WCDO Radio News

Norwich City Police and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office executed a ‘No-knock’ search warrant at a residence on Mitchell Street Wednesday; they arrested 50-year-old Patrick Gilbert, of Norwich, and 26-year-old Bethann Freelove of Norwich, for criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal nuisance. They are accused of selling cocaine or prescription medications, they were arraigned in Norwich City Court & both were remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $30,000 bail each pending future court action.

State Police arrested 23 year old Tylor Airwyke or Windsor on several counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance plus Criminal Possession of Marihuana. Troopers observed Airwyke traveling on State Highway 12 in the town of Greene, he was subsequently stopped, troopers learned that Airwyke’s license was suspended; they seized MDMA, cocaine and marijuana. Airwyke was arraigned in the Town of Greene Court; he was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

The fate of suspended Otsego County Corrections officer Ros Devlin has been turned over to the chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives David Bliss. The decision allows Bliss to order a medical examination of Ros Devlin, who is Sheriff Rich Devlin's son, and he can proceed reaching a decision of Ros Devlin's fate. Ros Devlin has been on paid suspension since January of 2017, after he allegedly threatened terroristic action against area school district & threatened suicide, while Sheriff Devlin allegedly resisted taking action against his son.

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.

State Police arrested 3 local residents for 2nd degree Burglary that occurred October 15, 2017 at a home on State Route 206 in the town of Masonville. Rifles, tools and boxes of ammunition were taken, Investigators arrested 37 year old Jarred Cutting of Masonville in January, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. On Feburary 1, 30 year old Andrew Baker of Bainbridge, was arrested for Resisting Arrest & burglary, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. Investigators later learned Casey Smith was incarcerated in the Otsego County Jail on unrelated charges. Smith was arrested by Investigators last week, & was arraigned and was returned to the Otsego County Jail.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride announced that Jury selection will continue Monday April 9 in the murder trial of Jeremy Coates. Coates is accused of Killing David Green in Oxford in 2016, Jury selection began Monday of this week and 12 jurors were selected before exhausting the entire list of potential jurors. A new list of potential jurors will report on Monday to continue selection for the required alternate jurors, that will be followed by opening statements and witness testimony. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

No injuries were reported after a pickup truck rear-ended a Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District bus Wednesday afternoon. State Police reported that 2 children and the driver were on the bus when it was hit at about 4:00 PM yesterday, the investigation is continuing, no injuries were reported.

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

Students in the Unadilla Valley School District will have the chance to attend a Career Fair at the district tomorrow. Several area businesses will send representatives to meet with students in grades 6 through 12 starting at 1:00 and 3:00 PM tomorrow.

Delhi police arrested 20-year-old Willie Lopez of Queens for burglary & criminal mischief. Lopez is accused of breaking into the Delhi McDonalds, and damaging ceiling tiles, he was arraigned & was sent to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail pending future court action.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has granted governor Cuomo's request for a Physical Disaster Declaration for several counties including Otsego County, following a weather system that brought severe storms and flash flooding from excessive rainfall from July 1 through July 24th. Individuals and businesses may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955; Loan applications can also be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster. The deadline to return economic injury applications is November 13, 2018.

State Police arrested 27 year old Nathaniel Richardson of Unadilla and 28 year old Katrina Ellis-Seymour of Sidney, for Petty Larceny, the 2 are accused of shoplifting several times on February 9th at the Oneonta Wal-Mart, and allegedly stole merchandise valued at more than $200. Richardson and Ellis-Seymour were subsequently arraigned before the Oneonta Town Court and were remanded to Otsego County Jail in lieu of $300 cash bail. Their next court date is pending.

The Chenango County Republican Committee has endorsed District Attorney Joseph A. McBride for New York State Supreme Court in the Sixth Judicial District. The endorsement came following a vote of Committee Members from across Chenango County. The Sixth Judicial District encompasses all of Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga and Tompkins Counties. The vacancy in this office was created by the recent retirement of Judge Kevin Dowd.

A Pre-Trial Hearing was held in Chenango County Court today, regarding the murder & arson trial of Ernest Franklin of Guilford, who along with his wife Heather are accused of killing their son Jeffrey & setting the family residence on fire to cover it up. A Pre-Trial Hearing for Heather Franklin has not been scheduled, Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride has stated that the 2 will be tried separately, The Trial is expected to begin next year.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $220 million in federal grants that will support counter terrorism and emergency preparedness activities in counties across New York State. The funding supports regional preparedness efforts, including planning, organization, and training activities that are critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities. Locally Broome County received $364,894, Chenango County $109,968, Delaware County $99,971 & Otsego County $109,968

State Police arrested 24-year-old Adam Gager of Windsor on 7 counts of Falsifying Business Records. Police were advised of a theft of over $800 from the Mirabito gas station on Old Route 17 in the town of Windsor, Gager was an employee, He is accused of deleting items from the store sales records and using the money to purchase lottery tickets. Gager was arraigned in the town of Windsor court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 property bond.

Delaware County Public Health announced their last Free 2017 Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets, which will be held on October 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall. Delaware County Public Health recently announced the 4th rabid animal of the year, which was a rabid bat with 1 human exposure. More information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

The annual Otsego County Hazardous Waste Collection Event continues tomorrow at the Meadows complex from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Otsego County Planning Director Karen Sullivan explains:

(Karen Sullivan 9-8-17)

This service is Free for all Otsego County households; more information is available at otsegocounty.com or at 547-4225.

On Sunday, the Democratic Committee of Delaware County is hosting their 2nd Community Barbecue. The event will be held at the Hamden Town Hall Pavilion from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Town Hall is located at 37029 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY 13782. 8 candidates running for the 19th Congressional District in the 2018 elections have been invited to participate. More information is available at dcnydems.org.

The Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be held Saturday & Sunday in Downtown Norwich, Spokesperson Celeste Friend explains:

(Celeste Friend 9-8-17)

The event runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday & from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday, more information is available at 336-FEST or colorscape.org.

36 year old James Brower of Norwich appeared in court this morning in Norwich, he is charged with 1st degree murder, for the murder of 11 year Jacelyn O’Connor of Morris Sunday in Norwich. Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride stated that the autopsy revealed that the cause of death was Asphyxiation by smothering, after Brower allegedly raped the girl in his residence. Brower was returned to the Chenango County jail without bail, pending a further court action next Tuesday.

State Police arrested 39-year-old Kareem Buckley of Hempstead Long Island, after troopers observed a BMW speeding on State Route 17, in the town of Hancock Tuesday. Buckley and his passenger 39 year old Vernon McDaniel of queens did not have valid driving licenses, a vehicle search resulted in the discovery & seizure of 14 pounds of marihuana. Buckley was arrested for Criminal Possession of Marihuana & traffic violations; he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. McDaniel was arrested for Unlawful possession of Marihuana and was issued a ticket to the town of Hancock court on a later date.

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

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride announced that Melissa Crispell pleaded guilty to 1st degree Robbery, she will serve 15 to 25 years in state prison in connection with the death of David Green in his Oxford Home last year. A part of a plea deal, Crispell will testify against her co-defendant Jeremy Coates, who will face murder charges when his trial begins at a later date.

New York state school budget votes, and in some district, votes on School Board candidates bus purchases & capital projects, is being held today. The New York State School Board Association reported that the average proposed school district tax levy increase is 1.48%, which is more that half a percentage point below the "2 percent" property tax cap. This is the 4th consecutive year the tax cap growth factor will be below 2%. Most area schools have tax levy increases below the cap this year.

The pending homicide case against Ernest & Heather Franklin of Guilford in Chenango County Court has now received national attention, with the bail hearing transcripts from last week included in “People Magazine” Chenango County District attorney Joseph McBride stated at the hearing that the Franklins allegedly killed their special needs adopted son Jeffrey, and then set the family residence on fire, after watching the movie “Manchester By The Sea” on February 28th, which contained scenes with a murdered child & an arson fire. McBride commented to WCDO News about the case’s timeline:

(Joe McBride 4-13-17)

Bail for Ernest Franklin was set at $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond; Bail for Heather Franklin was set at $125,000 cash or $250,000 bond.

Chenango county sheriffs department responded to county route 17 in the town of Oxford for a 1-vehicle accident Wednesday. 26-year-old Christina Graham of Norwich lost control of her vehicle went off the roadway & into a tree. Graham was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse for head trauma, her 6 year old son was taken to Wilson hospital for a shoulder injury, the investigation is continuing.

State Police arrested 18-year-old Austin Carr and 16 year old Cody Ferrara of Guilford for 2ND Degree Burglary, following an investigation into a forced entry burglary at a home on North Pond Road in the Town of Guilford, where numerous electronic items were taken. Carr & Ferrara were arraigned in the Town of Guilford court and were remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail.

28-year-old Adam Alexander of Afton pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to 2nd degree manslaughter & driving a vehicle with a BAC higher than .08, in connection with the death of 36-year-old Jason Smith in the town of Colesville last September 5th. Alexander’s vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of state routes 235 & 7; he collided with Smith’s Motorcycle. Alexander faces sentencing on June 22nd.

State Police arrested 26-year-old Zachary Fry of Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania for Aggravated DWI with a B.A.C. result of .26%, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Motor Vehicle, and several other traffic violations. State police observed a vehicle speeding at 98 mph, in a 55 mph zone, while on Interstate 81 southbound in the Town of Chenango, the trooper attempted to catch up, the vehicle accelerated to about 115 miles an hour. Fry made a sudden stop partially just before the Interstate 81 & State Route 17 split & surrendered to the troopers without further incident. Fry was discovered with a loaded shotgun on the front passenger seat of his vehicle, he was arraigned in the Town of Dickinson Court and was remanded to the Broome County Jail with bail set.

The Oneonta City Clerk’s office announced that following tonight’s 6:00 PM finance-Human Resources Committee meeting, there will be a workshop on:” Annexation”, presented by the New York Conference of Mayors attorney Wade Beltramo The focus of the meeting for the City of Oneonta officials will be the reservoir & the airport properties. Thee meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall & is open to the public.

State Police arrested 31-year-old Tina Bremner of Afton for the felony of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Troopers responded to a report of a one-vehicle accident on State Route 41 in the Town of Afton. Responding troopers found the unoccupied vehicle, the driver was located walking on a nearby road, troopers determined that Bremner did not have permission to be driving the vehicle & a check of Bremner's driver’s license showed that she had 26 suspensions on 11 different dates. Bremner was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail with bail set. Her next court date is pending.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting reported that Ernest Franklin and Heather Franklin were indicted on Friday, by a Chenango County Grand Jury on charges of: 2nd degree Murder, 3rd degree Arson and Tampering with Physical Evidence, in connection with a fire at their residence on State Route 8 in the town of Guilford on March 1st. It was determined at autopsy that their adopted son, Jeffrey, was deceased prior to the fire. Investigators believe the fire was set to cover up the murder. Both defendants will be arraigned on the indictment in Chenango County Court at a later date.

Otsego County Conservation Association is seeking volunteers to assist with the 13th annual Earth Festival event at Milford Central School on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the gym at Milford Central School. There is also a pre-festival movie night being held on Friday April 21 at 7:00 PM at the school. Volunteers are being asked to help with a wide variety of tasks on Friday and Saturday, including setting up Friday afternoon, and with clean up after the event. To volunteer, call 547-4488.

Officials at the Franklin central school district said that voters approved a capital project on Tuesday, by a vote of 89 in favor & 19 against, The project will cover Roofing, windows, bathrooms, locker rooms, upgraded information technology and networking, upgraded electrical systems, new bus lift, flooring, & masonry repairs.

A public meeting to accept comments on the draft Northern Chenango Unit Management Plan will be held on Thursday, March 2, at 7:00 PM. The Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne will host the meeting; Public comments are being accepted until May 2nd. The state land covers approximately 15,800 acres in Chenango and Madison counties. The draft UMP has been developed to address management activities on these state properties. DEC staff will briefly present highlights of the draft plan at the public meeting, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on the plan

State Police arrested 44-year-old Kevin Roof of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Burglary. After consultation with Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, State Police arrested Roof after his release from the hospital where he had been treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his upper leg, which he received during the course of his criminal conduct in the town of Afton on Algerine street on January 30th. Roof was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $50,000 cash bail, $500,000 property bond pending future court action in Afton Town Court. 34-year-old James Fletcher was also charged with 2nd degree burglary in connection with this case, the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is requested to contact State Police at 561-7400.

The Delaware County Fair announced that ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to current New York State high school seniors and students enrolled in college. Qualifying students must be active in the Delaware County Fair or with the state Showpeople’s Association. All applicants from Delaware County must submit their applications through the Delaware County Fair or the NYSSA no later than Friday April 8th. Information is available by contacting Delaware County Fair at 437-4093 or by email at delcofair@gmail.com or nyfairs.org

Chenango County Sheriff's office reported that on Tuesday at 10:40 PM, the 911 Center received a report of a snowmobile accident on Quarry Road in the Town of Oxford. The investigation determined that the operator of the snowmobile, 54-year-old Michael Buchanan of Bainbridge lost control of the snowmobile; he struck a guide and was ejected. Buchanan was pronounced dead at the scene.

Delaware County Deputies investigated a 1-car personal injury auto accident on Arbor Hill Road in the Town of Delhi. 79-year-old Nicholas Mastrandera of Delhi lost control of his vehicle on the snow-covered roadway, the vehicle traveled sideways leaving the roadway and slid down an embankment and struck a tree. Mastrandera was unable to free himself from the vehicle; Deputies were assisted by the Delhi Fire Department and EMS with the extrications from the vehicle and transporting Mastrandera to O’Connor Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced a lawsuit against Charter Communications, and its subsidiary Spectrum/Time Warner Cable for allegedly conducting a deliberate scheme to defraud New Yorkers by promising Internet service that they knew they could not deliver. The complaint alleges that since January 2012 Spectrum-TWC's marketing promised subscribers who signed up for its Internet service that they would get a "fast, reliable connection" to the Internet. The investigation showed that Internet speed measurements delivered to subscribers on Spectrum-TWC's fastest speed plans only a third to a half of the download speeds than they had paid for.

Otsego County Office for the Aging is seeking nominations of county residents 60 or older who deserve recognition for the volunteering efforts. Nominations will be accepted through February 13th, more information is available at 547-4232 or 432-9041.

On Monday Morning at about 11:10 a.m., Chenango County 911 received a report of shots being fired in the area of Algerine Street, in the Town of Afton. Responding Troopers located a male subject suffering from a shotgun wound to his upper leg, he was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he was being treated for his non-life threatening injury. The circumstances of how this subject was injured is currently under investigation. The continuing investigation determined a burglary had occurred in the Town of Afton. After consultation with Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, State Police arrested 34 year old James Fletcher of Greene, for 2nd degree Burglary. Fletcher was arraigned in Town of Afton Court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, Anyone with information is requested to contact State Police at 561-7400.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 2 car motor vehicle crash on State Route 12 in the Village of Greene. Deputies & Village of Greene Police reported that one vehicle was driven by 64 year old Danny Frayer of Oxford, when a 2nd vehicle operated by 33 year old Kyle Skidmore of Binghamton crossed the center line and was struck by Frayer’s vehicle. The passenger in Frayer’s vehicle, 54 year old Thomas Whittaker of Greene was pronounced dead at the scene. Frayer was transported to Wilson Hospital with minor injuries. Skidmore was transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment of serious internal injuries. Frayer and Skidmore were both wearing seat belts, Whittaker was not. The Sheriff’s Office has determined that Skidmore was operating at an unsafe speed for road conditions and failed to keep right.

The results are in for key races from yesterday’s elections: in the 52nd State Senate race, Republican Fred Akshar defeats Democrat Barbara Fiala. For Delaware County Family Court Judge, Gary Rosa defeats Porter Kirkwood. In the Chenango County District Attorney’s race, Joseph McBride wins reelection over Zachary Wentworth. For Town of Franklin Supervisor Jeffery Taggart is re-elected, in the Town of Harpersfield Supervisor, Jim Eisel is re-elected, in the Town of Guilford the Supervisor will be George Seneck, in the Town of Oxford, Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox is re-elected, & for the Sidney Town Board, the 2 seats will go to Republicans Eric Wilson & Jeannette Hinckley over Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath.

Governor Cuomo announced the beginning of a new, statewide cooperative effort to crack down on illegal credit/debit card skimmers at gas pumps across New York, seeking to end criminals’ ability to empty the bank accounts of their victims. With card data theft incidents on the rise across the country, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Weights and Measures Bureau is conducting New York’s first-ever training and sweep of gas station dispensers across the state to proactively protect consumers and gas station owners. Agriculture and Markets staffers will train county weights and measures officials to spot skimming devices in their communities.

The Next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours is today, with M&T Bank at their 118 State Hwy 320, Norwich branch, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. More information is available at 334-1402.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch stated today that the Kraft manufacturing plant in Walton under review for closure needs to stay open. Crouch said that there are 150 local jobs as well as a methane digester project being pursued by the Village of Walton at stake. The methane digester project is being pursued through the Regional economic Development Council as a cost-saving measure for Kraft & as well as the Walton school district, to save on heating costs paid by area taxpayers. Crouch joins Governor Cuomo & U.S. Senator Schumer in trying to get Kraft Heinz from closing the Walton plant, and 2 others in the state, following a merger of the 2 food industry giants.

Tomorrow is Election day, with quite a few interesting races in an "Off Year” In the State Senate race in the 52nd district; Republican Fred Akshar & Democrat Barbara Fiala are running to fill the seat left vacated by the conviction of long time Senator Tom Libous.
Delaware County will have a Family Court Judge for the first time; the candidates are Democrat Gary Rosa & Republican Porter Kirkwood. In Chenango County, for District Attorney, incumbent Joseph McBride faces Zachary Wentworth. Several Town Races will be decided by voters Tuesday, in the Town of Sidney; Eric Wilson, Jeannette Hinckley, Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath are running for 2 seats on town board
In the Town of Franklin, for town Supervisor, incumbent Jeffery Taggart faces Epifanio Bevilacqua & 3 people are running for 2 seats on the town board: Dwight Bruno, Donald Hebbard and Donald Smith. In the Town of Harpersfield for Town Supervisor, incumbent Jim Eisel faces a challenge from Edward Pick Jr. Eisel is chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors; a Pick Victory would mean a change at the top of Delaware County Government. In the race for Town of Guilford Supervisor, George Seneck faces Jeffrey MacCormack & for Town of Oxford Supervisor Frederick Lanfear faces Lawrence Wilcox.

the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18 year old Austin Reynolds, of Sherburne, for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree and Unlawful Possession of Alcohol; Person Under 21 years of age, after participating in a Stop DWI check point in the Town of Delhi. Reynolds was released with appearance tickets where he will appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded this weekend to a Trespass in progress at the Bagels and Cream located on Elm St in the Village of Delhi. Upon arrival, Deputies found a male subject sleeping on the floor in the dining area. Deputies arrested Travon Gaddis age 18 of New Rochelle, New York for Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree. Gaddis is to reappear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time to answer the said charges.

The Maines Broome County Arena will host Let’s Make A Deal Live tonight at 7:30 pm, ticket information is available at the Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800 745 3000.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting today, in the District Conference room at 6:00 PM.

Otsego County's annual Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be held today & tomorrow. The 1st event will be at the Unadilla Town Highway Building today & Waste from Otsego County small businesses is accepted and the 2nd event will be at the Meadows Office Building in Cooperstown on Saturday. No Pre-Registration is required, Saturday Participants are asked to arrive according to the first initial of your last name. More information is available at otsegocounty.com/depts/sw or by calling 547-4225.

Chenango County Suicide Prevention will hold a special event with documentary filmmaker Erin Davies tonight in Norwich, Spokesperson Ann Marie Troy comments:

(Ann Marie Troy 9-11-15)

The event will begin at 7:00 P.M. at the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich, more information is available at 334-8244 extension 228.

The Chenango Arts Council, Norwich Business Improvement District, and the Norwich Rotary Club announced that the Chenango Public Arts Initiative begins with a Gallery opening reception today from 5:30 to 8:00 pm; it is free and open to the public. The Gallery will be open both days of Colorscape Weekend this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and will stay on display until October 25. More information is available at 336-ARTS or email at: info@chenangoarts.org

A SUNY Delhi freshman from Wappingers Falls was found dead in a wooded area near the campus Tuesday. The unidentified student was found unresponsive by friends, he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Delaware County Medical Examiner's office. No foul Play is suspected; a memorial service for the student is planned on September 25th in Hopewell Junction.

Thursday's Primary Day elections have been tabulated, In Delaware County; The Democratic Party Town of Middletown Supervisor Primary was won by Marjorie Miller. The Republican Party Primary had Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Eisel winning for the Harpersfield Town Supervisors position. In the Primary for Town of Walton Supervisor, Charles Gregory defeats Bruce Dolph. In Chenango County, District Attorney Joe McBride wins the Republican primary, in the city of Norwich; Christine Carnrike won The Republican Primary for Mayor over incumbent Joe Mauirano.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency recently completed a renovation project at the Sidney Industrial Park to ensure the continued growth of Gravity Ciders. The company outgrew their Walton facility; they were looking for a new production and warehousing facility to keep up with the demand of their Awestruck Premium Hard Ciders. The IDA invested $32,000, to keep Gravity Ciders in Delaware County; more information is available at dcecodev.com or 832-5123.

The Delaware county department of corrections will hold the 5th Annual Andrew Brown Memorial Golf Tournament tomorrow, at the Hardwood Hills Golf Course in Masonville. Registration is at 7:30 AM, shotgun start is at 8:30 AM, and money raised will assist Delaware county residents being cared for by Catskill Hospice & Palliative care.

Today is Primary Day in New York State, for those who want to decide on a candidate to represent their political party in the November elections. In Delaware County, The Democratic Party will hold Primaries for Town of Middletown Supervisor between Patrick Davis & Marjorie Miller. The Republican Party will hold a Primary for the Harpersfield Town Supervisors position between current Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Eisel and Edward Pick & In the Town of Walton for Town Supervisor, the race is between Charles Gregory & Bruce Dolph. In Chenango County, primary races of interest include the republican primary for District Attorney between incumbent Joe McBride and Zachary Wentworth. In the city of Norwich, there is a Republican Primary for Mayor between Incumbent Joe Mauirano & Christine Carnrike.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will operate a statewide Election Day Hotline during the primary election this Thursday, September 10. Voters encountering barriers to access at their polling sites can report those issues to the Attorney General’s Office by calling the hotline at 800-771-7755, or by emailing the office at civil.rights@ag.ny.gov. The Hotline will be available until 9:00 PM. .

The Board of Directors of The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce meet this morning at 9:00 AM at the Barnyard Swing Mini golf and Family Fun Center in Milford, to announce the 16th Annual Small Business of the Year award & the Breakthrough Business of the Year. The award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Small Business Banquet that will be held on Thursday, October 15th at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division obtained a Search Warrant for the residence of Michael and Toni Spencer of Walton; they seized 10 marihuana plants, processed marihuana, a video surveillance system, growing equipment, firearms and public assistance benefit cards. Investigators charged 47-year-old Michael Spencer, 39-year-old Toni Spencer and 18-year-old Bradley Jackson with Criminal Possession of Marihuana & Unlicensed Cultivation of Cannabis, for allegedly growing and possessing more than 16 ounces of marihuana. All three were arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested 44-year-old Shannon Hunter of Oxford and 45 year old William Miller of Gilbertsville. Deputies stopped a vehicle just off of State Hwy 12 in the Town of North Norwich, Shannon Hunter was found to be in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia, the driver, William Miller was found to be in possession of Hydrocodone pills and drug paraphernalia. Hunter was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Miller was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, both were arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on $5,000 cash bail.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a late August hit and run accident that has resulted in the closure of the Corbett Bridge spanning the East Branch of the Delaware River in the Town of Colchester. A DOT supervisor discovered recent structural damage to the bridge located at the intersection of Corbett Road and New York State Route 30, a Subsequent inspection by engineers determined that the structural integrity of the bridge was compromised as a result of the accident and the bridge was immediately closed to all traffic. Officials anticipate the bridge will remain closed for an extended period of time for appropriate repairs, they believe the structure was struck by a large vehicle, anyone with information should contact Deputy Christopher Erwin at 287-4756.

The 3rd annual Catholic Charities Bands brew & Barbecue event is scheduled for later this month in Norwich, spokesperson Robin Beckwith comments:

(Robin Beckwith 9-10-15)

Tickets are available at the Norwich YMCA, Hummel's, Garf's Deli, Commerce Chenango & M&T Bank in Norwich, or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Com.

State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a motor vehicle over an embankment on Brickhouse Hill Road, in the Town of Davenport. Troopers located a man, who was deceased, while pinned underneath a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria. The investigation revealed that 20-year-old Travis Barra of Stamford was operating the car on Brickhouse Hill Road when he drove off the roadway and was stuck on the shoulder. Barra left the car in neutral attempted to free it & was pinned underneath the car when it rolled backward. Barra’s death as was ruled as accidental due to mechanical asphyxiation by the coroner’s office, the investigation is ongoing.

A Pre-Primary Meet and Greet will be held in Norwich today at the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15 South Broad Street, beginning at 5: 30 PM. Chamber members can meet 1-on-1 with incumbent Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano, candidate-elect Christine Carnrike, incumbent Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and candidate-elect Zachary Wentworth.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old Steven Sanchez of Tarrytown on Friday, on 2 bench warrants issued by Delhi Town Court for failure to pay fines for disorderly conduct, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally using drug paraphernalia & unlawful possession of marijuana. The arrest followed a civilian report of an erratic driver in the Town of Delhi. Sanchez was also issued tickets for consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and was later turned over to the Delhi Police Department for arraignment on the charges from the warrants.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will operate a statewide Election Day Hotline during the primary election this Thursday, September 10. Voters encountering barriers to access at their polling sites can report those issues to the Attorney General’s Office by calling the hotline at 800-771-7755, or by emailing the office at civil.rights@ag.ny.gov. The Hotline will be available from 6:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Election Day.

The New York State Police Academy held their Graduation exercises today for the 203rd class of State Troopers, at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. State Police Superintendrnt Joseph D'Amico addressed the class:

(DAmico 9-3-15)

Nearly 200 new Troopers were honored for their perseverance and dedication in completing the 203rd session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Nathan Tuttle of Deposit for 3rd degree rape and criminal sexual act. The arrest occurred after an investigation determined Tuttle allegedly had sexual contact with a victim under the age of 17. Tuttle was arraigned in the Village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Tuttle was previously charged last week with 4 counts of Sexual Abuse and 3 counts of endangering the Welfare of a Child relative to an incident involving a different victim. Anyone with information involving Tuttle is asked to call the State Police at 775-1241.

The Broome County Specials Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 51-year-old Dennis Scrubbs of Endicott Wednesday. Scrubbs is accused of possessing 622 bags of heroin, plus Suboxone, cocaine, crack-cocaine, and marijuana, Investigators also confiscated about $4,000 in cash. Scrubbs was held pending court action.

A Broome County Court jury convicted Nigel Smith for the murder of Bretnie Owens in Binghamton in June of 2013. Smith was found guilty of 2nd degree murder, 1st degree robbery, criminal trespassing and resisting arrest. Smith is due to be sentenced on November 17th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 42 year old Tina Garcia of Walton for Falsely Reporting an Incident. Garcia is accused of falsely reporting the theft of a vehicle owned by Shane Bellows after that vehicle was involved in a hit and run property damage accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton on August 15. Garcia was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Hamden court on September 21st.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 74 year old Richard Wayman of Jefferson with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person, for allegedly endangering the welfare of a physically and mentally disabled resident of Robinson Terrance Nursing Home in Stamford while visiting another resident of that facility earlier this week. Wayman was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and released on his own recognize pending his appearance in the Harpersfield Town Court on September 14th.

On September 8th, Commerce Chenango will host a Pre-Primary Meet and Greet, At the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15 South Broad Street, Norwich at 5: 30 PM. Chamber members will be able to meet one-on-one with incumbent Mayor Joseph Maiurano, candidate-elect Christine Carnrike, incumbent District Attorney Joseph McBride and candidate-elect Zachary Wentworth. RSVP's are required by Friday to 334-1400 or info@chenangony.org

Jury deliberations continued again today in Schoharie County Court, in the 3rd Cal Harris murder trial. The latest trial lasted over 11 weeks, it had been moved to Schoharie County after 2 convictions in Harris' home county court in Tioga County, where the September 2001 Murder of Michelle Harris allegedly took place. Both previous convictions were overturned on appeal.

State Police responded to a Broome County 911 report of a fatal motor vehicle accident involving 2 race vehicles on the dirt track at the Broome Tioga Raceway in the Town of Lisle. The investigation determined that 38-year-old Michael Smith of Owego, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer when he lost control of his vehicle on a turn and rolled over coming to rest on the driver’s side. His vehicle was then struck by approaching racer 35 year old Mitchell Quail of Richfield, who was unable to avoid a collision. Smith suffered a head injury from the collision and was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital were he died. An autopsy is pending; Mitchell Quail was not injured in the collision. The investigation is ongoing.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride has announced his campaign for re-election in the 2015 election cycle. McBride has served 16 years as District Attorney, he was first elected DA in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Temporary weight restrictions implemented in March on several Delaware county roads have been lifted, according to the Delaware county department of pubic works. County routes that have had the restrictions removed were routes 7, 10, 16, 20, 23,26 35 & 67.