYSEG.com.

Now that he has been acquitted on corruption charges, former State Sen. Joe Bruno wants the state to reimburse him for $2.4 million in legal fees. Bruno, the former Republican majority leader, filed for the money with the state attorney general, under a statute that permits recovery of legal expenses, by state employees, accused of criminal wrongdoing related to official duties. Bruno was acquitted of receiving kickbacks disguised as consulting fees. Bruno led the GOP majority in the state Senate for 14 years before stepping down in 2008

The Town of Masonville will be conducting a dog enumeration starting August 1st, State law requires that ALL dogs over the age of 4 months MUST be licensed within the municipality they are "Harbored" in, any dogs found to be unlicensed after Aug 1st will be subject to an additional $5 enumeration fee and could also receive an Appearance ticket + fine. More information is available at 265-3537

An indictment was unsealed Tuesday morning in Federal Court, accusing State Senator Tom Libous of using his political influence to get his son a job with a law firm in Westchester County. The Accusations follow an investigation conducted jointly by the FBI and The Internal Revenue Service since 2010, when Libous allegedly gave several false statements to investigators. Matthew Libous is charged with 6 counts. Of impeding or obstructing the IRS and filing false tax returns. The Arraignment is scheduled in Westchester County this afternoon.

Delaware County Sheriff's Investigators arrested 19-year-old Ismael Pizarro of Syracuse, on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Town of Delhi Court, for 1 count of 2nd degree Assault. Pizarro was charged in connection with an incident in the Delaware County Jail on Saturday where he allegedly assaulted another inmate, causing a physical injury. Pizarro remains incarcerated on the previous charge, & will be arraigned on this charge at a later time.

The New York State Department of Health announced it has revised immunization requirements for school attendance to meet updated national standards. The new requirements do not add any new vaccines for school entry, but update the number of doses required and the minimum intervals between doses, which goes into effect today. More detailed information, including an immunization chart outlining the new requirements, is available at: health.ny.gov/prevention.

The commission in charge of regulating ethics and lobbying in New York government has created a tip line and website for people to report alleged violations by state officials and lobbyists. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics launched the website at jcope.ny.gov. People can also call 1-800-87-ETHICS to report violations, including improper gifts, conflicts of interest, abuse of power and sexual harassment. Staffers from the investigation division of the commission will operate the tip line during business hours.  The commission will also will also distribute posters promoting the tip line and website to state facilities

Former 1986 world Champion Outfielder Mookie Wilson made an appearance for a book signing at the National Baseball Hall of Fame today, in conjunction with the publishing of his book: “Mookie Deluxe: Life, Baseball, and the '86 Mets:

(Mookie Wilson 6-19-14)

Wilson still works as a roving minor league instructor for the New York Mets, he was scheduled to tutor the Binghamton Mets today at NYSEG stadium prior to tonight’s game with Richmond.

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 38-year-old Richard Small of Cortland on charges of Grand Larceny and Conspiracy. Small & 3 other individuals are accused of stealing over $1000 of merchandise from the Norwich Wal-Mart. Small was arraigned in the Town of Norwich court and is being held on $1000 cash bail pending action in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

Oneonta Police Department arrested 27-year-old Erika Speller of Oneonta, for criminal sale of a controlled substance & criminal possession of a controlled substance. Speller was charged after Police confiscated cocaine and cash, she was arraigned in Oneonta City Court and sent to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

The State legislature has made it legal for pet owners to be buried with their deceased animals. Beginning in August, pet cemeteries will be allowed to accept the cremated remains of people. The regulation, which was proposed last fall and recently adopted, does not allow pet cemeteries to charge a fee for a human burial and cannot advertise human burial services

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings with the Bassett Cancer Institute’s mobile screening coach today.  The screenings will be available without charge to those women, 40 or older, who are without health insurance or underinsured. The screening will be available today between 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital on Pearl Street in Sidney.  Appointments are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

Investigators have been unable to determine exactly what caused the fire that destroyed the Ellis Brothers furniture building in Binghamton. The April 30th fire caused heavy damage throughout the building, which was torn down because of the danger of collapsing. Fire officials believe the fire may have started in a maintenance room, but there were too many other possible causes that could not be narrowed down, officials have closed the investigation.

New York will no longer add a sales tax to the charge for tastings at wineries, and the state is creating a $350,000 fund to research hops and malting barley for beer. The announcement by Governor Cuomo comes after wineries pushed for the change at an April summit in Albany. Wineries conducting tasting were already exempt from paying a use tax. The governor has been bullish on the state’s wineries and its expansion of beer production. There’s a website to tout the state’s products at taste.ny.gov.

The state Legislature voted to increase penalties for committing acts of public lewdness in front of minors. The bill would also raise charges against repeat offenders and take effect November 1st, it creates a new charge of first-degree public lewdness when someone 19 or older exposes intimate body parts in a lewd manner before anyone under 16. It would be a higher-level misdemeanor than the current charge, punishable by up to a year in jail or 3 years’ probation

The state senate passed a measure that would toughen penalties for multiple driving while intoxicated convictions. Under the measure, a person convicted of three or more DWIs within 15 years would be charged with a class D felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The bill is named for Vincent Russo, an 82-year-old resident of Onondaga County, who was killed in 2011 by someone who had five prior DWI related convictions

Area assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced his intentions to seek the office for another 2-year term in the 122nd district:

(Crouch 5-22-14)

Crouch cited education, economic development, and mandate relief for taxpayers, businesses, schools and local governments as his main goals. Crouch was first elected to the Assembly in 1995 and serves as chairman of the Assembly Republican Conference. So far, no democrats have announced any intention to seek Crouch’s Assembly seat.

The state Senate passed a bill to make the aggravated murder of a child punishable with a life sentence in prison without parole. The bill expands on the existing law of aggravated abuse of a child, which makes it a crime when someone causes physical injury to a child under the age of 14. Dubbed the “Protect Our Children Act,” the proposed bill also seeks to create a new felony for concealing the death of a child, and for failing to notify police when the whereabouts of a child are unknown for more than 24 hours. The bill was sent to the assembly

Governor Cuomo launched a new online platform called Business Mentor NY, the State’s first, mentoring program designed to help small business. The website located at businessmentor.ny.gov where participants may register online, review the profiles of potential mentors and communicate directly with them on an as-needed basis and at no charge.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, State Police & Norwich Police arrested 53 year old Allan Sheppard on Friday for criminal nuisance, and criminal possession of a weapon, following a drug investigation into illegal drug activity in Afton. Police recovered more than 6 illegally possessed long guns and an undisclosed amount of cash, Sheppard has a prior felony conviction, which prevents him from legally possessing a firearm, and the criminal nuisance charge alleges that Sheppard was using his residence to sell controlled substances. He was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility in lieu of $30,000 cash bail. More arrests are pending.

After an extensive review of New York City’s 2007 Filtration Avoidance Determination, State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker announced that revisions to the document have been finalized.  The revisions will enhance NYC’s existing watershed protection plan and they respond to the significant flooding events in the Watershed by introducing new program elements that mitigate future flood hazards, protect lives and property while protecting water quality.  The revised document & the Health Department's responses to public comments on the draft may be viewed at health.ny.gov.

Cornell University’s Wildlife Damage Management Program reports that tick populations are still high in New York, despite the long, cold winter.  Persistent snow cover helped insulate ticks in the leaf litter so deer ticks that carry Lyme Disease are in large numbers this year, in direct correlation with the high Deer population. Cornell officials warn New Yorkers to wear light-colored clothing with long pants and sleeves, Tuck your pants into your socks, and your shirt into your pants, Use spray repellents as directed, Walk along the center of trails and avoid contact with shrubs or brush, move lawn furniture and children’s toys away from the yard edges and wooded areas & when you return home from hiking in wooded areas, put clothes in the dryer on highest setting for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 26-year-old Kristin Rogers of Poughkeepsie on a Warrant from the town of Columbus for criminal mischief.  Rogers was originally charged for causing damage to another person’s property, she was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000.00 cash bail pending future court action.

The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested Elizabeth Polasik of Norwich for failure to appear in Guilford town court on an earlier charge.   Polasik was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and held at the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail pending future court action.

This past winter create a large number of large potholes, which has contributed to complaints of damaged tires and rims on many vehicles. Between today and November 15th, motorists who have hit a pothole had damage, can seek reimbursement from the state for repairs. The state does have legal immunity for pothole claims during the winter season, so the claims can only apply to damage caused on state roadways outside of the winter season. More Information is available at dot.ny.gov.

Governor Cuomo announced $794 million for child-care subsidies for this year. Child-care subsidies are available for eligible families to pay for services to enable a parent or caretaker to work. Each year, local social service agencies distribute the funding. Eligible families are awarded funding based on family size, income and the reason for care. To be eligible for assistance a family of two must have an income below $30,360 annually. A family of five must have an income below $54,000. Go to ocfs.ny.gov

The Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 20-year-old Vincent Brower of Smyrna, on charges of Forgery, Escape, and Criminal Contempt & Resisting Arrest. Brower is accused of altering a prescription and having the prescription filled in Sherburne. Brower is also facing the other charges due to an incident during his arraignment on the Forgery charge. Brower faces court action shortly.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 20-year-old Amanda Sgroi and 18 year old Daniel Brown Jr. of Otselic, on animal cruelty charges. The pair is accused of leaving animals caged in their residence for several days without food or water. All animals were seized and relocated at a local animal rescue. Sgroi and Brown were released on appearance tickets until a later Court date.

New Yorkers with higher electric bills have complained to State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, after many New Yorkers saw increases of 60 to 75%. Schneiderman said that the National Grid had increased demands to electricity during the harsh winter, he is advising New Yorkers to who are struggling to pay those bills to contact the power company to set up a payment plan. State law allows for consumers to spread out bills in monthly installments for up to one year, alleviating some of the financial strain.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Department & Sidney Village Police arrested 27-year-old Michael Nodine of Sidney on an Arrest Warrant for Attempted Assault.   Nodine is accused of assaulting and attempting to cause physical injury to another inmate at the Delaware County Jail last week. Nodine was being held in the Jail on $5000 bail on a pending rape charge, posted bail on April 17th and was released from jail. The assaulted inmate, also from Sidney, sustained minor injuries, which did not require medical treatment. Nodine was arraigned on the Attempted Assault charge and was sent back to the Delaware County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

New Yorkers are reminded that nearly 88,000 jobs are currently available and listed on the Jobs Express website. The site sorts thousands of jobs by region and occupation, and also allows users to search jobs based on zip code and travel distance. New businesses and job listings are added each day. A total of 7,700 businesses posted a new job order on the site in March 2014, an increase of 22 percent from March 2013. Go to jobs.ny.gov

Recently members of Sidney Federal Credit Union were contacted through texts and phone calls stating that their Debit or Credit cards had been deactivated.  They were then asked to call or text back with their card numbers to have their cards reactivated.  This is a phishing scam, please do not respond to these calls or texts.  The local authorities have been notified and are investigating.  If you have any concerns or have given any personal information please contact SFCU toll-free at 1-877-642-SFCU.

Governor Cuomo called for the Commission on Youth, Public Safety, and Justice to give information on the state's youth criminal records by the end of the year. Cuomo hopes to raise the age in which a teen can be tried as an adult, currently New York is 1 of only 2 states that can charge a 16 year old as an adult.