WCDO Radio News

Tomorrow is Election Day, with many local town & city races of importance to be decided by voters. All voters Statewide will decide on propositions, which will be on the back of the ballots, to decide if a constitutional convention should be convened to overhaul state government, if politicians convicted of corruption should lose their pensions, and if forest land in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be used for widened roads and bicycle paths. Key Chenango County races include the Oxford town supervisor’s race between Canice Paliotta vs. incumbent Lawrence Wilcox, the Norwich town council race has 4 candidates for 2 positions, between Debra Cubbedge, Barbara Collins, Stanley Foulds & David law. For the Otselic town supervisor position, Marjorie Davis & John Myers are on the ballot. In Delaware County; For Town of Sidney Supervisor; incumbent Gene Pigford faces Bill Heath, & there are 4 Town board candidates for 2 seats, candidates on the ballot are Pete Cordes, Dan Cristelli, Frank Selleck & John Woodyshek, however Woodyshek announced that he is NOT seeking re-election. in the Town of Franklin Board there are 2 open seats with 3 candidates: Patricia Tyrell, David Grant & Garrett Sitts. In the Walton town supervisor’s race, Charles Gregory faces Bruce Dolph. In Otsego County races of note: there are Board of Representative's races in all districts except the 10th & 11th where 1 candidate each is running unopposed. For Town of Oneonta Supervisor, Republican Mike Butler challenges Incumbent Democrat Robert Wood, for the Oneonta Town Board Incumbents Patricia Jacob and Randy Mowers, are being challenged by Dan Baker, and James McCue. In the city of Oneonta mayor’s race, Incumbent Gary Herzig faces write in candidate Don Scanlon. In the Town of Butternuts there are 4 candidates for 2 seats on the board, they are Scott Lueck, Paul Irwin, Donald Hunt & James Power. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds Sidney Center voters that that the polling site from District 1 & 3 this year, has been changed. Voters in those voting districts will go to the new Sidney Center Fire Department Building on County Route 35. More information is available 832-5321.

Governor Cuomo and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer today held a conference call to discuss the devastating Republican tax plan and state and local deductibility.

(Senator Schumer 11-6-17)

Schumer & Cuomo are calling all members of the New York Congressional delegation to oppose the Trump New York Tax increase plan. New York pays 48 billion dollars to the federal government than they receive in return each year.

Otsego County Farmers will have 2 opportunities to drop off used agricultural film plastic for recycling under a special program offered by the County Solid Waste Department, the County Soil & Water Conservation District, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella Waste Solutions. Collection dates are this Saturday, November 11, at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta, and Thursday, November 16 at the Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The collection is free, but pre-registration is requested. Registration & more information is available at 282-4087, or occainfo.org/recycling-agricultural-plastics.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Gary Goslee of New Milford, Connecticut, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, following a traffic stop for speeding on State Highway 17 in the Town of Hancock. Goslee was arraigned & was later released on $500 cash bail, and scheduled to appear in the Town of Hancock Court at a later date for further court proceedings.

36 year old Jennifer Grenchus of Vestal pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in Broome County Court on Friday. Grenchus was impaired by drugs on April 24th, when police responded to the parking lot of Tom's Cards and Gifts at 184 Main Street in Binghamton where they found that Grenchus hit 47 year old Ronald Richardson of Binghamton along Main Street and dragged his body underneath for several yards, before she turned into Tom's parking lot, Richardson died at the scene. Grenchus will be sentenced February 6.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 31 year old Johnny Moxham of Delhi for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and criminal possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the Village of Delhi. Moxham is accused of possessing heroin while driving without a license as well as operating a vehicle with a loud exhaust & an unsafe tire. Moxham was released on tickets returnable to Delhi Town Court at a later date.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will join the Chenango County Democratic Committee for a fall fundraiser in Norwich. Attendees will also hear from former Congressman Michael Arcuri and local Democratic candidates. The event will be held today from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Bohemian Moon, 103 East Main Street in Norwich.

Oneonta city Police arrested Nicholas Cartelli of Oneonta following a traffic stop on Chestnut Street. Cartelli is accused of giving police a false name, officers determined his real identity & he is accused of using a stolen credit card, for driving with a suspended license & for a 2012 domestic incident. Cartelli was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, False Personation, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Endangering the welfare of a child.

The corruption case against former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam has been overturned by a U.S. Appeals Court today. Skelos was sentenced last year to 5 years in prison on federal corruption charges, but the court overturned the conviction after a Supreme Court decision narrowed the legal definition of corruption. The U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District announced that they plan on a retrial of both Dean and Adam Skelos as soon as possible.

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.

Governor Cuomo announced that $50 million in grant funding is available, over 3 consecutive application rounds, to help New York livestock farms implement water quality protection projects. The funding is a part of the $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017 for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure protection. The application period is open but closes on November 20th, County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply for the Program on behalf of eligible farmers. The fact sheet can be found at agriculture.ny.gov.

NYSEG reports that over 500 power lines & over 80 Power poles were damaged by Monday's storm. Dry ice & bottle water will be available at Norwich, Oxford & Windsor Fire Departments today until 8:00 PM. About 90% of customers that lost power, should be restored by tonight at 10:00 PM, the remaining 10% should be restored by 1:00 PM Thursday. The Afternoon, over 7000 customers were without power in Broome, Chenango, Delaware & Otsego Counties.

Governor Cuomo today signed legislation investing a record $25.8 billion in education aid across New York State. The new legislation boosts education aid by $1.1 billion, including a $700 million increase in Foundation Aid. Aid to New York school districts has increased by 32% over the last 6 years.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41-year-old Sonya Thomas of Norwich for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Thomas is accused of failing to report that her child had runaway and was missing for over a week. Thomas was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Norwich court at a later date to answer to the charges.

The city of Oneonta announced that the Department of Public Service will be conducting additional curbside residential pick ups of residential brush & yard waste, for the rest of this week & into next week. The extra collection time is due to the high winds from Monday's storm that knocked down limbs & branches all over the city more information is available at 432-6465, extension 3.

State Police conducted a traffic stop for speeding on State Route 23 in the Town of Davenport. The driver was 58-year-old Gasper Ciraolo of Bainbridge; the passengers were 22-year-old Ashley Nistad, and 18-year-old Colin Stanton, both from Sidney. A search located heroin, prescription pills and a switchblade in the vehicle; Ciraolo was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and other traffic violations. Nistad and Stanton were arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance; all 3 were arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on bail, pending court action on May 9th.

Farmers will have two opportunities to drop off their agricultural plastic for recycling under a special program offered by Otsego County Solid Waste Department, the Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District, Otsego County Conservation Association, and Casella Waste Solutions. Ag plastic will be collected Saturday, May 6, at the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta, and Thursday, May 11 at the Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The collection is free, but pre-registration is requested, at (607) 282-4087.

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

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

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that they have extended the hours of its Income Tax Call Center through the April 18 filing deadline to assist taxpayers. On Monday & Tuesday, the call center at 518-457-5181 will remain open until 7:30 p.m. to assist taxpayers with last minute tax return filing questions. For taxpayers using a home computer or mobile device, many questions can be answered at tax.ny.gov.

A special meeting for Afton Village Residents meeting will be held on Sunday, 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, & ask questions to the consultants from GeoEco Design, regarding the Economic Revitalization Strategic Plan. More information is available at 639-4849.

Rotary District 7170 has received a Rotary Global grant to help with the local fight against heroin & Opioid abuse in 7 local counties, including Chenango, Delaware Otsego & Broome Counties. District Grant Committee Chairperson Lana Rouff told WCDO News what the money would be used for:

(Lana Rouff 4-14-17)

Rouff said that the money will also be used of an Internet program to target those who may be using Opioids and get them the help they need.

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

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

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

The State DEC is opening spring turkey season on May 1 in the upstate counties. The DEC's annual youth turkey hunting weekend is scheduled for April 22 & 23, for junior hunters ages 12-15. The DEC encourages experienced hunters to take a novice hunter afield this spring, more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2016-17 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the "Turkey Hunting" pages of DEC's website at dec.ny.gov.

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

The city of Oneonta department of public service announced that curbside pick up of brush & yard waste will begin again on Monday April 17th. Wards 1-4 will get their waste picked up stating on Monday, wards 5 through 8 will get their first pick up April 24th. More information about what is collectable or the city schedule, can contact the department at 432-2100 during regular business hours.

State Police responded to a report of shots fired on Algerine Street in Afton, at about 11:30 this morning. Troopers found one person with a Gunshot wound that required medical treatment, who was in police custody. The investigation is continuing.  The Afton School district Superintendent Betty Briggs told WCDO News that the building was placed in "Lockout" following the reported shooting, but there was only staff and no students in the school today, due to a scheduled "Conference day".

State Police is currently investigating 2 burglaries that have occurred in Otsego County, 1 in the Town of Pittsfield and the other in the Town of Burlington. Both burglaries occurred on January 19th, and involved the theft of property from homes on County Highway 13 and State Route 80. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police at (315) 858-6014.

Governor Cuomo announced $14 million in Grants is available to protect soil and water resources on farms across New York State ram, to address water quality challenges on farms in watersheds across the State. The program complements the Governor's proposed $2 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, which would provide additional funding for source water quality protection initiatives, including projects to ensure proper management and storage of manure on farms across the State.

Governor Cuomo announced that 41 million dollars in Grants are available to cultural & Arts organizations around the state. The State Council on the Arts grants is awarded in 16 programs in all 62 counties in the state.

Maiorano & Associates held a grand opening & Ribbon Cutting at the new location at 7 Main Street in Sidney Friday. CEO Serafino Maiorano commented about moving a branch of his financial services business to Sidney:

(Serafino Maiorano 1-30-17)

Maiorano & associates also has an office in Brooklyn, their local office number if 604-4351, their website is at Maiorano and associates.com.

State Police arrested 28-year-old Tammy Roe of Davenport for Criminal Possession of a Weapon & Menacing, after troopers responded to a dispute in Davenport. An investigation determined that during a verbal dispute with her ex-boyfriend Roe had threatened him while holding a knife. No one was injured. Roe was arraigned in the Town of Davenport and was released, pending court action on February 14th.

State Police and Broome County SIU Task Force executed a search warrant at 475 Popple Hill Road in the Town of Lisle as a result of an investigation into the sale and manufacturing of methamphetamine. Police seized items associated with one pot meth manufacturing, Arrested were Matthew Crowningshield, Heather Clark, Scott Doty & Andrew Kuhr. They were charged with Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Manufacturing Methamphetamine; they were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

The Harm Reduction Work Group is coordinating today's Medication Take Back Event. Residents are asked to remove outdated or unused prescription medications from their homes for safe disposal. Today's event will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the North Norwich Town Hall located on County Road 23. The program is in collaboration with The Chenango County Sheriff's Office and The Norwich City Police Department.

The next Reunite Bainbridge Committee Meeting will be hold tonight at 7:00 PM at Bob's Diner. David DeClue, President of the Bainbridge Development Corporation, will be asking committee members and other interested parties to brainstorm ideas for potential uses of the Jericho Tavern if & when it is ever purchased. Also, the committee is looking to Form of a committee to explore places where murals could be designed.