WCDO Radio News

16-year-old Brandon Palmatier of Guilford has been identified as the youth shot accidentally Friday in the town of Guilford. State police investigating the incident said that it was an accidental shooting, at about 9:00 AM Friday in a residence on Chenango County Route 35 in the town of Guilford. The name of the person who accidentally discharged the rifle has not been identified.

Governor Cuomo has had a special task force created to crack down on illegal tobacco has seized more than $6 million worth of contraband cigarettes and cigars this year. $6.6 million was seized in 2017 is $1 million more than what authorities hauled in last year. The contraband included more than 1.5 million illegal cigars and 47,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes. The state's Cigarette Strike Force also seized 134,000 counterfeit tax stamps and nearly $445,000 in cash. The crackdown resulted in the arrests of 85 cigarette and tobacco smugglers who face more than $7 million in fines. The governor directed the state Tax Department in 2014 to create the strike force to focus on illegal tobacco smuggling and sales.

The State Attorney General's office & The State Department of Taxation and Finance announced the arrest of 52 year old Robert Niederriter of Kirkwood, on 6 felony charges for allegedly failing to accurately report all taxable sales and remit over $59,000 in sales tax collected at his former business, the Buffalo Head Bar & Grill in Conklin, June 2011 through 2015. Niederriter is accused of underreported total sales by $747,362.56 and failed to remit $59,789 in sales taxes. he was arraigned this morning in Windsor Town Court for 2nd degree Grand Larceny, 4 counts of Criminal Tax Fraud, & 1 count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing. Niederriter was released in his own recognizance.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 35 year old Robert Miller of Pitcher for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & 27 year old Lyndsey Cook of Pitcher for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. A search warrant was issued by Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir Jr. following an investigation into the sale and possession of Methamphetamine in Chenango County. Miller was arraigned in the Town of Pitcher Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $30,000 cash bail,

Acco Brands of Sidney & Wal-Mart announced an agreement today in Sidney that Walmart will have a large assortment of Acco Brands products in their stores, following a 250 billion dollar Walmart corporate decision to commit to purchasing American Made Products. Jason Klipa is the Director of public affairs for Walmart:

(Jason Klipa 11-30-17)

Sal Testani is the Senior Vice President of sales for Acco Brands, he told WCDO News how they worked to convince Walmart buyers that Acco was a perfect partner in this initiative:

(Sal Testani 11-30-17)

Testani said that the move already added 15 jobs in Sidney, & Acco has spent millions of dollars on new machinery & upgrades to maintain this partnership with Walmart for years to come.

Governor Cuomo today announced New York has committed $2.6 million to build or improve 12 playgrounds at 10 State Parks across New York - as part of a goal to modernize 100 State Park playgrounds. Locally, Chenango Valley State Park will receive funds to construct a 3,500-square-foot splash pad as a part of the beach redevelopment.

The State DEC announced that remaining Deer Management Permits in several Wildlife Management Units would be available to hunters beginning November 1st. The DEC will re-open the permit application process on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may apply for up to two additional permits at any DEC license sales outlet beginning Nov.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary unemployment rates for September. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.8% to 4.9% in September, Locally, Chenango County had 4.7% unemployment, Delaware County had 5% & Otsego County had 4.4%.

Norwich City Police & Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies executed a 'No Knock' search warrant Thursday, police arrested 26 year old Todd Diamond & 24 year old Brittany Dunagan of Norwich for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Nuisance & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Both are accused of selling methamphetamines, and that there was a child present when drug sales occurred. Diamond and Dunagan were arraigned in Norwich City Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail each pending court action on October 10th.

Retailers caught and found guilty of selling untaxed cigarettes in New York State risk losing other state-issued licenses, including lottery and alcohol sales. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it has joined forces with the New York State Gaming Commission and State Liquor Authority in an initiative to further reduce sales of contraband cigarettes. Under the policy, a cigarette-licensed retailer found to be in possession of untaxed cigarettes would face immediate enforcement action, ultimately leading to the possible suspension or revocation of licenses to sell tobacco, alcohol, and lottery tickets.

Commerce Chenango along with Morrisville State College-Norwich, NBT-Mang Insurance Agency, and The Raymond Corporation invites the business community to become a part of their College & Community Job Fair on November 8th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The event will be held at the Morrisville Norwich Campus, high school students and job seekers can explore college and career opportunities with representatives of corporate, small business, government, and non-profit organizations as well as College and University recruiters.

Commerce Chenango announced a manufacturing Workforce Symposium which will be held today at the Morrisville State College Norwich Campus from 8:00 to 11:30 AM. The program is aimed at Educators, Workforce Development Practitioners, Manufacturing Employers and Government Officials.

A free rabies clinic will be held in Chenango County today. The Clinic will be held from 5:30 TO 6:30 PM at the Oxford Fire House.

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.

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.

Chenango County residents looking to participate in the next Household Hazardous waste day in September need to call & sign up soon. Collection day Organizer pat Pittsley explains:

(Pat Pittsley 8-25-17)

The event will be held on September 23rd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Chenango County Highway Garage, registration or more information is available by calling 337-1792.

The Greater Afton Chamber of Commerce has taken over the "Afton Sidewalk Days" Saturday, as they try to keep a long time local tradition going forward, Chamber President John Hinman explains:

(John Hinman 8-25-17)

The Event will run tomorrow from 9:00 to 4:00 on Afton's Main Street, with Sidewalks Sales, games for children and many other activities.

Norwich Police & the Chenango County Sheriff's Office arrested 30 year old Joshua Harrington & 29 year old Coy Biviano, for the alleged sales of heroin and cocaine. Both were charged with the Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, they were arraigned in Norwich City Court. Harrington was sent to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 bail, while Biviano is being held without bail.

Chenango County Sheriff's department arrested 2 Sherburne residents on drug charges. 36-year-old Cheryl Myers was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, after an officer observed a drug transaction in the Town of Sherburne. Myers was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court & was remanded to the County Jail on Bail & is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Sherburne Court at a later date. Also, Deputies arrested 36-year-old Sara Hart for criminal possession of a controlled substance; she was released to appear in the Town of Sherburne Court at a later date.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works will close County Road 38 between Hohreiter Road and Searles Hill Road, in the Towns of Guilford and Bainbridge Monday, between :00 AM to 6:00 PM, for a Culvert Replacement project. Motorists are asked to seek alternative routes. More information is available at 337-1710.

Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested 33-year-old Daniel Taylor of Edmeston on an active Arrest Warrant for the charge of 1st degree Assault. Taylor was arrested following an investigation of an assault of a 29-year-old Norwich man on July 27th in the Village of Oxford. Taylor is alleged to have struck the victim in the head several times with a large piece of wood. Taylor was arraigned in the Town of Guilford Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash bail. Taylor is to reappear in the Village of Oxford Court at a later date to answer to his charge.

A Chenango County Free Rabies Clinic will be held today for Dogs, Cats & Domesticated Ferrets.   The clinic will be held in Greene at the Ball Flats in the Pole Barn, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. More information is available at 337-1673 or co.chenango.ny.us.

Registration for the Annual Chenango United Way Golf Tournament is Tomorrow. The tournament will be at the Blue Stone Golf Course on September 22nd beginning at 10:00 a.m. Registration or more information is available at 334-8815.

Chenango County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Town of Coventry resident on charges of Sexual Abuse & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. 38-year-old Charles Crosby-Barrows was being held on unrelated charges at the Chenango County Jail, he is accused following an investigation of a reported sexual abuse of a juvenile female in 2016.

Chenango County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 50 year old Michelle Ryan-Cook of Smyrna for 2nd degree Forgery, 3rd degree Grand Larceny & Falsifying Business Records. Ryan-Cook is accused of stealing more than $3,000 from a Sherburne business from November 2016 to April 2017; she faces court action shortly.

Governor Cuomo announced a coordinated effort by state agencies to crack down on underage drinking on college campuses and in college towns as the fall semester begins. The State Liquor Authority, Police Agencies & the State DMV will conduct statewide sweeps of locations holding liquor licenses, looking for fake IDs and illegal sales to minors. The combined enforcement effort will begin immediately.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 21-year-old Kathleen Brown of Norwich for illegally entering a residence. Brown allegedly punched & grabbed an individual by the neck, and pulled a child from a family member, she then attempted to leave in a vehicle that did not have child safety seats. The driver, 22-year-old Lucas Cummings of Norwich was found to have a suspended driver’s license. Brown was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court for Criminal Trespass & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She was released & will appear in court at a later date. Cummings was issued a Ticket for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle & will appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

New York State has a record 15 Billion Dollars in unclaimed funds, according to the State Comptroller's office. Money typically comes from old or forgotten savings accounts, business transactions, gift cards or property sales, more information is available at osc.state.ny.us/ouf.

Commerce Chenango announced that a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party would be combined with their monthly Business After Hours event, at the Rogers Environmental Education Center, in Sherburne from 4:30 to 6:30 PM on August 21st. Those interested in attending need to RSVP by the end of the day tomorrow by email or 334-1400.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will be accepting submissions for its Annual Student Art Exhibit through 6:30 tomorrow evening at the Artists’ Palette at 17-19 South Broad Street in Norwich. All area students are encouraged to submit work for the show, which will be on display at the Artists’ Palette from this Saturday, until Sunday, September 10. The show is open to all area students, Grade K through 12.  For more information, contact The Artists’ Palette at 244-1445, or colorscape.org.

Norwich Police have arrested 2 people following an investigation of heroin sales. On Thursday, Norwich police arrested 34 year old Bryan Petry of Norwich for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Nuisance, and 34 year old Tiffany Walsh of Norwich for Criminal Nuisance. Both were arraigned in Norwich City Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail, Petry's bail is set at $10,000. Walsh's bail is set at $5,000. They are scheduled to reappear in the Norwich City Court shortly.

Chenango County Sherriff’s Department arrested 35 year old Misty Mojica of New Berlin for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, after a traffic stop on State Route 12 in the Town of Norwich. Mojica is accused of possessing a controlled substance & items related to manufacturing methamphetamine were located within the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected. Mojica faces action in Town of Norwich court at a later date.

Chenango County Emergency officials reported that 2 brothers were rescued the Susquehanna River in Afton Thursday evening at about 7:35 PM, after their small boat overturned, just west of the village of Afton. The Rescue took about 1 hour, one of the boaters was taken to Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney for evaluation. Rescue crews from Afton and Harpursville responded to the scene

"Guilford Day" will be held Saturday on Main Street in Guilford. The event will run form 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM & will feature Horse & Buggy Rides, entertainments, refreshments, contests workshops, as well as yard & garage sales.

The Chenango SPCA will hold a special event Saturday at their Norwich location from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event will feature adoptable pets, games, & a raffle; more information is available at 334-9724 extension 3

NYSEG is reporting that about 285 Chenango County customers are without power this morning, from yesterday's storms. The bulk of power outages were reported in western New York Counties, where 4 tornadoes are believed to have touched down.

Tomorrow will be the "Rock in the Park" Benefit Concert at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, organizer Jason Hall comments:

(Jason Hall 7-7-17)

This year's concert will benefit the Chenango SPCA & Sarcoma Cancer Research; local bands participating include Sundown, Fetish Lane, Wreckless Marci, Woodshed Prophets, and Jason Wicks more information is available at 972-6526 or on the Rock In the Park Facebook Page.

The 41st Annual Unadilla Carnival of Sales will be held tomorrow, with many activities at the Community Field, at local businesses & at Yard Sales throughout the Village. The event is sponsored by the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce; more information is available at Unadilla chamber of commerce.org

Chenango County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Town of North Norwich resident for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Using of Drug Paraphernalia and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. 53 year old Thomas Manwarren was charged Following a lengthy investigation into the sale and possession of methamphetamine in Chenango County, a search warrant was issued by Chenango County Court. Several packages of methamphetamine were seized from Manwarren's residence, he was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $50,000.00 cash bail.

Norwich Police arrested 34 year old Bryan Petry & 34 year old Tiffany Walsh of Norwich, Thursday, following an investigation into alleged Heroin sales in the city. Both were arraigned in Norwich City Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility. Petry's bail is set at $10,000. Walsh's bail is set at $5,000. They are scheduled to reappear in the Norwich City Court on July 11.

A Chenango County area Drug Take-Back Day has been announced for July 19th starting at 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Afton Free Library at 105 Main Street, Afton. Various organizations are teaming up for the event, where people can dispose of old, expired & unused medications, in order to keep them out of the wrong hands & out of the Waste Stream.

Utica Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi already announced his intentions to run for the 22nd congressional district in November 2018, at a press conference in Utica this morning. Brindisi seeks to unseat Republican Claudia Tenney, who is only 6 months into her first term in Congress. The 22nd congressional district covers part of Chenango & Broome Counties locally. Brindisi will reschedule a press conference for Binghamton that was postponed today due to the extraordinary session of the Assembly called by Governor Cuomo for today in Albany.

Lawmakers were called back to Albany today for an Extraordinary session to deal with some left over legislation that was not dealt with before the end of the 2017 session last Wednesday. Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that some of the bills really should be dealt with by the local municipalities, and not the state legislature:

(Cliff Crouch 6-28-17)

In the last weeks of the legislative session, state lawmakers had to decide on what Crouch called "Home Rule" issues, like allowing for counties to continue to collect sales tax, in addition to the issue of New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio overseeing the City schools.

Chobani unveiled its 1st entry into non-Greek, classic yogurt today with Chobani Smooth. Chobani's attempt to break into the traditional yogurt market, after making their Greek Style Yogurt the number 1 style since they opened their first plant in Chenango County ten years ago in New Berlin. Yogurt sales top $8 billion dollars a year currently in the US.

The 2017 State Legislative session appears to be over, barring a return to deal with left over legislation, or for an emergency situation, State Senator Jim Seward said that there were a few items that were not dealt with this year:

(Seward 6-26-17)

Other bills that were left behind were to legalize physician assisted suicide, to permit alcohol sales in Movie Theater, & a bill to loosen the statute of limitations for sexual abuse victims.

A Delaware County Grand Jury handed down a Sealed Indictment following a joint investigation by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office & the Village of Sidney Police, regarding narcotics sales in the Sidney area. 36 year old Angel Mirabal of Sidney was charged with 3 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly selling cocaine in the Village of Sidney, and 1 count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, with intent to sell, after discovering that Mirabal possessed a quantity of cocaine at the time of his arrest on the Sealed Indictment Warrant. Mirabal was arraigned Thursday & Friday on all charges and was sent to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to be held without bail.

Chenango county Sheriff’s department arrested 2 Sherburne residents for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Saturday. Deputies responded to the Sherburne Motel after receiving a complaint of drug activity in area, they observed a subject smoking methamphetamine upon arrival. Sara Hart and Russell Osborne were both arrested after they were found to be in possession of methamphetamine, they were released on appearance tickets pending future court action.

Chenango County sheriff's department arrested 35-year-old Patrick Bousson of Otselic, on a charge of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Bousson was charged following a complaint that he shot & killed a dog, he was taken into custody without incident, and he was processed and will appear in the Town of Otselic Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff's Narcotics Division arrested 20-year-old Cheyanne Moore of Oxford for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Friday. Moore is accused of possessing cocaine with intent to sell, following a traffic stop on County Road 29 in the Town of New Berlin. Moore was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail. She is scheduled to reappear in court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to the Dollar General at State Highway 12 in the Town of Norwich for a reported Robbery. An individual entered the store, stole merchandise, and displayed a large knife. The Sheriff’s Office located the suspect in a wooded area near the Norwich Motor Lodge, he was taken into custody, a large knife and stolen merchandise was recovered. 21-year-old Collin Berry was charged with 1st degree Robbery & Criminal Possession of a Weapon, he was arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $10,000 cash bail. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of North Norwich Court at a later date.

Sidney Village Police arrested 22-year-old Christopher Schoonmaker of Sidney, following an investigation into illegal drug sales in Sidney. Schoonmaker was charged with criminal sale of marijuana, he was remanded to the Delaware county jail on $4,000 cash bail pending future court action.

Commerce Chenango will hold their next Business After Hours event tonight in Oxford. The event will be held at Faber's Home & Kitchens & Countryside Stove & Chimney at 116 Warn Pond Road on Oxford from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department responded Sunday evening at 7:12 PM, to a 2 car crash on State Route 12 in the Town of Norwich. A vehicle operated by 37 year old Amber Ryan of Norwich NY, made a left turn into the path of a vehicle operated by 61 year old Randolph Smith of Earlville. Ryan was transported to UHS Wilson Hospital with minor injuries, her front seat passenger 26 year old Nicholas Ohl was transported to Wilson Hospital with serious injuries. Randolph Smith was transported to UHS Chenango Memorial with minor injuries; Robin Smith, a front seat passenger in Randolph Smith’s vehicle was also transported to UHS Wilson with minor injuries. Two rear passengers in Smith vehicle were uninjured. State Route 12 was closed for approximately 3 hours due to the investigation. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

4 people were arrested on drug charges following the execution of a ‘no knock’ warrant on North Broad Street in Norwich Tuesday. Arrested were 19-year-old Chase Webb of Norwich, 37-year-old Steven Peterson of New York City, 30-year-old Sebastian Catanzaro of Norwich and 28-year-old Christina Banks of Norwich. Webb is accused of selling heroin; Peterson is accused of possessing cocaine and crack with the intent to sell. Catanzaro and Banks are accused of maintaining a place for drug sales. All 4 were arraigned; Webb was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility pending future court action.

Governor Cuomo today announced the results of the State Liquor Authority and DMV joint efforts to combat underage drinking. On March 2nd the Governor announced operations running through April to deploy Enforcement Investigators to over 500 licensed locations throughout New York. At the halfway mark into the statewide crackdown, The Liquor Authority underage buyers have already visited 339 establishments, finding 92 locations making illegal sales. Additionally, DMV enforcement operations have resulted in 83 arrests of persons under 21 attempting to purchase alcohol and confiscated 92 fake IDs. Locally, 3 stores in Binghamton were charged for allegedly selling alcoholic beverages to minors.

28-year-old Travis St. Denny of Norwich has been arrested following an investigation from information from the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment Hotline. St. Denny was arrested for promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child and endangering the welfare of a child, , he was arraigned in Norwich City Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash bail, or $40,000 bond. Norwich Police is asking anyone with information to call 334-1212 or 336-TIPS.

Tomorrow is National Agriculture Day; with proclamations form all levels of Government noting the importance of the farming industry. Chenango Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers comments:

(Bradd Vickers 3-20-17)

Vickers noted that Agriculture is still the Number one industry locally, and for New York State.

The State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that it would extend the hours of its call center today, to assist small business taxpayers filing their sales tax returns before the midnight deadline tonight. Call center representatives will be available for an additional three hours, until 7:30 PM. The Tax Department expects 80,000 sales tax returns to be filed today & several thousand will likely be submitted within only a few hours of the midnight deadline. Taxpayers with questions can call 518-485-2889 for help in filing their returns. Officials said that many of the questions could be answered at tax.ny.gov.

State Police arrested 43-year-old Donald Hart of Bainbridge, for criminal Contempt & Harassment.   Troopers were advised of a physical dispute in the Village of Greene, where Hart grabbed the victim by the arm, which violated a valid order of protection. Hart was arraigned in the Village of Greene Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $ 2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond.

Governor Cuomo announced the State Police, State Liquor Authority, State DMV and local law enforcement launched an enforcement campaign to crack down on impaired drivers during the week of St. Patrick’s Day. The campaign includes a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and a detail to crackdown on underage drinking and sales to minors. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers using handheld electronic devices. During the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day weekend enforcement effort, Troopers made 257 arrests for DWI and issued more than 17,000 tickets.

The Chenango Arts Council continues with their line up of events, with Galumpha this weekend. Chenango Arts Council Interim Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 3-17-17)

Information of tickets regarding Galumpha or upcoming events can be found at Chenangoarts.org.

Taste New York sales nearly tripled in 2016, surpassing Governor Cuomo’s goal of doubling sales of participating businesses in one year. Sales of New York products from Taste NY stores, cafes, bars, concessions and events topped $13.1 million last year, more information about Taste New York is available at taste.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 2 Town of Deposit residents Friday morning on drug and weapon possession charges following the execution of a search warrant in Hale Eddy. Investigators seized 8 grams of bulk heroin, scales, packaging materials, a shotgun, prescription narcotics, marihuana, a kung-fu throwing star, several hundred dollars in cash & a Public Assistance Benefit card. Investigators charged 30-year-old Scott Hanrahan and 38 year old Shalayne Sherwood with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, 2 counts Endangering the Welfare of a Child and 1 count of Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. 2 children were in the residence; they were turned over to a relative and resulted in a Child Protective Services Hotline Report being initiated.   Hanrahan and Sherwood were arraigned & were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 bail bond. This investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 35-year-old Joshua Faulkner of Oxford for Criminal Mischief, & Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Deputies responded to a Domestic Dispute in the Town of Oxford where it is alleged that Faulkner destroyed property of the victim in the presence of an eight-year-old child. Faulkner had fled the scene and a warrant was issued. Faulkner was located at a residence in the Town of Oxford and was arrested & arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail or $2500 bond. Faulkner is to reappear in the Town of Oxford Court at later date.

56-year-old Julie Mae Clark of Coventry was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Grand Larceny. While working as the Coventry Fire Department Treasurer, Clark allegedly stole $10,000.00 dollars from April 2015 through January 2017. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.   Clark is to reappear in the Town of Coventry Court at a later date to answer to her charges.

Sales tax collections in Delaware County grew by about 7% in 2016, according to a report recently released by the Office of the New York State Comptroller. Delaware County Chamber of Commerce president Ray Pucci, claims that tourism is reason:

(Ray Pucci 2-7-17)

While statewide collections grew by 2.3%, Delaware County was among only six counties that saw increases of more than 4%, Regionally, the Southern Tier counties grew by less than 1%.

A free business partnership workshop open to the public will be held tonight at the Oxford Academy primary school multi purpose room. Representatives from the Voss Group & Southern Tier Startup Alliance will speak to those who are thinking about becoming entrepreneurs in the Greater Chenango Area, the workshop runs form 6:30to 8:00 PM tonight & is one of a series of workshops as part of the 2 year "Innovation Series" of monthly forums. More information is available at 843-2025 extension 3301.

The State Senate passed a bill to bring ride sharing to Upstate communities. The bill provides the framework for ride-sharing companies to expand operations outside of New York City and enable new jobs to be created. While the Executive Budget includes a tax of 5.5 percent on rides that begin outside of New York City, the Senate's measure cuts that tax to 2 percent and does not subject rides to the 4 percent state sales tax.

Chenango county Emergency crews responded to a 2 car head on crash near South Chenango Street Extension in Greene around 10:30 This Morning. Emergency responders claim that there was a fatality, State Route 12 north and south was closed for a couple of hours. Motorists were detoured around the scene for the investigation & clean up. Several other accidents have been reported due to the slippery road conditions this morning & this afternoon.

Chenango County 911 received a report of shots being fired in the area of Algerine Street, in the Town of Afton, Monday at about 11:30 AM. Responding Troopers located a male subject suffering from a shotgun wound to his upper leg, he was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, where he is being treated for his non-life threatening injury. The circumstances of how this subject was injured is currently under investigation. Initial reports suggested that Police were searching for a 2nd person for Questioning. Additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.

Local sales tax collections showed sluggish growth in 2016 compared to 2015, increasing 2.3% last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The report showed that sales tax collections grew by more than 4% in six counties in 2016 one of those was Delaware County. The rest of the Southern Tier & central New York Area Increased by About 1%